So, I just want to have you all know that I am VERY happy with the election outcome last night. However, I am unhappy with people in general. I understand supporting and backing a candidate. I was an informed citizen. I did me research, I paid attention, I watched the debates, and I knew where my vote was going. Not only that, but I was informed enough that I could justify why I was going to vote that way. Until I realized that I didn't get my absentee ballot mailed to me this year. My parents had taken the liberty of doing that for me last time. I had not requested it this year and did not realize until it was too late that I could go to the courthouse here and grab one. :( So, I actually did not get to place my vote. History happened and I did not get to help be a part of it.
I log into my facebook account and the majority of my friends who have updated their status have commentary on the election. Those who were happy with the out come, cheered and expressed feelings of joy. Those who were not happy, made comments about moving to Canada and terrorism and socialism...I chose the high road.
I commened John McCain for his concession speech. It was so dignified and the way he acted and accepted defeat was, well, I can't find the word to describe but as close as I can get would be empowering. He actually gave me hope for politics. I am an Obama girl all the way. I love what Barack stands for, I understand his ideals, and I think fresh ideas are exactly what this country needs. But last night, as I was sitting in my tiny living room, watching history unfold before my eyes, I actually felt as though we were seeing two people for who they really are and not who the media was trying to make them into. A man who is going to be the change he wants to see in this world and another man who cares so much for his country, that he is willing to be supportive and encouraging in his time of defeat. and that, is all that one person can ask for....We have hope for the future and some days, that's all we need.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Apparently, I suck at blogging
.....because it's now November and I have not blogged since June/Julyish. So that's a good 5 months, almost to the day.
Well, let me tell you what kind of a difference 5 months can make in a person's life. Let's just start from the beginning and go from there because well, that just makes sense. Again, I promise this to be highly entertaining
So, a few days after I posted my last blog, myself and 3 friends travelled to the cities for a bachellorette party! Now, I had only planned on two big outings all summer long because last summer, it got a little crazy and with paying for school loans, I couldn't justify. So I planned on this bachellorette party and then a month later for the actual wedding. So we load the two vehicles (the bride was staying until the wedding) and head on out...Prior to this, I had just had my oil changed, car filled, fluids and tires checked, and a nice wash and vacuume. We hit the open road and I noticed about 60 miles in that my car was awfully noisy...but then again, I just figured it was the road or something. So we make it all the way to the SD/ MN border, after getting lost, Thanks Renae!, and stopping at my corporate office to drop off some things for work. We leave there, get about 30 miles down the road and *pop* there goes my tire! Mide you, I took Driver's Ed a whopping 10 years ago..do you think I remember my tire changing lesson? nope...so I called a friend from work for help, but the strong girls we are, we decided to do it ourselves instead, and we did. So this already sets us back because we left late, got lost, flat tire, had to stay in cheesey motel, a new tire (Thank you Monte Tire! you were great!), and a crazy good time at "The Hunt." So this little trippy was already costing me WAY more money than I had planned and we hadn't even made it to the cities. Anyway, we get there, have a great time, learn how to ride the pole, reconnect with old friends, and then head home...only to notice that I'd spent what was left of my pay check in 3 days.
So June happens, I keep working and towards the end of the month, I don't feel well...I'm tired my tummy is hurting me and I get a little visitor twice...bam bam..like no time intbetween. So then I'm getting worried. I continue to live life but am starting to wonder what is going on with me....I go home early from work on a Wednesday because I'm not feeling right. I have awful cramps and can't get comfortable. I've taken every over the counter lady drug you can think of, hot baths, heat pads, I tried it all..nothing could get rid of that. So, here I am, considering calling the lady doctor when I decide 'I'll do that tomorrow...' Well, tomorrow never happened because at 2am that next morning, I called my sister because I had woken with excruciating pain. The pain would not go away and I hurt so bad I could hardly talk. My sister told me to go to the ER, so my roommate graciously took me in. A pee test, an IV, numerous questions about if I could be pregnant or not, TWO caphaders (she didn't do the first one right) some morphine, xrays, throwing up all over the x-ray room, some anti nausia medicine, teradahl, CT Scan, blood work, and some old man yelling about "hoe'ing".....I find out that I have kidney stones.... Yup...the stones. The most awful pain I can imagine in my life. And what does the doctor tell me, it's right up there with child birth as far as pain, maybe even worse....but I'm going to be a trooper when it comes to delivery because I lasted a REALLY long time without drugs. Thanks for the compliment. So...what did this little trip end up costing me (after insurance) it's about $450.00...the power of insurance...get some! and then I missed almost an entire week of work due to the "stones" and then a couple of co-pays here and there for check ups and blood work and perscriptions. So, I'm giving this experience a $600.00 price tag. and a new found love for percacet :)
Not only did the stones keep me out of work for a week, but I was not able to hardly drive due to the medications and I was also not able to attend the wedding in the cities (not like I could afford it but still...) .
So, I get over the stones and then I'm working at the mall one Saturday, which happens to be Crazy Days, only to find out that some 88 year old lady was backing out of a parking spot, tapped another car who was also backing out, and freaked out, slammed her car in to drive, and nailed MY car, head on. She did about $3,000 worth of damage to my car. So, now here i am...life literally just gave me a lemon and I wasn't about to ask for some vodka. But, what comes out of the ashes, opportunity. The opportunity to sell my car I love, he's always gotten me where I need to go, never had a problem (minus the tire thing), and always been dependable...and i was willing to ship him down the road, just to pay off my credit card debt. Throwing the money from my car at my CC debt was mom and dad's idea...and a good one. However, there were many stipulations and it's been a learning process ever since. Somedays, I do SO good...and others, I'm horrible.
There was another very tragic loss this last summer as well. My family lost a very dear friend to us and it has really taken a toll on all of us. My younger brother's high school sweetheart was killed in a train/car accident. Had she been wearing a seatbelt, she may have only been badly hurt. Now, I've had a stellar year but nothing can compare to the pain that her family is feeling and the amount of suffering they all have gone through. And it stems out. She was a great person and everyone misses her dearly. I know that my younger brother esp. is having difficulty with this and it is a constant reminder to me that life is so short and I never want to see him in this much pain again. I made choices that got me in the situation that I am in so while I like to have these little pitty parties for myself, that's come to a screeching halt because I always remember that there are people out there with bigger problems than mine. We all miss you Kayla!
okay..so, now back to it....
I had to literally give my mom and dad every single credit card statement and bill. Do you know what that is like?! Oh man, it's the most exposing feeling I have ever had. All of my retail secrets were put out on the dining room table and and gone over with a fine tooth comb and magnifying glass. Mom and dad's stipulation for the paying off the debt (the sale of the car didn't cover it all but a nice chunk)....I had to see a therapist. Mom and dad drove up one day to make sure I went to my first session and then I had to check in with them afterwards and let them know how it went.
I love it. Going to see Patty is a highlight that I look forward to. She gives me suggestions and ideas and a lot of times, I end up talking through an issue on my own..it's like I just need to talk out loud and have someone in the room listening. She's been great and I've actually got a workable budget set up, I'm current on bills, and I know the difference between a need and a want. Not only that, but I am starting to feel like my old self again. I feel more like "me" than I have in so long, and that alone, I cannot put a price tag on.
I have also learned that some of my friends and acquaintances can't afford the lifestyles they were living either. So what have we done? We created a support system for each other. We will go out for dinner/drinks one night a week and each only spend our alotted $10.00 for the week. And while we're there, we chat about life but then we also visit about budgets and who is finding new ways to save money. Things that our parents did all along and we never cared to continue. And I'm also starting to research online more. I'm finding blogs from other people and books and tips and coupons..it's CRAZY how many frugal people there are out there
glutenfreefrugal.blogspot.com This gal is actually from here in Aberdeen...and I get inspired when I see her and her family out and about shopping. She has three kids, herself, and her husband. She uses a lot of Dave Ramsey's ideas as far as paying down debts and their household is gluten free. So, she really finds great deals and manages to stretch every dollar. Not only that, she's posts easy, affordable recipies,and the ones that i've tried, happen to be quite yummy.
So there you have it, that's what's going on with me...and this time, I'm really going to be a better blogger...watch out!
Well, let me tell you what kind of a difference 5 months can make in a person's life. Let's just start from the beginning and go from there because well, that just makes sense. Again, I promise this to be highly entertaining
So, a few days after I posted my last blog, myself and 3 friends travelled to the cities for a bachellorette party! Now, I had only planned on two big outings all summer long because last summer, it got a little crazy and with paying for school loans, I couldn't justify. So I planned on this bachellorette party and then a month later for the actual wedding. So we load the two vehicles (the bride was staying until the wedding) and head on out...Prior to this, I had just had my oil changed, car filled, fluids and tires checked, and a nice wash and vacuume. We hit the open road and I noticed about 60 miles in that my car was awfully noisy...but then again, I just figured it was the road or something. So we make it all the way to the SD/ MN border, after getting lost, Thanks Renae!, and stopping at my corporate office to drop off some things for work. We leave there, get about 30 miles down the road and *pop* there goes my tire! Mide you, I took Driver's Ed a whopping 10 years ago..do you think I remember my tire changing lesson? nope...so I called a friend from work for help, but the strong girls we are, we decided to do it ourselves instead, and we did. So this already sets us back because we left late, got lost, flat tire, had to stay in cheesey motel, a new tire (Thank you Monte Tire! you were great!), and a crazy good time at "The Hunt." So this little trippy was already costing me WAY more money than I had planned and we hadn't even made it to the cities. Anyway, we get there, have a great time, learn how to ride the pole, reconnect with old friends, and then head home...only to notice that I'd spent what was left of my pay check in 3 days.
So June happens, I keep working and towards the end of the month, I don't feel well...I'm tired my tummy is hurting me and I get a little visitor twice...bam bam..like no time intbetween. So then I'm getting worried. I continue to live life but am starting to wonder what is going on with me....I go home early from work on a Wednesday because I'm not feeling right. I have awful cramps and can't get comfortable. I've taken every over the counter lady drug you can think of, hot baths, heat pads, I tried it all..nothing could get rid of that. So, here I am, considering calling the lady doctor when I decide 'I'll do that tomorrow...' Well, tomorrow never happened because at 2am that next morning, I called my sister because I had woken with excruciating pain. The pain would not go away and I hurt so bad I could hardly talk. My sister told me to go to the ER, so my roommate graciously took me in. A pee test, an IV, numerous questions about if I could be pregnant or not, TWO caphaders (she didn't do the first one right) some morphine, xrays, throwing up all over the x-ray room, some anti nausia medicine, teradahl, CT Scan, blood work, and some old man yelling about "hoe'ing".....I find out that I have kidney stones.... Yup...the stones. The most awful pain I can imagine in my life. And what does the doctor tell me, it's right up there with child birth as far as pain, maybe even worse....but I'm going to be a trooper when it comes to delivery because I lasted a REALLY long time without drugs. Thanks for the compliment. So...what did this little trip end up costing me (after insurance) it's about $450.00...the power of insurance...get some! and then I missed almost an entire week of work due to the "stones" and then a couple of co-pays here and there for check ups and blood work and perscriptions. So, I'm giving this experience a $600.00 price tag. and a new found love for percacet :)
Not only did the stones keep me out of work for a week, but I was not able to hardly drive due to the medications and I was also not able to attend the wedding in the cities (not like I could afford it but still...) .
So, I get over the stones and then I'm working at the mall one Saturday, which happens to be Crazy Days, only to find out that some 88 year old lady was backing out of a parking spot, tapped another car who was also backing out, and freaked out, slammed her car in to drive, and nailed MY car, head on. She did about $3,000 worth of damage to my car. So, now here i am...life literally just gave me a lemon and I wasn't about to ask for some vodka. But, what comes out of the ashes, opportunity. The opportunity to sell my car I love, he's always gotten me where I need to go, never had a problem (minus the tire thing), and always been dependable...and i was willing to ship him down the road, just to pay off my credit card debt. Throwing the money from my car at my CC debt was mom and dad's idea...and a good one. However, there were many stipulations and it's been a learning process ever since. Somedays, I do SO good...and others, I'm horrible.
There was another very tragic loss this last summer as well. My family lost a very dear friend to us and it has really taken a toll on all of us. My younger brother's high school sweetheart was killed in a train/car accident. Had she been wearing a seatbelt, she may have only been badly hurt. Now, I've had a stellar year but nothing can compare to the pain that her family is feeling and the amount of suffering they all have gone through. And it stems out. She was a great person and everyone misses her dearly. I know that my younger brother esp. is having difficulty with this and it is a constant reminder to me that life is so short and I never want to see him in this much pain again. I made choices that got me in the situation that I am in so while I like to have these little pitty parties for myself, that's come to a screeching halt because I always remember that there are people out there with bigger problems than mine. We all miss you Kayla!
okay..so, now back to it....
I had to literally give my mom and dad every single credit card statement and bill. Do you know what that is like?! Oh man, it's the most exposing feeling I have ever had. All of my retail secrets were put out on the dining room table and and gone over with a fine tooth comb and magnifying glass. Mom and dad's stipulation for the paying off the debt (the sale of the car didn't cover it all but a nice chunk)....I had to see a therapist. Mom and dad drove up one day to make sure I went to my first session and then I had to check in with them afterwards and let them know how it went.
I love it. Going to see Patty is a highlight that I look forward to. She gives me suggestions and ideas and a lot of times, I end up talking through an issue on my own..it's like I just need to talk out loud and have someone in the room listening. She's been great and I've actually got a workable budget set up, I'm current on bills, and I know the difference between a need and a want. Not only that, but I am starting to feel like my old self again. I feel more like "me" than I have in so long, and that alone, I cannot put a price tag on.
I have also learned that some of my friends and acquaintances can't afford the lifestyles they were living either. So what have we done? We created a support system for each other. We will go out for dinner/drinks one night a week and each only spend our alotted $10.00 for the week. And while we're there, we chat about life but then we also visit about budgets and who is finding new ways to save money. Things that our parents did all along and we never cared to continue. And I'm also starting to research online more. I'm finding blogs from other people and books and tips and coupons..it's CRAZY how many frugal people there are out there
glutenfreefrugal.blogspot.com This gal is actually from here in Aberdeen...and I get inspired when I see her and her family out and about shopping. She has three kids, herself, and her husband. She uses a lot of Dave Ramsey's ideas as far as paying down debts and their household is gluten free. So, she really finds great deals and manages to stretch every dollar. Not only that, she's posts easy, affordable recipies,and the ones that i've tried, happen to be quite yummy.
So there you have it, that's what's going on with me...and this time, I'm really going to be a better blogger...watch out!
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
not only do I have some CC debt but apparently...
Student Loans are kicking in this month! can I get a woot woot? yeah...didn't think so.
I'm gonna give you some numbers, and please....don't be hatin'!
This is the monthly bills...
Rent: 216.00
Cable/Internet: 27.00
Utilities: 50.00
Student Loan: 222.00 (YIKES!)
Cell phone: 85.00 (what can I say...I LOVE to txt message. It really is an addiction. but hey! I've stopped downloading new ring tones and I unsubscribed to my Twins txt alerts....so I cut the bill down from what it was....it would make a non txter CRINGE)
CC payments: 250.00 (that's each CC's minimum, time's 3 - the recommended amount to making a CC payment actually count.....I believe I read that on msn.com awhile back.)
That comes to a grand total of $850.00....if we really want to get specific, almost one entire pay check a month from my full time job that so kindly pays for my health insurance premium as well. My portion, the whopping $18.25 is payroll deducted 8 months out of the year, THANK GOD! Oh, and I have a car that is paid for and my parents were feeling VERY gracious and offered to pay for another year of car insurance and registrations! THANKS MOM AND DAD!
If you look closely though, you'll see that I don't have gas money, groceries, nessecities, or anything else like that figured into the equation. I know that this is where I fail every month. I am also upset in the lack of savings you see happening. I think that I almost need to set up a savings account at another bank, out of town with no debit card or withdrawl slips....I tried some other tricks in the past but that didn't work out for me.
And now, for your reading pleasure, I'd like to present to you, my list of things I could be doing better but am not....and many many reasons why.
1) I am an easy sell when it comes to things, esp. if I have already fallen in love with the item. I can get to a store, see a pair of shoes/purse/card/picture whatever and in my mind, know that I will be walking out of the store with it. I try really hard to make a list and stick to it but for some reason, I alway sneak extra stuff in.
2) I don't always balance my checkbook like a should. This is a cardinal sin of budgeting and finance but I'm sorry. I don't like numbers that much. English major, not math...and has this gotten me in trouble before? you know it!
3) I suck at saying no. In all aspects of life! I'm horrible....who would have thought being agreeable could be such a bad thing?
4)not only that, but I'm a social creature...very social. I LIVE for the times when I get to go out and have a few cocktails or dinner with friends. oh you want to do a movie too!? count me in! A weekend shopping out of town? sign me up! I know that in order to get some of these things nipped in the bud, I need to get better about saying no and passing on some of the fun things I'd LIKE to do.
Oh, and another thing...our 3rd roommate moved out of the house. She's still paying for June but come July, we're gonna need another body in this place because my budget (or lack there of) can't sponge up the rest of that! Not only that but she took most everything from the house with her...and granted, it was hers (but even the curtain rods....bitch move..i know, right?). So now, roommate #2 and I are in need of "STUFF" and we've got friends and family who are nice enough to unload their "dont wants" onto us and we aren't caring too much about matching...it's just very tempting to go to the store and buy "things" to decorate my once very cutely put together home...
But alas, I've got a long day at work tomorrow...and I promise...this blogging thing is going to become a regular thing. for someone who loves to read blogs as much as I do, you'd think I'd be better about writing one. Esp. for an English major!
I'm gonna give you some numbers, and please....don't be hatin'!
This is the monthly bills...
Rent: 216.00
Cable/Internet: 27.00
Utilities: 50.00
Student Loan: 222.00 (YIKES!)
Cell phone: 85.00 (what can I say...I LOVE to txt message. It really is an addiction. but hey! I've stopped downloading new ring tones and I unsubscribed to my Twins txt alerts....so I cut the bill down from what it was....it would make a non txter CRINGE)
CC payments: 250.00 (that's each CC's minimum, time's 3 - the recommended amount to making a CC payment actually count.....I believe I read that on msn.com awhile back.)
That comes to a grand total of $850.00....if we really want to get specific, almost one entire pay check a month from my full time job that so kindly pays for my health insurance premium as well. My portion, the whopping $18.25 is payroll deducted 8 months out of the year, THANK GOD! Oh, and I have a car that is paid for and my parents were feeling VERY gracious and offered to pay for another year of car insurance and registrations! THANKS MOM AND DAD!
If you look closely though, you'll see that I don't have gas money, groceries, nessecities, or anything else like that figured into the equation. I know that this is where I fail every month. I am also upset in the lack of savings you see happening. I think that I almost need to set up a savings account at another bank, out of town with no debit card or withdrawl slips....I tried some other tricks in the past but that didn't work out for me.
And now, for your reading pleasure, I'd like to present to you, my list of things I could be doing better but am not....and many many reasons why.
1) I am an easy sell when it comes to things, esp. if I have already fallen in love with the item. I can get to a store, see a pair of shoes/purse/card/picture whatever and in my mind, know that I will be walking out of the store with it. I try really hard to make a list and stick to it but for some reason, I alway sneak extra stuff in.
2) I don't always balance my checkbook like a should. This is a cardinal sin of budgeting and finance but I'm sorry. I don't like numbers that much. English major, not math...and has this gotten me in trouble before? you know it!
3) I suck at saying no. In all aspects of life! I'm horrible....who would have thought being agreeable could be such a bad thing?
4)not only that, but I'm a social creature...very social. I LIVE for the times when I get to go out and have a few cocktails or dinner with friends. oh you want to do a movie too!? count me in! A weekend shopping out of town? sign me up! I know that in order to get some of these things nipped in the bud, I need to get better about saying no and passing on some of the fun things I'd LIKE to do.
Oh, and another thing...our 3rd roommate moved out of the house. She's still paying for June but come July, we're gonna need another body in this place because my budget (or lack there of) can't sponge up the rest of that! Not only that but she took most everything from the house with her...and granted, it was hers (but even the curtain rods....bitch move..i know, right?). So now, roommate #2 and I are in need of "STUFF" and we've got friends and family who are nice enough to unload their "dont wants" onto us and we aren't caring too much about matching...it's just very tempting to go to the store and buy "things" to decorate my once very cutely put together home...
But alas, I've got a long day at work tomorrow...and I promise...this blogging thing is going to become a regular thing. for someone who loves to read blogs as much as I do, you'd think I'd be better about writing one. Esp. for an English major!
Thursday, February 21, 2008
This is my confession...
Forgive me readers, but I have sinned....
I'm a Catholic girl so I'm all about going to confession...so here it is.
I went totally crazy at Target last week and now I've totally thrown off my debt repayment for awhile. I was hoping to use my tax return I've got coming in a few weeks for something fun but apparently, I decided to do that right away.
As far as Target goes...I got some new sheets (really cute and on sale) but I didn't exactly need them...they were definately a want...and to make matters worse, buyers remorse didn't start until I got home, washed them rightaway and then put them on my bed...and then I felt bad. That 25 bucks could have been spent somewhere else (and that's just the sheets...oh there are other things....Target is an evil evil place!)
Not only did I falter at Target but I got sick and ended up missing 2 and a half days of work....that's 2 and a half days of getting paid..and if we really want to do the numbers...almost 300 bucks! AND my roommates and I have a crazy big heat bill that is going to need to be paid next Tuesday...and we just paid a heat bill this week....and our house isn't that warm...I think something is up with it but will the roommate who has the bill in her name take time and initiative to call and figure it out....doubtful.
So there you have it...my confession....I had some relapse at Target and then I got sick and ended up missing work...I picked up an extra shift at my other job to help out and my tax return will be coming soon...but it's starting to get overwhelming....I just pray I don't get behind on anything!
I'm a Catholic girl so I'm all about going to confession...so here it is.
I went totally crazy at Target last week and now I've totally thrown off my debt repayment for awhile. I was hoping to use my tax return I've got coming in a few weeks for something fun but apparently, I decided to do that right away.
As far as Target goes...I got some new sheets (really cute and on sale) but I didn't exactly need them...they were definately a want...and to make matters worse, buyers remorse didn't start until I got home, washed them rightaway and then put them on my bed...and then I felt bad. That 25 bucks could have been spent somewhere else (and that's just the sheets...oh there are other things....Target is an evil evil place!)
Not only did I falter at Target but I got sick and ended up missing 2 and a half days of work....that's 2 and a half days of getting paid..and if we really want to do the numbers...almost 300 bucks! AND my roommates and I have a crazy big heat bill that is going to need to be paid next Tuesday...and we just paid a heat bill this week....and our house isn't that warm...I think something is up with it but will the roommate who has the bill in her name take time and initiative to call and figure it out....doubtful.
So there you have it...my confession....I had some relapse at Target and then I got sick and ended up missing work...I picked up an extra shift at my other job to help out and my tax return will be coming soon...but it's starting to get overwhelming....I just pray I don't get behind on anything!
Monday, February 18, 2008
eeck! 2 months later...
EEK! I just realized that my last post was exactly 2 months ago...to the day!
WOW! that's pretty horrible. Well, I might as well start by updating what's been going on.
I've managed to pay off one of my smaller "store" credit cards and have been working at my other one. I'm learning how to create a budget and stick to it. I'm also getting more creative in my gift giving, cooking, and personal entertainment.
I used to be able to do all of the things I wanted to do with my friends and now that I can't, it's hard at times. I have up drinking (for awhile) because it's pretty expensive to go out and usually, when my friends and I go out, we start with dinner, hit a few different places for drinks and then maybe do breakfast or brunch the next morning. You don't realize how quickly you can drop 50-60 bucks in a weekend! okay..so let's say that you do that 2 weekends in a row. That's crazy because it's like spending 100 bucks of your pay check right away.
I was not used to the idea of having a grocery and gas budget and actually having to stick to it. If I needed something, I got it. simple as that. However, the first time I went grocery shopping on my $20.00 budget, I failed. I'd ended up planning that I was going to buy 20 bucks worth of groceries to live off of for a week. Well, I got to the register and I'd spent $29.50. I'd even bought what was on sale, generic...whatever I could to help cut costs..or so I thought. I came home and was feeling pretty down on myself and was pretty upset. I called my big sister and she helped me realize where I'd gone wrong and gave me tips for doing it right the next time. What she and I didn't realize was that my groceries I'd bought for $29.50 actually lasted me TWO weeks and not one. SO never underestimate yourself. Here I was completely beating myself up for spending way more than I wanted to when in turn, I wasn't going to have to buy groceries for the next week so I ended up saving!
To clue you in on what's going down ..I work 2 jobs. one during the week (the full time one that pays the bills) and one on the weekends (the part time job which is my grocery, gas, and spending money...if I have any left because part of it goes to "emergency"). I work roughly 60 hours a week and make decent wages at both of them. My full time job pays my insurance for me and allows me to work AS MUCH OVER TIME AS I WANT in the summer!!!! I make some die hard bank in the summer time...and this time around, I'm going to use it to my advantage.
The other little thing, mom and dad decided to cut the cord...so at 23, I'm officially on my own. I even got a Valentine from them the other day and guess what...no check for 20 dollars to go buy myself something nice for V-Day ... :( A little part of me died. However, I did get the title to a '99 Monte Carlo LS with 113,000 miles and some fairly new tires! SWEET. ...yup...so sweet that I am currently shopping for car insurance. My current insurance is up on April 1...so I literally have 1 month to get some insurance...any suggestions?
That's it for now..I promise to write more often and not be an every 2 month thing :-S
WOW! that's pretty horrible. Well, I might as well start by updating what's been going on.
I've managed to pay off one of my smaller "store" credit cards and have been working at my other one. I'm learning how to create a budget and stick to it. I'm also getting more creative in my gift giving, cooking, and personal entertainment.
I used to be able to do all of the things I wanted to do with my friends and now that I can't, it's hard at times. I have up drinking (for awhile) because it's pretty expensive to go out and usually, when my friends and I go out, we start with dinner, hit a few different places for drinks and then maybe do breakfast or brunch the next morning. You don't realize how quickly you can drop 50-60 bucks in a weekend! okay..so let's say that you do that 2 weekends in a row. That's crazy because it's like spending 100 bucks of your pay check right away.
I was not used to the idea of having a grocery and gas budget and actually having to stick to it. If I needed something, I got it. simple as that. However, the first time I went grocery shopping on my $20.00 budget, I failed. I'd ended up planning that I was going to buy 20 bucks worth of groceries to live off of for a week. Well, I got to the register and I'd spent $29.50. I'd even bought what was on sale, generic...whatever I could to help cut costs..or so I thought. I came home and was feeling pretty down on myself and was pretty upset. I called my big sister and she helped me realize where I'd gone wrong and gave me tips for doing it right the next time. What she and I didn't realize was that my groceries I'd bought for $29.50 actually lasted me TWO weeks and not one. SO never underestimate yourself. Here I was completely beating myself up for spending way more than I wanted to when in turn, I wasn't going to have to buy groceries for the next week so I ended up saving!
To clue you in on what's going down ..I work 2 jobs. one during the week (the full time one that pays the bills) and one on the weekends (the part time job which is my grocery, gas, and spending money...if I have any left because part of it goes to "emergency"). I work roughly 60 hours a week and make decent wages at both of them. My full time job pays my insurance for me and allows me to work AS MUCH OVER TIME AS I WANT in the summer!!!! I make some die hard bank in the summer time...and this time around, I'm going to use it to my advantage.
The other little thing, mom and dad decided to cut the cord...so at 23, I'm officially on my own. I even got a Valentine from them the other day and guess what...no check for 20 dollars to go buy myself something nice for V-Day ... :( A little part of me died. However, I did get the title to a '99 Monte Carlo LS with 113,000 miles and some fairly new tires! SWEET. ...yup...so sweet that I am currently shopping for car insurance. My current insurance is up on April 1...so I literally have 1 month to get some insurance...any suggestions?
That's it for now..I promise to write more often and not be an every 2 month thing :-S
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