Damn, me and my big mouth. All because I asked an intelligent question during that darn lunch and learn. Now I've become the de facto financial advisor of the office. At lunch I was asked my opinions about various financial problems people had who all make way more money than I do. Not that I don't care, but cripes, it ain't easy being frugal.

I think I'm gonna charge big for advice.

Spending log:
Coffee - 1.65 + Lunch - 10.00

Saving log:
$1

Spending log:
Coffee - $1.65 + Lunch - $6.50

Saving log:
Tip box - $3

We have a lunch and learn at work - and today it was about our 403(b). We are lucky in 403(b) land in that we get a 3% match if we put in 6%. The choices are "okay". If I sound a little bitter, its because I'm of two minds. We used to have the choice of Vanguard fees, where the fees were about 0.2%. Right now we have Merrill Lynch-esque ones which are ranging between 0.7% - 2.0%. Bleegh! I put in 12% - I'm debating whether to drop it back down to 6%, get the match, and start an IRA (or a Roth IRA) back with Vanguard.

And then I have TIAA CREF money, where the fees are around 0.3%. A couple of people were asking about how to transfer into our funds. Yikes! I was going to ask if I can transfer *out* of them.

The presentation was the same ol' same ol'. Put money in and let us manage it or else you're gonna live to be 100, but eating cat food for the last 20. Not that I don't agree with that possibility, but frankly, just telling us everything's gonna be alright if you save at least 10% and forget it while we (*&% with you ... nope. I wasn't born yesterday.

Agita or a good laugh? You decide.

So I was at the ATM machine, getting my standard two twenties. Someone left their ATM slip dangle from the slot. In the age of recycling and possible identity theft it rarely happens. I mean the slip was just hanging there. I was going to toss it, but just I had to look at the balance.

$10650.

15 years ago I would have written an envy-fueled "can I sleep with you?" note on the slip and then stuck it in a prominent ledge of the ATM for all to see. But now, armed with my financial knowledge, I realize the truth. How freaking dumb can you be for having $10,650 dollars in an 0.5% interest (at best) checking account?

Attended the company picnic. It had a Hawaiian theme and it was fun as these things go. Best of all, it was a free catered lunch.

Tip Box - $2; coffee - $1.65 + .35 change into their tip jar ... my version of the no spend day.

For the person who gave my journal 5 stars ... thanks mom!

I had a hankering for good tasting diner food. Something so bad for you that its life affirming, in a weird sort of way. Unfortunately the open-faced hot turkey sandwich w/gravy didn't come cheap, at least as far as lunches go. Paid an office mate for a birthday pizza lunch.

Spending log:
Coffee - 1.65 + Lunch - 10.00 + Pizza lunch - 4.00 + Sewer/water - 121.00

Sent $35 to one of my DRPs to buy the better part of a share...
Saving log:
DRP - 35.00 + Tip Box - 2.00

Another office friend of mine, formerly a lawyer, offered some of his services as we're settling dad's estate. Mostly its going to be advice and implications of what I'm signing. We've been friends for years - I don't expect a bill.

Stuck 1$ in my savings tip box at work and made reverse change in the box (pulled out 5 ones and a 5 for a 10). Makes things much easier when I deposit the contents in the bank 2 blocks away. My tip box is opaque and in a locked drawer. It seems a bit dangerous to keep it at work but the bank is 2 blocks away and its useful for the surprise collections - birthdays, lunches and presents. Its nicer now to be in a small, quiet department in your job - you get hammered less for that sort of thing.

Found 12 cents on the floor of a bank that I don't bank at but cut through as a shortcut to my bus. Tee hee, I'm a bank robber. All I need's a mask.

Asked sister for to send me the savings bond so I can get it the online account. It must be a reaction to all the paper I touched, but I just love the online stuff. My dream would be to have a single sheet in a safety deposit box listing account numbers, assets, beneficiaries, passwords. Go to it, guys...

Spending log:

1.75 for coffee
6.50 for lunch

Saving log:
1.00 for tip box
.12 tip from Wells Fargo