Monday, November 24, 2014

Here comes Black Friday 2014!

Well happy Thanksgiving week of Pre-Pre Black Friday Sales everyone! That's right, it's my 7th annual Black Friday Post!

This year, like every year, money is tight. Yeah I didn't plan on my clutch finally failing in my beloved Honda last week, but I should have expected it. After all, it does have 185k miles on it. I'd say I was lucky it lasted that long. But with that all fixed up, we now turn to figuring out this annual shopping debacle, and maybe even sitting down to have some ham and turkey on Thursday!

While my wife and I have decided that we will not encourage business's being open on Thanksgiving day, by running out and buying anything, we hope that you all out there do the same. As a country, we already rank pretty low on the 'day's off for family' scale among developed countries, so is giving away yet another holiday, one of our very few days off, really something we should encourage...for 25% off some socks and a crappy T.V.?

I've already witnessed one poor soul colliding with a vehicle this week, I hope that everyone out there remains aware of their surroundings and drives SLOW in parking lots. Public Safety Notice 101.

"i said that was MY spot!"

So do your homework, hopefully the list below will get you in the right direction. Keep an eye out for those lightning deals and utilize those smartphone apps that allow you to monitor those, as well as scan items to get an instant internet price check! Amazon has one, Google shopping has one, they work great and will save you some money. I hear Amazon price matches the local stores now, so keep an eye out for your spendy-er items going on sale at local stores, but have sold out!



Did I mention yet that I luv the holidays?   ;/

-And just so I didn't completely waste your time reading excerpts from my personal life, here's a few links to get you on your way. I'm sure they will be happy I led you there.
http://www.amazon.com/ (my personal fav)
http://www.newegg.com/ (for your favorite lovable nerd)
Google Shopping (a good all-around search for prices online and from local stores!)
http://www.target.com/ (my fav local store)
http://www.fredmeyer.com/ (for you Oregonian/Washingtonians)  
http://www.walmart.com/ (if u really have to..ugh)
http://www.sears.com/ (for that angle-grinding,circular sawing,super-sanding, Makita-drilling, Tim Allen-worshiping dude on your list)
http://www.oldnavy.com/
http://www.kohls.com/ (You can find great deals on Kids toys at Kohl's!) 

-and last but not least!
http://www.tylenol.com/ (the most important one for this holiday season methinks)

HAVE 'FUN'!

Sunday, August 10, 2014

2015 Military Pay Chart - For my fellow military peoples.



On May 23, 2014, the Senate Armed Services Committee released their mark-up of the National Defense Authorization Act, 2015, and in it contains a recommendation for a 1% military basic pay raise which is in-line with the President's proposal (with pay freeze for pay grades O-7 though O-10). The bill will be debated in the full Senate where the 1% is expected to carry, and the difference with the House's version of 1.8% will have to be worked out in conference.


The United States military pay scales below would become effective on January 1, 2015 if approved. It is the basic pay amounts for the active components of the Navy, Marines, Army, Air Force, Coast Guard.

Full chart (and credit goes to navycs.com) HERE:

Helpful Link for MYPAY HERE.

A small excerpt for the enlisted: