HAPPY NEW YEAR!

On this the last day of a SUCK ASS 2008, I found a dime and 6 pennies. All coins were found at the Los Cerritos Mall. At least, we have our health but GOOD RIDDANCE TO THIS DREARY STOCK MARKET, HOUSING MARKET & JOB MARKET! I hope and pray that things will change for the better in Double O NINE!

No NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS, YET. I do need to lose a few pounds.... I'm not making the weight loss resolution again... never works. HOW ABOUT JUST EAT MORE SALADS.

Oh, yeah... we turned in $10.50 worth of bottles and cans today.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.16
Bottles & Cans Collected: 5 found, Aunt Anju donated 37.
Running Stats
This Month: $3.90
Last Month: $12.92
2008 Finds: $102.70
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $486.53 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $946.67 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 94 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,326.40

FMJ - Day 1005

December 29: The kids stayed in Cerritos while I went home to do work... much needed work. In the evening, I took in a movie - GRAN TORINO! LOVED IT! I'll miss Clint, though. I found a penny.

FMJ - Day 1004

December 28: Ajay and I played tennis at Cerritos High School. We collected 9 sport drink and water bottles at the courts. No other finds.

FMJ - Day 1003

December 27: At the Walmart in Cerritos, I found a nickel and a penny. Later, I netted 3 pennies in a stop at the McDonald's on South St.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.09
Bottles & Cans Collected: 3
Running Stats
This Month: $3.73
Last Month: $12.92
2008 Finds: $102.53
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $486.36 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $946.50 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 43 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,315.90

FMJ - Day 1002

December 26: While doing some after Christmas shopping in Cerritos, Ajay and I scooped up a dime and 8 pennies.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Merry Christmas to all our friends and fans. May the New Year bring you better tidings!

We spent Christmas Day in Cerritos with Mayma, Uncle Pupps and Resh. The kids and I enjoyed just being together with the family. Thanks for making Christmas fun.

-----
No Finds. Aunt Anju made a big bag of water bottle donation to the B&C Fund.

FMJ - Day 1000!!!!

December 24: Christmas Eve. Day 1000 and I find three pennies! I'll call them the Three Penny Wise Men.

Found while making a quick soda stop along the I-5 heading to Cerritos.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.03
Bottles & Cans Collected: 0
Running Stats
This Month: $3.46
Last Month: $12.92
2008 Finds: $102.26
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $486.09 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $946.23 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 40 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,315.90

FMJ - Day 999

December 23: We found nothing.

FMJ - Day 998

December 22: I found a penny and a nickel. Both found at Target in Simi Valley.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.06
Bottles & Cans Collected: 3
Running Stats
This Month: $3.43
Last Month: $12.92
2008 Finds: $102.23
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $486.06 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $946.20 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 40 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,315.90

FMJ - Day 997

December 21: On a big christmas shopping trip to Glendale Galleria, Ajay and I found 43 cents while following Mom and Maya around the stores. 1 quarter, 1 dime & 8 pennies.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.43
Bottles & Cans Collected: 7
Running Stats
This Month: $3.37
Last Month: $12.92
2008 Finds: $102.17
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $486.00 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $946.14 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 37 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,315.90

FMJ - Day 996

December 20: No Finds.

FMJ - Day 995

December 19: I found two pennies at In-N-Out Burger.

FMJ - Day 994

December 19: Found two pennies at the Taco Bell on Cochran Ave. & Tapo St.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.02
Bottles & Cans Collected: 3
Running Stats
This Month: $2.92
Last Month: $12.92
2008 Finds: $101.72
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $485.55 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $945.69 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 30 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,315.90

FMJ - Day 993

December 18: No Finds.

FMJ - Day 992

December 17: Christmas shopping again. We found 4 pennies at Simi Valley Town Center.

FMJ - Day 991

December 16: Ajay and I found 2 pennies while shopping at the Target in Simi Valley.
I found another penny at the ARCO station on L.A. Ave. In the Evening, I found a penny while on a walk.

FMJ - Day 990

December 15: I found two pennies. One in the parking lot of Carl's Jr. on L.A. Ave. and the other at McDonald's on Tapo St.

FMJ - Day 989

December 14: A little Christmas shopping again... At Target in Moorpark, I found a crumbled One Dollar Bill laying amongst the potato chips in the snack bar. We also found two pennies upon checkout.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $1.02
Bottles & Cans Collected: 2
Running Stats
This Month: $2.80
Last Month: $12.92
2008 Finds: $101.60
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $485.43 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $945.57 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 27 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,315.90

FMJ - Day 988

December 13: While Christmas shopping at Glendale Galleria, Ajay and I found a quarter and 7 pennies. 12 days until Christmas!!!

FMJ - Day 987

December 12: Another day of book buying... I'm up to 1200 books! Found a penny at Luther's Thrift and a penny at the ARCO Gas station on L.A. Ave. In the evening, I found three pennies shopping at Target.

FMJ - Day 986

December 11: Ajay was home from school with a slight temperature. Luckily, a dose of Motrin took care of it. In the afternoon, we went for lunch at Lamppost Pizza in Moorpark... Ajay found 45 cents in their game room (4 dimes and a nickel.) While buying all the good and sale worthy books at Luther's Thrift in Moorpark, I came across a dime.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.55
Bottles & Cans Collected: 0
Running Stats
This Month: $1.41
Last Month: $12.92
2008 Finds: $100.21
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $484.04 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $944.18 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 25 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,315.90

FMJ - Day 985

December 10: Another day of book purchasing. Found a chuck E. Cheese token and two pennies in the Simi Thrift store.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.02
Bottles & Cans Collected: 3
Running Stats
This Month: $.86
Last Month: $12.92
2008 Finds: $99.66
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $483.49 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $943.63 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 25 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,315.90

FMJ - Day 984

December 9: While purchasing books, I found a penny.

OPENING SOON! Oddfellows Bookshop!!!

December 8: During the last two years, I've been searching for retail space to start a bookshop. Unfortunately, the asking rents have been simply too high. But now with the economy in a tailspin, everything is negotiable and rents are coming down. So, I've decided to start buying books from thrift shops in bulk and begin building a starting collection to stock the store. Dreams are being realized....

I found a nickel while having breakfast at Del Taco before taking our cans and bottles for recycling. We received $8.25 from the recycling.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.05
Bottles & Cans Collected: 2
Running Stats
This Month: $.83
Last Month: $12.92
2008 Finds: $99.63
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $483.46 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $943.60 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 22 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,315.90

FMJ - Day 982

November 7: We found a dime at the Shell station on Collins Ave. in Moorpark. At Wildwood Park Tennis Courts in Thousand Oaks, I found a penny. A stop for lunch at Baja Fresh on Madera Rd. and 2 more pennies.

FMJ - Day 981

December 6: Found 35 cents. A dime was scooped during a stop for cash at the Wells Fargo Bank on Pioneer Blvd. in Cerritos, CA. In the evening, a stop for dinner's fixings at the Ralph's on South St. and I come across 2 dimes, a nickel and a 5 cent Philippines coin resting in the reject coin shoot of the coin counting machine.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.35
Bottles & Cans Collected: 4
Running Stats
This Month: $.65
Last Month: $12.92
2008 Finds: $99.45
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $483.28 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $943.42 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 20 for the month

FMJ - Day 980

December 5: I found a single penny at Del Taco on L.A. Ave.

FMJ - Day 979

December 4: Found a nickel at the Yosemite Shell Station while checking the air in our tires.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.05
Bottles & Cans Collected: 5
Running Stats
This Month: $.29
Last Month: $12.92
2008 Finds: $99.09
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $482.92 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $943.06 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 16 for the month

FMJ - Day 978

December 3: I found a single penny while shopping at the Simi Thrift Shop for books.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.01
Bottles & Cans Collected: 4
Running Stats
This Month: $.24
Last Month: $12.92
2008 Finds: $99.04
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $482.87 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $943.01 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 11 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,307.65

FMJ - Day 977

December 2: I found a dime at the ARCO gas station on Madera Rd. where I paid $1.85 per gallon!!! Finally, some normalcy to our gas prices... It hasn't been under $2.00 since 2004. This drop in price has reduced my monthly expense for gasoline by $300.00 in the last four months. Bush will leave office with something good after-all.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.10
Bottles & Cans Collected: 3
Running Stats
This Month: $.23
Last Month: $12.92
2008 Finds: $99.03
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $482.86 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $943.00 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 7 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,307.65

FMJ - Day 976

December 1: I found two pennies in the morning... One at the Del Taco on L.A. Ave and the other at the Rancho Simi Tennis Courts. In the afternoon, Ajay and I found a dime and a penny at the McDonald's on Tapo St.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.13
Bottles & Cans Collected: 4
Running Stats
This Month: $.13
Last Month: $12.92
2008 Finds: $98.93
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $482.76 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $942.90 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 4 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,307.65

End of the Month - November 2008!

End of Month Stats:
Total found - October 2008: $12.92
Average Amount Found per Day: 43 cents
All Funds/Total Income: $60.80

Stock Holdings
FMJ and B&C Fund - Stock Held:
26.595 Shares/PEI Worth: $119.68
24.306 Shares/GRT Worth: $56.63
57.138 Shares/UDR Worth: $864.50

Total Stocks Held Value: $1,040.81
Value 09/30: $2,208.94
Stock Purchase Cost: $1,969.21
LOSS in Value from Stock Cost: ($928.40)

Other Funds Owned:
FMJ cash (still in the jar): $87.34
B&C Fund Cash: $294.48

Dividend & Interest Income
This month: $24.03
Savings Interest 2007: 98 cents
Savings Interest 2006: $1.77
Dividends 2006: $34.30
Dividends 2007: $88.04
Dividends 2008: $125.74
Total cost of stocks purchased: $1,969.21

Total Asset Value of FMJ Fund: $263.65

Bottles and Cans Fund
Running Balance: $1,307.65
Cash used to purchase stock: $1,013.17
Dividends Reinvested: $53.00
Cash Account Balance: $294.48
Sept. 30, 2007: $999.18
B&C Stocks/cash value: $1,158.98

Total Value of Both Funds:
November 30, 2008: $1,422.63
October 31, 2008: $1,910.99
September 30, 2008: $2,526.44
August 31, 2008: $2,311.83
July 31, 2008: $2,004.96
June 30, 2008: $1,975.10
May 31, 2008: $2,128.91
April 30, 2008: $2,060.43
March 31, 2008: $1,950.76
February 29, 2008: $1,830.87
December 31: 2007: $1,817.99
November 30, 2007: $2,075.57
October 31, 2007: $2,230.89
September 07: $2,327.61
August 07: $2,217.07
July 07: $2178.49
*Decrease from Prior Month: ($488.36)

Make that TWO MONTHS for the stock market to be sucking wind!!!

FMJ - Day 975

November 30: Ajay found two pennies while shopping with his mom at the Target in Moorpark, CA.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.02
Bottles & Cans Collected: 2
Running Stats
This Month: $12.92
Last Month: $5.90
2008 Finds: $98.80
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $482.63 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $942.77 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 122 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,307.65

FMJ - Day 974

November 29: We found two pennies while shopping at the Mervyn's during their "Going Out of Business" sale. Ajay got a pair of Van's shoes for $20! Good deal... Sad to see Mervyn's close forever, though. Seems all the small regional retailers are going the way of the dinosaur.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.02
Bottles & Cans Collected: 5
Running Stats
This Month: $12.90
Last Month: $5.90
2008 Finds: $98.78
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $482.61 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $942.75 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 120 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,307.65

FMJ - Day 973

November 28: Ajay and I took an afternoon walk to the top of Flanagan St. We found a dime and four pennies along the way. In the evening, I scooped three pennies at the Shell Station on Yosemite Ave.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.17
Bottles & Cans Collected: 9
Running Stats
This Month: $12.88
Last Month: $5.90
2008 Finds: $98.76
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $482.59 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $942.73 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 115 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,307.65

FMJ - Day 972

November 27: Thanksgiving was a surprise... My wife's aunt whose a vegetarian cooked a delicious Turkey this year as her son, who usually handles the turkey, and his wife welcomed their first child, Gianna, into our world only ten days ago. Needless to say, he was too busy to do the turkey honors this year. Maybe next?

No finds.

FMJ - Day 971

November 26: An evening trip to Topanga Promenade Mall to escape the "once" in this year rain... Ajay and I found a quarter, dime, nickel and 3 pennies while coin hunting the corridors of the mall.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.43
Bottles & Cans Collected: 0
Running Stats
This Month: $12.71
Last Month: $5.90
2008 Finds: $98.59
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $482.42 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $942.56 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 105 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,307.65

Dear INDIA, AMERICA STANDS WITH YOU!

To all my friends, acquaintances, and the people of India,

We're so sorry to see these vicious attacks on your people by the Muslim extremists terror movement. All Americans stand with our Indian friends. We love peace and freedom as you love peace and freedom. An attack on you tranquility and freedom is an attack on us! You have our support and prayers.

May we overcome these heinous crimes against humanity. May we change their hearts. May we serve terrorism to the dustbin of history!

Peace, Respect and Love.

ANDY from Simi Valley

FMJ - Day 970

November 25: I found a penny at the Border's in Simi Valley. Another trip to the Pavillion's grocery store produced a dime and 5 pennies from the coin counting machine.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.16
Bottles & Cans Collected: 2
Running Stats
This Month: $12.28
Last Month: $5.90
2008 Finds: $98.18
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $481.99 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $942.13 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 105 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,307.65

FMJ - Day 969

November 24: An after-school stop at The Weinerschnitzel on L.A. Ave for chile dogs and we find 5 pennies inside the restaurant and 4 pennies outside. Late in the evening, I ran out to the Pavillion's grocery store on Tapo Canyon Rd. for Bread, Tomatoes and Havarti... upon making my ritual check of the coining counting machine, I scored 67 pennies, a Canadian Quarter and Dime, and two game tokens. NICE DAY OF FINDS!

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.76
Bottles & Cans Collected: 5
Running Stats
This Month: $12.12
Last Month: $5.90
2008 Finds: $98.02
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $481.83 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $941.97 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 103 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,307.65

Recycling Update!

November 21: We brought our stash of bottles and cans into the recycling center and received $8.20 for them.

Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,307.65

FMJ - Day 968 TEN DOLLARS!

November 23: While waiting for everyone to gather at the Santa Susana Baseball League field on Township Rd., I found a TEN DOLLAR BILL! Yep... Ten Bucks!

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $10.00
Bottles & Cans Collected: 2
Running Stats
This Month: $11.36
Last Month: $5.90
2008 Finds: $97.26
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $481.07 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $941.21 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 97 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,299.45

FMJ - Day 967

November 22: After having my breakfast at the Carl's Jr. on Tapo Canyon Rd., I walk across the parking lot to Wescom Credit Union to make a deposit. I found four pennies in the parking lot. In the evening, Ajay and I went to Big Lots searching for some cool salt and pepper shakers... didn't find them. We did find two pennies in the parking space next to ours, though.

Last stop, Von's for chips, dip and soda so we could eat and be merry while watching ALL THE PRESIDENT'S MEN... Ajay picked three pennies from the coin counting machine.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.09
Bottles & Cans Collected: 5
Running Stats
This Month: $1.36
Last Month: $5.90
2008 Finds: $87.26
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $471.07 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $931.21 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 95 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,299.45

FMJ - Day 966

November 21: I found a single penny in the parking lot at Carl's Jr. on Erringer Rd.

FMJ - Day 965

November 20: I found three pennies. One at the ARCO gas station on L.A. Ave. where I paid $2.25 per gallon... Hallelulah! Found the next two at the 99 Cents Only store also along L.A. Ave.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.03
Bottles & Cans Collected: 2
Running Stats
This Month: $1.26
Last Month: $5.90
2008 Finds: $87.16
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $470.97 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $931.11 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 90 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,299.45

FMJ - Day 964

November 19: $3.00 MOVIES at the EDWARDS SIMI VALLEY!!!! One benefit on an economy that's in the gutter. I found 11 pennies coming out of the late show. I escaped to view the Oliver Stone flick, "W." Good picture... makes Bushie look like a Daddy's boy and f-ing loser.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.11
Bottles & Cans Collected: 10
Running Stats
This Month: $1.23
Last Month: $5.90
2008 Finds: $87.13
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $470.94 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $931.08 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 88 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,299.45

FMJ - Day 963

November 18: I found a penny at the Carl's Jr. on L.A. Ave. In the evening, a dime was found at the Pavillion's Market on Alamo Ave.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.11
Bottles & Cans Collected: 5
Running Stats
This Month: $1.12
Last Month: $5.90
2008 Finds: $87.02
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $470.83 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $930.97 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 78 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,299.45

FMJ - Day 962

November 17: I found a penny while pumping gas for $2.35 per gallon at the Shell Station on Yosemite Ave. An afternoon excursion to the Glendale Galleria and I find a penny and a dime while being a "flaneur." A late at night run to the Von's down the street for some ATM cash and dog food allowed us to find a One Euro coin and a dime near the coin counting machine. (That single Euro coin is worth $1.25 in our money. We save all our foreign coin finds to be converted in the future and will add the U.S. Money we received for them at that time.)

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.22
Bottles & Cans Collected: 3
Running Stats
This Month: $1.01
Last Month: $5.90
2008 Finds: $86.91
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $470.72 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $930.86 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 73 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,299.45

FMJ - Day 961

November 16: Ajay played in his last baseball game of the season and his team won! Yippee! I found a penny while riding my bike.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.01
Bottles & Cans Collected: 3
Running Stats
This Month: $.79
Last Month: $5.90
2008 Finds: $86.69
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $470.50 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $930.64 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 70 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,299.45

FMJ - Day 960

November 15: We spent the day cleaning out the garage. For lunch, we made way to the Phillysteak place near the Ralph's on L.A. Ave. I found a penny in the parking lot and Ajay discovered a 25 Sentimo Coin from the Phillipines near the coin counting machine in the Ralph's.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.01
Bottles & Cans Collected: 7
Running Stats
This Month: $.78
Last Month: $5.90
2008 Finds: $86.68
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $470.49 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $930.63 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 67 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,299.45

FMJ - Day 959

November 14: No finds... just a few bottles.

FMJ - Day 958

November 13: I had to drop off our Ford Explorer for some repair work at Simi Valley Ford on First St. I decided to "hoof" it home the full 8 miles to our house... It took 2 hours and 45 minutes including my rest stop at the Border's Books on Tapo Canyon Rd. I found a penny and a dime along the walk and 9 bottles & cans. Prosperous and fit... what could be better?

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.11
Bottles & Cans Collected: 10
Running Stats
This Month: $.77
Last Month: $5.90
2008 Finds: $86.67
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $470.48 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $930.62 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 60 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,299.45

FMJ - Day 957

November 12: Ajay found a dime while at Taco Bell on L.A. Ave. I found three pennies taking a walk.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.13
Bottles & Cans Collected: 2
Running Stats
This Month: $.66
Last Month: $5.90
2008 Finds: $86.56
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $470.37 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $930.51 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 50 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,299.45

FMJ - Day 956

November 11: Ajay and I found a nickel and three pennies during our walk to the McDonald's on Yosemite Ave. in the afternoon. The nickel was found inside McD's.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.08
Bottles & Cans Collected: 5
Running Stats
This Month: $.53
Last Month: $5.90
2008 Finds: $86.43
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $470.24 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $930.38 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 48 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,299.45

FMJ - Day 955

November 10: Found a nickel and a penny in the parking lot at the Rancho Simi Park tennis courts after practice in the morning.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.01
Bottles & Cans Collected: 6
Running Stats
This Month: $.45
Last Month: $5.90
2008 Finds: $86.35
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $470.16 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $930.30 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 43 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,299.45

FMJ - Day 954

November 9: No finds except for the 6 bottles and cans collected at Ajay's baseball game.

FMJ - Day 953

November 8: Found a single penny at Carl's Jr.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.01
Bottles & Cans Collected: 5
Running Stats
This Month: $.39
Last Month: $5.90
2008 Finds: $86.29
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $470.10 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $930.24 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 31 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,299.45

FMJ - Day 952

November 7: Ajay and I found two dimes and a penny at the Ralph's on L.A. Ave.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.21
Bottles & Cans Collected: 4
Running Stats
This Month: $.38
Last Month: $5.90
2008 Finds: $86.28
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $470.09 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $930.23 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 26 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,299.45

FMJ - Day 951 "Recycling Update."

November 6: No money finds... 6 bottles and cans collected near Ajay's school. Ajay and I went to the recycling to return our latest stash of bottles and cans. We received $15.65 for our effort.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.00
Bottles & Cans Collected: 5
Running Stats
This Month: $.17
Last Month: $5.90
2008 Finds: $86.07
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $469.88 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $930.02 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 22 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,299.45

FMJ - Day 950

November 5: No finds. 10 bottles recovered for our recycling collection.

FMJ - DAY 949

November 4: I found 4 pennies nestled in a "dirt" strip along the drive-thru at Carl's Jr. on L.A. Ave. in Simi Valley. Found a penny during a stop to pick-up my racquet from Dan's Tennis Shop.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.05
Bottles & Cans Collected: 4
Running Stats
This Month: $.16
Last Month: $5.90
2008 Finds: $86.06
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $469.88 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $930.01 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 7 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,283.80

Hey, Pres. Obama, DON'T MESS WITH 401K!

Well, I hope all you OBAMA supporter get your most perfect slice of the pie. Some of OBAMA's backers are out promoting the confiscation of our 401K plans because they obviously think that the government would be better at making decisions with our retirement funds than any individual person could do for themselves. I've got a messages for these people -- DON'T YOU DARE TOUCH MY RETIREMENT PLAN... IT'LL BE ALL OUT WAR! IT'S MY MONEY -- NOT YOURS! LEAVE IT ALONE!

THE OWNER

FMJ - Day 948

November 3: I found a penny at Ajay's school. It was actually raining on this day... a whole tenth of an inch overnight.

FMJ - Day 947

Novermber 2: On a trip to the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica, I found a penny. A dime was found by me at the ARCO gas station on L.A. Ave.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.11
Bottles & Cans Collected: 3
Running Stats
This Month: $.11
Last Month: $5.90
2008 Finds: $86.01
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $469.82 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $929.96 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 3 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,283.80

FMJ - Day 946

November 1: No finds.

End of the Month - October 2008.

End of Month Stats:
Total found - October 2008: $5.90
Average Amount Found per Day: 19 cents

Stock Holdings
FMJ and B&C Fund - Stock Held:
26.595 Shares/PEI Worth: $336.43
22.973 Shares/GRT Worth: $120.38
56.13 Shares/UDR Worth: $1109.13

Total Stocks Held Value: $1,565.94
Value 09/30: $2,208.94
Stock Purchase Cost: $1,945.18
LOSS in Value from Stock Cost: ($379.24)

Other Funds Owned:
FMJ cash (still in the jar): $74.42
B&C Fund Cash: $270.63

Dividend & Interest Income
This month: $0.00
Savings Interest 2007: 98 cents
Savings Interest 2006: $1.77
Dividends 2006: $34.30
Dividends 2007: $88.04
Dividends 2008: $101.71
Total cost of stocks purchased: $1,945.18

Total Asset Value of FMJ Fund: $531.23

Bottles and Cans Fund
Running Balance: $1,283.80
Cash used to purchase stock: $1,013.17
Dividends Reinvested: $53.00
Cash Account Balance: $270.63
Sept. 30, 2007: $999.18
B&C Stocks/cash value: $1,379.76

Total Value of Both Funds:
October 31, 2008: $1,910.99
September 30, 2008: $2,526.44
August 31, 2008: $2,311.83
July 31, 2008: $2,004.96
June 30, 2008: $1,975.10
May 31, 2008: $2,128.91
April 30, 2008: $2,060.43
March 31, 2008: $1,950.76
February 29, 2008: $1,830.87
December 31: 2007: $1,817.99
November 30, 2007: $2,075.57
October 31, 2007: $2,230.89
September 07: $2,327.61
August 07: $2,217.07
July 07: $2178.49
*Decrease from Prior Month: ($615.45)

* This was the worst month for stocks in decades. The current pricing represent a good buying opportunity. Although, we had a terrible month of loss... I think it will be short lived and will see higher prices in the coming months. Bottles and cans recycling has been increasing of late and we should add more funds in future month for investment.

FMJ - Day 945

October 31: HAPPY HALLOWEEN! No finds of any kind.

FMJ - Day 944

October 30: 24 cents found. The first find happened at the Burger King on Cochran Ave. -- a dime. Then, I took an afternoon bike ride and found 3 pennies. Picking up Ajay from school, I came across a dime laying near the sidewalk in a grassy patch along Big Springs Ave. My final find of a penny was made near an ATM at the Madera Road shopping center.

I collected 10 bottles and cans along my bike ride.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.24
Bottles & Cans Collected: 12
Running Stats
This Month: $5.90
Last Month: $3.36
2008 Finds: $85.90
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $469.71 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $929.85 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 274 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,283.80

FMJ - Day 943

October 29: I found two pennies. The first at the ARCO gas station on Madera Rd. The second at Walmart in Simi Valley.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.02
Bottles & Cans Collected: 9
Running Stats
This Month: $5.66
Last Month: $3.36
2008 Finds: $85.66
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $469.47 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $929.61 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 262 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,283.80

FMJ - Day 942

October 28: I found two pennies at the Fresh and Easy store on Tapo St.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.02
Bottles & Cans Collected: 3
Running Stats
This Month: $5.64
Last Month: $3.36
2008 Finds: $85.64
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $469.45 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $929.59 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 253 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,283.80

FMJ - Day 941

October 27: While taking a walk along Yosemite Ave., I found two pennies.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.02
Bottles & Cans Collected: 6
Running Stats
This Month: $5.62
Last Month: $3.36
2008 Finds: $85.62
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $469.43 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $929.57 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 250 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,283.80

FMJ - Day 940

October 26: Found nothing... 7 bottles collected.

FMJ - Day 939

October 25: In the afternoon, Ajay and I took a LONG bike ride around the Texas Tract neighborhood of Simi Valley. We found 5 pennies and collected 30 bottles and cans along our ride.

Ajay's baseball practice produced another 8 water bottles for the fund.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.05
Bottles & Cans Collected: 38
Running Stats
This Month: $5.60
Last Month: $3.36
2008 Finds: $85.60
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $469.41 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $929.55 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 237 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,283.80

FMJ - Day 938

October 24: I found a single penny during a stop for gas at the ARCO gas station on L.A. Ave. I decide to not play tennis and go hiking, instead. Cleaned up littered 7 bottles during my hike.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.01
Bottles & Cans Collected: 7
Running Stats
This Month: $5.55
Last Month: $3.36
2008 Finds: $85.55
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $469.36 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $929.50 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 199 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,283.80

FMJ - Day 937

October 23: Ajay and I found a quarter resting in the change shoot of an L.A. Times box near the McDonald's in Moorpark, CA. We also found a penny at the Moorpark Target store.

FMJ - Day 936

October 22: While taking a morning walk after tennis in the Sinaloa area of Simi Valley, I found two dimes and two pennies. Also, I collected 13 bottles and cans.
Later, I found three more pennies at Taco Bell.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.25
Bottles & Cans Collected: 13
Running Stats
This Month: $5.28
Last Month: $3.36
2008 Finds: $85.28
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $469.09 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $929.23 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 192 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,283.80

FMJ - Day 935

October 21: I found no money... TOO WINDY! 6 cans & bottles collected.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.00
Bottles & Cans Collected: 6
Running Stats
This Month: $5.03
Last Month: $3.36
2008 Finds: $85.03
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $468.84 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $928.98 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 179 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,283.80

FMJ - Day 934

October 20: I found 4 pennies while taking a long walk.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.04
Bottles & Cans Collected: 7
Running Stats
This Month: $5.03
Last Month: $3.36
2008 Finds: $85.03
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $468.84 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $928.98 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 173 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,283.80

FMJ - Day 933

October 19: Picked up a nickel and two pennies at the Shell Station on Yosemite Ave.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.07
Bottles & Cans Collected: 0
Running Stats
This Month: $4.99
Last Month: $3.36
2008 Finds: $84.99
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $468.80 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $928.94 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 166 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,283.80

Recycling!

October 19: We received $7.00 for our bottles and cans. Amazing how much this can add up... if you take the time to keep records.

The total amount of money received from our recycling efforts Since October of 2005 is: $1,283.80

FMJ - Day 932

October 18: I found three pennies at the 99 Cents Only store on Tapo St.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.03
Bottles & Cans Collected: 4
Running Stats
This Month: $4.92
Last Month: $3.36
2008 Finds: $84.92
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $468.73 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $928.87 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 166 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,276.80

FMJ - Day 931

October 17: In the morning, a stop for breakfast at Del Taco found me finding two pennies. At the 99 Cents Only store, I found two more pennies. At the Wendy's on L.A. Ave., we picked up two dimes.

We keep a savings account at Wescom Credit Union and upon making our deposit, I spied a Dollar bill folded on the floor near the teller. Sccoped it.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $1.24
Bottles & Cans Collected: 4
Running Stats
This Month: $4.89
Last Month: $3.36
2008 Finds: $84.89
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $468.70 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $928.84 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 162 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,276.80

FMJ - Day 930

October 16: We returned home in the evening to find our house in good order and unharmed by the fire or smoke. During the day, I took a long walk around Cerritos walking along Artesia Blvd. from Shoemaker Ave. upto to Marquardt Ave. then to 183rd St. and along the Coyotes bike trail to Carmenita Ave.& South St. stopping at the McDonald's on the corner for Breakfast. I found a quarter and a penny in the McDonald's driveway. Leaving the restaurant, I walked along South St back to Shoemaker Ave. then continuing to traverse the Cerritos Town Center buying "underwear" at the Ross Store. Finishing up my walk, I marched back along Artesia Blvd. Total time of the walk -- about 3 hours.

Walking is such great exercise... especially long walks. I collected 18 cans and bottles during my journey.

In the Afternoon, Maya and I went to see "EAGLE EYE" at the Edward's towncenter cinema... found 4 pennies resting on a table in the food court area.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.30
Bottles & Cans Collected: 5
Running Stats
This Month: $3.65
Last Month: $3.36
2008 Finds: $83.65
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $467.46 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $927.60 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 158 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,276.80

FMJ - Day 929

October 15: Staying put in Cerritos as the fires with still smoldering in the hills, the kids and I went exploring in Lakewood and found a lovely little restaurant called California Roll. The teriaki hit the spot. While walking the sidewalk in Lakewood, I picked up a dime and 2 pennies. Earlier, I had a snack at Yum Yum Donuts on South St., I found 5 pennies in the parking lot. Then, I pulled two quarters from the change shoot of the Press-Telegram newspaper machine in front of Yum Yum.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.72
Bottles & Cans Collected: 5
Running Stats
This Month: $3.35
Last Month: $3.36
2008 Finds: $83.35
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $467.16 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $927.30 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 140 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,276.80

FMJ - Day 928

October 14: Eventhough the fires burned through the night, the kids still had school. So, the morning was spent driving them back to Simi Valley and dropping them late to school. I found a nickel at Maya's school. I went to Rubio's in Simi Valley for lunch to at a view of the fires and smoke plume which luckily was drift west along the Santa Susana Mountains. The winds shift and now the fire had moved across the mountains in Simi Valley near our house. TIME TO EVACUATE FOR A SECOND TIME... we loaded the car with Biscuit, our dog, and all the family videos and photos, computers and some irreplaceable valuables and headed off to Cerritos and Mayma's house to escape the smoke and ash. A stop in the evening at McDonald's in Cerritos and we find a One Dollar Bill, a quarter and 5 pennies.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $1.35
Bottles & Cans Collected: 0
Running Stats
This Month: $2.63
Last Month: $3.36
2008 Finds: $82.63
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $466.44 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $926.58 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 135 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,276.80

FMJ - Day 927

October 13: Fire... Fire... EVERYWHERE! Porter Ranch, a community in the northwest quadrant of the San Fernando Valley was engulf and encircled by a raging brush fire. The smoke was coming over the Santa Susana Pass into Simi Valley. So, the kids and I decided to stay the night in Santa Monica. I found a dime and eight pennies while taking a long morning walk.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.18
Bottles & Cans Collected: 5
Running Stats
This Month: $1.28
Last Month: $3.36
2008 Finds: $81.28
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $465.09 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $925.23 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 135 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,276.80

FMJ - Day 926

October 12: No Finds. 5 bottles and cans collected.

FMJ - Day 925

October 11: While getting out of the car to attend Ajay's baseball team practice, I found a dime and a penny. After the practice, we went to Topper's Pizza for lunch. Ajay found a dime and 2 pennies in the arcade area.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.23
Bottles & Cans Collected: 15
Running Stats
This Month: $1.10
Last Month: $3.36
2008 Finds: $81.10
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $464.91 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $925.05 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 126 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,276.80

FMJ - Day 924

October 10: After watching the stock market plunge this morning, I thought it would be soothing to take a walk in Wildhorse Canyon. I found two nickels. One along Presidio Ave. The other, near Ajay's school drop-off. We also found 4 pennies at Wendy's on L.A. Ave.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.14
Bottles & Cans Collected: 15
Running Stats
This Month: $.87
Last Month: $3.36
2008 Finds: $80.87
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $464.68 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $924.82 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 111 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,276.80

FMJ - Day 923

October 9: Ajay and I found two pennies at the McDonald's on L.A. Ave.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.02
Bottles & Cans Collected: 7
Running Stats
This Month: $.73
Last Month: $3.36
2008 Finds: $80.73
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $464.54 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $924.68 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 96 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,276.80

FMJ - Day 922

October 8: No finds.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.00
Bottles & Cans Collected: 21
Running Stats
This Month: $.71
Last Month: $3.36
2008 Finds: $80.71
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $464.52 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $924.66 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 89 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,276.80

A little recycling today.

The kids were out from school for the Yom Kippur holiday... So, it was a good time to go to the recycling center. We recycled $14.65 worth of bottles and cans -- our entire stash.

Also, we found two pennies at the recycling center.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.02
Bottles & Cans Collected: --
Running Stats
This Month: $.71
Last Month: $3.36
2008 Finds: $80.71
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $464.52 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $924.66 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 89 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,276.80

FMJ - Day 921

October 7: THE STOCK MARKET HAS TANKED BEYOND ANY COMPREHENSIBLE NOTION! TIME TO BUY STOCKS! I'm going to deploy whatever cash we have in the market in the next week! I'm thinking about a bank stock this buy.

We found 24 cents today. I found a penny this morning at Wells Fargo Bank ATM on L.A. Ave. Walking back to my car, I found a dime on Patricia Ave. When picking up Maya from School, Ajay and I will take a walk around the neighborhood while waiting for her. We found a dime and 2 pennies. My last find of a penny happened at Taco Bell on L.A. Ave.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.24
Bottles & Cans Collected: 16
Running Stats
This Month: $.69
Last Month: $3.36
2008 Finds: $80.69
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $464.50 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $924.64 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 68 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,262.15

FMJ - Day 920

October 6: Found four cents. First find of a penny happened at the Exxon station near Moorpark College. The second and third pennies were found at the 99 Cents Only store on L.A. Ave. The final penny was picked up at the Citibank on Cochran Ave.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.04
Bottles & Cans Collected: 20
Running Stats
This Month: $.45
Last Month: $3.36
2008 Finds: $80.45
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $464.26 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $924.40 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 52 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,262.15

The Big Cerritos Walk. (FMJ - Day 919)

October 5: I spent the morning walking around Cerritos, California. Started my walk along Artesia Blvd. at the corner of Shoemaker continuing to Norwalk Blvd. Then, I headed South on Norwalk to South St. stopping at the Burger King for breakfast... Whopper! After that, I walked east along South St. back to Shoemaker. I followed Shormaker Ave. to Mayma's neighborhood at the Corner of Artesia and Shoemaker.

What did I scavenge along the way?... a nickel, 18 pennies and 13 cans & bottles. I must have lost about 600 calories!

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.23
Bottles & Cans Collected: 15
Running Stats
This Month: $.41
Last Month: $3.36
2008 Finds: $80.41
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $464.22 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $924.36 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 32 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,262.15

FMJ - Day 918

October 4: Ajay found three pennies during a "pit-stop" along the I-5 in Commerce, CA.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.03
Bottles & Cans Collected: 2
Running Stats
This Month: $.18
Last Month: $3.36
2008 Finds: $80.18
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $463.99 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $924.13 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 17 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,262.15

FMJ - Day 917

October 3: I found a penny at Carl's Jr. on L.A. Ave.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.01
Bottles & Cans Collected: 6
Running Stats
This Month: $.15
Last Month: $3.36
2008 Finds: $80.15
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $463.96 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $924.10 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 15 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,262.15

FMJ - Day 916

October 2: 8 Cents. 5 pennies were found along Ventura St. where I drop Maya off for school each morning. 3 pennies were picked up at Del Taco on L.A. Ave.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.08
Bottles & Cans Collected: 5
Running Stats
This Month: $.14
Last Month: $3.36
2008 Finds: $80.14
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $463.95 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $924.09 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 9 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,262.15

FMJ - Day 915

October 1: Six pennies found while shopping at the 99 Cents Only store on Tapo St.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.06
Bottles & Cans Collected: 4
Running Stats
This Month: $.06
Last Month: $3.36
2008 Finds: $80.06
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $463.87 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $924.01 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 4 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,262.15

FMJ - Day 914

September 30: No Finds.

End of the Month - September 2008

End of Month Stats:
Total found - September 2008: $3.36
Average Amount Found per Day: 11 cents

Stock Holdings
FMJ and B&C Fund - Stock Held:
26.595 Shares/PEI Worth: $501.31
22.973 Shares/GRT Worth: $239.83
56.13 Shares/UDR Worth: $1467.80

Total Stocks Held Value: $2,208.94
Value 7/31: $1,644.26
Stock Purchase Cost: $1,945.18
GAIN in Value from Stock Cost: $263.76

Other Funds Owned:
FMJ cash (still in the jar): $68.52
B&C Fund Cash: $248.98

Dividend & Interest Income
This month: $14.75
Savings Interest 2007: 98 cents
Savings Interest 2006: $1.77
Dividends 2006: $34.30
Dividends 2007: $88.04
Dividends 2008: $101.71
Total cost of stocks purchased: $1,945.18

Total Asset Value of FMJ Fund: $809.66

Bottles and Cans Fund
Running Balance: $1,262.15
Cash used to purchase stock: $1,013.17
Dividends Reinvested: $53.00
Cash Account Balance: $248.98
Sept. 30, 2007: $999.18
B&C Stocks/cash value: $1,716.78

Total Value of Both Funds:
September 30, 2008: $2,526.44
August 31, 2008: $2,311.83
July 31, 2008: $2,004.96
June 30, 2008: $1,975.10
May 31, 2008: $2,128.91
April 30, 2008: $2,060.43
March 31, 2008: $1,950.76
February 29, 2008: $1,830.87
December 31: 2007: $1,817.99
November 30, 2007: $2,075.57
October 31, 2007: $2,230.89
September 07: $2,327.61
August 07: $2,217.07
July 07: $2178.49
*Increase from Prior Month: $214.61

* Increase due to Sale of UDR stock and recent quick trades in Regions Financial and Washington Mutual Stock. We have bought back UDR stock and will trade it should it go above $26.50. Money finds and recycling of Bottles & Cans also contributed. Stock prices for real estate Investment trust have started moving higher after falling during the past year. June & July 2008 were the worst months for stocks in 20 years. As of 9/30, prices have stabilized or turned higher.

FMJ - Day 913

September 29: I found two pennies. I made the find near the air filling pump at the Shell Station on Yosemite Ave.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.02
Bottles & Cans Collected: 6
Running Stats
This Month: $3.36
Last Month: $5.75
2008 Finds: $80.00
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $463.81 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $923.95 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 189 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,262.15

FMJ - Day 912

September 28: I found a penny at Carl's Jr. on L.A. Ave. near Yosemite Ave. in Simi Valley.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.01
Bottles & Cans Collected: 2
Running Stats
This Month: $3.34
Last Month: $5.75
2008 Finds: $79.98
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $463.79 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $923.93 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 183 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,262.15

FMJ - Day 911

September 27: Dinner at the Pagoda Inn in Chatsworth... It was one of our favorite Restaurants for the last three years.... SOMETHING CHANGED! It was Absolutely horrible... the taste of the food and quick service wasn't even close to how it has been before. WHAT A LOSS! Every restaurant runs its course... SO SAD.

After one of the most disappointing meals I've had in a while, the family and I went to Toy-R-US in Porter Ranch. There, I found a dime and a penny. My only find of the day.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.11
Bottles & Cans Collected: 5
Running Stats
This Month: $3.33
Last Month: $5.75
2008 Finds: $79.97
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $463.78 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $923.92 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 181 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,262.15

Dividend Report!

On September 17, 2008, the Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust (PEI) paid out a dividend in the amount of $14.75 for the quarter. It was reinvested to bring our holdings to 26.595 shares. Our average cost per share is now $22.98.

Dividend & Interest Income
This month: $14.75
Savings Interest 2007: 98 cents
Savings Interest 2006: $1.77
Dividends 2006: $34.30
Dividends 2007: $88.04
Dividends 2008: $101.71
Total cost of stocks purchased: $1,845.18
Total Dividends Received: $289.71 (Since 2003 merger of CWN & PEI)

FMJ - Day 910

September 26: Our UDR shares has a breakout today finishing at $28.00! That's quite a tidy profit in a quick amount of time should the price hold. As for coin finds... we found 3 pennies at Carl's Jr. on L.A. Ave. and 2 pennies at a McDonald's on Tapo St.

We collected all the bottles and cans from Ajay's baseball practice... 44 in all.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.05
Bottles & Cans Collected: 47
Running Stats
This Month: $3.22
Last Month: $5.75
2008 Finds: $79.86
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $463.67 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $923.81 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 176 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,262.15

FMJ - Day 909

September 25: I found three pennies. I was stopped in the turning lane on Madera Rd. and noticed a penny on the curb. I quick opening of the door and I scooped it. After that, I found a penny while pumping gas at the Arco station on Madera Rd. I stop at McDonald's for a Sundae.. the last penny.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.03
Bottles & Cans Collected: 4
Running Stats
This Month: $3.17
Last Month: $5.75
2008 Finds: $79.81
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $463.62 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $923.76 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 129 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,262.15

FMJ - Day 908 ** NO BAILOUTS!!!

September 24: NO BAILOUTS! This 700 Billion Dollar bailout will be the biggest "Moral Hazard" ever! It's against our capitalist system and it's UNCONSTITUTIONAL! Let the shit hit the fan and suck it up! The bailout will only reward incompetence and all the greedy people out there and is not fair to those of us who done the right thing in life by being conservative in our purchases and savings. NO ONE DESERVES TO BE A HOMEOWNER WHEN THEY HAVEN'T PUT THEIR OWN MONEY INTO THE PROPERTY! Sub-prime Zero-down & Negative Amortization Loans where nothing more than a sham on those of us who have tried to live the right way! We shouldn't be made to pay for others sins. It's wrong!

STOP THE BAILOUT! NO MONEY FOR THE GREEDY! NO MONEY FOR CRIMINALS!

Money finds: NONE TODAY.

FMJ - Day 907

September 23: I found a dime at the Taco Bell on L.A. Ave. during lunch. An evening outing to Porter Ranch Town Center and I find a nickel in the parking lot.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.15
Bottles & Cans Collected: 11
Running Stats
This Month: $3.14
Last Month: $5.75
2008 Finds: $79.78
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $463.59 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $923.73 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 125 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,262.15

FMJ - Day 906

September 22: I found a dime during a walk along Royal Ave. in Simi Valley. In the evening, a stop at the Ralph's grocery store to cash in our recycling slip gave Ajay a chance to find a "British Penny" resting atop the CoinStar machine. That British penny is worth twice as much as our Lincolns.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.10
Bottles & Cans Collected: 5
Running Stats
This Month: $2.99
Last Month: $5.75
2008 Finds: $79.63
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $463.44 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $923.58 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 114 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,262.16

Yes, We Recycle!

September 22: Yes, we recycle! Someone asked me this week whether I recycle or not. He couldn't believe a man with my wealth, monetary and fiscal views would be a faithful recycler. I said that I absolutely do. Recycling bottles and cans is much easier than mining for gold. Less risky, too. To get an once of gold you need to dig 5 tons of ore, move it and smelt it with hazardous chemicals -- and, it would be worth about 90% of the market spot price to miner from the assayer who weighs and smelts the unfinished nuggets. After all cost which include equipment, labor, licenses, claim royalties, and legal -- the miner will reap roughly 20% to 30% of the spot price for gold as a profit. So, about $150 to $225 at today's spot price. When the market price is lower than get less profit.

Not to mention the future cost to the environment and regulatory entanglements which increase operational cost -- mining for gold is not very profitable operation. RECYCLING CANS AND BOTTLES WILL COST YOU JUST THE FUEL TO GET TO THE RECYCLING CENTER AND SOME OF YOUR "FREE" TIME. A perfect business low cost/mostly profit provided you are recycling the discarded cans and bottles that someone else paid the deposit on.

Today, the kids and I took $15.28 of cans and bottles to the recycling center on L.A. Ave. A good proportion of our haul were cans and bottles collected along our dog walks and tennis practices. Their bottles & Cans Fund is now worth over $1,500!

Since October of 2005, we have recycled $1,262.15 worth of bottles and cans.

FMJ - Day 905

September 21: I found 4 pennies during a gas stop in Cerritos, CA. Found them at the Mobil Station on Pioneer Blvd.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.04
Bottles & Cans Collected: 4
Running Stats
This Month: $2.89
Last Month: $5.75
2008 Finds: $79.53
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $463.34 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $923.48 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 109 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,246.87

FMJ - Day 904

September 20: We found 18 cents. The first find happened at the Shell Station on Yosemite Ave. -- 6 pennies. During a stop for soda at a gas station near Moorpark College, I found a dime and 2 pennies.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.18
Bottles & Cans Collected: 2
Running Stats
This Month: $2.85
Last Month: $5.75
2008 Finds: $79.49
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $463.30 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $923.44 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 105 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,246.87

FMJ - Day 903

September 19: Big coin finding day. In the morning, I found a penny at the ARCO Station on L.A. Ave. At the Taco Bell, also on L.A. Ave., I found a dime and penny. We went to Fresh & Easy on Alamo Ave. to do some grocery shopping... scooped up 2 quarters, 3 nickels & 2 pennies from the change return shoot of our self-serve check-out register. The family had dinner at In-N-Out Burger... found 2 pennies in a flower bed upon leaving the restaurant.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.81
Bottles & Cans Collected: 5
Running Stats
This Month: $2.67
Last Month: $5.75
2008 Finds: $79.31
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $463.12 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $923.26 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 103 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,246.87

FMJ - Day 902

September 18: Found a penny at McDonald's on L.A. Ave.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.01
Bottles & Cans Collected: 6
Running Stats
This Month: $1.86
Last Month: $5.75
2008 Finds: $78.50
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $462.31 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $922.45 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 98 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,246.87

FMJ - Day 901

September 17: I found a dime and a penny at the ARCO station on Madera Rd.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.11
Bottles & Cans Collected: 7
Running Stats
This Month: $1.85
Last Month: $5.75
2008 Finds: $78.49
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $462.30 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $922.44 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 92 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,246.87

FMJ - Day 900

September 16: No finds... We made a run to the recycling center and picked up $8.50 for the B&C Fund.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.00
Bottles & Cans Collected: 3
Running Stats
This Month: $1.74
Last Month: $5.75
2008 Finds: $78.38
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $462.18 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $922.33 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 85 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,246.87

FMJ - Day 899

September 15: I found a dime at the ARCO station on L.A. Ave. An afterschool stop with the kids at Wendy's for a Frosty was quite fruitful -- found another dime.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.20
Bottles & Cans Collected: 5
Running Stats
This Month: $1.74
Last Month: $5.75
2008 Finds: $78.38
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $462.18 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $922.33 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 82 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,238.37

FMJ - Day 898

September 14: A late night stop at the McDonald's on Yosemite Ave. for a Filet-O-Fish Combo. I caught a dime and penny from the "imaginary dock" in the lobby.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.11
Bottles & Cans Collected: 8
Running Stats
This Month: $1.54
Last Month: $5.75
2008 Finds: $78.18
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $461.98 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $922.13 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 77 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,238.37

Bought Back into UDR, Inc.

The Bottles & Cans Fund is on the move. On Friday, I bought back into United Dominion Realty Trust (UDR) with the proceeds from our quick trade in Wamu stock. Having originally held 41.527 shares, we were able to purchase 56.13 shares on the buy-back as we increased our capital through several short term trades in the last month and getting a lower price, as I had expected, since the share price has fallen. We picked up the new shares at $23.80 per share.

Funny thing... we made the right bet on Wamu at the right time. Wamu stock is now in the dumps at $2.89 per share. Looks like Wamu could be heading for an FDIC takeover which would be really sad as I like Wamu Bank very much.

Our new position:
56.13 Shares of UDR
Total Invested: $1,327.12
Total cost: $1,066.17
Capital Gains - 2008: $260.95

FMJ - Day 897

September 13: Happy 12th Birthday, Maya! For Maya's birthday, we went to the Cheesecake Factory at The Grove in Hollywood. 16 of us in all... Great Food. Afterwards, Maya immediately went to work spending her birthday money.

I found a quarter and 2 pennies at the Shell station on Yosemite Ave. Maya's friend, Eve, graciously donated a penny she found while shopping at The Grove with Maya. A stop at a Cevron Station in Hollywood on the way home produced 2 pennies which were found near the pump. Our last stop was the Wal-mart in Porter Ranch and we found a quarter on the floor in the electronics department.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.55
Bottles & Cans Collected: 4
Running Stats
This Month: $1.43
Last Month: $5.75
2008 Finds: $78.07
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $461.87 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $922.02 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 69 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,238.37

FMJ - Day 896

September 12: Again, no finds.

FMJ - Day 895

September 11: No finds... just a day think about those we lost.

I will never forget 9-11!

FMJ - Day 894

September 10: The first find of the day happened at Tommy's Hamburgers where I stopped for a treat after 4 tough sets of Doubles in the Morning -- a dime. Ajay wanted his favorite, Taco Bell, after school. I found a penny near the register. While pumping some gas and washing the windows at the Shell station on Yosemite Ave., I found a nickel and 2 pennies.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.18
Bottles & Cans Collected: 16
Running Stats
This Month: $.88
Last Month: $5.75
2008 Finds: $77.52
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $461.32 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $921.47 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 65 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,238.37

FMJ - Day 893

September 9: We found 5 pennies. 2 pennies were scooped from the floor at Taco Bell on L.A. Ave. I found 3 pennies while pumping gas at the ARCO, again.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.05
Bottles & Cans Collected: 13
Running Stats
This Month: $.70
Last Month: $5.75
2008 Finds: $77.34
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $461.14 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $921.29 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 49 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,238.37

FMJ - Day 892

September 8: I found a quarter resting amongst a dirt median strip along the sidewalk at Ajay's school. It was quite corroded and had been there a long time. Two pennies were found at the ARCO gas station on Fourth Street in Simi Valley.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.27
Bottles & Cans Collected: 6
Running Stats
This Month: $.65
Last Month: $5.75
2008 Finds: $77.29
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $461.09 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $921.24 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 36 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,238.37

FMJ - Day 891

September 7: No Finds.

FMJ - Day 890

September 6: A single penny found at Carl's Jr. On Erringer Rd.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.01
Bottles & Cans Collected: 6
Running Stats
This Month: $.38
Last Month: $5.75
2008 Finds: $77.02
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $460.82 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $920.97 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 30 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,238.37

FMJ - Day 889

September 5: Found 15 cents. A dime at the Ralph's Market on South St. in Cerritos. Later, I found a nickel at a Wells Fargo ATM.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.15
Bottles & Cans Collected: 2
Running Stats
This Month: $.37
Last Month: $5.75
2008 Finds: $77.01
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $460.81 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $920.96 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 24 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,238.37

FMJ - Day 888

September 4: I found a dime and a penny at the CVS store on Tapo St.

FMJ - Day 887

September 3: I found eleven cents. The first find happened at Chicken Bowl on L.A. Ave. -- a dime. Late in the evening, I found a penny at the Carl's Jr. on Erringer Rd.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.11
Bottles & Cans Collected: 10
Running Stats
This Month: $.11
Last Month: $5.75
2008 Finds: $76.75
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $460.55 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $920.70 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 22 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,238.37

FMJ - Day 886 -- Recycling Update.

September 2: No Finds. Ajay and I went to the Wood Ranch recycling center and turned in $9.75 worth of bottles and cans.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.00
Bottles & Cans Collected: 12
Running Stats
This Month: $.00
Last Month: $5.75
2008 Finds: $76.64
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $460.44 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $920.59 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 12 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,238.37

FMJ - Day 885

September 1: We found nothing... Just played tennis all day.

Another Stock Trade.

September 2: I sold the shares of Washington Mutual which I purchased last week. After Commission, we received $1,327.12 for our 317.45 shares earning $162.26 of profit.

Bottles & Cans Fund
Total Value: $1,542.57
Capital Gains 2008: $260.95

End of the Month -- August 2008.

End of Month Stats:
Total found - August 2008: $5.75
Average Amount Found per Day: 18 cents

Stock Holdings
FMJ and B&C Fund - Stock Held:
25.882 Shares/PEI Worth: $513.75
22.973 Shares/GRT Worth: $231.80
317.45 Shares/WM Worth: $1285.67

Total Stocks Held Value: $2,031.22
Value 7/31: $1,644.26
Stock Purchase Cost: $1,930.43
GAIN in Value from Stock Cost: $100.79

Other Funds Owned:
FMJ cash (still in the jar): $65.16
B&C Fund Cash: $215.45

Dividend & Interest Income
This month: $13.52
Savings Interest 2007: 98 cents
Savings Interest 2006: $1.77
Dividends 2006: $34.30
Dividends 2007: $88.04
Dividends 2008: $86.96
Total cost of stocks purchased: $1,830.43

Total Asset Value of FMJ Fund: $810.71

Bottles and Cans Fund
Running Balance: $1,228.62
Cash used to purchase stock: $1,013.17
Dividends Reinvested: $53.00
Cash Account Balance: $215.45
Sept. 30, 2007: $999.18
B&C Stocks/cash value: $1,501.12
Gain in Value in B&C Fund: $33.87

Total Value of Both Funds:
August 31, 2008: $2,311.83
July 31, 2008: $2,004.96
June 30, 2008: $1,975.10
May 31, 2008: $2,128.91
April 30, 2008: $2,060.43
March 31, 2008: $1,950.76
February 29, 2008: $1,830.87
December 31: 2007: $1,817.99
November 30, 2007: $2,075.57
October 31, 2007: $2,230.89
September 07: $2,327.61
August 07: $2,217.07
July 07: $2178.49
*Increase from Prior Month: $306.87

* Increase due to Sale of UDR stock and recent quick trades in Regions Financial and Washington Mutual Stock. Money finds and recycling of Bottles & Cans also contributed. Stock prices for real estate Investment trust have mostly bottomed after falling during the past year. June & July 2008 were the worst months for stocks in 20 years. As of 8/31, prices have stabilized or turned higher.

FMJ - Day 884

August 31: We found 29 cents along State St. in Santa Barbara, CA. Ajay found a quarter in the Ben & Jerry's at Paseo Nuevo Plaza and I found a penny there.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.29
Bottles & Cans Collected: 0
Running Stats
This Month: $5.75
Last Month: $5.07
2008 Finds: $76.64
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $460.44 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $920.59 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 132 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,228.62

FMJ - Day 883

August 30: Found 39 cents. Ajay found a quarter in a Coca-Cola soda machine at the Camarillo Outlets. I found a dime and 4 pennies while shopping there.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.39
Bottles & Cans Collected: 3
Running Stats
This Month: $5.46
Last Month: $5.07
2008 Finds: $76.25
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $460.05 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $920.30 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 132 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,228.62

FMJ - Day 882

August 29: I found 2 pennies... both at Del Taco.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.02
Bottles & Cans Collected: 2
Running Stats
This Month: $5.07
Last Month: $5.07
2008 Finds: $75.86
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $459.66 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $919.91 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 129 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,228.62

Another Stock Trade with a Profit!

August 29: On the 25th, I purchased 317.45 shares of Washington Mutual Bank (WM) at $3.67 per share using the proceed from the last sale. As of August 29, these shares are trading at $4.05 per share and our holding has increased in value by $120.00

FMJ - Day 881

August 28: I found a penny while pumping gas at the ARCO on Madera Rd.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.01
Bottles & Cans Collected: 4
Running Stats
This Month: $5.05
Last Month: $5.07
2008 Finds: $75.84
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $459.64 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $919.89 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 127 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,228.62

FMJ - Day 880

August 27: THE KIDS ARE BACK IN SCHOOL... YIPPEE! We found a penny at Maya's school.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.01
Bottles & Cans Collected: 3
Running Stats
This Month: $5.04
Last Month: $5.07
2008 Finds: $75.83
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $459.63 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $919.88 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 123 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,228.62

FMJ - Day 879

August 26: We found a dime at Del Taco near the Simi Valley Town Center.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.10
Bottles & Cans Collected: 5
Running Stats
This Month: $5.03
Last Month: $5.07
2008 Finds: $75.82
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $459.62 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $919.87 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 120 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,228.62

FMJ - Day 878

August 25: No Finds.

FMJ - Day 877

August 24: Our afternoon at the pool went by quite swimmingly... found a dime, nickel and 2 pennies on the deck.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.17
Bottles & Cans Collected: 2
Running Stats
This Month: $4.93
Last Month: $5.07
2008 Finds: $75.72
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $459.52 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $919.77 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 115 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,228.62

FMJ - Day 876

August 23: Found four pennies. 2 at the Shell Station. 2 at the Carl's Jr.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.04
Bottles & Cans Collected: 3
Running Stats
This Month: $4.76
Last Month: $5.07
2008 Finds: $75.55
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $459.35 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $919.60 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 113 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,228.62

FMJ - Day 875

August 22: An evening trip to Walmart in Porter Ranch, CA. brings 44 cents to the FMJ. A coins were found in the Coinstar machine at the entrance of the store. Amazing how bring desperate for money will cash in their coins losing 8.9% in fees and then leave the rejects in the bin. No wonder there's a 9.5 Trillion Dollar national debt! Simply foolish!

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.44
Bottles & Cans Collected: 2
Running Stats
This Month: $4.72
Last Month: $5.07
2008 Finds: $75.51
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $459.31 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $919.56 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 110 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,228.62

FMJ - Day 874

August 21: I found a dime at the Von's, again.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.10
Bottles & Cans Collected: 2
Running Stats
This Month: $4.28
Last Month: $5.07
2008 Finds: $75.07
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $458.87 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $919.12 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 108 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,228.62

Sold Regions Financial for a profit!

Well, today seemed to be a good day to go to cash in the Bottles & Cans Fund. I sold all shares recently purchased in Regions Financial. Made a quick profit of $20.56 since buying the shares last week. We use BuyandHold.com for all our stock holdings. They allowed window trades with a $2.99 commission and you get 2 free trades a month.

Bottles & Cans Fund
Total Value: $1380.05
Capital Gains 2008: $98.43

FMJ - Day 873

August 20: Found 4 pennies at the Chevron gas station on Erringer Rd. Found a dime at the Von's on Yosemite Ave.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.14
Bottles & Cans Collected: 4
Running Stats
This Month: $4.18
Last Month: $5.07
2008 Finds: $74.97
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $458.77 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $919.02 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 106 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,228.62

FMJ - Day 872

August 19: Nothing found.

FMJ - Day 871

August 18: 39 cents. I found a quarter beneath the bench on Court 7 at the Rancho Simi Tennis Courts in the morning. At a 7-11 on Zelzah st. in the valley, Ajay found a penny and I picked up a dime near the register. At the Albertson's grocery store on Cochran St., Ajay and I found 3 pennies.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.39
Bottles & Cans Collected: 12
Running Stats
This Month: $4.04
Last Month: $5.07
2008 Finds: $74.83
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $458.63 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $918.88 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 102 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,228.62

FMJ - Day 870

August 17: I found a penny at the Falafel King in Westwood Village.

FMJ - Day 869

August 16: Maya found $2.00 -- 2 single dollar bills -- at Dykstra's Car Wash in Simi Valley while getting the car washed with her mom.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $2.00
Bottles & Cans Collected: 11
Running Stats
This Month: $3.64
Last Month: $5.07
2008 Finds: $74.43
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $458.23 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $918.48 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 91 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,228.62

FMJ - Day 868 & A Recycling Update.

August 15: Ajay found a quarter at Wells Fargo Bank near our parking spot. I found a penny at the McDonald's on Tapo St. We stopped by the recycling center at Wood Ranch and collected $11.35 for our stash.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.26
Bottles & Cans Collected: 3
Running Stats
This Month: $1.64
Last Month: $5.07
2008 Finds: $72.43
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $456.23 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $916.48 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 80 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,228.62

FMJ - Day 867

August 14: I found a penny at the Von's on Yosemite Ave. I also found a penny at the Shell Station.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.02
Bottles & Cans Collected: 2
Running Stats
This Month: $1.38
Last Month: $5.07
2008 Finds: $72.17
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $455.97 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $916.22 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 77 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,217.27

FMJ - Day 866

August 13: I found four pennies while pumping some gas at the Shell station in the morning.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.04
Bottles & Cans Collected: 11
Running Stats
This Month: $1.36
Last Month: $5.07
2008 Finds: $72.15
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $455.95 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $916.20 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 75 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,217.27

$65.59 profit on a quick trade!

This morning, I sold the shares of Regions Financial bought yesterday. We paid $1,078.45 and received $1,144.04 on the sale. So, we made $65.59 for the Bottles & Cans Fund.

Capital Gains: $77.87

A little trading while we wait...

Using the proceeds from yesterday's sale of our UDR shares, I bought 129.417 shares of Regions Financial Bank at $8.33 a share. I have owned shares of Regions and have traded them for the last few years. Two days ago, Regions was priced at over $10 per share and it seemed like the fall was a little too overdone. So, today looked like it's ready to move back up. As of my writing this post, Regions is trading at $8.50 per share and we're already showing a profit. Should it hold and close higher, I may sell it tomorrow for a quick profit.

Still looking for UDR to drop and buy to back.

FMJ - Day 865

August 12: 5 pennies found. A stop for some snacks at the Dollar Tree in the Sycamore Village shopping center and we pick up a penny. After that, swimming lessons for Ajay at the YMCA in Simi Valley. He found a penny near our parking spot. Stopped by the Shell station down the street from our house for a Pepsi -- found three pennies.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.05
Bottles & Cans Collected: 2
Running Stats
This Month: $1.32
Last Month: $5.07
2008 Finds: $72.11
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $455.91 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $916.16 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 64 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,217.27

FMJ - Day 864

August 11: We found a dime and 8 pennies. 2 pennies were found at the 99 Cents Only store on Tapo St. A dime and a penny were found at the Pizza Hut carry-out on Alamo Ave. 2 pennies were found at the Shell Station on Yosemite Ave. Three pennies were found in the evening at the Wal-mart in Porter Ranch.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.18
Bottles & Cans Collected: 2
Running Stats
This Month: $1.27
Last Month: $5.07
2008 Finds: $72.06
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $455.86 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $916.11 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 62 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,217.27

Stock Sale of UDR holdings.

On August 12th, we sold all shares held of the United Dominion Real Estate Investment Trust. The total amount received was $1,078.45 and our total investment in the shares including reinvested dividends was $1,066.17. We had a gain of $12.28 since our original share purchase on 10/08/2007. Our intention is to wait and try to repurchase the shares at a lower price. In general, share pricing in real estate has stagnated the last few months and many REITs are down in the past year. UDR has moved up and we feel it will trade in a $3.00 range for the next few months.

Dividend Report!

On July 31st, the United Dominion Real Estate Investment Trust paid a quarterly dividend in the amount of $13.52 for the shares owned by the Bottle & Cans Fund. The dividend was reinvested.

Dividend & Interest Income
This month: $13.52
Savings Interest 2007: 98 cents
Savings Interest 2006: $1.77
Dividends 2006: $34.30
Dividends 2007: $88.04
Dividends 2008: $86.96
Total cost of stocks purchased: $1,830.43
Total Dividends Received: $274.96 (Since 2003 merger of CWN & PEI)

FMJ - Day 863

August 10: Found 3 pennies. All were found in Hollywood at The Grove.

FMJ - Day 862

August 9: In Cerritos for the weekend, found 15 cents -- a dime and 5 pennies. The dime was found in the morning at the Burger King on South St. in La Palma. A penny was pumpin gas at the Arco on South St. 4 pennies were found in the Target store on South St.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.15
Bottles & Cans Collected: 15
Running Stats
This Month: $1.09
Last Month: $5.07
2008 Finds: $71.88
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $455.68 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $915.93 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 67 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,217.27

FMJ - Day 861

August 8: No Finds.

A Belated End of the Month Report for July.

End of Month Stats:
Total found - July 2008: $5.07
Average Amount Found per Day: 17 cents

Stock Holdings
FMJ and B&C Fund - Stock Held:
20.659 Shares/PEI Worth: $380.54
22.973 Shares/GRT Worth: $213.87
40.996 Shares/UDR Worth: $1047.04

Total Stocks Held Value: $1,641.45
Value last month: $1,644.26
Stock purchase cost: $1,816.91
LOSS in Value from Stock Cost: ($175.46)

Other Funds Owned:
Non-deposited FMJ Funds(still in the jar): $59.41
FMJ Savings Account: $0.00
Note: $100.00 from the savings account and jar has been sent for the purchase of more shares of PEI in the Dividend Reinvestement Plan. We haven't received the trade confirmation, as yet.

Dividend & Interest Income
This month: $7.11
Savings Interest 2007: 98 cents
Savings Interest 2006: $1.77
Dividends 2006: $34.30
Dividends 2007: $88.04
Dividends 2008: $66.33
Total Dividends Received: $261.44 (Since 2003 merger of CWN & PEI)

Total Asset Value of FMJ Fund: $753.82

Bottles and Cans Fund
Running Balance: $1,217.27
Cash used to purchase stock: $1,013.17
Cash Account Balance: $204.10
Sept. 30, 2007: $999.18
B&C Stocks/cash value: $1,251.14
Gain in Value in B&C Fund: $33.87

Total Value of Both Funds:
July 31, 2008: $2,004.96
June 30, 2008: $1,975.10
May 31, 2008: $2,128.91
April 30, 2008: $2,060.43
March 31, 2008: $1,950.76
February 29, 2008: $1,830.87
December 31: 2007: $1,817.99
November 30, 2007: $2,075.57
October 31, 2007: $2,230.89
September 07: $2,327.61
August 07: $2,217.07
July 07: $2178.49
*Increase from Prior Month: $29.86

* Increase due to better stock price for UDR, money finds and recycling. Still, stock prices for real estate Investment trust have fallen during the past 3 months. June & July 2008 haver been the worst months for stocks in 20 years.

FMJ - Day 860

August 7: Ajay found a dime at Dan's Tennis Shop in Simi Valley. I found a penny at the base of the ATM at Wells Fargo Bank in Moorpark, CA. In the evening, we went to Topanga Promenade Mall. Ajay and I collected a quarter, dime and 4 pennies while Maya and my wife browsed the stores. Our coin hunt challenge is still the best part of going to the mall.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.50
Bottles & Cans Collected: 2
Running Stats
This Month: $.94
Last Month: $5.07
2008 Finds: $71.73
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $455.53 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $915.78 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 52 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,217.27

FMJ - Day 859

August 6: I found a penny on the bench of Court 8 at Rancho Simi Park. At the 99 Cents Only store on L.A. Ave., I also found a penny.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.02
Bottles & Cans Collected: 2
Running Stats
This Month: $.44
Last Month: $5.07
2008 Finds: $71.23
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $455.03 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $915.28 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 50 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,217.27

FMJ - Day 858

August 5: Four pennies were found during a stop for a soda at the Exxon station on Erringer Rd.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.04
Bottles & Cans Collected: 2
Running Stats
This Month: $.42
Last Month: $5.07
2008 Finds: $71.21
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $455.01 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $915.26 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 48 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,217.27

FMJ - Day 857

August 4: We found 2 pennies while shopping at the Fresh & Easy store on Alamo Ave.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.02
Bottles & Cans Collected: 1
Running Stats
This Month: $.38
Last Month: $5.07
2008 Finds: $71.17
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $454.97 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $915.22 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 46 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,217.27

FMJ - Day 856

August 3: We spent the night in Cerritos and the wife and I went to see the movie, STEP Brothers. Nothing like that Will Ferrel and John C. Reilly. Incredibly raunchy, silly and perverted... a great movie. We found 29 cents. A quarter was found near my parking space at a shopping plaza on Artesia Blvd. as I was making a quick run to the KFC to squash hunger pains. 4 pennies were found strolling the Glendale Galleria in the afternoon.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.29
Bottles & Cans Collected: 11
Running Stats
This Month: $.36
Last Month: $5.07
2008 Finds: $71.15
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $454.95 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $915.20 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 45 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,217.27

FMJ - Day 855

August 2: Seven pennies found. 3 pennies were scooped at the Shell gas station on Yosemite Ave. 4 pennies at the 7-11 on Erringer Rd. during a stop for a Big Gulp.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.07
Bottles & Cans Collected: 34
Running Stats
This Month: $.07
Last Month: $8.58
2008 Finds: $70.86
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $454.66 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $914.91 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 34 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,217.27

FMJ - Day 854

August 1: Absolutely nothing found.

FMJ - Day 853

July 31: I found a dime on the sidewalk at the Ralph's in Wood Ranch. A stop at the Simi Valley Target and Ajay finds 3 pennies.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.13
Bottles & Cans Collected: 7
Running Stats
This Month: $5.07
Last Month: $8.58
2008 Finds: $70.79
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $454.59 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $914.84 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 131 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,217.27

A little recycling today.

This afternoon, prior to hitting tennis balls at Wood Ranch Park, we stopped at the recycling center to turn-in our stash of bottles and cans. We collected $14.10 on the payment slip.

Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,217.27

Staycation! FMJ - Day 852

July 30: With the cost of everything going up, we've decided to cut back on our vacation spending and do our vacation from home. So, today's vacation day was a trip in the afternoon to the beach and then a stop at The Oaks Mall in Thousand Oaks. We found a dime and 6 pennies at the mall.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.16
Bottles & Cans Collected: 2
Running Stats
This Month: $4.94
Last Month: $8.58
2008 Finds: $70.66
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $454.46 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $914.71 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 124 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,203.17

FMJ - Day 851

July 29: Big earthquake today... 5.7 on the scale. Luckily, it was 65 miles away from us... we just got the feeling of a "gentle roll." But, it was intense enough... scary enough. As for me, I was stopped at a light and felt our Ford Explorer buck to and fro as if someone was quickly jumping on the bumpers from opposing positions.

The family took the afternoon off to visit DisneyLand... Disney about $400.00 and us just two cents.

We found 2 pennies at the Mouse's house!

FMJ - Day 850

July 28: Ajay and I found 7 pennies laying in the dirt along median of the drive-thru at Carl's Jr. on L.A. Ave. Seems the pennies were tossed out the window of a customer's vehicle. To that, I say... "thanks!"

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.07
Bottles & Cans Collected: 2
Running Stats
This Month: $4.76
Last Month: $8.58
2008 Finds: $70.48
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $454.28 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $914.53 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 122 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,203.17

FMJ - Day 849

July 27: The kids and I took a day trip to Fillmore, CA to see the historic trains and walk the old town district. I lot of fun was had as we discovered an antique shop with lot of old sports and automobile memorabilia. We found a penny near our parking space and a dime along our walk.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.11
Bottles & Cans Collected: 6
Running Stats
This Month: $4.69
Last Month: $8.58
2008 Finds: $70.41
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $454.21 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $914.46 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 120 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,203.17

FMJ - Day 848

July 26: I found a penny in the parking lot of the Salvation Army Thrift Store in Pasadena where I stopped to kill some time before meeting up with the rest of family at my cousin-in-law's house in San Marino, CA.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.01
Bottles & Cans Collected: 8
Running Stats
This Month: $4.58
Last Month: $8.58
2008 Finds: $70.30
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $454.10 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $914.35 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 114 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,203.17

FMJ - Day 847

July 25: No money finds. We did collect some bottles from tennis practice at California Lutheran University where the kids were attending a tennis camp.

FMJ - Day 846

July 24: We found 2 pennies at the Shell Station on Yosemite Ave. At the Rancho Simi Park tennis courts parking lot, I found 2 pennies in the dirt beside the courts and a penny in the spot next to mine.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.05
Bottles & Cans Collected: 6
Running Stats
This Month: $4.57
Last Month: $8.58
2008 Finds: $70.29
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $454.09 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $914.34 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 113 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,203.17

Dividend Report!

On July 15, the Glimcher Realty Trust (GRT) paid a reduced dividend on the shares that are held by the Found Money Jar of $7.11. This payment was reinvested by our broker and purchased .726 fractional shares. We now hold 22.973 shares of GRT.

Dividend & Interest Income
This month: $7.11
Savings Interest 2007: 98 cents
Savings Interest 2006: $1.77
Dividends 2006: $34.30
Dividends 2007: $88.04
Dividends 2008: $73.44
Total cost of stocks purchased: $1,816.91
Total Dividends Received: $261.44 (Since 2003 merger of CWN & PEI)

FMJ - Day 845

July 23: A "No-Find" day.

FMJ - Day 844

July 22: I found a dime at Carl's Jr. on Madera Rd. in front of the restaurant.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.10
Bottles & Cans Collected: 3
Running Stats
This Month: $4.52
Last Month: $8.58
2008 Finds: $70.24
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $454.04 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $914.29 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 107 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,203.17

FMJ - Day 843

July 21: We found a quarter and a dime in a small change purse that was dropped along our walk on Alamo Street in Simi Valley.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.35
Bottles & Cans Collected: 2
Running Stats
This Month: $4.42
Last Month: $8.58
2008 Finds: $70.14
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $453.94 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $914.19 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 104 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,203.17

FMJ - Day 842

July 20: We spent the night in Cerritos at Mayma's house. In the morning, I made a run to the Ralph's supermarket. Upon receiving my change from the automated coin changer at checkout, I found a quarter and 4 pennies left behind by a prior customer.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.29
Bottles & Cans Collected: 0
Running Stats
This Month: $4.07
Last Month: $8.58
2008 Finds: $69.79
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $453.59 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $913.84 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 102 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,203.17

FMJ - Day 841

July 19: A stop before tennis practice for a BIG soda at the Exxon on Erringer Rd. brings 12 cents to the FMJ -- a dime and 2 pennies.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.12
Bottles & Cans Collected: 5
Running Stats
This Month: $3.78
Last Month: $8.58
2008 Finds: $69.50
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $453.30 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $913.55 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 102 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,203.17

FMJ - Day 840 "The Big Walk"

July 18: Today, Ajay and I went for a long morning walk -- 3 miles. Walking down Indian Hills Rd., we found 2 pennies and 2 golf balls. At Stearns St., we found a penny in the crosswalk. In the Brunswick Bowl parking lot, we found a penny. At the Von's on Yosemite Ave. near the Wells Fargo ATM, we scooped a nickel and a penny. We stopped for breakfast at the Carl's Jr. on L.A. Ave. and found a penny. 2 more pennies were found walking home along Yosemite Ave. Also collected along the walk -- 8 bottles and cans (formerly litter.)

In addition to our morning finds, we found three more pennies while strolling the Simi Valley Towncenter in the evening.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.16
Bottles & Cans Collected: 9
Running Stats
This Month: $3.66
Last Month: $8.58
2008 Finds: $69.38
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $453.18 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $913.43 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 97 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,203.17

FMJ - Day 839

July 17: We went to lunch at the new Del Taco across from the Simi Valley Town Center... we found 2 pennies there. I found a dime in the evening while stopping for sodas and water at the 99 Cents Only store on Tapo St.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.12
Bottles & Cans Collected: 6
Running Stats
This Month: $3.50
Last Month: $8.58
2008 Finds: $69.22
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $453.02 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $913.27 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 88 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,203.17

FMJ - Day 838

July 16: No finds were made. Maya and Ajay wanted to stay at home and play the day away. Ajay was a complete gentleman to his sister... I think he missed her a lot!

They spent the day being best buds.

Maya is back from Malaysia and Singapore!

July 15: Maya's plane landed on time at LAX exactly at 6:35p.m. from Kuala Lumpur via Taipei! She's back to us safe and sound. We actually got to watch the landing as we were driving along Century Blvd. as her Malaysian Airlines 747 descended through the air onto the runway... I can't tell you the sigh of relief I breathed at that moment.

She had quite an experience. She visited the Genting Island in Malaysia, the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, she rode the subway which was featured in the movie ENTRAPMENT. She flew to Bangkok, Thailand. While there, she and her Mayma visited the markets on the water riding in a shell boat and Budha's golden temples. She spent 5 days in Singapore with friends of her Aunt staying at their condo which was like being in a resort. She shopped and shopped... and thinks Singapore is one the best countries on earth... so clean and well designed. "The subway get you everywhere and your totally safe there," she said.

Her one complaint... THE FOOD WAS TERRIBLE. Worst Thai food she's ever had! Oh, well...

Any strange occurrences?... Maya, her Aunt and Mayma were followed by this "weird" indian guy through the airport and to their hotel. Finally, her Aunt whose spent many an adventure overseas in Asia thrashed the guy and threatened to have him jailed for stalking them. He wasn't seen after that.

What did Ajay and I find while at the airport? 5 pennies in the international terminal arrivals area.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.05
Bottles & Cans Collected: 7
Running Stats
This Month: $3.38
Last Month: $8.58
2008 Finds: $69.10
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $452.90 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $913.15 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 82 for the month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,203.17