The organization I work for is funded largely by state tax dollars. Obviously, the Covid situation will result in fewer tax dollars going to the states. Leadership at my organization has decided, rather than layoffs, to reduce everyone's salary, and reduce the amount they contribute to retirement.

The salary adjustment is on a sliding scale that ranges from a 0.5% cut to an 8.0% cut, with lower salaried people receiving a 0.5% cut, and the highest salaried people receiving an 8% cut. My salary is in the range where there is a 1.0% cut, which amounts to about $52 per month. If you want to do the math, you can now figure out my salary.

The amount that is contributed to our retirement has been cut in half, regardless of salary.

It's been clear since March that something would have to happen, and I prefer this method over layoffs. Everybody bleeds a little, rather than a few on the chopping block.

The changes go in effect September 1. Our fiscal year begins October 1, and that is historically when we are given our raises. I can't imagine anyone will be getting a raise this year, or that will wipe out the gains of this negative adjustment.

All in all, I'm happy to still have a job.

It's been about three weeks since I've made the deliberate decision to get in shape. Actually, my first step was about five months ago when I cut out soda completely. Three weeks ago I cut out other sweets and started an exercise regimen. I run/walk for 30 minutes each day, trying to run more today than I did yesterday.

Then there's my running shoes. They are ten or eleven years old. They're not exactly falling apart, but they've seen better days. I hesitate to buy a new pair because of the cost. I'm not even sure what a decent pair would cost. My soon to be ex wife bought this pair for me. Of course, the sky is the limit on the high end of what I could spend on shoes and other outfittings for running. I'm guessing I could get a decent pair of shoes for $50-$60. I should hop on to Amazon, and take a look.

I've lost about three pounds over the past three weeks (222 pounds down to 119, at 6'1" tall). I was 180 pounds in college. I'd say anything south of 200 would be a good goal, as long as I can find a way to maintain it.

I've found a way to make a little cash on Saturdays. I drive my Amish neighbors to a Farmers Market where they sell baked goods and locally grown organic produce. The market is 33 miles away (66 miles RT), the total day is about 8.5 hours, and I pull a trailer with my pickup. The pay is $140 for the day.

I don't know what to figure for mileage/wear and tear on my pickup, because I'm pulling the trailer, and that uses extra gas. I'm ball parking it at $0.70 per mile. So that's about $46 in mileage. So that means I'm getting paid about $11 for my time. And, I'm building good will with my neighbors. Plus, it really is a good time. I have been put in charge of displaying and selling the produce during the market.

The only real negative is that we leave at 5:45 in the morning, which is early for me. And I get home wiped out.

My eldest is going to college in a couple weeks. She applied for a bunch of scholarships, and has about $84K in scholarship money. That will go a long way in paying for her education.

She'll be attending Michigan State University. The biggest issue looming is, of course Covid. On or about August 4, the University president sent out a message to students that if they had the ability and desire, they were encouraged to stay at home and learn remotely. DD has decided to go to campus. She's 18 now, and made the decision on her own.

The atmosphere will be totally different that when my wife and I were there. No football Saturdays this fall. No stopping to watch the marching band practice.

Interestingly, she has been assigned the same dorm I stayed in freshman and sophomore years.

Hi. I've been gone for a while - about four years. I'm back, hopefully with some regular updates.

For those of you who follow the forums - you probably know that I'm getting divorced. I do know one thing about it - the financial implications are huge. I've retained an attorney, and my wife has retained an attorney. That's +$5,000, and we haven't stepped foot into the courthouse yet. Actually due to Covid-19, I'm not sure that we will ever step foot into the courthouse, but I think you get my meaning.

If you haven't read my entry in the forums, I'll let you know that it's about my retirement fund and penalties/taxes when it is inevitably split. Fortunately I found out that if the court issues a Qualified domestic relations order (QDRO), there are no penalties or taxes on that money.

So that question has been answered.

I still have questions on asset/liability splits and how much I will owe for child support/alimony. Don't get me wrong - I want to support my kids as best as I can. But it's like a huge question mark looming over me not knowing. I can't budget for the future. But, time will tell.

It feels good to be back so I can blog all of this out. Thanks for reading this far.