life

Finally splurged and bought a new computer

After realizing my current processor and motherboard was ordered over three years ago, and my current processor, an Athlon XP 3200+, was originally manufactured in 2003, I decided to build a new computer. It has taken me two months to decide what I wanted and to get the funds budgeted, but I finally ordered it tonight.

I purchased the case, an Antec Sonata III 500, over a year ago. It's an expensive case, but one of the best as far as silence and style goes.

Illegal immigrants stealing jobs

When I hear someone ranting and raving about illegal immigrants stealing jobs, I just can't agree. Are people really lined up for the jobs illegal immigrants normally work?

Dave Ross from his self-titled radio show on 710 KIRO covered the story of Dan Fazio from the Washington Farm Bureau who is looking for Americans to legally work the farms for $10 per hour. Dave put an "APB" out looking for "any born and bred legal American -- of any age - who's worked on a farm picking fruit in the past year." His response? ZERO. And Mr. Fazio is having problems finding legal workers at that rate, even offering to bus youngsters in.

Housing prices continue back to normal

Notice I didn't say crash or drop.

It infuriates me to hear a "real state market expert," from a major real estate sales firm or mortgage company, get on the radio or television and say things such as now is the best time to buy, or the market has never seen such low prices. Of course they are going to say that because these "experts" have an agenda.

The housing market begins it's downhill slide

I hate to say "I told you so," but I did...

The economy is now taking a beating as the situation with the housing market worsens. It all started about a month ago with record defaults in the sub-prime lending market. Simply put, people purchased homes they could not afford. I should say it all started with the mortgage boom back in 2003. Rates were at an all time low and housing prices were also low.

Life lessons: saving

I have definitely learned the importance of saving my money with my latest engine debacle, and the best ways to do it. I am going to share what has worked for me.

First, you have to "pay yourself first." No matter how in debt you are, no matter the bills, you have to save something every paycheck. Start with 10% off the top, before you do anything with your money. I am up to about 30% now.

The Housing Market Bubble

The housing market in Washington State is terrible as it is in many places around the company. Real estate prices are skyrocketing out of control in this area (the greater Puget sound), way beyond what most people can afford. There are "condos," glorified apartments really, selling for $175,000 in some of the worst areas in these parts (Casino Road for the locals). These apartment conversions were built in the 60's, are barely 1000 square feet and are, as mentioned, located in one of the worst parts of this area. A house is going to set you back $300,000 dollars minimum.