The Envelope System

This one is specifically for Nosurfgirl and her husband who are moving to the envelope system in the month of April. Courtney and I talked with them last Friday for hours on the topic, and I wanted to condense everything into a single piece.
The envelope system is one of those “archaic” budgeting tools that your [...]

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I am not alone in my testimony

In my scripture study today and yesterday, I’ve been reading of the account of Alma in the land of Ammonihah. One of the criticisms Alma received from the hostile crowd was that he was apparently alone (they were unaware of Amulek) in his testimony against them.
I’ve always admired Amulek, but I suddenly admire him [...]

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My thoughts on the AIG bonuses

I’ve been really bothered by the bonuses in two ways. First, I’m annoyed they happened, but I recognize the fact that they were established and contracted well before the crisis. They are legal, legitimate, and deserved and as such, should be paid. Second, I’m annoyed at the response from the nation and the government. It’s [...]

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What it feels like….

Today officially marks the first month of no car payment. Typically, we’d have $300 autodrafted from our account today. Typically, we’d wake up, check our account, and notice it’s gone.
But not today, and never again.
And it feels like… euphoria. Happiness. Peace. Serenity. Calmness.
Granted, mixed with all that is still the momentary panic that something went [...]

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National Do Not Call Registry

Along with opting out of pre-screened credit card offers, you should consider registering your phone numbers with the National Do Not Call Registry.
The Registry is a government-mandated list of phone numbers maintained by the Federal Trade Commission that have requested not to receive telemarketing calls. After placing your number on the list, telemarketing organizations have [...]

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Teaching kids about money

Oddly enough, I’m not sure I have any advice or recommendations except do it. Aside from your testimony in the Gospel, financial management is the single most important thing you will leave your children, and it will change their perceptions of the entire world.
With Katherine, we have three baby food jars labeled Tithing, Savings, and [...]

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And now for something totally random…

It’s been a while since I’ve done something really random, so here we go….
Everyone has at least one voice they can imitate perfectly. I have two, both of which are extraordinarily odd and you’ll never get me to do them unless you catch me  off guard. The first is Bullwinkle from the Rocky & Bullwinkle [...]

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Check Your Credit Report

A few years ago, the government passed a law that allows you to check your credit report free once a year from all three credit bureaus. Not only is that wise financial management, but it’s essential for maintaining and protecting your identity.
To access your report for free, go to www.annualcreditreport.com and follow the onscreen instructions. [...]

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Sugar Allergy

A few weeks ago we discovered that Courtney is allergic to sugar. That means no sugar, no brown sugar, no corn syrup, and no high-fructose corn syrup at all. And boy were we surprised at how many foods have one of those four kinds of sugar in them. We’ve come to the conclusion that if [...]

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Physical Therapy and My Hopes

The doctor did confirm a mild case of whiplash yesterday and got right to work on things. In a word… AAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!
I’m starting to understand why people go do spa treatments. I don’t think I’ve ever been that relaxed.
They started the treatment off by laying me on my back on a bunch of heating pads. They [...]

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