Sunday, June 18, 2023

Swiftest Dad

Here are three jokes with the same lead line, Happy Father's Day to all the fastest dads out there.

Three youngsters were in a spirited debate to determine who had the swiftest dad.

The first kid boasted, "My dad can run a mile in just four minutes!" The second kid countered, "Well, my dad can run a mile in three minutes flat!" The third kid, feeling left out, thought for a moment and then exclaimed, "Wow, my dad doesn't have to run at all – he just drives his car to the end of the mile and back in five minutes!"

Three youngsters were in the midst of a spirited debate to determine who had the swiftest dad.

"My dad is the fastest!" Anya exclaimed excitedly. "He's a builder and can chuck a brick off the fifth floor, race down the stairs and catch it before it even hits the ground!" "That's nothing!" Brad boasted. "My dad is much faster! He's a professional archer and can target an arrow at a wolf's head, fire it, and then run and grab the creature before the arrow even lands!" "Incredible!" exclaimed Tommy. "But I think my father is way faster!" "What makes you say that?" asked Anya and Brad curiously. "My father has been working at the DMV for 20 years," Tommy answered. "he's expected to be off work at 5PM, but he's so speedy he's home by 1!"

Three youngsters were in a spirited debate to determine who had the swiftest dad. "My dad can run a mile in under four minutes!" boasted the first youngster. "Well, my dad can run a mile in under three minutes," countered the second youngster. The third youngster, feeling left out, said, "My dad doesn't have to run at all. He just asks my mom where he left his keys and she brings them to him." The first and second youngsters looked at each other in amazement and asked, "Your dad can find his keys that fast?" The third youngster replied, "No, but he's pretty swift at blaming my mom for losing them in the first place."


Saturday, June 17, 2023

Tracking savings and spending in a tough economy

 Savings fundamentals are the basic principles and practices that form the foundation for successful saving. You should have specific goals in mind for what you want to save for, whether it's a down payment on a house, an emergency fund, or retirement.

You should track your income and expenses to determine how much money you can realistically set aside each month for savings.

You should make saving a priority by setting up automatic transfers to your savings account and putting any extra money you receive, such as bonuses or tax refunds, directly into savings.

You should set aside at least three to six months' worth of living expenses in a separate account to cover unexpected expenses.

You should work to pay down high-interest debt, such as credit card balances, as quickly as possible to free up more money for savings.

You should consider investing your savings in assets that have the potential for growth, such as stocks or mutual funds, to help your money grow over time.

By following these fundamentals, you can develop good saving habits that will help you achieve your financial goals and build a secure financial future.

Friday, June 16, 2023

'Should you use a Travel Agent to book your vacation?

Summer is coming up fast and some of us are considering travel as an option. Some of us will book our own trips but others will consider using a travel agent. I am inclined to use a travel agent to book my travel. Travel agents are trained professionals who have extensive knowledge and experience in the travel industry. They can offer valuable advice and insights on destinations, flights, hotels, and activities that may not be easily accessible to the average traveller.

These folks can often get good deals, especially if you’re in the market for a vacation package or cruise. When you plan a vacation, see what you can do on your own, but before you book, see if a local agent can beat the deal, you found yourself. And even if they can only get close, you might be fine with that.

While the internet has made it easier for people to find travel deals and book their own travel, there are still several reasons why someone might want to use a travel agent. Here are some benefits of using a travel agent:

Planning a trip can be time-consuming and overwhelming, especially for someone who is unfamiliar with the process. A travel agent can take care of all the details, such as booking flights, hotels, rental cars, and activities, saving the traveller time and hassle.

Travel agents can provide personalized service and tailor-made itineraries to meet the individual needs and preferences of their clients. They can also offer recommendations based on their client's interests and budgets.

Travel agents often have access to exclusive deals and amenities, such as upgrades, complimentary breakfast, and other perks that may not be available to the general public.

In case of an emergency, such as a flight cancellation or a medical issue, a travel agent can help and support, which can be invaluable, especially if the traveller is in a foreign country.

Overall, while booking travel online can be convenient, using a travel agent can provide many benefits, including expert advice, personalized service, and peace of mind.

Thursday, June 15, 2023

20 things seniors can do that are inexpensive

 When it comes to entertainment, imagination is often a great substitute for currency.  When was the last time you went on a picnic? Tried out the swings at the local park? Parked your car at a scenic overlook? Went to the zoo? Went hiking? Camping? Played card or board games?

I bet if we thought about it, there would be a million ways we can entertain ourselves that involve spending little or no money. We just forgot what they are. But when you think about the most memorable and happiest times of your life, I’ll bet that they didn’t include paying a huge bill in a fancy restaurant or staying in an expensive hotel. Here is my list of things we can do that are fun and low-cost.

Read books from the library or online

Start a new hobby like painting, knitting, or gardening

Take walks around the neighbourhood

Join a book club or other social club

Volunteer at a local organization

Attend free community events such as concerts or festivals

Watch classic movies or TV shows

Play board games with friends or family

Listen to music or podcasts

Write letters or emails to old friends and family members

Take up bird watching or stargazing

Visit local museums or historical sites on free admission days

Participate in online classes or workshops

Go on a picnic in a nearby park

Play card games or puzzles

Try new recipes and cook meals at home

Take up meditation or yoga

Attend free lectures or seminars at the library or community center

Create a scrapbook or photo album of old memories

Write in a journal or start a blog.