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Episode 033: The Vegas Episode: Gambling is Dumb

Today I discuss gambling. What a waste of your time and money. Why do people who work their whole lives, turn 65 and lose their minds and blow their money? I just don't get it.

Here are some facts:
(courtesy of  overcominggambling.com)

Gambling Statistics

What is unique about the current gambling situation is the speed at which it has gone from an undercurrent in American society to high-profile, socially recognized activity.

The gambling industry has grown tenfold in the U.S. since 1975

Thirty-seven states now have lotteries

15 million people display some sign of gambling addiction

Two-thirds of the adult population placed some kind of bet last year

Gambling profits in casinos are more than $30 billion while lotteries are about 17 billion annually

"Players" with household incomes under $10,000 bet nearly three times as much on lotteries as those with incomes over $50,000

In 1973 state lotteries had $2 billion in sales.  By 1997, the revenues reached $34 billion

Gambling among young people is on the increase: 42 percent of  14-year-olds, 49 percent of 15-year-olds, 63 percent of 16-year-olds, 76 percent of 18-year-olds.

There are now approximately 260 casinos on Indian reservations (in 31 states and with $6.7 billion in revenue)

Internet gambling has nearly doubled every year since 1997 – in 2001 it exceed $2 billion

The Internet boasts 110 sport-related gambling sites

According to the American Psychological Association the Internet could be as addictive as alcohol, drugs, and gambling

After casinos opened in Atlantic City, the total number of crimes within a thirty-mile radius increased 100 percent

The average debt incurred by a male pathological gambler in the U.S. is between $55,000 and $90,000 (it is $15,000 for female gamblers)

The average rate of divorce for problem gamblers is nearly double that of non-gamblers

The suicide rate for pathological gamblers is twenty times higher than for non-gamblers (one in five attempts suicide)

Sixty-five percent of pathological gamblers commit crimes to support their gambling habit

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(Courtesy of vegasclick.com)

Expected Loss

Expected Loss is somewhat of a misnomer.  It's not the value you actually expect to lose.  It's the mathematical average loss.  So whoever came up with the term "expected loss" did a bad job.  They should have called it "average loss".
An example illustrates the difference.  The house edge in roulette is 5.26%.  So for every $5 bet the casino will keep $0.26 on average.  So your "expected loss" on a $5 roulette bet is $0.26.
But if you bet $5 on roulette you can't lose exactly $0.26.  If you bet on red or black, you'll either win another $5 or lose the whole thing.  So you don't really expect to lose $0.26, it's just your mathematical average loss on each $5 bet, if you played the game forever.
So why do we even talk about expected loss if you can't lose exactly the amount it predicts on one play?  Because the longer you play, the closer your actual loss will be to the expected loss.  Let's say you play 1,000 spins on roulette, at $1 a spin, betting on red every time. You win 475 times and lose 525 times.  So you got back $950 (475 wins, plus you get your original wager back), and you risked $1,000.  That means you lost $50. The percentage you lost was $50 / 1000 = 5%, which is pretty close to the 5.26% mathematical average.
Expected loss is good for comparing the risk of various games.  Your expected loss depends on three factors:

1. How much you're betting (the amount per hand)
2. How fast you're playing (hands per hour)
3. The house edge (the average casino profit per bet)

In formula form, it's:

Wager x House Edge x Number of Hands = Expected Loss

As a practical example we'll use blackjack at $5/hand for two hours, assuming you use the proper strategy:

$5 x 0.5% x 60 hands/hr x 2 hrs. = $3

Below is a table showing your expected loss after 16 hours of play, using common house edges and common rates of play

Game	Hands Per Hour (HPH)	House Edge	Expected Loss for 16 hours of play
Slots, 0.05 Slots, 0.25 Slots, 1.00	800	8.0% (5 coins) 6.0% (3 coins) 5.0% (2 coins)	$256 $576 $1,280
Roulette, $5/spin	40	5.26% (American) 2.7% (European)	$168 (American) $86 (European)
Baccarat, $25/hand MiniBaccarat, $5/h.	60 150	1.06% (betting on Banker)	$254 $127
Blackjack, $5/hand	100	0.50% (with perfect play)	$40
Craps, $10/round ($5 Pass, $5 odds)	30 (Pass Line Bets)	1.41% pass line bet	$34

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Episode 032: The Thanksgiving Special

Thanksgiving is a national holiday and it is a Religious Holiday.  If EVER there is a day to to give thanks for what you have, this is the day.  Be thankful for all that you have and mean it.  If your situation isn't what you want--change it!!!  It is a holiday to embrace gardening.  What are you doing to put food on your own table?  It is also a holiday that is the final warning before winter.

Spend time with your family today, and spend time that isn't about just sitting in front of a tv or a video game.  It is also a holiday to relax or gear-up depending on your situation.  If you work hard and are a hustler ( as in a person who is always working to get ahead) take the holiday off and recharge the battery.  If you have a lot of time in front of the tv or playing some video game, you are probably not working hard enough.  Sorry, the truth sucks. 

Happy Thanksgiving and God Bless!!!

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Zillow's Home Improvemnt ROI Predictor

Zillow has this wonderful table that estimates what you can expect to get back (percentage wise) on you home improvement investment:

Improvement Type	Detailed Description	Job Cost	Resale Value	Cost Recouped
Bathroom Remodel (Mid-range)	Update an existing 5-by-7-foot bathroom. Replace all fixtures to include 30-by-60-inch porcelain-on-steel tub with 4x4-inch ceramic tile surround; new single-lever temperature and pressure-balanced shower control; standard white toilet; solid-surface vanity counter with integral sink; recessed medicine cabinet with light; ceramic tile floor; vinyl wallpaper.	$10,504	$10,642	101.3%
Minor Kitchen Remodel	In a functional but dated 200-square-foot kitchen with 30 linear feet of cabinetry and countertops, leave cabinet boxes in place but replace fronts with new raised-panel wood doors and drawers, including new hardware. Replace wall oven and cooktop with new energy-efficient models. Replace laminate countertops; install mid-priced sink and faucet. Repaint trim, add wall covering, and remove and replace resilient flooring.	$14,917	$14,645	98.2%
Siding (Vinyl)	Replace 1,250 square feet of existing siding with new vinyl siding, including all trim.	$7,243	$6,877	94.9%
Two-Story Addition	Add a first-floor family room and a second-floor bedroom with full bath in a 24-by-16-foot two-story wing over a crawl space. Add new HVAC system to handle addition; electrical wiring to code. Family room: Include a prefabricated gas fireplace; 11 3-by-5-foot double-hung insulated clad-wood windows; an atrium-style exterior door; carpeted floors; painted drywall on walls and ceiling; and painted trim. Bathroom: 5 by 8 feet. Include a one-piece fiberglass tub/shower unit; standard white toilet; wood vanity with solid-surface countertop; resilient vinyl flooring; and mirrored medicine cabinet with built-in light strip; papered walls; and painted trim; exhaust fan. Bedroom: Include walk-in closet/dressing area; carpet; painted walls, ceiling, and trim; general and spot lighting.	$80,168	$75,336	94.0%
Bathroom Remodel (Upscale)	Expand an existing 35-square-foot bathroom to 100 square feet within existing house footprint. Relocate all fixtures. Include 42-by-42-inch neo-angle shower with ceramic tile walls with accent strip, recessed shower caddy, body spray fixtures, and frameless glass enclosure. Include a customized whirlpool tub; stone countertop with two sinks; two mirrored medicine cabinets with lighting; a compartmentalized commode area with one-piece toilet; and a humidistat-controlled exhaust fan. Use all color fixtures. Use larger matching ceramic tiles on the floor, laid on the diagonal with ceramic tile base molding. Add general and spot lighting including waterproof shower fixture. Cabinetry shall include a custom drawer base and wall cabinets for a built-in look. Extend HVAC system, and include electric in-floor heating and heated towel bars.	$26,063	$24,264	93.1%
Attic Bedroom Remodel	Convert unfinished attic space to a 15-by-15-foot bedroom and a 5-by-7-foot bath with shower. Include a 15-foot shed dormer, four new windows, and closet space under the eaves. Insulate and finish ceiling and walls. Carpet floor. Extend existing HVAC to new space; provide electrical wiring and lighting to code. Retain existing stairs, but add rail and baluster around stairwell.	$39,208	$36,359	92.7%
Major Kitchen Remodel (Mid-range)	Update an outmoded 200-square-foot kitchen with a functional layout of 30 linear feet of semi-custom wood cabinets, including a 3-by-5-foot island; laminate countertops; and standard double-tub stainless-steel sink with standard single-lever faucet. Include energy-efficient wall oven, cooktop, ventilation system, built-in microwave, dishwasher, garbage disposal, and custom lighting. Add new resilient flooring. Finish with painted walls, trim, and ceiling.	$43,875	$39,767	90.6%
Basement Remodel	Finish the lower level of a house to create a 20-by-30-foot entertaining area with wet bar and a 5-by-8-foot full bath; construct 24 LF of finished partition to enclose mechanical area. Walls and ceilings are painted drywall throughout; exterior walls are insulated; painted trim throughout. Include five six-panel factory-painted hardboard doors with passage locksets. Electrical wiring to code. Main room: Include 15 recessed ceiling light fixtures and 3 surface-mounted light fixtures, and a snap-together laminate flooring system. Bathroom: Include standard white toilet, vanity with cultured marble top, resilient vinyl flooring, two-piece fiberglass shower unit, a light/fan combination, vanity light fixture, recessed medicine cabinet, towel and paper-holder hardware. Bar area: Include 10 LF of raised-panel oak cabinets with laminate countertops, stainless steel bar sink, single-lever bar faucet, under-counter refrigerator, and vinyl floor tile.	$51,072	$46,017	90.1%
Siding (Fiber-Cement)	Replace 1,250 square feet of existing siding with new fiber-cement siding, factory primed and factory painted. Include all 4/4 and 5/4 trim using either fiber-cement boards or cellular PVC.	$13,204	$11,653	88.3%
Roofing Replacement (Upscale)	Remove existing roofing to bare wood sheathing and dispose of properly. Install 30 squares of standing seam metal, formed on site into 16-inch panels using factory-enameled roll steel; double-lock all seams. Use custom brake-bent flashing from same material for drip edge and all flashing at roof-wall intersections. Assume a 5-square hip roof; custom flashing at two average-sized skylights; and custom cap treatment at vented ridge. Apply over new felt underlayment; use ice-and-water membrane at eaves, valleys, and all penetrations.	$16,465	$14,088	85.6%
Deck Addition - Wood	Add a 16-by-20-foot deck using pressure-treated joists supported by 4x4 posts anchored to concrete piers. Install pressure-treated deck boards in a simple linear pattern. Include a built-in bench and planter of the same decking material. Include stairs, assuming three steps to grade. Provide a complete railing system using pressure-treated wood posts, railings, and balusters.	$10,327	$8,792	85.1%
Major Kitchen Remodel (Upscale)	Update outmoded 200-square-foot kitchen with 30 linear feet of top-of-the-line custom cherry cabinets with built-in sliding shelves and other interior accessories. Include stone countertops with imported ceramic or glass tile backsplash; built-in refrigerator, cooktop, and 36-inch commercial grade range and vent hood; built-in warming drawer, trash compactor, and built-in combination microwave and convection oven. Install high-end undermount sink with designer faucets, and built-in water filtration system. Add new general and task lighting including low-voltage under-cabinet lights. Install cork flooring, cherry trim.	$81,569	$69,043	84.6%
Roofing Replacement (Mid-range)	Remove existing roofing to bare wood sheathing and dispose of properly. Install 30 squares of 235-pound fiberglass asphalt shingles (min. 25-year warranty) with new felt underlayment, galvanized drip edge, and mill-finish aluminum flashing. Assume a 5-square hip roof; custom flashing at two average- sized skylights; and custom cap treatment at vented ridge.	$11,172	$9,433	84.4%
Family Room Addition	In a style appropriate to the existing house, add a 16-by-25-foot room on a crawl space foundation with vinyl siding and fiberglass shingle roof. Include drywall interior with fiberglass insulation, pre-finished hardwood floor, and 180 square feet of glazing including windows, atrium-style exterior doors, and two operable skylights. Tie into existing HVAC. Add electrical system to code, including 12 recessed ceiling lights.	$54,801	$45,291	82.6%
Windows - Wood (Mid-range)	Replace 10 existing 3-by-5-foot double-hung windows with insulated wood replacement windows, exterior clad in vinyl or aluminum. Wrap existing exterior trim as required to match. Do not disturb existing interior trim.	$11,362	$9,202	81.0%
Windows - Vinyl (Upscale)	Replace 10 existing 3-by-5-foot double-hung windows with insulated, low-E, simulated-divided-light vinyl windows. Simulated woodgrain interior finish; custom-color exterior finish. Trim exterior to match existing; do not disturb existing interior trim.	$13,448	$10,862	80.8%
Siding (Foam-Backed Vinyl)	Replace 1,250 square feet of existing siding with new foam-backed vinyl siding, including factory trim at all openings and corners.	$12,130	$9,629	79.4%
Windows - Wood (Upscale)	Replace 10 existing 3-by-5-foot double-hung windows with insulated, low-E, simulated-divided-light wood windows. Interior finish of stained hardwood; exterior finish of custom-color aluminum cladding. Trim exterior to match existing; do not disturb existing interior trim.	$17,359	$13,777	79.4%
Windows - Vinyl (Mid-range)	Replace 10 existing 3-by-5-foot double-hung windows with insulated vinyl replacement windows. Wrap existing exterior trim as required to match. Do not disturb existing interior trim.	$10,431	$8,236	79.0%
Deck Addition - Composite	Add a 16-by-20-foot deck using pressure-treated joists supported by 4x4 posts anchored to concrete piers. Install composite deck material in a simple linear pattern. Include a built-in bench and planter of the same decking material. Include stairs, assuming three steps to grade. Provide a complete railing using a matching system made of the same composite as the decking material.	$15,027	$11,644	77.5%
Sunroom Addition	Construct a 200-square-foot sunroom addition, including footings and slab-on-grade foundation. Post-and-beam framing exposed on interior side. Wall glazing: vinyl or aluminum clad awning and casement windows with low-E, laminated or tempered glazing and screens. Roof glazing: 10- large aluminum clad venting skylights with screens. Provide ceiling fan; insulate all non-glass areas; provide movable shades for glass area. Quarry tile or equal on floor.	$31,749	$23,618	74.4%
Home Office Remodel	Convert an existing 12-by-12-foot room to a home office. Install custom cabinets to include 20 linear feet of laminate desktop, computer workstation, and wall cabinet storage. Rewire room for computer, fax machine, and other electronic equipment, as well as cable and telephone lines. Include drywall interior, painted trim, and commercial-grade carpeting.	$13,150	$9,547	72.6%
Garage Addition (Mid-range)	Construct a 26x26-foot free-standing two-car garage, including footings and slab-on-grade foundation, 2x4 wood frame with OSB structural sheathing, and gable truss roof at 6/12 pitch. Install 25-year asphalt shingle roofing with galvanized metal flashing; vinyl siding and trim. Install 5 double-hung 30x48-inch vinyl windows; one 30/68exterior door with half-glass and lockset; and two composite 9x8 overhead doors with motorized openers. Include 100-amp breaker at main house panel and 50 Lf of trench buried conduit to feed new electrical sub-panel. Provide electrical wiring for openers; 3-way switching for fluorescent ceiling fixtures over each bay; 3-way switching for 2 exterior spotlights; outlets to code. Interior wall, floors, and ceilings remain unfinished.	$53,758	$37,519	69.8%
Bathroom Addition (Upscale)	Add a new 100 SF master bath to existing master bedroom over a crawl space. Include 42-by-42-inch neo-angle shower with ceramic tile walls with accent strip, recessed shower caddy, body spray fixtures, and frameless glass enclosure. Include a customized whirlpool tub; stone countertop with two sinks; two mirrored medicine cabinets with lighting; a compartmentalized commode area with one-piece toilet; and a humidistat-controlled exhaust fan. Use all color fixtures. Use larger matching ceramic tiles on the floor, laid on the diagonal with ceramic tile base molding. Add general and spot lighting including waterproof shower fixture. Cabinetry shall include a custom drawer base and wall cabinets for a built-in look. Extend HVAC system, and include electric in-floor heating and heated towel bars.	$72,982	$50,718	69.5%
Master Suite Addition (Mid-range)	Add a 24-by-16-foot master bedroom suite over a crawl space. Include walk-in closet/dressing area, whirlpool tub in ceramic tile platform, separate 3-by-4-foot ceramic tile shower, and double-bowl vanity with solid surface countertop. Bedroom floor is carpet; bath floor is ceramic tile. Painted walls, ceiling, and trim. General and spot lighting, exhaust fan; electrical wiring to code.	$98,567	$68,047	69.0%
Bathroom Addition (Mid-range)	Add a full 6-by-8-foot bath over a crawl space with poured concrete walls. Include cultured-marble vanity top with molded sink; standard chrome faucets; 30-by-60-inch white fiberglass tub/shower with ceramic tile surround; single-lever temperature and pressure-balanced faucet; white low-profile toilet; general and spot lighting; electrical wiring to code; mirrored medicine cabinet; linen storage closet or cabinet; vinyl wallpaper; painted trim; and ceramic tile floor.	$37,093	$24,536	66.1%
Garage Addition (Upscale)	For the same mid-range two-car garage, add interior wall finish using moisture resistant drywall on ceiling and three walls. At rear wall install modular storage systems, including wall panels, upper and lower storage cabinets with work surfaces, and required task lighting. Trim all window and doors and provide base molding at perimeter; paint all trim, ceiling, and walls. Finish cement floor with color, slip-resistant epoxy sealer.	$81,880	$52,950	64.7%
Master Suite Addition (Upscale)	Add a 32-by-20-foot master bedroom suite over a crawl space. Bedroom: Add a spacious sleeping area with lounging/sitting area adjacent to large master bath. Include custom bookcases and built-in storage with millwork details; high-end gas fireplace with stone hearth and custom mantle; and large walk-in closet/dressing area with natural light, mirrors, and linen storage. Add French doors to exterior. Bath: Include a large walk-in shower with dual shower system, stone shower walls and floor, and custom frameless glass enclosure. Add corner-design whirlpool tub bordered on two sides by windows and built into granite or marble platform with custom cabinet front. Include two sinks in separate custom vanities with stone countertops and large mirrors. Create partitioned area for luxury one-piece toilet. General: Add 5-foot-long hospitality center with bar sink, under-counter refrigerator, custom cabinetry, granite or marble countertop, and microwave. Include soundproofing, in-floor heating, custom wall finishes and hardware, general and spot lighting, and lighting controls.	$219,708	$140,960	64.2%
Back-Up Power Generator	Install Guardian or similar electrical back-up system with capacity for providing 70 amps of emergency power in two 240-volt circuits and six 120-volt circuits. Assume existing LP gas supply. Include generator mounted on 2x4 concrete or composite pad; automatic transfer switch, load center; exterior disconnect, and grounding rod. Include 30 feet of conduit and electrical cable for generator connections; grounded cable for circuits; 5 feet of flexible fuel line for connection to existing rigid gas supply line; and automotive-type storage battery.	$13,327

Episode 031: Luxury DIY Projects: Thoughts

Today I discuss whether those luxury d-i-y projects you read about and see on the home improvement shows are really worth it.  I also suggest a few d-i-y projects that are actually worth the effort.
I'd pass on home gyms, home theater rooms, cigar lounges and wine cellars.  A room that is flexible like a library/home office/study is much more appealing to the general home buyer, and in turn yields a better return on investment.

Remember that WOMEN BUY HOUSES, so kitchens and bathrooms get the biggest bang for the buck, but even in bathrooms, there are dumb projects, too.  Remember to make your project look classy and expensive, not really BE expensive.  I'd also skip the fancy, multi-jet shower head feature, because they're expensive and waste water, BUT, they will be attractive to the female home buyer, so that one is up for debate.

Luxury outdoor projects I'd avoid include spas and pools.  Lots of upkeep and lots of liability.
I suggest, instead: pergolas, fire pits, swings, gazebos. and play sets.

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Episode 030: 3-Ring Binder Organization Revisited

Today I revisit one of my favorite topics: organization.  I have devised an organizational model for your life that's free and the best darn system I've ever seen.  First, before you listen to this episode go back into my archives and listen to episodes 2, and 9.  Episode 2 is the key to understanding my system.  It will save you money, it will save you time and you will be blown away.  You need to check out my system.

In today's episode, I add two new binders to the arsenal: a medical one and a professional one.  Keep all of your medical records for you and your family in one place.  Likewise keep your career info in one place and use it as a portfolio to take with you on interviews.  You'll never forget your employment history again.  You'll have all of your licenses at your fingertips and have a leg up on the competition.

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Episode 029: A Veteran's Day Tribute

Today is a tribute to our veterans on Veteran's Day.  I thank them and discuss their sacrifices.  I also add a few anecdotes (war stories) from family members.

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Episode 028: Camping Equipment for Emergencies

Today I discuss some basic equipment you need for emergencies. You should always have these handy and ready at a moment's notice. While the equipment I mention is obvious, the insights I give on them are not and are, in fact, very valuable.

 

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Problems with Public Education

My wife and I just had a bizarre situation with public education and we will discuss it in an upcoming podcast.  Suffice it to say, when people can't give an answer as to how they got your kid's grade, PROBLEMS EXIST. 

Episode 027: How to Have a Pick-up Truck without buying

Tools of the Trade: Trailer. Today I discuss trailering options for people with vehicles other than a truck. I show how with an inexpensive trailer, you don't need to buy a truck and can keep the car/suv that fits your lifestyle better.

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Episode 026: Personal reflection and a Hospital Rant

Take the time to evaluate all aspects in your life in a quiet, secluded place away from distractions.  Include spiritual, professional, relationships and all other areas.  Do this at least quarterly.  I also rant on a little-known reason why hospital ER wait times are so long.  I'll tell you about a little game lazy nurses play. (notice I said "lazy" ones)  There are plenty of great nurses!

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Episode 025: Organizing and De-Cluttering

Today I discuss organizing your house and life by De-Cluttering and getting rid of stuff you no longer needed.  This episode relies on the wonderful information provided  in More Household Magic by Bottom Line Books (BottomLineSecrets.com). 

Fight your inner demons and simplify and declutter.  Too much stuff is suffocating and troublesome.  Live free by living with less.  You will find that Less is MORE!!!

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Episode 023: Clutter, the Economy, And the Middle East

Today I offer advice on de-cluttering your home and getting a tax deduction for it.
Then, I touch on our unstable economy and discuss the S&P, Dow, and NASDAQ  and the benefits of dollar cost averaging.
Then, I rant on the big banks and discuss whether the fees are fair.
Lastly, I rant on the Middle East and our country's stupid nation building policy in the land of the lost.

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Episode 024: Maximizing your podplayer for entertainment

Today I share ideas on how to get the most out of your entertainment dollar with what podcasts I like and how to download movies for free legally.  These is so much free material on itunes, why not use it?

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Free acid for Plants:

Starbucks and its competitors throw away their coffee grounds.  Simply ask them and they will be more than happy to oblige.

Episode 001: Plant Permanent Food: PERMAFOOD!

Episode 1: Thinking big. Think permafood (food that comes back and back).
The difference between a home and a homestead

• A little background on me
• Plant fruit trees suitable to your area ASAP
• The longer you wait to start, the longer the wait for food
• Make your home work for you and start paying you back
• Listen Here

Episode 002 : The World's Greatest Organizing System: Did I Mention It's Free?

In Episode 2, start saving your money by organizing your household receipts, documents, and owner's manuals in one place.

• Get a 3-ring binder
• Place plastic sleeve/folders in it
• Save all receipts, owner's manuals, warranties, and house-related documents in one place
• The system places all important house-related documents in one easy-to-find place

Podcast Link

Episode 003: Save Money--Get a fulfilling, PRODUCTIVE Hobby!

There are many great hobbies that can indirectly and directly save you a lot of money. In these challenging times, be careful where you spend those hobby/recreational dollars. They are harder and harder to come by. I've made a conscious decision to simplify my life and minimize my concern with consumption and the the consumer-driven economy. You know what I really like to do? Spend time with my family. AND I like to spend time with my family because I made a conscious effort to do so. Marriages and families are work, and I've worked my tail off to be a better husband, father, and person. No, I'm not trying to make myself into a saint, but I am admitting that a family that plays together stays together.

Let me explain. Hobbies like gardening and home improvement provide wonderful pastimes. They save money because unlike pricey "money blowing hobbies" like shopping, fine dining, golf and other wallet-based hobbies, they fill your free time with meaning. Now of course renovating a house is expensive, but I differentiate between money spent investing in and improving your house through a hobby and typical disposable income. A $100.00 dinner is a one-evening thing. The enjoyment is fleeting and, at its core, etherial. Buying an expensive toy to putt around in on the weekends seems to me like a big waste of money. Autos are such an awful investment. An expensive night at the bar leaves you broke and hung over in the morning. Now I guess there's nothing wrong with these expensive hobbies I've just mentioned as long as you realize the money they take and you have the money to pursue them. But aren't you here at my blog BECAUSE you think there's more to life than expensive hobbies? These types of financial wastes are the financial equivalent to "empty calories." They come at a cost but offer little real benefit. Are you looking to get out of life's fast lane and slow down? Aren't you tired of keeping up with the Joneses? If you were really into collecting stuff and impressing people you don't know, you wouldn't be reading this. I'm amazed at the number of fancy cars I see on the road in Las Vegas(where I live) given the fact that nearly two-thirds of all homes in this market will be in/enter foreclosure at some point in the current ten-year period. Hey, they're broke but they sure look cool in that $60 k car...(not).
Two Hobbies that Pay You Back:

Gardening provides rigorous exercise, puts worries and cares out of mind, gets you into the great outdoors, and puts food on the table. Now that is a cost-effective hobby. It gets your hands dirty, pays off with organic, flavor-filled foods, and beautifies your yard. Don't forget the benefits of eating foods without devoid of pesticides, hepatitis, and ecoli.
Yeah, maybe my dad wasn't crazy. You see, my dad was a true gardener and an authentic person. How embarrassed I was when he'd pick me up from school in the Ford Pinto and other kids' dads and moms cruised by in their bimmers. But my dad put his family and its needs first...and did I mention he came home to a five-acre brick house on top of the hill? Yeah, he had his priorities straight, even if i didn't understand him then. He gardened and BUILT things with his hands. His husbandry of the soil is what impressed me most. What a joy it has been to discover my dad in every planted tree and turned shovelful of dirt. Gardening has changed for me. I've come to love it as I get older.
I want to re-live my childhood through my gardening, remember my dad in every tree I plant. I want to PROVIDE for my family in a tangible way. I want to bring forth from the earth its bounty, like a doctor proudly delivering another life into the world. I don't want to feed my family tainted food from foreign countries with suspect nutritional value. I want to create and foster life. I don't want to leave this earth with more problems than it had because I was born. Gardening helps avoid these problems (It's probably why i teach, too). My wife also plants flowers. We live in an HOA community and can't plant fruit trees or veggies in the front, so I let my wife fuss with flowers after I do the heavy digging and hauling. Hey, they make her happy, and if flowers make my wife happy, they make me happy.
Likewise, home improvement provides for rigorous exercise, mind cleansing "focused on the now" time (if you're not focused while using power tools, you'll wish you had), and puts sweat equity into your house and pocket. Again, when I was little, I never understood why my dad MADE me help him repair things around the house. Now, the sense of accomplishment I've gotten from installing the crown molding in just ONE of the many rooms I've completed over the years has made all the sweat worth it. Yes, compound miter saws are frustrating at first, but the end result is incredible. I still catch myself looking-up at the eight-inch wide molding on our bedroom ceiling admiring the invisible lines where I made my cuts and joined the molding. Did I mention the feeling of accomplishment you get from fixing appliances, painting rooms, and repairing and installing appliances? Lastly, I must admit my wife finds it attractive that I am handy around his house.

On another note, I learned another valuable lesson about hobbies. You can't add a hobby without dropping one. You can't do a thousand things at once. You have to cut somewhere. As I have begun homesteading and home improvement, I began to cut other things out of my time budget . Golf clubs--were given away to my nephew. My toy trains were boxed-up and only brought out at Christmas. Music--I must confess after collecting and listening to music my whole life, I'm burned out on music and it's just not important to me any more. I'll turn on a song or two, but buying music or going to an expensive concert is completely out of the question now. I may, however, treat my wife, a closet old school hair band devotee, to a concert this summer. I'll take one for the team here. There are probably other hobbies I've put on the back burner as well. I'm guessing you have, too. Now that's me and I certainly don't want you to think you have to follow my lead. I'm not preaching and I'm not here to think for you. It's your life and you need to make it work for you. Be true to yourself and follow your passion. For me it's God, family, and improving our home. I hope my perspective helps you find yours.

One last thing, if your life is running you ragged, pick up a copy of Elaine St. James' Simplify Your Life. Her book is pure clarity. It's a collection of suggestions on how to live simply. She was living life in the fast lane and she improved her life immeasurably by slowing down. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.

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Episode 004: Review of Simplify Your Life by Elaine St. James

Let's take a look at a book that changed my life and consider her plans for maximizing your time and your life. The book simply and elegantly helps you to organize your life and take away the physical, mental and emotional clutter.

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Episode 005: Basic Tenets/Philosophy

Happy Memorial Day! I dedicate this podcast to my loving uncles: Uncles James and Leo, survivors of WWII and members of the Army Air Corps. I also honor my loving father for his service during the Korean War (But Thank God He's Still Alive)...and to my vet friends who are still with us...but remember...Memorial Day is for the Vets who have died (Veteran's Day is for the living)


Today's episode sets forth the basic principles of Homestead Dividends...This is an organic, living document that may change a bit over the years, but is a good basic statement of what I believe and why I believe it.
These Principles Include:

• The Homestead Dividends model is for all people for all walks of life.
• A person's home is their castle.
• Live as self-sufficiently/reliantly as possible.
• Assume food grown elsewhere is inferior.
• Family always comes first.
• Be a good neighbor.
• Always live within the law.
• Assume a disaster will happen and prepare accordingly.
• Act in terms of what grandmother/father would do.
• Improve the utility of your house. (Always be improving your house/homestead)
• Make your house beautiful
• Avoid "paying into the system" as much as possible--DIY, Barter, etc.
• Keep a low profile.
• There is no one right way to live
• Homestead Dividends is about taking homesteading and home/life improvement into the 21st century.

Listen:

Episode 006: Things that add/ take value from your home

Listen: Episode 006 Homestead Dividends
Today I reference several internet articles and discuss things to improve the value of your home, decrease the value of your home, and identify 20 things that bad neighbors do (keep a list of how many you do).

Episode 007: Do a Post-Winter To Do List

Click Here To Listen:
Winter is over, which is why it is the perfect time to assess what you need to do to get ready for next winter.  You'll have all summer and fall to schedule the woek, so get going.  Be sure to consider:

 HVAC repair/service
 Roofing concerns
 Painting (both exterior and interior)
 Buying/considering a secondary heat source
 Deals on wood stoves and other winter merchandise

Episode 008: Expectations Vs Reality on Vacation/ Bug-Out House

Having others do work for you is always difficult. You want things done a certain way in a certain time frame.  Sometimes people just disappoint you and you try to do your best to deal with it.  This is a very personal report where I deal with this while being distracted with my loved one's progression towards death.  Why do bad things always seem to happen at the same time?

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Episode 022: Comparative Shopping to Save Money

Listen in on a great tip my wife uses to get the best deal while grocery shopping and still only go to ONE store!

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Episode 021: Hold onto that car ONE MORE YEAR

Given this economy, consider holding onto your car for at least one more year than you originally intended. The only two exceptions are: 1-- for safety and 2--repairs that exceed common sense.

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Episode 020: Beware-Crappy Economy Ahead

Today I just give a heads-up on the crappy economy and environment. Consider paying off your debts, as the signs of a recovery aren't all that pleasing. I also discuss my new website.

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Episode 009: A 3-ring organizer for the garden

Take my 3-ring home organizer system and make one for the garden to organize varieties, yields, planting times, and harvest times.



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Episode 010: Installing Glass Block

Today we'll discuss using glass block in basement and bathroom windows.  The basics, the how-tos and the dos and dont's.  I worked for my family's masonry contracting company in miami that specialized in glass block installations, so I have some experience with this stuff, BUT Remember, I'm a do-it-yourselfer: ALWAYS CONSULT PROFESSIONALS IN YOUR AREA AND ALL REQUISITE BUILDING CODES!!!

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Episode 11: Asparagus, Horseradish, and Catching Up

I discuss my summer and my absence from podcasting.  I recall the memory of my mom and putting family first.  I also touch on asparagus, horseradish, and bargain books.



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Episode 12: Salad Greens and an end-of-summer check-up.

Today I discuss various salad greens that would be ideal for planting a fall garden and review a great book and resource 3 Step Vegetable Gardening by Steve Mercer and Sally Roth.  Please click on the link and check it out.

LINK

Episode 013: Encouragement and a Book Review

I offer encouragement to all homesteaders who has suffered setbacks and are a little down on their luck.  Remember, you are the solution.  You are the revolution.  Everything you do towards independence is a victory.  Plants will die along the way.  Leaves will wilt, but you are winning if you are trying.



Secondly, I review Joan and Lydia Wilens book Bottom Line's  Household Magic: 2022 Money-saving, time-saving, make-it-last solutions and surprising new uses for everyday products.



Listen Here

Episode 14: A runner's intro to fitness

Leave the expensive gym equipment at the gym.  Skip the gym membership.

A well-fitted pair of running shoes and a pair of shorts and you have all the tools you need to have a good workout.

In this episode, we discuss running, hydration, nutrition and feet.

Learn if you are a neutral runner or an over or under pronator.



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Episode 15: Savings, Investments, and Finance

I pose questions on where you are and where you want to go.

This is a question-only episode. I offer no advice--I am not an investment professional.

You need to speak with your investment professionals for real advice.



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Episode 16: Adding to the Pantry

A basic primer on hunting and fishing.



I discuss the rod and reel combo for the starter fisherman and

some recommendations for the novice hunter on a three-gun collection to start hunting.

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Episode 017: Tools of the Trade: Cordless Drill

I talk about cordless drills things to look for when purchasing one:

keyless chuck

3/8 vs 1/2

flashlight

charging

try to buy in an economical set



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EPISODE 019: DEALING WITH CONTRACTORS

LISTEN AS I TALK ABOUT MY EXPERIENCES AND ADD SOME UNIQUE QUESTIONS NOBODY BOTHERED TO TELL YOU TO ASK WHEN INTERVIEWING TRADESMEN.

EPISODE 018: PEX VS COPPER TUBING

Today I tackle the debate on whether Pex or copper plumbing is right for you. Listen in and find out.

LISTEN TO MY PODCAST ON ITUNES!!!

Itunes just accepted my podcast and is publishing it. Please subscribe to my podcast via itunes to keep up-to-date.


Link

Homestead Dividends Has A New Home

HSD's new home is right here. As my podcast grows, I am changing things to improve the experience for my viewers and listeners.