Money, money, money!

Money is a pretty tricky entity..... It sucks if you don't have it and, believe it or not, it often sucks when you do.  If you are fortunate to make good money, have had money given to you or maybe even won money ( a Superbowl pool, etc.) and you are inadequately schooled on how to manage it, you're in trouble. My daughter always says, "Everything's about money with you!" True......and false!
Fortunately, I had a good teacher when it came to finance.  Most folks think I was a spoiled little brat who had everything handed to her, never had to have a job and fell into everything I have.   True....and false!  I was a tad spoiled (I was the baby.)  I worked during and after high school and my short spell in college.  I enjoyed the jobs I had.  I worked at a small airport in Skaneateles, Empire Aero Services and later managed the office at the Sherwood Inn.  Both jobs were people oriented and I enjoyed people.  You most certainly do better in jobs you enjoy.  I later married and was fortunate to be able to travel with Lee while trucking and later to stay home with our kids.  Times were tight for us too. We ate a lot of macaroni and hot dogs and learned at an early adult age to budget, pay our bills on time and not to have eyes bigger than our pocketbooks.  An opportunity to buy a family home arose and we were given a sweet deal...there we paid our mortgage and raised our family. My Dad would give me lessons... most of which I never requested...in matters of finance.

1. Pay your bills on time.... If you don't have it all, pay what you have!
2. Accept the fact that you will always be insurance poor.
3. Always remember that people can sue you for the littlest things (like tripping on your sidewalk or falling down your steps) and they can take not only what you have now....but what you may ever earn..........
4. Credit is essential but the general rule of thumb is, if you can't pay for it, you don't need it!
5. Remember that it will cost you triple to live in your old age as it does now. Saving is mandatory.
6. Find a good broker, a good insurance man/woman and a good attorney. *
7. Write a will and remember to modify it as circumstances present themselves.

I now walk in those plaid pants, (figuratively of course) and utter the same words........a lot!  Things are quite a bit different than they were 40 years ago but the premise is mostly the same. Investments are trickier, retirement funds are iffy and banks may be the place to store your money but don't plan on making any there.  The morning paper had a story about financial lies.  The path to a good financial future is owning up to these 5 lies:

1. I'll pay back the money I've taken from my savings."   It won't happen!  If you can't afford it now, you won't have the $ to pay it back later...or...ever!
2. "I have time to save for retirement."  You have NO time to waste.  Your Social security is tenuous to say the least. You can scream all you want that it is your $ and you're entitled to get it back............Government sucks and you'll be really lucky to see it in full or in part! 10% of your annual salary is good to put away but anything you can contribute is a huge start...... 
3. "I don't need to worry about my credit score."  Yes you do.  You'll want a new(er) car or truck, you'll want a house, you'll need a new refrigerator and everyone will have checked your score but you! A couple times a year is good, it's free and if you find errors, you'll see a boost in your borrowing power....
4. "The bank is the best place to keep my money." Keeping a small emergency fund in a bank savings account is ok.  You will not get rich..  I have a money market account that made me $5.57 last month.  Pretty sure I could have done better somewhere else.... Even old dogs can learn new tricks.
5. "I won't be able to pay off my debt."  Paying down your debt is extremely important.  I looked at a credit card yesterday that charged me $67+ interest.  I hadn't purchased anything since before the holidays. I paid it down....way down.  Always pay more than the minimum....always! It's sometimes not possible to double your minimum but that's a good rule of thumb for starting to pare it down.  Maybe it's a few less nights out or you'll start thinking about lumping all your weekly errands into one trip.  You CAN do it! Sometimes consolidating credit cards to a 0% introductory offer can pay off.... Do your homework, watch out for transfer fees and make your money work for YOU!!!!

You know your situation, don't be afraid to consult with your top *3 advisors and budget... Even in today's tumultuous financial world...you can be successful if you pay attention and pay your bills on time!

Football... a Family "Sport!"

Football is my very favorite sport.  I'm sad when it ends in February and I look forward to our Fantasy Football draft, pre-season and opening day.  I generally enjoy watching it in my recliner in my den with a nice, cold diet pepsi and a munchie or two.  I have my own whistle and penalty flag which is frequently used when the refs come down with octorectalosis or completely miss the most obvious call ever.  I believe if both teams are called for the same infractions, it's generally a fair game.  I have my superstitions too.  If my team is playing well and I happen to be sitting in a certain position...I will remain like that until nature absolutely calls and it's a sink or swim moment. I have crossed my fingers until the poor, arthritic digits are pleading for help. I have silently (and not so, occasionally) chanted "Let's go Panthers" or  sung "Let's Go Buffalo..Let's Go Buffalo..hey, ey ey ey" until the play is successfully completed. Bailee enjoys reminding me that no one can hear me except her and she's pretty much over it..... I ignore her!  I have however; taught her as much as I can about the game itself and the importance of enjoying it with me.

Lee is not a football fan.  If you can't drive it or shoot it, he's not interested!  Jeff has become more of a fan since his tenure in Charlotte and is extra happy this morning.  Julz is becoming pretty proficient in "football" too. She and her Dad enjoy Sundays in front of the screen as well.  Last night was "Football Night in America...OK Locke." We gathered at Jeff and Lacie's with the obligatory snacks, libation and Pride in our Panthers. (Since no New York (NJ) teams made the big games, we've kind of relegated ourselves to hyping our Pride in the Panthers (and any team that beats the Patriots!!)

Everybody did their jobs yesterday. Denver defeated the Cheaters, Cam and Olsen (with our cheering) soundly defeated the redbirds and we're setting the stage for Superbowl 50....and I remember the first one!!!  The only thing that could possibly upstage the biggest game of the year would be the arrival of a Jett..... No worries... I think he'll arrive before the big game and we'll be settled comfortably in front of a big screen.  If we happen to be in a hospital waiting room, so be it...they have TV's too and my cooler travels well.  The only thing that might change is my chant...It might go from "Push 'em back, Push 'em back, waaaay back" to "Push him out, Push him out, waaay out!!"  Either way, it'll be a spectacular day!

Everybody's a Teacher

They say you're never too old to learn.......and I say you're never too young.  I love teaching Bailee new things from how to set a table to the proper use of the English language. She's learned to love old musicals and the importance of saying your prayers at bedtime.  Here's a list I saw recently:

15 things you should teach your kids.. (or grandkids)

1. To live an active life and to be healthy.

2. To express their feelings, because they are always important.

3. The importance of always wearing sunscreen. We mean it.

4. How to drive safely, because as my dad always says ‘you’re only as good as the worst driver on the road’.

5. To care for their teeth. Prevention is better than cure and they’ll thank you for it later.

6. To love to read. A quality that will only ever improve their lives.

7. To accept disappointment and move on. No one likes a sore loser.

8. How to cook. And make sure you pass on all those secret family recipes!

9. How to sew a button, fix a rip or iron a shirt. It’s the small things.

10. The value of hard work.

11. To do things, even when they’re afraid.

12. To stand up for themselves, and to just be themselves.

13. To be kind and compassionate people.

14. How to do their taxes… some of us could still use some guidance on this one!

15. Remind them that family is important, that they will always be there for them no matter what.

I have added a few of my own:

1. Say "I Love you" a lot... but only if you mean it!
2. Hugs and human contact are really good things.
3. Think before you speak..... (learn from Grandma's lack of a filter.)
4. Learn to be a defensive driver.
5. Laugh often... there is NOTHING better.
6. Never be afraid to say no...or yes.
7. Enjoy the company of friends and family but enjoy your own company too.
8. Learn to budget your $ and keep a neat and accurate checkbook. Credit is important but for other things (beside, cars, homes, etc.,) if you don't have the money, you don't need it!
9. If you don't have the entire amount to pay a bill, pay with what you have. It is far more important to pay SOMETHING on time than NOTHING late!
10. When you have children, remember you are their parent and teacher....way more than their friend...♥

And most of all....... LOVE your grandmother... because nobody will love you more than she does!!!

A successful flight!!

What a glorious flight (shower) we had on Saturday.  We had wonderful passengers from the Walter/Graf family, the Hatfield family and super friends. It was smooth sailing all afternoon.  Lacie (and Jeff and Jett) received some amazing gifts.  If it indeed takes a village........this little guy will be raised right!!♥♥

It's a good thing my blog is in the cloud as it would take reams of paper to pen my thanks to everyone who helped make Saturday a success. But I'll give it a try:

• Pam Walter (Mima) - grandma extraordinaire.. the soups were amazing, the punch (just what I needed,) the table planes so creative and the love you provided unbeatable.♥♥
• Danielle Kehoe - Couldn't have done it without you... I'm pretty sure all the guests were happy and relieved that you cooked and I didn't.  Super salad, my favorite soup and Lacie's favorite blue cheese dressing.  Can't wait until you open your kitchen so I never have to cook again!♥
• Jennifer Bilinski -  Your creative talents put us over the top. I can only imagine in my head and you make it come true.  Our Jett napkins were awesome and our in flight snack bags topped it off...literally!♥
• Kyle Dyer -  Not enough thanks for helping to transform a blank space into a cloud filled room and back again. I'm sure you went home with dish pan hands and hopefully feeling how much you are loved and appreciated.♥
• Hope Anderson - You made it a picture perfect day.  Giving me the freedom to mingle and enjoy was priceless....Each and every photo will be remembered forever♥
• Pam Vitale - I never knew that I loved sweet potato and sausage soup... You continue to teach me new things and are always there!♥
• Abbie Walter -  Our Cake Boss !!  Not only was it a confection to perfection, it came from the heart. ♥
• Emily Kehoe, Julia Belonsoff and Bailee and Jess Brown - The best helpers ...ever.....period. ♥ you all!

And next... to our beautiful Lacie.   If it weren't for you, we wouldn't have had such a gift to celebrate.  You have brought nothing but love, commitment and joy to this family from day one.

A more beautiful pregnant mommy I have never seen! ♥♥♥

Last but most certainly not least....thanks to my amazing son.   I know you "hate" the real thing, the planes that you deal with every day but your handiwork making the photo plane and finishing Jett's baby photo plane and milestone yardstick made Lacie's shower magical.  All who boarded on Saturday, left smiling! I'll bet you can't say that about each day at work ;-) You will be the best Dad ever... because making that leap from the best son ever... will be short and simple! I love you beyond words♥♥♥♥

Pre-flight Check

Only a little over 24 hours until our flight begins.  Seems like it was just yesterday that the planning began and the anticipation engulfed us.  Now we're heading to set everything in motion to make our passengers comfortable and load up that nursery with everything a baby Jett needs.  The Walter clan will board with the Hatfield clan (and amazing friends) and everyone will relax for an afternoon in the clouds.

I hope THE cloud has lots of room because I predict clear sailing and LOTS of photographs.

I'll be sharing (or as some might say over-sharing) soon after we land.

All aboard!

Almost Time to Board!

Well, it seemed so long ago that we lamented the wait for our new baby.  First was the announcement (which will live in infamy on video..poor Papa,) then our trip to Baby Moments when we found out the girl we were sure was coming was a little boy, to the painstaking decision of what this little guy would be called forever, and the preparations for a fun baby shower...............and now only 5 days away and we'll be boarding for a great afternoon with friends and family on our Walfield Airlines flight.  We board at gate F16 (Feb.-2016) at 2:00 p.m..   

All the fuss and  foo foo has been a blast.  Our passengers will be treated to good, homemade meals, in flight snacks, adult beverages, photos galore, comfy amenities and silly, pass the time games....(don't worry all you game-haters.... these will be ongoing throughout the flight and purposefully unorganized.  (I'm really good at that!)

Lots of folks have contributed to the success of this flight, Danielle Kehoe, Jennifer Bilinski, Mima Walter, Aunt Abbie Teter, Bailee Brown, Pop Pop Walter, Hope Anderson and actually every single person who will be taking time to fly with us.

Here are a couple pictures of some of the goodies for our Saturday flight.

Ancestry unveiled!

I'm usually not led by advertising.  I pride myself on being able to diffuse the banter and bullshit from the benign and baffling commentaries.  I've always thought delving into Ancestry.com would be a fun (albeit time consuming) project.  I have no legitimate job (versus illegitimate) so my time should be my own.....you'd think!  Just when I think I'll begin the search, I get to the page where you have to pay somebody something.  Cheap isn't the word that comes to mind but thrifty might be.  I seldom indulge in anything directly for me.... maybe my kids, my grandkids, my house or my feathered friends, but seldom me!  This would be kind of ...for me, and after the past few weeks, I've decided I'm worth it.  This revelation, on top of the price drop, has given me financial authority to spend that $80.  I spend more on Toilet paper and Pepsi!

Now, the next big question is......what (or better yet who) will I find?  My maternal ancestors proposed to be a bit of German and Dutch.....Tice.  My paternal forebears (Hewitts) are told to be wise, financial gurus who were horse thieves with the Rockefellers.  This could be a long, adventurous journey down a very bump road.

On the other hand, mailing in a vial of saliva to an unknown laboratory should make me a trifle leery of any and all revelations. ( Although that could be my out if I find I'm kin to the likes of Jeffrey Dahmer or Charles Manson) I'm pretty sure that 10 hours of "Making a Murderer" have lessened my trust of laboratories and exact sciences......especially for the sale price of $79.99.   As they say, "Spit happens!"...or something like that ;-)

I'm up for the  uncertain and if I don't care for the outcome, I don't have to plaster it all over Face Book.  On the other hand, if I'm related to Mother Theresa or Bill Gates, I'll be posting till the cows come home.  So my Face Book friends, if you hear little from me in the coming weeks, you'll know I'm sitting for a great interview with 20/20 or Dateline................or too busy filing lawsuits to claim something that was rightfully mine..

The real question might be, "Who am I?".......... or should I have left well-enough alone ;-)

Two Thousand sixteen.... A Face Odyssey

2016......definitely a Face (book) Odyssey.  Social Media.... I've decided that if we must take a test for nearly everything in life, (driving, teaching, adding, reading, shooting, seeing, breathing, pooping, STDs and UTIs) we should probably have to take a test to be a member of the "social media!"  An average IQ is about 100. (In NYS, it's about 100.7:-)   This means you're "right in the middle"...you should probably know how to spell, know that if you done something, you've slipped a little below the middle.  If you're there on time, you're following the center line....literally and  if you lie on your bed and lay your phone down, you're a genius. That's one pet peeve in a nutshell.

So back to this test I think should be given before entering the world of Face Book.  You should have at least a modicum of common sense.....right there we've lost a ton of users.  The grammar section of the test would weed out another big group.  The idiot portion of the exam pretty much gets us down to single number percentages. For those of us that might be left, (and I could easily be in one of the above groups on any given day...unlikely, but possible) it would be a continued joy to read their posts, see their photographs and hear about the exciting, successful and proud moments of their day, week, month or year. An occasional off-color joke makes me laugh just as much as the next guy/gal. A profanity filled meme helps me realize that many people get as much pleasure as I from four letter words....and let's face it, it's hugely cathartic..... ( that means therapeutic for those on the low side of 100.)

Should Face Book, or any other social media outlet, be the place to air your dirty laundry, describe your sexual adventures .....(or shortcomings, whatever the case may be,) or degrade, lambaste and embarrass anyone? NFW...whoops, told you I need that every once in awhile.

Now, I'm not sure who should be the ones to write this test. Surely not the folks who took on the exams for Common Core and likely not the ones who were positive that Mark Zuckerberg was going to shell out 45 million to us all.  I'd turn away all those that thought typing "Amen" was going to save for us from a trip down under or grow limbs for those in need and give a big resounding no freakin' way to anyone who thinks Obama has been the greatest president....ever!  I'm pretty sure the authors of the first ever Social Profile Intelligence Test (SPIT) should have the following qualifications:
Love bacon
Have a minimum of a 12th grade education
Wear underwear
Enjoy politics
Have a passion for sports
Live in very thick skin
Own a Gun
And......come from an oceanic size gene pool........  

Accepting Applicants !