Tires

I bit the bullet and brought the car in. For the first repair. My rear tires and brakes were needing replacement especially if I wanted to pass inspection next month. Looking at the busy schedule coming up figured now or never. It took me awhile to adjust to the idea of paying out more money for the car and last night I was starting to prepare myself for the cost. It’s a newer car after all, but it turns out that when the dealer I bought the car from last year said they’d put on new tires, they didn’t really put on new tires. I’m having to replace the set as three were worn to almost their end. So I have some gripes about the dealer and the misrepresentation. I’ll have to hunt up the documents I have from the sale and see if there’s anything to be done there.

On the upside, I think I have a new mechanic I like. They came recommended through word of mouth and the main guy, Ed has a good interface with the customers. Apparently they do a lot of the work on the towns vehicles and are reasonably priced. I liked Ed. I can see a long term relationship blooming here. I was able to drop the car off this morning and then walk two blocks and catch a bus into work, only an extra 5 minutes to the commute, if that. Pretty convenient.

On the downside, Ed called later this morning and the total is about two times what I had in my head. Good thing my holiday shopping is mostly done (spread out over the year) and we’re keeping it low-key this year. Bummer though as it doesn’t seem like my savings is growing as fast as I’d like it too even though I’ve gotten super aggressive about it. This won’t help. I really need to sit down this weekend and start researching about investing. I feel like I’m missing out on making my money grow, even my retirement funds. Any suggestions?

In other news, I’m at 242 on LinkedIn – so close to the half-way point of 250! Only 8 more people to go. I think I may be a little obsessed, but at least my professional development benefits from this obsession. And it isn't a fiscal drain. I've been diligently trying to stave off purchasing super discounted yarn from Yarn Zone - $20 bags! The red lilac keeps calling to me... must resist.