Today I had some good money news. My electric bill came, and it was only $5! It is the settle-up month on budget billing -- which I thought I already had last month, since the bill was lower -- but not this low. I'm celebrating! Also, one of my co-workers, who was collecting Christmas money for our service staff, gave me my $5 back! They decided to give them a party instead. Now, if it were me, I'd prefer the cash, but I didn't argue. I can use the $5.

On the debit side, my AAA invoice came. $59. I don't dare let it drop, since I'm making a long car trip this month. I'm not comfortable travelling without it, although some have told me that AAA is a waste of money.

Also, my checking account was debited $17.50 for a pledge payment to my alma mater. I have no problem giving back to the institution that gave me some happy years and a good education -- but I had forgotten about my pledge. So easy to say yes, so hard to say good-bye to the money!

Back to good money news; I got a nice free lunch today -- squash soup, salad and chicken. It was our recognition luncheon, which is always covered by our department. Day after tomorrow I will get another free lunch when I go to another luncheon hosted by a professional organization I belong to. My employer pays for that, too.

AND I got a free flu shot at work today. I really do have a pretty good employer -- there are some crazy politics to deal with, but over all, I know I'm lucky.