Tuesday, September 30, 2008

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

Sunday, September 28, 2008

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

Saturday, September 27, 2008

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

Friday, September 26, 2008

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

Thursday, September 25, 2008

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.

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

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

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

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

Friday, September 19, 2008

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

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

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

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

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

Sunday, September 14, 2008

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!

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

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

Tuesday, September 09, 2008

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

Thursday, September 04, 2008

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.

Tuesday, September 02, 2008

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