Preparing for the stock market crash part 2. Saving eating out.

So the economy is once again showing signs of distress. The government is once again shut down and once again people who have interest in their own pocketbooks are deceiving older generation retirees that everything is fine. “It's just a correction” they say. Well when your 401k is worth half in 2019 as it was in 2018 and your social security checks are not coming because of another government shut down you can ask your trusted invester, is it still a correction? I'm pretty sure some trusted investors thought the 2008 crash was “just a correction” too.

In the meantime you probably should start looking towards ways to save.

Here is another segment on preparing for the next stock market crash.

How to save at restaurants and eating out.

I know. You probably should be eating at home and in general I completely agree. The problem is that sometimes the grocery store is actually more expensive than a fast food joint. It should be the other way around but it's not always true. Especially considering all the food waste we generate. Eating out smartly is not a bad thing plus when you just need a break from life you need to get out. So how do you do that without breaking the bank?

Let's start with fast food popular joints shall we.

The poor man's big Mac

Now this is not an exact match but you'll notice as I have this thing does taste somewhat like a big Mac. Doing some research I found that the big Mac has the exact same amount of meat as the mcdouble. The only difference is the sesame seed bun the extra piece of cheese special sauce lettuce and middle bun. I've heard you can request special sauce but try this. Ask for shredded lettuce extra pickles and mayo on your next mcdouble. It taste pretty dang close to the big mac and through the McDonald's app you can get it for a dollar. You can also get it on a single cheese burger or a double cheeseburger.

Whopper for a dollar.

Through the burger king app they do offer a coupon weekly for a dollar Whopper.

The crispy chicken sandwich is also offered at a buck once a week.

Whopper Jr w cheese no lettuce for a dollar.

Through the bk app. Order a cheese burger.

Remove mustard add mayo pickles onion tomato.

Whopper Jr with onion rings for 1 dollar.

Through the bk app order a rodeo burger remove the bbq sauce add lettuce tomato onions pickles mayo ketchup.

Double Whopper Jr with cheese for 1.69.

(Remember a reg Whopper Jr is 1.99)

Through the bk app order the double cheeseburger.

Remove mustard add pickles lettuce tomato onions mayo.

Panda Express.

Free entree with the purchase of a plate?

From a previous purchase or simply find a receipt fill out the survey write your code down. Let the employees know you have a code for a free entree.

Other fast food joints offer deals and specials. Some through coupons others through apps. These are just some that I know of.

But you want something better than McDonald's huh? You want to sit down and be waited on.

Some restaurants do coupons or promotions. At red Robin you can sign up for their customer club. My last visit I was able to get 50% off my check saving me nearly 25 bucks. Others like America's favorite, Denny's, have coupons from up to 20% off your check.

If you want more options try gift card resale sights such as raise or cardpool. Cardpool offers gift cards up to 35% off. With a good cash back card of 2% you can save a bit on your next outing.

Lastly one of my favorite ways to quickly save is through my Amazon credit card. With 5% cash back on all Amazon purchases I can order an emailed gift card while dining and within 5 minutes I have a gift card ready to pay. 5% is not a whole lot but every bit helps when the economy is down.

Winter solstice. A time to let go.

Wow have I been busy.

So we decided to put in a new wood floor at the busiest time of year so I am a little late on my winter solstice post. This year to celebrate the darkest day of the year I have decided to try my hardest to forgive 2 selfish uncle's. One had made miraculous changes to the point of giving up smoking and going through the lds temple. He during a bit of drunken rage came to my house when my dad wasn't home and had an argument with my mom. I was the one who answered the door and let that monster in. He did return later and I again answered the door when my dad was home. He ran off before my dad got to the door. I honestly don't know if there was an end to the story but every family reunion and every get together we have had I have never forgotten how big of a ##$& he was. He was just diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer and I am tired of holding that grudge against him especially considering the changes he has made and the willingness of him and his wife adopting their grandchildren while their daughter is in prison.
K. You are forgiven.
Next uncle again was a drunk. He is a little bit harder to forgive because he died before I could have one last argument with him. The story is silly so I won't share it. I truly feel my uncle hated me because I was him as a kid. I shouldn't feel so bad because his own family got his rage one night which resulted in a divorce and his own family avoiding him. One day he was taken to jail for intoxication where he hung himself. I was sad to hear the news but still held those grudges against him. Again I am letting that go.
C. You are forgiven
The days are beginning to be brighter from this day forward.

Such a cheesy post? Then eat some crackers!

Halloween Rant

A quick Halloween rant.

Several years ago my wife and I set out with our 3 daughters to go trick or treating in our old town. Like we always do we would get our neighbors house first then head across the street to these duplexes. Typically we followed the unwritten rules. Looked for Halloween signs, porch light on before knocking for candy. This one experience sticks to me this very day as an annoyance how some can take advantage of holloween while others pay for the holiday.

If you didn't know candy, the stuff you ask for on Halloween, cost money. I'm sorry it's not free and the reason you get it for free is because some someone else paid for it. Chocolates especially are known to a bit more pricy.

So we start walking and my kids start knocking on doors. Our first 2 we're no answers. When we got to the third door on an older lady answered and she told us that she did not celebrate Halloween. I don't know why but this rubbed me the wrong way. I kept thinking she was in her late 60s early 70s and not once in those many years has she or her offspring celebrated Holloween? Obviously that was a lie. I don't think she ment to lie I think she probably wasn't feeling well or just didn't want to be bothered and that was the quickest way she could remove someone from her doorstep.

Later on that night I had to know if she was telling the truth. I looked over at her house when we are close to being done and saw two adults and at least two children running into the duplex in full costume. From what I gather they we're her relatives living with her and taking advantage of a totally free system. The house did in fact celebrate Holloween, from my calculations 4 out of 5 people did making it 80%. This was not the only house we went to and did similar things. At one house we saw every year a boy would ride off on his bike alone and not once did they answer the door.

Here's my tiff. If your not celebrating holloween that's fine. Turn off your lights save your money and don't carve a pumpkin. But if you have family living with you that do, BUY SOME FREEKIN CANDY!

Again with everything I do admit there may be circumstances that prevent someone from being home and if you simply want to go trick or treating with your kids, this is not directed to you.

One last thing. If you didn't know there is an age where you should stop trick or treating. It's around 12. Just saying.

Official Tithing rules (for myself)

Official Tithing rules for me and my family.

For me to reflect change or read to remind myself where I stand on as far as I am concerned and understand the concept of tithing.

Tithing:

Pay 10% of your total interest earned.

Or pay 1/10th of your income

Income definition:

money received, especially on a regular basis, for work or through investments.
"he has a nice home and an adequate income"
synonyms:    earnings, salary, pay, remuneration, wages, stipend; More

For those who don't know for years I was taught to pay tithing on my gross pay. My dad would say that social security and taxes were our responsibility. They were in fact a bill from your total income and since they were part of your total income the gross is where you pay your tithing. To which I reply, Dad you paid all these years on your gross pay. Are you paying on your social security checks your receiving? My dad has been paying social security for 45 years. If my dad paid tithing on all of his paychecks he has already paid tithing on 'x’ amount of dollars he put into social security, right? So if he were to pay tithing on his social security checks he would be paying double tithing. So to be fully tithed is not as it seems.

When I thought about it more deeply I came up with another question. Say a self employed painter and a company employed factory worker drive to work 30 miles away. The painter gets paid 200 dollars for the job. That's his gross pay. Does he pay on that 200 dollars? No. He has expenses that he should not include as income. Paint brushes, Paint, paint supplies, car payment, insurance, and gas are all expenses he deducts before finding his taxable or regular income. That thought brought up a question. Do regular company employed individuals have what I call tithing exempt expenses related to work that are part of working?. A painters fuel company vehicle and insurance are all tithing exempt. If the company employed person needs a vehicle to get to his job why wouldn't some of his expenses he needs be tithing exempt such as fuel or part of his insurance or car payment? If he drives his car 80% to work would he deduct 80% of his driving expenses including 80%of his payment or 80%of his insurance or car payment? If you somewhat agree with my logic, then what if he drives an expensive sports car?

For me I at the time felt that fuel that was used to get work and back home in my paid off 500 dollar car should be tithing exempt. Like a self employed painter I did have expenses related to work. My gas money was not going to my family, or personal recreation, it was going to my work. Also note at the time I did not tithing exempt any of my insurance.

The next and final thing i am going to write about  before I write my rules is a mortgage. Should it be tithing exempt? Obviously it is a personal purchase so the short answer is no. But then again are you not losing income on that personal investment?

If a person buys a investment property and rents it out he collects his rent minuses his expenses which includes the mortgage payment then pays his tithing off his net right? If his rent is 1200, he had no repairs, and his mortgage including insurance and taxes is 800 he would net 400. So does he pay 120 on the 1200 or 40 on his net? If your argument is a homeowners mortgage is not tithing exempt then what about a landlord? is his second “personal” purchase and investment home mortgage tithing exempt? Most lds real estate investors would argue yes they are not included as INCOME until he sells the property. Then why doesn't the same rule apply to your personal residence and mortgage. Essentially isn't your house an investment too?

In my opinion the problem with a house you live in and pay mortgage is that as long as you live in it you actually are losing income. Income you invest but don't see a return until you sell that property. Similar to a landlord except a landlord makes a profit until he sells, yet he doesn't see a profit on the mortgage payment until he sells. You don't know how much you actually earn until you sell your house. In fact you may lose all the earned income on that property through a down market and a job loss such as the previous owners of my first house. To further illistrate my argument and reasoning I have put together Excel sheets showing what happens when a homeowner pays tithing before paying his mortgage and then. Sell it 5 years later at a 30% increase

So for this example I'm using an interest and principal only Loan. Keep in mind most mortgages will have a escrow account that is for paying your house insurance and taxes. Comparing apples to apples do landlords consider those expenses tithing exempt or do they pay tithing on the escrow? Again after you sell your house you have to ask the question how much did I invest in this house verses how much did I make and again what was my actual interest earned or earned income that I need to pay tithing on.

Going back to the example.

Line 2 we have the original purchase and loan amount at an interest rate of 4.5% (line 3).

Our total amount we pay for princable and interest line 4. 45,601.80 line 5 is the total you would need to make if you chosed to pay tithing before paying your mortgage. For example. If I make 1000 dollars I would pay 100 dollars towards tithing and have 900 left over.The 900 dollars is a then called a tithed amount. If you were to pay a tithed amount toward your mortgage you would have to make a larger amount to pay tithing on. To figure out that number you would divide the tithed amount by 9 and then multiply it by 10 thus is how I came up with line 5, 50,668.66  if you were a pay tithing before mortgage person in 5 years you would pay 5066.87 (line 6)

Now if the house sells at a 30% profit after 5 years

(180,000, line 7) the payoff amount would be 136736.88 (line 8) after your expenses for selling the house (line 10-11) your total profit for your house would be 31763 (line 12) so after 5 years your total income earned off this house is line 12. Almost 19000 less than what you have paid tithing on all of these years. Now there are some who still knowingly pay tithing on that amount thinking that too is profit (line 13) in doing so they would pay 8243, when I argue they only earned line 12 meaning if you are a gross payer of tithing you overpaid 5067 (line 15) if your mortgage payment is tithed and you count line 12 also as income. If you figured line 12 not as income you overpayed 1890.55 (line 16)

This is why I argue that because you do not know how much you will profit when and if you sell your house the mortgage interest and princable should wait to be tithed until after you sell or fully pay off your house. If you pay off your house you should be tithed on the original purchase price of the house. For example my original purchase price for my current house is 280k. If that 280k would be tithed I would owe 28000. Right? WRONG!  252000 is tithed if you pay 28000. To be tithed on 280k you again divide by 9. 31,111.11. So pre-tithed would earn 311,111.11. if you were to later sell the house you would then deduct the profit from the original purchase price and other expenses and that entire number would be considered income.

Here is another Excel example of that.

This is NOT doctrine, just my opinions.

Last question is what about your escrow account? Do you pay tithing before or after your escrow account? I've made my case on principal andi nterest but what about taxes and insurance? Well for this question I ask it 2 ways. If you own a second property and are renting it do you count the taxes and insurance as income or not. If you don't then why shouldn't a homeowner living in his residence pay that. In the end your total price you put into the home does include property taxes insurance and even upgrades so again I will argue that there are actually 3 ways to be tithed on a home purchase.

#1 pay a full tithe on your income before your house payment. When you sell find out how much money you paid tithing on and how much you made off the house and account for overpayment for future income.

#2 Pay a full tithe on principal and interest only then after selling house account for actual profit and pay or adjust on future income for overpayment.

#3 The option I am going to use. Pay a full tithe after you pay your mortgage then after selling the house or paying it off account for how much tithing you owe after expenses.

Final reason and judgment for that argument a house like an investment house is an investment that does not produce income until after the investment is completely paid off or sold.

Now that I am done with my explanation of real estate and tithing here are my other rules.

The Durango and the Van payment will be 50% tithing exempt due to buisness use. If sold vehicle loss from original purchase price will calculated

The Cruze will be 100% Tithing exempt due to it being a buisness purchase for the time being.

All house upgrades needed again will be 100% tithing exempt. Tithing will be paid after the house is sold.

Lawncare and all other household expenses will be the percentage of square footage from the home office of the whole house currently around 12%.

All fuel at this time will be a flat 50% due to work related trips.

Question for the future. Because i have a home office do I add an additional 12 % because of th square footage percentage the office has.

And that's all I can think about. I will adjust and correct the rules over time as i pray and life changes.

Start thinking about Christmas

Let's go back to Christmas 2012 shall we. If I were to pick a Christmas that was the worst one of my life that would be it. First at all I'm not a great shopper. Especially when it comes to woman's apparel. Christmas shopping for me used to be ask my wife to make a list, set a budget ( back then it was around 100 dollars per person) she would then guide me where exactly that item on the list was in store then I would buy it. Funny how just the other day we were talking about past memories. I remember buying her a hair straightener for like 10 bucks because it was the only one in my budget. It probably only lasted 6 months but at the time it was the only thing we could afford.

On Christmas Eve 2012 my company decided instead of letting us have it off they would have meetings half the day then feed us lunch. I was a procrastinator as far as finishing my wife's Christmas gifts so I was planning on going to good ol Walmart and try to come up with a few last minute ideas for her. When we were finished snow had covered the ground in 4 inches of powder. Not only did I have to go to the store I had to drive 30 miles home in snowy conditions. When I got to the packed Walmart the only thing I could come up with was a cutting mat for her sewing activities and a gift card. When I was almost home my stomach started churning and I progressed slowly during the rest of of the night feeling worst till I felt I couldn't stay up any longer. I let my wife know how I was feeling and went to bed leaving her to finish wrapping and setting up Christmas for our 3 young girls.

I was only in bed for 5 minutes when my wife told me that sometimes I have to be a parent and push through. I don't feel she knew how sick I was. I hadn't thrown up yet and I had a headache where my pain was centered around my right Temple. I pushed through and soon after we were done my symptoms showed up and I was puking and feverish all night. The next morning my wife showed more sympathy with my situation. And we tried to make Christmas as good as we could. My wife got 5 gifts from me 4 of which she knew beforehand. I stayed in bed most of the day, we did no traveling, basically it sucked.

I had a conversation with my wife later on that year about that experience. What she told me made me reflect on my personal progress as a good husband. I realized I needed a lot of work. She let me know that she hasn't had a good Christmas for a while. Every Christmas was the same. She basically shopped for everyone including herself. Christmas had lost it's magic.

You know that Christmas song “Where are you Christmas” for a while I felt a personal connection to the words of that song. I too for quite a while felt Christmas was not the same. I even questioned if we could just skip Christmas gifts for ourselves so we could catch up on our finances. I dreaded having to shop. Every dollar I spent I worked hard for and it was painful to try to be a provider while providing very little, then to try to scrape up any leftover funds or credit we had to provide a reasonable Christmas.

Anyway, I think I'm moving off my main point so let me try to steer my writing towards my.

So Christmas 2013 was my favorite Christmas along with 2017. Christmas 2016 was the most expensive with the most toys and gifts. Yet it wasn't mine or my wife's favorite. I finally found through trial and error how to have a good Christmas.

First. I learned to think about Christmas early. I know we haven't finished halloween yet but as of today there are 10 Fridays till Christmas. When we are in the Christmas season you have less than 4 weeks when the turkey goes cold. I'm not saying put up your tree but at least start thinking and planning now. You may not have enough money or lack of items you feel you need. Planning now reduces stress and for me leaves room to feel and enjoy the Christmas season when it finally comes.

Second. Look for free items that can be given as gifts. Harbor freight tools is a great way to get free stuff with a purchase. If I was a 12 year old boy with an interest in tools, a voltmeter, multipurpose screwdriver, a set of screwdrivers, a flashlight, and a grabber would have been exciting to receive all that. All of which is free with a purchase

3rd. Set your expectations early. For us my wife and I sat down with our family and asked everyone what was their favorite Christmas, we realized gifts were not the main reason for a great Christmas experience. Last year we wanted a more simpler less expensive more meaningful Christmas, as a family we set our expectations and goals. We wanted more activities such as visiting Temple square or going to local events and we actually decided we wanted LESS PRESENTS. Not including St Nicks presents, All of us get 4 gifts. Something you WEAR, something to READ, something you WANT, and something you NEED.

now as far as me and my wife would obviously give each other a few more gifts if we find something we know we want to give but my girls don't expect the world and we noticed their gratitude and Christmas spirit has grown.

4th here's a husband to wife gift secret. Find the local pop up boutiques and find something unique. It's a girls territory but what I have found they are more than willing to help. Get pictures of your wife's shoes jewelry and her clothes and let them help you find something. My wife was excited when I gave her homemade soap and a necklace from a boutique. It helps them and you also get a great deal.

5th write a list. Stop guessing what the other spouse wants. With our 4-5 gift limit, our family takes.their time on what the need and want. Last year I had very little I needed it wanted maybe that's why it was so great.

6th. Declutter, sell, give. Decluttering makes room for your new gifts plus you breath easier when you have less. Selling old items you don't use helps with the decluttering and increased your budget for Christmas. Give to those in need. Again I always caution to do your research before giving. There are a lot of crappy non profits out there where people make a decent living off of your generosity. I personally look for a more personal approach. Now we have Facebook groups that do all the work non profits do for free.

7th. Watch the minimalist documentary for perspective. Stuff doesn't bring you happiness.

I think i'll end there. Again keep it simple, start now, have fun and research your options.

Preparing for the next stock market crash #1

So, the market has just recently showed some weaknesses, which again has happened over and over again. Life is that way. We have our ups and our downs. What matters most is what we learn from our down times. Do we make the exact same mistakes we did last time we were at our highest and the market or job loss related to the market made us realize some big and regretful decisions.

I have learned alot from the last market crash. First of all I have learned to ask for help. Like I have written in the past, one thing that I learned through my research it doesn't matter what life you had before the crash, all and I mean ALL income levels have asked for help. Now I do wish my church would teach more financial instructions to those members who are asking for a mortgage payment for a more than 300k house here in Utah, or members who don't realize that 500 dollar car payment could of went to food they got at the bishops storehouse. My argument at one time was I didn't buy a 2000 dollar car so I could support you with fast offering payments while you drive your 30k car. 28k would buy ALOT of food.

Second, I learned to protect my cars. I have never been at risk of being repoed but I have seen my fair share of repos. You do a search on Facebook, somebody somewhere either just got their car repoed or witnessed someone's car being repoed. When the market is down, repos are on the rise in all income levels as well. Which is crazy to me! Why are the wealthy not paying off their cars?? I'll let you know. They are actually not wealthy! They have become artificially wealthy through loans and a balooned stock market.

This YouTube is a great example of that.

https://youtu.be/aZaApVuvUMw

When it crashes they crash too. To protect your cars either A have it paid off. B. Have a manageable loan at around 5k or c. When you feel the market is tanking or your soon to lose your job, put your car loan on a credit card. Can't repo a car on a credit card.

3rd I learned I need to chose a side. Do I chose to hand out or to receive the handout. Am I on the wealthy side or the poor side. Last time I thought I was alright. I donated to food banks/charities all the while I struggled with rent medical bills food. I even donated plasma to cover formula. There were people in million dollar homes getting food and mortgage help while I was struggling. I was obviously in need but didn't get it because of my pride. This time I'm choosing a side! Here is a quick questionair on what side you should be on in case you are confused like I was.

Do you own your house meaning no mortgage payment?

Do you have things in value over an average years salary including bank accounts cash real estate?

Are you struggling to make your mortgage payment?

Is your mortgage more than 300k?

Are you married WITHOUT children?

If you answered no to all four. You might be poor

Chose help to help your independence. Stop donating to people who don't need help instead they need a lifestyle change.

Number 4. Not to beat a dead horse but be careful if you choose to help those in need. Again ALL income levels ask for help when the market crashes. How would you feel if you donated food to the food bank? Good right? Well that food you donated just went to a family who within the last year went to the lake 4 times with their boat, had two nice vacations one to Hawaii one on a cruise at a total value of 15000 dollars, for the last 3 years have had car boat and truck payments totaling 1250(1500 if you include insurance, all 3 are about to be repoed), and to top it all off, they have lived in a house worth 3TIMES your house. Do you still feel good? This absolutely does happen.
I wrote about one experience here.
http://viscarjones.blogspot.com/2015/01/sometimes-it-falls-right-into-your-lap.html?m=1
And a follow up here
http://viscarjones.blogspot.com/2015/07/some-times-it-falls-into-your-lap-part2.html?m=1
At the time I wrote that my house was worth about 130k. So at 450k they had more than 3 times my house. They had plans to sell and move to a trailer park until something happened? Due to the bishop comments on the second post I assume they got help with their mortgage? Again and again I here "bishops are to help sustain life not lifestyle" I call b.s. here. If their house was saved, their lifestyle was saved.
And I'm done. More to come on surviving the next crash. It will come. Will you be ready?

The one issue I have with the LDS church that I may go inactive over.

(No its nothing political)
So I have another rant I would like to share. I have had a calling in the primary  for the last 2-3 years. Prior to that I was an instructor in the elders quarom for like 6 months prior to that I was a pianist in the primary for 2 years. In my ward prior to that I was also in the primary. In our current ward I have been keeping my Tallent hidden although a few people  including  our previous bishop does know I play. Trust me I would enjoy playing again but there is alot of Tallent in our ward and I have sat back for now. Lately we have had alot of new ward members which has put a strain on the primary workers. So to try to relieve some of this strain the primary president is trying to get more primary workers. My wife and I look at our calling as a sacred responsibility. We could use help but we feel we are strong enough to withstand our small trial while blessings surely have been pouring in.
I'm slowly getting to my point but first a little background.
My wife was a secretary in the primary presidency so she knows a little about how the primary president gets ward members called. There are a few rules. Typically with rare exceptions such as presidency changes primary is not allowed to call people who have a calling in a different organization. If a person has a calling as a counselor in the young woman primary cannot ask them to come and have a calling in the primary, however, the young woman presidency can ask for a teacher to a calling of their choice. This can be stressful for a primary president because she can lose a good teacher and be limited on who she can call as a teacher and to make it harder she needs 2 teachers per classroom.
This brings me to my point. Lately in our ward we've been over hearing and .seeing that the primary president has been inspired to call on individuals to serve callings within the primary. These individuals (who I don't know) have been rejecting these callings and I have to ask
Why??
Now I can come up with a couple of reasons but with some of these reasons comes a form of dishonesty and quite frankly laziness.
My wife once sent me an article on what the commandments mean and what we as members write our own meanings of the commandments.

In it the author is saying that although a commandment means one thing we try and one up the lord and with our own versions of the commandments. We try to live the gospel and be perfect in other people's standard when it is not the lords standard. At one point the Author talk talks about his Wife and how she felt she should not turn down a calling but in the end it started to take a toll on her to the point it started to cause marital and depression problems.

She had a newborn, a calling as a primary president among other callings that were taking a toll on her marriage and overall happiness. In the end she asked to be released and is sharing her thoughts on her experience.
This brings me to reason #1 why I think people are rejecting primary callings.
Members are reading this article and misinterpreting what the authors message is as in I don't feel like being a primary teacher so because of this article I can reject that calling. May I point out a few things in the article. First of all she points out my main compliant. Primary presidents are not getting enough help. It's obvious that one of the reasons she struggled with her callings was because she probably continued to have people rejecting callings she was sending out that would have brought relief to her calling. So this article could be having an adverse effect in which a person is rejecting a calling they can mentally and physically handle but due to laziness and maybe even dishonesty they convince themselves they cannot do it which creates a circle of stress back onto another primary president when they ultimately could of had a different attitude and brought relief. I'm not saying don't ever reject a calling. There was at least one calling that I should have rejected. I was working alot and my bishop wanted me to be a scout leader. I attempted it but found out I just couldn't make the meetings. It was also taking a toll on our marriage as I was hardly seeing my wife. I was released 2 months later.
My#2 reason I think people are rejecting primary callings.

They are holding out for a better calling. One they have not had or a calling they have had but really enjoyed. I remember watching an anti church video once of a member saying she left the church because she was released from her calling as a nursery leader. At least that's what I got out of it. I wouldn't doubt there are members who have had callings in certain organization (such as young womans) and have enjoyed them so much they are refusing other callings so they can return to a calling they enjoyed. The problem with this approach and others as well is that you could potentially robbing someone else of a calling they have not had or a calling they would have had. If sister A was going to be offered a calling in the young womans a calling she has never had and sister B was planned on being called to primary a calling she has never had, if Sister B were to be called in first and reject the calling to primary the Bishop could end up offering it to Sister A who has had a calling in primary a calling she is willing to do but had always wanted the other calling in young womans . Unknown to her sister B got the calling in young womans. I honestly have no proof that has ever happened but I do know people who continue to get callings in the same organizations over and over.
My wife's sister was called into YW in 2014. In 2017 she was released. Now she's still in YW at a stake level. I believe she was also in YW in a prior ward.
My last reason doesn't necessarily have to do with rejecting a calling but basically who you know and who knows you. In my last ward I ranted that there was some financial segregation going on and that 75%of the more higher or coveted callings were members who lived in this brand new gated community.
I wrote about it here
http://viscarjones.blogspot.com/2016/04/went-to-church-today.html?m=1
And here.
http://viscarjones.blogspot.com/2016/04/financial-segregation-within-church.html?m=1

Meaning the bishopric were all living there. The YW presidency 3 of the 4 presidency and I believe 2 of the 3 advisors live there
 The presidents of these organizations were being called and simply knocking on their neighbors or friends doors and asking them if they would accept a calling in their organization.
In closing my rant this is what I think can be done to help aleviate my 1st complaint, primary presidents are not getting enough help and what to do pertaining to my second complaint. Members continually getting called to the same organization.
1st I'm suggesting that there are questions that are not invasive and can be asked. What are the persons previous callings and what organizations have they not been called to?
"Sister A, we have a calling in mind we would like you to accept but would like to ask you, what callings have you had?" Sister A responds." Well I have been in relief society as a teacher and a counselor, I have also worked in the primary as a secretary and a teacher, and have been on activity days and activity committee". The Bishop then asks,"is there any calling you have rejected?" Sister A responds, "no, I think I may have asked to not be called to the activity committee." The Bishop looks over his notes and asks, " I see you have not been in the Young Womans organization. Would this be a calling you would like to have? Sister A responds that she has always wanted a calling in Young womans ever since she left it. She has always accepted callings in other organizations because she felt she was needed their.

"Sister B We have a calling in mind  we would like you to accept but would like to ask you what callings have you had in the past? Sister B responds, "Well I have been on the activity committee Young Womans counselor and advisor" The Bishop takes note then ask, "have you ever rejected a calling for any reason?"  "Yes", she says, "I have been asked to be a primary teacher and a counselor in the primary, I felt due to my circumstances at the time that I couldn't handle them." "Would you be willing to be a primary teacher?" The Bishop asks. Hesitantly she says I guess The Bishop then explains to her "the primary in our ward has been desperate for help. We're also finding out that out of all the organization that the woman get called to, primary has been the most rejected while young womans has been the most accepted calling."Unfortunately as a consequence members are continually getting callings in the same organization when they should enjoy the blessings that other organizations can provide. We would like to extend a calling of a teacher to you and your husband.
It might be that simple.

My last and final thought on this is that the church has been getting way too many young married couples into young men's and young womans when they should at least try to get the younger married young kid couples to be in primary first. I only say this because so many wards have missed an opportunity for my wife and I to serve at a younger age. Here we are 10 years older than some of the members who are being called to callings we have wanted during the past 10 years.

Anyway, that finishes my rant.

.The primary needs more help
.Members need to stop rejecting callings to hold out for callings they want
. The church could find out what members are not getting callings to that they have wanted.
I've giving it till 2019. I myself may go inactive if my wife doesn't receive a calling she has not had. I've been in primary for the last 8-9 years off and on. I need something different.

Is Utah going to have an exodus?

So I have had several predictions in the past that were not written down that came true. I too felt the 2008 crash was going to happen long before it did. I even e-mailed my brother and warned him that housing prices were going to fall. My brother went ahead with his purchase and had to take a loss on his rental property for more than a year. I've also wrote down on this blog that I felt my life was going to have some drastic good changes. Soon after we moved into a bigger house closer to family. Well guys my prediction senses are tingling and this time I am writing them down in case they become true.

Herethey are,

Utah will soon experience a large exodus causing real estate in some parts of the state to reduce in value as much as 50 percent.
Why?
Quite simply the answer is homesickness
People who have moved here within the last 5 years are going to want to go back home. They miss their old life. Sure they like Utah but it simply comes down to roots. They miss their old friends, surroundings and again are ready for change. What happens next will be an unpredictable domino effect. There will be a surplus of rentals forcing landlords to sell their homes at the same time this is going on
Baby boomers and 2nd homeowners are going to be wanting to get rid of their second homes. Some will be downsizing while others cashing out for retirement. A sudden surplus of homes will sink real estate to as much a 50 % in the higher end or more coveted areas such as Park City and surrounding towns.
So if my prediction were to come true it's best to sell right now if you were planning on a nice profit from your investment.

Feeling down....Again AND Asking for to be released from financial bondage.

I like starting my post with the word 'so' I don't know why but I feel more connected to my feelings when I do. Like I'm actually starting a conservation with someone who will at least read my words that I can write without judgement.

Thus is why I have this blog.

So I work for Uber and Lyft here in Utah. I have for the past year after I realized our income was slipping. We were Making about 6 grand a month. Due to changes within my wifes company, our income was reduced all the way down to less than 2 grand a month. With some budgeting skills savings and Credit card juggling I was able to keep the lights on kids fed and even replace both vehicles. With both incomes we probably now average 4500 a month. That basically gives us a frugal life with no frills except for the occasional Disneyland trip which happens once every 2 years.  Even then it's tightly budgeted. Unfortunately there are days like today where I am trying to bring in a small amount of income while selling my car mileage to Uber and Lyft. As of right now while writing I'm down 2 dollars. I still haven't made back my cost for the day.
While I am here wishing I was on vacation here in this beautiful Park City Utah, I got a ride request that was cancelled 4 times. I decided to see if there was any chance I could look up this person on Facebook. I found a name that matched, with a million to 1 odd of actually being that person, and I clicked on their profile. Wow what a life they have already had. Japan, Bahamas, somewhere with a beach, France. You name it they have probably been there. I have passengers in my car who talk about their adventures. Hiking in the himalayas, Going to Taiwan. Surfing Cabo, Jamaica South America, while I have basically went to Disneyland, on a work related cruise, and raised 4 beautiful daughters. In the last 12 years a marriage my wife and I have been together neither one of us has had a passport.  Yes know the value of life is not what you own, but at times I would like to at least provide a few dreams for my wife and my girls. Currently I have created another blog to write about my preperations of a surprise honeymoon but then again who knows when that will happen.

So because I am down on my luck but forever will hold onto my dreams I am again going to ask a question that is simple to solve to me but may be complicated to anyone reading this.

Here it goes.

 Is there anyone out there who would like to make a real difference in someones life, Particularly my life. A life changng destiny altering universal dynamic change that would not happen unless you, the right reader decided to say yes instead of no.

To an independent wealthy reader,
WOULD you be willing to wipe out my BIGGEST debt, MY MORTGAGE?

Which currently sits at around 263000

"How dare you ask that", some might say.

"Get a job and pay for it yourself " is something I myself would say to someone who would be asking the same question!

I have a job, I'm an entrepreneur and am self employed along side my wife

"Nothing is for free"

Don't I know that...

I have had minuscule help from family, no help from church almost or over 100000 dollars in medical or related expenses with again no help from my church no help from my family and no government help. Some of that money was interest on top of all I owed.

I know there are so many organizations
That could benifit from such a generous offer but I do argue how far does it really go? If you were to donate to a hospital the money would be used up within a month, If you were to donate to me our legacy and experiment is for a lifetime. The buck doesn't stop with me it would go through me.

I will pay it forward.

Do I really think this is possible?

I wouldn't write it down if I didn't believe it was.
"Nothing is impossible, the word itself says 'I'm Possible'!  (Audry Hepburn)

If by chance a donor is out there what is the next step. Both of us want to make sure that one party is not taking advantage of the other party right?

Here are my thoughts and suggestions.

1.All payments go directly to my mortgage company. There are physical locations account numbers and you can't pay more than is owed. I feel that is most safe way.

2. 15k can be given as gifts per individual and 30k per married couple. We have 6 in my family which means 90k-180k can be given tax free. From what I have read this includes paying someone else's bills.

Again I know this is far out there and the probability is so low to have a stranger pay for a house. I don't need it. I can be honest. I'm responsible in my financial life. I have a credit score of around 720 with over 12 years of credit history. It's not the best but it does show I'm responsible. I just know that being free from my mortgage lender us an uphill battle for the next 28 years.

My motto when donating money is,

If It Feels Right Do it. If It Doesn't Don't

Anyway

Have a good Weekend guys.

Update, anniversary post , progress report

I try to have an anniversary post every year but lately I've been finding it hard once again to gather my thoughts. So I've decided to have an anniversary and an update on how I am doing physically financially and overall well being.
More than a dozen times I have expressed why this blog was created and what it's purpose was and still is. Five years ago I was struggling financially. My income dropped due to pay changes at work. I started to feel the effects of being a dad to 3 girls and barely being able to provide for them. I couldn't figure out how I would work 50 hours a week donate plasma and still barely having enough funds to pay the necessary bills. Our credit cards were maxed my income had dropped and soon after we had to ask our mortgage company for help. They refinanced our home through the HUD program which ended up ruining our credit. Soon after that we found ourselves in dire need of a second car with no money and no credit due to the transmission failing.

I'll never forget the look of hopelessness and anger on my wife's face when we heared the news that we were not going to be able to get a loan for a car we desperately needed. Without saying much she asked for my credit cards and cut them up it was to say the least a very trying time in our marriage and our lives.

During these trials I wanted to find answers to why I was constantly struggling and what I could do to improve my situation and I also wanted to know answers to a simple question, why? My question to the universe to karma to God was why me? When i did things right by working hard and staying away from governement and church assistance programs, Why did I have to struggle and forgo vacations wants or even a honeymoon?? And for so long. I still to this day 11 years of marriage have not had a proper honeymoon and I will not stop writing or expressing my feelings of disappointment until I get that, plus 9 other things.
Anyway
 I spent over 2 years reading blogs newspapers and studying what people were doing that I wasn't and things we had in common and I found out a few things I can change and have even adjusted some strong feelings I have had over the years. I basically had free therapy sessions through writing on my blog that narrowed down what are my problems and how do I resolve them. This is what I have found so far.

#1 life is not fair yet there are cards that play in your favor. USE THEM.
If you have never played this card game I suggest you do. It's called Scum Bum. The object of the game is to become President . A Bum with a lucky hand can do that but it's more difficult because the President and vice President have an upper advantage. They get the scum and bums best cards while they give them their worst cards. Thus is life. Yet, it doesn't have to be that way. Now I have just recently changed one of my positions and it is partially due to writing this blog. In certain circumstances where you are working hard have developed independant practices not spending your money profusely and lavishly AND do NOT have a season pass to a disney theme park local theme park or ski resort.... do, I repeat do look for programs wether government or not that will help you get ahead. There I said it my mind has been changed from absolutely not to with some discretion do use them ONLY if they will help you work hard and get out of poverty. I have so far applied for 2 government programs and have been approved for both. The HEAT and school lunch program have saved me over 60 a month and i received nearly 400 dollars in aid for my 2 energy bills! The main reason why I did this? My property taxes went up over 500 causing my mortgage to be increased by nearly 100 bucks! Forcing me to find ways to pay my bills. Now due to the government getting more of my hard earned dollars, I have lately been taking more. Not in retaliation but in simple survival. These actions of mine have actually led to more savings and helped me become more independant. I know this is lengthy but I'll explain why I decided to try a few programs and why you should not (again with certain discretions) feel bad about utilizing good cards when the game is stacked against you.
It may be shocking (or not) but rich people including billionaires rely on government assistance. Take the late John Huntsman Sr
(awesome guy awesome legacy) who in 2013 after the government shut down called Utah Senator Mike Lee "an embarrassments to Utah" later on we find out that one of the reasons why he expressed a strong opinion is because his cancer research center lost several million dollars because of a government. that is in extreme debt shut down.

Now, simple question. Regardless of the level of importance this money has, is this not an example of a reliance on the government from a billionaire. It is for the good of the public but this paragraph above is proof that rich people DO rely on government assistance and/or tax breaks.

Other places  that you wouldn't think of that do rely on government assistance 

*Disneyland! 

*Disneyworld!

Not directly but DO rely on government programs. How? Let me put it this way. Go to either theme park and look around. I almost guarantee you that at least 60% of those around you have used or are currently on food stamps or medicaid or low income housing. Thus saving money in one area of their finances and creating an excess of available credit, or rarely, actual funds, thus allowing them to buy season passes plane tickets you name it.

Other reasons to seek assistance. (Again to further your independance)

*Baby formula is expensive due to government interference. The government pays around 4 dollars a can for wic recipient's who get them free while the rest of us pay the full unaffordable price of 18 dollars a can. P.S. where do some of those cans go when recipients don't use them? 

They are for sale on Craigslist or the local classifieds like this.

Normal people do not buy 9 cans of formula at 18 dollars a piece. They don't. This person is selling formula that you paid for and making a profit. So again the cards are stacked against you. I've changed my position. Honorably accept and use honesty when using the program. She should be donating not selling

*Your landlord gets tax credits from your rent that you don't get. I'm pretty sure you know how rent works. Your landlord is in debt to a mortgage company and you are renting from your landlord. He pays 500 a month for your unit but charges you 1000. he pockets 500 as income and his real estate increases in value. At the end of the year he writes off all interest that you paid for and becomes richer. Why? Again another government program that the rich take advantage of. 

Moving on

#2. There are 3 expenses in life that people pay way too much for. If you can control and recognize where these expenses are even hidden you can capitalize on your own growth. The 3 expenses are Real estate, Insurance and Car loans. 

Let me disect those for you.

*car loans: one of the worst investment you can make is by buying a brand new car. How bad is it? The car you just bought for 41 Grand plus and additional 3k in upgrades (like you really need that paint coating)  will be worth 5-7 GRAND  after driving it off the lot.

 How?....

 Well let's take a look shall we. Ater you look at the sticker price of 41k the sales guy says he can knock off 2 grand he then convinces you you need a few upgrades so you add an additional 3 grand in upgrades so the full price is 42k. At signing you realize uncle Sam and your state want their cut of the Sale so if your in a state like California you pay an additional 3150 in TAXES! making the whole car purchase 45150 (wait wasn't the negotiated price 39K)

Oh and you thought we were done LOL!

Now you need registration and plates 

An additional 450 bucks 

So you drive off the lot with a 45 Thousand 6 Hundred Dollar Loan.

And your cars worth.

Probably around 38.5

Which means you lost 7100 dollars in Value in one day after driving it off the lot!

Again were not done.

That loan over 6 years because let's face it no one can do 5 year loan anymore in fact after googleng average car loan length I came up with this.

25% of new car loans are so unaffordable the financial companies had to lengthen the terms of the loan!

Again for this example we will go ahead and use 72 months as an example.

So..

Over the life of a 45,600 dollar loan at 3 % on a 72 month term you are going to pay approximately 4104 in interest. Your payments will be 690.33 and your insurance payment will probably be around 160sh. The day you pay that car off and it's worth less than half of what you paid for it you will have spent 61,224 dollars total.

8746.29 a year!!

*Real estate It's in EVERYTHING we buy!

You may not realize it but you pay for alot of real estate you will never own. The cost of buildings are in your clothes your food your interest on your car loan your car your taxes your insurance ect ect ect.......

And then you buy your own piece of the American dream and end up paying 8-10 grand or more a year in interest.

There's not alot a person can do but one thing I do to help cut the amount I give to a buisness rent payment is to always shop around. Check online stores who have better deals then actual physical stores.

Let me give you an example 

At Walmart there was a certain product I wanted and I bought it. Walmart is normally known for lower prices but not this time. I used an app to scan the product and found out it was 25% cheaper online. So I returned the item and bought it online.

I paid less with amazon because they have less real estate cost associated with their goods

I also paid less in taxes. I have already saved the government on programs I never used and paid plenty in taxes. They don't need more if my income. 

Lastly insurance is in EVERYTHING we buy too. Thanks to obamacare we have higher grocery bills higher energy bills and higher medical bills. Businesses now have to provide healthcare to their employees and they pass those cost onto you. You pay more because your actually paying for their medical and Insurance cost. To top it of you pay your own high price insurance which includes health, car, and house. 

There are a few options to consider if you want to try and get your car and house insurance cost lower. 1st, always always always shop around. Every YEAR. We have what's called a FREE market. You will get robbed if you don't keep your insurance agent on his feet I don't care if your agent is your bishop pastor or best friend. Your eventually going to be higher premiums. There are also several lesser known insurance companies that offer insurance at a much lower cost than there competitors.  How? Remember how I talked about how certain cost sneak into everything you buy including real estate you never own or health insurance you don't benifit from

Like Geico

Or Progressive

These are just one of hundreds of buildings they lease or own. The cost of maintaining and purchasing coming from selling you an insurance plan. Thus is why it is less expensive to go with lesser known insurance companies because. Duh duh duh.. duh....... they don't have real estate costs to pass onto you.

 I think I have covered all of my life tips I've learned so far. Moving on to my personal progress where I am at and where I want to end up.

I once wrote a post Titled 131829. That was my entire debt. It was an update and progress report that I use to do. I have some unfortunate news. My debt now is much larger more than double, BUT! I may be able to argue that I pay less on insuranse and interest and also earn around 80 to 100 a month off of my debts which makes them alot less (thinking of a word) uhm straining(?) than before.

My total estimated debt as of today is 296 thousand dollars. Which includes 1 mortgage @ 265k NO Medical! and 31k in credit card debt. Again it may be shocking but I currently make 80 to 100 bucks a month off of my credit card debt and pay NO interest! Again NO INTEREST . Need proof?

Bam!

Ta da

This one (above) has over 700 dollars again no interest 

This one currently has over 5800 on it. I consider it one of 2 car loans.

Cash back equaling 39.74 in one month. I cashed out 20.46 the previous month as shown above.

99.19, again in 1 month

7.16 every bit helps.

20.46 after cashing out 45.80 the previous month

And total cash back on just one of 7 cards I currently use to maximize my cash back earnings. I have had this card for just over a year and a half. It currently averages 94 dollars a month! This blog is partially to blame for all this. In my other financial health news. I have around 23k in all of my accounts. And my net worth is probably somewhere in the ballpark of 50k so not bad and not so good. I do need improvement but hey, I'm not paying interest on all of my credit card debt.

The last thing I wanted to mention was an update on my blog ransom.

If you don't know I have agreed to myself that this blog will be deleted if all of my Ransom requirements are met. 

Guess what!?

Several have been done including some not mentioned!

From most important to least important 

1. Go on an actual Honeymoon. Sadly still not done. With kids you run into finding a babysitter and emotions of not wanting to leave them. At least I do. I have been able to get away with my wife but we still don't accept those as a honeymoon. The honeymoon has to be somewhere more adventurous. A cruise, a trip to hawaii or cancun. Somewhere out of the country. It also has to be at least 5 nights. Plane tickets with window seats and no sickness or pain!! I say that because our last trip we went on I was in extreme pain up until we were on our flight when my eardrum finally ruptured mid flight releasing and ending nearly 6 WEEKS of pain. Also my wife on our wedding day was sick. We had to go to a wal greens before heading to our hotel.

2. A cruise. I have writhen several times my envy for those of you who have experienced this. I do have an announcement I have been on a cruise a full week with my wife! So this is done!

So why is this not considered a honeymoon? First of all it was work related. I don't want anyone except me and my wife on our honeymoon. I was also in pain up until the plane ride.

3. Go to a MOTAB christmas concert. Again after 10 times trying I finally got to go to a concert. It was awesome. To top off this fun date with my wife we stayed at the anniversary inn. Another goal that I have had along time checked off my Bucket list.

4. No medical bills. I feel as though I have been at a disadvantage on this one. I hano knowledge to programs or ideas on how to control medical cost. No one told me about government programs. Not one bishop came up to me and asked me if I needed help. I have spent over 70 THOUSAND dollars on medical related expenses that's absolutely rediculous.  One good thing that has come out of this trial is I am more aware. I do add more playing cards of knowledge to my deck so that of I'm stuCK in a medical situation, I have options. As of right now, I do not have any medical bills. So check this off the list.

5. A getaway place. Preferably a cabin but a camping spot I own would work maybe a timeshare, somewhere I can escape lifes troubles and just relax in a quiet and peaceful setting.

6. Debt Free. This does not include the house but would be nice if the house was paid off too. Last year I was debt free. Due to some income changes and unfortunate events I have been tackin on interest free debt. I hope to be debt free someday.

7. 4 one week Vacations in 1 year.  I believe I have hit 3. my income has gone up and my freedom is alot better. This one can be done.

8. A house of envy. Done. I do have a nice house and people do envy it.

9. An affordable house payment. I am currently mining ideas on how to lower my mortgage. An affordable house to me right now is less than one thousand. Right now I pay over 1600 a month. Thankfully I am not struggling but what a difference 600 dollars would make. That is 7200 a year in savings.

10 and lastly a trip to Hawaii or Alaska. I will take either one. And that's just for the heck of it.

I do have one more I would like to add. I have been having dental issues for nearly 4 years now. I have slowly progressed to 3 teeth now that are partally missing and in pain. So I am adding to my list a one time entry that all dental work be up to date before I delete this blog .

I think I will end there. I would write more often but it seems as though I have been taking more time to write. Time i don't have. This blog post started almost 4 weeks ago and has taking me a total of 8 hours to complete. I may be doing it for one random reader and myself but I still learn while I write and I find healing in writing so it's been very beneficial to me.