"Money money money"

I always think of song lyrics when I write blogs, and ABBA is it today.

Yesterday, my daughter sold some toys. I wanted to get rid of them, even though she still plays with them, and she agreed to it only if I sold them. So I listed them online... a beat up barbie house and a doll stroller for $1.50 (which is especially lame, because I think they were both given to us by neighbors... I know, I should have stressed the importance of charity, but I just wanted the thing out of my house and would agree to anything). Whatever, I figured if it didn't sell in a couple days, I'd sneak it to DI and just pay her.

It sold! And the lady who bought it was so cute, she gave Bekah a few extra gold dollars. Bekah was SOO excited. That, with some money she got for Christmas and money saved, she had enough (drumroll please...) to "buy a BANK ACCOUNT". To sweeten the deal, we told her for every $20 she puts in, we would add $5... we figure that will help her understand interest, since she wouldn't get any from the bank. Anyway, it was great to see her excited about saving.

Speaking of money, I just read a FANTASTIC financial book. Very understandable, interesting to read and very specific with suggestions. It's written by this guy who is a millionaire and became so on a teacher's income. Seriously. He paid for his own education, never inherited a dime, and is now rich enough for massages for him and his wife every week and travel. Massages... my ears definitely perked up. It is called Millionaire Teacher. I would really recommend it, and I'll lend you my copy after the person who I lent it to is done. What's awesome is it was pretty in line with what Rob and I read in uninteresting financial books. So his advice is sanctioned by others, only you can actually understand what he is saying.

It has also got me excited for some financial goals for the new year. It has taken me a month, but I have finally gottens some ideas of what I want to accomplish this year other than just "survive." It probably also has to do with the fact that I haven't needed an IV in 2 weeks, and survival looks easier to accomplish.