Flipperjo, your story is both eye-opening and really, really scary. Is everyone in North Dakota so corrupt? Isn't there any redress which won't cost you an arm and a leg to pursue? What happened to you is absolutely boggling and awful.

Back to Jawjaw's question: El Hubbo spends all day watching the stock market inch up and down. That's his new "job" (going on 10 years now) and he inhales the whole investment spectrum. He counts pennies. Plans his grocery shopping around this week's coupons. Never spends money on anything if he can help it. The good news is -- his financial machinations are adding a small income gain, as he's pretty conservative in his investment strategies. He also wants me to take a larger role in choosing stocks and investments zzzzz..... Thanks, but I already have a full-time job or two.

I've never been in debt. Never spent money that I didn't have. Never wrote a bad check. House and cars are paid for. Got insurance (health, car and homeowners.) Because of the nature of my business, I invest a fair amount of money on an ongoing basis for supplies.

We have an unreal number of credit cards, depending on who's offering us what at any given moment. Pay off the entire amount every month, on time.

Hardly ever buy non-business-related "stuff" although I have a nice computer. No cell phone, no cable TV, no electronic gadgets. Rent movies. Cook from scratch -- but good foods only, not junk. Most clothing bought on sale. When I travel, it's youth hostels or the back of my van for sleeping.

I've never had a lot of money, but I've always had what I think are necessities. Nice furniture, some of which I've had for 20+ years. Art work. I buy quality things to keep.

My one extravagance? A housecleaner twice a month.