Personal Finance By The Book » Weekly Roundup

Dream Home Roundup

joeplemon — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 10:19:50 +0000

Taking a cue from Joe Taxpayer, I am simply naming my roundup after my favorite post of the week. In this case, Jeff Rose from Good Financial Cents wins the prize as he shares 23 amazing tips on how to save money building your dream home. Even if building a dream home is not on your radar, check out Jeff’s post for lots of common sense tips.

Carnivals I have participated in:

Yakezie Alexa Challenge Roundup hosted by Mrs. Accountability

Festival of Frugality hosted by Wealth Informatics

Baby Boomers Blog Carnival hosted by Baby Boomers US

Personal Finance by the Book around the Web

My post on the Real Estate Bubble was linked in the Wall Street Journal
photo credit: woodleywonderworks

“What Are You Reading” Roundup

joeplemon — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 09:26:34 +0000

I am assuming that since you are reading this blog, you love to read. So, out of curiosity, my question for you is this, “What are you reading?” Don’t get cute…I don’t mean this very second…but what books are you currently enjoying? Or maybe you just read blogs. If so, what are your favorite reads? Do you read a daily newspaper? What sections? What magazines do you read?

I am usually reading more than one book at a time – not a really good plan because once I put a book down it is hard for me to get back into it. Because I love great stories, I read novels…the Terri Blackstock Light series most recently. My current read (given to me as a “must read” by a good friend) is “Aftershock“, a book written about “the next financial meltdown.” I will be referencing this book in my Monday post. I read lots of blogs, my daily newspaper (the one I write a weekly column for), and, albeit sporadically, “Smart Money” and “Money” magazines. Please leave a comment on what you are currently reading!

Joe elsewhere on the net

Are You a Tigger, an Eeyore or a Pooh? at Christian PF

Carnivals I have participated in:

Carnival of Money Stories hosted by TFB

Yakezie Carnival hosted by Ultimate Money Blog

Carnival of Financial Planning hosted by Calculated Crunch News Broadcast

Christian Carnival hosted by The Peculiar Life

Carnival of Financial Planning hosted by the Skilled Investor

Baby Boomer Blog Carnival hosted by Baby Boomers US

Roundups which included my posts:

Consumer Boomer Mid-Summer Roundup

Doug Warshauer Favorite Personal Financial Posts

Invest it Wisely A Midsummer Night’s Reading

photo credit: Honou

House Flip Update / Roundup

joeplemon — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 09:27:09 +0000

Work has been progressing on our flip house, albeit a bit slowly. We removed all kitchen cabinets and bathroom fixtures, along with all of the old paneling and ceiling tile, leaving exposed studs and rafters throughout. The “gutting” process was pretty easy; the building back a bit more of a challenge. Of course (in case you were wondering), we did have a master plan before we began. We have modified that master plan a few times, but (being as the electric work – which I did – is complete), it is pretty much set.

"Before" pic of kitchen

So…things started hopping this week! My son and I have been installing sheetrock in as we have time, but our hired installers got started, working with and around our plumber who had been AWOL for a few weeks. Remember, we are in Southern Illinois, which bears many semblances to Mayberry RFD. Our hired workers are very capable, but, being “good old boys”, they aren’t always easy to round up. The trade off is that they don’t charge much.

How has it gone so far?

I thought you would never ask. Actually pretty well, with a few snags.

Same shot after "gutting"

The good

The house is solid and square.

It already had a good layout, so our focus is limited to the kitchen and bathroom. Other than new walls, ceiling and floors, the three bedrooms and the living room will stay essentially the same.

The bad

We are over budget.

Even though we allowed a buffer amount for the remodeling, there are just too many “little things” that we overlooked. Fortunately, we also allowed quite a bit of buffer in what we can ask, so we are hoping that the extra expenses will bring extra income.

Same shot on Friday morning. The sink will go in the corner and the gap between the sheetrock is for a ceramic tile backsplash.

I was concerned at the beginning that a project involving a husband, wife and son could stir some friction. But this is really normal and should not be thought of as a bad thing. Disagreements (always about whether an expenditure will bring a return) bring on discussions which force us all to think through our decisions a second or third time. Still, things can get a bit testy at times.

The ugly

Let’s see. I needed to say “Ugly” just to balance out the headings. I don’t think anything is really ugly unless it would be the droopy wiring in the crawl space. It WILL be properly attached to the floor joists before our home goes to market.

On to the Roundup

Carnivals I have participated in this week:

Best of Money Carnival hosted by Money Energy

Christian Carnival hosted by Thinking in Christ

Christian Finance Blog Carnival hosted by Christian PF

Baby Boomers Blog Carnival hosted by Baby Boomers US

Carnival of Financial Planning hosted by The Militay Wallet

GRABBBR Giveaway Deadline is This Week! / Weekly roundup

joeplemon — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 09:20:04 +0000

Only three more days to enter GRABBBR Giveaway!

Thanks for stopping by and commenting on my GRABBBR Giveaway host post: Belated Birthday Giveaway . The deadline for entering this multi-host giveaway is 11:59 PM, July 13, so you still have time to enter and win some great prizes. Check the official GRABBBR page for more details.

Now: On to the Roundup!

Joe Elsewhere on the Net

Head over the Christian PF to read Poverty or Simplicity: The Choice is Yours

Carnivals I have participated in this week:

Best of Money Carnival hosted at Wealth Pilgrim

First Yakezie Milestone Carnival hosted by My Journey to Millions

Carnival of Money Stories hosted by Mrs. Accountability

Carnival of Financial Planning hosted by the Skilled Investor

Christian Carnival hosted by Other Food: Daily Devos

Baby Boomers Blog Carnival hosted by Baby Boomers US

Roundups who have included my posts:

Money Smart Life

One Money Design

Squirrelers

Declaration of Independence / Weekly Round Up

joeplemon — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 10:04:09 +0000

With Independence Day upon us, I am printing the Preamble of the Declaration of Independence. This elegant yet tense document was signed by men who were ready to lay their fortunes and their lives on the line for the cause of freedom. I wonder if I would be so courageous.

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.”

Carnivals I have participated in this week:

Best of Money Carnival hosted by Debt Free Adventure

Yakezie Carnival hosted by Invest it Wisely

Carnival of Money Stories hosted by Sweating the Big Stuff

Christian Carnival hosted by RodneyOlsen.net

Baby Boomers Blog Carnival hosted by Baby Boomers US

Carnival of Financial Planning at Wealth Builder

Roundup which I have been included in:

GRABBBR Giveaway / Weekly Roundup

joeplemon — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 09:47:49 +0000

Personal Finance by the Book, along with five other Bible based Personal Finance Sites, have teamed up to offer a Mega-Giveaway. This event is named GRABBBR (Giveaway Reaching All Bible Based Blog Readers) and includes Personal Finance Journey, Debt Free Adventure , Gather Little by Little, Provident Planning, One Money Design and, of course, yours truly.

Lakita, at Personal Finance Journey has done a fabulous job of organizing this event. Make sure you check Welcome to GRABBBR to learn contest details, prizes and dates. My big day for hosting GRABBBR is July 7, so make sure to stop by for a chance to win.

On to the Roundup!

Joe around the web:

Austin at Foreigner Finance recently interviewed me for a podcast. A new experience for me.

Check out my post 7 Steps to Help Get Out of Credit Card Debt at Christian PF

I have been included in the following roundups:

Ace of Wealth

Out of Debt Again

Money Help for Christians

Carnivals I have participated in this week

Best of Money Carnival hosted by Free Money Finance

The Yakezie Challenge Carnival at Young and Thrifty

Carnival of Money Stories at Business and Sports

Festival of Frugality at Where’s My Rolling Pin?

Christian Finance Carnival hosted by Provident Planning

Christian Carnival hosted by Who Am I?

Carnival of Financial Planning at The Skilled Investor

Father’s Day Bragging / Weekly Roundup

joeplemon — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 09:09:15 +0000

OK Call me nostalgic or sappy or both, but I just can’t bring myself to throw my special Father’s Day cards away. At the risk of sounding like a braggart, allow me to share to of the things my kids have written in these cards from Father’s Days past.

“Thank you for all of your leadership, discipline and love over the years. You are an amazing role model for me when I have kids.”

“Every year that passes I realize all over again that I am blessed beyond measure to not just have you in my life but to have you as my dad!”

“Thank you for being an awesome example to all of your kids. Your guidance and leadership have done great things for us. You are the father that I hope to be to my children some day. Thank you for that.”

And from Jan, “You are such a good example of what a good father is. I am proud of you!”

My dad and my wife’s dad are no longer with us. Do you still have your father? If so, do something to make his day special. It will mean more to him than you could ever imagine. To all of you dads:

Happy Father’s Day!

On to the roundup!

Read Joe’s writing on other blogs:

Set a Time Goal to get Out of Debt Faster posted at Christian PF

Carnivals I have participated in this week:

Best of Money Carnival hosted by Free From Broke

Carnival of Money Stories hosted by Ultimate Money Blog

Baby Boomers Blog Carnival hosted by Baby Boomers US

Carnival of Financial Planning hosted by Money Smarts

photo credit: Wesley Fryer

An Autumn Love Affair / Weekly Roundup

joeplemon — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 09:55:23 +0000

Today I am spending time with Mom and Step-father Bob as family throughout the nation gathers to celebrate the fact that each of them turned 90 earlier this year. In honor of this celebration, I am sharing a story I wrote after their marriage 12 years ago. I hope you enjoy it.

AN AUTUMN LOVE AFFAIR

After seventy years my mom got her man. At the age of 78 Cleva Puntney married Bob Melcher, a life long friend whom she fondly remembers from 1st Grade. But if Nancy “Jumpstart” Hutchison, a match-making friend, hadn’t intervened, Mom might still be waiting.

Because Bob, a widower, lived in Phoenix, Arizona and Mom, a widow, lived 1600 miles away in Mt Vernon, Illinois, any prospects of romance seemed remote. However, a somewhat providential link existed. My sisters Anita and Robyn “just happened” to live in Phoenix, giving Mom the opportunity to periodically fly out west, not only to visit her daughters but to also see her old friend Bob. In fact, despite the razzing my sister Mary Lynne and I gave her about “shacking up”, Mom would stay with Bob during these visits. After each visit, we would query Mom, fishing for some sign of romantic progress, but she stoically insisted, “We are simply old friends. That’s all.”

After all, Bob had proclaimed years ago that if he were to outlive his wife Doris, he would never re-marry. Mom remembered that vow and therefore didn’t allow herself to think they could ever be anything other than friends. Perhaps Bob felt an obligation to keep his word. Maybe he was simply shy. He might have feared rejection. Whatever the reason, he didn’t make the first move and Mom would not consider it. So these two friends, in their 70’s, were stale-mated and in love.

Jumpstart Hutchison does her thing

It was time for Jumpstart Hutchison to perform her magic. Bob had traveled to Mt Vernon for his 60th High School Class Reunion and quite properly (as an old friend) stayed in Mom’s guest room. At the Saturday night dance Jumpstart went into action. Her method was quite simple, first whispering “She’s ready” in Bob’s ear, then secretly confiding to Mom that Bob was ready. Of course, she had not previously discussed this readiness with either of them. Mom knew exactly what “ready” meant, but Bob, after mulling over this new information, approached Jumpstart later that evening, “Nancy, exactly what does ‘ready’ mean?”

“It means, dear Bob, that Cleva would marry you in a minute.”

“Oh. I see.” was all Bob could utter.

The Proposal

Still, nothing happened that night. Sunday passed with no progress. On Monday evening, the reunion over and time nearing for Bob to fly back to Arizona, they sat in Mom’s living room. Bob sat upright in an easy chair as Mom relaxed on the couch opposite him. He leaned forward, cleared his throat, took a deep breath, and stammered slightly as he risked it, “Cleva, do you think we could get married and live six months here and six months in Arizona?”

Mom responded at once, “I thought you would never ask!” She hesitated slightly before adding, “Don’t you think you ought to get down on your knees and ask me properly?”

“Well”, Bob replied, “I would love to, but with all the odd jobs you’ve had me doing around here, I’m afraid that if I got down on my knees I might not be able to get back up.”

“In that case, I accept!”

The date was September 14, 1998. They bought the rings the next day and were married on October 10.

The Wedding

As Mom’s seven children, Bob’s three children, and dozens of grand and great-grand children looked on, Bob and Cleva were married. I believe with all my heart that they were meant for each other. This is not to imply that their previous marriages were not meant to be, but this particular marriage between these two particular people at this particular point in time was magic. These two friends, who had known and respected each other for a lifetime, were given the gift of allowing that friendship to evolve into love. I was misty eyed throughout the ceremony as I realized that fairy tales do indeed come true.

Tall, lanky Bob held the hands of his petite bride as they shared the vows they had written. Mom’s voice quivered only slightly as she spoke her heart, “Bob, I have always loved you as a friend and a true gentleman, and now I would like to thank you for the honor of loving you as your wife and mate.” The room was hushed as Mom’s long time friend, Clarice Hollis, stood to sing the songs Mom had selected. “Love is a Many Splendored Thing” set the scene as we knew we were witnessing the tenacity and patience of a splendid love. “Perfect choice.” I was thinking. But the next song reached into my chest and clutched my heart. Although I had never considered “The September Song” as a wedding selection, the very first notes overwhelmed me with the awareness that this song was surely written for this day. My chest swelled and I bit my lower lip to hold back my sobs. Up and down the aisles, sisters, brothers, and in-laws were holding hands, hugging and wiping their eyes. In my mind, Mom and Bob were repeating these words to each other, the perfect wedding vows:

“Oh it’s a long, long time from May to December.
But the days grow short when you reach September.
When the autumn weather turns the leaves to flame
One hasn’t got time for the waiting game.

Oh, the days dwindle down to a precious few
September… November,
And these few precious days I’ll spend with you.
These precious days I’ll spend with you.”

At 78 Mom and Bob married. Realizing that “these precious days” were limited, they nevertheless opened their hearts to each other, daring to love deeply, fully aware that heartache and loss is certain.

September love

This is the definition of a victorious life! Love has triumphed! Risking to love in the September of life marks success for two people who did it right. On behalf of their children and their children’s children, I say, “Thank you Bob. Thank you Cleva. You inspire us to seize life, to love unreservedly and to count every day as precious. Your example gives us hope that our Septembers can be full and rich. We wish you many, many precious days together.”

photo credit: Katherine_Davis

On with the Roundup!

Joe elsewhere on the web:

The Health Risks of Debt Stress at Eliminate the Muda

I have been in the following roundups:

Medicine and Money – My Two Favorite Things at The Millionaire Nurse Blog

June Blog Posts on Investing and Saving Money at Buy Like Buffet

Carnivals I have participated in this week:

Carnival of Money Stories hosted by My Journey to Millions

Yakezie Carnival hosted by Beating Broke

Carnival of Financial Planning hosted by the Skilled Investor

Baby Boomers Blog Carnival hosted by Baby Boomers US

House Flip Update / Weekly Roundup

joeplemon — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 09:03:11 +0000

A "before" picture of the kitchen. The cabinets, sink and paneling are now gone.

In case you haven’t read about our house flipping adventure, the quick story is that my wife and I have partnered with our 30 year old son to buy, rehab and sell a house. This house is solid, in a great neighborhood (last night the neighbor, who knows we are rehabbing the house for a flip, brought us a pie as a housewarming gift) but had paneling on most of the walls and outdated ceiling tile on all the ceilings and worn carpet on the floors.

So here is our update.

We have removed all of the paneling, all of the carpets and all of the ceiling tile (including pulling all of the staples from the furring strips); we have gutted the kitchen in preparation for new counters and are getting started on plumbing and wiring. We have our design complete, thanks to my design expert wife and have learned that our original rehab budget was not enough. No big surprise, but one reason we are running over budget is because we have upgraded the quality of the rehab; focusing nearly all of our efforts on the kitchen and bath. Will a nicer – and more expensive – finished product bring more money? We are not sure, but we are sure that it will help the house sell quicker.

Now: on with the Roundup!

Joe elsewhere on the net:

Life of Moses: How God is Always Working in Your Life at Christian PF

Roundups who have included my posts:

Memorial Day Roundup hosted by Free From Broke

Yakezie Weekly Roundup at Engineer Your Finances

Best Personal Financial Planning Ideas at The Skilled Investor

Weekend Love Link: Finishing the Drywall Edition at Rainy-Day Saver

Carnivals I have participated in this week:

Best of Money Carnival hosted by Free Money Finance

Carnival of Money Stories hosted by Personal Finance Analyst

Money Hackers Carnival hosted by Saving Money Today

Baby B00mers Blog Carnival hosted by Baby B00mers US

Christian Carnival hosted by And She Went Out

Carnival of Financial Planning hosted by Free Money Finance

Memorial Day Roundup

joeplemon — Sat, 29 May 2010 09:18:56 +0000

I hope you are having a great Memorial Day Weekend.

I visited the Memorial Day Site to learn more of the history and meaning of Memorial Day.

Proper observance of Memorial Day should include:

Visiting cemeteries and placing flags or flowers on the graves of our fallen heroes.
Visiting memorials.
Flying the U.S. Flag at half-staff until noon.
Flying the ‘POW/MIA Flag’ as well (Section 1082 of the 1998 Defense Authorization Act).
Participating in a “National Moment of Remembrance“: at 3 p.m. to pause and think upon the true meaning of the day, and for Taps to be played.
Renewing a pledge to aid the widows, widowers, and orphans of our falled dead, and to aid the disabled veterans.

Here are some Memorial Day facts (from Memorial Day Site) to help your celebration:

Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No. 11, and was first observed on 30 May 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.
Moina Michael, inspired by the poem “In Flanders Fields”, conceived of an idea to wear red poppies on Memorial day in honor of those who died serving the nation during war. She was the first to wear one, and sold poppies to her friends and co-workers with the money going to benefit servicemen in need.
Because many Americans nowadays have forgotten the meaning and traditions of Memorial Day, the “National Moment of Remembrance” resolution was passed on Dec 2000 which asks that at 3 p.m. local time, for all Americans “To voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a Moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to ‘Taps.”
Many feel that when Congress made the day into a three-day weekend in with the National Holiday Act of 1971, it made it all the easier for people to be distracted from the spirit and meaning of the day. As the VFW stated in its 2002 Memorial Day address: “Changing the date merely to create three-day weekends has undermined the very meaning of the day. No doubt, this has contributed greatly to the general public’s nonchalant observance of Memorial Day.”

Again, I wish you a meaningful Memorial Day!

On with my roundup!

Carnivals I have participated in this week:

Yakezie Carnival hosted by Free From Broke

Carnival of Money Stories hosted by Funny About Money

Christian Blog Carnival hosted by Thinking in Christ

Baby Boomers Blog Carnival hosted by Baby Boomers US

Personal Finance By The Book » Weekly Roundup

Dream Home Roundup

Recommended reading:

Carnivals I have participated in:

Personal Finance by the Book around the Web

“What Are You Reading” Roundup

Recommended reading:

Joe elsewhere on the net

Carnivals I have participated in:

Roundups which included my posts:

House Flip Update / Roundup

How has it gone so far?

The bad

The ugly

On to the Roundup

Recommended reading:

Carnivals I have participated in this week:

GRABBBR Giveaway Deadline is This Week! / Weekly roundup

Only three more days to enter GRABBBR Giveaway!

Now: On to the Roundup!

Recommended reading:

Joe Elsewhere on the Net

Carnivals I have participated in this week:

Roundups who have included my posts:

Declaration of Independence / Weekly Round Up

Recommended reading:

Carnivals I have participated in this week:

Roundup which I have been included in:

GRABBBR Giveaway / Weekly Roundup

Recommended Reading

Joe around the web:

I have been included in the following roundups:

Carnivals I have participated in this week

Father’s Day Bragging / Weekly Roundup

Happy Father’s Day!

Recommended Reading:

Read Joe’s writing on other blogs:

Carnivals I have participated in this week:

An Autumn Love Affair / Weekly Roundup

AN AUTUMN LOVE AFFAIR

Jumpstart Hutchison does her thing

The Proposal

The Wedding

September love

Recommended Reading:

Joe elsewhere on the web:

I have been in the following roundups:

Carnivals I have participated in this week:

House Flip Update / Weekly Roundup

So here is our update.

Now: on with the Roundup!

Recommended reading:

Joe elsewhere on the net:

Roundups who have included my posts:

Carnivals I have participated in this week:

Memorial Day Roundup

I hope you are having a great Memorial Day Weekend.

Proper observance of Memorial Day should include:

Here are some Memorial Day facts (from Memorial Day Site) to help your celebration:

Again, I wish you a meaningful Memorial Day!

Recommended Reading:

Carnivals I have participated in this week: