Lucy Grey wants to be in the Black

A wonderful weekend...

2010-06-06T19:37:00.000-07:00

I will say that no matter how much I miss C, I don't sit around and whine.

Friday night I spent the even pulling weeds and reading Emma.

Saturday, I went to the gym and ran 4.25 miles. Then I dropped boxes off at a friend's apartment. He's moving back home. His wife, one of my close friends, moved back about a month ago. She didn't like Vegas at all. Kind of a shame. Never really gave it a chance. Then I came home and worked in the yard some more. Lots of yardwork, but it looks good! Went to bed early to get up early. I also cleaned the entire house. It looks so good!

Today, woke my butt up at 5:30 in the morning to head to a 5k. I won a door prize there: tickets to an advance screen of Toy Story 3 and a dvd of a movie. Then after the 5k we went to IHOP and then to Cactus Joe's for a little shopping for our yards. I bought a cute jade plant to replace some flowers that were just too far gone. It's on the front porch now with the other surviving plants. The jade only cost me $5.

Came home and I'm pretty wiped. I watched a movie and chilled out and then finished reading Emma. I watered my plants and talked to the neighbor. He's an interesting person. Reminds me a lot of my dad.

I've been talking about running alot lately. I've been training for the Camp Pendleton Mud Run. Unfortunately, two weeks before my race my left hip has been painfully sore. I'm a little concerned. Normally, I would take it easy, but I just can't right now. Talked to a friend who runs marathons and she told me lots of ibprofen. I'm hoping lots of stretching helps too.

So...all in all. Good weekend.

C arrives tomorrow and hopefully we'll talk. I miss the conversations and random texts. I really want to see him next weekend. The next weekend I'll be in Oceanside. Here's to hope! :)

Interesting day...

2010-06-03T21:19:00.000-07:00

Went to the Dentist today. Was supposed to have a filling put in. That turned into crown. Not a fan of what I feel in my mouth. I miss the grooves of my tooth. No more sugar for me. It also cost me $500. They wanted to do all the fillings, but that's $1000. I'm postponing it until I'm more in control of what happening with my finances.

I went bowling tonight with coworkers. It's my Thursday ritual for the next 12 weeks. Yes, I'm in a league. It's fun. It's active, somewhat. haha

Big plans for the weekend?

I'm pulling weeds, running, and then walking a 5k with a bunch of 50 year old women. Should prove to be fun.

I don't really plan on spending money. I have to buy a rake and a broom, but I'm going to head to walmart and use my gift card that I've been sitting on since December.

In my love life: I'm missing C like crazy. He gets back from Texas on Monday so hopefully I get to see him next week. I'd like a nice date in with homemade pizza, wine and a movie. That's sounds absolutely wonderful. :)

Three day weekends...a new horizon

2010-05-31T20:55:00.000-07:00

I will say the last 5 months have been soooooo hard! I haven't missed any days of work and at one point I worked 12 days straight. I'm not one to expect a lot of things when it comes to my job. I understand that I'm paid to work. I even got promoted. But for those 12 days I worked, I never made overtime pay and I had to beg for a day off in three weeks when I gave them plenty of notice. I also never got a raise with that promotion and I don't think it's coming any time soon.

What I've realized:

I want to work for myself.

I like working in the industry I'm in. I don't like being taken advantage of.

Granted, I know I should speak up, but who do I tell? My boss who's been there 2 months? The guy above her who's too busy? The CEO who really doesn't know what my job entails?

Shouldn't my work ethic and willingness to stay late in order help out other departments because they're short-staffed or under-trained (who by way, don't want to be trained...they make excuses) be enough show that I deserve some sort of compensation or bonus?

I make enough to get by. If I stick solely to my budget, at the end of the month I have about $300 left over. Most people think that's plenty and it is. I have a nice life. But I want more. I want freedom. I want to determine how much I make. I want to determine how hard I work.

I guess it's time to start creating a plan. Maybe pull out my books, a notepad, and a calculator and see what it's going to take to get to where I want to be.

I just have to get this off my mind:

2010-05-30T23:00:00.001-07:00

Rule #1

Never wear a white knit summer dress with a black thong. It doesn't look good on anyone... at all.

Rule #2

When wearing a cami, please where a strapless bra or another tank underneath. I'd rather not see the back of your bra peaking out the top of the tank...same with the front. If you're bra isn't embellished what's the point? You can't pull it off. Strapless or tank...you choose.

Embarrassing moment of my day:

I asked to men if they were in line at Target. They said no. They were women...lots of facial hair. I don't have a problem with that, but it definitely caught me off guard.

I also found out my first big wedding outside the chapel is in October. Score! Yay me! Hopefully, I'll get a few more this summer to help out with bills. I'd love to pay off my furniture and computer.

That's all for now.

Curveballs anyone?

2010-05-28T23:24:00.000-07:00

I love change...normally.

Since September my work-life has been a little shaky. So what do I do? I work harder.

Does it pay off?

Kinda.

I get promoted, but no raise. I keep telling myself that it will come, but it doesn't. I even thought i was getting one when the CEO asked how much I made. He never mentioned it again. That was over a month ago.

With this new role, I find myself exhausted all the time. While I was moved out of one department into another, the old department keeps asking for my help. I've had headaches, small anxiety attacks, and loss of appetite. Today I was so frustrated I was on the verge of tears.

To make matters worse, my home computer died last night so all I wanted to do was check my bank account and then figure out a plan for a new computer.

Tonight I bought it. My 27 inch iMac. I didn't buy it outright. I paid 490 tonight and will pay another 400 next week. That leaves about another grand to pay off.

I've decided I'm going to pay off another credit card (maybe two) with a smaller balance. This way I'm not paying so many bills.

While this will take a bite out of my savings, I think it'll help sleep better at night knowing my debt is still manageable.

I need more income. I'm still involved with my etsy store, business is just always slow, especially in the summer when no one wants to think about winter knits.

I'm hoping S pulls through and uses me to help with his wedding photography business. I love working with him and the extra cash (even from one wedding would be a huge windfall.)

Once I get the last of this CC debt paid off, I'll be so happy.

My aim is this year and then I won't take any more on.

I'm half tempted to use my savings to pay it all off; I'd still have money left over, but I don't know if I want to take that chance just yet.

I just want to get this weight off my shoulders.

Tax Season 2010

2010-01-30T22:06:00.000-08:00

Ugh! It's tax season again. I'm still waiting on one w-2 and then I can finally start plugging away at the numbers with turbo tax's help. I can't e-file this year and that sucks too. That's the trade-off when you're a first-time home buyer. We have to send in hard copies with our hud-1. Hmm... this is going to be interesting.

Last week, I created my new budget. Money will be tighter, but I'm planning on making it through. I'll be okay. I still have a $300 cushion at the end of the month. :) I'm sure that'll go towards food and other bills (like auto insurance due in March.)

That's really all I have for now. I'm just super busy at work and trying to get through every day by day. I feel like a robot. I'm definitely on auto-pilot. March will be welcomed with wide-open arms.

Thank goodness for Mom coming out in a week to help me out for 2 weeks. It's going to be so nice to see her and have help to get this house organized and the upstairs painted so I'll be able to focus on the downstairs come May or June.

New endeavors...

2010-01-24T21:01:00.000-08:00

I'm starting to get into this whole health kick again, which is good with the 10k mud run coming up in June that I hastily entered myself in. Yesterday I bought the Abs Diet for Women at Barnes and Noble. It was in the bargain section and I had a gift card. I'm already halfway through Chapter three and it's very interesting. I was going over the ingredients list and many of things I eat aren't on the list. I know apples and strawberries are good for you, but mainly lists citrus fruits and raspberries as the fruit to eat. Obviously, fruits aren't the only thing listed. I'm going to try and stick to the diet though for the next month and see how I fair. A lot of the stuff I do eat so it shouldn't be too hard, except for between meal snacks. I rarely get a chance to snack and keep myself from getting hungry. Normally, by the time dinner hits I'm famished beyond belief.

Realized last night I can't eat tempura or katsu at Japanese restaurants. I woke up this morning with horrible stomach aches. The kind where you just sit on the floor and eat as many tums as you can to relieve the pain. My body gets so finicky from restaurant food anymore. That's good because i won't spend money on lousy food, but bad because it's hard to socialize with friends if you can't enjoy a nice meal out every once in awhile.

Paid my first mortgage payment today. Well, the envelope is sitting on the dining room table ready to be taken out, but in my mind it's paid. I created a way to make sure I always have money for my mortgage and HOA fees. I deposit $375 every paycheck into my House Checking and that money goes towards my payments. Now, my mortgage is only like $730 a month, but I'm putting away $750, this helps me save even more and that money will go towards repairs on the house eventually. While this isn't enough, it's a start and when I get my 8k tax credit I'll put a portion of that into the account also to help cushion the account more and be prepared for emergencies. I don't ever want to be caught in a bind.

I reviewed my budget for 2010 too. Yeah, I have increased expenses and debt, but it's still manageable. I'm still able to save and I can still pay down debt. Money is a little tighter, but it's not too bad. I have a few hundred dollar cushion. Two years ago it was a $50 cushion. I've come a long way. I'm ready to do my taxes in a couple weeks. :)

Small things...

2010-01-14T21:24:00.000-08:00

I'm starting to see things that I've used for years now fall apart.

As I was putting on my pajama pants tonight I saw the waistband is wearing out. Not the elastic, but the fabric around it is falling apart. I thought for a second and then realized I've been wearing the pajama pants for three years. I'm pretty sure I got my 15 bucks out of them. :) I think this weekend I'm going to go through my pjs and decide which ones to keep and which to part with. I haven't bought pjs since spring 2007, though. I'm pretty sure they're all worn out. Yikes!

Monday my iPod froze up for the first time. I had to let the battery drain and then recharged it. It's fine now, but I'm afraid it might be the beginning of the end for it too. I bought it in 2005. I thought about babying it longer and buying a 2gb shuffle. That's all I really need to run with. Something small, but holds enough music for a good workout. We'll see. I'm going to look at other options too. In the meantime, I'll take really good care of my iPod.

These things are small things that I use every day and have taken for granted how much they are used. I've know for awhile that I've need new pj pants. The sweats just weren't as fluffy and the cotton has been getting thin. But I figured I don't wear them out in public so what's the big deal? Now I might be outta pants. Eep!

My iPod, while a luxury, is used at least 3-5 times a week. When it's not on the treadmill with me, it's playing on the dock. I spent $290 when it was brand new. Five years later it's still running. That's about $60 bucks a year, $5 a month. Totally worth it to me. Right now i can't afford to replace it so I need to look into cheaper options and potentially just leave it on the dock so it's not jostled so much.

It's a Tuesday..

2010-01-05T22:29:00.000-08:00

There's nothing special about Tuesdays really.

I went and picked up few cold weather items at Sports Authority. If they don't get used, I'll return them.

One good thing I did... I finally got all of my crap out of G and K's apartment. That feels really good.

I came home around 8 pm, turned on the Biggest Loser and watched it while talking with A, who just happened to turn it on in LA. Promised each other that if we ever got that big, we'd have an intervention to get us slim again. Did my dishes and my laundry during the last hour the show and now I'm getting ready for bed.

So it wasn't a very exciting day at all. Hopefully tomorrow will be.

Interesting day...

2010-01-04T22:29:00.000-08:00

Didn't sleep last night. Long story, but no, it was not a fight with C. He's been super sweet lately. :)

Tough start to the day, coworkers and friends cheered me up.

Then I went to the gym where I ran until my legs hurt. They still hurt three hours later.

Went to the grocery store. Spent 6 bucks on food. Came home and made homemade lentil soup. Yum!

So all in all, a very boring day, but a cheap one.

My boots should be coming in tomorrow so I'll have to go pick them up along with my area rug and desk chair.

Might be going to Brian Head with C this weekend. Not completely sure yet, but I really hope it happens. A whole weekend with him and snow. Wonderful!

Up 'N Running...

2010-01-03T10:45:00.001-08:00

My workspace is officially put together.

I have a leather desk chair, but it's not here yet. I have pick it up at my friends' apartment tonight along with three other items. They are the last of my belongings there. :)

I must say, I'm very proud of what I accomplished this weekend.

I'm done buying stuff for the house for awhile. Mom will be here in a few weeks to help out while I'm away for week. I have a gallon paint for her to paint the bathrooms. She said she wanted to help out and the bathroom are all small so I figured she wouldn't mind doing them.

I'm going to start focusing on eLZie again. I sold a couple items this Christmas. Enough to buy my brother his birthday/Christmas present from another etsy seller. A little more money coming in never hurts. I don't care if it $20 here and there. That pays for my gas every two weeks. :)

Something to help...

2010-01-02T17:35:00.000-08:00

I didn't mention in my goals yesterday that I would like to lose a little weight this year and get fit. Well today I signed up the AMYMCA Mud Run at Camp Pendleton in in June. I'm excited, but nervous. I know though, that this will be super good for me in the long run. I did go to the gym today and run 2.5 miles just to get started. I haven't been in the gym for 3 weeks and my legs are so tired now.

About a half hour ago, I wished I had a handyman available. Still do. I can't get my shelves hung properly. Dad told me to go get drywall anchors. I'll do it tomorrow at some point. Grr...

I also wanted to see Avatar tonight, but think I'll opt to stay in and clean over going out and spending money. I need to focus on things around here.

Happy New Year

2010-01-01T17:08:00.000-08:00

And a new lease on everything! :)

I bought a house December 11. I'm moved in and just completed painting the spare bedroom. My hands hurt now, though.

It was a short sale, but was approved by the bank so it went super fast. It was exactly the opposite of the last short sale I was in contract on.

So...I'm happy, even though my life has a whole bunch more responsibilities. The mortgage, insurance, and taxes all together are cheaper than renting an apartment, but I'm now responsible for all repairs which I'm slowly getting to.

So resolutions for 2010:

1.) Get my house the way I want it.

2.) Pay off CC debt. It's around $4,500.

3.) Once CC's are paid, pay more on payments to car loan which around $11,500.

Experiences I'd like to have in 2010:

1.) Go skiing before the winter ends.

2.) Spend a weekend away at a B&B and taste wines in CA.

Little bonuses if I don't have too many hiccups:

1.) Buy a new iMac. I have $250 saved up. It's $1700.

- I'll probably put a portion of my xmas bonus into my savings fund for this here in the next week.

2.) Buy an lcd tv for living room along with a smaller entertainment center.

3.) Buy a pubstyle dining table.

I won't buy the bonuses if I don't have the money.

Granted, I'll be getting the 8k from being a first time homebuyer, but most of that money will go into a savings account strictly for house maintenance. And the other portion of my tax refund will go to paying down debt and savings.

Here's to a new year and wishing all the best of luck!

Decisions and how they affect which road I travel on...

2009-11-08T18:54:00.001-08:00

I've been thrown in a lurch lately and I have to make a lot of decisions.

Now if you know me well, then you know that I'm a constant planner. I've normally got everything planned about 2-4 months in advance.

Why?

Because while I love change, I don't like surprises. I like to know that I have a little cushion in case something were to go awry.

Right now I can't plan. Or at least it feels that way.

I have offers on seven (soon to be eight) houses right now. I'm hoping to hear back on a few this week to see if I can cross them off my list or keep hoping I'll go into escrow soon.

My lease is up at the end of the month and I don't have a place to live. This is due to the houses and being afraid to sign a six month lease and have to lose money or a house if my offer is accepted.

So right now, my decisions are lease a new apartment for 6 months or get a house. I'm giving it until Thursday. Really no matter what, I'm ready to go somewhere. I spent all weekend packing. Everything, but basic necessities are in boxes. C says he has faith in me that I'll find something soon. I hope that I do.

If I do move into an apartment I guess it's a good thing that the home-buyer tax credit was extended. It's not such a rush, so I may have a chance to get something or just to be able to save money and have a large down-payment so the banks are more content with my offers.

Thoughts...

2009-10-01T21:09:00.000-07:00

I've come to the conclusion that whatever thought physically comes out of my mouth seems to come true.

I'm just going to keep my mouth shut and things should stay the same, right?

I'm at a loss for what to do right now. It has nothing to do with money. In fact, money isn't an issue. I gave up looking for a house so I have enough right now. I'm actually debating paying off a credit card with a portion of it.

I need to create a new budget now that I'm only working one job.

Things I love right now:

Driving past pumpkin patches on my way home.

Falling in love with my fall and winter clothes all over again when I unpacked them tonight.

The cooler weather.

Being happy with who I am and not needing someone else to make me happy or feel whole.

( This last one is something I'm seeing a lot with women my age right now and it frustrates me.)

Change...

2009-09-09T21:42:00.000-07:00

M moved out Thursday. The apartment echoes, but it's clean and spotless. I broke down and bought a new vacuum for $70 because the cat's is exploding. The sucker works amazingly well. It's rather gross when I have to empty it. I vacuumed Monday and tonight and both times it was full.

I've gone vegetarian until October 7th. I can do it. I'm only allowed to eat fish when it comes to meat. So far it's been fun deciding what I'm going to eat. I like having all these veggies around.

C is sick. Haven't been able to see him because of it. He keeps texting me, even though I tell him to rest. I hope he's better by the weekend. If not then, I'm going to feed him oranges while we watch a movie. ha

I dug into my savings for about $100. Not too proud of that. I do have a $56 paycheck that I'm going to put toward that deficit though. That way the dent doesn't seem so harsh and I have another $25 from a friend who owed me money that I'll probably put towards that too.

New Plan...

2009-09-01T07:40:00.000-07:00

Cancelled the offer on my house yesterday. I haven't given up the search. I just stepped back to re-evaluate and not put myself into a bad investment. I've decided I'm going to start looking at house early next year. The market isn't going to skyrocket in the next three months and homes aren't going to stop being available. I will find something and hopefully I'll have a higher pre-approval at that point.

I'm going to pay off CC debt really fast here. I just want to get rid of it. I think that's definitely possible. So keep an eye out for that. I promise to update my current networth to show my progress. I haven't dropped, I actually improved. :)

I get a paycheck this week from the chapel for about $40-50. I'll probably either throw that to food or to gas. Maybe both. I'd really like some chicken in my fridge. Ground turkey would be nice too. I've been eating a lot of tofu lately, but good thing is that I've been cooking again and in the process I've been emptying my pantry. I like it when all I see is soup left. That soup, well, it's Ramen. It's about time I go shopping and stock up again.

I did find that I had quick rising yeast in the pantry so I may make some polenta bread tomorrow night or Friday night. I've been craving it. It's so good with garlic, pepper, and olive oil. I'll probably eat it with a salad. YUM!

Went to the doctor yesterday. Stress seems to be attacking my body. He gave me a one-time prescription that should help. Also wants me to get rest and be healthy. So I'm guessing I'm sticking with the gym for awhile. ;) Didn't plan on giving it up anyway. I'll be glad when all this drama is over. I may quit my second job if it doesn't get better. People keep asking me how everything is and it's really none of their business. There is a lot of third party involvement which I don't like at all. I feel like I'm a sophomore in college again. I'm over it.

Harvest Festival

2009-08-29T19:32:00.000-07:00

I went to the Harvest Festival today at Cashman Center. Lots of fun, but definitely a madhouse.
Found Mom's Christmas gift. It's super awesome. I'm half tempted to keep it, but I bought myself this awesome necklace for $14. I love it!

I found a shop that I like the decor, but the lady is going to create the colors for me that I want. Check her out www.imnotspoileddesigns.etsy.com

She told me to convo her and let her know what I want. Super excited! Plus, she's local.

Left there and went to Ulta for cosmetics and face stuff. I hate that makeup and facial products are so expensive. And I buy the CHEAP stuff! Still, though, spent over $60. I shouldn't have to buy for at least six months, though. I guess $10/month isn't bad. Especially if it curbs my breakouts. If this acne doesn't stop, I'm seriously contemplating Proactive. I don't want to spend the extra money, but my face is getting splotcy from all the pimples. Not good.

I'm also pulling my offer on the house. I'm pretty sure there is a good chance I'm not gonna get it. So instead, I'm going to rent cheap, and focus on my CC debt and look for more income so next summer I can try again with a higher pre-approval and possibly get into a new construction home. We'll see. I'm looking into options now. I have a few ideas in this small bean-sized head of mine.

Plan B

2009-08-25T07:35:00.000-07:00

Did some thinking last night about the house.
If I don't hear something back by Friday or if I do and it means I have to wait another two months then I'm taking my offer off the table. I'll get my deposit back. And I'll have a mean savings waiting for me in case of an emergency.
I've already researched apartments and condos in my area and I can get a 700 sq/ft 1 bed/1bath for $550-700. That's not bad at all. If I do that then I can consider quitting my second job and have my weekends back. OR I can keep the job and just take those checks and relegate them to my CC bills which would be paid off by March of next year. With the house, I'm looking at May or June. My cc debt is around 5k. It's not too bad considering last year it was around 10k. I just need to make it through this week.

Also, if I back out of this house deal I may apply for a different job in the next few weeks. I'd be doing the same thing, but traveling and getting paid about 7k more a year. Dad says to stay where I'm at, but I don't really know how much I'm going to grow there. If I move to another company who is just as successful, but the plan is different then I might have a chance at moving up. It doesn't hurt to apply right? At my current job I'm not going to break 40k in the next eight months. This new one would start me out there. That's a big interest for me.

So that's Plan B...as of right now.

Debacle!

2009-08-24T20:30:00.000-07:00

I've just been bleeding money lately. In August I paid almost $600 for my car insurance. It wasn't due until September 11, but I have to shell out another $300 to register my car in September! It's nice that Nevada doesn't have state tax, but they end up sticking it to you anyway. They get it through everything you own!

Luckily, I have two jobs and I can make a mean dinner with rice and beans and whatever else happens to be in the freezer or pantry.

I don't need to spend money anytime soon either to have a good time. I have so much I need to get done in the next few weeks. I'm in the process of buying a new wardrobe for work. They are forcing us to dress in business casual. I found a few pieces. My pants need hemming and a shirt's sleeves need altering at the shoulders. I still need another pair of dress pants, maybe two. I'll save that task for next month.

House situation took an unexpected turn of events today. I felt so sick to my stomach that I wanted to cry. Apparently, the sellers paid extra for the title company to write up the deal and submit it to the bank, but the title company filled the paperwork out wrong. You think since they work with houses, they would get that part right? Especially if you have to pay an extra fee!!! The seller's agent is remedying the problem tonight and tomorrow. I've been sitting on this deal for 10 weeks. It's not supposed to take longer than 12. I told my broker that if I don't have an answer by Friday of a decent timeline of closing by November 1 I'm out of the deal. I'm not waiting another 12 weeks. It's ridiculous! Short sales suck!

Hoping I'm working on Saturday. As tired as I am, I REALLY need the money. I have $8 right now. I have more I can use, but it means going over what I've made for the month. I don't really want to hit that. I like the feeling I have of living on less than what I earn. :)

Things are going well in my social life. I'm seeing this great guy who lets me be independent. We don't talk every day and maybe only see each other once a week, but it's totally cool with us. I work six days a week and he works four long ones and has lots of other stuff he has to do, so when we get together it's exciting because we haven't seen each other for awhile. Most of the time we chill and watch movies and talk, but some nights he'll take me out for some event with friends. It's tons 'o fun! I prefer a relationship like this. I don't like smothering types, and I hate types that can't keep their promises because they are too busy and won't make time for me even for an hour every two weeks. I understand people are busy. I'm one of the busiest, but if I can make time, he should be able to also. If you really like someone it shouldn't be work to get together with them.

Too much...

2009-08-14T19:22:00.001-07:00

Once again I've taken on too much responsibility. I'm currently babysitting a repoed Ford Mustang. This car while being beautiful, has been abused beyond belief. I've been spending the last few days trying to move it 30 feet to our carport only to find there's another thing wrong with it. I'm afraid it's going to get towed away. I think once I jump the battery again it won't be a problem to move, but then again I can't predict the future.

Money is super tight the next couple months. I don't know how much saving I'll get accomplished. I owe $550 for car insurance. I have it. I just hate giving that much money away, but a girl's gotta get to work.

Then starting Sept. 1 we have a new dress at our company. It's going to be business casual. It means I have to buy some pieces for my wardrobe. Mainly tops and shoes, but I need a pair of pants or two.

Then on top of that I'm still in escrow on this house. And because M is moving out at the end of the month I'm going to need to buy a vacuum cleaner and pots and pans. I've found these, but I'm looking at spending $150 on those items too.

So there's $700 bucks not counting the clothes. I'm hoping to not go over $800. I don't need the vacuum and cookware immediately, but eventually I'll need to invest in them.

I'm bleeding money right now. Not pleasant!

Been too long...

2009-08-07T07:56:00.000-07:00

Sorry about the lack of posting. It's been on my to-do list but other things keep taking precedence.

Dealing with couple health concerns, but nothing I can't handle. I just can't do anything about it until I get my new insurance card in the mail.

Still in escrow with the short sale. Pretty much decided, though that if I don't have it by October 1 I'm taking myself out of the deal and out of house-hunting for awhile.

December 1 will officially be a new me. I've been craving a big change here lately. I figured chopping my hair off and going blonde would help. Notsomuch. While I'm getting compliments on the changes, I still need more. I've been in the gym a lot. Running again. I might step it up another notch. It's definitely a healthy habit to get into.

I'm thinking of pushing Italy trip up a year. Think I'm going to learn Italian too so I'm prepared. Heck, you never know. I may just stay there. Now, that would be a change!

Nothing new really...

2009-07-09T21:56:00.001-07:00

I updated my networth yesterday. I made progress again. That's always good.

No news on the house. Trying to stay calm about that.

Been doing a lot of thinking the last few weeks. I think either this economy is doing something or there's something in the water. A lot of people have gotten married this year and lots of them are pregnant. It's a little frightening. Some of these people in my opinion shouldn't be pregnant. I mean I'm happy for them, but how can they afford it?

I don't know, that's me I guess. I'm more concerned about making sure I can take care of myself before I take care of someone else. My kitty is all the responisibility I need and can handle. I want to make sure I'm out of school and CC debt before taking on anything more. I realize sometimes you don't plan pregnancies, but these were all planned. At least the baby isn't mine. haha

Heartless, cold? no, just practical and not wanting my world to shift prematurely.

It's been a long time.

2009-07-05T23:41:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the massive pause between posts. Life's been a little crazy. Hopefully, I can make it slow down soon.

No new news on the home front. I'm still in the process of waiting on my short sale offer. Being patient and saving more in the process.

I need to update my networth this month.

I did get my car fixed this past week. Cost $90, but if I didn't have my extended warranty it would've cost me $300. I'll take it!

Had a picnic up at Mt. Charleston today. It was beautiful and cheap entertainment. Loved it!

I'm dating someone. He's pretty sweet. :)

I'm doing pretty good. I'm just super busy with the whole six day work week thing.

Fast update...

2009-06-21T17:21:00.000-07:00

My offer was accepted on a 2 bedroom house. There are few addendums my realtors are trying to clarify right now. So hopefully in six weeks, I'll have a house in escrow. Cross your fingers.

I'm starting to run a little ragged around the edges. Today was my only day off this week and I wish I had another. I have absolutely no energy to do anything. It totally bites.

I've decided I'm going to get back in the gym about 3-4 days week. I need to get my butt in shape. I'm losing weight, but not getting toned. Time to get serious.

Moneywise I'm doing good. I met my goal for this money on saving and thensome. I'm not too worried. I have my fourth paycheck coming on Friday so that'll help even more.

I keep wanting to go out and buy a sewing machine so I can finish some projects, but it's better if I purge some items before I bring any others in. I'm trying not to collect more things before getting a house.

How's it going?

2009-06-10T20:24:00.000-07:00

Life is pretty busy. I'm focused on saving as much as possible the next few months. It's working. Not because I'm forcing myself to stay at home, but because I have too much to do. All I want to do is stay home, because I'm home enough.

I'm getting back to the old me. I'm drinking a glass of wine a night, which in my world is totally normal. It's what I've done for a few years now. It's just one. If there's two, then you know something is bothering me or I'm ready to be social.

Working on getting another offer in.

Met another agent who told me to be patient, more houses will be released soon and I'll have my pick of the litter. I hope he's right. He's an agent for the banks so I guess he would know when it comes to foreclosures.

Surprising fact: I spent $100 on 19 items at walmart last night. All of them necessary. I've got some plantars warts on my right foot that are starting bother me. Gross, I know, but they are there and I'm going to get rid of them without surgery. The rest was bathroom and kitty supplies. It's sucks that those items add up so quickly.

There are more interesting personal points, but I'll put them somewhere later. ;)

Things are coming along and I refuse to stress out over them.

Organization...

2009-06-07T13:18:00.000-07:00

Busy weekend.
I worked 12 hours yesterday doing the whole wedding thing. It felt good until about 11pm last night. We didn't end up getting home until 1:30 am, though. M and I had planned on mixing drinks and sitting on balcony to chit chat, but we were so exhausted we crashed on the couches with water and chips and salsa. Very tame. It's definitely not our normal Saturday evening.

This morning we both felt hungover, though. Our bodies are telling us it was too long of a day.

I'm in the process of reorganizing my closet. Kitty is going from balcony to my bedroom window listening and watching people outside.

I've found a few other shirts I can use for my quilt so I'll probably cut them up this evening while M is on her date at a place I've been wanting to go to for over a year now. I gave her crap over it. Told her she's not my roomie anymore. :)

I'm supposedly going to look at more houses this evening. I'm still waiting on where. I've found a listing for one that I want to look at. So hopefully he takes me there.

I need to buy planters for my green beans, and plants. I'm also inheriting a tomato plant this week too. Yay!

Networth Update

2009-06-05T20:50:00.000-07:00

I finally did it. I updated my networth. I also decided to figure out how much my car is worth. KBB says it's worth less than 12k. Ugh! I guess that's okay. It's to be expected. It's a depreciating asset.

Good news is that I paid off over 1k in CC debt. I now only have two cards to worry about. It's quite liberating!

So in the end? My networth dropped by about $900.
Stupid car.

I still made a lot of progress, though.

Keeping positive...

2009-06-02T07:58:00.001-07:00

Put an offer in on a house. About 8 hours later got the call that my offer wasn't considered. Apparently there were 20 offers on the table. Very Interesting because I offered 5k more. The house was only on the market a day. That tells ya something.

I'm kinda of glad. I found out my DP needs to be about a grand more so I'm going to save drastically this month and next month.

I'm not allowed to go out or buy anything that is frivolous. I can definitely do it. I'm actually looking forward to the challenge.

In the meantime, the Realtor and I will be starting our search over again.

House Update...

2009-05-29T07:41:00.000-07:00

2 out of three of those houses are gone. All that's left is the short sale.

I haven't heard back from that Realtor either so I guess we'll see what happens.

I've put on few pounds lately. Only a few (exactly three). I don't understand how I could put them on in three days. That's a lot of food I must've been shoveling in.

I've decided that tomorrow I'm going to splurge on veggies and go vegetarian for a month. Screw the $20/week thing. I can't be gaining weight. I definitely can't afford new clothes right now.

I have been working out three times a week too. Maybe I should push it to four?

Food!

2009-05-28T06:58:00.000-07:00

I can't seem to get enough of it lately. I've been eating constantly since Monday evening. Last night, though, I think I ate enough for the whole month. So I'm going to start getting back on track with this whole portion thing and only eat 3 meals a day with two small snacks.

I don't think I'm working this Saturday. It's super slow. I guess I should email T and ask. I don't really want to work, but I need money still.

I do, though, get two paychecks on Friday. One for the first and then other for the last two weeks of work.

I've received five paychecks this month. I wish that happened every month.

I'll be updating my networth this month. Keep posted. I've done well!

Offers are in!

2009-05-25T08:07:00.001-07:00

Put three offers in on three different houses, one of them a short sale. Normally, you would pick one to put an offer in on, but I've had a few realtors tell me that foreclosures are going quick with investors paying cash. So yesterday I put an offer on all three. All are different, but have the same two qualities I wanted: an open kitchen and some sort of backyard. I'm nervous yet very excited to see what happens. I could have a house here in the next couple weeks or not have anything at all and have to start all over.

Keep your fingers crossed.

I think I'm going to have to go to five days work weeks soon. I've been working so hard to make extra money, but it's really taking it's toll on me. I'm finding it hard to relax. If I could just have one Saturday off a month that would really help. I'm going to look into it here in the next month. I don't want to leave them in a bind, but we've got to figure out something. A girl needs 'me' time every once in awhile.

Meal Money

2009-05-21T09:08:00.000-07:00

I've decided that starting June 1st I'm going to pull out $40 every paycheck and set it aside for groceries. That's approximately $20 a week.

I've been testing this action for the past two weeks and it's working really well. I don't eat much, mainly veggies and fruit. This allows me to buy bread and other staples along with a few things that I occasionally need or crave.

Before I got my raise I used to live on about the same a month. I figure going back to this tactic will not only be good on my waistline, but also on my budget and allow me to get ahead faster.

Food...

2009-05-20T19:55:00.000-07:00

They took away our microwave at work again. So I didn't heat up my lunch today. Instead, I went to subway for the veggie delite and a tea. Yum! I did leave my lunch there, though, so I guess tomorrow I'll just have to walk across the street to heat my soup. I had a 79 cent pizza tonight. Pretty tasty. Good purchase and only 400 calories. Thank you Albertson's!

Saw two houses tonight. One of them I really want. It has the same exact layout as the last one I saw. This one has a backyard, but lacks the view the other one had. So it's a good tradeoff. Asking the same price. Only problem: it's a short sale. I may put an offer in, though. I'm going to think about it tonight.

Tomorrow, during lunch i'm going to drop off a box of clothes for charity. They're in the hallway and I'm tired of looking at them. Action needs to be taken! Plus, then I have another receipt for taxes!

I'm trying to allocate the rest of my money for the month. I'm finding it hard not to spend it. I've paid al my bills and still $350 leftover. That's insane for me. Plus, I have another $100 paycheck I've yet to deposit. I'm sittin' pretty nicely right now. I do need to put in another $100 for savings. Then I might treat myself to a few pieces of clothing for work or buy myself a little sewing machine that I've been needing the past few months. I also need to ship some stuff to my parents. All this computer equipment is in my way!

One step forward, but I haven't gotten any further...

2009-05-19T19:20:00.001-07:00

My lender finally sent my pre-approval letter today. I have it, it's in my hands and my email and I'm very happy with him.

Now for the Realtor. She bailed on me yesterday and today. A few weeks ago she bailed on me while I was driving over to a house we were meeting at. That's three times in all. I'm done. I'm not working with her again. I've been out with her two or three times, but it's not worth the hassle if I clear my schedule for her and then she backs out.

Luckily, my surrogate mom has a few realtor friends and hooked me up with one. Hopefully, I'll be having a much better experience from now on.

I'm not looking to move by July now. I wanted to, but I don't think it's going to happen. It's fine. We can go month-to-month on our lease, but we might have to pay more in rent. So maybe August or September. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Tomorrow is going to prove hard for me to stay on $20 a week for food rule. I have to figure out tonight what I'm going to eat for lunch. Dinner is already figured out. It's pizza and then the leftover pizza I'll take to lunch on Thursday.

I need to go raid the cabinet.

I forgot to mention

2009-05-16T22:28:00.000-07:00

My eye doctor is suggesting I get lasik in the next year because of capillaries growing into irises. It's nasty when you see the photos, but you can't see anything when you look at me normally. Anyways, I've been having issues wearing contacts the past year. I can't wear them very long because my eyes really start to hurt, like someone threw a whole bunch of dirt in my eye. He said the problem will only get worse and that in the near future I won't be able to wear contacts at all and that if I don't have it done soon the procedure will be harder to do because he'll have more of mess when cutting the flap in my eye for the surgery.

Anyways, it makes sense. I have two pairs of glasses that I rotate around and a pair of prescription sunglass (which I've misplaced in our apartment.) While I like the option of rotating glasses, I'd like to not have to wear them. I hate accessorizing with them. It's difficult.

So insurance will only pay for a third of the cost. I'm going to have to find the last $2k.

I'm aiming for next summer.

More things to think about.

Money, money, money

2009-05-16T16:58:00.001-07:00

Lots of money coming, and most of it is going back out.

I will have two CC's paid off this month. That will mean I'm down to two cards for a total that's less than $6k! It feels good to be down to those two. The others are hidden so I'm not tempted. I'm on credit lockdown for awhile.

Things that I need to have done this month that cost money:
Oil change...I'm reaching 4,000 miles. It's time according to my manual.
Pick up my contacts from the eye doc.
Buy a mouse for my laptop. This whole touchpad thing sucks! It's too sensitive.
Get a facial or pedicure. (This will be used with birthday money. :) )

I am going out for a drink or two tonight. I will not, though, order any side as I usually do. About $7 bucks will be saved there.

Collections suck!

2009-05-14T19:47:00.000-07:00

I almost gave up trying to buy a house this week. Why?

My lender let me know a month ago that I had an outstanding balance that dinged my credit score 100 points. He gave me the info to get it cleared up.

I called. The balance was $35. I told them that I paid that final bill back in October. They said this is for another bill that was sent to me. Now, I'm getting upset because I know that I paid everything. They then state that it was sent to the 3200 block of a street. I understand what the problem is. I lived on the 2300 block of a street. The hospital sent the bill to the wrong address. So I pay it and they say it will be cleared in two weeks.

Jump to the present: three weeks later.
The issue hasn't been cleared up. My credit report says it's been paid, but my score isn't affected by that positive note. I call for three days trying to get ahold of Mr. E. They won't let me talk to him and when I try to get answers they say there is nothing they can do. My credit score will be like that for a couple years. They then yell at me for being deadbeat and not paying my bills.

If you know me, then you know that I'm stickler for paying everything on time. I've never had a late payment and all three of my credit reports show that. This hospital issue has been the only thing and if I had known that I had another bill it would've been paid. Not my fault the hospital typed my address wrong.

Finally today, though, I push and scream and get someone who finally helps me and understands why I'm upset. He says he sent the letter to me and that I can mail it to the bureaus to have everything fixed. Collections doesn't do it. (This is a bunch of bull...I've heard from others that they do handle the problem. I just think this company is lazy.) Then he tells me if I don't have the letter by Monday to come into their office they'll give it to me in person.

My lender, though, assures that everything will pan out in my favor in the end.

So after all this, I've been thinking. Do I really want to buy a house?

Seriously. This is getting to be too much. Yeah, a mortgage bill is going to be a hundred dollars less a month, but my utilities will go up because I'll have more space to heat/cool. Granted, my money will go towards equity on the house and I'll have more invested when the economy picks. But when will that be? I also have to buy a few new appliances and paint and shelves and whatever else the house will need.

And while I'll have all that money back by next spring, I'll be pretty penniless the first few months I'm living there because I'll be doing some minor renovating.

So...

I don't know.

I'm torn.

I took this week off from the hunt, but I haven't made any decisions.

I have however realized that I can see myself living in a house that I've walked through. I know where I'm going to put all my furniture and everything.

I think I'll be able to make a decision next.

Hopefully.

One book down...

2009-05-09T22:28:00.000-07:00

Just finished Ramit Sethi's book I Will Teach to be Rich. It definitely took me longer than six weeks to finish and I haven't started all his investment suggestions yet, but eventually I will. One thing that's interesting is that I have a lot of bonds and no stock investments. But that's mostly my family's doing since I've had my bonds since the mid-90s. I'm not planning on using them for a long time, but it's nice to know I have them and have some sort of start to my financial future.

I actually had some things in place before I started reading the book: automated online savings, automated bill pay, etc. I realized awhile ago that those things were just easier to deal with if I just let computers do them. All I have to do is check how much money is in my checking account about once or twice a week, which takes about 2 minutes total.

I did a lot of thinking tonight about my future. I realized that I'm not one to wait for that 'someone' to plan my life with. I've kind of known this for awhile, but a lot of decisions I've made in the past few months will make it exceedingly hard for me to change and hop onto 'his plan.' He's just going to have hop onto mine! ;) That's IF he ever decides to pop into my life. I'm beginning to think no man exists who can keep up with me. Ha! I'm pretty hard-headed and stubborn.

I'm still frustrated with Realtors. I'm about to give up here in the next few weeks if someone doesn't stop giving me excuses. I had one today tell me there aren't many in the area I'm looking to buy in. She sent me a few, half of which I've already seen and the other half which are cluster homes, even though she says they aren't. So we'll see. I would like to put an offer in around early to mid-June, but I don't know if that will happen.

I'm discouraging myself. It's better if I stay positive.

The toxicity is getting to me.

2009-05-06T21:41:00.000-07:00

I've been living a very toxic lifestyle lately and it's finally seeping into my job. Not good at all. So today I was thinking during lunch (after reading an article on simple living) that my life before September was very simple. I'm going to strive to get that way again.

Here's how I'm going to do it:
1.) only buy $20 in groceries a week.
--I did this yesterday and I was very proud of myself. I came out with fruit, veggies, mac and cheese, milk, and juice. I used to do this when I lived alone. I only bought things I knew I would eat. Yes, my fridge was mostly empty, but I ate everything in it.

2.) Knit more.
--knitting is a stress reliever. I love it. In the past week I've cranked out almost two pairs of socks.

3.) Exercise more.
--Last year I used to exercise all the time. Not only did I have more energy, but I was happier and slept better too.

4.) Watch tv only on the weekends.
--I've been doing this a lot lately. I'm able to get a few things done around the house, and then the rest of the evening I can just think and meditate. It's me time.

5.) Just breathe.
--I find that when I move too fast I forget to just stop and breathe. Working six days a week is going to exhaust me sooner or later. As long as I can take a moment here or there to clear my head, it will take longer for the exhaustion to hit and it'll be easier to take a break when I need it.

6.) Keep only positive things in my life.
--this may be hard, but I'm bound and determine to make this a priority. I'm not going to tolerate negativity. I'm going to listen to The Secret again and really focus on the law of attraction and it's role in the universe. People may think it's hokey, but I know so many successful people who have used what it says to help them get to where they are now.

7.) Purge things I don't need.
--Clutter makes me crazy. It stresses me out. I HATE having a messy kitchen and no counterspace. That's why I always put the dish strainer under the sink when I'm done. When there is order everything is under control. It's one less thing I have to worry about. I hate coming home to a messy apartment. Looking at the mess only makes me want to clean when I deserve to sit and veg after a hard day's work.

So these are the steps in my plan.
I find that now that I know where all my bills are and can handle my debts in life that I should focus on truly being happy. When I'm truly happy thing just happen to fall into my lap and life seems to be easy.

Beginner's luck??

2009-04-29T20:18:00.000-07:00

Being a first time homebuyer can be exciting, yet difficult.
I'm currently working with two realtors and neither one will get back to me when I send them an email about listings their sending me.

Scratch that. One does and then he says they're short sales and he won't go near them.
The other one told me she'd get back to me when she did a little more research. That was more than 48 hours ago.

So, I think I might dump them.
I think it's fair. I'm not asking to view these houses tomorrow. I would, though, like to have an appointment set up. And while I'm not their most profitable client, their still getting about 3k worth of commission if they find a house for me that I like.

Honestly, I'm an easy sell if they find the house with a decent sized kitchen and back patio in the right range. BUT they've only been showing me houses that are totally decrepit or too nice and out of my price range. I only got approved for 100k, where am I going to pull the extra money???

Anyways, met another realtor last night and I think I might email him tomorrow night if either of these don't get back to me. And when they do I think I'll say,"we're just not a good fit. I need someone who'll get back to me in a timely manner."

I think as far as customer/client service these two just aren't meeting the bar.

On the other hand, may I'm being an overzealous house-hunter. Trying to do too much too fast.

All I want is a phone call.

I ate cheese

2009-04-27T21:10:00.000-07:00

All I had was lasagna in the fridge and I didn't feel like cooking...I must say, though, that I enjoyed the sauce more than the cheese.

Saw three houses tonight. All were short sales. LOVED one, but it has two offers on it and one is already negotiating with the bank.

Someday my house will find me.

House hunting is very similar to dating. You go through a lot of duds until you meet your prince...or in this case, your castle.

Cheesed out...

2009-04-27T06:39:00.000-07:00

I'm surprised. I love cheese and right now I can't seem to even want to look at it. I made lasagna for a party last night and I didn't eat one piece. What is that? In the end, it's probably a good thing. It's the one fatty food I eat every day.

Honestly, though, too. We made fried chicken and I couldn't eat that either. I don't eat much fried food. I had two wings and this morning I have heartburn. It actually woke me up at 5:30 am. Not very pleasant.

Today is going to prove to be another busy day. I have meeting to view a house or two then I'm coming home to clean house a little since I probably won't have the chance to do it until Wednesday evening. I haven't done any laundry this week and it's showing in my closet. All I have hanging are skirts and sweaters.

Lots to do!

Progress Report

2009-04-26T09:40:00.000-07:00

I've updated my sidebar with my debts and networth. I made alot of progress this month. CC#4 is officially gone. I consolidated the debt onto CC#2 at no interest for six months. So I have until October to get that all paid down. CC#1 and Lenscrafters will be gone next month. Then I'll have less than $6000 in CC debt officially in May!

I figured out last week what my bonds were worth. I thought they were around 3k, but found out it's more like 4.5k. Even better. I plan on not cashing them in for a long time. They aren't mature until about 2023, but I'm planning on holding onto them for as long as possible. Mom has them in a special place to make sure they're never lost.

My networth also made huge jump from the month before. Next month I'm aiming for less than 30k. I'd like to be in the -20s before I buy a house this summer. That's going to be interesting to watch month by month as I slowly gain equity.

I'm guilty...

2009-04-22T19:20:00.000-07:00

I realized today I'm one of those employees that loathes doing the job twice or repeating the same step twice. It really scared me. No one told me about the trait. I just felt it creep up today. I'm just one of those people to think if it's fine then why redo it? There's nothing majorly wrong with it.

Oh and I never went to the bank today like I hoped. Maybe tomorrow, but definitely Friday.

I'm going to work on a project.

Ugh!

2009-04-22T07:56:00.000-07:00

I spent so much money yesterday, it's not even funny. I'm down to $27 so I've decided that until my birthday (which is next tuesday) I'm not going blow huge chunks of money. It's not that I did yesterday, but I spent about $65 and that's a lot for me.

What was it for?
$15 for savings.
$39 for medical bill
$3 for lunch (it was fast because I had a meeting my lender at lunch)
$7 at CVS at 11pm because I was out of saline solution.

All needed, but I'm broke until I deposit my latest chapel check.

Bad connection...

2009-04-20T18:25:00.000-07:00

I'm freaking out!!
My mother has my 2007 w-2 and I need it tomorrow. I told her to scan it, but it's highly likely she'll forget.
I've tried calling all day and the phone is off the hook.
And I can't call the cell phone because my Dad has it and isn't getting home until tomorrow evening.
I need my w-2 by 1pm.

I feel so inadequate right now. I'm a big ball of nerves.

I also found out the house I like is a short-sale. I wonder how close it is to foreclosure? If it's just in the beginning stages of the short sale, I might have a shot at it.

One real-estate agent doesn't even want to go near, while the other does. I could be choosing to go through the second agent if I can't more info from the first. We'll see there.

I just need my pre-approval first.

Mom needs to call me!!!

So tired, but not done for the day...

2009-04-18T21:31:00.000-07:00

Good day I guess today. Normally on Saturdays I only work for six hours, but today: 8 1/2. Why? I had to be the fourth videographer for a certain wedding package. That's okay more money. I did pick up my paycheck today. It's 77.57. I'll take it. That'll definitely help here in the next couple of weeks, especially with the final $89 I need to pay off of CC#4 before May 1st.

In other news:

I have a crush. He has a girlfriend. Always happens. At least I have a crush again. it's been three months since (Notso)Wonderful and I broke up. It's about time, Lucy! Hurrah!

I'm totally addicted to my friend's blog. She's been posting info on her little Z and I wish it was possible for me just to drive over to her house on Sundays and visit with her family. The blog is the best way to do that and it makes me miss her a lot!

Money spending I'm doing tonight:
Drink with M at a bar. I'm sticking to one so we'll say around $5.

Things I'm debating on doing:
Tomorrow: Going to SkyMania to jump around for an hour on trampolines: $9
Buying Ribbon Yarn for a gift I want to knit: $5

What that $19 could go to:
Debt to help me next month. I'm torn.

I found a house listing that's calling my name. It's 70k in Rhodes Ranch. I think it's the cutest thing I've seen online so far. My dad read the listing and told my mom to tell me that I should act on it ASAP if it's in good repair. Mom saw all the pictures and I told about the floorplan I found online. She thinks it's a perfect fit for me too. So hopefully, I'lldo a tour next week and see what my surrogates think. If they say make an offer then I will. We'll see. It's a month sooner than I expected to find something I like, and I don't want to jump into things and make the wrong decision on a house. It's a big step.

I've been through house-hunting in the past with my parents. In college they bought a house for me to live in and then my brother lived there as well when he went to college. I spent about two weeks or so constantly touring houses and calling about listings and doing tours with my parents. It was fun, but it took awhile to find that 'perfect little home.' I lived there for five years and the only reason I moved was because I left the country for another college. They sold it the day I left. I was on the plane thinking, 'I'll never find a better place for me.' I even begged my parents to hire house movers to move it to their farm just so I could live in it when I finished school. At 730 square feet it was super cute and cozy and completely mine...even though my parents owned it. I want that again.

Super cute and cozy and completely mine.

That's the dream and ultimately my goal.

I just realized...

2009-04-15T20:36:00.001-07:00

Going over my budget for the month I just realized I'm saving over $200 this month. My account will have over 2k in it by May 1st. I think next month I might aim for $300, but we'll see. Gotta get this excess debt paid down first, but it shouldn't be a problem. I'll try to throw my extra paychecks in there to help.

I'm broke and I haven't even been paid yet...

2009-04-15T20:27:00.000-07:00

Big news: I've been approved to buy a home for 100k or less. And...that's totally doable with an REO or Foreclosure. I wouldn't want a new home anyway. I've never lived in a brand new home. All of the houses I've lived in were built in 1946 or earlier. Granted, I won't find something that old here, but I don't need new.

But...
in order to get the 100k or even 110k I have to pay an extra $700 off in CC debt by mid-May. No problem, I just gotta squeeze what I can out of my budget.

No fun times for Lucy! She's on her best behavior and entertaining herself and others at home.
I'm paying $600 off this month. That gives me about $100 to live off of for the rest of the month. I'm going back to my pre-raise/pre-second job budget for the next two months. And probably for the next three to four months.

I'm aiming to buy in July. What if it doesn't happen? Well, I'm prepared to lease a one-bedroom or studio apartment for six months until I find the house that fits me. I'm fine with waiting.

I am excited, though. :)

Learn something new everyday...

2009-04-07T22:51:00.000-07:00

I learned today that one third of my income goes to debt. Another third goes to rent and utilities. The last third? food, gas, savings, and...well fun stuff I guess. Yeah, I need to reorganize my finances.

But I learned something new!! :)

I'm very proud of myself.

2009-04-06T19:35:00.000-07:00

A couple months ago I put $150 in my savings to be set aside for this trip to LA to see A over Easter. Guess what? It gets to stay in there! Yeah, I'm still pulling out $150 for my trip, but it's from my paycheck. It's money that I decided not to spend on frivolous things...as trying to go out this past Saturday night and go on the prowl. Haha! Prowl? Me? I don't think so. I do like to look, though. ;)

Anyways, what's leftover from my first paycheck of the month? $86! Where will that go? $50 of it to debt and the other $36 to savings. I also have another $56 paycheck from my Saturday job that I think I will split evenly with debt and saving. Or I may just use a portion of it for rice, eggs, milk, and salsa. I'll be out of those items by Thursday so I'll have to restock when I get back in on Monday.

Now, if there is anything leftover from the trip money, I'll probably just stick that in my savings too.

Go me!

Just my viewpoint...

2009-04-03T22:27:00.000-07:00

I have this invitation on Facebook to join a group that believes if student loan debt was forgiven it would help stimulate the economy.

I personally am sick of people wanting an easy way out and saying that by doing something it will turn this recession around.

Now is the time to really just focus on paying back debts you have and saving everything that you can. If you can't afford to pay back your debts then you shouldn't have taken them out in the first place.

I realize that I'm one of the lucky few who had their undergrad paid for by their parents, but I did have to pull out 30k to study out of the country for a year. My parents cosigned for that loan, but by no means do they make the payment. I didn't have to go to school in Canada, but I knew that it would benefit me in my career. And...it has! Granted, I'm nowhere near paying off the loan, but according to my debt reduction table it will be by 2015. I do, however, have until 2027.

People just need to take responsibility for their financial actions...along with their personal ones. Debt is a fact of life for most people. If you don't want debt then don't ask for the loan, credit, advance, etc. Save every measly penny until you can afford the thing that you want so badly.

We all make decisions that in some way affect the economy. Asking for debt forgiveness for any kind of loan makes no sense. It only means banks will lose more money. Yeah, my 30k may be pocket change to Bank of America, but I bet there are hundreds, if not millions of people who also have the same amount and that adds to a lot of money that could be potentially lost.

Just pay what you owe and suck it up!

Too busy...

2009-04-02T19:46:00.000-07:00

I keep reading PF blogs, but I don't update mine. At least, though, I only look at mine as accountability. It keeps me in check.

I'm doing fairly well. I've decided I'm only spending money on gas until after Easter. I may need to buy eggs or bread, but no big groceries are needed. I can definitely live on soup another week.

I didn't update my networth for March. I'm planning on doing that tonight while watching a movie.

I plan on pulling my Easter Trip money out of the bank tomorrow.

I had a friend ask me for $1100 tonight. I didn't give any of it away since I'm planning on purchasing a house this summer.

M and I talked a lot of things out on Tuesday night. It was pretty intense, but we'll work through it. For better or worse.

I had to move my CC#4 to CC#2 yesterday because my 12 months 0% interest was up. I now have another six months with 0%. I'll figure out what to do with the remaining $1200~ in September. I bought myself a little time. I hate the transfer game, but eventually my CC debt will be paid off. I need to retally my debt sheet. CC#4 will be paid off this month, even though I transferred 3k to CC#2. I suck.

I'll get it together soon.

Been super busy and super sick.

2009-03-24T20:34:00.001-07:00

I've been meaning to get on here and update, but it hasn't happened until now. I have a slew of things to do, both financial and personal. It also didn't help that I was really sick last week. So sick that I lost about four pounds.

My mom and her friend are arriving tomorrow so I'm getting the apartment ready for them. I haven't seen my mother in six months and I really can't wait to hug her!

Talked to my brother tonight. He's about to close on his first house. I'm really happy for him. He ended up telling me to go for a house lower than I'm approved for. I already knew I was going to try and do that. He was approved for 90k and bought one for 60k. Not bad! :) I'm very proud of him.

I bought (well, my brother gave --gift card) I Will Teach You to be Rich by Ramit Sethi on Sunday. I'm already at page 50. I read his blog every so often so I figured I'd add the book to my collection. I still have another $15 to spend at B&N and I think it's going to go towards the audiobook of Think and Grow Rich by Napolean Hill. My surrogates keep telling me to read the book. So I figure I can buy it and listen to it in the car as I'm drivng to LA over Easter weekend. Might as well learn over a five hour drive.

I still haven't been able to allocate all the money from my raise and second job. I'm going to rewrite my budget this weekend and consolidate my two big CC debts this weekend too. It's time to get serious if I'm going to buy a house in July or August.

I talked to real estate broker today at lunch. He was very helpful and is sending me listings that he thinks I'll like and that I can hopefully get a better idea of what I'm looking for. I realized how resourceful I am. I'm up for buying a REO as long as it's not destroyed. I don't mind replacing carpets and painting. If doesn't look the greatest when I move in that's fine. It just needs to be liveable. I can work on it in my spare time. I like to paint and my dad even offered to fly out and help with any maintenance when I move in to get everything in working order. I've been around remodeling houses since I was little so getting dirty isn't scary to me. It's rather fun, honestly. :)
I'm excited.

I just need to get debt paid down and money saved up! Lots of focusing!

One expense I'm going to have make: a new digital camera. Mine is kaput. :( I was aiming for a Canon dSLR, but I'm just going to go with a powershot for now and get the dslr next year along with the computer. I live with just my notebook pc for 8 months. No problem. I dealt with it for a year when I was away at school. What's another 8 months???

Networth update comes this weekend. Stay posted!

The First Day Back at Work.

2009-03-20T07:50:00.000-07:00

I'm back at work today after being severely ill the last two and a half. I don't remember much the past two besides taking medicine and forcing myself to eat because all I want to do is sleep. I'm still coughing and can't breathe, but I stocked up on meds yesterday and have no fever today so I should be fine at work.

How much have I spent on being sick? about 45 bucks. But it was much needed stuff.

All I want to do is get this day over with so I can hop back in bed and sleep some more. Over the last 2.5 days I've probably slept all but six hours of it. I'm still not done.

Miserable!

Fighting the urge...

2009-03-14T23:00:00.001-07:00

So last weekend M and I spent a day shopping, making our wardrobes over using a small chunk of money from our tax refunds. Trust me. The closets needed it. I was starting to look like a hobo. Anyways, I still have $20 left over. I want to spend it on shoes for the warmer weather.

The shoes I want are most likely going to be over $20. I'm not going to buy them just yet. I'm going wait a little while longer and see how I do.

Instead, in it's place I'm going to stay home tomorrow and work out and clean my bedroom. I need to clean this computer. Reformatting it would be nice for my parents and making sure it only has the software they need would be even better. I'm calling tomorrow a 'no spend day'. Definitely.

Dilemma

2009-03-12T19:31:00.000-07:00

So Mom is coming out in 12 days. Today I found out that LOVE is giving discounted tickets to Vegas locals. I asked Mom if she wanted to go because she wanted to see it or Elton John. She stalled and said she had to think about it because $75 was still too much. For Cirque, that's a good deal for 2nd tier seating. I used to work in a theatre in college for off-broadway productions and I know a good deal when I see one.

After I hung up with her I began to think and think. I realized that I've been trying to figure out a Mother's Day gift for her. This could be it since I won't get to see her again until Christmas. I could buy her ticket for her. I do have an extra few hundred bucks a month now.

I DUNNO!!!

The deal is good until mid-May so even if she and I don't go, I know M and I will.

Ugh!!!

If Mom and I don't go then I'll use that money for paying $75 in debt, but I'd rather spend it on her. She's pretty darn awesome. She spends most of her vacation time out here instead of going elsewhere or having me come home because I can't afford it. I'd like to treat her.

Trying not to think...or spend money.

2009-03-05T07:41:00.001-08:00

Yesterday I pretty much knew I was going to spend the evening alone. Since has found someone special, I tend to have lots of nights alone. Yes, at times it can be lonely, but mostly I find it peaceful. I don't turn on the TV, I sit in the peace and quiet working patiently on a project. Last night's project? Starting on our wall art piece that you could buy for a $100 and we're doing it for $25. I didn't get very far. By 9:30 I had painted about 45 dowel rods with silver leaf. I will say, though, that I enjoyed every minute of it eating my pizza and drinking a beer. For as long as I can remember I've enjoyed nights like that and I think I'm going to do them more often.

I put $236 towards my Lenscrafters bill, so that should've chopped it by almost half. There goes the last of my tax refund. But at somepoint I shall see $300 come through from the half of the rebate I didn't receive last year since I didn't make enough money. What am I doing with that? Topping off the EF and putting the rest either towards the computer or to debt.

So tonight?
More painting.

New iMacs are out and I can't afford one...yet.

2009-03-03T19:20:00.000-08:00

Yep. They were released this morning. They look the same on the outside, but the inside is just glorious. Check them out at Apple. They are even better than the iMac I use at work and it's only a year old. I configured a machine to make me happy and it will cost me approximately $1900. Can't buy it yet, but I will at some point. To get me started. I've decided to give my current PC up for adoption. My parents are going to take it since their PC is about dead anyway. Mine used to be top of the line....eight years ago. I just can't do the things I need to. It won't hardly run Photoshop and I use Photoshop 7. Pretty sad. I will say, though, that it will be perfect for my mother who only uses her PC for word processing, storing photos, using the internet and burning cds. This one does more than that and it will last her a few more years.

I've decided to give BigBoy (yes, my PC's name is BigBoy) up in three weeks. He will be shipped when my mother arrives for her vacation. All I'm asking in return is for an optical mouse to go with my laptop (so lovingly named SnowWhite.) They get a computer for maybe $20. That's a steal!

When am I planning to get this wonderful iMac? Summer...maybe Fall...maybe after I buy a house. Yeah, I don't know, but I'm getting one and that's all matters.

You may be wondering why I'm not giving the mini a shot. I thought about it. I'd have to buy the monitor and keyboard, though, and that there puts me $2000. The iMac is a better deal.

So...in goals:
I'm going to get 2k in my EF ASAP!!
I will keep putting $50 in there a month, while I focus on CC debt.
I will put my extra paychecks and extra money in my savings to go towards my house dp (which I don't know what it will exactly be until M and I sit down and crunch numbers and decide on the prospect. She tends to avoid important talks until the last minute. I will get her to sit this weekend, though)...and some of those paychecks will go to my computer fund.

Y'know...three months ago I had every intention to save up 4k for Italy in 2012, but it's in the back of my mind. I'm finding there are more pressing matters in my life at the moment. Italy is only going to cost me money. A new computer will help me make more money especially since my career field needs them to survive.

Networth and Sidebar Update

2009-02-28T13:40:00.000-08:00

It's the end of the month.

Well, without my tax refund I wouldn't have made much progress. I actually probably would've only gained $200 in my networth instead of almost $800.

I'm getting really close to reaching my $2k goal in my EF. Should be there soon. Then I'm just going to throw money at my debt and goals.

I've been trying to figure out where all this extra money is going to every month now that I have it. It's hard. I live pretty frugally. I, mean, yeah I have those moments where I'll buy something that I really don't need, but it's not an expensive piece of furniture. It's more like a pint of ice cream or coffee.

I did decide to take $150 of my refund and put it to my trip in April. It's done now, so all I have to do is pack! How exciting! Can't wait to see A!

The buying a house decision is getting to be a little more complicated. I'll post more when we get the details hashed. I think I'll start seriously looking in May and June, then hopefully put an offer in before July so we can move by August, but no later than September. M's dad told us to look into condos, but we live in a luxury apartment now that was a condo at one point and we just don't want people underneath us or above us. Plus we'd like to have a garage and backyard. I want the backyard really bad, since I love gardening and just being outside. You can't really move around a balcony. Anyways, it's developing.

Look for my Lenscrafters bill to get slashed by almost half next month. I'm going to press for it to happen. I just need to get through these next few days. Rent is due tomorrow along with the electric and cable. Paid my car loan today also. I'm pretty squared away bill-wise.

(Not-so)Wonderful is being interesting lately. M and I are convinced he wants me back. We'll see how that all develops. He's been really flaky the last few months. I want dependability.

Yeah, so there it is!

Transitioning

2009-02-26T07:44:00.001-08:00

For the past two weeks I've felt like I've been going through 'growing pains' in life. I felt lost, even though I had a job.

Yesterday reaffirmed my transitioning. I mentioned awhile ago I was supposed to get a raise, but then I didn't get it at the beginning of this month. Then we had this meeting at the company, had to write an assessment of our job, and wait for an evaluation. We still have had no evals, but yesterday I found out I got a 20% pay raise! Over 5k more a year. I'm super excited.

What am I going to do with that money? Well, put it towards debt of course.
I'm also thinking of pushing aside my Italy goal and replacing it with a house downpayment goal of the same amount. It's going to be aggressive, but I'd like to buy a house for around 80k this fall and if prices keep falling I should have no problem snagging a REO. I've found a few around here for $75k, but they are condos and I really don't want a condo, but we'll see. I figure I'll need four to five grand for a down payment, inspection fees, and closing costs. Then depending on the floors I'll either need to have them professionally cleaned or replaced; the latter costing more.

So let's see what happens. I don't wanna jump the gun, but buying a house this year might be a good decision if the economy keeps slumping. The mortgage would be about $700/month which is cheaper than what we pay for rent and if I ever lose M then I could still afford the payment until I find another roommate.

It's not set in stone, but I'm definitely going to see if I can swing it. It will take a couple months to figure out.

Tax refund received!

2009-02-24T08:13:00.000-08:00

Yay! To my surprise I've received my tax refund five days early! Now I'm just waiting on my stimulus check that I was eligible for since I made quite a bit more last year and only got $300 of the $600. I get the other half this year!

Bring on the green!

I've already allocated where half of my refund is going: debt and my Easter trip.

Now I've got to figure out the other half.

My Sunday Plans

2009-02-22T09:02:00.000-08:00

My Sunday has changed considerably in the last 24 hours.
I was planning on going to the Speedway to see B drift, but I accomplished nothing yesterday, but see a friend.
So today, I'm disciplining myself and attempting to get everything accomplished.

To Do:
Get meds filled at pharmacy and buy shampoo.
Check on Taco at noon.
Work on etsy products and update store.
Fill my gas tank.
Vaccuum
Figure out my meal plan for the next week.

To go along with my last item. I've decided that I'm going back to my shakes. I've put on 10 pounds since November 1st and it's starting to get to me. I'd like to drop five by April. I already have one canister so I'm going to have a shake for breakfast and one for dinner this first week. For lunch, I'll have salad with black beans, tomatoes, and crutons or a turkey sandwich. I'll also have fruit. This should be a good start.

Then the next three weeks I'll alternate between and one and two shakes a day and incorporate more variety in my lunches.

This helped me last year when I lost 20 pounds. I'd like to stay around 120 as much as possible this year again. It's also better on my checkbook!

Evals...

2009-02-21T11:00:00.000-08:00

We have job evals on Monday and Tuesday. I'm a little nervous to see how it's going to go. I told M it's her job tomorrow to keep my mind off of it. If I do end up losing my job, I have at least one backup right now.

Good stuff

2009-02-21T08:18:00.000-08:00

I've made $2028 this month. That's almost an extra $200 than I normally make. I've decided $100 of it going to car insurance next month. The other bits will be even dispersed meds, fuel, and whatever is leftover to the CCs. I've paid everything this month so now I'm just trying allocate money where it will do the most good.

Todays agenda:
Cleaning and organizing my office space and closet
Working out
Waiting for M to get off work so we can plan our evening with friends.

I went to Starbuck's today...

2009-02-18T21:00:00.000-08:00

I try to avoid it as much as possible because I tend to get addicted. I love tea. I can't help it. I have a variety of tea stashed in my pen holder on my desk and normally drink it all day, but today our kitchen was incapacitated so I had no access to drinking water. What's a girl to do? I went to Starbuck's. In hindsight, I could've saved $5 by going across the street and stealing a cup of water, but I didn't think of that until about two seconds ago. I did, however, enjoy my green tea latte. Very, very much.

I'm going to have break down and buy shampoo here in the next couple days. I also need to pay for my meds this weekend. There goes about $35 on those two things. At least I have an extra $40 paycheck on Friday from shooting weddings for a few hours.

(Notso)Wonderful contacted me this morning. It's been a month since we last talked. I refused to contact him because he's the one who broke up with me. He asked me if I was still available or if I had a boyfriend. Who has a new boyfriend a month after breaking up? Puh-leaze!!! I'm not desperate. My heart's broken and I'm healing right now. The last thing I need is a new guy in my life. And if he wants me back, I'm open to the idea, but it will take some convincing. I'm not going into some cyclical relationship. I refuse. It's unhealthy.

Plans for tonight yet:
Brushing the cat ( she's part persian)
Reading Sense and Sensibility (I swear Jane Austen could've written about my life. It's just another era. People haven't changed!)

Change...

2009-02-16T18:18:00.000-08:00

Change is a-coming. Whether I like it or not. Tomorrow morning we have a mandatory meeting at 8 am, an hour earlier than I normally go in. I'm preparing for the worst and hoping for the best. I started looking for jobs in case I'm going to lose mine. I really don't know if I will, though. I've found about 15 throughout the country. One is in KC, which as much as I don't want to leave Vegas would be perfect. My brother is in contract to buy a house and he said I could be his roommate for a year and help him remodel the place while I work. His mortgage would be about $400 a month so if I pay half that and the utilities I'd be doing well. I would love to just pay $200 a month. I'm currenlty paying $480 which is the cheapest I've paid since moving to Sin City. At least it's not as expensive as rent in Vancouver or LA, though. I wouldn't be able to survive.

It's nice to know that if I do move to a city I don't want to be in I'll have my brother help me out. He's always been there for me, even if he has been a huge butt in the past. We used to disagree on approaching different situations and now we always approach them the same. It's very strange. I know if I do live with him it will be good for both of us. We're used to living together. Most people wouldn't think about living with their sibling, especially one of the opposite sex, but we did it for a year in college and it worked out. We both love to cook. I'm definitely clean house more than him, but he likes to cut the grass so it works out. Plus, he'd work on my car if it needs maintenance and I'd fix his computer when it acts up.

Mom is supposed to visit next month for a week. I told her not to book her flight just yet because she might be driving back with me. It would cut her trip short, but she understands. I couldn't do it by myself.

M is going to try everything to find a way for me to get a new job ASAP just so I don't have to think about moving.

I have to make at least $1500 month to pay all my bills.

Anyways, I'm a little nervous, but I adapt quickly to change. I tend to thrive on life challenges and always find a way to get by.

Cross your fingers.

Check!

2009-02-16T16:14:00.000-08:00

I've done so much today. I'm very proud of myself. I only have a few things left to do!

To Do:
Laundry--DONE
Vaccuum
Clean the Bathroom--DONE
Organize Bedroom and Closet
Finish and File Taxes--DONE...I'm very proud of this one. I'm getting money back!!! :)
Call my Brother--DONE...he was very helpful
Finish Felted Bag

Three things left. I can do it. I think I might take a nap first, though.

My List

2009-02-16T09:03:00.000-08:00

At 9 am this morning I've paid every bill, but one. It went a little faster than I expected. I didn't realize how much I'm whittling away the small ones. They're going fast and it feels odd paying the fewer and larger ones. My debt reduction is going to feel as if it's slowing down over the next few months, even though I know it will stay the same.

I have today off, which feels strange too. I don't think we had President's Day off last year. I'm going to use it to definitely get lots of stuff accomplished.

To Do:

Laundry

Vaccuum

Clean the Bathroom

Organize Bedroom and Closet

Finish and File Taxes

Call my Brother

Finish Felted Bag.

It's definitely doable. I just need to start as soon as I can get up off the couch. :)

Good weekend so far...

2009-02-15T22:16:00.001-08:00

I've spent no money since Friday night when I spent $18 at World Market.

I learned how to make Sushi tonight. Tasty, but next time it will be better.

I'm almost done with one my felted bags. I havto finish the lining. S suggested I bead it to give it a little more glam. It needs a little something more, I agree.

S took me to see Taken and He's Just Not Into You yesterday. The first one was awesome. Liam Neeson really surprised me that he didn't let his age hold him back in the role. The romance film annoyed me. Go figure. Goodwin's character annoyed me. I know people like her and it's totally true that they always get a boyfriend. Desperation should get you nowhere!! I can't stand desperate women! It's so sad that they believe that love defines them.

I'm a believer in that your SO compliments you, no completes you. They bring out your best qualities.

Anyways, I'm going finish watching Mark and Olly on The Travel Channel and go to bed. I have to get up and pay bills and do my taxes tomorrow. I wanted to do it today, but I didn't get home until and hour ago.

Girls' night out

2009-02-12T22:48:00.000-08:00

We went to Yardhouse for a beer and mini burgers and crab, lobster, artichoke dip. Very Yummy! Then saw Push. I don't know really what to say. It left me 'unfulfilled'. I always say that about a movie that could be really good, but it's lacking. In this case, it's definitely story. Definitely. I've studied story enough to know that some things didn't quite add up or were just plain bad.

BUT!

Chris Evans is totally devine. I'm sure if it were Greek or Roman times he'd be right up there with Hercules. He, himself made the movie worth 10 bucks!

Some day he'll shall be my pet...err, husband.

*Dream*

Planning...

2009-02-09T22:11:00.001-08:00

Today I realized how the recession is affecting me.

The company I work for creates online informational videos. We've been pretty busy. It hasn't seem that the recession was affecting us too much. I was still aware of it and have been careful with what I spend my money on, minus last month with the move across town. Anyways, this morning we all receive an email where we have to log what we're working on at every hour. For a few of us that can be really tedious or just really pointless. Most of the time when I'm working on videos it's for the same client for three or four days. Or I'm working on multiple small projects all at once and/or working on two different computers at the same time with different tasks. The last week, though, we've been fairly slow. The studio hasn't been booked and that means little work for me unless it comes from the mail or through FTP. In the case of the latter, I have to wait until it arrives, which I absolutely HATE! I like to be busy. I'm constantly doing something. I don't sit still easily without something in my hands.

This whole hourly itinerary has me a bit frightened that some of us might be expendable. I don't think I am, but you never know. This economy is very scary and nothing is guaranteed.

So I've done some planning.
With my savings this month I only have one month's worth living expenses. That's not much. So if something happens to my current job, I'm planning on calling the chapel to pick up more weddings, and looking everywhere for a new job. I will look in Vegas, LA, Vancouver, St. Louis (which means I'd be living with my parents again...), and whereever else there is a strong need for my career.

I thought about going into freelance, but that requires me to put down 4.5k for the first half and then another 5k to be totally independent. I just don't see myself getting 10k anytime soon. I've had a hard enough time trying to get my savings back up from when I bought my car back in September.

I guess it's good that I've had this little 'wake-up call'. I'm not immune to losing my job. I'm just going to buckle up and make the best of this ride. I don't know when it might end.

Getting back in the groove.

2009-02-07T17:03:00.000-08:00

I'm getting into working out. By looking at me you wouldn't think I was out of shape. I'm 5'5" and 126 lbs. I think the lightest I ever could be would be 115 lbs. Why? I'm built pretty muscular so to be 115 lbs I'd look pretty sickly. Anyways, the reason I'm starting to work out again is because I've been noticing myself just being tired all the time and just wanting to eat. I don't want to clean. I don't want to write. I don't want to do anything.

Last year, I exercised all the time and I really noticed a difference in my energy levels. All I pretty much do is run and bike at our complex's gym, and when I don't go in I do yoga and pilates in the living room.

I think my energy is returning. It's only been a week, but I feel more rested.
I think in the next few weeks I'm going to drag M along and go hiking up at Mt. Charleston and picnic. I think it'll be fun for both of us. Tomorrow we're going to Skymania to jump on trampolines. I think she's going to help me with my backflips, but I'll probably freak out on her when she goes to doublebounce me to get me high enough.

I think Skymania is the only place I've paid money to exercise. Our complex's gym is super nice and is totally free (unless we use the personal trainer); hiking is free minus the gas to get up there.

I'm still having issues getting myself to go get active, but that'll take a few more weeks for me to want to go. Once I'm in the gym I'm perfectly fine. It's the tying of my shoes that seems to be the hardest part.

Here's to a better life...in all aspects!

I've created a plan...

2009-02-05T21:00:00.000-08:00

So I know there's no way I'm going to complete my taxes tonight. I think I'm going to go with Turbo Tax and have my brother on the phone with me.

Apparently, I should receive a 1099 in the mail no later than the 14th.

Soooo....since I don't have plans on the 15th, I'm just going to schedule a time for both lil bro and I to do it online.

Right now, my return looks promising. I might be getting a good chunk of change back.

We'll see. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. The extra money will help a lot with savings and for the computer fund.

So for tonight, I'm giving up.

Growing up...

2009-02-05T18:45:00.000-08:00

I'm attempting to work on my 1040, even though I'm still waiting on a 1099 that I may never see. I filled out a W9 back in November for a job that I only made a few hundred for. That few hundred, though, paid for a new windshield.

This is going to be a big challenge for me.
Last year, my mother did my taxes. I didn't make much, but she still did it.
This year, my first official year out of school, my taxes are a little more complicated.
I had two jobs, and thre W9.
Luckily I live in a state where I only file federal tax.
But my deductions: interest on my student, my car, portion of my registration of my car, and there is some other small stuff.

Mom told me to go HR Block, but I'm going to see if I can do it myself. Otherwise, I'm calling the lil bro this weekend and he'll help me with it. He got himself $1800 back and I worked more than he did and he doesn't have the deductions I have. We dig through it together. Plus, he does this stuff for a living. BONUS!!

Progress

2009-02-04T19:56:00.000-08:00

I finally opened my online bank account. I did it with SmartyPig. Etrade was really the only competitor with it's APR and they rejected me for some stupid reason that the consumer report wouldn't even tell me.

I'm going back to tightening my belt this week. I've been really lax about spending since we've moved. Thank goodness it was only three weeks ago. I haven't done enough damage to hurt me yet. I'm paying back my credit card from Sunday's excursion in three bouts. One of $75 tomorrow. Another on the 15th and then another at the end of the month. I'm also paying off a store credit of $35 this month and taking a chunk off my lenscrafters card. After that I just need to pay my student loan.

I'm also picking up five hours at the Chapel on Valentine's Day. I was going to avoid anything romance related, but when it's money on the table I'm going to take it. I could've worked a full day, but being around swooning newlyweds in Vegas isn't my cup of tea so soon after a break up. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. I'm going to shut my emotions off while I'm there and try not to come out of my closet much. I should be coming home with an and extra $50 or so.

I wonder how much progress I'll make this month moneywise...

Waiting for the 15th...

2009-02-02T21:50:00.000-08:00

Sunday was a bust when it came to money.

M and I decided that we're setting up a meal plan. Why? To save money. The more meals we make at home and can take as lunch to work means less money spent on fast food. We were almost completely out of food. We had stuff to bake cookies and eat rice, oatmeal, turkey sandwiches, and corn. It would've lasted one week and I then I would've been sick of turkey sandwiches.

So we made a meal plan from recipes I've been wanting to try out in all my cookbooks. We also needed neccessities for the apartment. You know toilet paper, paper towels, carpet cleaner, kitty litter and deodorizer. We did forget antibacterial wipes, though.

We ended up spending $140 on both of us. M owes me over 70 of it, but still that's all of my money left over. But good news is we're stocked on many things for the next few months. We normally do a trip like this every three or four months. We know it's going to take a few hours so we prepare with a list and make time on a Sunday afternoon because we're both home. It's a chore, but it's fun too.

At the end of the day...

2009-01-30T23:08:00.000-08:00

My cat just had to pee on my bed!!!

Now I'm washing my bedding and sleeping on the couch.

Boo! Hiss!!!!

She did this a couple times over the summer when she wasn't happy. I finally had to replace the bedding because it was dry clean only and it cost $40 each time I took it in. This new duvet is machine washable, but it will take forever to dry.

I believe it has to do with the recent move. My room is a total wreck and that makes her nervous because she wants to get into things, but isn't allowed to.

I just had to had to adopt and animal three and a half years ago. I love her, but it's times like this that I wish I didn't have the responsibility.

Networth Update:

2009-01-30T20:04:00.000-08:00

I've just updated my networth and sidebars. Slow progress this month. While I gained more networth, I didn't gain as much as last month. I believe a lot of it was the move. I slow some debt repayment. I also used CC#4 a couple times. I think I put about $90 on it.

Slow, slow, slow.

Hopefully in February I'll throw more money at the cards. I'm so close to finishing one off. Lenscrafters is getting close too.

I need to also start saving for my Easter trip and computer in February.

Raise

2009-01-30T07:25:00.001-08:00

They forgot about it. I'm a little bummed. I was told I was getting one from my immediate supervisor and they all forgot to do it.

Maybe on the 15th or next month??

Money

2009-01-29T07:41:00.000-08:00

I made $7 on SurveySavvy yesterday. How awesome!! That was pretty big for me because normally I only get the $1 or $2 surveys. The bigs ones I don't I qualify for.

I should be getting my raise tomorrow or Saturday. I haven't heard anything more about it, but we've been really busy with different clients and creating new things. I'm not really going to put too much expectation on it, though. I can definitely make ends meet, I just don't really have 'fun' fund or any spare money at the end of each pay period. It has a purpose. I have about $20 to last me until I get paid and that should be plenty. I don't need gas and I don't need food and we definitely have a lot to keep me busy this weekend without needing to go anywhere.

I'm looking into buying a teapot. Not just any teapot. I want one with character so I'm going to be looking everywhere, especially etsy. I'd rather support artists than retail. People are more important than corporations right now. I drink a lot of tea and I absolutely hate going to the kitchen to brew more. I figure it's just smarter to take water from the kettle to the teapot and pour it where I am at. It'll get a lot of use.

I was bad...

2009-01-23T21:01:00.000-08:00

This morning I woke up and told myself today was a 'no-spend' day. And what do I do tonight? In the middle of a pity party for myself, I coerce M to go to Mixer's tonight for homemade ice cream. I spent $5 on coffee ice cream with chocolate chips and gummi bears in a chocolate covered homemade waffle bowl. I ate it all and now I feel sick. So to make up for the sick feeling I'm going to yoga in the morning, but I won't get that money back. Grrr!!! Stupid me.

I tried opening an ETrade Complete Savings account. I was declined. They couldn't tell me why and told me to contact the consumer report company. I'm a little worried. There shouldn't be a problem with anything in my history. I'll hopefully find out soon.

Tomorrow and Sunday are cleaning days at the old apartment. I'm not looking forward to it, but since we'll both be there it should go quite fast. There's a lot to be done, though. While I'm up there I also need to go to CVS and Trader Joe's. The cats need food and I need to fill a prescription. There's more money!!

Almost settled...

2009-01-22T08:05:00.001-08:00

I'm almost settled in here at the new apartment. Tonight I plan to focus on my budget and see how much I've really spent. I also want to set up my new savings account. I'm hoping this will keep me from thinking about breaking up with Wonderful last night. Didn't want it to happen, but we both just kinda felt there was no way to fix things right now. It wasn't fair to me to wait every two to three weeks to see him. His job is way too demanding right now. I understand. It just really sucks. We both really care for each other and it's just not the right time. Maybe someday? I can't wait around forever, though. For now, I'm happy to just cuddle with my kitty.

Things I will focus on:

exercise
money (of course :) )
projects
get back into my writing
reading

Moving Day!

2009-01-17T08:33:00.001-08:00

I'm moving. I'm actually not stressed about it anymore either. I made it through the month without going over budget. I still have $150 left over (for gas and food.) When I calculated my budget I was going to be over by $300. So tweaked it a bit. I didn't save this month for Italy so somewhere in the next couple of months I'll have to put an extra $50 in the account. I also made a slightly smaller payment to CC#4. I'll have to make up for that somewhere down the road too, but that card has 0% interest until May.

I did decide to buy an iMac in April or May. They should be coming out with an LED screen soon so when that happens I'll be one of the first to get one. It won't be top of the line, but the model below it. The top of the line iMac is mainly for gaming. The one below is what I use for work for video editing. So that's probably what I'll get here at home. I'm going to try and find the parts and have my current computer fixed, but it will be getting shipped to my parents by the summer. It's actually a year older than I thought and Mom said she and Dad could use it until it finally goes up to Computer Heaven. The one they are currently using is eight years old and has been acting up for awhile. They had my old inspiron fixed, but my brother decided to leave his desktop behind and take it with him until he got settled. He's rough on his computers so I'm not really expecting that one to return in as good a shape as when he left with it. Oh the computer woes. At least with my parents and the three computers they do have they'll be able to sell them for cheap and make a little cash from them at some point this year.

An expected problem..

2009-01-16T07:42:00.001-08:00

I think my desktop PC is dying. It's six years old. I love it to pieces, but it's fan and everything in it are going crazy. The fan is overcompensating for something and when it does it sounds like the whole CPU is going to explode. It's scary. Last month I backed everything up onto The Brain because I knew the end was near.

I'm going to have Wonderful look at it. He says he thinks he can fix it and if he can he's my hero because I really can't afford a new iMac or Sony All-in-One until 2010. Luckily, I have my laptop, but it's not as amazing as my desktop. It just doesn't have the brawn BigBoy does. Plus, I'm Vista on it makes it a little kooky. I'd like to wait for Windows 7 before I have to get another pc with Vista (that's why I mentioned iMac above, which I know just as well as anything PC.

No matter what I'm probably spending money on it in the next month.

Guess I'll be making a subject in sidebar for Computer Fund.

What's a girl to do?

2009-01-13T21:03:00.000-08:00

I'm looking at closing my savings account and putting my whole EF into an online account. I'm torn between SmartyPig.com and ING. I think I'm leaning more towards SmartyPig. It has a better interest rate and I like the idea that you can distinguish where you're money is going into subcategories. I know that for awhile there were a few catches with Smartypig with only being reimbursed on giftcards or if you wanted the money back in your other accounts you had to wait for a check, but that's all been fixed to where they are options. The money can now be deposited back into the account that it takes money from every month. That's another thing I like about it. It forces you to put at least $25 in it every month. It makes you set goals. I love goals! How amazing is that!!!!

I know for sure that I'm not leaving it where it is after tomorrow afternoon. I'm only earning .14% That's NOTHING!!!

I guess I'll just keep researching until then.

How has my week gone...

2009-01-10T16:05:00.001-08:00

I'm still broke, but with the $25 I have it'll last until Thursday easily. I posted more knitted items to my etsy. Check the sidebar for my mini. I have some mittens to post along with two more hats, but I'll wait until tomorrow to post those. I'm crossing my fingers. More people are clicking me as their favorites, but no sales. Stupid economy. I know it's cold in many parts of this country. People need hats and scarves. Allow them to buy my stuff!

I threw out my favorite pair of rocketdogs this week, and I'm going to have throw out another pair next week. They are all falling apart. I refuse to wear nasty shoes. So I bought new silver rocketdogs on my credit card and will pay it off next week when I get my next paycheck. It's getting warm again and I can't handle wearing boots or my heavy Vans when it gets too warm. My feet need to breathe. It's been awhile since I've had new shoes anyway, I haven't bought any since probably March. It's about time.

I'm debating on moving my Lencrafters balance over to CC#4. It's 0% interest is ending on the 21st. I still have $500 to pay on it. Good idea or no? CC #4 has 0% until May and I'll be able to to throw more money at it starting next month (at least $300/month).

Tracking my money

2009-01-06T20:18:00.000-08:00

This month I'm tracking every expense. According to my budget, I'm over already, but according my bank account I still have an extra $50. How???!?! It's very frustrating. I guess it's a good sign.

I've figured I'm going to have to pull money from my Emergency Fund. I hate doing it, but there is probably not another way to find the extra $200. The chapel doesn't need me this weekend and even if I did work I'd only make maybe $75 shooting weddings for the day. It would be the only day I could work extra this month too. The two Saturdays after I'll be moving. So, to fix this problem, I'll be replenishing what can with my raise in February. I have no idea what my rais even is yet, but I'm designating that.

I know I said that I would like my EF to reach $1800 by the end of March, but I don't know if that will happen right now. I wasn't intending on moving when I set that goal this past fall. So I will try to reach it, but my end of year goal is more important. Hopefully my income tax return will help.

I'm basing a lot on money I don't have yet.

Bottom line is: I don't have enough money this month, but at least I have my small EF.

Vacation plans...

2009-01-04T17:38:00.000-08:00

Yeah, I just had about nine days off, but I'm planning a four day weekend in Santa Monica with my best friend over Easter. We've been friends since we were 14 years old and all our family is back in the Midwest. Last year, she came and visited me for Easter and we also celebrated our birthdays. That was one crazy weekend. I think we slept through all of Sunday and only woke up to go eat at Pampas at Planet Hollywood for a celebratory dinner. Then we came home and went back to sleep. We just couldn't recuperate from Saturday's craziness of shopping, dancing, and drinking.

So this year, I'm visiting her. Same idea: to celebrate Easter and our birthdays. We're already planning on what we're going to do. If the beach is warm we'll be sunbathing. So that's free! But, I'm sure we'll be spending money in the bars and pubs searching for celebrities. haha Other free things we could do are the Walk of Fame and seeing the Hollywood sign. I haven't seen them yet.

I'm also planning on flying. So far I've found tickets at $57 each way. Not too bad. I'm going to purchase them in February at some point. If they go up then I'll just drive out there. It's a five hour drive from here so it shouldn't be too bad and it'll cost about the same. I just would rather reduce the amount of miles on my car. Bo Beep is my baby and I'm not going to abuse her.

Shows...

2009-01-04T12:27:00.001-08:00

I've been researching craft shows and art fairs and to be able to get a table or booth you have to submit $250 or more per show. Crazy!! I was looking at one at the end of April and it was $325. Looks like I'm not doing any shows until possible the fall, if I can make the money and find the interest.

My packing is almost complete. My bedroom is full of boxes and I'm living out of my suitcases. The kitchen is packed up except for a few dishes and the neccessary food we're going to eat over the next two weeks. I'm going to tackle the office today. Hopefully, I'll get a good start on that. I think I'm going to have to dissassemble my desk when we get it to the new apartment. I don't think I'll get it through the closet door. I'm planning on turning half of my walk-in closet into an office. I don't have many clothes and I tend to only hang the ones that are in season and store the others in plastic boxes. I also don't want all my electronics in my bedroom. It'll be too distracting. It's bad enough I have my television in my room.

After the move, I'm going to really focus on my projects and get them posted online to get exposure and earn some cash.

Wow!

2009-01-01T18:49:00.000-08:00

Spending the holidays with the Surrogates is always so filling. My stomach is about to burst! Tomorrow I'm going back to get leftovers. Yum!!! I had to leave early so I'm going over to pick up leftovers tomorrow.

I updated my networth and paid my first set of bills for the month. I have five dollars left. Bummer. This month is going to be really tight. I already took two-thirds of my bonus to pay for the reservation of our new apartment and I'm going to have to find and $300 for move in fees. UGH!!!

Good things:
I'm stocked up on groceries so I'll live.
We're getting out of our nasty apartment complex.
We'll be getting back our deposit next month.

Not-so-good things:
I have less than $10 to figure out how to pay for gas and cat food (approximately $20)
I don't get paid until the 15th. Oy vey!!!

I'll live. I just loathe the first two weeks of the month.

Good day...for the most part..

2008-12-31T16:20:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year's Eve, first of all! 2009 is right around the corner. :)

Good things about today:

I finally figured out a problem with a project I was working on. Troubleshooting is always a pain, but so satisfying once the problem is fixed.

We all were allowed to leave early.
We have a four day weekend.

I'm getting a raise in February. (Yeah, I found out today! Don't know how much, but I don't care really. It's more money.)

Not-so-good things about today:

I'm probably not going to a party because I'm afraid of that part of town after dark...

Wonderful is only coming over dinner and I'm not even sure that will happen...then he's off to a coworker's party...he's also on-call for his job. So...no New Year's kiss for me. Instead, I'll be sitting on my couch with my cat enjoying a cranberry martini.

Plans for this holiday weekend:

New Year's lunch with the Surrogates!
Barnes and Noble on Friday for business materials (aka help).
Knitting.
Packing.
Finishing Season 9 of Friends.

Greatest place to shop for necessities...

2008-12-28T21:51:00.000-08:00

One place I always go for canned goods for cheap is the dollar store, 99 Cents Only. Today for example, I came home with seven items for $5.38. I'm happy with it. I normally go there to stock up on canned tomatoes, chicken broth, and other veggies. Many times we even buy our bags of lentils and rice there too. It's never more than a dollar so we can't not afford to check it out. It's how we keep basic staples in our house.

Cha-Ching!

2008-12-27T10:04:00.000-08:00

CC#2 = paid off!

Fa la la la la la la la la!

For 2009...

2008-12-26T20:13:00.000-08:00

I would like to cut my CC debt to $1000. I think that's highly do-able.

I would like to open and IRA since I don't have access to a 401k at my job.

I hope to save $600 for my trip to Italy in 2012.

I hope to have $2000 in my EF and it would be nice if there was more.

I hope to have my online business up and running.

I think five is a good start for now. They are decent sized goals, I believe. AND they're only going to help my networth! :)

The holidays...

2008-12-25T20:13:00.001-08:00

Christmas is all but over. Just four more hours. I have to say it was a pretty good holiday. I made an awesome apple cranberry pie. It makes my mouth water just thinking about it. And I spent it with my surrogate family, which is the next best thing to my real family whom I can't be with this year. I am bit bummed that I won't see Wonderful. He's just too busy. Oh well, his gift will just sit under the tree until I can see him. Actually, I might try to drop it off Sunday. I think he's putting too much on his plate right now. I don't want to be in the way. But...well, that's a whole another can of worms there.

I never found surrogate mom's hula hoop. I talk to my mother about it and she said they probably won't be out until Spring. So I just put an IOU on the gift. :) I will find one.

As for gifts: no cash gifts, but that's okay. My mother bought me some facial cleanser and multiple face creams to calm down my face. This year's harsh winter ( for Vegas standards) is making my skin break out like crazy. She also gave me some great antique glasses with the 50's era film stars. They're so awesome!

Surrogate family gave me a rice cooker, clothes, and then a sushi kit! Yeah, that's right. I'm going to learn to make sushi! A lot of the places here I'm not a fan of. I miss Vancouver sushi. It was cheap and delicious. Here, I have to pay almost $30 for a good dinner. In Van, $12.95! I'm going to call my sushi bistro LucyDin. Ha!

M gave me seasons 8 and 9 of Friends. Yippee!! Lots of TV watching for me.

My mother told me they all LOVED their gifts this year. My brother's gift arrived on the 23rd. Just in time! Dad wrapped it and took it to the Lake home with him so my bro could open it.

What are my plans for the next three days of my weekend?

Well, I'm going to focus on packing up some stuff since we're moving in a month. Did I mention that yet? We are officially moving. It's nicer, bigger, and cheaper! So I'm a little strapped for cash until February, but I'll be fine thanks to my bonus.

Then I'm going to research online businesses and marketing. I have an online store elzie08.etsy.com where I sell my knitting and some other things. I also have mycherie.etsy.com which sells nothing as of right now. So I'm going to focus on both of those stores more. I think elzie is going to be knitting and mycherie jewelry. Or vice versa. Mycherie's theme is better than Elzie's so I have to do some work. They are going to be my main focus these next few months.

I've been thinking about what I do for enjoyment and it is my knitting. I LOVE IT! I want my own studio, but I live in an apartment so there's no place to have a studio, so I just dedicate a corner in my closet to all my supplies. In the next 10 years, I would love for it to be a great second supplemental income. I haven't had a complaint about my stuff yet from my buyers. I've only sold a couple things online, but I want to change that. Most of my sales are from being in person. So one goal for 2009: learn to market myself!

I assume it's almost time for a GOALS post for 2009. Tomorrow I will do that.

--
Lucy

Almost done

2008-12-20T14:55:00.000-08:00

I'm down to finding a hula hoop for a christmas present! Sweet! I'm very proud of myself for getting all this stuff done the week before. Normally, I'm shopping until the 23rd.

We're still looking at apartments. We know we want to move, but are still undecided. I knocked one apartment out tonight because even though it's nice and complex is cleaner, it's the exact same layout minus one room. We have issues with the layout of our apartment as it is. I for one always complain about lack of storage in the kitchen. It's the exact kitchen! So no, I wasn't happy with it.

I did find a condo that we might be interested in. Hopefully, we'll go look at it tomorrow. It's still a two bedroom, but has the same square footage that our current 3 bedroom has. The bedrooms are very similar too. I couldn't really tell which one was the master besides one having two doors in the bathroom that led to the living room. Kitchen is bigger and so is the balcony. Only not-so-good thing is that it's about as nice as what we're in now. It's not the Covington that we are absolutly in love with. The covington is more expensive. Right now, we're looking at 447 vs 600 for each month's rent each.

We put a deadline on the decision to move: December 27th. Hopefully, we find something or I guess we're staying here where we're not so happy.

Trying to control my spending...

2008-12-16T22:34:00.000-08:00

It's hard right now.

First, I still have two people to buy gifts for: Surrogate mom (hula hoop, gift card, something handmade...) and Secret Santa (Spencer gifts...found it online so hopefully it's in the store or I'm just SOL and he's getting gift cards to a restaurant.) Total= approx. $70

Then Wonderful wants me to go snowboarding/skiing with him at Lee Canyon this Saturday which will cost me $80. He'd also have to find a babysitter for Munchkin. I told him if I didn't go I'd watch her.

So right there is $150 out the 300 I have left over after my bills.

I don't know if I'm ready to just toss that $80 on skiing right now. I still have two small bills to pay. Nothing big, but that money can go to those.

Good news: I am officially paying off a credit card this weekend! I paid $250 today and then another $287.55 will go towards it this weekend and I'm done with it! It's going in the drawer with the other empty cards!

A Decision to Move or Not...

2008-12-15T22:23:00.000-08:00

Living in Las Vegas has been interesting this past year, especially with the recession. This city is currently one of the highest for foreclosures. How is this affecting those who rent? Well, let's see it from my perspective.

When I moved into the complex last October the place was quiet, and clean and very pretty. I had no problems. Yeah, I was barely scraping by, but it was only me and my cat. I didn't have many friends so I didn't socialize. I knew how to take care of myself financially.

In June, M and I moved into the three bedroom. Financially, this was a good choice, I went from paying $720/month to $535. The only problem was that the majority of the three bedrooms are occupied by families so it's going to be a little noisier. That hasn't been our only problem, though. We've dealt with parties shaking our apartment. Neighbors watching us as we walk into our apartments at night. I'm sure they watch us when we leave too. Then, tonight as I walking up the stairs I notice this suspicious guy walking down the stairs. I know he's not our neighbor because he's built too skinny and not as tall. Curious me wants to see who it is, but instead of stepping off the last two steps forward he steps off them backward and keeps his back to me. As he passes me, he WREAKS of pot! Now, there are only two apartments on our floor. Ours and the neighbors who have two children. I know it's not M's because she doesn't do that stuff and neither do I. It made me really uncomfortable that there was possibly some sort of drug deal next door.

M and I have been considering moving for the past month. We complained about security and the parties and they seemed to have been partially fixed (the parties, but not the security.) We've been feeling more and more unsafe here. We live in a gated community too.

So we started looking and touring other complexes. We found one that at the most it will be $600 each and besides being gated, having 24 hours amenities, and being only 10 minutes from my office (versus the half hour I commute now), each individual apartment has it's own alarm system. BIG PLUS!

The utilities would all stay the same. It's all electric just like the place we have now. So it's just the added $65 every month. AND we wouldn't have to worry about paying double rent if we signed the lease now, we'd be rent free until February 2009. I think, though, if we wait until January to sign we might get a free month in February or some sort of discount or prorate.

Plus, a day after we looked at that apartment, we found out if we renewed our lease our rent will be going up. We're just not happy with that and asked them to consider keeping it the same.

So are we moving or not? I don't know. We've weighed the pros and cons. It makes sense to move, but then I think that I've been moving every 7 months and most likely this move will be for only 7 months if M goes off to chase after that lucrative Ph.D. I'll be stuck having to find a one bedroom or studio of my own, hopefully that's in a good area and is affordable.

And while I think of this: all the move in fees scare me because they are coming out of my EF which I'm trying to scrape together. There's also the potential that I'll be slowed down on my debt repayment. I wish this decision was easy. Right now, it's really between safety and money. I hate that I'm considering putting aside my peace of mind just so I can pay down bills.

My student loan payments just dropped $65. I guess I could take that and put it toward my rent instead of my CC's.

I'm almost wonder if I need a financial planner consultation to see if this a good choice. I just don't know.