FMJ - Day 689

February 16: Found a penny... just a single penny at Toys R' Us in Porter Ranch, CA.

FMJ - Day 688

February 15: In the morning, I found 4 quarters resting in the change shoot of a Daily News vending box at the Jack in the Box on L.A. Ave. Found a penny in the evening at Target in Moorpark, CA.

I also recycled a bag of bottles and cans receiving $1.80 for them.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $1.01
Bottles & Cans Collected: 7
Running Stats
This Month: $2.80
Last Month: $2.46
2008 Finds: $5.26
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $389.12 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $849.43 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 41 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,100.93

FMJ - Day 687

February 14: No Finds... No Valentine's, either...

FMJ - Day 686

February 13: No Finds.

FMJ - Day 685

February 12: Found 41 Cents. A quick drink pit-stop for this thirsty tennis player was made to 7-11 at the corner of Tapo Canyon Rd. & Cochran St., I found a quarter, dime and four pennies near the check-out. A stop at Pavillion's at El Paseo Simi shopping plaza for Valentine's... I found two pennies.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.41
Bottles & Cans Collected: 3
Running Stats
This Month: $1.79
Last Month: $2.46
2008 Finds: $4.25
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $388.11 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $848.41 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 34 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,099.13

FMJ - Day 684

February 11: I found a dime on the sidewalk on L.A. Ave. in front of the Carl's Jr.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.10
Bottles & Cans Collected: 8
Running Stats
This Month: $1.38
Last Month: $2.46
2008 Finds: $3.84
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $387.70 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $848.00 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 31 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,099.13

FMJ - Day 683

February 10: We all went to the Santa Monica Creek Trails in Malibu for a hike. Ajay found a dime by the parking lot vending area. I found a penny in the mud along the creek at the "Rock Falls."

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.11
Bottles & Cans Collected: 4
Running Stats
This Month: $1.28
Last Month: $2.46
2008 Finds: $3.74
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $387.60 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $847.90 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 23 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,099.13

FMJ - Day 682

February 9: We spent the day with Ajay taking him to play tennis and to the beach in Port Hueneme, CA. At the beach, I found a nickel in the sand. In the evening, we made our way to the Camarillo Outlets... found a penny.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.06
Bottles & Cans Collected: 2
Running Stats
This Month: $1.17
Last Month: $2.46
2008 Finds: $3.63
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $387.49 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $847.79 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 19 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,099.13

FMJ - Day 681

February 8: Found a dime at Topper's Pizza on Erringer Rd. It was laying just outside the front door when I spotted it. Unfortunately, a few guys having a smoke were standing over it. Not one of them bother to pick it up and when we came out of Topper's an hour later it was still resting in the same spot. Scooped it.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.10
Bottles & Cans Collected: 2
Running Stats
This Month: $1.11
Last Month: $2.46
2008 Finds: $3.57
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $387.43 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $847.73 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 17 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,099.13

FMJ - Day 680

February 7: Ajay found 4 pennies in a front parking spot at the Taco Bell on Cochran St. I found a penny inside the restaurant.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.5
Bottles & Cans Collected: 3
Running Stats
This Month: $1.01
Last Month: $2.46
2008 Finds: $3.47
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $387.33 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $847.63 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 15 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,099.13

FMJ - Day 679

February 6: No finds.

FMJ - Day 678 "Recycling Update."

February 5: Found a dime at the Von's on Yosemite Ave. We also did a turn-in of our bottles and cans. We collected $11.55 for the recycling fund.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.10
Bottles & Cans Collected: 2
Running Stats
This Month: $.96
Last Month: $2.46
2008 Finds: $3.42
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $387.28 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $847.58 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 12 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,099.13

FMJ - Day 677

February 4: No Finds.

FMJ - Day 676

February 3: We found ourselves shopping with Mayma at the South Coast Plaza -- Ajay and I found 74 cents in the Del Taco dining area. 2 quarter, 2 dimes and 4 pennies.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.74
Bottles & Cans Collected: 6
Running Stats
This Month: $.86
Last Month: $2.46
2008 Finds: $3.32
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $387.18 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $847.48 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 10 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,087.58

FMJ - Day 675

February 2: No Finds.

FMJ - Day 674

February 1: Found a dime at the Rancho Simi Tennis Courts and two pennies at the Jack in the box on L.A. Ave.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.12
Bottles & Cans Collected: 4
Running Stats
This Month: $.12
Last Month: $2.46
2008 Finds: $2.58
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $386.44 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $846.74 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 4 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,087.58

End of the Year - 2007!

As the past month has been usurped by family matters, I've been unable to keep up with the FMJ blog's accounting. So, here's a "get back on track" posting of the Year End results.

2007 FMJ Blog Stats

Money Finds: $199.86
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $383.86 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $844.16 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,079.83

End of Month Stats:
Total found - December 2007: $2.00
Average Amount Found per Day: 6 cents

Stock Holdings
FMJ and B&C Fund - Stock Held:
19.337 Shares/PEI Worth: $573.92
20.903 Shares/GRT Worth: $296.61
39.898 Shares/UDR Worth: $791.98

Total Stocks Held Value: $1,662.61
Value last month: $1,952.39
Stock purchase cost: $1,778.01
Loss of Value from Stock Cost: ($115.10)

Other Funds Owned:
Non-deposited FMJ Funds(still in the jar): $16.81
FMJ Savings Account: $71.91
Note: a jar count on November 1, 2007 was done and $200.00 deposited in the savings account to cover the purchase of more shares in PEI. On October 24, $147.00 was used for the purchase of 3.991 shares of PEI.

Dividend & Interest Income
This month: $11.02
Savings Interest 2007: 98 cents
Savings Interest 2006: $1.77
Dividends 2006: $34.30
Dividends 2007: $88.04
Non-reinvested Dividends: $17.10
Total Dividends Received: $188.39 (Since 2003 merger of CWN & PEI)

Total Asset Value of FMJ Fund: $959.25

Bottles and Cans Fund
This Month: $1,079.83
Cash used to purchase stock: $1,013.17
Cash Account Balance: $66.66
Sept. 30, 2007: $999.18
B&C Stocks/cash value: $858.64
Decrease in B&C Fund: $221.19

Total Value of Both Funds:
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: ($257.58)

* Decrease due unfavorable share prices for REITs.

Dividends!

January was a nice month for dividends. We received two dividend reinvestments... the first was on January 15, 2008 when the Glimcher Realty Trust paid a $10.05 dividend on the shares held by the FMJ, and the second was on January 31, 2008 when the United Dominion Realty Trust paid at $13.16 dividend.

We received .764 fractional shares of GRT and .575 fractional shares of UDR. Our new holdings of GRT and UDR stock is 21.667 shares and 40.473 shares, respectively.

Dividend & Interest Income
This month: $23.21
Savings Interest 2007: 98 cents
Savings Interest 2006: $1.77
Dividends 2006: $34.30
Dividends 2007: $88.04
Dividends 2008: $23.31
Non-reinvested Dividends: $17.10
Total Dividends Received: $211.60 (Since 2003 merger of CWN & PEI)

FMJ - Day 673

January 31: We ventured back to the Topanga Mall for an evening of browsing and dinner in the food court. Ajay and I found 4 dimes and 9 pennies.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.49
Bottles & Cans Collected: 3
Running Stats
This Month: $2.46
Last Month: $4.34
2008 Finds: $2.46
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $386.32 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $846.62 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 44 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,087.58

FMJ - Day 672

January 30: No Finds.

FMJ - Day 671

January 29: Found 12 cents. A coins were found at Taco Bell on Cochran St.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.12
Bottles & Cans Collected: 2
Running Stats
This Month: $1.97
Last Month: $4.34
2008 Finds: $1.97
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $385.83 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $846.13 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 41 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,087.58

FMJ - Day 670

January 28: No Finds.

FMJ - Day 669

January 27: An afternoon trip to Topanga Promenade Mall in Woodland Hills from some mindlessness... after day of wind and rain. Biggest rainfall since moving to California in October of 2005. Ajay and I found 41 cents while strolling the shops.

4 dimes and a penny.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.41
Bottles & Cans Collected: 1
Running Stats
This Month: $1.85
Last Month: $4.34
2008 Finds: $1.85
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $385.71 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $846.01 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 39 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,087.58

FMJ - Day 668

January 26: Found 3 pennies while spending the afternoon mostly idle due to the rains. Found the pennies at the Von's Grocery Store on Yosemite Ave.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.03
Bottles & Cans Collected: 1
Running Stats
This Month: $1.44
Last Month: $4.34
2008 Finds: $1.44
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $385.30 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $845.60 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 38 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,087.58

FMJ - Day 667

January 25: Found a single penny at the Wells Fargo ATM on Patricia Street.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.01
Bottles & Cans Collected: 3
Running Stats
This Month: $1.41
Last Month: $4.34
2008 Finds: $1.41
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $385.27 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $845.57 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 37 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,087.58

FMJ - Day 666

January 24: Found 2 pennies. Found them while shopping at the Lowes Hardware store in Simi Valley.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.02
Bottles & Cans Collected: 2
Running Stats
This Month: $1.40
Last Month: $4.34
2008 Finds: $1.40
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $385.26 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $845.56 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 34 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,087.58

FMJ - Day 665

January 23: We found 4 pennies... in and around the Chicken Bowl restaurant on L.A. Ave.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.04
Bottles & Cans Collected: 0
Running Stats
This Month: $1.38
Last Month: $4.34
2008 Finds: $1.38
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $385.24 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $845.54 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 32 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,087.58

FMJ - Day 664

January 22: Maya and I found 52 cents... two pennies at breakfast at Carl's Jr. and two quarters in the Pacific Theaters on Winnetka where we saw the "Mad Money" movie... we picked up some mad money ourselves.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.52
Bottles & Cans Collected: 2
Running Stats
This Month: $1.34
Last Month: $4.34
2008 Finds: $1.34
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $385.20 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $845.50 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 32 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,087.58

FMJ - Day 663

January 21: We found a quarter and a penny at the Movie theater in the Cerritos Mall.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.26
Bottles & Cans Collected: 1
Running Stats
This Month: $.82
Last Month: $4.34
2008 Finds: $.82
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $384.68 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $844.98 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 30 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,087.58

FMJ - Day 662

January 20: We found a penny at the Shell Gas Station on Yosemite Ave.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.01
Bottles & Cans Collected: 3
Running Stats
This Month: $.56
Last Month: $4.34
2008 Finds: $.56
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $384.42 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $844.72 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 29 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,087.58

FMJ - Day 661

January 19: I found three pennies at Walmart in Simi Valley. I found a dime in the 7-11 on Cochran St.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.13
Bottles & Cans Collected: 0
Running Stats
This Month: $.55
Last Month: $4.34
2008 Finds: $.55
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $384.41 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $844.71 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 26 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,087.58

FMJ Days 642 - 660

January 1 thru January 18: During my trip back home, I found 2 dimes, a nickel, 16 pennies... 3 pennies were found in the Burbank Airport, a dime, nickel and 9 pennies were found over several stops at the WAWA convenience stores where I picked up my morning Iced Tea and newspapers. The other dime was found on the Rt. 113 Arby's restaurant. 4 pennies were found at a Royal Farms convenience store.

That's 41 cents in total for the trip.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.42
Bottles & Cans Collected: 26
Running Stats
This Month: $.42
Last Month: $4.34
2008 Finds: $.42
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $384.28 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $844.58 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 26 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,087.58

Recycling Update!

January 18: I decided to clean out the garage and took a few boxes of bottles and cans to the recycling center. $7.75 was received in cash from the turn-in.

Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,087.58

My Dad's Story

Well, I arrived home on Wednesday evening, after being away in Delaware to help care for my mother whose handicapped while my father was in the hospital after suffering a massive heart attack and undergoing a quadruple bypass operation. Here's my Dad's story: On the night of January 2, at about 10:30p.m. a fire broke out in the neighbor's garage which lies along the back property line of my parent's home. Overhanging both properties and the shed is a very tall and expansive cedar tree which my father thought might catch fire as well. Where my parent's live most people go to bed at about 9:30p.m. in the winter time and my father knew that all his neighbors where most likely asleep. So, he sprung into action by calling the fire department and running from house to house to wake all his neighbors. First, he woke the his neighbors whose shed/garage was on fire... after about several minutes of frantic window pounding he got them out of the house. Then, he proceed to wake up the other surrounding neighbors. After that, he ran back into his house to get my mother dressed and into the car so he could drive her to a safe place at the end of his street. Just as the fire department was arriving he and his nextdoor neighbor turned on their rear hoses to soak their roofs and the area around the cedar tree.

As the fire department took over, he and his neighbor Barry stood side by side to watch the fire... about a minute later my Dad grabbed Barry's arm and fell to the ground suffering the massive hear attack...

As luck would have it his neighbor was a former Vietnam Vet who served as a medic. He immediately started CPR and waving for the firemen who rushed over with an emergency defibrillator.

The ambulance was also called arriving about three minutes behind the firemen. At that time, my father had been unconscious, not breathing and without heartbeat for about 4 minutes. Three attempts with the paddles had not revived him. The EMT's immediately got him into the ambulance and performed another defibrillation... luckily it was successful... Along the way to the hospital which was a 2O minute ride, my Dad's pulse gave out and he had to be revived three times more.

At Atlantic General hospital he was stabilzed and but the Doctors there decided to transfer him to Pennisula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury, Maryland as it it the only hospital that conducts heart surgery on the Delmarva shore.

Two days later upon further stabilaztion the doctors at the Guerreri Heart Clinic at Pennisula Regional performed a quadruple bypass. My Dad has been released from the hospital and is now in recouperation at home.

Thanks to God, luck, his neighbor Barry, the Millville, Delaware Fire Department for their quick response and the great doctors for saving my Dad's life and giving us a chance for a few years more.

Thanks also to my youngest brother Robert who has quit his job to care for our parent's for the next few months as my Dad gets back on his feet after this most shocking event.

Note to all: FMJ on Unexpected Hiatus!

January 2: Due to my Father suffering an emergency medical event, I must travel back to Delaware to be with my Mom, Dad and Family to comfort and help them during this unfortunate time. I will be gone for at least a week or more. I'll be certain to check in and post when I'm able to and keep a tally of any finds I make while I'm away. But, please don't expect it, though.

Thanks for the well wishes, support and prayers for my Dad to all who've sent emails.

Sincerely,

ANDY

FMJ - Day 641

December 31: On a trip to Westwood Village, we found $2.00 in the form of dollar bills held in a "Ziploc" sandwich bag. I'll bet that this one has a story... kid's ice cream money, a bum's stash... maybe. Anyway, it'll be safely and wisely invested with the FMJ.

So, that's our last find of 2007!

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $2.00
Bottles & Cans Collected: 5
Running Stats
This Month: $4.34
Last Month: $4.53
2007 Finds: $199.86
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $383.86 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $844.16 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 137 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,079.83

Dividends!

Dividend Report: On 12/17/2007, the Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust paid out its regular quarterly dividend on the FMJ's held shares. Received $11.02 which was reinvested for .372 fractional shares. We now hold 19.709 shares of PEI.

Dividend & Interest Income
This month: $11.02
Savings Interest 2007: 98 cents
Savings Interest 2006: $1.77
Dividends 2006: $34.30
Dividends 2007: $88.04
Non-reinvested Dividends: $17.10
Total Dividends Received: $188.39 (Since 2003 merger of CWN & PEI)

FMJ - Day 640

December 30: Found a penny at Carl's Jr. on L.A. Ave. At blockbuster on First St., another 3 pennies were picked up.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.04
Bottles & Cans Collected: 5
Running Stats
This Month: $2.34
Last Month: $4.53
2007 Finds: $197.86
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $381.86 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $842.16 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 132 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,079.83

FMJ - Day 639

December 29: Found 37 cents. First find of a penny occurred during a stop for gas at the Exxon on Norwalk Blvd. in Cerritos. In front of the India House restaurant on Pioneer Blvd., I found a quarter, dime and penny.

A neighbor left a bag of cans for recycling -- 83

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.37
Bottles & Cans Collected: 85
Running Stats
This Month: $2.30
Last Month: $4.53
2007 Finds: $197.82
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $381.82 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $842.12 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 127 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,079.83

Recycling update!

December 28: Ajay and I found sometime in the afternoon to take several filled boxes of cans and bottles to the recycling center. Collected $16.90 for the B&C Fund... That's like getting another share of the Glimcher Realty Trust (GRT) for the fund. Glimcher owns shopping malls -- we find alot of money at those malls. Investing in them is like finding money twice.

Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,079.83

FMJ - Day 637

December 27: Found two pennies while shopping at Topanga Promenade Mall with the family. It's just crazy how much time we spend shopping... funny how long it takes the ladies to find that perfect piece of adornment. My wife and sister-in-law spent three hours in Macy's the other day.... that's alot of standing around to not get paid for it. Good thing I have this Money Finding hobby, at least I get paid something for all this wasted shopping time.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.02
Bottles & Cans Collected: 2
Running Stats
This Month: $1.93
Last Month: $4.53
2007 Finds: $197.45
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $381.45 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $841.75 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 42 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,062.93

FMJ - Day 636

December 26: We found three pennies running around the shops today. After Christmas sales... kind of disappointing. Better to save the money than spend it anyway.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.07
Bottles & Cans Collected: 4
Running Stats
This Month: $1.91
Last Month: $4.53
2007 Finds: $197.43
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $381.43 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $841.73 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 40 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,062.93

FMJ - Day 635 "Christmas Day"

We found a single penny at the Shell Station on Yosemite Ave. The kids got an XBOX machine and played those games all day. I should invest in Microsoft... just the XBOX alone is gold.

Thinking about the new year to come and with share values of real estate and banks in the dumps and out of favor at this time... picking up some good investment in the REITs I follow should be nice at these low prices. Some of the REITs are at 5 years lows. I think I do an end of year count of the jar and ready the funds for investment in January.

FMJ - Day 634

It's December 24th and on this Christmas Eve, we found three pennies. I think that maybe these pennies represent the THREE WISE MEN. I'll certainly make sure they're invested wisely.

We add the totals to our after Christmas post.

FMJ - Day 633

December 23: We found three pennies while shopping at Target in Simi Valley.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.03
Bottles & Cans Collected: 3
Running Stats
This Month: $1.84
Last Month: $4.53
2007 Finds: $197.36
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $381.36 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $841.66 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 36 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,062.93

FMJ - DAY 632

December 22: Feeling better... it must have been one of those 24 hours flu bugs. Ralph and I had a lot of conversation. Anyway, what better than some Fish and Chips at Andria's in Ventura Harbor to cure the nasties. Found a dime while paying for our delicious order.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.10
Bottles & Cans Collected: 1
Running Stats
This Month: $1.81
Last Month: $4.53
2007 Finds: $197.33
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $381.33 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $841.63 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 33 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,062.93

FMJ - Day 631

December 21: TOO SICK... to get out of the house or for anything of that matter. YUK!

FMJ - Day 630

December 20: Found four pennies again. All found at the Shell station on Yosemite Ave.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.04
Bottles & Cans Collected: 2
Running Stats
This Month: $1.71
Last Month: $4.53
2007 Finds: $197.23
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $381.23 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $841.53 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 32 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,062.93

FMJ - Day 629

December 19: Found four pennies while shopping at Target and Walmart.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.04
Bottles & Cans Collected: 2
Running Stats
This Month: $1.67
Last Month: $4.53
2007 Finds: $197.19
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $381.19 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $841.49 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 30 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,062.93

FMJ - Day 628

December 18: Nary a penny in sight... No finds.

FMJ - Day 627

December 17: Found a penny at the Shell gas station on Yosemite Ave.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.01
Bottles & Cans Collected: 5
Running Stats
This Month: $1.63
Last Month: $4.53
2007 Finds: $197.15
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $381.15 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $841.45 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 28 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,062.93

FMJ - Day 626

December 16: Found a penny while shopping at Cerritos Mall.

FMJ - Day 625

December 15: No finds.

FMJ - Day 624

December 14: Found 2 pennies while shopping at the Dollar Tree in the Sycamore Village Center.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.02
Bottles & Cans Collected: 2
Running Stats
This Month: $1.61
Last Month: $4.53
2007 Finds: $197.13
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $381.13 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $841.43 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 23 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,062.93

FMJ - Day 623

December 13: Found three pennies at the Taco Bell on Cochran St.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.03
Bottles & Cans Collected: 5
Running Stats
This Month: $1.59
Last Month: $4.53
2007 Finds: $197.11
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $381.11 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $841.41 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 21 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,062.93

FMJ - Day 622

December 12: No money finds for the 4th straight day. We did pick-up 5 water bottles for our recycling fund.

Before lunch, I stopped at the recycling center on L.A. Ave. to turn-in our hoard from the last three weeks. We collected $13.30 for our efforts.

New balance for the B&C Fund: $1,062.93

FMJ - Day 621

December 11: Strike THREE! NO finds... One water bottle.

FMJ - Day 620

December 10: Again, no money found... but, I did pick-up 2 bottles along my walk on the extremely windy day.

FMJ - Day 619

December 9: No money found.... no bottles or cans, either.

FMJ - Day 618

December 8: Found 21 cents... a dime , 2 nickels & a penny. All found while Christmas shopping at Topanga Promenade Mall.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.21
Bottles & Cans Collected: 2
Running Stats
This Month: $1.56
Last Month: $4.53
2007 Finds: $197.08
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $381.08 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $841.38 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 16 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,049.63

FMJ - Day 617

December 7: Damn... found a penny for the third day in a row. Where, you ask? Coming out of the Simi Valley Target late in the evening... it was laying in the middle of the very dark parking lot. Almost didn't see it. A glimmer of light reflected of it from a passing car... keeping me in the money find game for another day.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.01
Bottles & Cans Collected: 2
Running Stats
This Month: $1.35
Last Month: $4.53
2007 Finds: $196.87
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $380.87(March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $841.17 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 14 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,049.63

FMJ - Day 616

December 6: Found a penny.... at lunch... at Carl's Jr. on L.A. Ave.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.01
Bottles & Cans Collected: 3
Running Stats
This Month: $1.34
Last Month: $4.53
2007 Finds: $196.86
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $380.86(March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $841.16 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 12 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,049.63

FMJ - Day 615

December 5: Found a penny while vacuuming our car at the Shell Station on Yosemite Ave.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.01
Bottles & Cans Collected: 1
Running Stats
This Month: $1.33
Last Month: $4.53
2007 Finds: $196.85
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $380.85(March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $841.15 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 9 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,049.63

FMJ - Day 614

December 4: Found two pennies at the 99 Cents Only store. Hey, where are the other 97 cents?

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.02
Bottles & Cans Collected: 2
Running Stats
This Month: $1.32
Last Month: $4.53
2007 Finds: $196.84
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $380.84(March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $841.14 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 8 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,049.63

FMJ - Day 613

December 3: Ajay found a dime at Best Buy in Porter Ranch. I found a dime at the Wal-mart next door.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $1.10
Bottles & Cans Collected: 2
Running Stats
This Month: $1.30
Last Month: $4.53
2007 Finds: $196.82
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $380.82(March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $841.12 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 6 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,049.63

FMJ - Day 612

December 2: I didn't find anything.

FMj - Day 611

December 1: Maya found a single dollar bill at her school. I found a dime at Carl's Jr. on L.A. Ave.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $1.10
Bottles & Cans Collected: 4
Running Stats
This Month: $1.10
Last Month: $4.53
2007 Finds: $196.62
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $380.62(March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $840.92 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 4 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,049.63

End of the Month Stats - November 2007.

End of Month Stats:
Total found - November 2007: $4.53
Average Amount Found per Day: 15 cents

Holdings
FMJ Fund - Stock Held:
19.337 Shares/PEI Worth: $667.71
20.903 Shares/GRT Worth: $405.73
B&C Fund - Stock Held:
39.898 Shares/UDR Worth: $878.95

Total Stocks Held Value: $1,952.39
Stock purchase cost: $1,766.99
Excess Value of Stock Over Cost: $219.25

Other Funds Owned:
Non-deposited FMJ Funds(still in the jar): $14.81
FMJ Savings Account: $71.91
Note: a jar count on November 1, 2007 was done and $200.00 deposited in the savings account to cover the purchase of more shares in PEI. On October 24, $147.00 was used for the purchase of 3.991 shares of PEI.

Dividend & Interest Income
This month: $0
Savings Interest 2007: 98 cents
Savings Interest 2006: $1.77
Dividends 2006: $34.30
Dividends 2007: $77.02
Non-reinvested Dividends: $17.10
Total Dividends Received: $177.37 (Since 2003 merger of CWN & PEI)

Total Asset Value of FMJ Fund: $1,160.16

Bottles and Cans Fund
This Month: $1,049.63
Cash used to purchase stock: $1,013.17
Cash Account Balance: $36.46
Sept. 30, 2007: $999.18
B&C Stocks/cash value: $915.41
Decrease in B&C Fund: $33.77

Total Value of Both Funds: $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: ($155.32)

* Decrease due unfavorable share prices for REITs.

FMJ - Day 610

November 30: We found a dime at Carl's Jr. on L.A. Ave.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.10
Bottles & Cans Collected: 1
Running Stats
This Month: $4.53
Last Month: $3.89
2007 Finds: $195.52
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $379.52(March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $839.82 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 204 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,049.63

FMJ - Day 609

November 29: We found a a dollar bill, a dime and nickel outside the Big Lots in Cerritos, CA.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $1.15
Bottles & Cans Collected: 4
Running Stats
This Month: $4.43
Last Month: $3.79
2007 Finds: $195.42
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $379.42(March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $839.82 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 203 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,049.63

FMJ - Day 608

November 28: No finds or bottles collected.

FNJ - Day 607

November 27: We found two dimes and a penny. The first find was a dime and penny at the Taco Bell on Cochran Ave. In the evening, I did a little gracery shopping at Albertson's on L.A. Ave. and Stearns Ave. I found a dime in the coin counting machine.

BTW, groceries are getting more expensive week by week. For example, the price of Yoplait yogurt in now 99 cents each... It was 65 cents when I moved here two years ago.
A gallon of milk is now $3.99! OUCH!

Our bottle and can collection total from the weekend was 37.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.21
Bottles & Cans Collected: 37
Running Stats
This Month: $3.28
Last Month: $3.79
2007 Finds: $194.27
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $378.27(March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $838.67 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 199 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,049.63

FMJ - Day 606

November 25: No finds... but we did collect a lot of bottles and cans during our 4-day stay in Cerritos for the Thanksgiving Holiday. Thursday, a party for the bride at her parent's home. Friday was for shopping and movies! Saturday, we attended my wife's cousin's wedding at the Long Beach Hyatt Hotel and partied it up at El Ranchito in Santa Ana on Sunday. Too much, too much fun, I tell you...

I'll tally the bottles and cans on my next post.

FMJ - Day 605

November 24: Found 2 pennies at the McDonald's on South St. in Cerritos, CA.

FMJ - Day 604

November 23: Found a dime and a penny in Cerritos, CA. Both coins were found while shopping at Cerritos Mall.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.11
Bottles & Cans Collected: 6
Running Stats
This Month: $3.05
Last Month: $3.79
2007 Finds: $194.04
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $378.04(March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $838.44 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 160 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,049.63

FMJ - Day 603

November 22: No finds. No turkey, either! We attended a party for my wife's cousin, a bride to be.

FMJ - Day 602

November 21: No Finds. A few bottles.

FMJ - Day 601

November 20: NO FINDS.

FMJ - Day 600

November 19: I found 2 pennies at the Wells Fargo Bank on Cochran Ave. in Simi Valley. I was making a deposit and someone before me had left them on the counter near and empty teller window. Strange... just giving money to the banks. I guess someone thinks the banks are in trouble and could use a few extra pennies. Thanks for the donation!

In the evening, we shopped at Topanga Promenade Mall in Woodland Hills, CA. Ajay and I scooped up a dime and 4 pennies while cruising the mall.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.16
Bottles & Cans Collected: 15
Running Stats
This Month: $2.94
Last Month: $3.79
2007 Finds: $193.93
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $377.93(March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $838.33 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 154 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,049.63

FMJ - Day 599

November 18: No finds but the kids did collect some bottles and cans while attending my tennis team match.

FMJ - Day 598

November 17: No Finds.

FMJ - Day 597

November 16: Found 8 pennies during a fill-up at the Shell Station on Yosemite Ave.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.08
Bottles & Cans Collected: 4
Running Stats
This Month: $2.78
Last Month: $3.79
2007 Finds: $193.77
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $377.77(March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $838.17 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 139 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,049.63

FMJ - Day 596

November 15: Found a dime and three pennies while dining at Carls, Jr. on L.A. Ave.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.13
Bottles & Cans Collected: 3
Running Stats
This Month: $2.70
Last Month: $3.79
2007 Finds: $193.69
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $377.69(March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $838.09 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 135 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,049.63

FMJ - Day 595 Recycling!

November 14: No money finds. Thanks go to Glenn on Saturday for finding a bunch of beers cans and donating them to the B&C Fund. The kids and I did a turn-in of our bottles and cans and received $11.90 for our efforts.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.00
Bottles & Cans Collected: 2
Running Stats
This Month: $2.57
Last Month: $3.79
2007 Finds: $193.56
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $377.53(March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $837.93 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 132 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,049.63

FMJ - Day 594

November 13: Found nothing.

FMJ - Day 593

November 12: Found 3 pennies. The first penny was found during my morning walk through the streets of Simi's Texas Tract. The next find was made after the kids school when we stopped for a snack at Taco Bell on Cochrans Street -- 2 pennies.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.03
Bottles & Cans Collected: 6
Running Stats
This Month: $2.57
Last Month: $3.79
2007 Finds: $193.56
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $377.56(March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $837.96 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 130 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,037.73

FMJ - Day 592

November 11: Found 2 pennies in Cerritos, CA along Pioneer Blvd.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.02
Bottles & Cans Collected: 2
Running Stats
This Month: $2.54
Last Month: $3.79
2007 Finds: $193.53
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $377.53(March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $837.93 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 124 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,037.73

FMJ - Day 591

November 10: Found 4 pennies while shopping in Moorpark, CA. The kids came to my tennis team match and collected 65 bottles and cans from the courts.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.04
Bottles & Cans Collected: 65
Running Stats
This Month: $2.52
Last Month: $3.79
2007 Finds: $193.51
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $377.51 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $837.91 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 122 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,037.73

FMJ - Day 590

November 9: Found 79 cents. During my morning jog, I found two pennies in a muddy tree bed near a sidewalk on Corpus Cristi Ave. Then, I stopped at the McDonald's on Yosemite Ave. for breakfast and found a quarter resting in the change shoot of the newspaper machine. In the evening, we did the Topanga Promenade Mall jaunt. Ajay and I found a quarter, 2 dimes and seven pennies.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.79
Bottles & Cans Collected: 14
Running Stats
This Month: $2.48
Last Month: $3.79
2007 Finds: $193.47
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $377.47 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $837.87 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 57 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,037.73

FMJ - Day 589

November 8: A single dollar bill found at the 99 Cents Only store on Tapo St.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $1.00
Bottles & Cans Collected: 2
Running Stats
This Month: $1.69
Last Month: $3.79
2007 Finds: $192.68
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $376.68 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $837.08 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 43 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,037.73

FMJ - Day 588

November 7: Found a single penny while making a run to the Porter Ranch Wal-mart. We'll add it to the next days totals.

FMJ - Day 587

November 6: Found 30 cents and a coin from the former West Germany (no longer in use since the advent of the Euro.) All coins were found in the Ralph's on L.A. Ave. atop the coin counting machine.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.30
Bottles & Cans Collected: 8
Running Stats
This Month: $.69
Last Month: $3.79
2007 Finds: $191.68
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $375.68 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $836.08 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 41 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,037.73

Recycling Update.

November 6: Today, I returned several boxes of bottles and cans to the recycling center on Sycamore Ave. Collected $9.10 for this trip. Our bottles and Cans Fund now stands at: $1,037.73 **


** This figure represents the total cash received from all bottles and cans collected and redeemed. It does not represent an accurate value of the B&C Fund due to the pricing of stocks held by the fund and dividends received.

FMJ - Day 586

November 5: No finds. A few bottles.

FMJ - Day 585

November 4: 19 cents. I found a dime and nickel while having lunch at the Quizno's Sub Shop on Madera Rd. I also found two pennies during a walk. Ajay found two pennies at Heritage Park in Cerritos, CA while having a picnic with Mayma and Aunt Reshma.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.19
Bottles & Cans Collected: 3
Running Stats
This Month: $.39
Last Month: $3.79
2007 Finds: $191.38
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $375.38 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $835.78 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 33 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,028.63

FMJ - 584

November 3: 5 cents. All were found at the Shell gas station on Yosemite Ave.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.05
Bottles & Cans Collected: 18
Running Stats
This Month: $.20
Last Month: $3.79
2007 Finds: $191.19
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $375.19 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $835.59 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 30 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,028.63

Dividends!

On October 31, 2007, the newly purchased United Dominion Realty shares paid a quarterly dividend in the amount of $12.97. This dividend was automatically reinvested to purchase a .567 fractional share of the UDR stock at a price of $22.85 per share.

The B&C Fund now own 39.898 shares of UDR.

Dividend & Interest Income
This month: $12.97
Savings Interest 2007: 98 cents
Savings Interest 2006: $1.77
Dividends 2006: $34.30
Dividends 2007: $77.02
Non-reinvested Dividends: $17.10
Total Dividends Received: $177.37 (Since 2003 merger of CWN & PEI)

FMJ - Day 583

November 2: An evening shopping trip to Glendale Galleria Mall and 14 cents was found by Ajay and me -- a dime and 4 pennies.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.14
Bottles & Cans Collected: 6
Running Stats
This Month: $.15
Last Month: $3.79
2007 Finds: $191.14
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $375.14 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $835.54 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 12 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,028.63

FMJ - Day 582

November 1: A single penny was found on a walk near the kids' school.

Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.01
Bottles & Cans Collected: 6
Running Stats
This Month: $.01
Last Month: $3.79
2007 Finds: $191.00
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $375.00 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $835.40 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 6 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $1,028.63

End of the Month -- October 2007

End of Month Stats:
Total found - October 2007: $3.79
Average Amount Found per Day: 12 cents

Holdings
FMJ Fund - Stock Held:
15.425 Shares/PEI Worth: $588.47
20.903 Shares/GRT Worth: $464.05
B&C Fund - Stock Held:
39.331 Shares/UDR Worth: $933.72

Total Stocks Held Value: $1,986.24
Value at August 31, 2007: $1,032.76
Stock purchase cost: $1,766.99
Excess Value of Stock Over Cost: $219.25

Other Funds Owned:
Non-deposited FMJ Funds(still in the jar): $10.28
FMJ Savings Account: $218.91
Note: a jar count on November 1, 2007 was done and $200.00 deposited in the savings account.

Dividend & Interest Income
This month: $22.82
Savings Interest 2007: 98 cents
Savings Interest 2006: $1.77
Dividends 2006: $34.30
Dividends 2007: $77.02
Non-reinvested Dividends: $17.10
Total Dividends Received: $177.37 (Since 2003 merger of CWN & PEI)

Total Asset Value of FMJ Fund: $1,281.71

Bottles and Cans Fund
This Month: $1,028.63
Cash used to purchase stock: $1,013.17
Cash Account Balance: $15.46
Sept. 30, 2007: $999.18
B&C Stocks/cash value: $949.18
Decrease in B&C Fund: $50.00

Total Value of Both Funds: $2,230.89
September 07: $2,327.61
August 07: $2,217.07
July 07: $2178.49
*Decrease from Prior Month: ($96.72)

* Decrease due unfavorable share prices for REITs.