Moaning About Money

I’M SPENDING MONEY like water, even though I’m a tightwad, or so says my wife.

We’re on vacation—well, sort of. Since we’re retirees, “vacation” has less meaning. Still, we are away from our principal residence in New Jersey, instead spending the summer at our house on Cape Cod.

At various points, some of our four children and 13 grandchildren arrive—but, fortunately, not all at once. The house goes from quiet to pandemonium. Even so, it’s a bit depressing when they all leave and it’s quiet again.

Over the years, we’ve developed traditions, stuff we have to do. Mini golf—now $14 a person. The beach—parking sticker $35 a season. Go-carting, bumper boats, baseball batting cage—each $9 a try. Craft shows—highly variable. Golf—$97 for two. And, of course, feeding them all, plus a few dinners out for the gang. This week, we spent $400 on dinner out for eight.

My wife just told me I need to make another trip to the ATM—$3.50 fee. My moan caused her to say, “I know you’re stressed, but it’s our vacation.” My moan wasn’t serious, though. I get it, and I also get how fortunate we are to be able to do what we do and to have family around.

A few weeks ago, my stress was more authentic, as I watched our investments drop. But lately, I’m on a high. One day recently, we were up $47,000. Another day, another $17,000. At the end of the month, tax-free interest payments will buy more shares of our mutual funds. Let the good times roll.

The thing is, we’re still nowhere near breakeven since March 1. Emotions have a powerful effect, especially when it comes to money. If things look good, I’m more inclined to spend. When they’re down, I tend to moan.

We have a hiatus at the moment. We’re down to one grandson staying with us. Tomorrow, another crew of four arrive. It will be back to the ATM. The supermarket limits cash back to $50 and my bank is nowhere in sight.

Can we please have a mini-bull market, at least until the end of August? I fear my wife’s reaction to another moan.