Today is my birthday. We make a big deal out of birthdays for kids, and some people continue to do so as adults. To be honest, I’ve had my share of over the top adult birthday celebrations. But this year will be very low key. Partially because of the COVID-19 pandemic and partly because I’m just over making a big deal about my birthday. Here’s what my 47th birthday will look like: Sleep In Since it’s my birthday and I’m on vacation from work I allowed myself some extra rest by sleeping in until 7 or 7:30 instead of my […] Read more »

Throwing food away is a huge pet peeve of mine. It might as well be money I’m throwing in the trash. I usually eat leftovers for lunch and will vacuum seal and freeze most everything else. But I also hate subpar food. These conflicting interests creates a dilemma when it comes to hot dog buns. I enjoy a hot dog or grilled bratwurst from time to time. The problem is, between the wife and I having such a meal would never consume an entire package of eight hot dog buns. Buns can be frozen, but when thawed again they’re never […] Read more »

Taking time for yourself is important for physical and mental health. Sometimes called self-care, it’s importance has never been higher than during the current COVID-19 pandemic. Here’s a list of five self-care activities that can relax, calm and recenter you without unnerving your bank account. Bath Bomb Taking a bath is a favorite relaxing activity for many, but you can kick it up a notch with a bath bomb. They can be found in many sizes and scents and cost a couple of dollars at the most. Laying back in a warm bath with just the right scent will make […] Read more »

During a recent car buying experience my wife asked me, “Can we afford this?” We were both staring at the monthly payment we would be responsible for, but the answer is trickier than a single number on a loan document. Several things must be considered when determining if a new car is affordable. Not Just A Monthly Payment Most importantly, do not fall for the most common trick of car salespeople. They ask what monthly payment you’re looking for, then adjust the term of the loan to match that payment. Before looking for a new vehicle, decide not only what […] Read more »

How many people went out to eat yesterday to celebrate Father’s Day? Whew, that’s a lot of hands. My hand is not up, I did not go out to eat. What I did was much better. Our neighborhood hosted a Father’s Day brunch in our cul-de-sac inviting people within our neighborhood, and even some friends that don’t. Griddle Me A Main Course A neighbor friend and I both own flat top griddles. He cooked lemon ricotta and cream cheese pancakes on his griddle, while I cooked made to order omelets on mine.  I even had order forms for people to […] Read more »

Appliance delivery people are carrying a brand new refrigerator into my house as I write this blog post. The best part of this particular refrigerator is the cost: Zero. That’s not entirely true, to be honest. Our old refrigerator stopped working, was not repairable, and therefore being replaced under our appliance protection plan which costs us $60 a month. How Our Appliance Protection Plan Works Under the plan, repairs to the covered appliances have no cost. If an appliance cannot be repaired, it is replaced with a comparable new one. Another perspective is we’re paying each month towards future appliance […] Read more »