Just a few tips during the ordering process:

• If you just want a SIMPLE upgrade be sure to select the same version/type of Windows as you currently have installed.  For example, if you have Vista Home Premium 32-bit, select Windows 7 Home Premium 32-bit.
• If you want to upgrade from 32-bit to 64-bit, it is possible.
• You can purchase either Home Premium or Professional.
• The download is approx. 3GBs, so if your connection is slow, buy the additional “Backup DVD”.

My recommendation, Windows 7 Professional 64-bit.

Assuming you did the clean install, or as MS calls it, “custom install,” one issue I had was trying to figure out how I’m going to backup my email with Windows Live Mail.  I couldn’t find ANY information on doing this quick and easy, so I decided to do a test.  I just completely copied the storage folder for Windows Live Mail.  Then I simply replaced the storage directory for Windows Live Mail on another machine, and bam, all my email was moved with all my account settings.  It was amazing!  It will ask you for the username / passwords as it’s trying to resync IMAP accounts, or download email from POP accounts, but it works like magic.   My backup and restore process for Windows Live Mail (WLM):

1. Locate and copy the entire storage location for WLM.
2. Install WLM on new system.
3. Run it, cancel any prompts, and just close WLM out.
4. Find the storage location, and just pop all the files from your old WLM to the new location.
5. Start up WLM.

Finally, if you bought it from the link above and run into this error:

“We are unable to create or save new files in the folder in which this application was downloaded. Please check the folder properties to make sure that you have security permission on the folder to write files and that the folder is not read-only”

Go to this link:  http://social.answers.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/w7install/thread/aedb1245-f8f9-42ec-9a0c-1aa932363bbb

Look at the “Answer”.  It does require you have a DVD Burner and a few minutes to type out a few command old school style, but it’s not that bad.

I’m using Windows 7 now…for the first time.  Never used the release candidate.  So far, I’m fairly impressed.   Anyway, I just figured I’d share since I just went through the process. Good luck!

Let me make this perfectly clear, I appreciate any service that anyone provides, public or private. We’re not talking military or people who risk their lives to help others. That’s different, and I think we owe them much more than just gratitude. I’m talking about the vast majority of public sector workers.

Hawaii is experiencing tough times. The governor has already done a lot to trim expenses and increase revenue BESIDES affecting the payroll. Now that we are experiencing another of 3(?) revised shortfalls, public sector workers are fighting against payroll reductions.

I believe there is compromise to be had, but to use the argument that payroll reductions are unfair is RIDICULOUS. In my opinion, Hawaii has too many state workers. I read that California has a 1.5% rate of state workers in the population, where as Hawaii has 3%. It’s fair to assume that some inefficiencies are there.

I do believe we need furloughs and/or layoffs. While I feel for the people affected, the State should operate just like a business. Raising taxes or digging into coffers of other public funds is a crutch that no private business has the luxury of using.

For the love of God, please, this is not about private vs. public sectors. This is about being reasonable and financially responsible. I’m willing to compromise, but to not expect any payroll reduction is crazy.

And one more note, slightly related, in some situations Unions make sense, but for the vast majority of cases, it doesn’t.  I think as a country we should really consider how we use Unions.  Unions are hurting the country more than helping in today’s day and age in my honest opinion.

• 40% The H’s, mainly for the use of school for the 2 girls.
• 30% The V’s - I hope they can use that to fund their downpayment for their own place (10%) and for C’s college (20%).
• 10% for Brownie’s care.
• 10% for my Alma Mater.
• 10% for my family, since they really have enough money already, I don’t think they need it.

Eventually I’ll work on solid numbers, but for now that’s a good starting point I guess.

In life, I’ve met many who give others advice, and it’s the same in the blogging world.  I hope people are wise enough to decide for themselves what’s prudent and, ultimately, accountable for their own decisions –especially in these times when it’s so easy to blame other people.

I use Taxact.com every year.  Initially, when I first started using Taxact.com, it was because the price was dirt cheap.  Today, I use it because I’m just familiar with it, and I’ve never had any issues.  I think it’s still really cheap.

At the end of filing, they give you one report called TaxWatch 2009, in it is one thing I find really useful, and that’s the “Effective Tax Rate.”  ETR = Total Tax Paid / Adjust Gross Income x 100.  The lower the better!

• 2004 = 16.30%
• 2005 = 17.33%
• 2006 = 20.50% (highest AGI)
• 2007 = 11.43% (lowest AGI)
• 2008 = 17.30%

I need to figure out a way to reduce my ETR.

http://www.slickdeals.net/permadeal/19865/QuickBooks-Pro-2009-30

http://www.spiesonline.net/delinquent-taxpayers.shtml

I think it’s a good tactic to some degree, although I’m sure a lot of people who are trying to work things out will get put on these sites.

Anyway, it’s almost time to send in that envelope with my payment since I’m not getting a refund. Just thought about filing for an extension to delay paying, but in the end, I don’t think it makes sense. You pay an estimated tax with an extension and then owe interest when you do finally pay, I believe…I could be wrong. I didn’t want to spend too much time looking into it. Oh well, taxes 2008 done. Hopefully.

The “You” DeSantis refers to in that quote is Edward Liddy, AIG CEO.

I’m not going to say he speaks for all of the folks in the financial products division in AIG, but this is one guy, that made the decisions that has affected the GLOBAL economy and pretty much destroyed AIG, claiming he is “blameless.”

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29879463/

Even Obama understands the concept of responsibility and how everything that happens on his watch is his onus.

So today, I decided to do some investigative work and discovered much advice on the internet, such as:

• “The account is already open and reporting to the bureaus. Activating it is merely a formality to enable you to use it for purchases. Many companies will automatically activate it after a certain period of time (scary, huh?) anyways. Just shove it in a drawer.”
  http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/finance/718734/?start=0
• “You have a line of credit with that company now regardless of if you use the card. Not using it does not cancel the credit that they have for you. You would need to call them to cancel it which I would suggest you do if they have a membership fee they would charge you. ”
  http://archive.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?t=691477
• “If you don’t use the card, the creditor will eventually close the account for inactivity — probably after 9 months or so. “
• “You can’t use it. If you don’t want it, call the credit card company, tell them….and cut it up with scissors.”
  http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20081205174204AAXi9bj

Although I learned that not activating a card will still affect your credit score and not activating it will keep the account open.  None seem to directly address whether to activate or not if you’re just not going to use it.  So, I figured I’d post my thoughts on it…

If I have a credit card that I know I’m never going to use, I will:

1. Not activate the card.  In theory you are less liable to fraud as the card and number will be unuseable.  Not confirmed.
2. The card will remain open and affect your credit score, usually in a positive way.   I have about $170,000 in credit card credit available, generally using about $2,000 of it per month.  I pay off my credit cards every month.  I do believe having excessive credit can be a bad thing, just like having not enough.  If you have any ideas to find this “sweet spot” let me know.  :)  I think I have too much, but my credit score sits at 812 or so.
3. Cut it up!  I actually haven’t done this, but it’s a good idea.  One more way to prevent someone from using them if they get stolen.

By the way, I have not found that they cancel your account after 9 months of inactivity.  One of my credit cards has been inactive for almost 10 years!  Also, I did not receive a replacement card when I did not activate my cards.  I am unsure how true the feedback that banks will “auto-activate” your card for you is.  That seems like a really bad idea.  I should test that theory out on some of my cards.

Just to prove it!  Pictures.  I didn’t think ditching AIG would save me that much money.  Initially it was just disgust with AIG.

AIG:

GEICO:

I thought this article on Buffett reveals a lot.

For every 1 article like this one where Target opens a couple new stores, I read articles like this one where Hawaii lost nearly 1000 jobs in a month or this one where Circuit City is closing or this one where E&O Restaurant is closing leaving 1 restaurant where there used to be 4.

My retirment savings and investments are down nearly 40% from it’s peak.

Yes, I know it’s not money I need right now, but still.  That’s A LOT of money just gone.  How do you cope with that?

I know a couple people laid off.  They are no longer show up when I type their names in my company directory.  What am I supposed to say to them.

I’m just a little worried…okay, little is an understatement, but what can you do?  I just don’t know.

I’m not going to talk a lot about the election but I will say this:

I think America made a mistake last night.

If you’re wondering, he’s referring to the US election.

I haven’t back linked things in a long time, mainly because I’ve been so out of touch with blogs, but I just felt like ranting a bit. I’m not dissappointed at all, and I wanted to get a few things off my chest.

1. The whole liberal vs conservative division is very tiring. People who demonize and attack one side or another need to look at the pros of each. Just take a look at the definition of liberalism, can anyone disagree with every value important to a liberal? On the flip side, consider conservatism.

2. People who are naysayers on Obama are most likely also the Bush supporters - who maybe even voted for Bush twice! So what credibility do they have on really attacking Obama until he’s at least had a chance to serve as president.

3. Socialism is alive in America more than people realize. Welfare, Earned Income Credit, Food stamps…they are all forms of socialism. I didn’t hear people yelling and screaming about getting a “rebate check” from the government did I? Even our tax structure is designed to tax those who earn more, more.

Unlike JLP, I’m not going to be starting a political blog. Maybe if I had the time I would. This blog has been both my financial journal and my personal journal about anything. I want to keep it that way, and open to everything that happens in my life. But you should check out JLP’s political blog, AllPoliticalMatters.com. I don’t think it’s up yet.

I have an idea, how we can take our country back…

If EVERYONE STOPPED paying their mortgage payments, could they really reposes that many homes!

Wow.  I didn’t even think this was an option unless you just can’t pay the bill.  Then I thought about it…1 in 6 homes are “underwater.”  1 in 6!  If a pretty significant group of people fed up with government helping some but not others and people tired of living within their means, trying to play by the rules, just said, “screw this!”  What would happen?  I did find this request to keep paying.  For now, I think that’s the best idea.  But what if?

How are you all doing?  Hopefully not too bad.  What are you doing to stay positive?  I’m going on vacation tomorrow…No more looking at politcal news or stock market tickers for a bit.  Thank goodness.

1.  “That one” remark has solidified McCain as the mean guy trying to bully Obama.
2. Accusing Obama of being a liar.
3. Supporters of McCain calling Obama a terrorist.
4.  Whether it’s just filtered or not, Obama has been mainly preaching hope and positive messages while McCain is preaching fear and negativity.  Evidenced by Google. Sure, it’s argueable who’s done more, but I think the general consensus is that McCain is more negative than Obama.
5. Obama is turning out to be the calm, predictable candidate while McCain is just all over the place, which is typical of the bad guy…Kind of reminds me of the Joker.
6. And finally, this mortgage buyback plan of McCain’s? It’s clearly UNFAIR to people who are responsible and have lived within their means. McCain’s decision to buy bad mortgages and refinance at the lower value of the home is absurd. How would you feel if you purchased a home, lived within your means, while the neighbor next door who purchased a home way above their means, is suddenly getting “bailed out” by the government, while you’re paying your way through.

It’s pretty obvious McCain’s campaign is all about creating fear and doubt about Obama. I just imagine McCain at his campaign headquarters on the day of the election as he concedes doing the evil laugh and grin. By the way, doesn’t McCain sort of look like Dr. Evil? Obama like Austin Powers? Meh, not so much.

Who is the real John McCain?  Couldn’t find a picture with McCain holding his pinky to his mouth…sorry.

And by the way, if you want to see all the Politcal Ads from candidates in one place check this out:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/ad-tracker.htm
Very convenient!

 OBAMA VIDEO ABOUT BETTER DAYS AHEAD…

http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2008/roll674.xml

The header of the bill:

      H R 3997      RECORDED VOTE      29-Sep-2008      2:07 PM
      QUESTION:  On Concurring in Senate Amendment With An Amendment
      BILL TITLE: To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide earnings assistance and tax relief to members of the uniformed services, volunteer firefighters, and Peace Corps volunteers, and for other purposes

I don’t know why, but I found the Bill Title a little “vague.”  I believe the real title is, “Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008.”

PDF version of the bill:  http://www.rules.house.gov/110/text/110_hr3997_amnd_samnd.pdf

Contact your official House representative:  http://www.house.gov/writerep/

And for future contact, here’s the Senate list:  http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

Whether you are happy or not about the recent happenings, contact your representatives and let them know how you feel.  It’s important for our future.  House.gov seems to be down at the moment…smart move by the house don’t you think?

And to blame Pelosi for changing your vote?  That’s the stupidest thing I’ve heard.  Obviously, blaming someone for changing your vote is obviously not voting on the bill rather it’s playing politics, doesn’t it?

I don’t agree with CEOsand other executives that have already profited from these awful times.  If the executives are unwilling to sacrifice a little of their own gains for being involved in this debacle, then I am not as well.  I’m sorry.  I just don’t agree with the principle.  I don’t want government to dictate rules to private business, but with the bailout happening, it’s not too much to ask executives to forgo millions in bonus pay for making bad decisions whether directly or indirectly.  Obviously, if these businesses are getting assistance from the government, then obviously they helped create the situation.

I am willing to assume the risks and consequences without a bailout.

However!  I do believe stupid people voted for Bush people who voted for Bush made a stupid choice and that is the statement I wish Russert made.  Don’t you agree?  If I voted for Bush, I’d definitely feel stupid.  Now if I voted for Bush twice…

What’s that saying?  “It’s a recession when your neighbor loses his job; it’s a depression when you lose yours.” - HS Truman.  Does it hold true?  Do you know people who lost their jobs, I do.  Have I lost mine yet?  No, not yet.

Funny, how just a couple weeks ago people were talking about how everything is fine, that we are a country of whiners and that Americans are in a “mental” recession.  But now, take a look at us.  Does McCain still think our economy is fundamentally sound?  Actually, even Paulson said our economy is fundamentally strong just 2 months ago.  I don’t know about you, but I’m not very happy that my investments have lost nearly 25% of it’s value in the past few weeks.

September 15, 2008, just less than 2 weeks ago from today.  Mr. McCain still in denial:

Other things that tick me off. What’s the deal on this “bailout”? Explain to me why Mr. Buffett receives terms much better than the government, which represents us, the people by the way, on these financial assistance plans. What’s the deal with hesitation on eliminating golden parachutes? If I give you money to help you get out of a hole, you sure as hell better not be taking some of that money and lining your own pockets with it. I don’t give a **** if government should not be getting it’s hand in the private sector, if I’m helping you out, you follow MY rules. And don’t threaten me with the “if you don’t do this, everyone will suffer bull****.” Because as it stands, we’re already suffering.

I find it odd, that the Repubican candidate is campaigning on the slogan “country first.”  So where do the people come in?  After country?  People first.  Always.  Country doesn’t exist without the people.

I don’t really understand how we could’ve really prevented this whole situation.  I mean people wanted to buy property and load up on credit, who’s to really say “Don’t do it.”  Sure hindsight is great, but really c’mon.  To blame the government?  Or anyone?  Then again, think about it.  If someone asked you for YOUR money to borrow, would you have gone crazy?  Think you = Some big mortgage company.

I understand the basic concept that if I lend people money, they don’t pay back, eventually I go broke.  That also seems to be the basis of all the problems facing our financial systems right now.  People lent their money to the wrong people, in hopes of big returns, but in most cases people are not paying back.  To fix this problem, the US government is proposing that it will cover all these losses, essentially giving lenders their money back, taking over their problems, and then they are passing on the problems to the general population, which should theoretically lessen the impact to a few, by spreading it out to more.  BRILLIANT IDEA!  And I think I get it.  I wish I could just print my own money…how convenient would that be.

How can the folks in America who have been saving diligently, living within their means, stay safe in this economy?  I don’t know.  I don’t think there is a “safe place.”  Whatever the case, whichever the path we go down, bailout or no, the US is probably screwed–no idea how much.  If we don’t bailout, big companies go boom.  If we do, there’s more printed money, more US deficit, and more inflation as US dollars would become more worthless.  I kind of think the psychy of America is in a current state of disbelief and/or apathy.  With a lot of people feeling apathy, because even I ask myself, “What’s all the fuss about?  Is this problem really that bad?  What’s the worse that can happen?”  I just have no idea.  Is this problem really that bad??  The fact that I’m asking myself that scares me.

It’s funny, I once wrote about a debate between myself and a friend about saving for retirement and the current situation of all the financials in the US make me wonder, maybe I shouldn’t have been saving at all and just spending.  I could point at everyone and laugh as I drive by them in my shiny Porsche that only cost $40k rather than $80K tomorrow.  Yay inflation!

If the US $ becomes worthless, which a bailout might do as it pumps up our deficit even more, then why save in US $?  Just spend it.  Worse, you have crazy people like Ahmajenidad talking about the end of the US empire, and deep down inside, a small part of me thinks he could, just possibly, just maybe, just a teeny wheeny possibly be sort of making some sense possibly.  Is America mortal?  If it is, who will rise in its place?

Thank you government!

So yesterday, I decided to face the innevitable and take a look at how my financials handled the rollercoaster ride up to now.

To my surprise, my financial situation hasn’t bombed too badly.  From May 08 to Sept 08, my networth stayed flat.  That’s not great at all.  If I adjusted for inflation, my networth actually went down.

 This market is crazy.  I’m not quite sure when I’m going to invest even more into the market.  At this point in time, I’m just going to sit back and watch.  I was watching some financial program on TV, and this Brit accented newscaster said something to the effect of “Today’s market is not a time for hero.  People like Buffet can be heros and buy things up, but for the majority of average investors, just sit back and wait.”  I guess it’s true, but on the same token, the down market is the perfect time to invest.

It’s time to do more homework and prepare?  How many casualties in this market though…unbelievable.

Let me clue you in to something: We advisers have no idea whether the bear market is nearing the end or still has a long way to go. So don’t let any adviser shift you away from a long-term strategy under the guise that he knows what’s going to do well next year. A quote I often use by Warren Buffett, “Be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful,” particularly resonates now.

I’ve been purchasing stocks steadily over the past few weeks. I don’t know when the market is going to bottom, but I do know it’s not the top. Hey look! I wrote about personal finance. Amazing.

VERSUS

A young, black new kid on the block running with a long time senator who is long winded, but respected amongst his peers. A lot of people (gays and women) probably find this new kid as pretty attractive. This new kid on the block is smart, worked his way up from the bottom up and hasn’t even been in the senate for 4 years. He’s inexperienced, but talks a good talk. But he’s black and inexperienced. Did I say that already? He’s also so un-American and un-patriotic. Because well, he doesn’t put his hand over his heart or wear a lapel pin. He draws thousands of supporters to every rally because I have no idea– he inspires people maybe? A lot of misguided people? His problem is in the details, because well, he has none. There’s really not much to say about his running mate, but he does have a really big family–he makes a lot of doofus remarks. Good thing his kids are not young, or have down-syndrome, or people might be asking if he could be VP and care for his child, right?

My point. In the end, the majority of American’s will see it the way they see it. If they are somewhat educated on the candidates, they will pick one or two issues they either agree or don’t agree with and vote on it. They see what they want to see and vote how they feel. That’s the beauty of a democracy (although we really aren’t). This election has really got me excited.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/02/palins-church-may-have-sh_n_123205.html

Video of Kalnins and Palin from June 8, 2008 (via wasillaag.net):

Reference:  <iframe src=”http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1766638341” width=”486″ height=”412″ frameborder=”0″ scrolling=”no”></iframe> 

Some reason wordpress gets rid of iframe after save.

I am very tired of standing up for the idea of inclusion, while everyone else on the opposite side of the ________ (you pick which) argument, could care less except for their own ideas and FORCING IT upon everyone else.  I’m SICK OF IT.

What really pushed me over the edge was the selection of Palin.  I credit McCain for making a bold move, but the whole controversy surrounding her and her daughter’s pregnancy appal me.  I could careless that she’s 17 and pregnant, because hey at 17 your freaking hormones are going nuts, but there are so many other things about this issue that just plain piss me off:

• The evangelicals and other rightwing conservatives suddenly coming to her support saying “people are imperfect and make mistakes.”  I mean COME ON.  If Palin wasn’t the mother of Bristol, I guarantee the response would be FAR, FARRRRR different.  Don’t you agree?
• What if…just what IF Bristol doesn’t want to marry?  Is it REALLY in the best interest of Bristol to marry or is it really something her family is forcing her to do.
• Media saying it’s not an issue to cover.  The hell with that!  If Sarah Palin believes in abstinence and her daughter is pregnant while in high school out of wedlock.  Uhhhh jeez Wally?!?  Do we have a hypocracy here?  Yes, I know teenagers make mistakes, all people make mistakes, but when you’re in a position of power to be a role model, you will get faulted for mistakes that much more.  It’s a fact of life.  You can sit there and make 1 million arguments about how people are human, but the truth is, when you are a leader, you are expected to uphold your beliefs that much more.  Just maybe, just maybe if either mom OR dad spent a few more hours with Bristol things would be different?
• Too bad her mom didn’t teach her about condoms?

I guarantee poor Bristol has/had no choice.  She didn’t “choose” to keep this baby.  She had to.  She didn’t “choose” to get married.  She had to.  She didn’t choose to be in the media spotlight.  She got thrown into it by her mother’s choice to accept the nomination.

Regardless, I’ve decided who I’m voting for, and SURPRISE it’s Obama*.

America, our work will not be easy. The challenges we face require tough choices. And Democrats, as well as Republicans, will need to cast off the worn-out ideas and politics of the past, for part of what has been lost these past eight years can’t just be measured by lost wages or bigger trade deficits. What has also been lost is our sense of common purpose, and that’s what we have to restore.

That quote pretty much did it for me.  That common sense of purpose is described in more detail by Barack’s acceptance speech.

Dont’ tell me how to live my life.  Don’t tell me I can’t choose to have an abortion, oh wait, I’m not a female.  You take your religious handcuffs you conservative son of a bitches and choke on it!  Because as much as I believe in God.  As much as I believe in the right to arms.  As much as I believe in small government.  As much as I personally would never choose an abortion with my wife.  I will not force MY BELIEFS on others to raise a child when they are not ready.  Nor will I prevent someone from getting married or living a life together because they both have penises or breasts.  Nor will I force my neighbor to get rid of his guns.

Just stop trying to dictate how I want to live MY LIFE, and MAYBE, just MAYBE one day I’d vote for someone like McCain and Palin.

Although, I had a good laugh after reading this comment about how Palin looks:
 
“Men seemed most affected by McCain’s selection of Palin as VP — 17% of men said they’d be more likely to vote for McCain now.”  Reader comments:  “Oh Oh, the little head is thinking for the big head again.”

Who are you voting for?

*My vote may change come November 4th, 2008.

BTW, let me be clear, there are MUCH bigger issues right now in our country — immigration, the economy, health care…but all of it doesn’t make me as pissed off as people telling me how to live my life or people telling others how to live theirs.

PS PS So right after Republicans blame Obama for playing the “race-card,” Republicans come back and accuse Obama of playing the “sexism-card.” The Republicans look like they are running out of cards to play with…well actually, I guess Obama is really the one playing cards while Republicans call it out?

This election is going to be exciting for all the wrong reason. Oh and by the way, did you hear Bristol’s Boyfriend, I mean fiancee-to-be, is going to be headed to the Republican National Convention. I got my popcorn.

The few hours before you actually can get your purse or wallet back is all the extra hours criminals need to steal even more.

My personal picks:  BYD, VLO, UNH, WFMI, S, SBUX, NKE, AIG, and even WM.

I wouldn’t invest a lot in WM, but a little…just for the potential upside benefit.

Are you investing right now?

It’s been some rough times, and I’m slowly starting to feel like I’m getting things organized again.  I appreciate it.

PFBlogs.org still considers me a friend.

But then consider I left my job because I was really unhappy, and where would I be.  I’d be sitting in the same position as a lot of people today.  Sure that prequalification was really just to see what the maximum I could afford was…but wow!  I’m glad I didn’t go crazy.

Anyway, about the free credit monitoring…if you’re interested, check out www.listclassaction.com.  This was featured in Kiplinger’s, and is basically a settlement with Trans Union which can give you a minimum of 6 months of free credit monitoring.  If you had a credit/loan account from Jan 1, 1987 - May 28, 2008, you’re eligible.  This offer ends Sept 24, 2008.

I’ve tried numerous times to quit, but many have been a couple day attempts or hours even. It’s been over 4 weeks now. I’ve just been telling myself, over and over, smoking is not an option.

Hope you are all doing well.

Tear jerker…

And something on the lighter side…

It’s also finally allowing us to focus not only on those who have just recently started to feel the burden of increasing costs, but recognizing those that have been facing tough times for much longer than the current jump in costs. I have some ideas on how we can tackle the rising costs of everything, just like probably everyone else, in the meantime though, I hope everyone comes out a little better in the end.

It was never my intention to do that, but I did. I just lost interest in so many things, and unfortunately, blogging was one of them.

One of the bloggers I feel most sadden not having really kept in touch with is LAMoneyguy at It’s Just Money. He recently got married, and I’d like to congratulate him! It even makes me feel even worse that I missed this post written over a year ago. There’s not much I can do or say to make up for all the time that was lost, but I hope eventually you can forgive me.

It’s not just the blogging world that I alienated during this time. It’s funny how blogging resembles life in so many ways, friends made, friends lost, constantly growing, constantly changing. This blog has definitely been personal in so many ways that I didn’t even realize it would.

Video linked from: http://www.monday9am.tv/

The first is kiva.org, where you can support entrepeneur’s all over the world, generally in places where starting your own business would be a little harder without some extra help.  I’m a little skeptical, but it seems like a good idea.

The second is donorschoose.org, where you can find schools in lower income areas that need funds for a particular project.

Some pretty neat ideas in my opinion.

Financially, I was bringing in income that I had made while working in college…definitely, low enough to categorize me pretty close to the bottom tier on the national income meter.  But to be honest, I just did not care.  I still don’t really.  But I’ve found that my fundamental money habits helped me save and grow my current income regardless of my fairly whatever attitude about my savings.  I didn’t go on binge spending runs.  I didn’t place my money in reckless investments.  I just did the samethings I used to do when I did care, pay my bills, put money in more conservative investment vehicles, sell stocks since my tax rates would be lower.  I just didn’t look at my net worth…And to be honest, it feels kind of good.  Not caring…not caring about money. 

But I want to get out of this funk.  The enthusiasm I had for life just a few years ago is gone, and I don’t know why.  Mid life crisis?  Doubtful.  Medical depression?  Meh, possible, but my belief is there’s something more.  Why can’t I excite myself like before?  I’m not interested in things like technology, blogging, or finances, and I can’t figure out why.  I’m very confused about life in general, and I really don’t know why.  I have no idea why I feel the way I do, and I have no idea how I will figure it out.

This is not a call for help in anyway, because I’m still living my life.  And here’s the weird part, it’s not like I’m completely undriven to do anything, I still work.  I still do daily things.  I just don’t care about anything that’s not a necessity.  It’s as if I’m living my life with the gas tank at E…but the car just won’t run out of gas.  In someways I guess that’s nice today since gas is so damn expensive.  I’m going to survive.  There are a lot of people in worse positions than I am.  Enough ranting for me today…So how are you doing?

Gets equivalent of 100MPG, costs approx. $27k for the all electric version.  Looks like a tadpole.

Let me just present this simple, logical argument:

Is it true that the US Administration did not find the weapons of mass destruction (WMD) that they had expected?  This being one, if not the only, MAIN argument for going to war against Iraq.

If NO, then someone should be held accountable–regardless if the information was not accurate or clear on WMDs to begin with.

Everything in life has accountability.  If the information was wrong, and the administration made a mistake in going to war, then the administration should reassess, and make it very clear where, how and why there was this mistake..

Lives have been lost while the economy is collapsing.  There’s enough blame to go around two fold, but I still don’t see anyone in the Bush administration except for McClellan standing up and saying, “I was wrong.”

The first applies to all that have traveled abroad from 1996 - 2006 and used their credit cards to buy stuff. You can get up to 3% back on all your purchases! Most will probably opt for the $25.00 because it’s easy…you just need a credit card…I’m not sure if it needs to be a credit card used at that time…I have to do more research.

Here’s the link: http://www.ccfsettlement.com/

The second applies to anyone who’s purchased diamonds from 1994 - 2006.

Here’s the link: https://diamondsclassaction.com/

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Anyway, hope you all have a great Holiday Season.

-Freedumb & Brownie

Consider, in this war, we’ve lost over 4000 soldiers (pdf file link), spent billions, and possibly prevented a terrorist attack.  Or we could have invested that money in infrastructure, and possibly problems like the NYC pipes and the MN bridge collapse would never have happened.

Do you think US dollars are being spent wisely?

Yes, I’m still alive…and yeah, this isn’t really a personal financial post…but I don’t really feel like writing about finances in recent days…I have been reading comments and trust me, the last few has made me think quite a bit.

Regards,

Freedumb & Brownie