Sam Squared

           Life is expensive these days and this past week was no exception. Hold your wallets because this week was a money explosion above and beyond static expenses. I know I help out my kids, my youngest in particular, a lot. I can afford to in the overall allocation of my resources; I'm supporting in ways that make a difference in their lives today, not after I'm gone. Yes, my fall is really going to be expensive, but knowing my kids have safe homes, cars, and health care, is good for my well being. I try using my resources wisely and my kid's don't ask me for financial help. It's my prerogative to offer or just cover an expense. B ut, I confirmed lack of planning isn't a good financial strategy.  I'm tracking my variable, discretionary spending to get a better grip on any spending that isn't adding value or giving peace of mind. While boring blog content, it'll give me a good view of where my money is going,  not necessarily a challenge...

                                                                                  For my Friday posts, I copy a previous week, delete the old and update as I go along the week. This helps me add as the week goes on. Here's my recap of Friday, August 28 to Thursday, September 3. I just sort of list things as they come up. I know my WIS is somewhat redundant but my Fridays are a more overall check into how I'm doing in terms of financial wellness instead of daily tracking each expense.  Use it Up/Avoid Waste As my daughter stayed here, I sent her leftovers to work for her lunches. Avoiding Spending/Saving on needs   Got a credit on a shirt that I decided was smaller than I like for the cruise but the vendor didn't want it sent back. The shirt will work for my sister s...

      I probably get at least one question in my comments whenever I refer to "hotdish" as part of menu updates. While I understand to the rest of the world, the blend of a starch, a protein, and a veg with some sort of binder typically is called a casserole, it's just not in Minnesota.       The quintessential Minnesota hotdish is the Tator Tot hotdish. This Facebook post explains it perfectly. I think even if you don't have Facebook, you can use the link. I haven't made it in quite a while. If you're wondering, I use green beans, not corn. I do not line up the tots but a randomized layer. If you Google for recipes and see pictures using both green beans and corn, that's just plain wrong. I guess that's my hotdish line in the sand. Not just a tasty side for a burger... photo pexel.com

          Life is expensive these days. My fall is really is going to be expensive, but for the most part with good things, other than property taxes and life insurance premiums. Those are necessary to both live in a good community with good schools and services and have some safeguards for my family.  I'm tracking my variable, discretionary spending to get a better grip. While boring blog content, it'll give me a good view of where my money is going,  not necessarily a challenge. Here's What I Spent, WIS, in the last week, rounded to nearest dollar. Saturday: $28 I love the fresh produce at good prices at one stand. I'm sucked into the artisan stands and spent almost $21 on popcorn. I used and will use for a couple social plans. Sunday:$65 I couldn't risk stretching the tank so filled up on Sunday before going to St Paul to see my daughter who was unwell. Also, splurged on one month of HBO Max. Monday: $2 I got to the service station ahead of my ...

                                                                                For my Friday posts, I copy a previous week, delete the old and update as I go along the week. This helps me add as the week goes on. Here's my recap of Friday, August 21 to Thursday, August 27. I just sort of list things as they come up. I know my WIS is somewhat redundant but my Fridays are a more overall check into how I'm doing in terms of financial wellness instead of daily tracking each expense.  Use it Up/Avoid Waste Even with a huge for me stock up shopping, where I'm tempted with the nice new groceries, I ate leftovers on Friday for lunch and supper. Found a vegan zuchini fritter recipe to use up the huge zuchini my daughter gave me. These still were a bit pancakey, but very tasty. Avoid...

           With sumner winding down, early morning's are coolish and it's pretty dark by 8:30 already. If I could find a place that was like these weeks year round, I'd be very interested in moving there, at least part of the year. I used to love the heat of summer, still do in short doses if we could get rain between heat spells, but also love a warm sweater, a hot cup of something wrapped in a blanket, which is part of what makes such a great few weeks for me, after August 20th until fall really decides it's here.       I'm getting grandpup out for walks usually before pups meds at 9. We go again late morning/ early afternoon, but avoid hot pavement. I have to move the night walk up a few minutes each day or start bringing the headlamp again, a regular feature to my attire by mid September. We lose 2 minutes of light each night in Minnesota, 80 mimutes of sun the month of August.       I've been horrible at tackling...