Friday, July 1, 2011

Friday 7/1/2011

Friday

I have read more forecasts about what the temp is going to be tomorrow that contradict each other - but - in the end? It's just going to be plain hot. The predicted high temp forecasts range from 114 to 120.

There IS one odd thing going on this summer. On the days when we've hit 115/116, the electric usage wasn't as much as I would have expected, considering previous years. I know the cost of electricity hasn't gone DOWN - at ALL.

Therefore, the only logical conclusion is tenants. Whoever was doing whatever in their room, using whatever electrical powered device. Slightly maddening. Yesterday, it got up to 114, but only used $11 worth of electricity. That would have cost more like $15 or 16 during 2 previous years. How do I deal with people using too much electricity when I don't even know what they are doing?

"Millions" of workers are tapping into their 401k's for loans or, if losing their job, cashing them out completely in order to pay bills. Was just reading that.

I have 2 of those loans going. One of them is down to $325 owed, the other is something like $800. The experts, of course, advise against borrowing against your 401k for any reason. I can only say when your back is against the wall and you have no other options, you are going to do what you have to do. Unfortunately, that probably also means paying for it somewhere down the line, even if well down the line.

But, I have read enough of this stuff to cause me to take some action. I raised the amount being taken out. I am considering automatic withdrawal of an additional 2% going into a savings account versus it all going into 401k.

Haven't really made my mind up on that one, but if things keep going the way they have been for the last several weeks, my paychecks will be a bit bigger - by about $100 to $150. Or, possibly, use the raise that I am getting in August to go directly to savings instead of into a checking account. It's only $80 per month, which I could live without since I am living without it now, anyway, and just have it going into savings instead.

Well, I have a mind ful of stuff going on right now, but, it's time to get to work.

G'day.

ben

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