Blonde Granny
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Post by Blonde Granny on Jul 27, 2019 7:13:17 GMT -5
I was gone from home yesterday most of the day, so last night was a Lean Cuisine spaghetti & meat balls dinner. Won't repeat that one, the spaghetti was really stuck together. However, Lean Cuisine and Healthy Choice were the 2 brands the dietician said were OK "as needed", but don't make a habit of it.
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Blonde Granny
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Post by Blonde Granny on Jul 25, 2019 11:55:49 GMT -5
Way to go, Ava! It's exciting when you can achieve a goal.
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Blonde Granny
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Post by Blonde Granny on Jul 23, 2019 13:05:20 GMT -5
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Blonde Granny
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Post by Blonde Granny on Jul 23, 2019 10:41:19 GMT -5
I need one that will work for salads, protein, fruit and veggies. Yours might be a little too big.
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Blonde Granny
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Post by Blonde Granny on Jul 23, 2019 10:03:17 GMT -5
I'm finding I need something more than the WMT divided cheap plastic containers. If you have some, what configuration do you think works best?
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Blonde Granny
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Post by Blonde Granny on Jul 21, 2019 16:19:03 GMT -5
Missouri has no requirements for hand guns. I got my carry permit a few years ago, so Arkansas laws may have changed.
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Blonde Granny
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Post by Blonde Granny on Jul 21, 2019 11:38:21 GMT -5
First, I would definitely have a carry permit, it can help when saying : I didn't realize I had crossed on to federal property. It can take up to 3 months to get one back from the state. Mine required a 4 hour class in gun safety and gun rules and regs. After the class, it was required that we pass the shooting test and we had to use the handgun that we used for the class. After that came the finger print process, and mine was signed by the carry permit instructor. It took about 3 months on average to receive the license back from the state as the fingerprints are sent to the FBI. (mine took longer due to faulty finger prints).
Cost of class was $80 and the cost of the license (by the state was $150).
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Blonde Granny
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Post by Blonde Granny on Jul 21, 2019 7:08:54 GMT -5
I have a Walther p380 and a Glock 43 9MM. I prefer the .380 but the Glock is a little smaller and fits my hand better. The Glock is what I carry in the car when traveling.
It was a good suggestion for son to check where he will be that he feels he needs one. All weapons are illegal on Federal property regardless whether or not the person has a carry permit. Even VA employees (and volunteers) at the VA medical center are not allowed to even have them in our vehicles.
Even if he doesn't want to get his carry permit, it would be a good idea to have him take the carry permit class, mine was $80 for 4 hours.
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Blonde Granny
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Post by Blonde Granny on Jul 17, 2019 14:15:47 GMT -5
I use YNAB, but not in the way that software wants it done. I list 2 things as income: VA disability and SS. My budget is based on that monthly income and my monthly expenses are normally always the same. On the chance I see a large interest payment or a couple of dividend payments in my TD Ameritrade account, I will scoop them up in a hurry and transfer them to my checking account. That does NOT count as income, all it does is go into the checking account.
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Blonde Granny
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Post by Blonde Granny on Jul 17, 2019 12:31:51 GMT -5
I didn't spend anything on Prime days, but that didn't stop someone from using my CC for their spending. Just happy Amazon sends emails as I was notified immediately. After getting the purchase ($3.28) cancelled and the CC number removed from the Amazon website, then finally calling the CC company to close the account all is well, and my life is somewhat organized.
I still have some expensive meds to buy this month, and an appt. with a Dietician that Medicare won't cover. Please, tell me that August will be much better.
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Blonde Granny
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Post by Blonde Granny on Jul 16, 2019 10:42:31 GMT -5
Not a darn thing. I'm currently like the people on the airplane when the flight attendant tells us to put our mask on first. Well, I've put my mask on first and my financial situation comes firs.t Amazon and a few other places are in the back of my line. My situation comes first. huh? really simple......my financial status comes before spending money on things I can do without, and donations to non profits are also at the bottom of the list. Have you never flown? put on your mask before to attempt to help others.
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Blonde Granny
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Post by Blonde Granny on Jul 16, 2019 9:25:42 GMT -5
Not a darn thing. I'm currently like the people on the airplane when the flight attendant tells us to put our mask on first. Well, I've put my mask on first and my financial situation comes firs.t Amazon and a few other places are in the back of my line. My situation comes first.
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Blonde Granny
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Post by Blonde Granny on Jul 11, 2019 13:09:42 GMT -5
I mentioned once before that for me, July has started the same way June ended. Lots of unexpected expenses that are draining my checking account. Naturally, I want this to STOP!!
on edit: According to YNAB I'm over $12 for the month on groceries, and $16 over in the misc. column (that my late DH told me never to have, sorry dear).
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Blonde Granny
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Post by Blonde Granny on Jul 9, 2019 16:01:35 GMT -5
I had my prints done by the instructor of the carry class. All paperwork was sent to the Arkansas State Patrol. prints were pulled and sent to FBI for investigating. Mine were not good enough, so sent back to Little Rock as rejected.
I then took paperwork to my local police department, sent those prints to Little Rock, then they were sent to the FBI, and again rejected as not good enough to determine who I was and my background.
Remember, at this time I had already gone through FBI fingerprints and background check to work at the VA and was approved within 3 weeks.
Third round sent me to a certified black powder finger print expert. I finally was cleared for a carry permit.
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Blonde Granny
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Post by Blonde Granny on Jul 9, 2019 14:56:44 GMT -5
When I applied for my carry permit 3 years ago, it took 3 times before my prints were accepted. Last go-round cost me $25 for someone to actually do the black powder prints. 4 years ago the FBI accepted them without any problem when I applied to be a volunteer at the VA Medical Center.
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Blonde Granny
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Post by Blonde Granny on Jul 7, 2019 5:57:18 GMT -5
It looks like July is starting the same way June ended. Constant barrage of unexpected spending. 2 new RXs that are from the Compounding lab drug store was $86, $88 at the Fresh Market to get a good start on a new eating plan, then my battery for the security system died , that was another $40.
On a good note, there were 2 less pounds on my scale this morning!!!!!!!
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Blonde Granny
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Post by Blonde Granny on Jul 4, 2019 12:17:49 GMT -5
I just updated my will and trust. Cost for attorney was $1400.
My house is in owed by the Trust as are my brokerage accounts. It was too much nonsense to change my bank accounts into the trust as every account would have required closing the old ones and opening new accounts. I've had my main checking account for 20 years, no way was I going to close it then open a new one. My car is not in the trust (not worth the effort for no gain).
Revocable trust vs irrevocable are just what they say. One you can change, the other one "not a chance".
My only advice is you need to be careful.
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Blonde Granny
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Post by Blonde Granny on Jul 4, 2019 6:43:44 GMT -5
My group of widowed church ladies are going to Cracker Barrel for dinner. All of us are alone, so it's always nice to get together to enjoy a special day. Of course, we take all advantages of making any day a special one.
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Blonde Granny
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Post by Blonde Granny on Jul 2, 2019 12:36:33 GMT -5
I don't know about other states, but Nebraska has a Medicaid program called "Medicaid Waiver"" It is for people who can no longer live alone and on their own, but don't need the level of care as a nursing home. My Mom was granted the Waiver, she had $3k to her name and was moved into a beautiful AL facility when she was 92. The monthly cost was $3k, so my Mom paid that and on the 2nd month the state took over.
She received her Social Security, and out of that was able to keep $60 per month. She also paid for her MediCARE from that SS. The state then took over and paid the rest, including any drugs she might need. When she was 99 (jan. 14, 2019) she was moved into another facility that was capable of giving her the level of care she then needed....again, the state paid for everything. At her death 2 weeks ago, she was receiving hospice ( paid by MediCARE.)
All this confusion is why I said you need someone in your corner who is capable of handling this for you and your family. This is not an easy situation to control let alone understand. And one simple mistake could end up to be very costly.
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Blonde Granny
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Post by Blonde Granny on Jul 2, 2019 7:16:00 GMT -5
I parents can't provide self pay for a nursing home, your only option will likely be MediCAID. Each state has it's own laws and requirements regarding Medicaid.
With my Mom, we contacted the state offices that dealt with Medicaid, or you can find a certified Elder Law attorney who can & will walk you through the entire thing. Just be aware, regarding any money your parents may have, there will be a 3 to 5 year look back on their spending.
This is not a "DIY" situation....best of luck, I know how difficult this all can be.
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Blonde Granny
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Post by Blonde Granny on Jul 1, 2019 17:32:21 GMT -5
Thank goodness the month of June is over! Day one of July has started with a no spend day. I plan on July 2 being the same.
I had forgotten I have a CD coming due August 8,so plan on cashing it and using that money to replenish the saving account that was hardest hit by my poor financial planning.
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Blonde Granny
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Post by Blonde Granny on Jul 1, 2019 12:36:27 GMT -5
Jump in.....I've learned a lot from this forum. Welcome!!
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Blonde Granny
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Post by Blonde Granny on Jun 29, 2019 7:33:47 GMT -5
I have just now completed step one in getting my June mess straightened out. All 4 credit cards are paid in full!!!! My VA check has been deposited, YNAB is now ready to tackle a Fresh Start.
So far this morning, it feels GREAT!!!
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Blonde Granny
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Post by Blonde Granny on Jun 26, 2019 16:30:13 GMT -5
I;m even more fortunate: between Medicare and ChampVA (offered by the VA) for dependents who have/had spouses who have a disability rating of 100% Permanent and Total, I have no copays for anything, ChampVA is my Medicare supplement (at no cost) and all my RXs come from the VA at not cost. But, let's get this straight......it may not cost me anything, but my DH paid for this benefit with his life.
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Blonde Granny
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Post by Blonde Granny on Jun 26, 2019 15:49:49 GMT -5
Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness" is a well-known phrase in the United States Declaration of Independence. The phrase gives three examples of the "unalienable rights" which the Declaration says have been given to all humans by their creator, and which governments are created to protect.
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Blonde Granny
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Post by Blonde Granny on Jun 23, 2019 13:00:54 GMT -5
My YNAB budget for groceries is $225/mo. Anything besides actual food goes into its own category.....household goods, personal items etc.
Unless I'm buying for fall and winter pantry items, I normally never spend that budgeted amount. Besides canned goods, snacks, ice cream etc. I make lots of soups then freeze them in individual containers. I don't make chili, I really like Wendys so I buy 3-4 containers and freeze that too.
Meat loaf ends as up mini loaves perfect for 1 person. In fact. most of my freezer items end up being batch made so there are multiple lunch and dinners already made.
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Blonde Granny
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Post by Blonde Granny on Jun 22, 2019 15:21:20 GMT -5
Thanks everyone, some encouragement goes a long way.
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Blonde Granny
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Post by Blonde Granny on Jun 22, 2019 10:24:28 GMT -5
I've managed to make a mess of this month. Over paid bills, paid twice on the credit card (same day even) in all, just spent too much money etc. Travel to Nebraska was somewhat unexpected, but people don't pass away on others schedules do they? I've wiped out YNAB and did a fresh start and that will begin July 1st. For now, I've put on my blinders and am hoping for the best for the remainder of this month. Over all I'm in the red by a few thousand dollars. Crossing fingers I can dig myself out of that hole by Sept. 1st. I have never had to take money from investments to cover monthly bills and have told my FA I don't intend to start that now.....wonder if I'll succeed with that idea....
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Blonde Granny
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Post by Blonde Granny on Jun 20, 2019 20:51:03 GMT -5
I am sad to say the trip was to say the last goodbye. She passed away a week ago tomorrow.
She was 99.5 and the graveside service was yesterday.
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Blonde Granny
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Post by Blonde Granny on Jun 20, 2019 8:22:57 GMT -5
I've been out of town since Tuesday, but since I-29 interstate is once again open from all the flooding I will be heading home today...... but first is a stop in Omaha at the attorneys office.
My new will and trust papers are ready for signature. When I left home Tuesday I put leftover pulled pork ,potato salad and baked beans in the fridge. it's from my favorite bbq place, and can't wait to get home and finish it off.
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