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N and I have wanted a side business for awhile. Years. Lots of discussions.
Options included: Building management. Real estate inspections, both residential and commercial. Landlords. Laundromat.
But then Big Bertha fell into our laps. Luckily not literally, since she weighs 3000 pounds. It just so happens that this is the exact same model N worked on for 18 years. Did I mention he’s in tool and die manufacturing? Yep.
My point in this side business thing all along has been, if we are risking the money, I want to capitalize on my husband’s many talents.
He was going to get a degree in project management, but although I’m pro-education normally, why start all over when he already has so many areas of expertise?
When we put on the addition, N did all the plumbing, hot water heat, radiant heat, most of the electrical, trim work, flooring (with help from his lovely wife), two of the three staircases, etc. etc. What the hell does he need a degree for?
So. Back to Bertha. How many people have precision surface grinding carbide experience like N? Not many. So now all we have to do is bump out the garage a little, figure out how to heat it, and voila. A side business. And props to Arlopop, for the funniest comment ever. Check out the comments on my last post. I tried and tried to come up with a decent response but failed. Although I guess the moniker fell right into place, didn't it?
Three! Three parts that have nothing to do with each other! Why, you ask? Because I can!Part One: Flashback to 4.5 years ago ...I was diagnosed with AMA on the phone with the OB/GYN's receptionist.
She said, "I see you've been diagnosed with AMA."
I said, "What's that?!" (panic panic)
"Advanced maternal age."
"Oh."
I hung up and was thinking, "Really? You can diagnose that yourself? What did you use, a calculator?"
Part Two: Food pantriesI used to buy an extra item or two at Trader Joe's and have Boo put it in the food pantry bin. But in these tougher economic times, giving money directly to larger organizations makes the dollars stretch. Please consider donating through the Aidmatrix site. You can choose a food bank near you (I just scrolled through and saw Seattle, Boston, Northern Illinois, Baton Rouge, etc. etc.).My very very large corporate employer uses this site for their internal company donation efforts. It's definitely a real organization.Part Three: Trying to organize for the school yearFor both organizational tips and packing lunch tips, try Cindy's Porch! Scroll down to the "Goal #1 for August" section.
You may not know this, but it's very easy to return things to the grocery store. I don't do it that often, but it's amazing what reasons they'll accept and refund your money. That’s what the service counter is for.
Spoiled food that you are holding in front of them is Beginner Level Returns. I like to think that many years ago, when I successfully returned a $7 watermelon for which I had only the receipt in hand, was at least Advanced Intermediate Level.
I went downtown with the kids today. We took the train. Kids ride free all summer on Metra – did you know that? I didn’t. The conductor never came to collect my fare, either. So, that was free. Then N picked us up, since he worked a half day. We parked by Buckingham Fountain and ate the picnic I had packed. The meter was broken, so that was free. We drove to Navy Pier and parked. Went to the Children’s Museum, which is free for my company’s employees. We then went to the Shanghai Circus - Gold show, also free, through someone at N’s work (let me know if you want the info). Spent $6.50 on healthy snacks there (popcorn, cotton candy). Paid $16 on parking.
So, we saved:
$3 (train)
0.50 (parking meter)
$36 (Children’s Museum)
$75 (Shanghai Circus – Gold)
$114.50 TOTAL
And spent just over $20 for a lovely day downtown.
Like most hobbies, gardening will expand to consume all the time and money you wish to commit to it. Luckily, there are some easy ways to not spend the Last of the Grocery Money on this hobby. The time problem I can’t help you with.
Be a plant whore. Be sure to tell your friends and neighbors that you are interested in any “spare” plants that have popped up in unwanted areas. I scored a bottlebrush buckeye that way this weekend!
Check out neighborhood plant sales. Some gardening clubs have annual sales with excellent prices. They are often listed in the garage sale section of the local newspaper.
Try the big box stores. Menard’s, Home Depot, etc. Start from seed. I especially recommend this for the easier veggies (like cukes, squash, and beans) and herbs.
Cultivate patience, patience. Buy one hosta, wait several years, then viola! (heh) Two hostas!
If all else fails, with cover of darkness and a spade, you can save even more money. The neighbors probably won't even notice.
What if you had a refund due to you but didn't know it? I emailed six people last night to tell them they are listed in this registry (site for Illinois). I know, sad, isn't it. Clearly I need better hobbies.If you haven't lived in Illinois, try this missing money site. Each state should have its own site -- perhaps a little digging is in order? OK, fine, here's California. Aren't I helpful?When the money arrives, buy yourself a little something from Amazon, and don’t forget to click through from this site! Handy clickable ad, on the left. Proceeds help our local Easter Seals branch.
What lovely weather we are enjoying. It rained on top of the snow, then it sleeted. Now it’s snowing. In an interesting turn of events, several towns around here are out of road salt! And it’s coming down in cute fluffy buckets.
But it’s a beautiful, sunny day in my head … For the first time, Nea said she wanted to go potty! Woooo hooo!
Speaking of winter, here’s a handy link for parents and students: School closings in the Chicagoland area.
Another fab event today – N agreed to a “no-spend” rest of February! We have a few nights out planned already, and we’ll go ahead and enjoy them. But no purchases or eating out for the next 23 days, other than food and gas. We did just get a birthday party invitation today, but plenty in the gift closet for that birthday girl! And my coworker is having a baby, but I have a whole stack of new books saved up! It’s a whole library-palooza for Baby L.
Anyway. Back to my point. This means we should be able to pay down the home equity line faster, which is good, because the Home Depot zero percent financing doesn’t last forever. And if we don’t have to move that onto the home equity account … I mean, I love the new kitchen, but debt sucks, and I’m not used to paying any interest on any credit cards or any other revolving credit.
