This week was the week our human resources department sent out information regarding next year's benefits options. This year, I'm adding vision insurance and I'm also increasing my flexible spending allowance by a few bucks. (Considering how many doctors appointments I had last year, I feel the need to prepare for 2010 just in case.) But before I finalized my selections, I checked with our payroll person to get an estimate of my paycheck with my choices. Within five minutes, she'd given me a figure. I had no idea that she would be able to do it, much less so quickly!
Remember that credit that was enacted as part of the stimulus package earlier this year? The one that increased our pay either $400 or $800 depending on our filing status? Well, it expires at the end of this year, which means our pay will feel like it's decreasing starting in 2010.
Things are going to be supertight. For example, I'd planned to pay an extra $45 toward the debt. I might not be able to do that; I'll have to see how that goes. I've also set up my electricity bill so that it's on the "budget bill" system. I'll be paying an amount that's the average of the last 12 months. While this will suck come May, June, and July (since I'll be paying roughly $35 more than I would normally pay during those months), it will be very helpful this winter, when I'd normally pay about $35 more than the budget bill amount. Finally, I think I am also going to revise my W-4 exemptions amount so that I'll get more back in my paycheck.
It's the last year. I've gotta do what I can to wipe out this debt. But right now, I've gotta get some sleep. ;-)
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Monday, November 9, 2009
Zap!
Well, I gotta say, I didn't see that coming. My microwave just went kaput. (Is Mercury in retrograde?) I pressed "cook" and I heard that weird sound you hear when electrical things give up the ghost.
The funny thing is that I'd been wondering what I would do with it if my next place already has a microwave. And I've hated how much counter space it takes. Still, I loved the convenience of it, so it's going to be an adjustment.
I don't want to spend the money on a new one -- just in case the new place does indeed already have one. It's only for what? seven more months? I can handle that. Can't I?
The funny thing is that I'd been wondering what I would do with it if my next place already has a microwave. And I've hated how much counter space it takes. Still, I loved the convenience of it, so it's going to be an adjustment.
I don't want to spend the money on a new one -- just in case the new place does indeed already have one. It's only for what? seven more months? I can handle that. Can't I?
Sunday, November 8, 2009
336 and Counting
I love this post from Broke-Ass Student. Absolutely love it. It gives me so much hope. I can't wait for my turn.
Cheap? No -- Smart!
I've been lamenting the state of my wardrobe so much that a friend has been advising that I just go for it and go shopping. Buy myself some new stuff that will make me happy.
I've tried. I really have. But because I've been so conscientious about spending the last couple years (OK, I'll admit it: I've been cheap), I have grown picky, picky, picky! It used to be that I would buy stuff without really thinking about it. Not now. Now I think about it. Does it fit properly? If it doesn't, is it something worth spending the money to have altered? And is it perfect -- that is, are there any stains? Rips? Loose threads? Just because something is new doesn't mean it's in perfect condition. (You'd be surprised.) Finally, is it exactly what I want?
Lately, since I've been having a hard time buying new stuff, I've decided to take care of what I already have. For example, I have a pair of black boots that I bought probably 20 years ago. They're still in good shape, and the woven-leather style is fashionable again. But the heels were a little too flat, which made them look dated. So I took them to the cobbler and he's going to add a quarter-inch to the heels. The boots I've been salivating over cost $300. The cost to update my old ones? 30 bucks. With the face lift -- ahem, heel lift -- the old boots will be pretty spiffy. (Mind you, the other boots are amazing, but paying $300 would be ridiculous. If they ever go on sale, though, I cannot be held responsible for my actions.)
The cobbler is also going to freshen up a black handbag that I bought several years ago. It's one of those great basic shapes that stays in style. I'd been looking for a nice black handbag when it dawned on me: Why not fix up the one I already have? For $30 he's going to clean and condition it, and he's even going to freshen up the color on the edges where the leather has worn. $30 certainly beats the $100-$500 for a new bag.
Next up are the alterations for a skirt and a pair of dress pants.
Working so hard to pay down thousands of dollars of debt incurred for things I didn't love -- things I don't even still have! -- has finally taught me the importance of being thoughtful about what I spend my money on. If it's not worth the cash, it's not worth the credit.
I've tried. I really have. But because I've been so conscientious about spending the last couple years (OK, I'll admit it: I've been cheap), I have grown picky, picky, picky! It used to be that I would buy stuff without really thinking about it. Not now. Now I think about it. Does it fit properly? If it doesn't, is it something worth spending the money to have altered? And is it perfect -- that is, are there any stains? Rips? Loose threads? Just because something is new doesn't mean it's in perfect condition. (You'd be surprised.) Finally, is it exactly what I want?
Lately, since I've been having a hard time buying new stuff, I've decided to take care of what I already have. For example, I have a pair of black boots that I bought probably 20 years ago. They're still in good shape, and the woven-leather style is fashionable again. But the heels were a little too flat, which made them look dated. So I took them to the cobbler and he's going to add a quarter-inch to the heels. The boots I've been salivating over cost $300. The cost to update my old ones? 30 bucks. With the face lift -- ahem, heel lift -- the old boots will be pretty spiffy. (Mind you, the other boots are amazing, but paying $300 would be ridiculous. If they ever go on sale, though, I cannot be held responsible for my actions.)
The cobbler is also going to freshen up a black handbag that I bought several years ago. It's one of those great basic shapes that stays in style. I'd been looking for a nice black handbag when it dawned on me: Why not fix up the one I already have? For $30 he's going to clean and condition it, and he's even going to freshen up the color on the edges where the leather has worn. $30 certainly beats the $100-$500 for a new bag.
Next up are the alterations for a skirt and a pair of dress pants.
Working so hard to pay down thousands of dollars of debt incurred for things I didn't love -- things I don't even still have! -- has finally taught me the importance of being thoughtful about what I spend my money on. If it's not worth the cash, it's not worth the credit.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
November 2009 Update
I can't believe it's already November. It's a wonder we're not all suffering whiplash from how fast time is flyin'. Let's get to the numbers, shall we?
The Debt: $7,913.00
The Savings: $3,966.52
The good news is that my debt balance is below $8,000. That is awesome! (I hope you don't think ill of me for tooting my own horn for a moment.) And this amount even includes today's purchases. But I'll get to that in a few.
The bad news is that this is the fourth consecutive month that my savings has gone down. That is definitely the wrong direction. I am appalled by this. And the thing is, it could get worse before it gets better. For example, when I had my car repair a couple months ago, it was to replace a strut. That repair is usually done in pairs, but I only had one done at the time. I have to get the other one replaced soon.
I don't want to sound like it's all doom and gloom. For example, I'll get my freelance check next week. It is because of this infusion that I went shopping today. I've been pretty depressed about my wardrobe situation lately, so I went shopping today to find some work clothes. I wasn't as successful as I'd have liked, but I did buy a cute casual pullover and a couple basics, including some leather gloves. Also, I recently ordered two pairs of thermal underwear. I charged both purchases, but I've already set up the payment to cover them.
So that's where we are right now. I'm sure I'll check in again soon.
The Debt: $7,913.00
The Savings: $3,966.52
The good news is that my debt balance is below $8,000. That is awesome! (I hope you don't think ill of me for tooting my own horn for a moment.) And this amount even includes today's purchases. But I'll get to that in a few.
The bad news is that this is the fourth consecutive month that my savings has gone down. That is definitely the wrong direction. I am appalled by this. And the thing is, it could get worse before it gets better. For example, when I had my car repair a couple months ago, it was to replace a strut. That repair is usually done in pairs, but I only had one done at the time. I have to get the other one replaced soon.
I don't want to sound like it's all doom and gloom. For example, I'll get my freelance check next week. It is because of this infusion that I went shopping today. I've been pretty depressed about my wardrobe situation lately, so I went shopping today to find some work clothes. I wasn't as successful as I'd have liked, but I did buy a cute casual pullover and a couple basics, including some leather gloves. Also, I recently ordered two pairs of thermal underwear. I charged both purchases, but I've already set up the payment to cover them.
So that's where we are right now. I'm sure I'll check in again soon.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Well, Whaddaya Know!
So I was just catching up on some posts of a few PF bloggers and noticed on Bouncing Back from Bankruptcy that she made the list of top 100 female PF bloggers over on Her Every Cent Counts. (Congratulations!) So I moseyed on over to that site to check out the links of other bloggers and lo and behold! I made the list too! I am honored. Humbled, too. Thank you!
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