Inside the Robbins Nest

On May 24, 2002, I became Mrs. Dale Richard Robbins. Dale brought me to life & in the short 21 mths we had before the Lord took him home was a glimpse of what a heavenly made marriage was. It was a time of exploring & loving one another. Knowing we would be together for time & eternity. It was God's plan. It's been 4 and 1/2 years since Dale died. "They whom we love & lose are no longer where they were before. They are now...wherever we are. ~~St. John Chrysostom

Come on in, it's comfortable in the nest

I'd love to add a picture here of the nest with our robins in it on the tree branches. Dale painted it on an Ohio shaped piece of slate we found on our honeymoon in New York. He cleaned and baked it, drilled a couple holes in the corners and knotted rope through it so we would be able to hang it up in our home. He was a talented artist, poet, loved God and his Savior, a great cook, and loved to suprise me taking me to differnt historic spots and learning about them. We did a wonderful tour of Amish Country, Niagra Falls, the Mormon historic town here in Kirtland, OH, Wine Country. He taught me about pottery he collected. We had fun refinishing our bathroom into a "Fisherman's Closet" is all I can say to describe it. We had started gardening. I try to keep it up in memory of him, but HE had the green thumb. Not me so much. Since my sister lost her husband in April I have been regrieving with her as well as dealing with my Mom who has Alzheimer's. It's an awful disease. We slowly lose a part of her each day. Some days it's not so noticeable and we are fortunate that she has a sense of humor that we have to actually do a doubletake and wonder if she really has the disease. My dear sweetie, Steve, says we should take her on the road. We'd do better than the Blue Collar Comedy Club team! She is an Elvis Presley fan. She remembers him. We shopped a day at the local Goodwill and she found a doll replica of Elvis with his guitar and swivel hips and it's her favorite toy. On our way to my daughter Chrissy's yesterday she told me she wanted to find someone and get married again. Was that ever out of the blue!! My luck she would and then "forget" she got married and take a devilish delight in living in sin! Ha ha ha! Definately have to write that certificate in BOLD Sharpie and hang it on the wall. I have her and my dads wedding certificate , it's a Catholic scroll with beautiful artistry 16x20 size, framed over the bookcase. Can't miss it. She says I haven't seen my marriage certificate in a long time! That's the way of her.
Well I can tell my emotions are all over the place today. I am still exhausted from our vacation home, that Mother doesn't remember. We went to Fulton, KY, Union City, TN, Henderson, TX,Wynne, AR, Memphis, TN to visit family and friends we haven't seen in awhile. Good thing we took pictures.
Seems we got home in time. Carolyn's cat was due to have kittens. She had them yesterday. Three in all we believe. She hid herself in what will become the computer room at my sisters. There are so cute even though I haven't seen them yet. I know I will want to bring one home, but we have allergies and I want to continue to travel for as long as I can. I love being out on the open road.

Friday, September 5, 2008

September 5, 2008

It's the first day of fall like weather. We have rain and wind from Hurricane Gustav. Yesterday it was 90 . Not today! I am not sure what the temperature is this moment but putting mail in the mail box a light rain had already begun to "fall" and the wind has leaves strewn about on lawns and dancing down the street. I checked. It's 71 degrees. It may stall over us as Hurricane Hannah is headed for the east coast of North and South Carolina. Mom is up so the day has started. Thankfully I got to read and fill out the forms Social Security wanted for Mom. when she is up I am nervous and can't read or think straight. Wonder why that is? Until Later.

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Thursday

Let's see what's been happening!

Darryal got the job at at Somo as a lab tech making more than he was at Malco as a compounder.
He starts Monday, September 8th.
Denise will graduate the following Monday on the 15th, Mitchell's 14th birthday. She has an internship at Rockynol for 4 days, takes final exams and the Job Fair is on Monday as well and Denise should have job placement at that time. She will sign up for state tested CNA and it will be in one of the 3 C's, Cleveland, Canton or Columbus.

From there 4 years of nursing school.

Birthday party for Mitchell and Shayna is Sunday, September 14th. Shayna will be 9. It sure will be good to see Chrissy and the kids again. I don't believe we have seen them since Mother's Day.

Carolyn got answers about changing jobs and will be staying with JCPenneys. After you work somewhere for so long, co-workers become family. After losing Lee she probably doesn't need that much change yet. David is at GoJo's and Dianna is going for pathologist I believe it was. Vicki is still at TJ Maxx.

Kasey got hurt on the playground today. Seems some kids were swinging her around and she hit her head on the ground. Patty Phillips called looking for Jaime but she had left for work and she really hated leaving that kind of message on her cell phone. Turns out she is doing vision screening of the children and said KC had trouble reading the top line. I spoke of our concerns she may be dyslexic. She will look for it but says until the 2nd grade it is common to copy backwards, but said it was good for her to know.

Mema has decided she wants to go to the nursing home. Lot of work for me. My mind is boggled that's why I'm writing a lot of this stuff down. I am not feeling well from the weird things happening to me. I assume it's the auto-immune disorders and I am exhausted a lot. To start tracking medicaid and nursing homes will take me a while especially to go visit without Mother. The social worker says I should go without her going with me. Schedule one visit and pop in on another day.

My knee is stiff but feeling better and I seem to be walking better. The doctor gave me a kenelog shot for my arm. Seems it worked for a bit but the rash is back and itching. Thought I was through with menopause. Don't know if it is the shot or not since it is a steroid but it's very uncomfortable and Tylenol isn't helping much. After the pitted edema I won't touch the Ibuprofen and the doc said slow down on the aspirin. Without any type of health insurance I'm not going to get much help from the medical community.

Everyone's in school now.

Mitchell 8th grade
Shaun,
Shayna and
Alexis all 3rd grade
Livey and Zandy 2nd grade
Kasey 1st grade
Aliyah and Gracie Kindergarten

Take me out to the ball game! GO INDIANS!!!

Air Show Finale

more labor day pictures

Streetsboro, OH Labor Day past swiftly

The days are passing much to swiftly and I cannot journal as much as I would like.. Pictures first of Labor Day for Kasey, Jaime and Mike. they went to the Cleveland Air Show and in the evening to the Cleveland Indians game, winning 5-0. They are on a streak, Wahoo!!!!!

In a Three Minute Positive Not to Country Up-Tempo Love Song (Mitchell and my song.)

This is a three minute song
To tell her that I love her
And how wonderful we get along
A sweet sentiment that's borderline slick
A lotta right and not much wrong
It's a little bit edgy, but softer than spaghetti
Weak yet redundantly strong
It's a three minute positive
Not too country up-tempo love song
Yeah, it's a three minute positive
Not to country up-tempo love song
It's a way to tell her that I love her
But it can't be too long

There'll be no drinkin', no cheatin',
No lyin', no leavin'
That stuff it just don't belong
In a three minute positive
Not too county up-tempo love song

You won't hear four-letter words
Just me tellin' her
That she's the every breath I draw
And how I can't live without her
And I could never doubt her'
Cause she could never do no wrong
Well it's the right amount of timin'
The proper form of rhymin'
A little guitar then it's gone
It's a three minute positive
Not too country up-tempo love song
Yeah, it's a three minute positive
Not to country up-tempo love song
It's a way to tell her that I love her
But it can't be too long

There'll be no drinkin', no cheatin',
No lyin', no leavin'
That stuff it just don't belong
In a three minute positive
Not too county up-tempo love song
Yeah in a three minute positive
Not too country up-tempo love song

There'll be no drinkin', no cheatin',
No lyin', no leavin'
That stuff it just don't belong
In a three minute positive
Not too country up-tempo love song
Yeah in a three minute positive
Not too country up-tempo love song

~~~sung by Alan Jackson

My song for Dale

In your arms
I can still feel the way you
Want me when you hold me
I can still hear the words you whispered
When you told me
I can stay right here forever in your arms

And there aint no way--Im lettin you go now
And there aint no way--And there aint not how
Ill never see that day....

[chorus:]
cause Im keeping youForever and for always
We will be together all of our day
Wanna wake up everyMorning to your sweet face--always

Mmmm, baby

In your heart--i can still hear
A beat for every time you kiss me
And when were apart,I know how much you miss me
I can feel your love for me in your heart

And there aint no way--Im lettin you go now
And there aint now way--And there aint no how
Ill never see that day....

[repeat chorus]

(I wanna wake up every morning)

In your eyes--(I can still seeThe look of the one)
I can still see
The look of the one who really loves me
(I can still feel the way that you want)
The one who wouldnt put anything
Else in the world above me
(I can still see love for me)
I can
Still see love for me in your eyes
(I still see the love)
And there aint no way--
Im lettin you go now
And there aint no way--
And there aint no how
Ill never see that day....

[repeat chorus (2x)]

Im keeping you forever and for always
Im in your arms

~~~Sung by Shania Twain

In Financial News,,,

AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE
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DEAR BRUCE: I am a 60-year-old woman and the guardian of a child since her infancy. She is now of driving age and, like all 16-year-olds, wants to learn how to drive. I investigated this with my insurance company, added her to the policy and my insurance bill shot up like a space shuttle. I live from paycheck to paycheck. I don't want to deprive her, as she's a wonderful teenager. After complaining to my friends, I have found that they waited a couple of years so that their rates wouldn't be so high. Do you have any thoughts? Everyone thinks I worry too much.--Faithful Reader, via e-mail

DEAR Faithful Reader: I don't think you worry too much at all. I think you did what was appropriate. While I know this rate increase is hurting you, I see no alternative other than not to let this teen get her license -- or she could pay the premium. Why would that be so difficult? A 16-year-old certainly can find a job -- if nothing else, slinging burgers -- where she could easily earn this kind of money. This should not put an additional burden on you. If she wants to drive, she ought to pay.

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College Savings and Investing
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DEAR BRUCE: I am aware that a 529 savings plan is a tax-free way to save for my children's college education. I am also concerned that having accounts in their names may lessen their chances for financial aid. Would it be just as good to invest in other types of accounts, such as CDs, in my name, to increase their chances? We are a single-parent household (father is deceased) in the middle-income bracket. --P.O., via e-mail

DEAR P.O.: This is an ongoing Catch-22. I have written about this quite a few times as I get a lot of messages, especially at this time of year with school approaching. People who sacrifice and save for their college educations are penalized. Those who save nothing and do not prepare are rewarded with scholarships and grants. Whether the money is in a 529, a CD or other investment in your name or your children's names, the assets will be used to determine if your kids are entitled to financial aid in the form of grants or loans. It just seems totally backward to me. Wouldn't it be far more just to reward those families who save for college and penalize those who do not? But that, of course, would not be politically correct.

DEAR BRUCE: I have a 2-year-old daughter. My husband and I have opened an account at our bank to save for her college. We have about $2,000 in it, with plans to deposit $50 a week. We have started a 401(k) through my husband's employer. Our financial adviser has approached us about opening a 529 in the state of Virginia (we live in Connecticut). I have heard some negative things about 529s — such as high fees. What would you suggest we do to save for college?--T.G. , via e-mail

DEAR T.G. :There are many ways to save for college with a tax advantage, and 529s — not necessarily in Virginia— are a viable way to go. They do, however, require a fair amount of investigation. Some offer higher fees than others, better returns, terms, etc. Of course, there's also the Coverdell Education Savings Account, which you can establish, control and put in your child's name. In the event the money is spent appropriately for college, most or all of the taxes would go away.

DEAR BRUCE: My son, a college sophomore who has more than enough money saved to pay for bills for state-university education, is still borrowing. He claims there is nothing improper about borrowing and investing the money. Since there is no interest being charged, whatever he earns is gravy. I think this is wrong. Is he breaking any laws?--Frustrated Mother, via e-mail

DEAR Frustrated Mother:Unless the loan specifically addresses the issue of where the money is being spent, I don't see how he's doing anything wrong. As a matter of fact, I think he's a smart young man. If he can legally borrow interest-free money, why in the world wouldn't he? The other part of the equation is to make sure that it gets paid back before the interest meter starts to run.

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CREDIT CARDS
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DEAR BRUCE: I received several checks in the mail from one of my credit-card companies, with which I could transfer balances and so on. I'm sure you're familiar with what I'm talking about. The company stated that I could use these checks today to save on their low fixed rate that lasts until the balance is paid in full. As long as I kept my account in good standing, this great low rate wouldn't increase. Guaranteed! Well, I used one of these checks back in October 2007. When I got my first billing statement, the interest rate was four times what they said it would be in the letter that came with the checks. I called the credit-card company several times, but they won't give me a straight answer as to why the interest rate is much higher. Is there anything I can do?--T.Y., via e-mail

DEAR T.Y.: The checks that you receive from credit-card companies are very rarely a good deal. Often, there's a minimum fee assessed just for writing the check. When I receive these letters, they go into the shredder immediately. By all means find out what it's going to take to get you out, and then, if you want to fight with the company, do so. Hopefully, you still have the original letter, which can be used for your fight. In my opinion, the checks that we all receive should be destroyed, never used.

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Credit Collections
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DEAR BRUCE: My brother recently started getting threatening calls from a collection agency. He has repeatedly asked for proof of this debt, as he cannot remember the company or even owing anyone any money. As of yet, they have not come forth with any documentation for this debt of several thousand dollars. They are claiming this obligation goes back 10 years. I would think there is a statute of limitations if there is no effort to collect in that long a period of time. --Reader, Kansas

DEAR Reader: Most states have statutory limitations on how long a bill can be ignored by a creditor and still collected. You can inquire of the public advocate of the state where your brother resides. In any case, I would not honor any bill until the creditor gave me reasonable substantiation in WRITING. You should understand that they likely represent a company that has bought the obligation for a few pennies on the dollar, and they will do whatever they can to collect and make a profit on that transaction. Find out about the statutory limitations, if any, in your brother's state and proceed from there. Under no circumstances let him agree to pay anything until all claims are made in writing.

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FRAUD
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DEAR BRUCE: I have a situation on my hands: My daughter, a 20-year-old college student, forged my signature on a student-loan application through Fannie Mae in the amount of $40,000. I found out because I monitor my credit report. I saw it on there and contacted Fannie Mae. They told me I had co-signed for a student loan. I told them I had not, and they faxed me a copy of the application. I immediately recognized my daughter's handwriting. Do I have any right to go after Fannie Mae for not contacting me to make sure that I was really co-signing for the loan? What about the check? Shouldn't it have been issued under both of our names if I was the co-signee? Do I have to press charges against my daughter to have this loan removed from my credit? This situation is really tormenting me. --M.J., via e-mail

DEAR M.J.: While I thoroughly sympathize, it's obvious that you're looking to go after everyone but the person who caused this mess — your daughter. If you wish to negate this — which can be done — you will have to sign a complaint against her, and that could result in criminal charges. Furthermore, do you know what happened to the $40,000? Was it used for tuition, or did your daughter just gain a big chunk of walking-around money? I would suggest that you get some solid legal advice before moving forward, although your daughter deserves to be hung out to dry. You may not wish to do that, however.

DEAR BRUCE: We were always told to shred our credit-card receipts because our card number appeared on them. Now that most places only print the last four digits of the card on the receipt, should we still shred them?--K.H., Georgia

DEAR K.H.:Shredding any document -- credit-card receipts, tax returns, solicitations, etc. -- is always a good idea. While there may not be any useful information on these receipts, what possible harm can come from shredding? It's a relatively quick and painless procedure, and you'll be assured that dumpster divers won't gain any of your information.

DEAR BRUCE: I recently discovered that there seems to be several names associated with my Social Security number. I have contacted all of the credit-reporting agencies to see whether I can figure out what's going on. Do you have any other suggestions? --Reader, Las Vegas, NV

DEAR Reader: It sounds as if you're a victim of identity theft, which is definitely a growing problem. The first thing I would do is track down every usage of my name and contact the business source where the name was used. I would also make complaints to the district attorney's office in each of the cities where this has taken place and suggest possible identity theft. Until you understand the magnitude to which the number was used, was credit extended, etc., it's difficult to tell you what road to take. Please keep in touch.

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HOUSE AND HOME
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DEAR BRUCE: In 1998, we opened a trust at which time my husband was dying. After he passed, I had trouble with the trust and, after paying a lawyer $500, worked it out. I discovered that he had opened a quitclaim deed. I don't know what to do about it. I don't even know what a quitclaim deed is. I have a difficult time getting out of the house. I would appreciate your help.--Reader, via e-mail

DEAR Reader: I sympathize that you are unable to leave your home, but I think you are going to have to find a way. Very few attorneys make house calls. In a quitclaim deed, someone gives up rights on a piece of property -- but not necessarily the responsibilities. If a mortgage is still in place, the person is still responsible for it -- but he or she no longer has rights. To whom your husband gave this quitclaim is a mystery to both of us. I believe you should seek counsel to help straighten this out, because it is not self-correcting.

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INVESTING
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DEAR BRUCE: I am 24 years old and married with two children. Everyone keeps telling me that I need to invest my money. I'm sure that they are right, but the problem is that I don't know anything about mutual funds, IRAs or the stock market. Do you know of any books that would help teach me about the ups and downs of these and other investments? Where I can begin investing? I want to invest now, while I'm young, so I will have some sort of financial security in the future. --S.T., Arizona

DEAR S.T.: As a young guy, there is absolutely nothing more important than learning about investing and then setting a schedule and staying with it. You have taken the biggest step already, and that is recognizing what you don't know. From that point, most people would not pursue it any further, so I commend you. There is any number of books on the subject. The Internet is invaluable, and publications such as Money, Forbes, Fortune, the Wall Street Journal and the business section of your local newspaper are all great sources. The one major investment that many are reluctant to make is the time required to gain this knowledge. Unfortunately, I know of no shortcuts. The fact that you're asking the question at your age says a good deal about you.

DEAR BRUCE: My husband receives a small pension (about $100 a month) left to him by his aunt. Right now, we deposit it directly into our savings account. We are in our mid-40s and would like to have the money go into a retirement account. Any suggestions? --P.F., via e-mail

DEAR P.F.: Putting the money into a retirement account certainly makes sense, but why upset what seems to be working? Right now, the money goes directly into your savings account. You might wish to direct it into your checking account, then write a monthly or quarterly check to an investment vehicle. This way, if you decide to change investment accounts, you simply send the checks to a different place, and you don't have to redirect the deposits.

DEAR BRUCE: My husband was murdered a year ago. After paying death expenses and his bills, I have $8,000 left. I don't have a decent job, but I need to save some money for my future. What is the best way to invest that small amount of cash? --D.B., via e-mail

DEAR D.B.:My condolences on what must have been a horrible experience. You mentioned that you don't have a decent job. It's possible, assuming you're in good health, that the $8,000 might best be invested in training yourself for more meaningful employment. That said, this is another situation where you're going to have to educate yourself, because the amount of money available is not enough for a financial adviser to spend much time on your account. If you simply want to park the money, you might wish to take a look at no-load mutual funds. This simply means there is no commission to be paid, but you will have to contact the funds directly. A list of these can be found in most issues of Money magazine and many other financial publications.

DEAR BRUCE: What is your take on Internet banking for savings accounts? One offers 4.75 percent and another 4.3 percent. I like the percentages, and I like the quick access to my money. I do have other retirement accounts, so I am not looking for extreme long term but something that offers savings with a decent interest rate.--Reader , via e-mail

DEAR Reader : I have no problem with Internet banking as long as the account is FDIC-insured. The 4.75 percent is a number that many people would like to see at this point in history. You mentioned there is quick access to the money. To attract the cited percentage, in most cases, it would require a time commitment, such as a CD. That aside, the only variables that people should be concerned with here are the interest rates and that the bank is federally insured.

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NURSING HOMES AND MEDICAID
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DEAR BRUCE: My mother is in a nursing home. She wants to gift the maximum amount of money to my husband and me. Can the nursing home lay claim to any of this money? --C.R., via e-mail
DEAR C.R.: If the person resides in a nursing home AND is collecting government support -- i.e., Medicaid or other charity -- then she may not gift $12,000 to each of you. If she is in a nursing home and collecting nothing, she can do what she wants with her assets. However, in the event that it does become necessary to start collecting Medicaid if the gift is given within the look-back period (between the time the money is given and aid collection begins), the money may be recovered by the agency contributing it.

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POWER OF ATTORNEY VS. DURABLE POA
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DEAR BRUCE: I attended a scary financial seminar during which the speaker stated that a "power of attorney" as recent as three years old is no longer valid. Is this true? Also, under a new HIPAA law, will my daughter not be allowed to find out about my medical condition should I be hospitalized? I'm a widow, and she is my next of kin. --E.C., via e-mail

DEAR E.C.: Powers of attorney and the rights and responsibilities vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. I know of none where they expire automatically at the end of three years. The conditions certainly change an individual's circumstance, and they may have been referring to a durable power of attorney. By all means, this should be of concern to you. Consult an attorney in your jurisdiction and have him or her explain the difference between a general power and a durable power and how these can affect your financial life.

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RETIREMENT INVESTING
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DEAR BRUCE: I didn't plan well for my retirement, and it is upon me. I am 55 years old. I clear $294 a week. I have a car payment of $350 and no rent expense at this time. That said, I have no real estate to fall back on. I owe $1,800 in credit cards, mostly medical and emergency-type things. Gas, groceries and incidentals cost from $80 to $100 a week. Health insurance is $53 a week. I thought of getting another credit card with 0 percent for a year, then combining my two credit cards and paying $100 a month. I need to start investing in 401(k) plans, but any more money coming out of my paycheck makes it hard. Do you have any suggestions for someone in my position? By the way, I am single. A part-time job would be difficult on me health-wise, but I have thought of it.--L.B., via e-mail

DEAR L.B.:Given your expenses and debts, you're in serious trouble. Your car payment is more than your entire weekly pay. While I understand how all that could happen, the situation is very unhealthy. Please don't try to borrow your way to prosperity. Unfortunately, the only answer -- and you mentioned it would be hard on you -- is to increase your income with a part-time job. You have a double whammy here -- not saving any money and earning modest amounts of income. That means your Social Security payment will be equally modest. The best way to go: Try to find some part-time work, perhaps on weekends, that you could handle without injuring your health. Every dime you earn in that endeavor should be invested toward retirement.

DEAR BRUCE: My husband and I are 53 years old. My husband earns more than $100,000 a year. I do not work outside the home. We have about $200,000 in mutual funds and stocks. Can I contribute to a Roth IRA? And, if so, how much?--D.M., via e-mail

DEAR D.M.: You and your husband may have a spousal account at $5,000 a year apiece because you are both over 50. It's a so-called catch-up provision. These are after-tax dollars, of course, but it's an outstanding way to save. The money is earned in the next 15 to 20 years in your case and is totally tax-free. If at all possible, take advantage of it.

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SOCIAL SECURITY
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DEAR BRUCE: I am 62 years old and want to get my Social Security payments. The people at Social Security are making it difficult. They say that I made too much money last year. Can you help me? --Frustrated Reader, via e-mail

DEAR Frustrated Reader: I don't know any prohibition on how much money you earn or collect. If you are 62 years old and willing to take the reduced payment, you can start collecting Social Security. As long as you have everything in order, there is nothing to stop you from collecting.

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TRAVEL
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DEAR BRUCE: A few months ago, I traveled out of state on a business trip, which required me to visit the same town twice, a few weeks apart. For these two different trips, I just stayed at the same hotel. Both times I checked out and charged the stay to my credit card. Last week, I got a phone call from the hotel saying they have no record of me checking out of the hotel or that I had even been charged. I informed her that, both times, I went to the front desk and checked out. She said that she needed me to forward her a bill from the hotel. Can she do this? Why is it my responsibility to prove that I paid and checked out? --Reader, via e-mail

DEAR Reader: For almost all of the trips I take, I use the express checkout. They put the statement under the door; I check it over, leave the key card in the room, and leave. They had a credit-card imprint that I provided at check-in. I don't doubt that you could probably prove to this individual what she wants proved, but I would tell them very frankly that the problem is theirs. You did what was necessary to be given a key card for the room, so obviously they have your credit-card information somewhere. If you want to fax them the pertinent information, that's up to you. They will either have to forget the charge or, if they really chose to pursue it, they will need to initiate legal action.

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WILLS
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DEAR BRUCE: My wife and I separated a year ago. I am in the process of buying her share of the house. We have not gotten a divorce or even a legal separation. The house is in my name. If something were to happen to me, can she claim any part of this property? I have taken her out of my will altogether.--Reader, via e-mail

DEAR Reader: You have not shared with me what state you live in. If you are still legally married at the time of your death, the likelihood is that you would not be allowed to cut her out of your will. In many states, a legal wife is entitled to at least one-third of the deceased spouse's estate, without regard to his or her wishes. If you have decided to live apart, clearly a divorce is called for. Even if there are religious considerations, a divorce for legal reasons should be considered. You may, in your own mind, wish to consider yourself still married, but legally, it would be to your advantage to divorce

DEAR BRUCE: We are a retired couple. Our money market, savings and checking accounts are all in our son's name. We also have our children's name on the title on our condo as well as other assets. Is it therefore necessary for us to have a will to avoid probate? We would not like to have our children go through probate if we can avoid it.--Reader, via e-mail

DEAR Reader: First of all, having a will and avoiding probate is a contradiction. Wills must go to probate in order to be executed. Why you put everything in your children's names is not a mystery, but I'm not sure it was a good move. I suspect that you had been advised that this way, should you require a good deal of intensive care, such as a nursing home, that you could go on Medicaid and preserve your assets. You should be aware of the fact that if one of your children gets into trouble, perhaps with the IRS or excessive debt, your assets can be attached because they are no longer yours but theirs. Everyone needs a will. Simple reciprocal wills are not an expensive proposition, but I would seriously review the advisability of having all of your assets in your children's names.
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In his Smart Money column, Bruce Williams answers readers' questions on personal finance, covering concerns such as collecting debts, investing inherited money, starting a business and getting a loan. A popular radio personality, Williams was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 1999. Williams has authored four books, and he writes the "Smart Money" column, which appears in over 600 newspapers

My Hero!!

You all remember Sheriff Joe Arpaio of Arizona , who painted the jail cells pink and made the inmates wear pink prison garb. Well......... SHERIFF JOE IS AT IT AGAIN! Oh, there's MUCH more to know about Sheriff Joe! Maricopa County was spending approx. $18 million dollars a year on stray animals, like cats and dogs. Sheriff Joe offered to take the department over, and the County Supervisors said okay. The animal shelters are now all staffed and operated by prisoners. They feed and care for the strays. Every animal in his care is taken out and walked twice daily. He now has prisoners who are experts in animal nutrition and behavior. They give great classes for anyone who'd like to adopt an animal. He has literally taken stray dogs off the street, given them to the care of prisoners, and had them place in dog shows. The best part? His budget for the entire department is now under $3 million. Teresa and I adopted a Weimaraner from a Maricopa County shelter two years ago. He was neutered, and current on all shots, in great health, and even had a microchip inserted the day we got him. Cost us $78. The prisoners get the benefit of about $0.28 an hour for working, but most would work for free, just to be out of their cells for the day. Most of his budget is for utilities, building maintenance, etc. He pays the prisoners out of the fees collected for adopted animals. I have long wondered when the rest of the country would take a look at the way he runs the jail system, and copy some of his ideas. He has a huge farm, donated to the county years ago, where inmates can work, and they grow most of their own fresh vegetables and food, doing all the work and harvesting by hand. He has a pretty good sized hog farm, which provides meat, and fertilizer. It fertilizes the Christmas tree nursery, where prisoners work, and you can buy a living Christmas tree for $6 - $8 for the Holidays, and plant it later. We have six trees in our yard from the Prison. Yup, he was reelected last year with 83% of the vote. Now he's in trouble with the ACLU again. He painted all his buses and vehicles with a mural, that has a special hotline phone number painted on it, where you can call and report suspected illegal aliens. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement wasn't doing enough in his eyes, so he had 40 deputies trained specifically for enforcing immigration laws, started up his hotline, and bought 4 new buses just for hauling folks back to the border. He's kind of a 'Git-R Dun' kind of Sheriff. TO THOSE OF YOU NOT FAMILIAR WITH JOE ARPAIO HE IS THE MARICOPA ARIZONA COUNTY SHERIFF AND HE KEEPS GETTING ELECTED OVER AND OVER THIS IS ONE OF THE REASONS WHY: Sheriff Joe Arpaio (In Arizona ) who created the ' Tent City Jail': He has jail meals down to 40 cents a serving and charges the inmates for them. He stopped smoking and porno magazines in the jails. Took away their weights Cut off all but 'G' movies. He started chain gangs so the inmates could do free work on county and city projects. Then He Started Chain Gangs For Women So He Wouldn't Get Sued For Discrimination. He took away cable TV Until he found out there was A Federal Court Order that Required Cable TV For Jails So He Hooked Up The Cable TV Again Only Let In The Disney Channel And The Weather Channel. When asked why the weather channel He Replied, So They Will Know How Hot It's Gonna Be While They Are Working ON My Chain Gangs. He Cut Off Coffee Since It Has Zero Nutritional Value. When the inmates complained, he told them, 'This Isn't The Ritz/Carlton.....If You Don't Like It, Don't Come Back.' He bought Newt Gingrich's lecture series on videotape that he pipes into the jails. When asked by a reporter if he had any lecture series by a Democrat, he replied that a democratic lecture series might explain why a lot of the inmates were in his jails in the first place. More On The Arizona Sheriff: With Temperatures Being Even Hotter Than Usual In Phoenix (116 Degrees Just Set A New Record), the Associated Press Reports: About 2,000 Inmates Living In A Barbed-Wire-Surrounded Tent Encampment At The Maricopa County Jail Have Been Given Permission To Strip Down To Their Government-Issued Pink Boxer Shorts. On Wednesday, hundreds of men wearing boxers were either curled up on their bunk beds or chatted in the tents, which reached 138 Degrees Inside The Week Before. Many Were Also Swathed In Wet, Pink Towels As Sweat Collected On Their Chests And Dripped Down To Their PINK SOCKS. 'It Feels Like We Are In A Furnace,' Said James Zanzot, An Inmate Who Has Lived In The TENTS for 1 year. 'It's Inhumane.' Joe Arpaio, the tough-guy sheriff who created the tent city and long ago started making his prisoners wear pink, and eat bologna sandwiches, is not one bit sympathetic. He said Wednesday that he told all of the inmates: 'It's 120 Degrees In Iraq And Our Soldiers Are Living In Tents Too, And They Have To Wear Full Battle Gear, But They Didn't Commit Any Crimes,So Shut Your Mouths!' Way To Go, Sheriff! Maybe if all prisons were like this one there would be a lot less crime and/or repeat offenders. Criminals should be punished for their crimes - not live in luxury until it's time for their parole, only to go out and commit another crime so they can get back in to live on taxpayers money and enjoy things taxpayers can't afford to have for themselves. If you agree, pass this on. If not, just delete it. Sheriff Joe was just reelected Sheriff in Maricopa County, Arizona

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The basis of world peace is the teaching which runs through almost all the great religions of the world. "Love they neighbor as thyself." - Eleanor Roosevelt

A careless word may kindle strife; a cruel word may wreck a life; a timely word may level stress; a Loving word may heal and bless.
~~~~Anonymous

When your desire to achieve is greater than your fear of failure, you're making progress. - ~~~Tom Haggai It had long since come to my attention that people of accomplishment rarely sat back and let things happen to them. They went out and happened to things. - Elinor Smith

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