Savingbucks's Personal Finance Blog

Friday the 13th!

henkhaus@Netzero.net (Saving Bucks) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 20:15:15 PST

Today my last name must be Murphy! Whatever shouldn't happen, did happen. I couldn't log in as Admin to a few computers (password did not work for some unknown reason); had an 11 o'clock meeting and the location was changed but I was not notified (They called looking for me - kind...

Five More Years! : )

henkhaus@Netzero.net (Saving Bucks) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 23:06:14 PST

Sounds like another political campaign promise! The early retirement plan from my employer have come to fruition. Of course, I am in the group that started early enough to be offered a tidbit but too young to really go..... The tidbit would be about 55% of current income. Because...

Girl Scout Haloween Mania!

henkhaus@Netzero.net (Saving Bucks) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 21:33:37 PST

Our troop hosted an annual Halloween event for our service unit at a local park -- about 550 girls showed up! 25 troops signed up for "booths." Small games, such as relay race, tattoo parlor, etc. were enjoyed by GS in Halloween costume. It was a nice sunny day and not too hot....

Thankful for Many Things

henkhaus@Netzero.net (Saving Bucks) — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 20:44:52 PST

The title says it all -- I have posted in the past that I may have an opportunity to retire early. I had been mulling over all the implications - both financial and otherwise. All of the facts were not disclosed so I had been waiting for a final version of this plan in order to make...

Back from GS Camp! :)

henkhaus@Netzero.net (Saving Bucks) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 18:32:21 PST

DD is back from 9 days at Girl Scout camp in the local mountains! We missed her more than she missed us (I think). She was on the go the entire time with swimming, hiking, archery, etc. Even had time to pull a few pranks -- her unit put rubber duckies every in the BIFF (bathroom)....

Bad Drumsticks and Other Observations

henkhaus@Netzero.net (Saving Bucks) — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 16:28:50 PST

When I went grocery shopping at the local store yesterday (grand re-opening), I bought two packages of Drumsticks ice cream. Last night we opened the package and they tasted well....a bit odd. Cone was soft and texture was different. Sophie the dog got mine. Everyone noticed the...

I Won A Gift Card!

henkhaus@Netzero.net (Saving Bucks) — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 19:20:24 PST

Yipee! Our local Vons was remodeled and their grand re-opening started yesterday. They mailed out coupon booklets and new club cards for additional savings. For the next 30 days, each time the card is used, one will save an additional 10%. Plus, there are a few free offers with...

Got Rid of a "Loved" One

henkhaus@Netzero.net (Saving Bucks) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 18:49:49 PST

It was finally time to say goodbye. For years DH has cared for our "loved" one but no to no avail. The 1991 Nissan has finally bit the dust and went to the junk man! I bought this car brand new for about $8K out the door. DH has painstakingly maintained this vehicle - changing...

Update on Retirement Possibilities

henkhaus@Netzero.net (Saving Bucks) — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 14:52:14 PST

The latest update is....no update. Rumors still abound to what the final offerings will be. My DB has spoken to the CAO's office regarding the group that I fall under. The current proposal for my group offers a severely reduced retirement. He spoke to a "brilliant" person with...

Early Retirement Rumors are Back

henkhaus@Netzero.net (Saving Bucks) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 17:54:04 PST

I mentioned awhile back that an early retirement package may be offered at the local government where I am employed. I am in the group that started "too young" (something to be thankful for) but was hired so long ago (28 yrs) that the pension contribution is only 2%. The was a tentative...

I Survived the Party!

henkhaus@Netzero.net (Saving Bucks) — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 19:03:36 PST

Had a birthday party for DD this weekend and I lived to tell the tale! Actually, it was a nice party. Four girls came and lots of swimming - Sat pm, Sat eve, and Sun am. Pool was hovering at about 87 degrees (yippee for solar heating). We had Costco pizza and taco bar (I prepared...

Back from Texas!

henkhaus@Netzero.net (Saving Bucks) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 17:31:25 PST

Got back from Texas the other day. Looooooong road trip but saw lots of interesting things. We went to a family reunion in south central Texas (south of Austin). We all got to see the family farm and other family country land. DD was excited to see so many cows (she took about...

Great Weekend but Back to Work........

henkhaus@Netzero.net (Saving Bucks) — Tue, 26 May 2009 18:40:58 PST

Had a great Memorial Day Weekend. DD turned 11 on Saturday. We went to a local restaurant of her choosing (Hawaiian-Japanese casual cuisine) and saw Star Trek at a small theatre nearby ($5 each). DD got a digital camera as per her wishlist. We will have a small birthday party at...

Not so Fast!!

henkhaus@Netzero.net (Saving Bucks) — Fri, 08 May 2009 21:05:21 PST

I spoke of the possibility of early retirement in an earlier entry, and was seriously considering it. But... as things go, it appears the offer has been withdrawn for the time being. Darn! Just when the dream was getting closer to reality! The next rumor is talk of cash incentives...

Thinking About Retirement

henkhaus@Netzero.net (Saving Bucks) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 22:15:53 PST

I am hoping for some unbiased (and maybe biased) feedback about retirement. I may have an opportunity and be offered the chance to take early retirement. My original plan was to retire in 5 1/2 years when I am eligible. Financial goals after that time (whenever I feel like it) include...

Happy Easter Eve!

henkhaus@Netzero.net (Saving Bucks) — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 18:33:11 PST

Today's a lazy Saturday the day before Easter. I got my workout in early this am. DH's back is giving his fits and spasms - we have been going for 10 min walks throughout the day to stretch him out. He is a stubborn man (but cute) who does not want to go to the doctor. Lunch and...

Free Food?

henkhaus@Netzero.net (Saving Bucks) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 20:12:14 PST

Got home from work minding by business when the doorbell rang. A young lady with a clipboard was from a company that I won't name - let's just call it Superduperfrozenfoods or SDFF (not a real name - I made it up). She said that this company is seeking new customers and they sell...

Life's A Blur of Activity!

henkhaus@Netzero.net (Saving Bucks) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 19:58:17 PST

This week has been zooming by so quickly! This past weekend I was able to declutter about a dozen bags or boxes of unneeded "stuff." DD has had two nights of choral performance, I attend Girl Scouts Leader meeting, and Jazz singer practice for DD today. Tomorrow is DD's chorus party,...

Stuff Never Ends!

henkhaus@Netzero.net (Saving Bucks) — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 17:30:07 PST

This weekend has been nonstop! Purging through "stuff" at home to donate to ARC on Monday. I have gone through a few rooms and barely made a dent. Sigh! At least DD has been cooperative and is helping give away toys and clothes. We have also been going to FIL's house to clean...

A Weekend of Tidying Up

henkhaus@Netzero.net (Saving Bucks) — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 16:09:18 PST

Spent most of the weekend trying to declutter and get rid of stuff. Mostly paperwork - I am a notorious piler. I especially love to collect magazines that I usually don't read (at least 99% of them are free subscriptions). But on a good note, the work cafeteria now has a reading...