I don’t want to get to Dave Ramsey’s step 7 just to acquire money. The point of money is to be able to do the things Mr. Boomer and I want to and live comfortably the rest of our lives.

You might remember  the movie “The Bucket List” a couple of years ago when two dying gentlemen make a list of things they want to do before dying.  Steve @ Brip Blap published his bucket list last week which got me thinking.

The three main things on my bucket list are loving and enjoying my family, giving generously and  traveling.  I’ve been to all 50 states and Mexico and Canada (check North America off the list).  Courtesy of cruising Mr. Boomer and I have been to many caribbean countries and territiories as well as some Central American countries.

My mother took my sister and I on a trip to England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales a few years ago.  I’d love to go back, but there are many places I haven’t been to that are on my list of top places to see before I die.

1. Italy.  The first country we probably will visit once we start tackling this bucket list is Italy.  The cities on my list are Rome, Florence, Venice and Naples.  So many sights to see and experience. 

2. Japan. Mr. Boomer is not excited about this one because he doesn’t care for Japanese food.  I think there’s enough Western food there to get us through.  Japan is on the list for sentimental reasons as well as cultural.  My older son’s daughter lives there as it is her mother’s home country.  So when she’s old enough to remember us hopefully we can go spend time with her and enjoy the country.

3. Tahiti. Hawaii is Mr. Boomer’s favorite vacation spot so far.  I think Tahiti may match and exceed it.  Pristine beaches, friendly people and warm weather sound irresistible!

4. Australia.  The land down under is not much smaller than the United States, but a lot less populated with an estimated 22 million people. Other than the great distance, this would an easier place to visit because of the common language and somewhat similar history of colonization (okay the convicts are more exciting than the pilgrims!).

5. South America. This time I’m not picking a specific country (let alone city).  We’d like to visit so many places in this continent including Brazil, Peru, Chile and  Cape Horn.  This might be one of the first places we hit on our bucket list since mass market cruising makes it more affordable and less intimidating.

There are many more places and sights Mr. Boomer and I hope to visit before we can no longer travel, but this will get us started.  Do you have a bucket list?  Is travel one of your priorities?

Photo by Nino Barbieri 

Content © Bucksomeboomer  2009. All Rights Reserved.

 The big news in the financial world this week was that the Dow hit and then closed over 10,000.  Many bloggers posted how it didn’t mean anything, but they’re not understanding what it means mentally. 

We’ve seen the Dow Jones dive from over 14,oo0 in October 2007 to a low of under 6500 in March 2009 and now recovery up to 10,000 in October 2009.  What a crazy ride, but we’re on the right trajectory now.  We feel it’s improving even if we can’t see it yet.

There was good economic news locally as San Diego saw the unemployment rate decline for the first time this recession from 10.6 to 10.2% in September.  Other good news was that eight local zip codes saw an increase in median housing prices from the same period a year ago.  All in all a good news week unless you’re one of the unfortunate ones still losing your job, house or other assets.  

Here are some of my favorite articles during this news-filled week.

Editor’s Picks

1.  Vacations are expensive, should we go or stay. Since I just gave you the gory details of my recent vacation costs this discussion of whether or not to vacation by Stew @ Gather Little by Little was timely and full of good information.

2. History of Credit Bureaus: Equifax, Experian, Transunion and Innovis. First of all I didn’t even know there was a fourth credit bureau and that’s not the only new tidbit included in Jim Wang @ Bargaineering’s article. This is a timely reminder to check one credit bureau every four months for your free credit report. This is actually a piece of advice I follow!

3. How to Find a Job using Social Medial Tools.  Erick Folgate @ Money Crashers discusses how to extend your job search to LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.  Many baby boomers are a little late to this game, but really need to learn it (myself included) to keep up with our younger co-workers or fellow jobseekers.

4. Fall Cleaning For You and Your Financials.A co-worker mentioned a spouse who would not throw anything away. This article by Craig Kessler @ Moolanomy Personal Finance is for him and all the rest of you packrats (or conversely those that throw everything away!).

5. The Worst Seat on an Airplane is the Best Seat in the Office. Do you know what seat Financial Samurai @ Financial Samurai is talking about? We actually joke about the “bathroom” cube at our office. Who knew it was the best seat?

Carnivals

Festival of Frugality #199 -Damn, No Bonus Edition @ Yes I Am Cheap
The Carnival of Personal Finance #226 – The AFM Turns 5 Edition @ All Financial Matters
Carnival of Money Stories 2 #23 @ My Journey to Millions
86th Money Hacks Carnival Platinum Edition @ Credit Card Offers IQ

Content © Bucksomeboomer  2009. All Rights Reserved.

You were promised the final cost of my recent girls cruise.  We’ve been back two weeks and my memory is starting to fade so I figured it’s now or never and will detail expenses by day.

 Travel Days

My airline ticket cost $10 for the security fee using frequent flyer miles on American Airlines.  I paid $15 each way to check my luggage.  The hotel the first night was free using Priority Club points with Holiday Inn.  Meal expenses included $10 for an on-board meal (Boston Market sandwich) on the outbound trip, $2.50 for an airport diet coke and $16.50 for dinner in Miami at Carino’s. 

On the way home expenses included $9 for sandwich and water at the airport and $4 for an in-flight snack.  Throw in $4 for hotel shuttle in Miami and $10 for my share of the taxi to the Miami airport on the way home.  Subtotal: $97.

Sunday 

Everyone else in my travel group arrived this day. After the included breakfast at the hotel the shuttle driver dropped me at Alamo and I rented a minivan to get us around in Miami.  He earned a tip of $3.  I then proceeded to pick up one sister at the Fort Lauderdale Airport, my brother and his daughter at the Port of Miami returning from a cruise and finally my mom and other sister at the Miami Airport. 

 In between pickups, we had a terrible lunch that nonetheless cost $9.  The next stop was our hotel in Miami Beach. It was art-deco and very cute although very different from the corporate type hotels I usually stay in on business.  The last arrivals had eaten lunch so we had snacks/lunch at a beach side cafe.  It was my treat for a cost of $46.40.  Beach loungers were included as were happy hour drinks.  Mom picked up the tab for a casual dinner of BBQ.  Subtotal: $58.40.

Monday

We checked out of the hotel (Mom picked up the tab for the rooms and parking) and headed towards Fort Lauderdale for breakfast and to drop my brother’s party at the airport.  Breakfast was about $8 with tip.  We then returned the car in Miami after filling it up.  Mom again picked up the tab for the car and gas (thanks, Mom!).  The free Alamo shuttle took us to the Carnival Imagination at the Port of Miami. 

We tipped the shuttle driver ($2) and then checked in for the cruise.  We had paid $221.73 per person for our ocean view cabin.  Once on-board I didn’t have any more charges today.  Subtotal: $231.73.

Tuesday

Today’s port stop is Key West.   Despite all our travels this was a first time visit for all four of us.  Mom had booked trolley tour tickets prior to arrival and we were able to see a lot of the island during our brief time there including getting our picture taken at the Southernmost continental US spot.  Next we were off to Kino’s sandal factory where I spent $12 plus tax on a pair.

You can’t go to Key West without hitting at least one bar so we had a drink at Sloppy Joe’s where a very good drink cost $9 with tip.  I think it was noon somewhere.  I hit the Blonde Giraffe for two slices of Key Lime Pie (one was for Mom), key lime taffy and key lime cookies for Mr. Boomer.  The total here was $23.02.  My last purchase was a t-shirt (again for Mr. Boomer) for $7 and then it was back to the ship.  Subtotal: 51.02.

Wednesday

We were lucky to arrive in Cozumel early enough to visit Nachi Cocom which is our favorite Cozumel spot.  My share of the taxi back and forth was $6 each way and the entry fee was $49.  This includes a three course lunch, all the drinks you can ingest, beach chair and palapa and use of the pool with swim up bar and jacuzzi.  I spent another $6 for a float to use in the ocean.  It was a wonderful day and then we rushed back to have dinner with mom on board.  Subtotal: $67.

Thursday

This was a sea day so I didn’t spend much money but have to estimate because I lost my on-board account detail.  I know I spent about $13 for a fun ship drink in a funnel shaped container that post-drink serves as a piggy  bank.  This was very enjoyable pool-side although for some reason when I wanted to give it as a gift for my grandson my son and daughter-in-law did not think it was as cute.  My final bill included $20 in Internet charges and $40 for well-deserved crew tips.  Subtotal: $73.

Summary

The final cost for this six day trip to Florida and the Caribbean was a smidgen over $578 which is less than $100 per day including transportation, meals, lodging and souvenirs.  I think we did well on holding our costs down although it was subsidized by our mother’s generosity.  Was it worth it?  Oh yeah.  The time spent together was worth every penny and I hope we can make it a tradition.

Photo by Bucksomeboomer

Content © Bucksomeboomer  2009.  All Rights Reserved.

Baby boomers grew up with the mystique of the magical world of Disney.  My first Disneyland visit at age 11 is a wonderful family vacation memory and for those that never made it to the park, there was Sunday night’s Magical World of Disney on the TV. 

This year Disney had a promotion for a free park ticket at either Disneyland or Disney World on your birthday.  While this was a generous promotion and many did take advantage, most people could not actually visit the park on their birthday because of schedules, geography or other barriers.  For 2010, Disney is offering a different promotion called “Give a Day, Get a Disney Day”.  

You can sign up now to get updates on the program as it progresses.  Starting January 1, 2010 search for and select one of the volunteer opportunities.  Disney is working with the HandsOn Network for volunteer registration and verification. This promotion is better than last year’s for a few reasons.

1. It promotes giving. There is so much need in the world and our corner of it and not enough volunteers. Many people will find how much personal joy can be had by helping others.  Hopefully, they’ll want to do it again without the free Disney ticket incentive.

2. You can select your day.  Other than a few blackout dates that are clearly detailed on the Disney website you can use the free admission at Disneyland or Disney World at your convenience. Last time it was a choice between taking a vacation day or skipping the free ticket; not necessary with this promotion.

3. More people can participate.  Lots of families travel to one of the Disney parks every year but it typically does not coincide with their birthday.  Nonresidents of Florida and California can now volunteer in their community and reap the benefits during a sunshine-filled vacation.

I’ve already signed up for email notifications and received a cute thank you message.  Will you give a day and get a Disney day?  I hope to see you at the Park!

Photo by Bucksomeboomer

Content © Bucksomeboomer  2009.  All Rights Reserved.

My job calls for travel throughout North America about once a month or so.  Last week as I prepared for a week away I wrote about the hidden costs of business travel.  So you don’t get the impression it is all bad, lets take a look at business travel benefits.

1. Career.  Sometimes there is no replacement for face-to-face contact with a customer.  Since my role involves non-sales account management meeting the client is very valuable to building and sustaining a relationship and creating stickiness for the company.  Two recent studiesreported a clear coorelation between business travel and profits. 

2. Sight-seeing.  Travel away from home presents opportunities to see new cities and their sights.  On a business trip to Honolulu years ago I went to a luau for the first time after a full day of work.  It was so enjoyable that I took Mr. Boomer to the same venue on vacation.  On another trip I visited the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame which is a must-see for baby boomers with a love of music.  Would I ever venture to Cleveland as a vacation destination? Probably not.

Yes I’ve endured some less thrilling destinations that our customers call home, but it is still an opportunity to see the beauty and variety of the U.S., Canada and Mexico. It also is always nice to return home to the city with the best weather.

3. Travel Rewards.  Throughout the years I’ve used an average of 1-2 airline mileage awards for personal travel.  Without this benefit it would be hard to not go postal after dealing with the lack of comfort and amenities with airline travel today.  Mr. Boomer is visiting his kids later this month with a “free” award airline ticket.  

Unfortunately, it took me 15 years to finally get a free hotel night with points from hotel loyalty programs.  I used this last month during the girls trip with my mom and sisters.  Some of this is due to the fact that my business stays are directed by the customer instead of personal preference.  

4. Personal Budget.  Assuming not too much is spent on sight-seeing, you can save on personal budget categories when traveling for work.  When away from home food, gasoline and electricity being used is paid for by my employer or customer.  We have probably all met road warriors that are out every week for 4-5 days.  Although I think the personal sacrifice is to great for this type of work, the budget savings is nice!

The first reason is the benefit that matters to employers.  It’s nice to realize there are personal rewards also for the time away from home, friends and family.  Do you travel for business?  What is your favorite benefit?

 Photo by http://www.flickr.com/photos/39197234@N00/ / CC BY-SA 2.0 

Content © Bucksomeboomer  2009. All rights reserved.

Cruising is one of my favorite vacations because it is usually a great value compared to land vacations.  Mr. Boomer and I have sailed over a dozen times on five different lines.  Although we have our favorite, we’ve found at least five ways to save even more. 

1. Free Drinks.  Many first time cruisers are disappointed that alcoholic beverages are not included in the cruise fare.  In addition to alcohol, soda (known as pop in some parts of the country) is also not free.  The “free” drinks are typically lemonade, tea (hot and cold), coffee, milk and juice.

However, there are opportunities for free alcoholic beverages during the cruise.  Each cruise will have an hour or two of free liquor tasting in the gift shop.  This is to encourage you to buy duty-free alcohol to take home.  I find it a great way to try new beverages but it’s a little hard for me to drink it without mixers.

The Captain’s party (aka welcome aboard party) is an hour or so reception that is a cocktail party with the captain and 1000 or more of his friends or other passengers.  This is a great opportunity to have mixed drinks for about an hour.  If you’re good at flagging down the waiter, you can easily get “happy” during the hour.

Another event similar to the captain’s party is the past guest event.  It is a cocktail hour for guests that have previously sailed on the cruise line and usually includes a drawing for prizes in addition to the free drinks.  As with the previous cocktail hour, you can get “happy” easily during this event. 

Other opportunities that may exist include a honeymooner/anniversary cake and champagne event , art auction with free champagne and a brief casino time the first evening.

2. Shore Excursions.  Cruise lines offer tours or specific attractions at each port that are given by local companies.  They don’t do this out of the goodness of their corporate hearts.  This is a big profit center for them as they rake in 25-50% of each ticket price.  Instead of giving a cut to the cruise line for what is often a lesser experience, we prefer to arrange our own shore excursions.

In Key West last week the hop-on/off trolley tour my group took cost $26 per person.  The one hour, no-stop excursion through the cruise ship was $36 per person.  When we do take the excursion through the ship it is for one of three reasons: we do not feel secure going solo (such as in Cartagena), unique tour only offered through ship or time constraints.  Experienced cruisers will plan their own in most ports saving a lot of money.

3. Selective Booking.  If your travel dates are flexible, select your cruise by the deal versus the time of year.  Mr. Boomer and I have been on several repositioning cruises using this strategy.  Cruise lines need to move their ships from and to seasonal sailing areas (Alaska, Bermuda and Europe).  Since these are one-way cruises they are more difficult to fill so they are offered at lower rates.  This makes it easy to drop your daily rate to $50 or less per day per person (assuming you go with the cheapest cabin like I do).

4. Free Activities.Cruise lines offer lots of activities on-board which you can take advantage of or just relax.  They are also increasingly offering activities with a charge such as behind-the-scene tours, drink tastings and pilates/yoga classes.  There are so many things to do we just take advantage of the free activities including movies, games and lectures instead of spending money. 

5. Don’t Gamble.  I know that some people really enjoy gambling, but I just don’t.  If you’re going to gamble, give yourself a daily allowance and stick to it.  Cruise ship slots are not loose, so you’re really there for the entertainment value.

If you haven’t taken a cruise, I encourage you research it as an option.  When I compare the cost of 3 meals a day and hotel the cruise ship typically wins out.  These tips will help you make the most of your vacation dollar.  Are you ready to cruise?

Photo by Bucksome Boomer

Content © Bucksomeboomer  2009.  All Rights Reserved.

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Cutting Vacation Expenses

I believe vacations are essential to physical wellness and good mental health. The time away from work is essential to recharging so I can go back with new energy and creativity. However, when trying to keep my gazelle intensity vacation is not a big segment of my budget.

Next week I am taking a brief girls trip with my sisters and mother that was planned before starting Financial Peace University but it is not a high budget trip and I’ll tell you how we did it.

Cruise. Our first thought was to go to Key West. However the cost got high with lodging, food, tours, etc. A less expensive alternate was a cruise that had a Key West stop. A Carnival cruise for four nights was only $179 pp for an ocean-view cabin before taxes. This was for a rate that had a non-refundable deposit but Carnival guarantees it will be the lowest price for this sailing or they will refund the difference. We booked two cabins for a grand total of $221.73 pp which works out to $55.43 per night.

Airfare. I travel several times a year for my day job and have built up miles on a few airlines. I used American Airlines miles for a “free” ticket. Just had to pay the security fee for a total of $10.

Pre-cruise hotel. Because it takes all day to get to Miami from San Diego and available times with the free ticket, I am flying in two nights early. After all these years of business travel I was able to use hotel points for a free nights stay with Holiday Inn’s priority club. I’m staying at the Miami Airport Holiday Inn Express which will include free breakfast for the first night.

We needed 3 hotel rooms for the second night as my sisters and mother are flying in mid-day one day early to start our vacation. That accounts for 2 rooms. My brother and his daughter are returning from a cruise and staying in Miami one night post-cruise so we can spend some time together. By watching Travelzoo specials, we found a boutique South Beach hotel for $59 per room per night.

Car. Although the Catalina hotel has an courtesy airport shuttle, we needed a way to get six adults around. Sister 1 is flying into FLL which does not have a shuttle and my brother’s group are flying out of FLL the morning we board the ship. It would have been less expensive to rent two compact cars than one minivan when only considering the rental fees but with parking the minivan option won out. We rented a minivan for one day on Priceline for a total of $84 which is 24% less than the cheapest rate I could find online.

There will be other expenses that I’m budgeting for such as pre-cruise food and on-board expenses.  When I get back I’ll give you an update on the true cost of my budget vacation.

Content © Bucksomeboomer  2009. All Rights Reserved.

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