The Economics of Deceased Cats

My cat died the other day. Instead of dealing with my grief, let's look at the economics of putting your pet down at home. Considering I spent roughly $800 on tests to figure out what was wrong with my animal, this seems like a bargain:

Home visit: $95
After hours charge: $20
Injections: $90
Transport: $30
Private cremation: $150
Total: $385

When I spoke to the doctor, she was very clear about all the costs, which was good. However, I would have paid her $500 to come and put my animal out of its misery and not blinked an eye. The doctor was very professional for what I imagine to be an emotionally wrentching job. I cannot imagine trying to retain my professional demeanor when a 6' 4" 250 lbs. man is crying like a school girl over an 8 lb. cat.

The really odd was picking up the ashes at the crematorium. They give you a bag to bring your pet home in with the name of the service on it. What am I supposed to do with this bag after I bring my cat's ashes home? Is anyone going to bring their lunch to work in a bag that says "XYZ Pet Cremation Services" on it?

CFA Level 1, June 2009

I sat for the CFA Level 1 for the second time a few weeks ago. While I was significantly more prepared for it this time than last time, it was still difficult. And, frankly, if I don't pass this time, I wasn't meant to pass. I'm unwilling to invest another 400+ hours studying for this test when in the long run it's not going to change my life. If I was 25, it'd be a different story, but I'm not.

That said, the real question is if I pass Level 1, do I sit for Level 2? Its another 400+ hours of stuyding, followed by another 300+ hours of studying for Level 3. If I could just find a school where I can apply my MBA and MA in Econ for credit towards a PhD, I'd do that.

Finally, anyone who can pass this has certainly mastered the material. Not that that means they are experienced and intellectually well rounded, but they did put in a herculean effort to pass the tests.

Let's get going!

Since the wifey is going to start blogging, I guess I should start posting things as well. Let's see what happens.