Some friends invited me out on Thursday night, deciding to visit the local riverboat casino for some temporary amusement. Gambling has never had much appeal for me, but even so, I reluctantly agreed to join them.

After spending time just watching everyone else, I finally decided to try a slot machine for the first time in my life. Perhaps it was beginner's luck, but I wound up winning an $80 payout--and cashed out immediately.

Then on Friday, I called the cable company in regards to a simple question I had about my bill, and the friendly phone representative offered to reduce my charges by $22.96.

So I went down to the bank and used these bonus funds to purchase another $100 savings bond (Series I).

I've never heard of anyone trying to finance an individual share of the national debt, especially not as part of a New Year's resolution. And to be perfectly honest, I'm already starting to have second thoughts about the whole thing...

After all, why couldn't my resolution have been to date as many pretty girls as possible? Compared to my current goal, it might have proven equally challenging. But then again, it might also have been just as expensive!