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Archive for December, 2007

Even Exchange and they said I owed $.01

December 27th, 2007 at 12:38 am


Here is a new one - the retailer is trying to make money on an even exchange ...

Well, braved the crowds to go to Macy's to exchange some fur-lined crocs for DS. His pair did not fit and went to his younger brother, thus leaving us to exchange the smaller pair for the right size for E. Well, after lots of plodding through tons and tons of crocs, we found one the correct size - not fur-lined - but decorated in a sports theme. Same price - same store (not a different tax rate -

I walk up to the register (with the receipt) and say, "I'd like to exchange these for these. Here is the receipt, but the price is the same."

The checker-outer scans the receipt, then the item, puts it in the bag, and says to me, "That will be one cent."

I look at her, "But how can that be? It is an even exchange."

She: "According to this, you owe one cent."

Me: "It was purchased here, at this store. The sales tax is the same rate."

She: "It will be one cent."

(I have a wallet with $20s, and no change, not that I would part with a penny if my life depended on it.)

Me: "I'm not paying the one cent. Get me a manager. It's an even exchange."

I don't know what she then did, but she handed me my receipts, bag and smiled. "Have a nice day."

I said to the person behind me (and the line was forming behind me and DS at this point) "Look out. It was supposed to be an even exchange. Not sure what Macy's is trying to do ..."

But DS has his crocs and is happy to join the rest of his croc-wearing siblings.

Looking forward to 2008

December 17th, 2007 at 05:54 pm


I've spent November and 1/2 of December coming up with realistic spending for each week and I'm coming up with some good averages for "starting and sticking" to a budget for January 08.

As far as health insurance, I decided to do the high deductible insurance plan through DH employer and will set up the Health Savings Account at a local bank (funding $2000 per year). With this reworking of the net pay check, I have increased the 401(k) from 6% to 10% and have set up $100 per month to go to education savings (I know it should be quite a bit more than that and hopefully soon)

I have looked into part-time employment at the local junior college to bring some money in (been a SAHM for ten years now). Youngest child just turned three.

We're evaluating selling our rental property and coming up with a different investment strategy. Currently the upkeep, taxes and mortgage for both properties is about $2,500 per month and I am getting tired of feeling "cash poor" and "paper rich", and not at all happy with out net worth tied up in real estate (though our estimates are conservative).

It's been helpful popping in from time to time and seeing people post their daily frustrations/accomplishments. As for me, I was just tired of the numbers. I am hopeful though that things can improve with some sound and solid decision making on our part.

Thanks for being an inspiration group of money people!