I sent a revised version of the letter to step-dad. Gulp. Sister #1 thinks I am being way too subtle. Sister #2 thinks he won't care. Brother wants to go on a road trip with me. They didn't get it yet because his computer is off right now. (I have remote access as the family tech)

Using the economic stimulus $ to pay off my car is paying it off 8 months ahead of time on a 60-month loan. Basically, I've had the car a little under 4 1/2 years. It's a 2000, so it's only 8 years old.

Bear in mind that my last car (moment of silence for the dear, departed Sherman) was a 1991 Camry that I drove until 2004, when the transmission decided to go walkabout. At 13 years, that was a fantastic car (other than the transmission).

So I plan to drive the Spud for at least another 5 years, unless a piece of the International Space Station falls out of the sky and crushes it. t peers out window towards outer space with a look of suspicion

Although -- this is my ideal plan -- once I pay off my credit card, I'll start saving for my next car, because I *really* want to pay cash for it (rather than finance it), if at all possible. I know that's pie-in-the-sky, but I really want to shoot for it.

OH, THANK GOD. MassRehab just agreed to pay for my summer courses. This is a HUGE weight off my chest.

vw, that's great news!

I don't qualify for a "stimulous" check and I am happy not to. But I didn't know that it would be affecting next year's taxes (in a positive way). I know I am sounding stupid about this, but dammit, I don't need that $600 or whatever write-off it's going to be. PLEASE take that money, you stupid government, and USE it on people who need it. Please don't use it on the stupid war.

I have never minded paying taxes. I'd pay more, happily, if I had any confidence in how it's being spent. I'd happily spend 40% of my income to live in a country with universal healthcare.

I spent $100 on booze. That's okay, right?

I spent $100 on booze. That's okay, right?

Your liver might not think so, but other than that it sounds OK.

Taxes are the price of living in a civilized society. I'd be happier with them if this actually were a civilized society.

You do not want to get me started on the economic stimulous checks. The government is spending millions of dollars we don't have to pay out millions of dollars we don't have. It would have been way cheaper and probably as effective to hire people to dress up in jester suits and skip through the country throwing money. Do you know how the government used to stimulate the economy, back before it was run by people who believe government is evil? They used government money to give people jobs like working on our crumbling infrastructure.

Second weird compliment of the day, "Whenever you wear that top, I can't help stare at your breasts! They look fabulous!" (From a woman on my team who's my friend so not pervy.)

My brother went off on me last night about government-funded programs. Eventually I cut him off and said, "You know, you have a sister who is functioning (healthcare), living under a roof (social security), and going to college (MassRehab) thanks to government-funded programs, so I'm the wrong audience for this rant."

Although -- this is my ideal plan -- once I pay off my credit card, I'll start saving for my next car, because I *really* want to pay cash for it (rather than finance it), if at all possible. I know that's pie-in-the-sky, but I really want to shoot for it.

I've got a lot longer on my current car payment (only halfway through), but I'm hoping to get it paid off at least a year early. After I do have it paid off, though, I'm planning on doing what your goal is, Steph. My goal is to continue to put aside my monthly payment into a savings account and have enough in there when the Civic finally gives out (hopefully, not for a very long time!).

When I do get my $600 this weekend, it'll mostly go towards my last credit card to pay it off. I also have to take my cat into the vet to have a lump looked at, and if that proves to be just a reaction to her rabies shot, I should have enough left over to send a few dollars to a few charities/websites.