Dear Blake,
My wife and I have five kids and are always trying to save money. Do you have any suggestions that help save a few dollars here and there?
Signed, Bobby
From Des Moines, Iowa
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Dear Bobby,
It’s good to see that you are focused on managing your finances efficiently. One important tip is to develop as many friendships as you can within a few blocks of where you live. Make sure they believe that you highly value them, whether you do or not. Learn their schedules so that you can drop by their homes regularly for dinner… unannounced. The more friends you have, the more of a variety you can choose from. And because they are within walking distance, this also saves money on gas. Keep track of what dvds they have, so you can borrow them for your entire family to enjoy. Encourage your gullible neighbors to buy the latest ones, and even give them coupons for when and where they are on sale. But on the occasions when you just want to be with your wife and away from the kids and you don’t want to pay for a babysitter, here’s what you do. Drop your kids off at your local police station, and quickly drive away. They’ll be secure there and more than likely well behaved, as they see hardened criminals paraded past them and booked. You should also consider leaving them there permanently if you want to save even more money on some long term financial goals. Social services will take care of them, and your burden will spread evenly and fairly among the taxpayers of your local community. I hope this helps.
Blake