Event one: the workshop on saving & budgeting. It was a pretty thorough overview of cutting costs, how and where to put away savings, how to create a budget. Nothing new to me; I'm sure it was quite helpful to others. The presenter shared a story about her Irish-born mother who grew up poor. She's been picking up coins (she didn't say how long) and she has a stash exceeding $2,000! The presenter was very strong on the power of saving small amounts of money whenever and wherever you can.
Event two: the budget crisis at work. Not a presentation -- mostly it was a chance for faculty, staff and students to speak up. Most of what they had to say was nonsense, I thought. Everyone was protecting their own turf -- very little was offered in the way of thoughtful solutions. From the tenor of the discussion, I'm pretty sure that there will be changes in the retirement contribution and in the medical plan. We know for sure that conferences and the like are banned, except for those who are leading or presenting. I think, as Treasurer of my professional organization, I count as a "leader" so I should get a green light for the events I have to attend. We'll see. I may end up having to have the board pay for my expenses instead.
I bought my train pass yesterday ($105) and this morning I bought a $50 Kohl's card through MyPoints, which will add 300 points to the 6000+ I already have. The Kohl's card is for my son's birthday -- I figure he can buy himself a sweater, or jeans or something.
I have four birthdays in November! My son, my grandson, my granddaughter, and my best friend. And then the next month, Christmas! I am partially ready for all of them.
Report on the Two Financial Events
October 24th, 2013 at 02:01 pm
October 24th, 2013 at 02:21 pm 1382624495
Love the story about the Irish-born grandma. The Irish-born grandma in my family insisted upon fashioning the farm children's coats from the farm hands' hand-me-downs long after the Depression was over! And to think that I still have her rocking chair and Sunday hat in my possession - the long-lasting effects of the potato famine.
Did your trip to Goodwill yield anything? I was tempted to stop by our new local one, but then reminded myself that I need or want nothing.
October 24th, 2013 at 03:22 pm 1382628129
That's a hard-working grandma you had! Enjoy that rocking chair! (I assume you don't wear the Sunday hat).
October 24th, 2013 at 06:15 pm 1382638510
October 24th, 2013 at 06:52 pm 1382640726
October 25th, 2013 at 12:45 am 1382661919
This year we were asked to contribute to a retirement health insurance fund to make sure health benefits would be available when I retire. It is a 1% contribution and again I don't mind as long as the benefits are there when I retire.
October 25th, 2013 at 06:29 pm 1382725791
Its a shame that they were negative about everything. Its one thing to be negative but other to be negative and ignorant at the same time. At least in my mind it's "the shot's across the bow and I've been warned. Prepare."