Never give up

“Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up”

Economy update and some questions

I have been super busy recently.  Much has happened since we last talked and here are a few things on my mind about what is going on in the economy.

Gas prices each week continue to go up.  For the last three weeks when I have been filling up I have paid $33, $37, and today $45.  Wow! When I was filling up today I saw way more motorcycles recently in the valley.  I can only imagine that more and more people will be getting bikes.  Since I sold my car recently maybe I will get a scooter.  Probably not!  The point is Gas prices need to go down and I really can’t imagine people will keep paying these high prices.  When I am driving places now I even think of getting the most out of my drives.  If all consumers can cut down on Gas usage could we drive the price at the pumps down?  How do we get cheaper prices?  Oil keeps going up and so does my credit card bill.  If you can try to carpool.  If you need to go down the street to the store to pick up a few items, get some exercise and walk.  A final thought on Gas for all of you who are getting money back on the stimulus package from the government it looks like they gave it to us to pay for gas for a few months. I hope gas prices get better.

The stock market continues to roll like a coaster.  I hope all of you are sticking in it for the long run.  Keep funding, this will not last forever.  If you are a day trader good luck to you. 

The housing market is still tanking.  I saw a news story the other day and realized that more and more people are walking away from houses even thought they now can afford the payment.  People were saying why pay for a house that has dropped 100k?  I wonder if there will be any enforcement on all these people who are walking away.  I have a big post on this matter coming up soon.

Global Warming is getting on my nerves.  I hear so many people talking about it everywhere.  Many out there who think they know all, keep telling us to worry about this Global Warming and that we really need to take care of our environment.  My one question on this whole matter is that how can we for sure be experiencing global warming if local news professional can’t even predict rain, temperatures in the weekly forecast?

Okay that is all that is on my mind.  Looking forward to every ones thoughts. 

Happy tax day

Today is tax day.  Hopefully you all got your taxes done on time.  As some of you know you will be getting a kick back from the stimulus bill passed by the government.  Here is the schedule for the release of the money below.

If you filed electronically and depending on the last two numbers of your Social Security Number you rebate should be in your account by:

00-20: May 2
21-75: May 9
76-99: May 16

If you filed the old fashion way of mail you should be getting your rebate later than most on the folllowing days using the last two digits of your social security:

00-09: May 16
10-18: May 23
19-25: May 30
26-38: June 6
39-51: June 13
52-63: June 20
64-75: June 27
76-87: July 4
88-99: July 11

I sold my car

Here is the deal. I sold my car today for what I paid for it 14 months ago.  I always get my cars from a wholesaler so it works out good.  I have not got a replacement car yet but my wife and I have decided that we will take our time on figuring out what car to get next.  We still have a nice SUV that just got repaired so we are good to go for some time.  So why did I sell my car?

My wife and I both work about 1 mile from where we currently live. The sale of the car was not because we need the money but where we are currently working and driving to at this time doesn’t really require us to have two cars.  As a result we put away all the cash from the car I bought 14 months ago so when it comes time to buy a new one I will have the cash to do it again.  There will be a time in the coming months where we will want 2 cars again especially if we end up moving again.  So as a result of the car we are going to save about $100 in gas a month and about $100 in insurance for the car. $200 a month is not a bunch, but at least I can walk sometimes to work and get some excersise.  Sometimes we can carpool which is my way of going “green” since everyone is talking about it so much. Ha!  I really feel like we did not drive my car that much other than maybe  a 100 miles a week so for now this was the best move. 

Fees that I will not pay

• Paying my bills on-line electronically.
• Checks from my Bank.  They already make plenty of money. Get them free if you still write them.
• For a new cell phone every couple years.  There are plenty of companies that want your business so use places that will give you one free.
• Membership fees to clubs, except Costco because they rock!
• Free checking and savings accounts
• Annual Fees on credit cards.  There are plenty out there that have free reward programs.