Sudoku

Sudoku is one of the most popular puzzle games of all time. The goal of Sudoku is to fill a 9×9 grid with numbers so that each row, column and 3×3 section contain all of the digits between 1 and 9. As a logic puzzle, Sudoku is also an excellent brain game.

Dave Says -By Dave Ramsey

Dear Dave, Is there any flexibility in your rule about not spending more than 25% of your takehome pay on rent or monthly mortgage payments? I live downtown in Washington, D.C., and I’m finding it’s pretty hard to do here. I make about $90,000 a year, but I’m spending a little over $2,000 a month in rent. Rent is my largest expense by far, and I don’t spend a lot of other money, so I’m still able to save a little and do other things. Can you give me your opinion about this approach?

-Tanner

Dear Tanner, True, I advise people to spend no more than 25% of their take-home pay on housing. Math still works in every city and state in the country. You don’t get a pass on math just because you live in Washington, D.C., even though Congress and a lot of other people there think you do.

But there’s really nothing magical about 25%. The purpose behind it is, I don’t want you to be house poor. If you find yourself still able to save and invest because you keep other financial aspects of your lifestyle so low, then you’re okay. The problem with most people starts when they’ve got a high cost of housing, and those payments put a real squeeze on their budgets. It doesn’t leave them enough room to save up to buy the next car, so that car becomes debt. The same thing happens with Christmas and vacations and everything else. They don’t have enough extra money to save for things because a huge chunk of their income is flying out the door every month wrapped up in rent or a house payment.

Now, you’re telling me your situation works for you because you’ve made room in your budget and live a very frugal lifestyle by choice. That’s cool. I’m not mad at you about that. But here’s the thing: Whatever you spend on rent disappears. And the more money you burn, the less you’ve got on hand for other things.

I’m not exactly sure how you adjust that in your situation. Maybe you move outside the city and commute, or perhaps you add a roommate into the equation. Or, maybe you’re fine with how things are and that’s the way you want to live. That’s okay too. But my reasoning behind the 25% figure—which is actually more of a guideline than a rule—is so you don’t become house poor. I want you to be able to save, invest and give generously. Plus, I want you to own your own home one day.

And you won’t be able to do that if everything you make is going toward big payments!

-Dave

* Dave Ramsey is a seven-time #1 national best-selling author, personal finance expert, and host of The Ramsey Show, heard by more than 18 million listeners each week. He has appeared on Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, Today Show, Fox News, CNN, Fox Business, and many more. Since 1992, Dave has helped people regain control of their money, build wealth and enhance their lives. He also serves as CEO for Ramsey Solutions.

Brian’s Painting

Ask The Motor Medics®

From

Dear Motor Medics, I have a question about mufflers. Let me start by saying I am 72 years young and drive a 2003 GMC ¾ ton diesel truck. This thing is mint, and I have about every gadget known to man installed on it. What I have not done is modify the exhaust. I deliver RV trailers cross country with it, and I wonder if adding a different exhaust may help with mileage. I see so many muffler systems on the road and some are so loud that I can hear them as they drive by with my windows up and air and radio on. I don’t want to have a muffler that overpowers me. Is there such a thing as a performance muffler system that is also quiet?

-Dan in Fargo, North Dakota

Dear Dan, Yes there are mufflers that are quiet and add performance. With diesel engines, a freeflowing exhaust system can make a difference in both power and mileage, especially if used in conjunction with a power programmer which we will talk about often on our talk radio show. An exhaust system alone can also give you a boost and bigger and louder is not always king. Check on the diesel truck forums and see what is working for others with the same model truck. You will find many systems that provide both the added power you desire while keeping the noise level you want inside as well.

-Take care, the Motor Medics

Dear Motor Medics, I found myself in a strange situation at my house late at night with no one to help me. I had driven to work earlier and when I tried to turn my car off, I thought I felt the key hang up a bit like it was going to stick and not turn off, but it did. I went to lunch, and it was no problem but when I got home it did stick and would not turn off past the accessory position. I did not know what to do so I left my key in the car overnight and I was uncomfortable with that. I took it to a shop where they were able to fix it for me, but it was not in my budget at this time. Is there anything I could have done to at least get the key out?

-Susan in Denver, Colorado Dear Megan,

Yes, there is a way to get the keys out of most cars when the ignition won’t turn off like yours did. It can be as simple as pressing a hidden button at the bottom of the steering column or on the console. Other cars require removing a panel to access the button and most can be accessed quickly. The internet has some great articles about how to access the hidden buttons. Look up how to do it and if you have this problem again, you’ll be able to get the key out.

-Take care, the Motor Medics For entertainment only. Always consult your local shop and follow all safety procedures before repairs. Come visit the Motor Medics® online at Underthehoodshow.com.

Albany Senior Dining

Mon., Aug. 14: Liver & onions or hamburger patty, whipped potatoes, gravy, mixed vegetables..

Tues., Aug. 15: BBQ pork on bun, tater tots, 3 bean salad, apple slices.

Wed., Aug. 16: Pizza casserole, green beans, garden salad w/Italian dressing.

Thurs., Aug. 17: Potato & egg bake, spiced pears, muffin/pastry.

Fri., Aug. 18: Pork chop, whipped potatoes, gravy, squash, applesauce. Pre-registration requested to dine daily. For more info. call 320-845-4070.

A Drive Funny

The family's teenage son had just received his brand new drivers license.

To celebrate, the whole family trooped out to the driveway and climbed into the car for his inaugural drive.

Dad immediately headed to the back seat, directly behind the newly minted driver.

"I'll bet you're back there to get a change of scenery after all those months of sitting in the front passenger seat teaching me how to drive," said the beaming boy to his old man.

"Nope," came dad's reply, "I'm gonna sit back here and kick the back of your seat while you drive, just like you have been doing to me for sixteen years."