In a text message today he closed with an innocent comment "Hope you're okay and it's not too hot up there. Still looking around for work?
At one time in the past I had mentioned I was looking for some part time work to supplement my income. Really isn't feasible for me as the farm takes a lot of my time especially this time of year, although far less than only a few years ago. Therefore, my reply to him is repeated here. Thought I would share that reply now with my levergun brothers and see if there are any additions I should have included about my living not so large.
Phil, what, ...are you crazy!! Still looking around for work? Naaah, I'm making it GREAT without other income. If by GREAT one means, ...
*watch every penny;
*pay bills on time to avoid late charges;
*maintain an untouchable emergency fund significant enough to handle financial emergencies, as they will most surely come your way at the most unexpected times;
*never leave a room without turning off the lights and ceiling fan and closing the door;
*don't run the air conditioning if the outdoor weather is cool or warm enough to open windows;
*layer warm clothes indoors in winter and cool/nearly nude in summer;
*only use vacuum cleaner when you can see your footprints in the dust, dirt and dog hair (hardwood floors);
*don't run dishwasher unless crammed full, same with washer/dryer for household laundry;
*keep a shopping list of needs so fewer trips to town;
*eliminate frivolous expenses so to reward yourself with a can of 40% deet tick/chigger spray, bottle of inexpensive scotch or six pack of Pabst Blue Ribbon from time to time;
*do as much maintenance for yourself as qualified to do and/or use bartering when necessary;
*roll your own cigarettes instead of buying highly taxed "ready rolled" commercial brands;
*sell extra "stuff" from time to time when necessary;
*grocery shop only at Aldi’s, Sam's or WalMart; avoid name brands, buy generic if possible;
*delay bathing until your odor is so nasty even your dogs won't come near you;
*grow a beard to avoid high cost of razor blades,…a simple pair of scissors will last for umpteen years;
*reread every fiction, nonfiction books and gun related magazines you have in your 40 year collection several times or as a last resort make use of nearest public library;
*ammunition costs, …only shoot your reloads;
*hunt only edible game and learn to process it yourself;
*catch/cook fish from your or neighbor’s pond to occasionally diversify necessary protein requirements;
*limit yourself daily to as few calories as possible without succumbing to malnutrition;
*only own vehicle with high MPG (VW diesel, anyone? 40mpg!) and then only use sparingly or as really necessary;
*buy inexpensive pet food - and remember that dogs need less food/fewer calories in hot summer weather;
*limit haircuts until you can't stand to look in the mirror;
*don't eat out, but accept every dinner invitation you get;
*don't pay high premiums for health insurance (if you need health care that bad just go lie down with a bottle of whiskey, some aspirins, make peace with your family members, your Creator and wait for the inevitable. No one lives forever);
*shop at flea markets and yard sales for really good deals and the occasional treasure;
*rely on your Bible for peace and enlightenment and only Netflix's "1 at a time" $8.95 mo. membership fee and your computer for entertainment
WOW, if I had followed this regimen over the last 50 years I'd have a sh--tload of money now to do some really
fun stuff!
Regards, Your father-in-law - Too Soon Old and Too Late Smart
As a 73 year old single man living alone in a much too large home on a small but gorgeously located Ozark Mountain farm acreage in Northwest Arkansas, 20 minutes from Fayetteville, I have no complaints. Truth be known, I've lived my life more like "the grasshopper... than the ants" in the famous fable and have no one but myself to blame for my "supposed" tight financial plight. I have no complaints about my current situation. In reality, I'm truly blessed.
Who the heck wants to die rich? Rich is doing stuff while you still can...