Ajay's Enlightenment.

Today, I must tell you about a decision my son, Ajay, who's six years old, made about a certain birthday gift he received this year. His birthday was in February. The theme was Stars Wars... he has watched every episode at least a dozen or more times and can repeat verbatim and with inflexion most of the characters lines. It's truly amazing to hear and see him do his impressions. Anyway, he received many Star Wars toys and collectibles including the one in the picture which is unopened. It sells in a range of about $50 to $100 on Ebay depending on it condition... This one is absolutely MINT!

Ajay was bored this afternoon and went in the garage where he found the Han Solo and Tauntaun... he brought it to me to open saying "dad, you forgot to open this on my birthday." I replied, "no, we didn't forget... Ajay, this is a collectible Star Wars figure that Uncle Joe gave you... He gave you many other Star Wars toys but asked that we keep this one until your old enough to care for it." Ajay was very inquisitive at that moment as earlier in the day... we had settled his "allowance money." He made some purchases recently about $30.00 worth -- a Star Wars Force Action Lightsaber, playground ball and a Phillies 2007 Baseball Calendar at the 99 Cents store. Ajay asks, "collectible what does that mean?" So, I looked for it on Ebay and showed him the various prices... which lead to a discussion about if it would be more fun to sell it or open it? He decided he was more interested in getting $100 for it and chose to sell it this coming Christmas and save the money he gets from it. Ajay made a very pragmatic choice for a six year old. Better choice than I think I would have made at his age.

As for his allowance, he gets a Five spot each Friday to spend on whatever he wants... most weeks he'll save it! He's saved $180.00 from his allowance since his 5th birthday and $90.00 in birthday money. Among this money is a treasured $50.00 bill he received from his auntie who lives in India.

FMJ - Day 429

May 31: 10 Cents. I found a dime in my booth seat at the Burger King on L.A. Ave. where I had lunch after tennis this morning.

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $.10
Bottles & Cans Collected: 5

Running Stats
This month: $7.97
2007 Finds: $56.25
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $240.25 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $700.65 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 353 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $810.09

FMJ - Day 428

May 30: We found two pennies in two spots. First one, at the Panda Buffet on First St. Second one, at Albertson's grocery store on Madera Rd.

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $.02
Bottles & Cans Collected: 3

Running Stats
This month: $7.87
2007 Finds: $56.15
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $240.15 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $700.55 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 348 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $810.09

The Power of Compound Interest.

As I have at least another 26 years until I can accept retirement, I thought it would be interesting to see what the funds in the FMJ will grow to in these years to go. Starting with April's net worth of $1,311.37 and adding about $110.00 of finds annually and, I assume, annual interest of 5.5%... THE FMJ should be worth at least $11,789.00 when I retire.

NOT BAD CONSIDERING IT'S FUNDED WITH YOUR LOST MONEY!

If I include the Bottles and Cans fund and our annual turn-in of roughly $450.00 then it'll be worth $41,065.49! WOW!

FMJ - Day 427

May 29: My Birthday.... TOO OLD! Earlier, at the Rancho Simi Tennis Courts, I found a dime in my parking spot. After tennis, I went to Dan's Tennis Shop on Erringer Rd. I found a dime there, too! A penny was found at the Arco gas station on L.A. Ave.

That's 21 cents for this day.

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $.21
Bottles & Cans Collected: 0

Running Stats
This month: $7.85
2007 Finds: $56.13
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $240.13 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $700.53 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 345 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $810.09

FMJ - Day 426

May 28: I made an interesting discovery while furniture shopping for my mother-in-laws house. At Linder's furniture in Cerritos, I found a nickel and a penny behind the back of a massage recliner. I found coins at the Sharper Image in the past. Hint to all coin hunters: Look behind those massage chairs and recliners.

We made a stop at the Wood Ranch recycling center. Chalked up $6.00 for the B&C Fund.

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $.06
Bottles & Cans Collected: 15

Running Stats
This month: $7.64
2007 Finds: $55.92
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $239.92 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $700.32 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 345 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $810.09

FMJ - Day 425

May 27: Nothing found.

FMJ - Day 424

May 26: 4 pennies found. First three pennies were found at Wienerschnitzel on L.A. Ave. The last penny was picked up while shopping at Camarillo Outlets -- needed some new tennis shoes. The Adidas outlet has some good deals.

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $.04
Bottles & Cans Collected: 14

Running Stats
This month: $7.58
2007 Finds: $55.86
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $239.86 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $700.26 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 330 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $804.09

FMJ - Day 423

May 25: Found a nickel and three pennies. 2 pennies were found at the Edward's Cinema on L.A. Ave. The kids and I went to see Pirates 3... we loved it... lots of swash buckling adventure! Earlier, while shopping at Borders Books in the El Paseo Simi Center on Tapo Canyon Road, I found the nickel and a penny.

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $.08
Bottles & Cans Collected: 2

Running Stats
This month: $7.54
2007 Finds: $55.82
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $239.82 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $700.22 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 316 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $804.09

FMJ - Day 422

May 24: We found 14 cents. During tennis practice this morning at Rancho Simi Park, I noticed a nickel behind the fence on court #8. It must have fallen out of someone's pocket while they were playing and rolled under the fence. After practice, I ventured around the fence to pick it up but had forgotten it's placement. As I was looking for it, I found a very corroded penny. I did eventually scoop the nickel.

At the 7-11 a few doors down from Dan's Tennis shop, I found a nickel. Today, Ajay had his friend Calvin over to our house. I picked them up from school and we went to McDonald's in Moorpark as it has a nice playplace. We found three pennies there.

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $.14
Bottles & Cans Collected: Zilch

Running Stats
This month: $7.46
2007 Finds: $55.74
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $239.74 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $700.14 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 314 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $804.09

Picture of the Found Money Jar!

FMJ Hits $700 Mark on Day 421!

May 23: We found 2 quarters at Miller Park after a short tennis practice with Ajay. They were found in the soccer field along the sideline... most likely the coins fell from someone's pocket while sitting in their lawn chair to watch a game. With this find of 50 cents, the Found Money Jar is exactly at the $700 mark for overall money found since inception. That amounts to an average of 30 cents found per day over a total of 2,333 days since starting the Found Money Jar project on January 1, 2000.

We also found two baseballs along our walk on the ball fields. Since Ajay is now an official baseball nut, they'll come in very handy for batting practice.

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $.50
Bottles & Cans Collected: 14

Running Stats
This month: $7.32
2007 Finds: $55.60
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $239.60 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $700.00 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 314 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $804.09

FMJ - Day 420

May 22: We found four pennies. One at the Wood Ranch Tennis Courts. The other at Albertson's on Madera Rd. It was on the floor near the self-serve check-out. The last two were found at Wal-mart late in the evening.

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $.02
Bottles & Cans Collected: 10

Running Stats
This month: $6.82
2007 Finds: $55.10
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $239.10 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $699.50 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 300 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $804.09

FMJ - Day 419

May 21: Six pennies found at Burger King on Cochran St. after picking the kids up from school.

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $.06
Bottles & Cans Collected: 3

Running Stats
This month: $6.78
2007 Finds: $55.06
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $239.06 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $699.46 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 290 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $804.09

FMJ - Day 418

May 20: A day-long trip to Cerritos to visit with our family added 13 cents to the Found Money Jar. A dime was found at the Target Snack Bar. A penny was found in front of B&B Donuts on Artesia Blvd. A penny was found at the Long Beach Town Center where I shopped at Sports Chalet. A final penny was found in another Sports Chalet location of Beach Blvd. I was looking for a specific item and can't find it anywhere in L.A. I can't disclose what it was as it's a birthday present for a good friend who sometimes frequents my blog.

Uncle Joe donated a shopping bag of bottles. We recently made a deal with a friend who has a retail business in which we will equip with a recycling collection box for the Bottles & Cans Fund. Can't wait to see how that goes.

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $.13
Bottles & Cans Collected: 13

Running Stats
This month: $6.72
2007 Finds: $55.00
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $239.00 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $699.40 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 287 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $804.09

FMJ - Day 417

May 19: Found 9 pennies. The first six were discovered lying atop a car vacuum at the Shell Station on Yosemite Ave. The next find was made at Carl's Jr. at the corner of Yosemite and L.A. Ave. -- three pennies.

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $.09
Bottles & Cans Collected: 2

Running Stats
This month: $6.59
2007 Finds: $54.87
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $238.87 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $699.27 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 274 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $804.09

FMJ - Day 416 Maya's Big Win!

May 18: Today was Maya's Day! She has been practicing with her school's volleyball team since try-outs as an alternate but didn't make the cut for the regular team which competes in Junior Olympics. Today was the team's last practice day before the big competition this weekend. Every year on this day, the team has a match against the teachers from her school and the teachers have won for the past two years. Being the last day, the coach let her play against the teachers. It was best two out of three. The kids won the first game 21-17. About half-way through the second game with the score 13-12, Maya gets put in the game to serve... AND BOY DID SHE EVER SHINE! She served 8 straight serves... 7 which were not even returned! On the eighth serve, the teachers returned it and after several successive volleys the kids lost it to side-out. The whole school was there to spectate... Maya was credited with winning the match by the coach. It was truly a "cinderella" Sports moment. Her coach said he'd never seen such a performance by a kid serving in volleyball... It was a site to see... you could see the focused determination in her service stance and on her face. SHE WAS GOING TO PROOF HERSELF A CHAMPION AND THIS WAS HER TIME! WAY TO GO MY BABY!

Final score of the second game 21-12!

Coin finds... 4 pennies. First one after tennis practice today at the Rancho Simi Courts. Next two were found at Carl's Jr. on L.A. Ave. The final find was made at The Home Depot in Simi Valley at checkout.

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $.04
Bottles & Cans Collected: 4

Running Stats
This month: $6.50
2007 Finds: $54.78
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $238.78 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $699.18 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 272 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $804.09

FMJ - Day 415

May 17: Found 3 pennies. First one in the parking lot of Chick's Sporting Goods in Moorpark. Next two, at the Target in Moorpark. I spent the afternoon trying to find Penn Tennis Balls with the same number to fill my ball hopper. This is the first time in 31 years of playing that I've tried to fill my ball hopper with the same ball and number. The idea is that I'll be better able to identify my balls on the courts when others are playing and will also know actually how much play the balls have had when I rotate them in a few months.

I hope I've not just become the Felix Unger of tennis.

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $.03
Bottles & Cans Collected: 12

Running Stats
This month: $6.46
2007 Finds: $54.74
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $238.74 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $699.14 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 268 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $804.09

FMJ - Day 414

May 16: $1.15 found. In the morning, a trip to Big Lots on Sycamore Rd. produced 3 quarters and a dime which were found on the floor in the electronics section. Back to LAX in the afternoon to pick-up my sweetie after an exhausting trip to New Orleans. The kids and I made another stop at that McDonald's on Century Blvd. We found 2 dimes there. At LAX, we found a dime underneath a bench outside of Terminal 7.

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $1.15
Bottles & Cans Collected: 15

Running Stats
This month: $6.43
2007 Finds: $54.71
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $238.71 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $699.11 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 256 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $804.09

FMJ - Day 413

May 15: This day's finds were 37 cents. After 3 hours of tennis this morning -- I played some great points, lots of quick volleys -- I stopped for lunch at Weinerschnitzel on L.A. Ave. I found a penny in the parking lot. After school, the kids and I shopped at Wal-mart in Simi Valley -- found a dime there. Then, we went to the recycling center on Sycamore Rd. I found a quarter and a penny near the payphone.

We turned in $16.20 worth of Bottles & Cans. While waiting in line to use the recycling machine, some guy with a full-bag approached us to ask if we'd give him $2.00 for the bag of cans. I figured there might be more than 2 bucks worth and I obliged him. Yep, it was $3.05 worth. Not a bad return on my money. I wish more people would offer that deal.

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $.37
Bottles & Cans Collected: 44

Running Stats
This month: $5.28
2007 Finds: $53.56
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $237.56 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $697.96 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 241 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $804.09

FMJ - Day 412

May 14: Today... absolutely sucked! This morning, my wife was to leave on a 10:50 A.M. flight on United to New Orleans for a conference. We left home at 8:00A.M. for what should have been a trip of about 75 minutes in regular morning traffic to LAX -- NOPE! Took us 2 hours with my wife arriving at the ticket counter to check her bag at 10:00A.M. exactly. United's Crack(addicted?) Gate Agents can't tell time as they violated the 45 minute cut-off policy and bumped her from her flight. Needless to say, she would've been stuck at crummy LAX all-day until the next flight at 6:00P.M. Luckily, I was able to easily come back to airport to pick her up as I was feeding my face at McDonald's (found dime and penny) on Century Blvd. But, unfortunately, I had to come back to Simi Valley to retrieve the kids from school. So, we (she) decided that I would drop her off at Topanga Promenade Mall in Woodland Hills. We had lunch together in the food court (found another dime and penny.)

After getting the kids from school, I hurried back to the mall and we then left (again) for the airport... but, the kids were suddenly hungry and grumbling for FOOD... It was about 2:55P.M. and I knew that if we were to stop along the way, we'd be late again for the 6:00P.M. flight. My wife was insisting that we stop as she's a mother, you know. Children Can't Go Hungry! No, I told her... ten minutes more and we'll be really stuck in traffic on the 405. So, I pressed on with kids and wife, under duress and in complaint. Well, we did hit a lot of traffic about 20 minutes worth right up to the airport freeway exit. Yes, and as we made it with very little time to spare... I was relieved knowing I was right for not stopping. STILL IN THE DOG HOUSE, THOUGH. Dads are so unappreciated! Okay, so I stopped again at the same McDonald's on Century Blvd. They kids made me.... I wanted a shake at Carl's Jr.... they wanted the McNuggets. Kids win... (found another dime and penny at the McD's)

Maybe this one goes to 11? (Spinal Tap reference)

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $.33
Bottles & Cans Collected:

Running Stats
This month: $4.91
2007 Finds: $53.19
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $237.19 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $697.59 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 197 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $787.89

FMJ - Day 411 Happy Mom's Day!

May 13: Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there! Found 29 cents in three finds. Got up early to buy my wife a special present. First Stop, the Wal-mart in Simi Valley... Found 2 pennies. Next find of a penny was made at the Venice Beach Pier parking lot. The families got together at C&O Trattoria in Venice Beach -- 18 of us -- Five MOMS! On the way home, a soda stop at 7-11 on Lincoln Blvd. in Ocean Park produced a quarter and a penny -- both were lying near magazines.

What did mommy get this year? An Ipod Nano, Griffin leather case for the Nano and Logitech MM-50 Connecting dock with speakers. She's Rockin Now! That's our third Ipod -- just can't get enough of the Ipod. My daughter has an Ipod Mini and I've got the new clip-on shuffle -- I can wear it and play tennis!

Recycling Update: $3.25 from a small turn-in this morning at Wood Ranch Recycling machines.

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $.29
Bottles & Cans Collected: 3

Running Stats
This month: $4.58
2007 Finds: $52.86
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $236.86 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $697.26 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 197 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $787.89

FMJ - Day 410

May 12: Found 22 cents. The first find of 2 dimes occurred at Wells Fargo Bank on Cochran Ave. Our tennis team played the Oxnard Team... found 2 pennies after our grueling 2.5 hour match. We lost our doubles match but it was incredibly well played... our score 6-7 (10-8),5-7,4-6.

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $.22
Bottles & Cans Collected: 11

Running Stats
This month: $4.29
2007 Finds: $52.57
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $236.57 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $696.97 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 194 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $784.64

FMJ - Day 409

May 11: I found 73 cents. A quarter and a penny were found at Jack in the Box on L.A. Ave. The quarter was interesting find as it was dropped by an old fellow who look as if he was working in a trade like carpentry or electric... he ordered a coffee and as he was taking his change out dropped the quarter. I was seated and eating breakfast at the time and their was one other patron standing behind this fellow waiting for his order to be prepared. Funny, neither the fellow ordering his coffee or the man waiting attempted to pick-up the coin as I found it resting right where it had dropped near the cash register. Well, I scored it for the FMJ. A penny was found by the newspaper machines.

At the 99 Cents only store, I found 2 pennies near the fountain in the Mountain Gate shopping center and a single penny in the store. The kids and I stopped at In-N-Out Burger on Stearns Ave. -- found a penny there, too.

An evening shopping excursion to the wilds of the Simi Valley Target produced a quarter, dime, nickel and three pennies.


Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $.73
Bottles & Cans Collected: 6

Running Stats
This month: $4.07
2007 Finds: $52.35
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $236.35 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $696.75 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 183 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $784.64

FMJ - Day 408

May 10: A single find today of 85 cents was made at Von's on the corner of Yosemite and L.A. Aves. Included in this find were 6 dimes, a nickle and 20 pennies. All coins were found in the reject shoot of the coin counting machine.

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $.85
Bottles & Cans Collected: 5

Running Stats
This month: $3.34
2007 Finds: $51.62
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $235.62 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $696.02 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 177 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $784.64

FMJ - Day 407

May 9: We found 77 cents. The first find was a dime near the Pep Boys on L.A. Ave. At lunch at El Pollo Loco in the Mountain Gate Plaza, Ajay found a stack of coins resting on the salsa bar containing 2 quarters, a dime, nickel and penny. I found a penny on the floor.

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $.77
Bottles & Cans Collected: 18

Running Stats
This month: $2.49
2007 Finds: $50.77
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $234.77 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $695.17 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 172 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $784.64

FMJ - Day 406

May 8: 36 cents was found on this day. First find was a quarter at the Rancho Simi Tennis Courts. Then, at Dan's Sports and Tennis on Erringer Rd., I found a dime. Also, I've cut a deal for Dan and his employees to donate all their bottles and cans to the Bottles and Cans Club. Should be interesting. At Carl's Jr. on Madera Rd., I found a penny near our parking space.

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $.36
Bottles & Cans Collected: 11

Running Stats
This month: $1.72
2007 Finds: $50.00
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $234.00 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $694.40 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 154 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $784.64

FMJ - Day 405

May 7: Six cents found. At Albertson's on Madera Rd., Ajay and I found two pennies. Then, a stop at Carl's Jr. for a refreshing soda on a very hot day and we find two more pennies. I also found a penny near our community mailboxes and a penny near the Jack in the Box on Cochran Ave.

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $0.06
Bottles & Cans Collected: 1

Running Stats
This month: $1.36
2007 Finds: $49.64
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $233.64 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $694.04 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 143 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $784.64

FMJ - Day 404 "Investment Hunting Day"

May 6: Happy Birthday to Little Jayan, my brother-in-law and Sister-in-law's nephew, who has just turned a single year old... what a cudly cutie-pie... we really enjoyed your birthday party on Saturday night. Congratulations to all.

Day 404 was the start of something new... My wife, my brother-in-law and his wife, and I have decided unanimously to pursue investing in a max 4-unit apartment building in West L.A. My brother-in-law and his wife will occupy one the units and we will rent the rest with my wife and I covering the shortfall. We're looking in Venice Beach and Ocean Park. We took a look at the 2-Unit with one 2 bedroom/1 bath and one 3 bedroom/1 bath that was listing originally at $1.8 million. It's just two blocks from the beach and has 5 parking spots. The sellers have dropped the price to $1.5 million. It's a little run-down and needs updating in the kitchens and baths. There's also a possibility of a third studio unit in the basement storage room and/or renting the lower-level front room as a studio unit. Of course, it's only permitted for 2 units due to not having enough parking. Parking it supposed to 2.5 spaces per unit in West L.A. The lower-level front room has a wet-bar that could easily become a stand-up shower bathroom and galley kitchen. Still at $1.5 million... it's mighty pricey. We ran the numbers with the sellers tossing in a rate buydown at closing... at a PITI of $7800.00 per month. It's currently getting $4100 for 2 units in their current old and untouched in thirty years condition. Both tenants are Month-to-Month but have lived there for several years. With some ingenuity and updating... we believe we could get $2500 per unit leaving a shortfall of $2,800 per month. It just our first view and we not yet ready to make the seller an offer yet... still searching. I've seen several buildings for sale in the area with prices ranging from 1.2 to 1.6 for 3 units. Also, saw a 4-unit at $1.35 million although it was two miles from the beach it did have a lot of potential and 10 parking spaces and a two car garage. I just thought, I'd post to you all to let you in on a snippet of the L.A. real estate scene. At $750,000 per unit for Venice Beach... It seems crazy but that's West L.A.

DAY 404 finds us three cents. We found 2 pennies while strolling the Venice Beach Area. A single penny was found during a late night stop at Ralph's in Wood Ranch -- a Coinstar find. I was there to buy dog food. They have raised all the prices of dry dog food since last week... went up $1.70 on Purina Dog Chow in 22 lb. bag... I had to pay $10.49 for it. Anyone else seeing price inflation? All of our fast food joints have raised prices for combo/value meals having increased in the past few months by 20 to 40 cents. And, the Commerce Dept. keeps saying inflation is low... what a bunch of whooey!

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $0.03
Bottles & Cans Collected: 7

Running Stats
This month: $1.30
2007 Finds: $49.58
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $233.58 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $693.98 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 142 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $784.64

FMJ - Day 403

May 5: No money finds... only a collection of beer bottles and cans after Saturday morning's USTA Doubles match... 48 to be exact.

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $0.00
Bottles & Cans Collected: 48

Running Stats
This month: $1.27
2007 Finds: $49.55
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $233.55 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $693.95 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 135 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $784.64

FMJ - Day 402

May 4: No finds, as yet --- this is an early post. I'll update should there be a change. Our neighbor kindly donated 46 bottles to the kids... we picked up 5 more in Rancho Simi Park.

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $0.00
Bottles & Cans Collected: 51

Running Stats
This month: $1.27
2007 Finds: $49.55
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $233.55 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $693.95 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 87 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $784.64

FMJ - Day 401

May 3: Found 8 cents. First find, a penny at Jack in the Box on L.A. Ave. It was lying in the flowerbed under the Daily News box. An afternoon trip to La Crescenta, CA for an errand then a stop at Burger King for a shake -- found a nickel and penny. Our last find of a penny occurred at this little park on Foothill Blvd. in Sunland -- a penny.

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $.08
Bottles & Cans Collected: 11

Running Stats
This month: $1.27
2007 Finds: $49.55
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $233.55 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $693.95 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 36 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $784.64

FMJ - Day 400

May 2: We made no finds. Yep. No finds. Too tired from the trip to look down, I guess.

FMJ - Day 399

>(Last of the Vegas Finds)

May 1: On our second day in Las Vegas, I found $1.07 in 2 slot machine "cash-out" slips. That and yesterday's 12 cents was cashed in while making my donations to Ceasar's Palace, Bally's, The Mirage, Planet Hollywood, The Venetian, The Flamingo, Bellagio, and MGM Grand. Actually, I won at the MGM but then went on a long losing streak at all the rest... "what the lion giveth, Ceasar taketh away!"

Uncle Joe, Aunt Pratima and Mayma watch the kids while we were away... the kids and Uncle Joe donated 8 water bottles to the B&C Fund.

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $1.19
Bottles & Cans Collected: 25/17 brought back from L.V.

Running Stats
This month: $1.19
2007 Finds: $49.47
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $233.47 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $693.87 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 23 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $784.64

End of the Month Stat for April 2007!

End of Month Stats:
Total found - April 2007: $12.64
Average Amount Found per Day: 42 cents

Stock Held:
15.000 Shares/PEI Worth: $678.00
20.088 Shares/GRT Worth: $546.80
Total Stock Value: $1,224.80
Stock purchase cost: $717.11 (includes reinvested dividends & interest)
Excess Value of Stock Over Cost: $507.69

Other Funds Owned
Non-deposited FMJ funds(still in the jar): $67.66
FMJ Savings Account: $18.91

Income
Savings Interest 2007: 98 cents
Savings Interest 2006: $1.77
Dividends 2006: $34.30
Dividends 2007: $ 27.34
Non-reinvested Dividends: $17.10
Total Dividends Received: $127.69

Net Worth of the FMJ Fund: $1,311.37

Bottles & Cans Fund: $784.64
Increase in B&C Fund: $43.20

Total of Both Funds: $2,096.01
Increase over Prior Month: $85.62

Running Stats
This month: $12.64
2007 Finds: $48.28
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $232.28 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $692.68 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 355 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $784.64

FMJ - Day 398

April 30: On our first full day in Las Vegas, I didn't not make any cash finds... I did come across a "slots" cash-out slip for twelve cents. I didn't cash it on day 398.

No other finds.

FMJ - Day 397 "Burbank Airport"

April 29: On our way to Las Vegas, I found my first TSA security find... 32 cents at the payphones after going through security. At the CNBC newsstand in terminal A, I found a penny. Later, upon arriving in Las Vegas, I discovered that the sales clerk at the snack bar in Burbank gave me too much change... She should have returned to me $7.00 but instead of giving me a Five and 2 ones, she gave me three fives... so, I'll add this $8.00 windfall to the FMJ. Sometimes the found money comes through someone else's sad consequence.

The total of our finds on the first day of our L.V. trip... $8.33!

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $ 8.33
Bottles & Cans Collected: I saved them while traveling and will report on next post.

Running Stats
This month: $12.64
2007 Finds: $48.28
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $232.28 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $692.68 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 355 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $784.64

FMJ - Day 396

April 28: We found 13 cents. Three pennies found at McDonald's on Yosemite Ave. A dime was found at the ARCO station on L.A. Ave.

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $ .13
Bottles & Cans Collected: None

Running Stats
This month: $4.31
2007 Finds: $39.95
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $223.95 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $684.35 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 355 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $784.64