Treasurer’s Note Newsletter

Treasurer Frerichs as a boy, around age 8, climbing the stairs to exit a swimming pool

Helping You Build Good Money Habits

The 1980s seemed to be peak suntanning culture in America. In movies, the cool kids had a deep, dark tan. The ads for sunscreen focused on getting a nice even brown. In the summer, it seemed like everyone was grabbing some rays, and in the winter, tanning beds were a thing. I got caught up in the craze. I never visited a tanning salon, but I also rarely used sunscreen. I don’t think the sun’s harmful effects were clear to me until one particularly long suntanning session on our deck. Sure,…

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Twin toddler boys sitting on a chair, each holding a book

Comparison Is the Thief of Joy

After I wrote about the boys’ birthday, a few people asked me what their favorite toy was. It’s different every day, but without question their current favorite toy is the one their brother is playing with. And we often experience a meltdown when their brother does not relinquish it to them. The toy could have been sitting at the bottom of the toy chest for months, out of sight and out of mind. But as soon as their brother has rediscovered it and starts to play with it, that toy…

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Twin toddler boys riding small bikes on a sidewalk

The Days Are Long but the Years Are Short

When people ask how I am doing these days, I often respond “exhausted.” My job keeps me very busy and I enjoy it, but it’s not why I’m tired. Our twins are almost 3, and although I love them very much, I suspect they might be stealing energy from me. I don’t know how else to explain how at the end of the day, they seem to have so much, while I have so little left in the tank. They may look like a tough biker gang, but they can,…

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two men in suits standing in front of the illinois flag and united states flag

New Name, Same Mission to Help You Save

I recently spoke with an employee of the park district and mentioned how much I enjoy our neighborhood parks. She asked me which one was my favorite, and I realized I didn’t really know the official names of any of them. They all have names to honor important people, but for me, the location is more important. For my boys, each one has earned a nickname based on a special feature in or near the park. We frequently choose between “Ropes Park”, “Metra Park”, “Sand Park”, “Church Park”, and “Choo-choo…

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Mila the dog in the snow

Our Family Feels a Little Smaller

Mila, our family dog, passed away six months ago. It came soon after I last wrote about her. I thought I would share this news sooner, but Mila’s passing has been more difficult than I imagined. I was in the first grade when my friend’s dog bit me on the leg. I had a fear of dogs for a very long time, and it would be fair to say that I was not a dog person. When I met Erica, her dating profile didn’t quite say “Must Love Dogs,” but…

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