Fabulous Financials

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Mr. Eye Candy’s birthday is coming up this month and I’m a little nervous.  This will be his first birthday that we’ll share together and the first time I will be responsible for buying HIM a gift and/or planning an activity FOR him.

Since we’ve “officially” been seeing each other (around December-ish), he’s been the gift buyer, the surpriser, the planner, and the doer.  Prior to that, I lusted after him for the better part of 7 months. LOL  I’m sure most of you remember my inappropriate thoughts during meetings and behind the privacy of my office door.  *sigh*  Since then, I’ve been coasting along for the ride.

All year long, he’s been genuine and never disappoints (my birthday, V-day, farewell party, summer vacay, date nights, just because, etc.), so the pressure is on.  I won’t try to match the price of his gifts because I’m working with Andrews, he’s got Benjamins, but I must reciprocate his sincerity and generosity.

Can you guys help me out with some ideas?

If I had to describe him, I’d say he’s a workaholic who spares no expense when it comes to quality.  He lives and breathes his business and almost everything he wears is some kind of name brand.  He’s a suit and tie wearing brother Monday through Friday, but thugged out on the weekend.  Like your typical man, he loves sports, his truck and his mama. LOL  In his spare time, which is rare, and when I’m not pouting because we don’t spend enough time together, he’s on the golf course or basketball court.  Between me and you, I don’t think his game is that good.  Please gawd, don’t let him read this post! LOL But anyway, we both share a love for old skool hip hop, dining at hidden gem restaurants, and personal finance.

So tell me readers, especially any male lurkers, what does a man want for his birthday?

My budget is only $100.

I’m writing an article for one of my freelance gigs and I need your help.

Given the current state of our economy, it seems irresponsible to spend money on things you don’t absolutely NEED.  However, life would be a drag if you only go to work, pay bills, then go home.  There must be something in between that brings you joy and helps to maintain your sanity, no matter how bad the economy is suffering.

What is that small luxury for you?

When I write the article, I’ll give proper credit if I use your idea(s).  Thanks in advance!

Occasionally, I receive an email from a fabulous reader that makes me pause for the cause.  You know, the kind that makes me want to say WTF.  Sometimes, the person has read my blog long enough to say “WTF!” for me. LOL!  And if you make me say WTF, you can guarantee it’ll make the blog. LOL!  So my fabulous reader who sent the following email, you asked for it.  LOL!

Dear Single Ma,

I have never written to you before, and I am well aware that I risk becoming one of your “WTF?” examples that I occasionally see on your blog, but recent events in my social circle are driving me nuts.

I know 2 families who have lost an income during the past six months:

Family A
Two adults, one pre-schooler. Pre-layoff income in the six-figures, with no debt whatsoever (including cars and mortgage), according to Mrs. A. She works part-time and sends her child to a private school from 8:30 to 5:00 every day, and employs a cleaning service. When Mr. A was laid off, he received 6 months in severance pay as well as 6 months of benefits. Mrs. A. has declined to increase her hours at work.

Family B
Two adults, two kindergartners, one toddler. Pre-layoff income in the high five figures, with a mortgage. For 18 months Mrs. B was a stay-at-home mom before resuming full-time work as a journalist. Shortly after her return to the workforce, Mr. B’s employer closed its doors. He received six months of severance without benefits. After 5 months of looking aggressively for a job, Mr. B is still unemployed and is a stay-at-home dad while Mrs. B works full-time, often on weekends.

Witnessing the very different ways in which these families have handled their new circumstances has inspired and horrified me. The one who seems to have the most (at least financially) is complaining the most. Mrs. A recently threw an unemployment party for her husband, which was a pot luck because of their “reduced circumstances,” according to the invitation. Family B attended this party, economical but flavorful side dish in hand.

So what’s my point? Aside from wanting to smack Mrs. A every time she complains about her grocery bill at Whole Foods, I would love to see an article about perceived scarcity, or a false sense of scarcity, counting your blessings, or whatever you’d like to call it. I don’t particularly want a kick in the ass, but if you think I need one I’m willing to face that also.

Hmm…I won’t do any kicking today (only because it’s Sunday LOL), but let me dissect this information with a few assumptions: Read more »

By this time tomorrow night, this is where I’ll be:

The beautiful Waikiki Beach in O’ahu, Hawaii!

Go ahead, you can hate on me. LOL!

But listen…my weekend has been so busy, I haven’t had time to schedule any future posts for you guys. I sawwy. :-( Hopefully, I’ll have lots of shenanigans to share when I return.

Oh wait, I have a good question for you…

If you were in a relationship that wasn’t defined and decided to go on vacation together – how often would YOU offer to share the expenses, if at all?

Aloha!

My office is about to enter its busiest time of the year. Therefore, working more than your typical 9 to 5 is not only necessary, but MANDATORY. So I gave my staff an option to decide how they would like to be compensated for their extra work hours.

OVERTIME (paid time and half for any hour over 40)

or

COMP TIME (after the rush is over, time off for any hour over 40)

The majority vote did not surprise me.  They all said “SHOW ME THE MONEY!” LOL

I don’t have the luxury of either, but if I did, I’d prefer comp time for tax planning purposes.

If given the option, which would you prefer? And why?