TO REFRESH:
As the 2007 convention date neared,I noticed that several members mentioned that they just could not afford to attend.
Let's face it...there are people who live on a fairly tight budget and I happen to be one of them.
I realize that there are just under 300 days to our next convention in 2008 and I got to thinking about ways for members to make it next year without burdening themselves financially.

Every year,especially at vacation time,I hear people complain that they just do not have the money to do things that they used to be able to do: Prices rise;inflation;cost of living;salaries staying the same,etc.,and the blame for not having any money is usually based on those reasons.
I came up with a plan based on what has been referred to as the STARBUCK'S FACTOR.
It is a simple yet effective explanation of why people do not have any "spare" money any more and it goes like this:
A specialty coffee costs about $3.00 each.Five coffees a week is $15.00. Five a week based on a 52 week year is now $780 per year!
Gossip magazines:what?...maybe $4.00 each? You buy 2 a week.That is $8.00.Yep...over $400 a year to read that Oprah might be gay,or perhaps that Paris and Lindsay are "out of control?" Uh huh...giving up a vacation is sure worth that,especially since I can watch the same news on ET for free!
Poker magazines: $7.00 each....5 per month...that's $35.00 a month and $420 per year so that I can read how the pros play pocket aces!
Guess what? I have not even begun to list the monetary "vices" which we have and already I realize that I have just saved $1700 by giving up the above 3 mentioned items.
Now don't get me started on daily trips to Mcdonald's.Toys at Mcdonald's.Cigarettes.Lottery tickets. Candy bars.Beers at the bar instead of home:....hmmm...a beer at home is $1.50 and at the bar is $3 or $4? Do the math.
New pocketbooks at $9.95.One per week maybe.WOW...that is $520 right there.
Now...imagine if you cut way back on your vices.If you set a goal of saving $5.00 a day into a piggy bank or or special jar/tin.I am not suggesting you give up everything...just cut back a bit.Need your Starbuck's fix?Fine have two a week instead if 5 or 6.Think about that money saved as a deposit on your trip next year.Realize that you will benefit yourself financially as well as physically.
Need a pocket book to read? Get a used copy or go to the library and get something there.
Every time you think of buying that item you really do not need,think of the fun that you will miss next year.

SO.....after you read this I want you to think about the 2008 convention.Think about your "vices" which you might be willing to give up to attain your goal.
AND NOW....AFTER ALL OF THIS READING....PREPARE YOURSELF FOR THE CONTEST OF THE YEAR!! in which all members can participate.
DETAILS IN NEXT POST COMING UP IN A FEW MOMENTS.
Get yer piggy banks and cameras ready.