Thursday, December 27, 2007

Taking care of business

I've been busy replacing my driver's license, opening a new checking account, and getting notarized reports of my stolen Visa check card. I'm still kicking myself for my carelessness.

On the other hand, it's a humbling, naked experience to go about with only the cash in my diaper bag. It's much easier to resist buying extras without the insurance of my debit card. Not a bad way to kick off a new financial year, is it?

While we were at the express DMV downtown, we stopped in the Tennessee State Museum. Good, free field trip for school age children, with cool Paleolithic dioramas and artifacts.

11 comments:

Jenny's Vegcafe said...

It's really too bad you're having to go through this. But, it is a good warning to others not to even trust your valuables in a locked car parked in your driveway.

So, what have you passed up that you would have bought if you'd had your check card?

TJ said...

I love that photo! I'm amazed that you carry a camera everywhere (or it seems like it).

I'm so sorry that you had that happen to you. When my suv was broken into (5 years ago) the only thing they managed to steal was my Bible. I was so thankful nothing else was gone, and had hoped maybe they would read it. Unfortunately they dumped it in a neighbor's yard.

Anonymous said...

Maybe after things settle down you can give us a brief lesson about what to do if we needed to cancel and replace everything. I am not sure where I would start or whom to call first.

My husband has left his wallet in our car-- in plain view-- overnight. The car was locked but that wouldn't have stopped anyone. Half the time I forget to lock my car, and have left the checkbook under the seat accidently. We are all human! I think everyone has at least one incidence of forgetfulness.
Ruth

Meredith said...

Jenny, there's nothing in particular I have passed up. It's more the feeling that I have to be extra careful with my cash, since I don't have any insurance should my groceries cost more than what I have on hand.

This is the way people felt before credit cards. No wonder America is full of debt.

You truly do feel the cash as you spend it--EVEN if you've been spending cash for a long time now, and especially if you don't have any other way to pay.

Jenny's Vegcafe said...

Meredith, I think you're right about overspending when you have a fall back like a credit/debit card. I've often wondered if my using a credit card for almost everything was letting me overbuy. For awhile we did the cash envelope system but I hated dealing with the mountain of change in the envelopes. I'll have to consider another attempt at a cash system. I love the quilt btw.

Anonymous said...

Whew! After seeing the picture I was really suffering from fits of jealousy, I thought you had found this gorgeoous quilt at one of your "famous" thrift stores. You almost "tricked" me into making a thrifting trip to Nashville this weekend. That was a close call. Love, love, love your blog. Thank you so much for all the time and energy you put into it.

Judy

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry this happened to you! I've left my car unlocked so many times (I live on a farm but who says thieves won't stop here?) and how dumb is that? I'm sorry you had to go through this but it's a good lesson for all of us. Take care!

Kristina

Karla Porter Archer said...

Oh Meredith, I am just now catching up on things. So sorry to hear about your wallet! how awful. Glad you are beginning to get things straightened out with it.

Hope you had a Merry Christmas!

Blessings,
K

Amy said...

I'm sorry you've had to deal with all of this. :( Our car has been broken into twice, and we live in a nice area with little crime. Both times the thief just stole change- luckily I hadn't left my purse in the car either time, but, I've done it plenty of other times.

TheNormalMiddle said...

Someone broke into my car in Oct. and stole my purse (well hidden under a seat since we were at the park playing)

I had so much work to do to get the stuff fixed, and I hate to tell you this, but even 3 months later I'm still dealing with it on some levels :(

Hang in there....it makes you do a double take and you feel very violated. I'm sorry :(

Ms. Booty Homemaker said...

Oh, Meredith! Ouch. I had my diaper bag w/ all my stuff stolen a couple years ago. My identity, card, and checking account was thefted and used for close to a year. Maybe longer. Be far more diligent in keeping up with your details than I was.

XX