2 Broadcaster Press December 27, 2016 www.broadcasteronline.com Dave Says Dave’s Take on Layaway Dear Dave, counts and cut up the cards. Instead, he wants to keep them in How do you feel about using laya- a drawer and use them as an emergency fund. He grew up really way programs? poor, and I think he’s afraid of being poor again. We both know Jay that’s not what you recommend, so what can I do to convince him to follow your advice? Lynn Dear Jay, I’m not a huge fan of layaway plans, because they’re not really the solu- Dear Lynn, tion to a problem. What’s wrong with I think rather than trying to convince him, it might be a better just saving up and buying stuff when idea to gently ask questions and talk things through. You said he you have the cash? I mean, Christmas grew up in poverty. What I’m hearing is that the cards represent a comes at the same time every year, kind of security blanket for him. I can understand that. But if you you know? It’s not like it snuck up on had $10,000 set aside for emergencies, you’d have the security you. of knowing that a transmission repair on the car or a new water Dave I know there are rare instances when par- heater for the house would only be a minor inconvenience — and ticular items are on sale, and you can take you wouldn’t have to go back into debt to make things right again. advantage of it through layaway if you don’t Explain to him that what you’d like to do is replace the credit have the cash at the moment. I don’t really cards with your own money. You’d also be replacing what they have a problem with that kind of thing in rare instances. But I do with a debit card. Ask him if there’s a reasonable amount you would not, under any circumstances, use a layaway plan that has two could have in the bank that would take away his worry and fees attached. You might as well borrow the money if you’re going stress. Talk it out, agree on the amount, and then agree that when that route. you’ve saved up and hit that number, the cards get cut up and the Here’s a good rule of thumb: if you don’t have the money, you accounts are closed. can’t afford it. And make sure you don’t get into the habit of lust- Just be patient and understanding. Above all, make sure you ing after things you don’t own, because that lack of contentment is work together. If he’s recognized the wisdom of getting out of debt always tied to people being broke. Just don’t make plans like this a and taking control of your finances, he’s moving in the right direcway of life, Jay. If you do, you’re liable to stay chained to layaway tion! programs just like you’d be chained to debt! — Dave — Dave RAMSEY * Dave Ramsey is America’s trusted voice on money and business, and CEO of Ramsey Solutions. He has authored seven bestselling books, including The Total Money Makeover. The Dave Ramsey Show is heard by more than 12 million listeners each Dear Dave, week on 575 radio stations and multiple digital platforms. Follow My husband and I are trying to follow your plan. We’ve paid off Dave on Twitter at @DaveRamsey and on the web at daveramall of our credit cards, but he still doesn’t want to close the ac- sey.com. Credit Cards Are Not an Emergency Fund Depositing of Snow, Debris Onto City or Private Property Violates City Code With the fall and winter seasons underway, the City of Vermillion reminds residents that depositing leaves, grass, snow, or any other debris onto their neighbor’s or city property or in the city street is a violation of the city’s Code of Ordinances. The specifically referenced section states: (3) The depositing, placing, throwing, blowing, pushing or accumulation of any ice or snow from private property, sidewalks, or driveways onto or across any street, alley, or sidewalk, as to impede storm drainage, the passage of vehicles upon a street or alley, the passage of pedestrians upon a sidewalk, or create an otherwise hazardous condition by a property owner, occupant, agent, employee, or person effectuating snow removal activities, except when the city's street superintendent has determined that it is imperative to do so; and (4) The depositing, placing, throwing, blowing, raking, or ac- cumulation of leaves, grass or any other debris likely to be washed into a storm sewer from private property, sidewalks, or driveways onto or across any street, alley, or sidewalk, as to impede storm drainage, the passage of vehicles upon a street or alley, the passage of pedestrians upon a sidewalk, or create an otherwise hazardous condition by a property owner, occupant, agent, employee, or person effectuating lawn care services. (5) The presence of prohibited snow and ice conditions described and specified in §96.12(A) beyond 24 hours after any fall of snow or freezing rain is hereby declared to be dangerous to the health, repose, and comfort of the city and hereby declared to be a nuisance. (1975 Code, §15-51) (Ord. 849, passed 8-6-1984; Am. Ord. 1125, passed 4-5-2004; Am. Ord. 1247, passed 1-17-2011; Am. Ord. 1329, passed 5-18-2015) Find the Right People Advertise your job openings in the Broadcaster. 201 W Cherry Vermillion 624-4429 Let The Broadcaster and Plain Talk Make Cash For You! Kick Off the New Year Serving Those Who Served Please join the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 1 of Vermillion in assisting the Department of South Dakota American Legion Auxiliary and partners in the fifth annual Veterans’ Holiday Relief Drive through Jan. 30, 2017, providing a comfortable holiday season to local veterans, military members, and their families that may be homeless or in need. Help provide Welcoming Buddy Baskets and Buddy Bags filled with essential household or personal care items. A Buddy Basket may consist of a Laundry Basket/Waste Basket filled with: paper towels, laundry detergent, household cleansers, rubber gloves, cleaning sponges, dust pan with hand brush, light bulbs, flashlight, batteries, alarm clock, shower curtain with rings, bath towel set, bathroom tissue, dishes, eating utensils, dish soap and a dish towel set frosted with clear wrap, bow, and greeting tag. A Buddy Bag may include personal hygiene products, hand towel set, shower shoes or slippers, socks, hat, gloves, scarf set; shopping or salon gift card sealed with a note or card of appreciation. Substitute, homemade, and single items, and monetary contributions or shopping gift cards are welcome. The Vermillion drop-off location is The Broadcaster/Plain Talk at 201 W Cherry Street. Monetary donations may be mailed to: SD American Legion Auxiliary, Attn: Vets Relief Drive 129 North Main Avenue Hartford, SD 57033 or American Legion Auxiliary Unit 1, Attn: Vets Relief Drive 16 East Bloomingdale St. Vermillion, SD 57069-3071. Additional information and statewide drop-off locations available at: SDLegionaux.org, Autumn Simunek at VeteransHRD@gmail.com, or 605.890.3093. The Spirit of Christmas By Daris Howard Playing Santa each Christmas helps remind me what this season is all about. People ask me how much I charge, and my answer is always the same. “I don’t.” Because of how busy I am in December, I can’t do very many, but what I do, I like to do for free. I enjoy the wonder and joy in the faces of the children, and that is my pay. Usually, I visit big groups, but now and then, if there is a child that needs a special visit, I try to make time for them. One particular Christmas, a mother called and talked to my wife, Donna. The lady said she had a little boy named David who had extreme autism. He was almost five years old and had hardly said a word. He lived in his own world and seldom let anyone else into it. She told my wife that David desperately wanted Santa to come visit. She also said that that wish was one of the few things he had ever communicated to anyone. When I arrived home, Donna told me about her visit. I looked at my schedule and didn’t think I could possibly squeeze in one more thing. But as I continued to think about this little boy, I knew I needed to take the time, so I requested more information. The mother gave Donna the names of each of her children, their ages, a brief description, and something particular about each one. I especially wanted to know about David; what he liked, what he hoped for from Santa, and any other details I could get. David’s mother said that he especially liked toy cars. He thought it would be the most wonderful experience in the world if Santa would bring him some toy cars and also play with him. Donna wrote the information down, and I spent some time memorizing it. The mother promised that she would have toy cars sitting in the living room. She also said she would have presents for each of the children in the mailbox. When I arrived, I went to the mailbox and collected the gifts. I then started jingling the bells I was carrying and knocked on the door. When a girl opened it, I thought of the descriptions of the children and decided she must be the tenyear-old. I hoped I was right. “Hello, Mary, how are you?” She gasped and ran to the other room. I heard her say to her older sister, “Santa’s here.” “Santa doesn’t exist,” the older sister said. “Well, he knew my name.” “Big deal,” the older girl said. “I know your name, and I’m not Santa.” They came to the door, with the older girl in the lead, and I said, “Hello, Susan.” She rolled her eyes, so I said, “I hope you still want that stage makeup for your part in the school Christmas play.” Susan gasped and covered her mouth. I then mentioned something personal to each of the other children, including the baby sister. I handed out the presents, and the mother, who stood by grinning, told the children they could open them. Susan’s had stage makeup, and each child, likewise, unwrapped an item I had dropped a hint about. Finally, it was David’s turn. He opened his present and found toy cars. “You know what?” I said. “I love toy cars. I see you have a roadway, a garage, and everything. Can I play cars with you?” David nodded and handed me a couple. I sat on the floor, and we raced them around the roadway and in and out of the garage. Meanwhile, the other children, especially Susan, stared at me. After a brief time, I finally stood. “Well, I guess I better go visit some other children.” David ran to me and hugged my waist. I patted his head and said, “You be good, and we’ll have something more for you in a couple of weeks.” He nodded and hugged me again. I went on my way, feeling like I had once again been the one who was truly rewarded. A few days later, I saw a posting on Facebook by the mother. She said that after I left, David had called his grandparents. He told them all about his experience. And even though most of what he said no one understood, they did understand when he said, “Santa come play cars me.” And I smiled as I once more remembered that all of us carry a little of the spirit of Christmas when we give of ourselves. Christmas Tree Drop-Off Open Until Jan. 13 The Christmas Tree collection site is open from December 12 to January 13 and accepts real trees. The site is located on the south side of Broadway Street just west of Dakota Street. Please remove any plastic that you might wrap the tree in for transporting it as well as lights and decorations. The site will accept trees until January 13. Consider it... 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A 31-word ad is the cost only goes up $.50 per word only thereafter. 90¢ and the cost only goes up 50¢ per word thereafter. Place your ad by calling the Broadcaster/Plain Talk office at 605.624.4429 or by stopping in at 201 W. Cherry Street today!