Still Believe in Santa?
Current mood: festive
Category: festive Life

I have a friend who hates Christmas.  She's a nice girl and is really funny, but she has a genuine disdain for all things Christmas.  I asked her about it, and she had some reasons, but they were pretty flimsy.  Then she said, "and the whole Santa thing, don't EVEN get me started!"

I'm a smart enough man not to get a woman started when she warns you not to, but it started me thinking:

First, for those who believe in Jesus and the religious meaning of Christmas, I'm not arguing against you.  I believe, but I'm not against anybody who likes the idea of giving and receiving gifts with people you love.  I believe in that too.  I'm not even against the idea that some guy in a red suit brings gifts to all the children.  I think I can believe in that too.

I have several neices and nephews strung around the world (okay, only one out of the country that I know of), and those that find their way to my area around Christmas end up with a little something.  One of those nephews (from my wife's sister) adores his (only) uncle.  The feeling is mutual.  I have no problem with stepping outside myself and "helping Santa" give him a little something extra.  My ego isn't so fragile that I need credit for everything.  For him, as he gets older, I think there is something to be said about the belief in magic that comes with the belief in Santa.  I've seen when that belief goes away in young people, and they are just a little less happy for it.

Another argument for Santa:  Every day I see someone doing something nice for others, often anonymously.  Whether they are motivated by God, Buddha, the Holy Spirit, or mischief, it doesn't really matter.  In my mind, there's a little Santa in there.

So my question today:  Do you believe in Santa?  Why or Why not?

Currently listening : Baby It’s Cold Outside By Dean Martin Release date: 23 May, 2000

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Thanksgiving
Current mood: sleepy
Category: Life

I know it sounds cheesey, but this IS the time to talk about what you are thankful for.  It's important to periodically look back at things that you are thankful for, just to remember all of the good things that happen in life.

Here's my list, in no particular order:

1.  My wife.  She really does complete me.  I can't think of anybody else who would be willing to put up with me.

2.  My family (all of them).  Even if I might not see them very often (or at all for some of them), it's nice to know that, in a pinch, there are other people out there who I could count on for help in one way or another.

3.  Finance For Youth.  Aside from helping others, F4Y allows me to step outside of my everyday life and do something good for people that I may never actually meet.

4.  My job.  I may not like the place I work all the time, but I'm thankful that I am able to work, and that there is a place that is willing to pay me to do the work I do.

5.  Mountain Dew Code Red.  Man, that stuff is yummy.

6.  My health.  I really am thankful that I am healthy enough to function at a relatively high level.  Both my legs work, my mind works, and I don't have any health issues worrying me.

7.  My mind.  I'm a pretty bright guy, and for no other reason than because I got lucky.  Sure, I've worked hard to learn things, but there are people who just aren't able to make that leap.

8.  My friends.  Both on the web, and the 1.0 versions that I actually get to see and talk to live and offline.  You guys keep me stable.

8.  My ability to count past ten.  No, just kidding.  My sense of humor is weird like that.

10.  All of the people, past and present, who have sacrificed their freedom and, in some cases, their lives so that I can have safety and freedom.  The word hero is thrown around a lot, but these people, --these people truly are heroes.

 

There are other things, but this is a pretty strong list, in my opinion.  So, what are you thankful for?  I want to know.

 

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Allowance
Category: Jobs, Work, Careers

This seems like such a simple question:

What is a fair allowance for someone in High School?  If you are in High School and get an allowance, how much do you get?  Is it enough?  If you are a parent, what determines how much of an allowance you give, assuming you give an allowance?

Let me know.

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New Car
Current mood: ecstatic
Category: Automotive

If you read other PF blogs and sites, they all agree that buying a new car is a dumb idea.  They talk about depreciation, car payments, added insurance, etc.

So a couple weeks ago, I bought a brand new car.  It is an 07, but it's still new. 

I did this knowing full well that 20-somethings are crushing their juice boxes in frustration, and knowing that after all the math and all the rationale has been done, it was the right choice.

Do you ever have to ignore solid and reasonable advice simply because there is a better way?  Do you ever feel guilty for doing so?

Currently listening : Billy Idol - Greatest Hits By Billy Idol Release date: 27 March, 2001

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Who do you read?
Current mood: contemplative
Category: Life

It seems like someone new is starting a finance blog or website every day.  I am frequently asked to add them to my blogroll or to post a link, so I check them out.  Some of the information I read is good, some is okay, and some is really dangerous.

When I respond to the dangerous (or at least questionable) ones, I ask them where they get their information, and what qualifies them to try and provide advice to people.  Many of them never respond.

This started me thinking (and this week's question is:):  Do you read any finance books, magazines, blogs, or websites?  If so, who do you read, and more importantly--why?

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Slacking off is okay
Current mood: happy
Category: Life

I had a great time over the weekend.  I talked a little about it over at the  BLOG. 

So today's question:  Have you ever just said "screw it", and slacked on what you know you should do, and did it wind up better for you, or worse?

Let me know!

Currently listening : Brak Presents The Brak Album Starring Brak By Various Artists Release date: 14 March, 2000

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Is this really necessary?
Current mood: excited
Category: Life

Last week, my cell phone finally died.  It was a good little phone, but it was old, and had given everything it had for me to enjoy it. 

My wife and I went to the store to get a new phone, and I love my new phone.  It is simple, it is fun, and it is clean (lines and what not).

I think my phone has rang about four times (three of the same people) since I got it.

A new phone wasn't a necessity, but I felt the need to buy it.  Does this affect my legitimacy when it comes to Personal Finance?  I don't think so...,

How about you?

Currently listening : Knights of Cydonia By Muse Release date: 04 December, 2006

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Qualities of Success
Current mood: energetic
Category: Life

Be sure to check out the Qualities of Success posts at FINANCE FOR YOUTH: THE BLOG

Currently listening : Costello Music By The Fratellis Release date: 13 March, 2007

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Gems
Category: Life

My dad always said you can do anything you want, as long as you are prepared to pay the price.

I really like that advice.  It goes to so many aspects of life, and it is so true.

So, the question is...,

What bits of advice have you been given by your parents, or other family members that sticks with you?  Even if you don't agree with the advice, let us know.

4:29 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

Happy Independence Day
Current mood: Patriotic
Category: Patriotic Life

Today, celebrate the fact that we live in a country where we have ultimate freedom.

Today, remember that there are those who wish to destroy that ultimate freedom, and do what you can to stop them.

Today, enjoy all the freedom you have, in every possible way.

Today, shed a tear for all of those who have gone before who died to make sure you could celebrate your freedom.

This isn't one of those chain letters, this is simply advice from one human to another.  Don't forward it.  Just read it, and follow it.

Happy Independence Day!

Currently listening : Stars & Stripes Forever and the Greatest Marches By Kenneth J. Alford Release date: 06 September, 1991

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