When Marriage and Money Just Don’t Add Up

Guest post by  Margaret Cook


Saving money by spending less is a common first strategy. Once people realize how hard that is, they often turn to ideas for generating more income. Very few ideas are instant income assurance, but almost every income generating solution requires initial expenditures.
If you are working to reduce debt and you are considering starting a business of any kind, create a specific plan of what you will need to spend in starting your business. Be practical and realistic. When your financial worries abound, errors in planning and decision-making increase.
Married couples often have added stress making financial decisions. Money can become an emotionally charged flash point in the relationship. Starting a business before both partners have learned how to work through financial decision-making and being able to work well together to meet a financial goal can be a recipe for disaster.
Follow these tips for handling finances in your relationship:
1. Learn about the values, ideas and experiences each of you bring to any financial conversation and decision (saver vs. spender, competitive vs. passive, fearful vs. idealistic, etc.) These are not excuses to defend. Understanding your experiences will let you make any changes you need to make for the collaboration that financial success requires.
2. Identify a regular time to work together on financial decisions and work. It may start as a weekly financial meeting and it may be able to move to every other week/once a month when things are going well financially.
3. Read and learn about how to make good financial decisions. Read reputable resources on the internet and/or use the many downloadable tools for budgeting and finances.
4. Accept responsibility for the financial decisions that contributed to the problems you are working to solve. Accepting responsibility allows you to make changes and become active in the solution.
5. Learn to handle the checkbook more as “math” than mood. Make sound financial decisions – even on small purchases that are consistent with the agreed budget and remember to “do the math” often enough that everyone knows where you stand on the balances and meeting the budget.
If you are considering starting a business to create additional income, consider using a guide to help you create a realistic plan. Many of my clients found the information in The Jump-Start Guide… helps them create a realistic budget. It keeps them from underestimating expenses and inflating the expectation of income. I developed the material in the book over the last twenty years of counseling and career/business coaching.
Margaret Cook
Author of The Jump-Start Guide for a Start-Up Online Business


Article © 2012 Margaret Cook. All rights reserved. Printed by permission for blog.wisdomSteps101.com.




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Travel Desires and Dreams Can't Dash my Will

by Kevin "Prince of Thrift" Surbaugh   
      Since moving to Texas, it hasn't been easy. There is no question, I took a pay cut when I moved here. Which means it has been harder to stay up on the bills, that coupled with my wife's medical bills as made things a struggle at times.  That said, no matter what I believe God has a greater good in mind, though we may not see it at the moment. 
Sure it is disappointing, that I was unable to return to Kansas for my 25th high school reunion yesterday. Sure it can be discouraging at times, when it seems nearly impossible to save enough cash to visit my wife's family in Boone, North Carolina.
One thing I know, is that God owns the cattle on a thousand hills (Psalms 50:10). As such, I know he will provide and I am trusting\ Him that we will be able to visit my wife's family in North Carolina.  I am eager to meet them, but I can't let the funds discourage me, for even Paul desired to go to Rome (Romans 1:11), but he had to wait for the Lord's timing. Likewise I must learn to do the same. 

I believe, this website and the related blogs will become self-sufficient, even though it can't happen fast enough for me.  The Lord's timing however, is perfect and in when the timing is right all these things will be a mute point.  With this bit of knowledge I have o wonder what lesson I still need to learn, before the floodgates open up and the blessings of self-sufficiency poor upon this household and this ministry.  Along with the travel related site that is growing fast.
For those of you who have been long time  friends of this site. Thank you. If you are new to this blog and/or website a hearty Thanks and Welcome are extended to you as well.  It is my deepest desire that everyone can take a kernel of nugget from the website and blog(s). 


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Happy Valentines Day

by Kevin Surbaugh

Today is Valentines Day. The day where all over the United States we celebrate our love for that special someone. Today, I will be dong so in this public forum.

I the "Prince of Thrift" would like to give a great big Valentines Day shout out to the most wonderful woman in my life. Even as we prepare to move this week to our new digs, I want you to know (and I don't care who else knows) that I love you. You are my one and only gal. The gal I am committed to for the rest of my life. It's not always easy, but life isn't easy either. Like the swans of the legends and folklore you are the one for me.  Together we will continue to dream of our future and our new house "La Maison du Cygne." Just remember that my heart, body, mind and soul is always thinking of you no matter where I am.

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1st Anniversary Post

Greetings to all my readers. Today is my wife and mines 1-year anniversary. As such this post was written beforehand as neither my wife or I will be connecting to the internet at all this weekend. This weekend is 100% just the two of us. I love her and aside from God there is no one else that I love more then her. She is all to me. I can't wait to see what the next year brings and the year after that and....so on and so on.



Happy Anniversary to my beautiful wife,
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New Church Home

Ah sweet water of life

(OK so the picture, doesn't exactly fit with the topic, but oh well)
Since arriving in Austin, nearly two (2) weeks ago, my wife and I have been searching for a new church home. Our first Sunday here, we went to a church across the street from our complex. That church, my wife felt too uncomfortable with. They seemed too friendly, especially one individual, in particular. There were also some other things that concerned her, which I won't get into here.

So this last Sunday, we drove a little further, and visited North Austin Christian Church. The church, is smaller then the previous one we visited and they seem to be more genuine, in everything. Unlike many churches that have both English and Spanish services, this church has Spanish services in the morning and English services in the afternoon (after a weekly fellowship dinner for both services).

The church has several outreach ministries to the neighborhood that surrounds it. Including Heavens Harvest, which every Monday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00, distributes food and clothing.

Heaven's Harvest encompasses several ministries for the community. Heaven's Harvest has available food, clothing, and showers for the homeless.

Heaven's Harvest is open for people to receive food and clothing every Monday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Also, every third Friday of the month, fresh food is given away in the front parking lot of NACC, starting around 1:00 in the afternoon.

There are no qualifications necessary to receive food and no paperwork is required. We will pray with all who come, provide Bibles and invite everyone to visit the church services.
- From the Churches Website

Among other ministries they have a neighborhood program called "Fiesta" which is an outreach program for the neighborhood kids, a 12-step program, P3, which reaches out to young adults, so that they can have a "passion for Christ," among other ministries. Over-all I believe this may be the church home for my wife and I. In fact, we have already decided to get plugged in and start helping them with some of their outreaches. It looks to be a very positive church to be a part of, and they genuinely seem to care about everyone. Personally, I hat the drive, but everyone seems much more genuine there, then they did at the other church. They are friendly, but in a way that seems much more genuine, then the first church. Of course, personally, I liked the other church to, but as I said, my wife had several concerns. One of which, was I mentioned above.

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The Royal Wedding Pictures

Below are some of the pictures taken with disposable cameras that were setting on the tables at the reception. Hope you enjoy these pictures. The wedding photographers pictures (my step daughter-law) will have her pictures to us shortly.In addition my natural parents will be sending us CD's of the pictures, that they took. 

Guests await the cutting of the cake

My wife Pat and I with my foster parents after our wedding.

Brides bouquet as it's caught by Jessica Hines.

Wedding Flutes

My former Store Manager  Roger

Wedding cards and/or gifts may be sent to


D. Kevin and Patricia Surbaugh
PO box 170670
Austin, TX 78717

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The Royal Wedding Ceremony (Video)

Below is the video from my personal video camera of Pat's and my wedding last Saturday. For those of you who were unable to attend, now is your chance to see the wedding.




Wedding cards and/or gifts may be sent to


D. Kevin and Patricia Surbaugh
PO box 170670
Austin, TX 78717

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Wedding and Moving Expenses Still To Come

The amounts below are the amount remaining owed on each item. I expect $1700 to come in before the big day from our salaries and such.

Wedding Expenses	$$$
Major Dress Alterations and Cleaning	$200
Ceremony Music	$125
Marriage License	$80
Brides Hair	$25
Brides Tan (Versa Spa)	$30
2 Tux Rentals	$165
Wedding Total	$625
Moving and Honeymoon Expenses	$$$
U-haul Truck	$600
Hotels along Route	$600
U-haul Gas	$100
Honeymooners Gas	$80
Total Honeymoon/Moving Expense	$1380
Over All Totals	$2005

Since this blog is about being totally honest about my finances, I wanted to let you know where I was at.
The rest I am just trusting God to provide. That's all I can do.

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Worries of Upcoming Expenses

I am beginning to get worried about my savings and the upcoming expenses. With only $700 in savings at the moment and a number of expenses beginning to come due, I am really worried. I have 3 more paychecks before, the wedding.

The next big expense, is my trip to Austin August 14 to secure an apartment and hopefully have a couple of job interviews. I have already paid for the airline ticket, so that isn't a problem and I am staying with my fiances son (and his girlfriend), so I won't have the expense of a hotel. I have $700 in savings at the moment, with the following expenses yet to come.

Wedding Dress (back from alteration/cleaning) $200

Tux Rentals (for the wedding party) $365

Flowers $200

Cake (last installment) $45

Music/Sound (last installment) $125

Movers (U-haul, friends gas, etc, flight back) $1235

Apartment (estimate to secure) $1200-$1600

Honeymoon Hotels $500

Travel expenses (Food, Gas, etc) $300
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Grand Total $4170-$4570

If I could get more sponsors to step up and sponsor a post (for $75) I would only need 61 posts sponsored to have all the expenses covered. I also have three (3) more paychecks to cover these expenses, but after food (and such) that would leave only $500 out of each of those (which means electricity, heat and such won't be paid, but I leave town in August anyway). Which means, I would only need to come up with an extra $1970-$2370. Which also means I would only need to have 32 posts sponsored (at $75/post) or get 48 sponsors to place a sponsor link ($50) on this blog or the PrinceOfThrift.com website.

As most readers should know, I tend to be an optimist, and I believe in the end it will all come together and it will happen, but right now my faith is truly being tested. Any thoughts?




Also, if anyone knows how I can do a live video feed on the blog (and then save the video for those that want to watch later) please let me know. I would like to stream the wedding here on the blog. I can't afford to buy any software programs, so it would have to be free. Any thoughts?





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Wedding Plans Update

I know some of you have been wondering, so here is the skinny on what's happening with the wedding planning. Currently we have about $500 in the wedding savings to cover these expenses.

Wedding Cake $72 - paid $25 deposit on May 12.

Wedding Ceremony Sound System - $100 - meeting with them on Sunday afternoon (May 16). A deposit will be made then.

Wedding Rings as reported previously have been bought (just under $500) and paid for.

Ceremony and reception facilities has been rented ($210).

Getting the wedding dress altered and dry cleaned will be about $200.

Still need to get my tux dry cleaned (cost=??) and purchase a red vest ($40) to go with the tux.

Best man/groomsman tuxes

Brides made and Maid of Honer dresses (1 of 3 bought - $135 and red sash $15). Fiance meeting with the maid of honer tonight.


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Should You Be Debt Free Before Getting Married?

Since, I announced my engagement there has been one or two people commenting anonymously that my fiance and I should become completely debt free before walking down the aisle. However, is that what most readers feel to? More importantly, what do the financial experts think?

I started my research, with a search of Google. During that search I found the following article on the LA Times website.

To hear Summer Brown and Briana Biddle talk about it, their upcoming wedding and civil commitment will be a fairy tale, complete with happily ever after.

But fairy tales can turn dark pretty quickly, and a look at the couple's finances shows that the poisoned apple in this story could be money.

Let's start with the wedding: Brown has a $986 wedding dress and a $2,600 engagement ring, both bought on credit. Then there are older debts: a $20,000 time share on which Biddle is not making payments and $17,000 in student loans for Brown, among others.

To the rescue rides financial planner Alfred McIntosh, who has agreed to look at the couple's finances as part of The Times' Money Makeover series.

Before the wedding, couple need to cut debts and stop overspending -- LA Times

As the article correctly pointed out latter in the article, domestic partnerships between two people of the same sex is not legally considered to be a marriage in California, but this couple would assume many of the same risks that married couples run, such as the higher earner potentially becoming responsible for spousal support of the other.

Now to the real issue. The debt going into marriage. This particular couple has a combined income of $79,000. Besides the money borrowed for the wedding items mentioned above there is more debt that was revealed to the financial counselor.

Brown has saved $2,200 in a retirement account, and they have $57 in their joint savings account. But their balance sheet is dominated by debt.

Biddle carries about $11,250 in debt on two credit cards, at interest rates of 25% and 30%, and $553 in a line of credit associated with her checking account. Brown carries about $1,450 on one card at a 7.23% interest rate.

They're racking up 45.2% interest on the credit line they took out to buy the engagement ring because they stopped making payments and the rate jumped. And they owe $3,000 on two more credit cards that they hold together.

Brown also has $17,000 in student loans at 2.48% and a $21,000 car loan at 4.99%.

It was during the discussion of debt that the meeting with the financial planner became tense. With a hollow look on her face, Biddle confessed that she hadn't been completely straightforward about her debts and spending.

Brown became upset.

"I'm bitter now," Brown said, "because I've done everything I was supposed to do financially and she didn't."

McIntosh slipped into his therapist role.

"Since you don't like letting her down," he told Biddle, "and you want to do better at this, you have one choice: to get better at this."

All that debt -- and its continued accumulation -- is the most pressing problem and the first thing the pair need to address, McIntosh said. "Stop using those cards," he told them.

I agree 100%, it is a problem that the pair must address and address now. However, does that mean that you have to be totally debt free before entering into the bonds of marriage?

McIntosh told them to pay for their wedding with money earned outside of their regular salaries. Brown believes she can bring in about $1,000 a month by throwing parties to sell products out of her home. Biddle predicts she can bring in $1,300 extra a month by doing freelance interpreting for the deaf.

"You should get married only at the time that you can pay for your wedding without taking out any more debt," he said. "This is making a dream come true."

Again, I agree totally with this financial counselor, but what to do with debt accumulated before marriage?

Since the LA Times article really didn't answer this question, I turn to another page. This time I land on a document from Utah State University.

Debt can be addressed prior to getting married or after you get married, but either way it must be addressed. But remember that the less debt you have going into marriage, the greater your chances for success and happiness in marriage (Schramm & Lee, 2003). So consider paying off your debt before tying the knot. Here’s how one person did it.

I think, we finally have an answer. A couple should reduce as much debt as possible. Yes being totally debt free is best, but is not the answer. The most important thing is that the entire wedding (and honeymoon) needs to be paid in cash. The other thing is that e couple should set down together and discuss their finances, being totally open about what debt they are bringing into this relationship. To quote one of the best known financial gurus, Dave Ramsey, "plan your work, work your plan." To help you (and Pat and I) with this USU has included a worksheet in the linked pdf file to print off so you can list all of the debts that you would be bring into the marriage. In so doing you can have complete knowledge of each others debts. Which is very important, because the last thing you want is to accumulate more debt. Rather, you and your new spouse want to build wealth so that you can fulfill your dreams together.

Steve Bayer, the local representative (in Topeka, KS) for Crown Financial Ministries, had this to say, "I saw a survey that said 86% of divorces listed finances as the #1 or 2 reason for that divorce...hmmm. In this case Kevin you describe that they are continuing not only to apparently ignore their debt but they are adding more to it based on the dollars being spent on the planned wedding.

God's Word has 2,350 verses in the bible on money and possessions...that's a lot! It must be important based on the volume contained there!

So, do they value God's opinion? See Joshua 1:8, Prov 11:28, Prv 28:25, Lk 16:2, 11-13
Let's not forget Luke 16:10 "He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much ..."
By the way Psalm 37:21 is a pretty direct verse about not paying ones debt."



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Wedding Dress

My fiance and I are committed to paying cash for our entire wedding. I have already mentioned looking at the possibility of putting a tux on layaway to make this happen. Yesterday, she and I went and looked wedding dresses at the Salvation Army Thrift Shop. One of the three was beautiful and would really need to altered a lot to fit her (as any dress we looked at would). The problem is the store was selling any one of the dresses for $200. Even the crummiest one that looks like it has a stain on it. On the other hand a new dress at David's Bridal start at $249. Would buying a used one for almost the same price as a new one, really be economical? Besides, the alterations for her should be included, if we went the new route. Still though, there might be someplace to find a used one much cheaper then those at the Salvation Army Thrift Shop.

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More Wedding Thoughts - Tux and Dress

The other day, my fiance and I went to Mens Warehouse to look at
Tuxedos. We actually found one that was only $199. However, that was just for the suit. The shirt and vest are extra. Since we had decided red, black and white would be the wedding colors, we briefly looked at the ties, which are also extra, but decided since we both liked a full tie rather then a bow tie, that we really didn't need a tie. Especially, since I already own a solid red tie. The nice thing is they do offer a layaway option. So, Tuesday, after I pay my regular bills, I think I may go back out and start the layaway process. Which is 20% down now, and the rest paid off in the next 60 days. That will also give me something to those occasional formal dinners that I get invitations to.

As for the wedding dress, we are not sure where or what to do there. We heard about a giveaway in Florida for brides like her that are unemployed. However, neither of us live in Florida or anywhere close. So that doesn't seem to be an option. Though, it would be nice, that option seems to be only a pipe dream.


Currently though, we have $1.44 saved up for the wedding and honeymoon. Our plans are for a simple wedding, without anything to extravagant. In fact, the planned honeymoon destination, would cost more then the planed wedding.

Current Weddings Savings: $1.44
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The Royal Courtship: How We Meet & More

Cheryl commented on my engagement announcement, asking,

Congrats!
Where did you meet her?
What does she do?
How long were you dating?
How about a picture?
Inquiring minds want to know!

So I guess, I should tell the story of our "Royal Courtship."


Where did we meet?

As many of you know I am the assistant manager in a local grocery store. I had seen this cute lady several times and on numerous occasions had talked with her about many things. Fast forward to Labor Day weekend 2008. She came in to shop like every other weekend, and she needed buns on the top shelf. She seen me and told me, "I need some buns up there on the top shelf." For some reason, I didn't just grab them for her. Instead, I mad a funny comment, that became the first of a number of weekly flirts back and forth. I asked her if she wanted me to lift her up, so she could reach them. Smiling (really big) she just looks up at me and says, "noooooo."

Fast forward again, it was now June of this year. I had won tickets to the movie, Land of the Lost. I decided to heck with, my self-imposed order of not asking customers out and was going to go for it. Wouldn't you, that was the day that she came in to shop and we totally missed each other. Neither of us seen the other. So when she got back home, she called the store and asked for me. Asking me, if I wanted her number or not. Since then we have been together like glue.

I guess that answered several of the other questions that Cheryl asked. As for what she does. She is currently unemployed and is looking for a new job. We both hope that it will be a short process. A picture will be forthcoming, in the near future. As for the honeymoon plans, my thoughts is going to New York (her 1st trip, my 2nd) but I still have to get her thoughts about that.


Wedding Plans
We have not set a wedding date, but have began to actively save every penny we can to pay for the wedding. From the from the Tux and dress, to the small wedding itself, to the reception and caterer. In fact just like Dollars For a Wedding and Wedding on a Penny, we have set up a paypal account for those who wish to contribute a few pennies (or dollars) to the wedding savings.

Current Weddings Savings: $0

Julie Cook has volunteered her Photography services as her wedding present to us.

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Royal Engagement

This past Saturday was the big day. The day I asked my girlfriend to marry me. Here is how it went down.

After work, I slipped out of the work clothes and quickly went to her place (in my Jeans & t-shirt) to pick her up for the big night. We started by having dinner at Speck's Bar and Grill, a Topeka landmark for many years. After dinner, we headed to the Topeka Roadrunners Hockey game. Half way through the third period, during what they call the media time-out (when the radio station broadcasting the game goes to commercial break), the announcer came over under the guise that I was going to be a contestant on their trivia contest. When the appointed time came, the announcer announced that it was time for Roadrunner Trivia.

"We don't have a question though," he said, "but we think Kevin might." Handing me me mic i got down on one knee as best as I could and asked Pat, if she would marry me. As I opened the box containing the ring. (The question was also displayed on the message board, which most of the crowd could see, though it wasn't visable to our section).

Her reaction was one of surprise and shock. After, what seemed like an eternity, the announcer took the mic back and announced that she was in a little bit of shock. Then asked her if we had an answer. At which point she replied into the microphone a strong and happy, Yes."

After which several fans, who we didn't know came up and congratulated us. In addition, her best friend happened to be in the stands and came over to hug and congratulate us both.

Even as we left, with the Runners having won 8-2, people were still congratulating us. It was most certainly the happiest day of my life. I look forward to introducing the future Princess of Thrift in the near future.



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Engagement Rings

The other day, I began casually browsing engagement rings online, I found one for $22 at Target.com. Yes, I said $22. Of course my biggest concern is that it wouldn't be able to be re-sized to fit my girlfriends petite fingers. Not to mention, the concern that it might turn her finger green, as they say.

Then Labor Day Monday, after I got off work, she and I went to Chick-fil-a in the local mall for dinner. The reason, they were giving away chick-fil-a sandwiches to those who wore some kind of sports team apparel.

After our evening meal, we were walking past Zales, and spontaneously decided to drag her inside their store, to look at the rings. We found one that she liked that normally sales for $299 but is on sale for $189 plus $40 for lifetime protection and $10 for a 2 year theft replacement package. I must say, I certainly like that ring from Zales, but at this time is out of my price range. Still, I will have to get the ring somehow. This is an important step in my relationship with the woman, I want to spend the rest of my life with.

Of course, I will also check out a couple of other jewelers to.

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Marriage? Is It Right?

Recently, I have been thinking about marriage. My girlfriend is the most wonderful woman I ever met. No other woman I have dated has seemed so perfect to me, as the lady I am dating now. However, is marriage right for us? Now?

Financially, it would be good. Eliminate her rent payment and utilities. Leaving the two of us with just her debt and my debt, as well the utilities I already pay on this house. However, finances is not the only thing to consider for marriage. Even though, for the purpose of this blog, it is a major topic.

Still though other things to consider is:

Happiness

Although expecting a spouse to make you feel happy all the time is unreasonable, being with the right person can bring happiness and a sense of personal strength to your life.

Support and Encouragement for each other

If your future spouse says "I love you" not only in words spoken, but by loving actions.

They are someone who you like and who is your friend

kind, considerate, and polite

my current girlfriend is always telling me that I don't need to hold the door open for her, but at the same time she is very appreciative of it.

Communication is key

The right person will trust you and not monitor your phone calls, or computer usage, or limit the amount of time you spend with others you care about.

The right person will trust you and not spy on you

I love her and want to spend the rest of my life with her. As I said before, she is the most wonderful woman in my life. I want to get this house fixed up for her. Unfortunately, it may mean incurring a little more debt to do so, but some things can't wait, if she is to be in the house to.

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Sporadic but Hopefully Great Posts

You have probably noticed that my posts have become a bit more more sporadic again. Well there is a reason for that. Most all of my free time, from work, I am either spending time with or am on the phone with my girlfriend.

I have promised her that I will set certain times to be online, because in no way do I want her to feel like a second fiddle. I am not married to the computer and I don't ever want her to feel that I am.

I do plan to try to write several posts at once, and schedule them to appear and other times throughout the period that I'm not online.

I still plan to make a huge push to be debt free by the end of the year, but I now have a budgetary line that was not originally in my budget. So because of that, some of my best laid plans may not happen as I had planned. It's all apart of that gazelle intensity, but even with that I have to have a life. That includes finding the person who will one day be my "princess of thrift."

The nice thing about my current girlfriend, she is supportive of my efforts to get out of debt. Unlike other women I have dated, she understands, that if I am out of debt, I can have more money later on.

So with that, I will say have a good day, and stay tuned in to this website for great updates on my personal finances and terrific news bites and anecdotes that I learn on related personal finance issues.

For now, I need to go and finish mowing the yard, cleaning the house and cooking dinner for my girlfriend who is coming over tonight.


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Date Night

Wednesday night, I had a date with a beautiful woman. The first date occurred after months, and I do mean months of flirting between the two of us. After all, don't want to move to fast.

Overall, I think the date went well. I had won free tickets to see Land Of The Lost, so we went to see the 7:20 showing of that movie.

Before hand, we enjoyed a quick, but enjoyable meal at Chick-fil-a. Last time I was there everything was carry out, even if it was dine-in. This time, they had trays and asked if it would be dine-in or carry out.

I can certainly, say I'm looking forward to our next date. She is one terrific lady.

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The Prince's Life Update - the Good, Bad & Ugly

The Good

I was the 100th caller, to a local radio station, and won a pair of tickets to see "Conway Twitty the Musical." The performance will be the night before I fly out to New York. Now I just need to find a date to go with me.

I was able to secure an interview, while I am in New York. You can look for this interview to appear on the blog, on or around April 16. If you have any questions, that you would like me to ask these people involved in finance, please submit them to me via Facebook, Twitter or email.

April is National Financial Literacy Month...Seems like a great month to learn about financial Literacy.

The Bad

I had planed to go on one of the tours of the Federal Reserve of New York, when I am there. Unfortunately, I was unable to secure a spot, even for just myself. The only tour time they had still open, in all of April was the Friday before I arrive at 9:30 AM. Which really sucks, but what can I do?


The Ugly

Got my taxes back from the preparer. The good news, is that the Feds owe me $274 (which will be applied to my IRS tax bill). The ugly news, is that I once again owe the state of Kansas, even though I moved my deductions from 1 to 0 last year. This year, I owe the state a total of $47.


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