It's been a full week and I have avoided Starbucks all week. Instead, I've been making a Spiced Chai Latte at home. It costs less than $3 for a can from Trader Joe's and is really delicious! The checker suggested sprinkling some on vanilla ice cream which sounds yummy. . .
For breakfast I've been pretty good about bringing a muffin from home. I didn't go to the store over the weekend so I bought some cereal and a box of milk this morning at the c-store at work which was cheap (about $2.50).
Tonight I'll stop by the store and stock up on supplies for the week. Last week I ate lunch I brought from home 4 out of the 5 days (co-workers ordered pizza and I couldn't resist).
Over the weekend, SB and I went out with friends but we kept it relatively cheap. We had one beer out and then bbq-ed at another friend's home and brought our own drinks. I spent $25 which included my drinks, lunch, dinner, and snacks. Not bad.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Surprise!
I totally forgot that I had made an additional payment to store credit card #2 at the beginning of the month when I was paying my bills online.
What happened:
I had gone online to the store's website to make a payment because I was concerned that my online payment through my bank wouldn't make it on time (due on the 4th of the month). Last month, I got dinged with a $25 late fee for paying via my bank on the 1st - it did process in time. So, I paid the minimum online via the credit card's website . . . then went ahead with a $100 payment via online banking . . . and then for some reason I forgot I paid it and threw another $30 at the bill. When I checked the credit card's statement online yesterday, the smaller payments had hit but not the $100. Today, I checked my online bank statement and saw the posting for all three payments and promptly rushed back to the store credit card's website to recheck my statement. It turned out, I had paid the bill off entirely!! Actually, I have a credit now of $13.
So - let's update the figures!
Store Credit Card #1 is PAID OFF!!!
Store Credit Card #2 is: PAID OFF!!! HAPPY DANCE!!!!
Visa Balance: $153.46
Master Card Balance: $275.87 (just verified today this is the correct number)
Total credit card debt is now: $429.33
I've paid off a total of $759.80.
Wow, I can't believe that I have now two fully paid off credit cards and two others that are well on their way to being paid off. It feels GOOD.
After I posted yesterday about wanting to kick my daily Starbucks habit I also did some reflecting about my recent lunch eating habits. Lately, I've been eating out for lunch almost every day of the week. This not only has been unhealthful but expensive (at about $6-8/day).
After work last night, I went to Trader Joe's for the first time in awhile. They have really great inexpensive microwavable lunch options like bean and rice burritos, noodle bowls, and pre sliced fruit. I spent about $30 but stocked up on food for lunch for the rest of the week AND got dinner items as well. I also bought some chai latte powder mix which I tried this morning - it was delicious! I have a cute travel mug (from Starbucks) that I used and didn't miss the coffee at all. I also bought some bran apple muffins for breakfast - I didn't try one today but I will tomorrow for sure.
The confusion on my Store Credit Card #2 payments made for a happy ending but also makes me think that I really need to get serious about getting organized about my budget and my bill paying. A few months ago I posted about putting together a budget . . . and I've used Quicken in the past to track expenses and balance my check book . . . but I've never been able to stick with it. I realize that I need to make an effort toward making that a positive habit.
At any rate, I'm definietly stoked about the progress I've been making - slowly, quietly - and it feels SO good to know that in two months I'll be credit card debt free and ready to tackle the bad stuff on my credit report.
What happened:
I had gone online to the store's website to make a payment because I was concerned that my online payment through my bank wouldn't make it on time (due on the 4th of the month). Last month, I got dinged with a $25 late fee for paying via my bank on the 1st - it did process in time. So, I paid the minimum online via the credit card's website . . . then went ahead with a $100 payment via online banking . . . and then for some reason I forgot I paid it and threw another $30 at the bill. When I checked the credit card's statement online yesterday, the smaller payments had hit but not the $100. Today, I checked my online bank statement and saw the posting for all three payments and promptly rushed back to the store credit card's website to recheck my statement. It turned out, I had paid the bill off entirely!! Actually, I have a credit now of $13.
So - let's update the figures!
Store Credit Card #1 is PAID OFF!!!
Store Credit Card #2 is: PAID OFF!!! HAPPY DANCE!!!!
Visa Balance: $153.46
Master Card Balance: $275.87 (just verified today this is the correct number)
Total credit card debt is now: $429.33
I've paid off a total of $759.80.
Wow, I can't believe that I have now two fully paid off credit cards and two others that are well on their way to being paid off. It feels GOOD.
After I posted yesterday about wanting to kick my daily Starbucks habit I also did some reflecting about my recent lunch eating habits. Lately, I've been eating out for lunch almost every day of the week. This not only has been unhealthful but expensive (at about $6-8/day).
After work last night, I went to Trader Joe's for the first time in awhile. They have really great inexpensive microwavable lunch options like bean and rice burritos, noodle bowls, and pre sliced fruit. I spent about $30 but stocked up on food for lunch for the rest of the week AND got dinner items as well. I also bought some chai latte powder mix which I tried this morning - it was delicious! I have a cute travel mug (from Starbucks) that I used and didn't miss the coffee at all. I also bought some bran apple muffins for breakfast - I didn't try one today but I will tomorrow for sure.
The confusion on my Store Credit Card #2 payments made for a happy ending but also makes me think that I really need to get serious about getting organized about my budget and my bill paying. A few months ago I posted about putting together a budget . . . and I've used Quicken in the past to track expenses and balance my check book . . . but I've never been able to stick with it. I realize that I need to make an effort toward making that a positive habit.
At any rate, I'm definietly stoked about the progress I've been making - slowly, quietly - and it feels SO good to know that in two months I'll be credit card debt free and ready to tackle the bad stuff on my credit report.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Credit Card Update: Progress
Slowly but surely I've been tackling my credit card debt.
Store Credit Card #1 is PAID OFF!!!
Store Credit Card #2 is: $86.61
Visa Balance: $153.46 (and wouldn't you know it that they upped my limit $100 dollars as soon as I started making a visible dent in the balance?! Ha! I won't fall for your slimey tactics Visa!)
Master Card Balance: currently shows $375.87 but I just made a payment via online banking for $100 on the 1st that hasn't registered yet. Total balance there should be about $275.87 (depending on interest).
Total credit card debt is now: $515.94
My credit card debt started at $1,189.13 earlier this year. I've paid off $673 and have broken the cycle of keeping the balances at the max. AWESOME!
Sometimes, it doesn't feel like I'm making much of a difference but when I look at these numbers in black and white it sure does feel good to have those balances down. On November 1 I'll pay off the final balance of Store Credit Card #2 and Visa. I'll probably just make a small payment on the Master Card (to allow for the larger payments on the other two cards). In December, I think I'll be able to pay the rest of the Master Card balance . . . this means that by 2009 I will have zero balances on my credit cards!!!
Then I can start concentrating on paying off the negative debt. Wow! Financial Freedom here I come!
I'd also like to note that I have FULLY FUNDED $1,000 in my emergency fund!!!
I haven't been updating much but I have been making an effort to make smart decisions. I still make mistakes though. On Saturday I did a little shopping and went a bit overboard on shoes and a skirt that cost approx. $70 (on sale) each. I ended up taking those items back and putting $150 back into my account. It was hard but I knew it was wrong and that I shouldn't have bought them. I didn't even LOVE those items - I just wanted to spend. Bad habits die hard, I suppose.
I have a daily Starbucks habit that I've been unable to break . . . I need to really commit to making coffee and breakfast at home.
Otherwise, things have been good! I'll really try to update more here. It's a helpful and motivating tool when I use it.
xoxo, Mal
Store Credit Card #1 is PAID OFF!!!
Store Credit Card #2 is: $86.61
Visa Balance: $153.46 (and wouldn't you know it that they upped my limit $100 dollars as soon as I started making a visible dent in the balance?! Ha! I won't fall for your slimey tactics Visa!)
Master Card Balance: currently shows $375.87 but I just made a payment via online banking for $100 on the 1st that hasn't registered yet. Total balance there should be about $275.87 (depending on interest).
Total credit card debt is now: $515.94
My credit card debt started at $1,189.13 earlier this year. I've paid off $673 and have broken the cycle of keeping the balances at the max. AWESOME!
Sometimes, it doesn't feel like I'm making much of a difference but when I look at these numbers in black and white it sure does feel good to have those balances down. On November 1 I'll pay off the final balance of Store Credit Card #2 and Visa. I'll probably just make a small payment on the Master Card (to allow for the larger payments on the other two cards). In December, I think I'll be able to pay the rest of the Master Card balance . . . this means that by 2009 I will have zero balances on my credit cards!!!
Then I can start concentrating on paying off the negative debt. Wow! Financial Freedom here I come!
I'd also like to note that I have FULLY FUNDED $1,000 in my emergency fund!!!
I haven't been updating much but I have been making an effort to make smart decisions. I still make mistakes though. On Saturday I did a little shopping and went a bit overboard on shoes and a skirt that cost approx. $70 (on sale) each. I ended up taking those items back and putting $150 back into my account. It was hard but I knew it was wrong and that I shouldn't have bought them. I didn't even LOVE those items - I just wanted to spend. Bad habits die hard, I suppose.
I have a daily Starbucks habit that I've been unable to break . . . I need to really commit to making coffee and breakfast at home.
Otherwise, things have been good! I'll really try to update more here. It's a helpful and motivating tool when I use it.
xoxo, Mal
Monday, June 23, 2008
Totally not good at this blogging (or PF) thing. Ready for round 2.
Wow. It's been awhile. Since June! Ugh. I've definitely been thinking of this place but have been so so busy. Here's a brief update:
In June, I got in ANOTHER car accident! But it wasn't my fault this time, I swear! I got hit on a freeway transition ramp by a car who got hit by another car. Luckily, this time I didn't have to pay out of pocket for repairs because it wasn't my fault. I ended up driving around a rental for almost three weeks but finally got my car back by mid July.
A week after I got my car back I got a promotion! My boss offered me a management position which included a raise of 50%! It happened so fast that my head spun. On Friday, Boss offered me the position and told me to think about it over the weekend. On Monday I accepted (after consulting with many friends and family members). On Tuesday, I assumed the new position.
It was tricky (and still is) because I transitioned from an administrative support role to a manager with my own staff, including an admin I used to consider my peer. I've never managed before and I'm finding that the management side is much more difficult than the actual new job responsibilities. Luckily, Boss suggested to me two mentors within the company that are well respected so I'm meeting with them twice a month. Plus, I have one former boss who I've also asked to be my mentor that does not work in the company - I hope she can give me an outsiders perspective. Additionally, I've enrolled in a few management seminars for the "new manager".
Because I get paid monthly, I haven't seen any money yet from the raise. I'm expecting, after taxes, to be earning about 1K more a month. 1K free and clear of any bills or expenses! Wow! I'm so excited! I'll be able to do so much with it.
I do need to update my wardrobe to be more professional. The business casual I was able to get away with is no longer acceptable in my new role. I've already bought a few new pieces (3 pairs of slacks, two cardigans) but I'd like to get a crisp new suit and a new pair of pumps (I broke the heel off my brown ones which were over three years old).
After the wardrobe update (I promise to preplan my purchases and not go crazy), I'd like to throw money at the rest of my credit card debt and of course the emergency fund (which still does not exist). I haven't been great lately about managing my money. I haven't gotten into any trouble but I did pay two of my credit cards late this month which meant $25 late fees! UGH! And I was just a day late one of them . . . on the other I went to the store to pay it but they wouldn't take a debit card and I didn't have cash. Instead of paying the $1.50 convenience fee at the ATM I decided to pay it online, forgetting that there would be a massive late fee. Lame. I've also made some impulse purchases and have made Starbucks a daily morning destination.
An update on Luna's tail. I ended up canceling the vet appointment at SB's instance and after a day or two her tail did in fact start to get better. It turned out that she had a scratch at the base of her tail on her back that was preventing her from lifting it. I have no clue how she got it - I wish she could talk and tell me. On the bright side, within a week her tail was back to normal. SB was right!
So that's the update for now. I'm going to give this blog another try. I know it is a good tool and with my raise I need to stay accountable with my money. I've still been reading all of you although not commenting. I'll try to do better at that too.
xoxo, Mal
In June, I got in ANOTHER car accident! But it wasn't my fault this time, I swear! I got hit on a freeway transition ramp by a car who got hit by another car. Luckily, this time I didn't have to pay out of pocket for repairs because it wasn't my fault. I ended up driving around a rental for almost three weeks but finally got my car back by mid July.
A week after I got my car back I got a promotion! My boss offered me a management position which included a raise of 50%! It happened so fast that my head spun. On Friday, Boss offered me the position and told me to think about it over the weekend. On Monday I accepted (after consulting with many friends and family members). On Tuesday, I assumed the new position.
It was tricky (and still is) because I transitioned from an administrative support role to a manager with my own staff, including an admin I used to consider my peer. I've never managed before and I'm finding that the management side is much more difficult than the actual new job responsibilities. Luckily, Boss suggested to me two mentors within the company that are well respected so I'm meeting with them twice a month. Plus, I have one former boss who I've also asked to be my mentor that does not work in the company - I hope she can give me an outsiders perspective. Additionally, I've enrolled in a few management seminars for the "new manager".
Because I get paid monthly, I haven't seen any money yet from the raise. I'm expecting, after taxes, to be earning about 1K more a month. 1K free and clear of any bills or expenses! Wow! I'm so excited! I'll be able to do so much with it.
I do need to update my wardrobe to be more professional. The business casual I was able to get away with is no longer acceptable in my new role. I've already bought a few new pieces (3 pairs of slacks, two cardigans) but I'd like to get a crisp new suit and a new pair of pumps (I broke the heel off my brown ones which were over three years old).
After the wardrobe update (I promise to preplan my purchases and not go crazy), I'd like to throw money at the rest of my credit card debt and of course the emergency fund (which still does not exist). I haven't been great lately about managing my money. I haven't gotten into any trouble but I did pay two of my credit cards late this month which meant $25 late fees! UGH! And I was just a day late one of them . . . on the other I went to the store to pay it but they wouldn't take a debit card and I didn't have cash. Instead of paying the $1.50 convenience fee at the ATM I decided to pay it online, forgetting that there would be a massive late fee. Lame. I've also made some impulse purchases and have made Starbucks a daily morning destination.
An update on Luna's tail. I ended up canceling the vet appointment at SB's instance and after a day or two her tail did in fact start to get better. It turned out that she had a scratch at the base of her tail on her back that was preventing her from lifting it. I have no clue how she got it - I wish she could talk and tell me. On the bright side, within a week her tail was back to normal. SB was right!
So that's the update for now. I'm going to give this blog another try. I know it is a good tool and with my raise I need to stay accountable with my money. I've still been reading all of you although not commenting. I'll try to do better at that too.
xoxo, Mal
Thursday, June 5, 2008
SB and I disagree . . . .
I'm concerned my cat may have a broken or sprained tail but SB and I disagree about spending money for the vet for Luna tomorrow. His argument is this:
1. If she was in obvious pain we would know it. Her appetite is fine. Her personality is the same.
2. Cats are very resilient creatures. She needs time to heal and she'll be 100% in no time.
3. The vet will be expensive and a waste of money.
My arguement is:
1. I love my cat dearly and she is injured. Her tail is obviously wonky and she had a cut and a bald spot on it where she has been licking away her fur.
2. I'm concered that if she does not already have nerve damage she may suffer from it due to the weight of the tail (according to an Internet article)
3. If my child were injured then I would take him/her immediately to the dr. I consider my cat part of the family and it only seem right to take her to the vet.
4. $150 on vet bills is worth the effort to scrimp and save for the rest of the month. Even if the vet gives me an ointment for the cut and says it is nothing to worry about I will have peace of mind.
In the end, SB says it's my decision and my money so I can do what I want but I hate that we are disagreeing about this.
1. If she was in obvious pain we would know it. Her appetite is fine. Her personality is the same.
2. Cats are very resilient creatures. She needs time to heal and she'll be 100% in no time.
3. The vet will be expensive and a waste of money.
My arguement is:
1. I love my cat dearly and she is injured. Her tail is obviously wonky and she had a cut and a bald spot on it where she has been licking away her fur.
2. I'm concered that if she does not already have nerve damage she may suffer from it due to the weight of the tail (according to an Internet article)
3. If my child were injured then I would take him/her immediately to the dr. I consider my cat part of the family and it only seem right to take her to the vet.
4. $150 on vet bills is worth the effort to scrimp and save for the rest of the month. Even if the vet gives me an ointment for the cut and says it is nothing to worry about I will have peace of mind.
In the end, SB says it's my decision and my money so I can do what I want but I hate that we are disagreeing about this.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Update on Current Credit Card Debt/Pet Expenses
I just got up to the minute data on my current credit card debt and I'm happy to report that I've made significant strides - my total debt is now $886.70 down from $1,189.13 just a mere 3 months ago when I started blogging! This debt is spread across three cards and the fourth is now completely paid off. It's nice to see some progress even if it is still small at this point.
I'm debating which card to focus on now - the one with the highest balance ($462.76 currently) also has the highest interest rate. The smallest one is $164.19 (Store Credit Card) and then there is my M/C with $259.75. I know that most PF advisors would say to go for the largest and highest interest so I'm thinking that will be the one to tackle next.
In other news, Luna (my kitten) seems to have come home with a broken tail! I noticed it yesterday morning that her tail sort of hangs there from the tip of her back like a rope - she can't seem to lift it higher than an inch. Although she doesn't seem to be in much pain it's hard to tell. I've done a little Internet research and it seems that she has probably sprained it or broken it (how I have no idea!!). I called the vet and made an appointment for this Friday morning to have her checked out. Luna has been to two vets - one is a little pricer than the other so I'm taking her to the cheaper one. Even so, the visit will cost $45 just to be looked at by the Vet and if she needs x-rays it'll cost $99 (compated to $149.55 at the pricer vet). I'm dreading spending the money but I have to do it - Luna is like my child! I'm seriously thinking about getting pet insurance - anyone out there have any experience with that? Wish me luck - hopefully it's a mere sprain and won't require any expensive procedures or, worse case scenario, amputation!
I'm debating which card to focus on now - the one with the highest balance ($462.76 currently) also has the highest interest rate. The smallest one is $164.19 (Store Credit Card) and then there is my M/C with $259.75. I know that most PF advisors would say to go for the largest and highest interest so I'm thinking that will be the one to tackle next.
In other news, Luna (my kitten) seems to have come home with a broken tail! I noticed it yesterday morning that her tail sort of hangs there from the tip of her back like a rope - she can't seem to lift it higher than an inch. Although she doesn't seem to be in much pain it's hard to tell. I've done a little Internet research and it seems that she has probably sprained it or broken it (how I have no idea!!). I called the vet and made an appointment for this Friday morning to have her checked out. Luna has been to two vets - one is a little pricer than the other so I'm taking her to the cheaper one. Even so, the visit will cost $45 just to be looked at by the Vet and if she needs x-rays it'll cost $99 (compated to $149.55 at the pricer vet). I'm dreading spending the money but I have to do it - Luna is like my child! I'm seriously thinking about getting pet insurance - anyone out there have any experience with that? Wish me luck - hopefully it's a mere sprain and won't require any expensive procedures or, worse case scenario, amputation!
Monday, June 2, 2008
June Update
It's been awhile and I am so sorry! I have to admit the last two weeks I was not much focused on personal finance. I didn't do anything super crazy but I did go over my personal spending budget by an additional $120 when I bought a wet suit on Thursday. I went surfing both Saturday (with SB) and Sunday (with SB, Ed & Christa), and it was SO worth it. I plan on making up for it by not purchasing anything personal this month (or next).
One of my big accomplishments for the month, however, was that I paid off store credit card #1 in full. I went into the department store on Saturday and paid off the remaining $34 and change balance. I walked out without even a hesitation - ZERO desire - to buy anything. It was SUCH a great feeling and I'm on a small PF high. Today I checked my balance on the card and noticed that it STILL had a balance of $1.14 (must have been rollover interest) so I went ahead and paid that online. So I'm officially out of debt with one out of four of my credit cards!! Next I'm tackling the next small one, store credit card #2 which has about $265 on it.
I'm working on revising my budget for June and I am looking forward to seeing how the adjustments play out.
I started the summer 9/80 schedule at work which means that I work 9 hours a day and get every other Friday off. This will mean fuel savings of about $100 over the course of the summer in my estimation. Very cool! Plus, I get an extra day to just laze around, read, go to the beach, and be happy to not be at work!
I signed up for a Yoga class for the summer $50 for 3 months of classes -twice a week (pretty good deal!)- so I'm going to put my LA Fitness membership on hold so that will be a small savings. I may end up canceling the membership altogether. I still haven't looked into how much the gym at work costs. I'll do that this week.
That's it for now - I'll be back to update info on my budget and the side bars with my debt accomplishments for this month!!!
One of my big accomplishments for the month, however, was that I paid off store credit card #1 in full. I went into the department store on Saturday and paid off the remaining $34 and change balance. I walked out without even a hesitation - ZERO desire - to buy anything. It was SUCH a great feeling and I'm on a small PF high. Today I checked my balance on the card and noticed that it STILL had a balance of $1.14 (must have been rollover interest) so I went ahead and paid that online. So I'm officially out of debt with one out of four of my credit cards!! Next I'm tackling the next small one, store credit card #2 which has about $265 on it.
I'm working on revising my budget for June and I am looking forward to seeing how the adjustments play out.
I started the summer 9/80 schedule at work which means that I work 9 hours a day and get every other Friday off. This will mean fuel savings of about $100 over the course of the summer in my estimation. Very cool! Plus, I get an extra day to just laze around, read, go to the beach, and be happy to not be at work!
I signed up for a Yoga class for the summer $50 for 3 months of classes -twice a week (pretty good deal!)- so I'm going to put my LA Fitness membership on hold so that will be a small savings. I may end up canceling the membership altogether. I still haven't looked into how much the gym at work costs. I'll do that this week.
That's it for now - I'll be back to update info on my budget and the side bars with my debt accomplishments for this month!!!
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