Hey, big finds in the prior six weeks!

On September 30th, while attending a big sale at the Simi Valley Goodwill where I "cherry-pick" the good books sometimes for my Oddfellow's Book Shop, I found $18.00in the parking lot.

On October 10, I found a $5.00 dollar bill at the CVS store in Simi.

On November 12, I found 23 dimes and a penny in the coin counting machine at the Von's on Yosemite Ave.

On November 16, I found a $10 bill in front of the Simi Valley thrift shop on L.A. Ave.

Last Sunday, I found 9 quarters in the L.A. Times vending machine coin return shoot near the Carl's Jr. on L.A. Ave.

Also, found 2 quarters, 5 dimes, a nickel and 20 pennies in various other some finds since my last post.


Total finds since last post: $38.81
Total Found Since January 1, 2000: $1,031.04

Recycling Update!

September 29: I have been experimenting with making drop-offs at a weigh-only center for our recycling that it nearer to my daughter's school. The attendant will handcount up to 50 bottles or cans for a manual receipt. This is rather slow but at least you get full value for the deposits. I've made several trips as it's location is along our way to pick-up my daughter from school and not much extra gas is consumed in the process. I've reduced my stash to the tune of $9.45 and I've added this amount to the B&C Fund.


B&C FUND
This Day's Bottles & Cans Collected: N/A
Collection for the month: 366
Bottles and Cans in 2009: 683
Bottles & Cans Fund: $1,411.80 (Running Balance)

Money finds!

September 29: Yesterday, I found a nickel at the Thrifty Gas Station on Tapo St. I also, found a penny on Eileen St. where my bookstore in located. Today, I found three pennies at the Wendy's on L.A. Ave.

Total Found: 9 cents

Total finds since last post: $.09
Total Found Since January 1, 2000: $992.23
B&C FUND
This Day's Bottles & Cans Collected:2
Collection for the month: 177
Bottles and Cans in 2009: 317
Bottles & Cans Fund: $1,402.35 (Running Balance)

Well, It's been a while. An Update!

September 25, 2009: Just thought I'd update the blog as it's been a while... I was planning to bring this back to regular everyday post but I've become quite busy with running t he book shop. So, here's a post of a few finds to update the FMJ:

1. I found a single dollar bill in a hardback novel that I purchased for the bookstore's inventory.

2. I found a single dollar bill along the street infront of Ajay's school.

3. I have found 16 sixteen pennies in various locations through out Simi Valley.

4. I found a nickel at the rancho simi tennis courts in August.

5. Ajay found a $5 dollar bill while shopping in Porter Ranch with his mother.

6. I found a quarter whilepumping gas at the Yosemite Shell station.

We turned in $8.85 in recyclables since the last post.... I haven't had much time for taking in the recycling since starting the business as my store hours conflict with the hours that the recycling center stays open. So, I do have a lot of "stash" to turn in... maybe next week.

Total finds since last post: $7.46
Total Found Since January 1, 2000: $992.14
B&C FUND
This Day's Bottles & Cans Collected:0
Collection for the month: 30
Bottles and Cans in 2009: 317
Bottles & Cans Fund: $1,393.50 (Running Balance)

During the Hiatus...

The FMJ is now back on schedule.... during the time off we found $23.70 with a twenty dollar bill scooped while strolling the main street in Carpenteria a few Sundays ago. Also, found a single dollar bill at the Yosemite Shell Station.

Another significant find was 3 quarters laying just outside the carwash at the Shell Station.

As for the Bottles & Cans Fund, we have turned in 29.25 during over these last two months.

So, here's the new tally:

FMJ
This Day's Money Finds: $.11
This Month's Total: $23.70
Total Found Since January 1, 2000: $984.68
B&C FUND
This Day's Bottles & Cans Collected:0
Collection for the month: 30
Bottles and Cans in 2009: 317
Bottles & Cans Fund: $1,393.50 (Running Balance)

The New Found Money Jar

July 21, 2009: Beginning today, I'm restarting the Found Money Jar. I just completed the buildout of Oddfellow's Books and have had the shop open for business since June 23, 2009. We're not seeing significant sales as yet but we are seeing increasing visits to the shop and our daily sales are closing in on our "half breakeven point." I was not expecting to hit breakeven in the first six months and do expect to lose money for the first 18 months. What do we need in sales to break even each month? Without hiring anyone, our fixed expenses are running $1,045.00 per month. In the first few months, our overall cost will be higher due to printing and signage costs. We're starting a coupon advertising campaign next month further increasing our overall expenses as the schools start their fall semesters. Hopefully, with school back in session, our sales should rise.

Why restart the FMJ? My daily routine is beginning to be more settled so I have time now to devote to my eccentric hobbies. I did keep a tally of all finds during the time away. I found a twenty dollar bill and 8 quarters ... about $25.00 in total. The new FMJ will include the old tally and a separate tally for all new finds.

So, come back tomorrow if you're reading this a see the new tally posting. I found 77 cents today while vacuuming the Jaguar at the Yosemite Ave. Shell station. So, there's my first daily post... ENJOY!

What happened to the FMJ?

Well, it's been like a month or so since our last daily posting. Yes, we've been slacking. But, it was all for a good cause. In the last month, I moved into a new house for a rental savings of $625 per month and I secured a lease for my new business venture -- Oddfellow's Books. I'm opening a bricks & mortar book store at 4374 Eileen St. in Simi Valley, California. We plan to sell novels, first editions, self-help and How To advise books, as well as DVD videos and compact discs. I'm building bookcases and arranging store on a daily basis to get ready for our opening later this month. I can't wait to open the store and meet new friends through the shop. Life is about experiencing change -- nothing better than a new business to create new times in your life. After almost 4 years of not working and tending to my children, the kids are bigger now. They're well grounded in their California lifestyles. It's about time to do something new and exciting... I'm ready for the challenge.

Once things settle down a little bit, I'll get right back to posting on this blog. I have found a few bucks and have kept a fair record of the finds. Until then, wish us luck!

Andy
www.oddfellowsbooks.com

FMJ - Day 1108

April 12: I found two pennies at the ARCO gas station on Orangethorpe in La Palma, CA.

FMJ - Day 1107

April 11: I found three quarters resting in the coin return slot of an L.A. Times vending machine in Cerritos, CA.

FMJ
This Day's Money Finds: $.75
This Month's Total: $1.57
Total Found Since January 1, 2000: $960.98
B&C FUND
This Day's Bottles & Cans Collected: 1
Collection for the month: 22
Bottles and Cans in 2009: 287
Bottles & Cans Fund: $1,364.25 (Running Balance)

FMJ - Day 1106

April 10: Ajay and his mom scooped a quarter in front of Brent's Deli in Westlake Village. That's Mommy's first find of the year.

FMJ
This Day's Money Finds: $.25
This Month's Total: $.82
Total Found Since January 1, 2000: $960.23
B&C FUND
This Day's Bottles & Cans Collected: 7
Collection for the month: 21
Bottles and Cans in 2009: 286
Bottles & Cans Fund: $1,364.25 (Running Balance)

FMJ - Day 1105

April 9: No Money finds for a second day.

FMJ - Day 1104

April 8: No Finds.

FMJ - Day 1103

April 7: I found a dime at Ralph's on L.A. Ave.

FMJ
This Day's Money Finds: $.10
This Month's Total: $.57
Total Found Since January 1, 2000: $959.98
B&C FUND
This Day's Bottles & Cans Collected: 2
Collection for the month: 14
Bottles and Cans in 2009: 279
Bottles & Cans Fund: $1,364.25 (Running Balance)

FMJ - Day 1102

April 6: I found a dime at the Von's and four pennies in front of the Wendy's on L.A. Ave.

FMJ
This Day's Money Finds: $.14
This Month's Total: $.47
Total Found Since January 1, 2000: $959.88
B&C FUND
This Day's Bottles & Cans Collected: 3
Collection for the month: 12
Bottles and Cans in 2009: 277
Bottles & Cans Fund: $1,364.25 (Running Balance)

FMJ - Day 1101

April 5: No Finds.

The long walk home!

April 4: After lunch at California Pizza Kitchen with my family, my wife and kids left for Cerritos to visit with Mayma. They spent the night... I had to play in a team tennis match on Sunday morning so I decided to stay home. I let them leave me at the Simi Edwards theater where I saw the movie, MISS MARCH. It was RAUNCHY! After the movie, I began my six mile walk home. It took 3 hours with a stop for dinner at Sharkey's Mexican on Sycamore Ave. I found 2 dimes and a penny along the walk.

FMJ
This Day's Money Finds: $.21
This Month's Total: $.33
Total Found Since January 1, 2000: $959.74
B&C FUND
This Day's Bottles & Cans Collected: 4
Collection for the month: 9
Bottles and Cans in 2009: 274
Bottles & Cans Fund: $1,364.25 (Running Balance)

FMJ - Day 1099

April 3: I did not find any coins. I did find 4 can and bottles to recycle.

FMJ - Day 1098

April 2: I found twelve cents. A dime was found near the Fresh N Easy on Alamo St. I found a penny resting on the gas pump at the Yosemite Shell. I found a penny in the Simi Valley Thrift Store.

FMJ
This Day's Money Finds: $.12
This Month's Total: $.12
Total Found Since January 1, 2000: $959.53
B&C FUND
This Day's Bottles & Cans Collected: 5
Collection for the month: 5
Bottles and Cans in 2009: 270
Bottles & Cans Fund: $1,364.25 (Running Balance)

FMJ - Day 1097

April 1: Nothing Found except 2 bottles.

FMJ - Day 1096

March 31: I found a penny at lunch in Carl's Jr. Ajay found a nickel in the Del Taco in Thousand Oaks while making an after school pit stop.

FMJ
This Day's Money Finds: $.06
This Month's Total: $3.02
Total Found Since January 1, 2000: $959.41
B&C FUND
This Day's Bottles & Cans Collected: 3
Collection for the month: 107
Bottles and Cans in 2009: 265
Bottles & Cans Fund: $1,364.25 (Running Balance)

FMJ - Day 1095

March 30: NO FINDS --- Too busy collecting books for my book store.

FMJ - Day 1094

March 29: Ajay and I each found a dime... I found mine in Moorpark, CA at an Alliance Gas station. Ajay found his at McDonald's on Tapo St.

FMJ
This Day's Money Finds: $.20
This Month's Total: $2.96
Total Found Since January 1, 2000: $959.35
B&C FUND
This Day's Bottles & Cans Collected: 2
Collection for the month: 104
Bottles and Cans in 2009: 260
Bottles & Cans Fund: $1,364.25 (Running Balance)

FMJ - Day 1093

March 28: I found three pennies all in or around the Simi Valley Thrift store.

FMJ
This Day's Money Finds: $.03
This Month's Total: $2.76
Total Found Since January 1, 2000: $959.15
B&C FUND
This Day's Bottles & Cans Collected: 3
Collection for the month: 102
Bottles and Cans in 2009: 260
Bottles & Cans Fund: $1,364.25 (Running Balance)

FMJ - Day 1092

March 27: I found a quarter at the Simi Valley Library in the parking lot.

FMJ
This Day's Money Finds: $.25
This Month's Total: $2.73
Total Found Since January 1, 2000: $959.12
B&C FUND
This Day's Bottles & Cans Collected: 2
Collection for the month: 99
Bottles and Cans in 2009: 257
Bottles & Cans Fund: $1,364.25 (Running Balance)

FMJ - Day 1091

March 26: I found three pennies in various places... one near Wells Fargo Bank.

FMJ
This Day's Money Finds: $.03
This Month's Total: $2.48
Total Found Since January 1, 2000: $958.87
B&C FUND
This Day's Bottles & Cans Collected: 5
Collection for the month: 97
Bottles and Cans in 2009: 255
Bottles & Cans Fund: $1,364.25 (Running Balance)

FMJ - Day 1090

March 25: I found a penny at Weinerschnitzel on L.A. Ave.

FMJ - Day 1089

March 24: No money finds... but, I did do some more recycling and received $5.15 for my efforts.

FMJ
This Day's Money Finds: $1.01
This Month's Total: $2.44
Total Found Since January 1, 2000: $958.83
B&C FUND
This Day's Bottles & Cans Collected: 2
Collection for the month: 92
Bottles and Cans in 2009: 250
Bottles & Cans Fund: $1,364.25 (Running Balance)

FMJ - Day 1088

March 23: Need some gas, so there I went down to the Shell filling station on Yosemite Rd. I spotted a SINGLE DOLLAR BILL crumpled up on the floor and quickly scooped it up for the FMJ! I found a penny on the way out the door.

FMJ
This Day's Money Finds: $1.01
This Month's Total: $2.44
Total Found Since January 1, 2000: $958.83
B&C FUND
This Day's Bottles & Cans Collected: 2
Collection for the month: 90
Bottles and Cans in 2009: 248
Bottles & Cans Fund: $1,359.10 (Running Balance)

Recycling Update!

We turned in $7.65 worth of bottles and cans to the recycling center.

Bottles & Cans Fund: $1,359.10 (Running Balance)

FMJ - Day 1087

March 22: Found a penny at Del Taco on L.A. Ave.

FMJ
This Day's Money Finds: $.01
This Month's Total: $1.43
Total Found Since January 1, 2000: $958.82
B&C FUND
This Day's Bottles & Cans Collected: 3
Collection for the month: 88
Bottles and Cans in 2009: 246
Bottles & Cans Fund: $1,351.45 (Running Balance)

FMJ - Day 1086

March 21: No Money Found!

FMJ - Day 1085

March 20: Found two pennies at the Exxon Station on Erringer Rd.

FMJ
This Day's Money Finds: $.02
This Month's Total: $1.42
Total Found Since January 1, 2000: $958.81
B&C FUND
This Day's Bottles & Cans Collected: 2
Collection for the month: 85
Bottles and Cans in 2009: 243
Bottles & Cans Fund: $1,351.45 (Running Balance)

FMJ - Day 1084

March 19: I found two pennies. The first one at Del Taco on L.A. Ave. The second at the KFC, also located on L.A. Ave.

FMJ
This Day's Money Finds: $.02
This Month's Total: $1.40
Total Found Since January 1, 2000: $958.79
B&C FUND
This Day's Bottles & Cans Collected: 3
Collection for the month: 83
Bottles and Cans in 2009: 241
Bottles & Cans Fund: $1,351.45 (Running Balance)

FMJ - Day 1083

March 18: I found two pennies at Carl's Jr. on Erringer Rd.

FMJ
This Day's Money Finds: $.02
This Month's Total: $1.38
Total Found Since January 1, 2000: $958.77
B&C FUND
This Day's Bottles & Cans Collected: 2
Collection for the month: 80
Bottles and Cans in 2009: 238
Bottles & Cans Fund: $1,351.45 (Running Balance)

FMJ - Day 1082

March 17: In the morning, I found a dime and 3 pennies in the "dirt" patch along the drive-thru at Carls, Jr. on L.A. Ave. In the afternoon, I stopped at the Simi Valley Thrift shop and found two pennies outside the store and a penny inside near the cashier. Evening time, I played tennis at Wood Ranch Park and found a quarter left near the net post on Court 5.

FMJ
This Day's Money Finds: $.41
This Month's Total: $1.36
Total Found Since January 1, 2000: $958.75
B&C FUND
This Day's Bottles & Cans Collected: 18
Collection for the month: 78
Bottles and Cans in 2009: 236
Bottles & Cans Fund: $1,351.45 (Running Balance)

FMJ - Day 1081

March 16: I found two pennies at Taco Bell on L.A. Ave.

FMJ
This Day's Money Finds: $.02
This Month's Total: $.95
Total Found Since January 1, 2000: $958.34
B&C FUND
This Day's Bottles & Cans Collected: 3
Collection for the month: 60
Bottles and Cans in 2009: 218
Bottles & Cans Fund: $1,351.45 (Running Balance)

FMJ - Day 1080

March 15: I found three pennies at the Shell filling station on Yosemite Ave. One was a new 2009 Lincoln penny featuring the little log cabin where the boyhood Abraham was raised by his parents.

FMJ
This Day's Money Finds: $.03
This Month's Total: $.93
Total Found Since January 1, 2000: $958.32
B&C FUND
This Day's Bottles & Cans Collected: 8
Collection for the month: 57
Bottles and Cans in 2009: 215
Bottles & Cans Fund: $1,351.45 (Running Balance)

FMJ - Day 1079

March 14: I found two pennies near the air pump at the Shell filling station on Yosemite Ave.

FMJ
This Day's Money Finds: $.02
This Month's Total: $.90
Total Found Since January 1, 2000: $958.29
B&C FUND
This Day's Bottles & Cans Collected: 9
Collection for the month: 49
Bottles and Cans in 2009: 207
Bottles & Cans Fund: $1,351.45 (Running Balance)

FMJ - Day 1078

March 13: I found a five pennies... four at a Burger King in La Crescenta. A single penny was found at Walmart in Porter Ranch.

FMJ
This Day's Money Finds: $.05
This Month's Total: $.88
Total Found Since January 1, 2000: $958.27
B&C FUND
This Day's Bottles & Cans Collected: 3
Collection for the month: 40
Bottles and Cans in 2009: 198
Bottles & Cans Fund: $1,351.45 (Running Balance)

FMJ - Day 1077

March 12: No money finds... just a few bottles pick-up at the tennis courts.

FMJ - Day 1076

March 11: Found a penny at the Von's grocery store during checkout.

FMJ
This Day's Money Finds: $.01
This Month's Total: $.83
Total Found Since January 1, 2000: $958.22
B&C FUND
This Day's Bottles & Cans Collected: 3
Collection for the month: 35
Bottles and Cans in 2009: 193
Bottles & Cans Fund: $1,351.45 (Running Balance)

FMJ - Day 1075

March 10: I found a dime and a penny at the Carl's Jr. on Erringer Rd.

FMJ
This Day's Money Finds: $.11
This Month's Total: $.82
Total Found Since January 1, 2000: $958.21
B&C FUND
This Day's Bottles & Cans Collected: 2
Collection for the month: 32
Bottles and Cans in 2009: 190
Bottles & Cans Fund: $1,351.45 (Running Balance)

FMJ - Day 1074

March 9: I found a dime outside the Simi Valley Thrift Shop. I found a penny in the McDonald's parking lot across the street. In the evening, I found a dime and penny at the Fresh & Easy on Alamo Ave.

FMJ
This Day's Money Finds: $.22
This Month's Total: $.71
Total Found Since January 1, 2000: $958.10
B&C FUND
This Day's Bottles & Cans Collected: 3
Collection for the month: 30
Bottles and Cans in 2009: 188
Bottles & Cans Fund: $1,351.45 (Running Balance)

FMJ - Day 1073

March 8: No Money found.

FMJ - Day 1072

March 7: Shopping the Santa Monica Third Street Promenade, Ajay and I picked up 2 dimes and 2 pennies.

FMJ
This Day's Money Finds: $.22
This Month's Total: $.49
Total Found Since January 1, 2000: $957.88
B&C FUND
This Day's Bottles & Cans Collected: 5
Collection for the month: 27
Bottles and Cans in 2009: 185
Bottles & Cans Fund: $1,351.45 (Running Balance)

FMJ - Day 1071

March 6: I found 4 pennies paying for my gas at the Shell filling station on Yosemite Ave.

FMJ
This Day's Money Finds: $.04
This Month's Total: $.27
Total Found Since January 1, 2000: $957.66
B&C FUND
This Day's Bottles & Cans Collected: 2
Collection for the month: 22
Bottles and Cans in 2009: 180
Bottles & Cans Fund: $1,351.45 (Running Balance)

FMJ - Day 1070

March 5: I found a nickel at Carl's Jr. on Erringer Rd.

FMJ
This Day's Money Finds: $.05
This Month's Total: $.23
Total Found Since January 1, 2000: $957.62
B&C FUND
This Day's Bottles & Cans Collected: 2
Collection for the month: 20
Bottles and Cans in 2009: 178
Bottles & Cans Fund: $1,351.45 (Running Balance)

FMJ - Day 1069

March 4: I found a penny in front of the Chicken Bowl on L.A. Ave. in Simi Valley.

FMJ
This Day's Money Finds: $.01
This Month's Total: $.18
Total Found Since January 1, 2000: $957.57
B&C FUND
This Day's Bottles & Cans Collected: 3
Collection for the month: 08
Bottles and Cans in 2009: 178
Bottles & Cans Fund: $1,351.45 (Running Balance)

FMJ - Day 1068

March 3: I found a dime and four pennies around the car vacuums at the Yosemite Ave. Shell Station.

FMJ
This Day's Money Finds: $.14
This Month's Total: $.17
Total Found Since January 1, 2000: $957.56
B&C FUND
This Day's Bottles & Cans Collected: 2
Collection for the month: 05
Bottles and Cans in 2009: 175
Bottles & Cans Fund: $1,351.45 (Running Balance)

FMJ - Day 1067

March 2: No Money finds.

FMJ - Day 1066

March 1: I found three pennies at Carl's Jr. on L.A. Ave.

FMJ
This Day's Money Finds: $.03
This Month's Total: $7.27
Total Found Since January 1, 2000: $957.42
B&C FUND
This Day's Bottles & Cans Collected: 3
Collection for the month: 03
Bottles and Cans in 2009: 173
Bottles & Cans Fund: $1,351.45 (Running Balance)

FMJ - Day 1065

February 28: Ajay and I found 7 pennies at Topanga Promenade Mall.

FMJ
This Day's Money Finds: $.07
This Month's Total: $7.24
Total Found Since January 1, 2000: $957.39
B&C FUND
This Day's Bottles & Cans Collected: 1
Collection for the month: 77
Bottles and Cans in 2009: 170
Bottles & Cans Fund: $1,351.45 (Running Balance)

FMJ - Day 1064

February 27: While shopping in Target in Moorpark, I found a crumpled 5 dollar bill in the toy section. That certainly help to make-up for a bleak month.

FMJ
This Day's Money Finds: $5.00
This Month's Total: $7.17
Total Found Since January 1, 2000: $957.32
B&C FUND
This Day's Bottles & Cans Collected: 1
Collection for the month: 76
Bottles and Cans in 2009: 169
Bottles & Cans Fund: $1,351.45 (Running Balance)

FMJ - Day 1063

February 26: We made a run to the recycling center to turn-in our collection from the last few weeks. We received $12.05 for our efforts.

FMJ
This Day's Money Finds: $.00
This Month's Total: $2.17
Total Found Since January 1, 2000: $952.32
B&C FUND
This Day's Bottles & Cans Collected: 1
Collection for the month: 75
Bottles and Cans in 2009: 168
Bottles & Cans Fund: $1,351.45 (Running Balance)

FMJ - Day 1062

February 25: NO MONEY FOUND.

FMJ - Day 1061

February 24: For the second day, I found a quarter and a penny. Jack in the Box Fish sandwiches are 2 for $3.00! Yippee! The coins were found near the newspaper box in the drive-thru.

FMJ
This Day's Money Finds: $.26
This Month's Total: $2.17
Total Found Since January 1, 2000: $952.32
B&C FUND
This Day's Bottles & Cans Collected: 3
Collection for the month: 74
Bottles and Cans in 2009: 167
Bottles & Cans Fund: $1,339.40 (Running Balance)

FMJ - Day 1060

February 23: I found a quarter and a penny on a walk around Ajay's school.

FMJ
This Day's Money Finds: $.26
This Month's Total: $1.91
Total Found Since January 1, 2000: $952.06
B&C FUND
This Day's Bottles & Cans Collected: 2
Collection for the month: 71
Bottles and Cans in 2009: 164
Bottles & Cans Fund: $1,339.40 (Running Balance)

FMJ - Day 1059

February 22: No Money finds.

FMJ - Day 1058

February 21: I found a penny in the morning at the East Simi Carl's Jr. on L.A. Ave.

FMJ
This Day's Money Finds: $.01
This Month's Total: $1.65
Total Found Since January 1, 2000: $951.80
B&C FUND
This Day's Bottles & Cans Collected: 3
Collection for the month: 69
Bottles and Cans in 2009: 162
Bottles & Cans Fund: $1,339.40 (Running Balance)

FMJ - Day 1057

February 20: I found a nickel at Wells Fargo Bank ATM.

FMJ
This Day's Money Finds: $.05
This Month's Total: $1.64
Total Found Since January 1, 2000: $951.79
B&C FUND
This Day's Bottles & Cans Collected: 2
Collection for the month: 66
Bottles and Cans in 2009: 159
Bottles & Cans Fund: $1,339.40 (Running Balance)

FMJ - Day 1056

February 19: I found 4 pennies at the Shell Station on Yosemite Ave.

FMJ
This Day's Money Finds: $.04
This Month's Total: $1.59
Total Found Since January 1, 2000: $951.74
B&C FUND
This Day's Bottles & Cans Collected: 3
Collection for the month: 64
Bottles and Cans in 2009: 157
Bottles & Cans Fund: $1,339.40 (Running Balance)

FMJ - Day 1055

February 18: Ajay 8th Birthday! Mickey Mouse wished him the best birthday by inviting him to Disneyland for the day! Of course, Daddy has to buy a ticket.... but, it was worth it. Just Ajay and his Dad (me) for a full day of Mouse Club fun.

We found 2 pennies roaming the Mickey's back yard.

FMJ
This Day's Money Finds: $.02
This Month's Total: $1.55
Total Found Since January 1, 2000: $951.70
B&C FUND
This Day's Bottles & Cans Collected: 1
Collection for the month: 61
Bottles and Cans in 2009: 154
Bottles & Cans Fund: $1,339.40 (Running Balance)

FMJ - Day 1054

February 17: A nickel was found outside Jack in the Box on L.A. Ave.

FMJ
This Day's Money Finds: $.05
This Month's Total: $1.53
Total Found Since January 1, 2000: $951.68
B&C FUND
This Day's Bottles & Cans Collected: 4
Collection for the month: 66
Bottles and Cans in 2009: 150
Bottles & Cans Fund: $1,339.40 (Running Balance)

FMJ - Day 1053

February 16: Two pennies found while spending the day with the kids.

FMJ
This Day's Money Finds: $.02
This Month's Total: $1.48
Total Found Since January 1, 2000: $951.63
B&C FUND
This Day's Bottles & Cans Collected: 3
Collection for the month: 62
Bottles and Cans in 2009: 150
Bottles & Cans Fund: $1,339.40 (Running Balance)

FMJ - Day 1052

February 15: No Money found.

FMJ - Day 1051

February 14: I found a penny in Cerritos while shopping at Target on South St. Ajay turns 8 years old on the 18th and we had to shop for his birthday party to be held at Mayma's house.

FMJ
This Day's Money Finds: $.01
This Month's Total: $1.46
Total Found Since January 1, 2000: $951.61
B&C FUND
This Day's Bottles & Cans Collected: 2
Collection for the month: 59
Bottles and Cans in 2009: 147
Bottles & Cans Fund: $1,339.40 (Running Balance)

FMJ - Day 1050

February 13: I found a penny in the La Crescenta Goodwill store where I stopped to kill some time during the rains.

FMJ - Day 1049

February 12: A stop at the Von's on Yosemite Ave. for some milk and I find 28 cents in the form of 2 dimes and 8 pennies. All the coins were laying on the floor near the coin counting machine.

FMJ
This Day's Money Finds: $.28
This Month's Total: $1.44
Total Found Since January 1, 2000: $951.59
B&C FUND
This Day's Bottles & Cans Collected: 3
Collection for the month: 57
Bottles and Cans in 2009: 145
Bottles & Cans Fund: $1,339.40 (Running Balance)

FMJ - Day 1048

February 11: Found a dime at the Simi Thrift Shop.

FMJ
This Day's Money Finds: $.10
This Month's Total: $1.16
Total Found Since January 1, 2000: $951.31
B&C FUND
This Day's Bottles & Cans Collected: 2
Collection for the month: 54
Bottles and Cans in 2009: 142
Bottles & Cans Fund: $1,339.40 (Running Balance)

FMJ - Day 1047

February 10: No Money finds. Too Sick... Flu.

FMJ - Day 1046

February 9: I found a dime in the Simi Valley Thrift shop. Ajay found two quarters at school and I picked up a nickel along the street in front of his school. At McDonald's on Tapo St., Ajay found a penny.

FMJ
This Day's Money Finds: $.66
This Month's Total: $1.06
Total Found Since January 1, 2000: $951.21
B&C FUND
This Day's Bottles & Cans Collected: 3
Collection for the month: 52
Bottles and Cans in 2009: 140
Bottles & Cans Fund: $1,339.40 (Running Balance)

FMJ - Day 1045

February 8: We went to Cerritos so the kids could attend a birthday party for one of the kids in Mayma's neighborhood. So, we stopped at Target on Del Amo Blvd. to pick out a gift. I found a penny at checkout.

My wife and I went to see the movie, NEW IN TOWN with Rene Zellwenger. Surprisingly, it was a cute and funny movie. You'll notice that all the factory workers are White people. In fact, the film only had Caucasians in the film. I found that a little strange for today's style of film making. I wonder what the critics has to say? Anyway, good film about romance and hard working Americans. The guy who played the Dad in "JUNO" was a real hoot.

FMJ
This Day's Money Finds: $.01
This Month's Total: $.40
Total Found Since January 1, 2000: $950.55
B&C FUND
This Day's Bottles & Cans Collected: 17
Collection for the month: 49
Bottles and Cans in 2009: 137
Bottles & Cans Fund: $1,339.40 (Running Balance)

FMJ - Day 1044

February 7: It never rains in Southern California... But, it has for the last 2 days! Really, Rain. Go figure.

No Money found. TOO RAINY TO GO OUT!

FMJ - Day 1043

February 6: No money found. Just a few bottles collected.

FMJ - Day 1042

February 5: Found two pennies at Garlic Jim's Pizza! First time there. They have a 99 Cents Slice of Pizza Special! Garlic Jim's is located at the corner of Madera Rd. & Cochran Ave. Good, Quick Pizza!

FMJ
This Day's Money Finds: $.02
This Month's Total: $.39
Total Found Since January 1, 2000: $950.54
B&C FUND
This Day's Bottles & Cans Collected: 2
Collection for the month: 32
Bottles and Cans in 2009: 120
Bottles & Cans Fund: $1,339.40 (Running Balance)

FMJ - Day 1041

February 4: I found a solitary penny at Carl's Jr. on Erringer Rd.

FMJ
This Day's Money Finds: $.01
This Month's Total: $.37
Total Found Since January 1, 2000: $950.52
B&C FUND
This Day's Bottles & Cans Collected: 2
Collection for the month: 30
Bottles and Cans in 2009: 118
Bottles & Cans Fund: $1,339.40 (Running Balance)

FMJ - Day 1040

February 3: No Money found. I did collect 3 bottles for the recycling.

Recycling Update!

We did a "turn-in' at the Recycling Center near the Ralph's on L.A. Ave. Our current stash brought us $8.80 for the B&C Fund.

The total amount received for our recycling efforts since Oct. 2005:
Bottles & Cans Fund: $1,339.40 (Running Balance)

FMJ = Day 1039

February 2: I found a dime upon leaving the In-N-Out Burger in Moorpark. Picking up Ajay at his school lead me to find a quarter in the playground grass.

FMJ
This Day's Money Finds: $.35
This Month's Total: $.36
Total Found Since January 1, 2000: $950.51
B&C FUND
This Day's Bottles & Cans Collected: 15
Collection for the month: 25
Bottles and Cans in 2009: 113
Bottles & Cans Fund: $1,330.60 (Running Balance)

FMJ - Day 1038

February 1: We spent the day at Seal Beach. The kids and I had lunch at Z PIZZA then browsed the stores finding a penny and walked the beach at Sunset. I found 8 bottles on the beach. In the morning, I stopped at the Target store on Bloomfield in Cerritos. Dart boards for $5.00 on clearance -- I bought two. Picked up 2 bottles outside the store.

FMJ
This Day's Money Finds: $.01
This Month's Total: $.01
Total Found Since January 1, 2000: $950.16
B&C FUND
This Day's Bottles & Cans Collected: 10
Collection for the month: 88
Bottles and Cans in 2009: 98
Bottles & Cans Fund: $1,330.60 (Running Balance)

Time to change the FMJ monthly report.

Starting in 2009, we will only post a full accounting of the FMJ fund on a quarterly basis. As the stock market is in a deep depression, the turmoil is not worthy of keeping up. We will hope for better days and a return to more normative investing patterns. We will continue to invest all funds in real estate investment trust and also start picking up shares of Ford and Back of America.

Currently, the FMJ and B&C Funds have investments three stocks - PEI, GRT & UDR.

FMJ - Day 1037

January 31: I found a single penny while stopping while strolling the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica. Later, at the Cerritos Town Center where we went to see Gran Torino at the Edwards Cinema, I picked up 5 pennies in the parking lot.

This Day's Money Finds: $.06
This Month's Total: $3.48
Total Found Since January 1, 2000: $950.15
This Day's Bottles & Cans Collected: 6
Bottles and Cans this month: 88
Bottles & Cans Fund: $1,330.60 (Running Balance)

FMJ - Day 1036

January 30: I found three pennies at a Shell gas station on Las Virgines Rd. in Calabasas.

This Day's Money Finds: $.03
This Month's Total: $3.42
Total Found Since January 1, 2000: $950.09
This Day's Bottles & Cans Collected: 3
Bottles and Cans this month: 82
Bottles & Cans Fund: $1,330.60 (Running Balance)

FMJ - Day 1035

January 29: I found nothing.

FMJ - Day 1034

January 28: I found a very corroded dime and a penny at the McDonald's on Yosemite Ave.

This Day's Money Finds: $.11
This Month's Total: $3.39
Total Found Since January 1, 2000: $950.06
This Day's Bottles & Cans Collected: 2
Bottles and Cans this month: 79
Bottles & Cans Fund: $1,330.60 (Running Balance)

FMJ - Day 1033

January 27: Stopping at Carl's Jr. for Lunch and I find a penny. I found two more pennies during a run to the Von's on Yosemite Ave.

This Day's Money Finds: $.03
This Month's Total: $3.28
Total Found Since January 1, 2000: $949.95
This Day's Bottles & Cans Collected: 2
Bottles and Cans this month: 77
Bottles & Cans Fund: $1,330.60 (Running Balance)

FMJ - Day 1032

January: I found two pennies and collected 5 bottles while at Rancho Simi Park.

This Day's Money Finds: $.02
This Month's Total: $3.25
Total Found Since January 1, 2000: $949.92
This Day's Bottles & Cans Collected: 5
Bottles and Cans this month: 75
Bottles & Cans Fund: $1,330.60 (Running Balance)

FMJ - Day 1031

January 25: No Finds. I did collect 3 cans.

FMJ - Day 1030

January 24: Breakfast at Carl's Jr. on L.A. Ave. near Yosemite Ave. Leaving the restaurant I notice two pennies laying in the dirt on the curb strip of the drive-thru. I find a lot of coins tossed in that dirt strip. We drove to LAX in the evening to pick up Maya and her inaugural trip companions. They had a blast in Washington, D.C. -- went to the concert at the Lincoln Memorial, an inaugural ball, visited old friends, strolled the Mall and Smithsonian, the National Building Museum, Museum of Textiles, and saw the Movie "Mall Cop." I'd say she got her money's worth on this trip.

Making a bathroom stop along Tampa Ave. in Reseda, I found a penny.

This Day's Money Finds: $.03
This Month's Total: $3.23
Total Found Since January 1, 2000: $949.90
This Day's Bottles & Cans Collected: 4
Bottles and Cans this month: 67
Bottles & Cans Fund: $1,330.60 (Running Balance)

FMJ - Day 1029

January 23: I found a dime and a penny when I stopped at Jack in the Box for breakfast. Stopping to check the air in the Solara's tire, I find a penny near the air machine. The Shell station on Yosemite Ave. has a new air nozzle... make life easier when you need tire air. We went to the Macy's in Simi Valley Town Center, My family and I were one of 4 customers in the store that I saw in the hour we were there. People just aren't shopping any more. Usually on a Friday night in months past, the Macy's would be filled with customers -- not any more. I think the store will most likely close soon unless the traffic picks up. We didn't find anything to buy, I did find a penny on the floor in the shoe section.

This Day's Money Finds: $.13
This Month's Total: $3.20
Total Found Since January 1, 2000: $949.87
This Day's Bottles & Cans Collected: 3
Bottles and Cans this month: 63
Bottles & Cans Fund: $1,330.60 (Running Balance)

FMJ - Day 1028

January 22: No Finds.

Dividend Report!

On January 15, 2009, the Glimcher Realty Investment Trust (GRT) paid a regular quarterly dividend. We received $7.77 which was reinvested for 2.589 trust shares. Our total holdings of GRT is now 26.895 shares.

On December 31, 2008, the Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust (PEI) paid a regular quarterly dividend of $15.16. This was reinvested for 2.019 trust shares bringing our holdings to 28.614 shares.

Dividend Income
This month: $22.93
Dividends 2006: $34.30
Dividends 2007: $88.04
Dividends 2008: $125.74
Dividends 2009: $7.77
Total cost of stocks purchased: $1,992.14

FMJ - Day 1027

January 21: Del Taco again for breakfast... found a dime, nickel and penny there. Then, tennis at Rancho Simi Park. Lunch at Carl's Jr. on Erringer... found a dime in the parking lot. Three pennies were found in various other places in the afternoon while scounting places for my new bookstore. At the Pavillion's grocery store on Alamo I found a very bent penny. Ajay also made a coin find -- three pennies -- Don't know where, yet.

This Day's Money Finds: $.33
This Month's Total: $3.07
Total Found Since January 1, 2000: $949.74
This Day's Bottles & Cans Collected: 3
Bottles and Cans this month: 60
Bottles & Cans Fund: $1,330.60 (Running Balance)

Welcome, President Obama!

January 20, 2008: A new beginning for the American People! May the New Presidential Administration having good winds and tidings on this new voyage in the American adventure! GOOD LUCK, MR. OBAMA!

I found a dime at Del Taco on Cochran Ave. where I had my breakfast. A stop for money at the ATM and I find a penny. I found three more pennies in front of Carl's Jr. on Erringer Rd.

This Day's Money Finds: $.14
This Month's Total: $2.74
Total Found Since January 1, 2000: $949.41
This Day's Bottles & Cans Collected: 7
Bottles and Cans this month: 57
Bottles & Cans Fund: $1,330.60 (Running Balance)

FMJ - Day 1025

January 19: No finds.

FMJ - Day 1024

January 18: I found a nickel at the Burger King on Norwalk Blvd. in Cerritos. I also found two pennies at Walgreen's on Pioneer Blvd.

This Day's Finds: $.07
Bottles & Cans Collected: 2
This Month's Total: $2.60
Total Found Since January 1, 2000: $949.27
Bottles and Cans this month: 50

FMJ - Day 1023

January 17: I found six pennies in Cerritos, CA. Four were found at the Arco Gas Station on South St. Two were found at the Target store on Del Amo Blvd.

This Day's Finds: $.06
Bottles & Cans Collected: 5
This Month's Total: $2.53
Total Found Since January 1, 2000: $949.20
Bottles and Cans this month: 48

FMJ - Day 1022

January 16: My daughter is flying across the country today to go the Obama's Inauguration!! She'll be attending the concert at the Lincoln Memorial, visiting her mom's family home in Chevy Chase and old friends. Her Uncle is a longtime politico in the Democratic Party and did a lot of out of state stumping for Obama. So, he was given special inaugural tickets and Maya is filling in the third ticket on the junket. I can't wait to hear the stories when she returns. What an experience!

NO finds for this day.

FMJ - 1021

January 15: I found a nickel at Carl's Jr. on Erringer Rd. while having lunch with Danny and Jeff. An after school stop at the Fresh and Easy grocery store was good for finding a dime. In the evening, I went to the shell station to fill the air in the tires. I found a penny near the air machine.

This Day's Finds: $.16
Bottles & Cans Collected: 3
This Month's Total: $2.47
Total Found Since January 1, 2000: $949.14
Bottles and Cans this month: 43

FMJ - Day 1020

January 14: We found three pennies while stopping at Carl's Jr. on L.A. Ave.

This Day's Finds: $.03
Bottles & Cans Collected: 7
This Month's Total: $2.31
Total Found Since January 1, 2000: $948.98
Bottles and Cans this month: 40

FMJ - Day 1019

January 13: No Finds... just a few bottles.

FMJ - Day 1018

January 12: We found a nickel and 2 pennies during a breakfast stop at Del Taco on L.A. Ave.

This Day's Finds: $.07
Bottles & Cans Collected: 0
This Month's Total: $2.28
Total Found Since January 1, 2000: $948.95
Bottles and Cans this month: 33

Recycling Update!

January 12: Had to stop by Ralph's for some cabbage and onions... decided to make the most of it and turn in a box of cans and bottles. Received $4.20 for them.

Bottles and Cans Fund
Running Balance: $1,330.60

FMJ - Day 1017

January 11: I found a nickel in the morning while pumping gas at the Shell Station on Cochran Ave. An evening shopping trip to Target on Del Amo Blvd. in Cerritos and I find a dime and penny in the electronics section.

This Day's Finds: $.16
Bottles & Cans Collected: 5
This Month's Total: $2.21
Total Found Since January 1, 2000: $948.88
Bottles and Cans this month: 33

My First Dollar Coin Find of the Year!

January 10: We went for shopping at the Camarillo Outlets. While passing the vending machines near the GAP Outlet, I spy a shining golden coin in the change return hopper on a Coke machine. Sure enough, it was a Year 2000 Sacagawea. We also found 3 pennies, a nickel and a dime during our time there.

This Day's Finds: $1.18
Bottles & Cans Collected: 1
This Month's Total: $2.05
Total Found Since January 1, 2000: $948.72
Bottles and Cans this month: 28

FMJ - Day 1015

January 9: I found 5 pennies. 4 were found at the Shell gas station on Collins Ave. in Moorpark. The other was found in the McDonald's parking lot nearby.

This Day's Finds: $.05
Bottles & Cans Collected: 2
This Month's Total: $.87
Total Found Since January 1, 2000: $947.54
Bottles and Cans this month: 27

FMJ - Day 1014

January 8: No Finds.

FMJ - Day 1013

January 7: I found two pennies in the Von;s grocery store on Yosemite Ave.

This Day's Finds: $.02
Bottles & Cans Collected: 5
This Month's Total: $.82
Total Found Since January 1, 2000: $947.49
Bottles and Cans this month: 25

FMJ - Day 1012

January 6: I found 4 pennies. One at the Burger King on L.A. Ave. One at Citibank on Cochran Ave. The last two at McDonald's on Tapo St.

This Day's Finds: $.04
Bottles & Cans Collected: 6
This Month's Total: $.80
Total Found Since January 1, 2000: $947.47
Bottles and Cans this month: 20

FMJ - Day 1011

January 5: I found two pennies. Both at the Shell gas station on Yosemite Ave.

This Day's Finds: $.02
Bottles & Cans Collected: 5
This Month's Total: $.76
Total Found Since January 1, 2000: $947.43
Bottles and Cans this month: 14

FMJ - Day 1010

January 4: I found a penny during a pit-stop for soda in Cerritos.

This Day's Finds: $.01
Bottles & Cans Collected: 2
This Month's Total: $.74
Total Found Since January 1, 2000: $947.41
Bottles and Cans this month: 9

FMJ - Day 1009

January 3: No money found.

This Day's Finds: $.00
Bottles & Cans Collected: 2
This Month's Total: $.73
Total Found Since January 1, 2000: $947.40
Bottles and Cans this month: 7

FMJ - Day 1008

January 2: More New Year's shopping... this time at Northridge Fashion Center. I found two pennies in the Aeropostale store, a dime at Wet Seal and two dimes at Macy's

This Day's Finds: $.32
Bottles & Cans Collected: 3
This Month's Total: $.73
Total Found Since January 1, 2000: $947.40
Bottles and Cans this month: 5

FMJ - Day 1007

New Year's Day 2009! I found one quarter, one dime and six pennies while shopping at Glendale Galleria to start off 2009 on the right path.

This Day's finds: $.41
Total Found since January 1, 2000: $946.67

End of the Year Stats!

End of Month Stats:
Found Money Jar Fund:
Total Found: $946.67
Total found - December 2008: $3.90
Average Amount Found per Day: 13 cents

Bottles and Cans Fund
Running Balance: $1,326.40
Cash used to purchase stock: $1,013.17
Dividends Reinvested: $53.00
Cash Account Balance: $313.23
Sept. 30, 2007: $999.18
B&C Stocks/cash value: $1,101.16

Stock Holdings
FMJ and B&C Fund - Stock Held:
26.595 Shares/PEI Worth: $198.14
24.306 Shares/GRT Worth: $68.30
57.138 Shares/UDR Worth: $787.93

Total Stocks Held Value: $1,054.37
Value 09/30: $2,208.94
Stock Purchase Cost: $1,969.21
LOSS in Value from Stock Cost: ($914.84)

Other Funds Owned:
FMJ cash (still in the jar): $91.24
B&C Fund Cash: $294.48

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: $125.74
Total cost of stocks purchased: $1,969.21 (Includes Dividends)

Total Asset Values
FMJ Fund: $357.68
B&C Fund: $1,101.16
Combined Value: $1,458.84


Old Monthly Values:
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