TINSTAAFL Reminder

There is no such thing as a free lunch. I learned in history class years ago this phrase originated at a time when bars were trying to drum up business and would offer "free" lunches to those who would come in and pay to drink. So it is with many things in life--there may be a tempting hook or offer, but ultimately there will be some investment or payment required, whether or not it is disclosed. In my opinion and current situation, even a "FULL REBATE" isn't "FREE" for me, because i haven't yet created much of a slush fund, so i don't have the means to front for any offer or endeavor. Sometimes this means i "miss out" on some really good stuff. Sometimes the deals present themselves again; sometimes they do not. It's a good thing my parents taught me long ago to get used to hearing (and now saying) the word NO.

The $100 Game

As the year rolls to a close and i scurry around trying to tie up loose ends to achieve the illusion of temporary closure, I decided to play a new level of my one hundred dollar game. Below are the first few things that come to mind for consideration should I "find" an extra one hundred dollars among my assets or in near future. I might actually return to this after my birthday, pick a few, rank them, and start planning and saving. They're really not uber-extravagant wishes, but sadly, were not realities in 2012.

* a "free" (AFTER REBATE) smart phone and sim card, along with first month's service

* an "extra" payment on any of my open accounts (student loans, etc.)

* a 2-meter radio for Amateur operation

* new living room curtains

* charitable contributions to favorite organizations

* a driving day

* seed money toward a car, trip, bed, or new business venture