The Addison Cafe

Shooting hoops. Reading. Taking a walk. Petting a dog (or tarantula). Rolling a hoop with a stick. It’s time to get back to the basics.

The ugly truth is that economically, things are getting worse. More and more layoffs continue to happen, housing is still dropping, and people are really hurting.  There is a lot of hardship that goes along with that, but a little good too.  The good is that people stop being as materialistic, put their feet back on the ground, and start focusing on the basics again. The important stuff. What life is really about (which isn’t cars and clothes by the way). Whether that means spending more time with loved ones, coming together to help others or just finding creative ways to be productive or entertained at home, people start to take a fresh perspective on things. Gratitude for what we have sets in and we start to count our blessings instead of listing our wants.

Remember to give thanks. And you don’t need a turkey for that.

So I have written before about pets, specifically about dogs and the costs associated with them. However, this past week I went to a friend’s birthday party and I realized I have been narrow-minded when it comes to pets; it is not just a dog or cat world. I realized this when he pulled out his two pet tarantulas (see picture for glimpse of the bigger one).

I have several friends who, in the past year, have tried to own a dog or cat and only lasted a week or so before giving the animal back to the breeder or selling it. Even if you can afford it or think you want one, bigger pets aren’t for everybody. There are other options when it comes to owning a pet that might be a better fit for some people like a spider, ferret, gerbil, or if you’re really cheap, try a pet rock.

Turns out the tarantula I am holding in the pic (whose name is “Hermhorn” btw) only cost $20. Even better, it (“it” because I have no idea if Hermhorn is male or female) only eats one 10 cent cricket a week, for a total cost of $5.60 a year, after purchase. Hard to beat.

Benefits of owning a pet spider the size of a saucer:

1. It’s inexpensive
2. It freaks people out
3. Uh….

So when it comes to pets, do whatever floats your boat. Just don’t expect everyone to be as enthused as you are.

Ok, “stupid” might be a strong word. But let me explain.  First, let me say that I highly recommend saving to everyone…it is the level of savings which can end up being stupid.

Most people choose to use their money to “live life” rather than save. It is all about being in the moment and having fun, even if it costs 19.5% APY on a credit card. When you weigh assets versus liabilities, the scales usually tip in the wrong direction.  Thanks to deferred and partial payments, people can continue to live in this scenario with the deception that all is well. Until, that is, the economy starts to crash like it is right now and people don’t even have enough savings to make a couple of mortgage payments. Just like that, the bubble pops.

On the other hand, you have people that are prepared for the worst, will be fine no matter what the economy does, but they end up turning into misers who can think of nothing but how to get more, more, more. And even though they are financially “safe” (the one thing that the other group of people are not), their grinchery robs them of their joy.  I know of one person who’s father pinched every penny his whole life, had a phat retirement account all built up, and then tragically died a week after he retired and was about to enjoy his wealth.

I am not going to get into the meaning of life, the source of true happiness, etc. Just make sure you balance the two groups. Prepare for tomorrow, but enjoy today. It’s all you’ve got. 

The worst part of the Holidays is ending in January with New Years Resolutions. Why? Because after celebrating the end of a year and spending time with family and friends we all sit down and make a list reminding us of our atrophying bodies, piles of debt, bad habits, and our need for an improved life. Now that wouldn’t be so bad if we actually fulfilled our resolutions, but that doesn’t happen, otherwise we would only need to make the list once and be done with it.

So you know what my resolution is this year? I resolve not to have any resolutions. I figure I will for sure be able to keep that one, and in return I will finally feel like I accomplished something. I was going to resolve to save more money by eating out less, but I failed at that before I even wrote it down. In fact, I think I was mulling it over while eating a Burger King Original Chicken Sandwich (Nom nom nom…).

Does anyone have any tips for making New Years Resolutions stick? That is one area I have no room to preach about, so I will leave the tips on this one to the readers…and if I get zero comments, I will be comforted that I am not alone.

…but seriously. Help.

Well Christmas has finally come and gone, and in the process, almost 30 billion dollars in gift cards have been doled out. And who doesn’t love gift cards? I for one am looking forward to some free Carl’s Jr and Starbucks, compliments of gift cards.

Of course, companies don’t invest the money in printing pretty little cards and ormate sleeves just for fun. They actually make a killing off gift cards each year. Some of that profit is from consumers going to their store and buying additional items over the gift card limit. However, they actually make the most money on all of the cards that never get used or redeemed. Roughly 25% of all gift cards purchased will never be redeemed, and out of the ones that are, approximately 33% of the total value is left on the card by the consumer. Take Best Buy as an example. In 2006, they reportedly made $43 million dollars in profit from unused gift cards over the previous 2 years.

The moral of the story? Make sure to use your gift cards – and the sooner the better. “Out of sight, out of mind” is how most cards remain unspent. Don’t become a statistic.