Now that title probably seems that it came out of left field for a personal finance blog, wouldn't you agree? Our janitor went on vacation for 2.5 weeks to visit with her family.  She comes from Guatemala and is the dearest woman. She's my senior by a mere four months. We have a very part-time maintenance man, who is supposed to do “Mandy's” job while she's on vacation, but we've been through this before.  Our restrooms get worse and worse… Read the rest

A couple of weeks ago I mentioned my boss's situation where she was denied when she tried to help her granddaughter with a school loan. I thought the outcome was very interesting. My boss was ADAMANT that she had paid her Sears bill, and she claims she pays $500 each month, which is much more than the minimum. She said there was absolutely no way she could be behind on her payment for 60 days, which is what the credit… Read the rest

I make a point to not make personal New Year's resolutions because I don't like disappointing myself when I fail. But here is one I'm going to make this year, and I encourage you to do the same. Support your local community. I've always leaned toward buying from the little guy instead of the big box store, even though my frugal nature pressures me into getting the best (okay, cheapest) deal. For example, when my children were little and wanted… Read the rest