Strict

COVID19 - School Closure - Day 157  School Reopens - Day 186

"Bah-B... you're kind of strict."

"Really? How...?"

"You don't let us watch TV.  I didn't even know who Elon Musk was."

"Ohhhh.... that's not strict.  I'm just cheap." 

Haiku

What's on TV now?

That they don't show on Hulu

Aside from live sports

How cheap art thou....

COVID-19 - School Closure - Day 66

SW was in tears today... when he casually told us his two best friends were playing Minecraft.  Then he said, "I won't play.  It costs money."  The boy already knows Bah B and Mah mee won't buy it. Turns out...his friends have outgrown Brawl Stars and moved onto the next fad already.

NN was also in tears when she said all her friends are talking about setting up Hangouts on their private emails.  I said.. but you can keep your school email until August.  "Yeah... until August!! But then it'll be turned off!!"  She was irritated... and a bit hurt.  Probably, more so, embarrassed to have two cheap-@$$ parents.

Why are we so cheap??? Why???  

Minecraft is just $7 on the App Store.  

We already set up Google accounts for them... but we're holding back. Why??? Why can't we let loose... and be the cool parents? Or maybe... for once... NOT be the uncool parents. 

Looking back... whenever the kids (more so SW) wanted sports equipment, I'd jump on the bit.  Basketball.  Tennis. Fishing. Bike. Baseball gloves. I wouldn't hesitate to rush to Target or Dick's.  

Being cheap is one thing... but at what expense??? My kids' happiness??? Is it worth it??? 

F.I.R.E.

FIRE - Financial Independence Retire Early

Here's a Rule of Thumb I just learned.  Nothing earth shattering or ground breaking -- the "25x Rule."

Take your annual spendings (food, gas, mortgage, insurance, etc...) and x 25.  That's how much money you need to retire.

If I spend $10k a month. 
That means I spend $120k a year. 
$120k x 25 = $3M.

Money in your Pockets - Pt 3 (Penny Wise Dollar Foolish)

A new series on this blog called "Money in your Pockets" where I give financial advice.  Not because I'm qualified, nor I'm an expert, nor am I correct in my assumptions. Just random thoughts I heard people share or ideas I came up with...

About 4 years ago... we bought NN a bed which we thought would last her until she moves out for college.  We searched high and low... and found a deal that fit our wallets.  She has 10 years before leaving for college... and we've just forked over another several hundred bucks for a mattress.  This time, we paid for the premium.

When it comes to things like beds, sofas, fridge.... spend a little more, and get a little more.  Otherwise, you'll be spending a whole lot more to get a whole lot less.  

Money in your Pockets - Part II (Free is not always good)

A new series on this blog called "Money in your Pockets" where I give financial advice.  Not because I'm qualified, nor I'm an expert, nor am I correct in my assumptions. Just random thoughts I heard people share or ideas I came up with...

The best things in life are free... except when it costs something.
A particular wholesale warehouse has a very good service where they offer lifetime warranty on tires... but only if you schedule periodic rotation and balance.  The service is free... which is great!! Except... I've been sitting here at the warehouse for the past two hours.  Why?? Cuz the service is not just free for me... but free for all other members.  Pay the $25 and get it done in 10 minutes at a local tire shop.  

Money in your Pockets - Pt 1

A new series on this blog called "Money in your Pockets" where I give financial advice.  Not because I'm qualified, nor I'm an expert, nor am I correct in my assumptions. Just random thoughts I heard people share or ideas I came up with...

Some people say the best way to save money is to skip that daily Starbucks guilty pleasure.  Seriously???? $5/day ($25 a week / $100 a month / $500 $1200 a year) won't save you jack!  So if you feel like ordering a Venti Iced Skinny Hazelnut Macchiato, Sugar-Free Syrup, Extra Shot, Light Ice, No Whip...with a drizzle of caramel then you're entitled to it!