Layout:
Home > Archive: November, 2006

Archive for November, 2006

November has come to an end...

November 29th, 2006 at 03:41 am

... and it was okay. I say okay because there was a good deal of unplanned spending, and a little excessivity in a few areas. Groceries kind of creeped up on me in the end because of this reformation in my eating habits. But next month shouldn't be too horrible in the way of things like clothes. It's just all that xmas shopping! Erg. At any rate, I'm hopeful in the face of December. Let's see how it goes... Smile

Busy and productive day!

November 27th, 2006 at 05:55 pm

Got home from class today and started cleaning... got the laundry going, loaded the dishwasher. These things were desparately needed. A bunch of dirty clothes needed unpacked from the weekend, and we entertained a bit last night, so there were glasses everywhere. Wish I would have tidied up pre-entertainment, but eh. I'm a college kid, my apartment isn't supposed to be spotless. At any rate, made my bank run after class, and ran to the store to pick up a few things I needed.

I'm back on track as far as the healthy eating goes. I was gonna hop back on the bandwagon yesterday, but my boss and coworker invited me to go to lunch with them... thai food. Sooooo good, but coconut milk and corn fritters are certainly not the healthiest of choices. Pizza for dinner. erg. At any rate, I'm going to the gym today with BF to catch up on some working out... Hopefully I'll make a couple more trips this week. I guess starting this "diet and exercise plan" wasn't the smartest of ideas right before a holiday weekend Smile

Financially, my month ends tomorrow, which means I've got some calculating to do! I know this weekend threw a monkeywrench into my spendings, but hey, a girl's gotta live! I know I didn't do half as bad as I did last time I went home, but I also have eaten at nice restaurants twice in the last week. Anyhoo, better get back to cleaning!

Home sweet home

November 26th, 2006 at 05:09 pm

So I'm really not sure what the day has in store for me, but I do plan on starting the laundry and keeping to my healthy eating plan. I dont have any leftovers to taunt me, so it wont be too difficult (except for the delicious dark chocolate bars in the freezer, but those can be snacks in very small quantities).

My coworker wanted to hang out at some point today, but we'll see. I'd like to cook today, so I'll probably do some of that though I need to go to the store again, because my milk decided to go bad while I was away. I just bought it a few days ago! erg... I'd really like to have her and my boss over for a post-thanksgiving dinner. Healthier alternatives, though, of course. Eh. It's possible I'll just hang out around the apartment.

Aaaanyhoo. Better get started on SOMETHING. I feel the day slipping away...

Back home *sigh*

November 26th, 2006 at 06:03 am

So after a couple of days back at home in Ohio, I'm here again. I had to work tonight, so I got in about 5 pm. BF drove me, then drove the 2 hours back... I cant believe the boy can stand to do all that driving. He is a driving enthusiast, though.

Speaking of which... we're thinking about leasing a car. We went and test-drove a couple things over the weekend, and though it is incredibly frivilous and such, I'm pretty sure he's dead set on getting a Beamer. That's what he drove before, that's most likely what he'll drive this time. The one we took for a spin was REALLY nice, and I wouldn't mind driving it myself... though I have to learn stick (can you imagine, I used to change oil and I cant even drive a manual!). At any rate, I told him I would be willing to contribute $200 a month to the cause. Obviously if it was less I'd be a bit happier, but I want him to be happy, and cars are quite a big deal with him. Personally, I just dont want to have to struggle to find rides back home or carry pounds and pounds of groceries home from the grocery store in 10 below plus windchill weather. Anyhoo!

I had a great weekend. We had a busy time, of course. Relatives, relatives. Both families. Then friends and more food and many alcoholic beverages. I'm pooped. A coworker wanted to hang out tonight, but I have a date with my bed. I make okay money tonight, but I'm absolutely exhausted. BF is still out of town. He'll be back tomorrow.

As for finances... I spent a bit, as expected. I did unintentionally break the budget, but eh. It's money. I'm just happy I had a good time with the people I care about. Same goes for the eating healthy portion of this all. I blew the diet like it was my job this weekend. I had the best of intentions, but ya know... there's a trip to the gym in store for monday. It's a shame it's closed on sundays...

Regardless, I'm gonna get going with that sleep and such. Talk to you all later!

So tired...

November 22nd, 2006 at 04:53 am

Alright, so I didn't end up going to the gym... or doing a whole lot of anything for that matter. Eh. It's cool. I probably wont go to the gym until monday. Ah well. No use beating myself up for it. I'm just so tired! I guess all that working out wasn't the greatest to "ease" my way into the habit again Smile

On the financial front, it was a no-spend day. Yay! And I managed to do very well at work, which is always a good thing. It was definitely a busy night to say the least.

I'm very anxiously awaiting tomorrow night. I cant wait to see my friend! And my family! Yay! My buddy is driving out to where I am to eat dinner in my restaurant, and I'll be getting some food there as well before we leave. That will be a few dollars no doubt, but with my 25% discount not too bad... Perhaps a drink with him before we leave, but back home we go. The weekend shouldn't be too expensive. Considering everyone is cooking for me... my grandparents, BF's grandparents, my bestest friend is cooking on friday night. The only thing she asked me to bring is a bottle of wine, and honestly, my mama may be willing to donate one anyway Smile The diet will be blown on good red wine this weekend, I believe. Actually, I think alcohol will be the prime budget buster this weekend. heh. Thus is the story of trips back home...

At any rate, I need to eat a snack and do some packing. I leave straight from work tomorrow. So if I dont get to check in tomorrow, you all have a wonderful weekend! (chances are I'll find a way to make a post though hehe.)

Day 2 and still going strong...

November 21st, 2006 at 04:41 pm

Well, I intend this to be a no-spend day, thankfully considering all the spending I did yesterday!

I just ate my breakfast- yes, this late because I was silly enough to stay up and watch a movie after work. I hate sleeping in this late. grr. At any rate, I'm contemplating whether I want to hit the gym today. My feet are still pretty sore from yesterday. Between all the time I spent at the gym, then working the night shift, they could use a break. However, I really need to get into the habit, and this may be the last time I'm able to go this week, with the holiday and all. And with the holiday, I REALLY need to go. hehe. Okay, so that settles it. I just have to get the timing down now. I slept in way too long. By the time it's lunch time, I wont be hungry yet. Oh well, I'll clean the kitchen (even though it's BF's turn... grr), have a snack, hit the gym, have lunch, then a snack before work. I'm just hoping I dont get too hungry while I'm at work! That can prove to be counterproductive Smile

And I think I'm gonna go a little easier at the gym Smile as Baselle said, "Wow. That's a lot of cardio." Tru dat :P

Doing great today, but my wallet is crying...

November 20th, 2006 at 09:01 pm

So I went to the grocery store. Ouch. I forgot how expensive healthy eating is. I thought my debit card was going to instantly burst into flames. $80. The total allowed budget for groceries, doubled this month... I'm sure I'll be able to make this stuff last for a little while though, at least I hope Frown On the exercise front, I'm doing tremendously. Aside from lugging all of those groceries home- literally, because I have to walk to the grocery store- I hit the gym for the first time in 3 months. 40 minutes on the treadmill and 30 on the elliptical machine. Not to mention, it's a half hour walk each way to the gym itself. At any rate, I'm feeling good about this. Speaking of which, I'm gonna have to start making my dinner soon. I've got work at 5:30...

Breakfast: Instant oatmeal with a tsp of brown sugar.

Lunch: Sandwich: whole wheat bread, a thick slice of fresh mozzarella, 3 slices of tomato, and basil leaves. Spinach leaf salad w/tomato, 1 tsp of olive oil and a dash of balsamic vinegar, 1 kiwi.

Snack: 1 banana (yum!)

Dinner tonight: Cubed chicken sauteed in olive oil, garlic, and onion, veggies with brown rice. Spinach salad w/ carrots. Skim milk.

Snack at work: String cheese, baby carrots.

Eating good vs. spending less

November 20th, 2006 at 02:23 pm

I'm afraid eating healthy is going to have to win this one. I took a look in the mirror the other day after putting on a pair of pants that are quite a bit too snug... got the "sausage" effect my mother so loves to remind herself of (ugh). But besides the fact that I've gained a little extra padding, I'm a bit uncomfortable with it, and my sedentary lifestyle is by no means healthy. The only excercise I get is at work, which dont get me wrong, can be a workout some times. The term "exercise" hasn't graced my vocabulary, however, since before the start of the semester.

As for food, I've been eating whatever, and as much as I want. Now, people tell me I'm young, and yes I know that, but my metabolism has slowed down a great deal in the last couple of years, and I'm struggling with it. I've always eaten a lot. Since I started eating I've eaten a lot, and up til the point where I graduated high school, I was incredibly thin as well. Not anorexically thin, but a nice athletic build. Thunder thighs or none, I looked good. Now, the idea of kicking a 20 year long eating habit, ha! I need a little help there.

I signed up for the self.com reach your goal plan for a few reasons. A) It's a place online to input all workouts and meals I do/consume. B) It's got meal plans all set up for me that I can loosely work with. C) I find it fun that I can follow a set of rules, and it keeps me from straying from them. D) The recipes they give you look really good, and I love to cook.

Now, I'm not going on the food exactly because it will, in fact, break my budget. However, I will be going to the store today to purchase some healthier alternatives to the crap I'm eating right now, and I'll also be heading off to the gym today for the first time in 3 months.

It always kills me that it takes about 3 months of constant exercise and eating well to lose the same number of pounds it takes you 1 to gain. Ugh. At any rate, I'm going to enjoy my shopping trip and my trip to the gym. I've got the week off, so I'll have some time to hit the gym, and next semester I've got no early early classes, allowing me plenty of time to keep up the good work come the spring semester. Later guys!

Hungover much?

November 19th, 2006 at 10:51 pm

hehe. Just a tad, anyway. Coworkers buying me drinks after work is a dangerous business. At any rate, it's my day off anyhow, and we had a good time. Slept half the day away, though, and I always feel guilty about that, like I've wasted time. Oh well!

Yesterday's spending at Burlington was great. I ended up spending about $56, but for all the stuff I got, it was pretty good, and everything was greatly needed. I bought:
1 work shirt from the little boy's dept (hehe)
2 ties, both incredibly cute
1 winter hat, greatly needed
1 pair of gloves, desparately needed
1 sweater, also needed... I dont have a whole lot of "winterwear" for some reason.

Really, I made out like a bandit. BF found a suit he liked, which is miraculous. He's a really small guy and it's hard for him to find suitjackets that fit him right. We also picked out some nice dresshirts and ties. Fun! We did end up eating out... wendy's. I always forget how cheap it is to eat fast food. I dont eat it but maybe once a month. I do enjoy it a lot that once a month, though. Smile Mmm. Junior Bacon Cheeseburger... for only a dollar! It's amazing.

Last night I did buy 2 of my own overpriced drinks where I work, total of $10, and then I paid for me, BF, and my coworker to eat at the 24 hour place circa 4am. It ended up being about 15 for the 3 of us. Not bad... My coworker paid for the cab up the mountain, so it was definitely cool. At any rate, today is a no-spend day. I'm relaxing. I've got no school this week because of thanksgiving, but I wont be going back home until wednesday night. I cant wait to see everyone!

So I've went over the budget in the clothes area becauuse of yesterday, but no remorse. They were all practical and cheap things. No frivilously expensive mall clothes... though I've been tempted. The good news, though, is that I've managed to not go to the grocery store for a long time! ha! I think I'm gonna need to take a small trip at some point, but perhaps not. We really need milk, but that's about it. My boss brought up an excellent point to me the other day: why dont I spice up my ramen? Honestly, the thought had never really occured to me to eat it any way other than plain with a flavor packet in it. haha. But today I experimented with putting veggies in it. Tasty! I'm thoroughly pleased. Found a site dedicated to ramen and recipes including it. I'll have to try a couple of them because we have so much ramen! And frozen veggies are pretty cheap and healthy (though ramen isn't really healthy).

Speaking of healthy, I really need to get to the gym again now that I have time. I think I've gained a good 5 pounds since the beginning of the semester. I'm not positive of that, but my sides have definitely experienced an increase of plushiness, as well as my hips and thighs. grr. Luckily my schedule will allow me to get on a decent excercise plan next semester, but for now I'll have a lot of time off anyway.

At any rate, that's enough rambling for today!

ME!!! And my plans for the day...

November 18th, 2006 at 04:39 pm

Alrighty. so I decided that I wanted to post a picture of myself... Just because (perhaps it will start a new epidemic among savingadvice users??), but mostly because I like putting a name to a face. I'm sure many of you are the same way...


This isn't a current picture, my hair is much different now...


My hair pretty much looks like this, but I'm wearing stage makeup in this pic and it makes me look MUCH older than I am...

Aside from all that hoo-hah. Going to Burlington today. I need to pick up a new tie for work, as well as get a pair of gloves and look for new work shirts.

As for the saving/paying off loan deal, I've been doing a lot of thinking. I'm in debt, yes. And I'll be further in debt ever semester, and the minimal amount I can pay on those loans now will not make that big of a difference in the end. So what I've decided to do is pay off the interest, and then put all other extra funds into the savings account. I'll worry about paying those large sums when I have the job to do so. At any rate, I better get going. I've got to run errands before work. Later guys!

Not too exciting day.

November 18th, 2006 at 06:04 am

I usually have fridays off, but in leu of my city's big festival we were incredibly busy and ended up hosting at work. Not too bad, I made a couple friends, which is pretty cool. Before that, I basically hung around the apartment and did little else. It was a no-spend day. I'm looking forward to wednesday. My best friend is driving to eat at my restaurant 2 hours away, then drive me back to my hometown. It's his birthday, and I'm excited to know that he wants to hang out. eh. I'm really tired and unenthusiastic right now, I should just get off the computer :P

My "20" list

November 16th, 2006 at 07:05 pm

1. Everything I cook never comes out the way it's supposed to, but tastes great.
2. I'm a firm believer that you get out of life what you put into it.
3. I've got a thing for pajama pants. I wear them EVERYWHERE. To class, the grocery store, at times even parties. That's how I got the nickname.
4. I love brussel sprouts. I've loved them since I first ate them as a child.
5. I sleep with a stuffed animal. Or 2. One is a kangaroo named "Pontouf," the other is a build-a-bear named Edward. I love them both.
6. I dont have any secrets, but keep others' like a safe.
7. I dont really wear makeup. Or do my hair. My clothes rarely match. I dont care. But I can look smokin if I wanna.
8. Most of my friends are male. I have a general distrust for the female kind. I had a rough time in middle/high school. That's probably why.
9. My family is beyond screwed up, but I love them dearly. The same goes for my circle of misfit friends.
10. I'm nearly fluent in spanish, but have also studied japanese, croatian, and I'm currently taking french.
11. I LOVE music. I'm a singer/acoustic artist. I've played in coffee shops etc back home. I love karaoke and just about anything else involving singing.
12. I have a complex when it comes to control. My parents were incredibly controlling, and I have a swift, serious defense mechanism that springs anytime someone tells me to do something. My boyfriend knows this well...
13. I hate, HATE putting laundry away.
14. I'm bisexual. I dont believe in putting restrictions on myself in any way. In the same light, I'm agnostic. And independent politically.
15. I drink all liquids out of LITTLE cups. My favorites include sippy cups without the lid, or those old welch's grape jelly glasses. I only use salad forks and teaspoons.
16. I'm a total bookworm. My favorite is Ernest Hemingway, and Shakespeare.
17. I'm still friends with most of my ex's. I dont think it's right to abandon friendship with someone you've been incredibly close to. My boyfriend is, however, a little uneasy about my best friend being a past relationship.
18. I love my boyfriend, and have never met anyone I've had more fun with. We'll be getting married here in a couple years (post graduation). He is a saint.
19. I'm an intellectual elitist by nature. I love stimulating conversation.
20. You've never met ANYONE like me. I'm the most unique, honest person I know. I'm confident, and to a select few people, I'm funny as well. I'm incredibly easy to talk to. I'm incredibly friendly, and at those rare moments pretty bubbly too. In most ways, I'm a walking contradiction. But hey, I'm a gemini.

Quick daily overview

November 16th, 2006 at 03:21 am

Sooo... I forgot to pack my snack this morning for post-class munching. Ended up spending 2.50 for a breakfast sandwich thingy. The lunch made at work was not so great, so I bought out then as well. 3.75. So, not a no-spend day, but it could have been much worse. I'm not gonna worry about it. I have a big bio test tomorrow. Everyone wish me luck! My feet hurt quite a bit, worked 12 hours. boo. We got the electric bill today. Close to $100! A bit shocking... we turned the thermostat down a bit. Last month our bill was closer to $60... let's hope it gets better and not worse! Working an extra day this week, I hope it's profitable! And anxiously awaiting next week. Yay for breaks! I'm looking forward to it... a little relaxation before finals. Sweet relief. Night guys!

Good night at work.

November 15th, 2006 at 05:07 am

So I'm happy to say that for the first time in a week, I made decent money at work. Scratch that, I made GREAT money at work. $111 in one night(5 hours) is fine by me, I'll say. Woo hoo! It feels good after the crappy tips that people have left me all last week. Reminds me that the server's job can be very rewarding at times.... or perhaps I'm just lucky Smile

Emigrant, net worth, and a no-spend day

November 14th, 2006 at 07:12 pm

So I had class this morning... rather I was incredibly late for class this morning. Ergh. I cant wait until next semester... but at any rate, it's a no-spend day. Yay! I've got my free easy mac in the microwave cooking for lunch. By free, I mean BF's Gram purchased a boatload at Sam's Club for us.

My Emigrant account is now all set up! Woo! I've only got $25 in there right now, but every little bit helps! My total debt is down to $8491.09, which is a step from the $8698.50 it was originally. I'm making progress! Still trying to make my groceries last until the 28th... not looking so hot, but I'm still going. All I can say is thank goodness I get free food at work. Thursday I get lunch with my friend at the cafeteria... buffet. I was thinking about sneaking in a tupperware container... hehehe. The thought of it makes me giggle. No reason to buy sweets if I can load up at the cafeteria and take them home with me. ha! I'm beating the system! Maybe snag a banana or something too... hmm. We'll see. I've seen people fill up water bottles with milk and juice, or grab and icecream cone and walk out with it. I've gotten coffee "to go" before. I pay way too much for a school cafeteria. I need to get my money's worth! Smile

So I went to the same site all the cool kids have been going to and calculated my net worth. *cry* My current net worth as of today is -$6002. I'm sure that has a lot to do with the fact that I'm still in school, but it'll go down even further after next semester. grr. I guess it motivates me to save more? hehe. I also dont have any vehicles or property. The only real "personal property" included was in my guitars. I'd say that's about $550 in itself. I added on an extra couple hundred for textbooks Smile I have a variable life insurance policy, which is more or less a mutual fund, but really I couldn't say how much I have on that. I just pay a bill 4 times a year. They send me stuff, but it's really hard to understand, even after an accounting course :/ Maybe I'll look for a website to go to that may have the value of it listed... hmm. There's an idea!

At any rate, work tonight. Last night wasn't too great, but I made the most- $67. I wont complain. It was slow. I'm not putting any more money into my savings until I've got my $450 for rent/elec/phone sitting in the checking account. Gotta cover all my bases! Hopefully I'll still have a little leftover to add to my newly acquired savings account... hmm.

Mid-month Financial Checkup

November 13th, 2006 at 05:46 pm

Alright. So it's the midpoint of my financial month (which always starts the 28th, as far as I'm concerned). I sat down and tracked my progress in spending/savings. I have to say, I'm doing pretty good! Last month at my midpoint I was $47.55 OVER the budget. This month, I'm $141.51 UNDER the budget, so happy dance! The only area where I'm over budget is groceries... big surprise. hehe. The good news is I'm only over by 2 cents. woohoo! Let's just hope I can keep myself from buying groceries for the rest of the month. heh. We really have plenty of food. And that shopping trip to the market district was a bit pricey, but always is Smile But the good news is that we only ate out once this month, twice if you count the money I spent at the coffee shop with my french buddies. Dining out is my one big flaw, but I did really good this month. Yay for me! Aside from that, I've put $175 toward my loan this month, and put $146.75 into savings. That totals $321.75 towards my $20 challenge thus far, which is more money than I've spent! Of course, I haven't paid rent or anything so it's a little skewed... At any rate, being a hermit is paying off! hehe.

So last night me and BF actually went out. My neighbor is a comic, and he took us to the club he plays. We got in for free-saving each of us $30. I did end up spending $16 on food and drinks, but I took it out of my entertainment allowance. Next time I'm just going to buy drinks. $6 for 2 cokes isn't cheap, but when you get into the club for free, I think it's worth it.

Today I went to class, and then scheduled for next semester. A big fiasco, but I'm happy to say that I have NO 8am classes. Yay! Not sure how my boss is going to like the schedule, but he's good at working around it. Which reminds me, I've decided to stay in Ohio for black friday. I need a little more time with my friends and family this month. Now is homework time, and then work at 5:30. Let's hope I make some money! I didn't do too well on saturday. I want tonight to turn it around!

I did have to stop at the store on the way home to buy some needed *feminine supplies*, but aside from that I'm not spending any money today. I'm still in the process of getting my emigrant account set up, but I did finally take care of setting up my online banking as well yesterday. That'll be convenient from now on. Either way, this is getting long... I better go!

p.s. That comedian last night had all sorts of jokes about shopping at costco and sam's club. It was pretty funny! I thought of you all... Smile

Late night

November 12th, 2006 at 06:39 pm

So last night regular customers had a birthday celebration going down. Free booze galore. I have to say, me and my boss, along with a coworker ended up going back to my apartment and indulging more with BF. I'm feeling pretty rough this morning. Had to stop at the COGO's last night to pick up munchies and mixers. So I spent $5. That is being made up today because I'm not studying with my french buddies again this week. One of them had to work.

As far as today goes, I'm not sure what's going on. BF is still asleep, but he needed to go to get some prints done for our neighbor, the comic, who is taking us to one of his shows tonight. How fun! I'm not sure if I'm gonna have to pay for anything... we'll see.

My boss was being incredibly friendly last night(this was before all the drinking...), and incredibly sympathetic. I'm not sure if it was that desparate tone of voice when I told him I was really torn about working black friday... I made CRAP money last night, like next to nothing for a saturday night. Everyone else made at least $100. I made $50- which is less than I budget for a normal weeknight. At any rate, I asked him, "hey, am I working on black friday or not? I just need to know." and he said, "work if you CAN." Basically, he put the ball in my court. And I straight up told him that I want to work because I REALLY need the money, but it's so important to me to spend time in Ohio, especially considering my grandfather is going to pass away here soon and I already made plans with my best friend for black friday itself. I told him not to let me decide. haha. After all this fighting, and I dont want to be responsible for the decision. grr. He wasn't gonna go for that, but I'm still not sure what I'm going to do. I'm working next friday, light-up night here, that'll be busy. And I already promised him I'd work new years. Those are both really busy nights, but I really dont mind working them. Lightup night was fun last year, but I'm saving money not going. New years is usually spend at OSU, but it's a party holiday, and I'm not going to get all bent out of shape about it. I can drink in pittsburgh. At any rate. I think I may still take black friday off, I'm not sure. We'll see how things go...

ED accounts and pumpkin cookies.

November 11th, 2006 at 04:23 pm

So after reading the posts on my last blog, I've decided to keep some money in my national city account, and transfer the rest to an Emigrant Direct account. 5.05% sounds so nice! After thinking about how much to deposit, I've decided to not put too much in now. Tuition payment is coming up, and I need that money to be VERY readily available. After tuition is taken out, I'm going to leave the minimum in my savings, $300. Then I'm going to put $200 in the ED account. Combined, they will be my emergency funds. $500 covers my bills and leaves some room for groceries: a month's worth of expenses. I was going to leave that $500 in my National City, but I figured that if I could make higher interest on 40% of the total, why not?

Sometimes I wish I could just forget about those silly student loans. Many kids do while they're in college. I know I could be living life quite comfortably that way, but when I think about all the money I'd rack up in the meantime, and the weight it puts on me just having that 4, soon to be 5-figure dollar amount sitting there for me to pay back, I know I cant. It would be too irresponsible anyway, and that's not my style Smile

In the meantime... I applied for an ED account, my initial deposit $25. That goes towards my $20 challenge.
ED initial deposit: $25
November total: $256.75
Running total: $467.26

This means that I reached my goal of putting $250 towards the challenge! Woo! I'm reaching all of my goals way ahead of time this month. It feels great! I really feel in control of things. Last month I only put $210.51, so things are looking up! And for all of you who dont know, my $20 consists of all money put into savings or towards loans. It includes my piggy bank, which I deposit into my savings every month. Not sure if that's how the challenge is supposed to work, but I have totals for little bits of money I save here and there as well. Smile

As for other news, it's going to be a no-spend day today (I'm up to 7 this month, I think there's a miracle happening). I believe I'll be making those pumpkin cookies and relaxing until I have to go to work. The thermostat is set on 66 and I'm in comfy clothes. I said yesterday while hugging BF: "this is how I'm going to save money this winter." and he says, "how? by hugging me?" and I said yeah, and he replied, "I'm gonna start charging you for stealing my heat." hahahaha. He is too funny. Silly boy :P

THIRD entry... hehe. I need a little advice!

November 11th, 2006 at 07:02 am

So after my last post and a couple responses about the incredibly low interest rate on my savings account, I started looking into online savings accounts. This is where I finally figured out what an ING account was, hehe. I did a little research, talked to BF about it, read a couple threads in the forums, and did a little more research. I've decided to open up an emigrantdirect account. 5.05% sounds a bit better than 0.55%. My problem is this: I just opened up my National City savings account a couple months ago. I dont know why I didn't do all this research then, but for some reason I though it was just best to go with the bank where my checking was. At any rate, I'm not sure if the bank charges a fee for closing the account, but even beyond that I dont think it looks very good to creditors to see closed checking accounts on my record. I may want to buy a car someday or something to that effect. So should I leave the minimum $300 in the account and just transfer the difference into the emigrant account, or close my national city account and transfer the whole? Obviously I'd make the most in interest if I closed the account and transferred the total, but I'm not sure of all the consequences following the closing of a savings account. Thanks guys! Hopefully I'll make my way to the bank tomorrow to get this all sorted out! Smile

Entry #2 for the day... :)

November 11th, 2006 at 12:03 am

Alright, so nothing too eventful happened today. I didn't end up making cookies afterall, but I DID make pancakes after BF woke up (or rather, I woke him up. hehe). Yum! The remainder of the day was spent playing silly videogames with BF. No spending outside of the $25 I put toward my loan. I dont count that towards my spend/no spend days. And either way, I've already exceeded my goal for the month! I just figured that my mom paid for my prescription, which saved me $25. I think she'd want me to use that money towards school. So to the loan it went... it feels really good to pay off this loan. I feel myself continually getting lighter. hehe. A part of me wishes that it was going into the ol savings account, but when I think of the 14.25% interest charged on my loan every day, it outweighs that tiny .5% on my savings. I'm gonna wait until my loan matches the amount in my savings, and then start adding to it, though I add a bit here and there to my savings either way. The next couple of weeks should bump me up either way. Especially if I cant get my boss to let me take black friday off. I really want to stay in Ohio for 2 days, but a part of me knows that he's right, it is a busy day. I'd make a lot of money, I'm just not sure if that money is worth the time lost with both my friends and my grandfather, who is to pass away here shortly. grr. Work can be so frustrating sometimes!

$20 challenge:
Thanks mom!: +$25
November total: $231.75
Running total (since last month): $442.26

Almost to my $250 goal for the month. Woo!

Breakfast: oatmeal, apple, soymilk
Lunch: pancakes
Snack: peanuts, popcorn (the 94% fat free stuff)
Dinner: tomato soup w/ cheese, crackers, and black beans, soymilk

I'm in dire need of chocolate. HELP! Frown

a ho-hum kinda day

November 10th, 2006 at 03:55 pm

So today is my day to relax. BF is still asleep and will prob be for a while still. I believe it will be a no-spend day. As for plans, I dont really have any. I was thinking about baking cookies. I haven't done any baking recently, and I have extra canned pumpkin from the soup I made a couple weeks ago, so perhaps I'll make pumpkin cookies. I may take a walk as well. BF isn't finished doing the laundry. I may have to prod a bit more. I so want to just finish it up and get over with it, but it's his week to do it! grr. I'll prob break down anyway :P I'm sure we'll cook again as well. We made quesedillas again last night, though I went vegetarian this time and put black beans on it instead of meat. Gotta get some of that good fiber into my diet! Anyhoo... no more to say, really. I'm sure I'll post again by the end of the day :P

Breakfast: Oatmeal, apple, soymilk (yum! I loooove soymilk...)

Grocery Shopping.

November 9th, 2006 at 10:30 pm

Alrighty. I had quite an eventful financial day... found another penny in the stairwell at the university. woo! And even better, when I went to the bank, I noticed (again) the cute national city piggy banks that they had sitting on the counter and asked the girl what they were all about and what one had to do to get one (I've been eyeing them for a couple weeks. So adorable!). Turns out they're a promo item, and even though I didn't just open an account or sign up for a CC, she gave me one! Yay! So now I have a REAL piggy to feed all of my change to... a la Lux! hehe.

I did break down and go grocery shopping. I'm almost to my limit of $ spent for the month in groceries, but I figure it should last me to the 28th. I hope... I also kicked my butt into gear, and I'm going to start eating healthy again. I kinda fell off the bandwagon a bit, but the gals here are inspiring me. So let's hope it goes over well. I'll add a little something to my blogs about it, but no adding to the challenge (I add mine a bit differently than everyone here... it wouldn't work). Speaking of which, I put $47.75 into my savings today, which bumps my $20 challenge up to $417.26. Woo!

At any rate, I'm looking at a no-spend day tomorrow. I'm thinking a relaxing day of playing silly videogames with BF. Sure it'll be a late night tonight, too, considering I get to sleep in tomorrow! yay... I love days off...

Conjumble.

November 9th, 2006 at 02:38 am

Sooo... today was a no-spend day, so let's have a "yippee!" I had class a la 8am... but we're watching a great movie in psych-"Ordinary People," I'd reccomend it. That class got me thinking... I'm currently majoring in psych. I plan to go to med school, but after reading this article that my prof gave us and talking with a couple different psychologists, I kind of feel I'm moving in the wrong direction. I LOVE psychology. I like biology too, but when I think about the kind of therapy I want to be giving when I'm practicing, it's TALK therapy, not DRUG therapy that I want to do. Like I said, I've talked with a couple different psychologists, and it seems that they have psychiatrists that they refer thier patients to if they absolutely need medication, and they seem to be doing fine without perscription writing themselves. Not to mention, if I pursued my phd in psych instead of going to med school, I think I'd learn how to be a better therapist rather than learning about my last resort... so I may drop the whole med school bit and just focus on psych, and grad school instead. Any thoughts?

But moving on from there, I was TIRED today. Grr. Incredibly rude customers kept me at work an hour and a half after closing time last night and I got very little sleep. BF made us late for class this morning, no good, and I had a rough afternoon. Work was more than just a little stressful. My boss actually let me leave early tonight, though, and I was thankful for that. Yes, I abandoned the possibility of making more $, but I met my estimated and budgeted total for the day, so I dont feel guilty taking a little personal time.

As for other news, my friend actually has things to do tomorrow and was planning on calling off our lunch, so tomorrow will be another no-spend day unless I decide to go to the grocery store. Yes, I said I was going to wait until the 16th, but honestly, if I dont go then it'll end up costing me more in the long run. I have no mid-morning snacks left! When I dont bring things to school, I buy them on campus out of necessity. So a very carefully planned shopping trip is in store. But still, that's $7 saved by not eating in the cafeteria tomorrow! I've got a little money to work with.

I think I'll cut it short here, well, not really short, but shorter... hehe. Oh! I almost forgot! I found a penny on the floor in the girl's locker room at work today. Woo! AND I got a free sample in the mail! Gotta love those little frugal triumphs!

Go Democrats!!!

Cool Furniture!

November 7th, 2006 at 09:58 pm

Hey guys, I just wanted to show you guys this... BF's cousin makes this stuff! It's so cool. BF designed the website, and in return, Evan is making us a cool coffee table/wine rack! Definitely check it out. Everything is so neat!

EvanEnyart.com


I'm done with it!!!

November 7th, 2006 at 07:09 pm

8am class, that is. I'm so looking forward to the end of the semester. Not because I dont like class, but because it frustrates me so falling asleep in every class! I feel like I'm cheating myself out of my education, and yet I just CANT keep my eyes open! So I've decided that next semester, though I wont be able to work as much as a result, that there will be NO 8am classes. It's not worth it.

I woke up late this morning. Flew out the door without drinking any coffee or eating any breakfast. I had to leave in the middle of class to buy some coffee, then come back (and I wont even get into the retarded vending machines...) My prof was incredibly understanding, he merely commented on how awful it is that students absolutely HAVE to work, and how it stinks that I work nights and come to class so early. Agreed.

Because I overslept, I was forced to purchase my breakfast on campus. Between coffee during class, a bagel and creamcheese, and a bottle of orange juice (sorely needed because I have low blood sugar), I ended up spending $5 on campus. grr. I wasn't planning on buying any food today, oh well.

Bio was the same story... fell asleep numerous times. Struggled to keep my eyes open. Thankfully, this prof is understanding as well. The poor woman. I'm incredibly fond of her, and she's always so flustered and overwhelmed. After class, we talked about internships and whatnot.

Now, on the way home I was talking to BF via cell. He mentioned that he was coming to my restaurant to eat tonight. Big bucks! It's all you can eat night, so I guess it's kind of worth it, but still, it's almost $30 per person. Made me want to go and get food (I always feel left out and want to buy food out when he does things like that, like I feel I deserve it...), but I restrained myself because I had delicious leftovers from last night's cooking... or so I thought! Turns out BF ate them... I was a little peeved. Granted, I offered the food to him last night, but since he turned them down to continue sleeping I guess I thought he wasn't going to bother. He's an anti-leftovers kinda guy. So I ended up very annoyed when I got home. He ate my couscous AND he gets delicious sushi tonight! And what did I get?? Nothing :'(

But despite all that frustration and general unhappiness, I'm not giving up on my budget morale yet. My most recent payment posted on my loan today. My principle is down to $5415.79, almost $100 less than the original, and I put another $50 payment on it today. I'll make another bank run on friday, and add some more to the savings.
So my totals for the $20 challenge:
For this month: $159 in november
Total: $369.51

I'm gonna try and make tomorrow and thursday no-spend days. Try. I do usually have lunch with my friend in the cafeteria, but perhaps I'll convince her to come up to my apartment for lunch? We'll see. As far as the grocery challenge is going, I may have to give in here soon. I never did buy my eggs, though. Those were my only allowance. I'm gonna try and hold out as long as I can though. Talk to you guys later!

New work shoes yay!

November 6th, 2006 at 09:54 pm

So my new work shoes came in today from shoesforcrews.com. We'll see how they fare. My last pair cost me circa $20 from walmart (Dr. Scholls) and lasted me--painfully during the last few--7 months. These cost me $48 with shipping... the work shoe challenge!

As for other financial news... mom called today (always a pleasant suprise). We discussed the holidays and such. I'll only be in Ohio for 2 days for thanksgiving unfortunately, because my boss is a slavedriver. The upside is that I wont eat out once while I'm there. That's usually my financial falling when I'm back home for visits. And aside from that, mom is mailing my perscription to me this month, which means she'll be paying for it too! (yay, saves me $25!)

As far as xmas goes, I told mom not to get me anything too big. Of course, I tell her that every year. Sometimes she listens, sometimes not. I told her the 2 main things on my wish list were gift cards: Giant Eagle and Barnes & Noble. I LOVE to grocery shop. And it's something that will most certainly not go to waste. The B&N gift cards go toward textbooks. So really, I'm just asking for practical gifts... ooo... or world market. Me and BF LOVE world market. Such cool things for the apartment! Hehe. That's actually what I'm getting BF though...

On the non-financial front, my brother is possibly going to be released from the home he's in right now by thanksgiving! He's a paranoid schitzophrenic, and they have him in this awful half-institution with very little freedom... he should be at home. He needs the support. So a big hurray for his probation officer! (This is a biiiiiiig looooooong story for another time, but it's wonderful that they're letting him out early. There's no help for him in that prison)

At any rate, cooked chicken tenders and tomato lentil couscous for dinner. Mmm. Too bad BF is asleep... he might like some too! Ah well, more for me. Serves him right for being a sleepy-poo Smile

November 6th, 2006 at 09:41 pm

The good, the bad, the ugly...

November 6th, 2006 at 04:14 pm

Well, my day started out rather groggy (me and BF were up just a little too late last night), but on the way to class I found $0.40 on the ground! woo! That went in my coin jar for the $20 challenge. Class went well. Now the ugly...

Library Fines

grr. I love using the library, because borrowing is free... when you return the movies back on time. grumble. At any rate, that was an $11 fee. The good news is that I saw the whole sheet of people who paid fees today, and someone owed them $66! I'm glad I didn't wait THAT long...

Made my monday bank run. I deposited $50 into my checking and the remaining $74 into my savings. I was also happy to see that my savings has accumulated another $.69 in interest. woo! Every little bit helps, of course.

At any rate, I've taken a look over my records, and I honestly have to give myself a pat on the back. I think it's amazing how this community has helped me take control of my finances! I'm just a kid, and I haven't done enough over the past couple years. I'm glad I found you guys before I ventured out on my own. Thanks! Smile This is my favorite spot to blog, and will remain so for years to come, I'm sure!

Quite an eye-opener!

November 5th, 2006 at 11:55 pm

No, not coffee. I actually looked through my numerous papers with loan info. For some reason I ignore the fact that I dont only have 1 loan. I actually have 3. One from my old university. It is unsubsidized at interest of 5.3%. I also have another government granted loan at my university that is--thankfully-- subsidized at 6.8%, that doesn't start accruing until graduation. Then finally, my biggie with the 14.25%... ugh. This is the one I talk about. I've gotten my principle down, thank goodness. But it's still getting there.

My total debt in student loans: $8582.53

Now, I'm still in school, so really I dont have to pay any of this now. But growing up in a household where my parents always were (and still are) in a great amount of debt, I'm gonna try and save myself some money if I can. I pay the interest, and then some on my biggie every month. The other 2 have such low interest that I'm going to focus on the biggie before touching those. It just kills me that I have that much in debt! I know other people here are probably thinking "that aint nothin!"... but the fact of the matter is that it was a little surprising.

At any rate, I've got some serious saving to do. My mom even seemed surprised when I told her I've started putting payments toward my loan... of course, with the interest I'm paying she could see why!

At any rate... I've got a couple goals, or challenges, that I'm going to attempt:

1. Aside from a dozen eggs, I'm not going to buy groceries until the 16th. This looks pretty easy, but I know myself a bit better.
2. Use up what's in my pantry/fridge/freezer! I buy groceries way too often.
3. No eating out at all this week. I'm going to try and convince my friend as well to eat at my house as opposed to the cafeteria at school.
4. No spending money on clothes for the rest of the month. I bought my new work shoes. I think that's enough for the month.

So we'll see how it goes! Later guys!

No-Spend days running rampant this week!

November 5th, 2006 at 05:57 pm

So yesterday was a no-spend day, which was great. I made lunch and dinner, and me and BF played my newly bought videogame. Needless to say, I've gotten my money's worth. I've managed to play over 10 hours since I bought it 3 days ago! Eek! Actually, it's incredibly fun and a little more intelectually stimulating than watching a movie, etc. It was definitley a good purchase. And it is keeping me busy as it is too cold for me to want to leave the house.

Which leads us into today. Usually on sundays I get together with 2 friends and study french. My one friend bailed out on thursday, and today I decided that I would rather stay in my cozy appartment rather than venture to the bus to get to the coffee shop... and I'm saving $ as well! He wasn't too put off, considering he celebrated his b-day last night and was feeling a little rough this morning. So I'll be having another no-spend day. 2 in a row??? Impossible, you say??? I thought so too, but apparently not! Yay!

At any rate, I redeemed some points from my national city card and got a $10 B&N giftcard... that'll be a portion of my gift to the best friend. He usually gets me a $20 or $30 for xmas, but I'll get him something else small as well.

Aside from all that, I'm just tugging along. I have plenty of leftovers and food to keep me filled up. I even saved money yesterday by being too lazy/cold to walk across the street to the convenience store to get sour cream. ha! It's my fave on chili, but honestly I did fine without it... hehe. I'm gonna work on some of those leftovers, though I like to cook on the weekends. Hmmm. I guess we'll see. At any rate, the first week of november is about over, and I'm still on track. Lets see if it keeps up! (I hope so!) Talk to you all later!


<< Newer EntriesOlder Entries >>