Readers sound off on Equifax, pennies, more
Readers, rejoice. Today this space is yours. Over the past few months, my mailbag has overflowed with comments, suggestions, praise and scorn from readers regarding topics tackled in my Kids & Money columns. Because this column is all about sharing ideas, here’s a sampling of my feedback, edited for clarity.
On preserving the penny From Brad: “Except for amusing kids, pennies — and nickels and dimes — have no redeeming virtue. The total economic cost of accounting to two decimal places must be huge, and totally unnecessary. It makes no sense. Says me, an accountant by training and instinct.”
From Robert: “As a Canadian visiting the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, I read with interest your column on the penny. As you point out, Canada dispensed with the lowly coin some years ago. Naysayers who argued we would be gouged at the checkout and that charities would suffer were dead wrong. Rounding up or down balances out, and we saw no increase in any item costs. Sales are still rung up to the penny if you use debit or credit. Pennies are still legal tender if you need to get rid of them, but they are then taken out of circulation.”
On defending yourself from the Equifax breach
From Gloria: “I have an alert on my credit card, which notifies me whenever a charge is placed either in person or online. This instant notification lets me know if someone is using my card number. Some may find this irritating, but I find it reassuring.”
On the cost of youth sports
From John: “You had an opportunity to write an honest article on youth sports and you blew it. Soccer, $1,400? This is for a recreation league. You will spend up to $10,000 easy for a travel team. Now do the math ... plus time, commitment, gear, meals, gas and lodging.”
On money lessons from the NFL player controversy From Lesley: “Please know that I ... admire the advice you offer parents about having conversations about money. I hope such conversations are balanced between advocating positions and asking questions. Parental lectures often fall on nagged-todeath ears.”
From Patti: “I agree kneelers have the right to voice their opinions. However, as you pointed out, the football field is their workplace. As a United States Postal Service employee, I could be disciplined for such a display of disrespect for the American flag . ... Group discussions (with your kids) of the impact of the kneelers is a great idea, especially taking in all aspects of the repercussions of their acts.”
From John: “Your column missed the point. They are protesting about the treatment of African-Americans in this country. To be clear, I am an African-American and a Vietnam veteran. My relatives (uncles, brother, son, nephews, cousins) served during World War I, World War II, the Vietnam war and the Iraq war. My uncles (World War II veterans) told how they were treated when they returned to the United States. In some parts of the country, the black soldier was killed or harassed for wearing the uniform.”
From Brita: “Being a Vietnam vet, it’s pretty clear how I feel about the flag controversy. You are right on your thoughts of all the possible ways to look at things.”
From Mike: “Is kneeling disrespectful? If so, why do we do that in church? Similarly, is linking arms disrespectful?”
From Randy: “I agree with your son that it’s easier to protest than offer solutions. But I would further ask him what should be told to protesters when their offered solutions reach deaf ears? Lastly, I’m in full agreement with your point about giving back to the community. That’s where tomorrow’s leaders learn to lead.”
Readers, thank you one and all for sharing, and for keeping me on my toes.
Questions, comments, column ideas? Send an email to sbrosen1030@gmail.com.