My oldest niece will be a senior this year and they 'have' to get their school pictures done by a professional. Cost $500 - 1500. Unreal. My sister opted for the cheapest package at $500. My niece was complaining because she bought the cheap package. I cannot believe this. $500 for pictures... for a year book. This is insane. My niece wanted my sister to pay another $80 to add her baby pictures. How do parents afford this crap and why do they do it? Why do they allow the schools to dictate these expensive extras?

I had a good mail week. Free sample of Dove deodorant plus 4 $1.00 off coupons on Dove products

Discover sent me a coupon for $10 off at Red Lobster when I spend $20. First time I've gotten something like that from them. But that's cool since I eat there quite often.

Vocalpoint sent me 5 $1.00 off Coke 12-pack coupons

I got my Staples reward check from months ago for $10+

I finished reading the library book Blue Smoke and Murder by Elizabeth Lowell. Mystery. Very good

I also finished reading the library book Live it up without outliving your money! : 10 steps to a perfect retirement portfolio by Paul Merriman. Finance. Very good. Good information on various asset types and how to invest in them.