Dominique P

It's been a long time since I've seen a store that does this.

Family of 4 living in the vicinity of a major Ohio city (Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton, Youngstown, Cleveland--doesn't matter which). Parents are late 20s.

One parent working, one staying home (doesn't matter which one) until the kids are both in school. Once the kids are in school, the second parent can go to work, but only part-time until the kids both go to college. The part-time income must not be relied upon for paying bills.

The working parent puts 15% into a 401K and an additional 10% into savings. The family also gives 5% of the family income to charity.

They own their 4 br, 2 ba home with a moderately sized yard. It does not matter if it's city or suburban, but the house is in an excellent school system, or is at least in a safe neighborhood. If the schools are not good where the house is, they must be able to afford private education for both kids.

They do not have household staff. Babysitters are "as-needed."

Two reliable cars that are well maintained and replaced every 5 years or so (brand is unimportant).

They dress respectably well. Nobody wears Gucci or Prada, but nobody has to shop at Goodwill either (unless they want to).

They must be able to afford sports for the kids (too many schools,even good ones, on pay-to-play now to not consider this) and an additional lesson (music, dance, something) for each kid once a week. Kids can go to camp for a week every year if desired. They can afford the class trips too.

Once a year they take a family vacation for a week. Every other year this vacation is to relatives, the other year it is somewhere new. At least once before the kids leave for college this family will do a full-on Disney vacation.

Once a year, mom & dad go away together for a week.. The kids stay with relatives. Every fourth year this vacation takes them out of the country.

Once a year mom & dad (at separate times) take a long weekend with friends. Ie: girls/guys weekend away.

They shop at the regular grocery. They eat healthy, but are not vegetarians. They don't have to have everything organic (expensive), nor do they have a garden (cheap).

The only debt they pay is for the house and cars. Everything else is paid cash. They watch the bills. Utilities are reasonable. Mom & dad have cell phones. Kids get phones when they enter high school. They have only basic cable.

The family eats out once a month. Mom & dad eat out once a month alone and pay a sitter. Kids buy school lunch. All other meals are prepared at home. They go to an occasional movie.

When the kids go to college, mom & dad can afford tuition, room & board at the State University. Anything above that the kids have to come up with themselves. (This has been saved for in addition to the above referenced savings).

For argument's sake we will say both parents have a 740 credit score.

Both parents will be able to retire at 65 without a dramatic change to their lifestyle.

How much does the working parent have to earn for this to be a reasonable lifestyle?

Sorry for all the detail, but I'm trying to prove a point to someone.

What investment would give the very best bang for the buck when it comes to home improvement?

I only have $1000, but (as a gift) I really want to spend it on my parents' house. Where should I spend the money to get the best return on investment?

The house is livable, but getting old and everything about it (except the frame/foundation/roof) could use improvement.

We are in central Ohio, in case that makes a difference.

I have about 10% for the local market. I am considering borrowing another 10% from a relative to be able to put down 20% and then paying her back with the tax refund. Is this a financially sound idea? It would take 6-9 months to save another 10% myself and by then the homebuyer credit will expire. I am not looking at properties over 80K.

I am getting ready to start the house-hunt. I love the homes in the Old Town East area but can't quite afford it. I'm pretty handy and enjoy doing restorative type of work. So my question is, what is another neighborhood in the Columbus, OH area that is going to be improving? Where can I find older homes with character and decent lot size that are ready for improvement with neighborhood improvement on the horizon? I would especially appreciate recommendations in the southeast quarter of the city and close suburbs.

I am looking for a song by a female country singer.

I assume it's called "One Night Stand" but I might be wrong. I Googled and Yahooed it and no luck, so here's the lyrics I remember, maybe someone knows the artist & album.

One lipstick stain, faded pink.

One phone number, in purple ink,

One pocket with one golden band

One broken promise and

One Night Stand

Thanks!

Artists record more songs than ever wind up on albums. I have found a few on YouTube that I really like but aren't on an album or available for download that I can find.

How do I get something like this without scamming the recording company or the artist?

First of all, let me say I routinely give 10% of my income to charity.

I don't know why, but I have a problem with ultra-rich celebrities telling me what I should do with my money. The price of Madonna's false eyelashes could feed a small country.

Just once I want to see a celebrity really put their money where their mouth is. I want to see one of them take their millions and move into an average home (say $250,000 or so) in an average neighborhood. Shop for clothes at Macy's or Dillards instead of Versace. Drive an average car (say $30,000 or less) and do other average things like fly commercial.

THEN, I want to see them donate all the money they save by living this way to charity.

I'm not asking them to give up the free clothing they get for red carpet events, though it would be nice if they promptly donated it to Goodwill afterward, and I also don't think they should give up things like bodyguards, which they honestly need to be safe.

Anyone else ever feel this way?

I have an electric scooter that is street legal in Ohio, but I am having a hard time finding a company to insure it. Geico, for example turned me down on the premise that they simply do not insure electric scooters. Does anyone have a suggestion?