Actually, I probably won't be able to afford a house... more like a condo, but I'm okay with that. I like to go to open houses on Sundays when I have time and last Sunday I did just that. I found a place that is pretty fantastic for $350,000 (though it needs some updating). Great building, great neighborhood, great price for what it is. I keep thinking about it!
Then I looked at my finances and how much my parents are going to kick in and realized it is going to be a long time before I can really afford the type of place I want and not starve. I really need to find a job that will pay me more than the $43,500 a year I make now.
I have a healthy savings for someone my age. I'm at about $87,000 in savings, about $13,000 of which is retirement. Not too shabby for a 26-year old who makes what I do. But it's not enough in the DC area to be able to afford to buy a condo in a decent neighborhood with all (or at least some...) of the amenities that I want. ROAR!
Things my dream place would have:
(1) balcony/patio
(2) hardwood floors
(3) 1 bedroom/1 bath... possible loft
(4) walking distance to: metro, a library, a park, some biking paths, a few stores and restaurants
(5) pool in complex
(6) tons of closet space... including a walk in closet
(7) a decent amount of counter space in the kitchen
(8) open floor plan
(9) parking
(10) modern-looking kitchen with a reasonable number of cabinets
(11) modern-looking bathroom with a reasonable amount of storage
(12) space that can be used as a pantry
(13) kitchen cabinets that go all the way up to the ceiling (I hate when you see the top of cabinets... the dust that accumulates on top grosses me out!)
(14) washer/dryer in unit
(15) garbage disposal
(16) dish washer
(17) central A/C
*Sigh*
Today I'm grateful for: being included in a pre-Yom Kippur dinner.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
Jewish Stuff
Today is Yom Kippur, the day of atonement for Jews. I've been fasting so forgive me if this is a little loopy. My brain isn't working quite right! I've been reflecting today and for the past ten days (since Rosh Hashannah, the Jewish new year) about where I've been and where I'm going (with this blog and with life in general). I realized that my post about financial atonement got a lot of feedback and I was wondering if you, my lovely readers, would have any interest about learning more about Judaism, especially how it relates to money, my ponderings about the various holidays and their relevance to life, talking about stereotypes, explaining about different cultural phenomenas, and just describing the different components of my religion. It certainly wouldn't be in every post and I promise I won't ever get all preachy on you (Judaism isn't about trying to make people convert or anything like that), but it's something that is a really large part of my life.
I know that the vast majority of my readers probably aren't Jewish, but I feel, on some level, as though it is my responsibility to teach you a little bit about what being Jewish, especially being a Reform Jew, really means. Would you find that interesting? Would that turn you off reading my blog? Are there things that you always wondered about Judaism? And I promise I won't get offended if you want me to stick to other topics! I just want YOUR honest opinion. If you don't feel comfortable posting it for all to see, please email me! meinmillions gmail com.
Today I'm grateful for: going to a FREE break the fast meal with two good friends later today.
I know that the vast majority of my readers probably aren't Jewish, but I feel, on some level, as though it is my responsibility to teach you a little bit about what being Jewish, especially being a Reform Jew, really means. Would you find that interesting? Would that turn you off reading my blog? Are there things that you always wondered about Judaism? And I promise I won't get offended if you want me to stick to other topics! I just want YOUR honest opinion. If you don't feel comfortable posting it for all to see, please email me! meinmillions
Today I'm grateful for: going to a FREE break the fast meal with two good friends later today.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Get rid of stuff Sunday #11
Might be TMI... but I got rid of underwear this week. Specifically, 6 thongs that I never wear and an old bra. I feel like thongs are not comfortable, so I've given up on them. Method of disposal: trash? Does any place take donations of used undergarments?
Today I'm grateful for: more space in my drawers and shelves and countertops. Got rid of 77+ items and counting!
Today I'm grateful for: more space in my drawers and shelves and countertops. Got rid of 77+ items and counting!
Friday, September 25, 2009
Financial Updates...
On the Expense Side:
Comcast still sucks. I got my bill this month and it was $160 which is MORE than when I called last month to get the price reduced. I called them and apparently they added the cheaper internet but didn't take off some of the things that I was billed for. Roar! Let's see if they can get it right next month... I'm not optimistic.
I've spent way way way more than I wanted to on clothes this month. I'm at about $730. Ouch. I've gotten 3 new outfits (I like to get a new outfit for each day of the services for the High Holy Days, a total of 4 outfits), plus a few new pieces that I really liked and know I'll wear, plus that Coach wallet from Outlet Shopping at the beach. My most expensive item in that total is a $200 trench coat from Banana Republic. It's absolutely beautiful, fits me perfectly (which is tough since I am petite), and is a real classic piece. However, I'm feeling some guilt for spending that much on one item. I'm going to keep an eye on it and on coupon codes to see if I can get it for any cheaper, but I think I'm going to wind up keeping it, even if I don't find one. If you hear of Banana Republic codes, let me know!!!
I've spend about $40 on eating out this month so far. I'll probably be closer to $50 or $60 by the end of the month, but I'm okay with that. I was not pleased with my spending almost $140 on eating out last month.
On the Income Side:
I got a check for $11.50 for some stuff that I had consigned. Score!
I made $60 for babysitting earlier this month. They paid me $75 for the same amount of time the last time, but I realized that I don't really care that much. I adore the little girl I babysit (and her parents are wonderful as well) and it gives me time to "play mommy" and then get to leave at the end of the night. Plus I get dinner and snacks and don't have to worry about spending money that night.
Today I'm grateful for: yoga classes starting up again. They make me feel sooo good. I think I need to incorporate more regular and frequent yoga practice into my life.
Comcast still sucks. I got my bill this month and it was $160 which is MORE than when I called last month to get the price reduced. I called them and apparently they added the cheaper internet but didn't take off some of the things that I was billed for. Roar! Let's see if they can get it right next month... I'm not optimistic.
I've spent way way way more than I wanted to on clothes this month. I'm at about $730. Ouch. I've gotten 3 new outfits (I like to get a new outfit for each day of the services for the High Holy Days, a total of 4 outfits), plus a few new pieces that I really liked and know I'll wear, plus that Coach wallet from Outlet Shopping at the beach. My most expensive item in that total is a $200 trench coat from Banana Republic. It's absolutely beautiful, fits me perfectly (which is tough since I am petite), and is a real classic piece. However, I'm feeling some guilt for spending that much on one item. I'm going to keep an eye on it and on coupon codes to see if I can get it for any cheaper, but I think I'm going to wind up keeping it, even if I don't find one. If you hear of Banana Republic codes, let me know!!!
I've spend about $40 on eating out this month so far. I'll probably be closer to $50 or $60 by the end of the month, but I'm okay with that. I was not pleased with my spending almost $140 on eating out last month.
On the Income Side:
I got a check for $11.50 for some stuff that I had consigned. Score!
I made $60 for babysitting earlier this month. They paid me $75 for the same amount of time the last time, but I realized that I don't really care that much. I adore the little girl I babysit (and her parents are wonderful as well) and it gives me time to "play mommy" and then get to leave at the end of the night. Plus I get dinner and snacks and don't have to worry about spending money that night.
Today I'm grateful for: yoga classes starting up again. They make me feel sooo good. I think I need to incorporate more regular and frequent yoga practice into my life.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Cars are stupid.
And I wish I didn't have to have one.
Since I got my first car about 4 years ago (I never needed one before... shared my mom's in HS then went to college in DC and lived near a metro after graduation), I've been in 3 car accidents. Two were totally, completely 100% not my fault. The other one... let's not talk about it... it was very traumatic.
The reason I bring this up is that accident #3 happened yesterday. I was just minding my business at a red light when BOOM! Someone hits me. Thankfully no one was hurt. But what an inconvenience! The damage to my car was minor since I was the first in the line of three cars involved. My rear bumper is a little banged up, but everything else seems fine. I'm going to need to take the car to the shop and probably be without a car for a few days. And that's the part that sucks. Hopefully the other guy's insurance will pay for a rental cuz I am not paying for that out of pocket.
I want to throw it out there that I love Geico. They are not sponsoring this post or anything like that, but they make the whole stupid accident process as easy to deal with as possible. All of the people I've spoken with there have been nice and calm and helpful. There is a minimum of menu prompts and you get to a real person right away. They are there 24 hours a day. And they have really good prices. Even after my accident that was my fault, my rates didn't go up thaaaaaat much. And they offer discounts for a ton of different things, like I get a discount for being a graduate of my college.
Moral of the story. Pay attention when you're driving. Don't get in car accidents. They are bad!!!
Today I'm grateful: that no one got hurt in the accident, that it wasn't my fault and that the damage to my car was minor.
Since I got my first car about 4 years ago (I never needed one before... shared my mom's in HS then went to college in DC and lived near a metro after graduation), I've been in 3 car accidents. Two were totally, completely 100% not my fault. The other one... let's not talk about it... it was very traumatic.
The reason I bring this up is that accident #3 happened yesterday. I was just minding my business at a red light when BOOM! Someone hits me. Thankfully no one was hurt. But what an inconvenience! The damage to my car was minor since I was the first in the line of three cars involved. My rear bumper is a little banged up, but everything else seems fine. I'm going to need to take the car to the shop and probably be without a car for a few days. And that's the part that sucks. Hopefully the other guy's insurance will pay for a rental cuz I am not paying for that out of pocket.
I want to throw it out there that I love Geico. They are not sponsoring this post or anything like that, but they make the whole stupid accident process as easy to deal with as possible. All of the people I've spoken with there have been nice and calm and helpful. There is a minimum of menu prompts and you get to a real person right away. They are there 24 hours a day. And they have really good prices. Even after my accident that was my fault, my rates didn't go up thaaaaaat much. And they offer discounts for a ton of different things, like I get a discount for being a graduate of my college.
Moral of the story. Pay attention when you're driving. Don't get in car accidents. They are bad!!!
Today I'm grateful: that no one got hurt in the accident, that it wasn't my fault and that the damage to my car was minor.
Carnival Update/Question
My article about Outlet shopping was included in the Festival of Frugality at Green Panda Treehouse.
However, I have a few questions about carnivals in general. Sorry if these are stupid, but I don't really have anyone else to show me the blogger ropes. So I've submitted to a few carnivals through the blog carnival website and not been included in many of them and I'm not 100% sure why. If my article fits the topic of the carnival, why wouldn't they include it or at least tell me it's not going to be included? Conversely, if my post is included, why don't they email to tell me that (especially if it's on a blog I don't read regularly)? Is that something that the hosts just decide? Is there some level of etiquette on this that I don't know? Help! Tell me your carnival experiences!
However, I have a few questions about carnivals in general. Sorry if these are stupid, but I don't really have anyone else to show me the blogger ropes. So I've submitted to a few carnivals through the blog carnival website and not been included in many of them and I'm not 100% sure why. If my article fits the topic of the carnival, why wouldn't they include it or at least tell me it's not going to be included? Conversely, if my post is included, why don't they email to tell me that (especially if it's on a blog I don't read regularly)? Is that something that the hosts just decide? Is there some level of etiquette on this that I don't know? Help! Tell me your carnival experiences!
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Break Ups...
The boy and I aren't seeing each other anymore. There's no other way to say it, I guess. Things had been feeling "off" for awhile for both of us, but I wanted to fix it. I always want it to work out in the end (which is probably why I love chick flicks so much!), but in this case, it wasn't to be.
The thing that sucks so much is that there wasn't a big blow up. He didn't cheat on me. He wasn't a jerk. It just didn't work out. It's so much easier to get over when there's really something wrong. And there wasn't. There just wasn't something right.
I'm hoping we can be friends. I don't know if that is going to happen, but I do know that I will see him around town at various events for young Jewish professionals. I don't think it will be too weird. Maybe a little weird at first, but it will get easier?
I'm independent and I can take care of myself. I just like to be in a relationship and have someone I know I can count on at the end of the day. It's different being alone and being lonely. When I'm not in a relationship I feel lonely, even though I don't mind being alone. I want to find my partner and I want to be able to start the next chaper in my life. I'm ready. Where are you soul mate?
Today I'm grateful for: time to think and reflect.
The thing that sucks so much is that there wasn't a big blow up. He didn't cheat on me. He wasn't a jerk. It just didn't work out. It's so much easier to get over when there's really something wrong. And there wasn't. There just wasn't something right.
I'm hoping we can be friends. I don't know if that is going to happen, but I do know that I will see him around town at various events for young Jewish professionals. I don't think it will be too weird. Maybe a little weird at first, but it will get easier?
I'm independent and I can take care of myself. I just like to be in a relationship and have someone I know I can count on at the end of the day. It's different being alone and being lonely. When I'm not in a relationship I feel lonely, even though I don't mind being alone. I want to find my partner and I want to be able to start the next chaper in my life. I'm ready. Where are you soul mate?
Today I'm grateful for: time to think and reflect.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Financial Atonement
I'm not sure if I've mentioned this before, but I'm Jewish. We are in the season of the High Holidays. This is Rosh Hashana, the Jewish new year, followed ten days later by Yom Kippur, the holiday where you atone for your sins so you can be written in the book of life for another year. Yom Kippur is the big one. The most important Jewish day of the year. There's fasting and prayer and self reflection and lots of apologies that are supposed to take place.
The ten days between the holidays are called the Days of Awe (and is where we are now). It is when you ask yourself tough questions: Have I been a good person this year? A good daughter? A good sister? A good friend? And when you say: I have been weak, I have failed, I have done what's easy instead of what's right, I have put myself first, I have missed the mark. I can do better. I will do better.
Today I ask forgiveness for my financial sins:
* For spending too much on clothing and eating out
* For letting the boy pay for me more than he probably should've
* For taking advantage of free food and other freebies offered through my job
* For being wasteful with my resources
* For taking the cheap option at the expense of my relationships
* For buying things that I might not need because they are the right price
* For driving past the homeless person without offering him/her food or money
* For taking advantage of my parents' generosity
* For being envious of the "stuff" that other people have
* For buying items from companies that might not be socially conscious
* For having more "stuff" than I need
* For trying to do too much and missing the mark
* For doing what is easy instead of what is right
* For supporting companies who mission I don't agree with
* For judging others based on how much money I think they have
* For being too conscious of labels
I have been weak. I can do better. I will do better.
May you be inscribed in the book of life for another year.
Today I'm grateful for: a new start
The ten days between the holidays are called the Days of Awe (and is where we are now). It is when you ask yourself tough questions: Have I been a good person this year? A good daughter? A good sister? A good friend? And when you say: I have been weak, I have failed, I have done what's easy instead of what's right, I have put myself first, I have missed the mark. I can do better. I will do better.
Today I ask forgiveness for my financial sins:
* For spending too much on clothing and eating out
* For letting the boy pay for me more than he probably should've
* For taking advantage of free food and other freebies offered through my job
* For being wasteful with my resources
* For taking the cheap option at the expense of my relationships
* For buying things that I might not need because they are the right price
* For driving past the homeless person without offering him/her food or money
* For taking advantage of my parents' generosity
* For being envious of the "stuff" that other people have
* For buying items from companies that might not be socially conscious
* For having more "stuff" than I need
* For trying to do too much and missing the mark
* For doing what is easy instead of what is right
* For supporting companies who mission I don't agree with
* For judging others based on how much money I think they have
* For being too conscious of labels
I have been weak. I can do better. I will do better.
May you be inscribed in the book of life for another year.
Today I'm grateful for: a new start
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Get rid of stuff Sunday #10
(1) Old pair of glasses. I have two pairs of glasses (a regular and a back up), three is unneccessary. Method of disposal: donate.
(2, 3, 4) Jewelry-sized boxes. Wasting space and not holding anything. Buh-bye. Method of disposal: recycle.
(5, 6, 7) Cheap-o earings. I hardly ever wear earings, but these earings in particular are cheap and hurt my ears. I think I need to wear "real" earings. Method of disposal: donate.
Today I'm grateful for: choosing to be happy.
(2, 3, 4) Jewelry-sized boxes. Wasting space and not holding anything. Buh-bye. Method of disposal: recycle.
(5, 6, 7) Cheap-o earings. I hardly ever wear earings, but these earings in particular are cheap and hurt my ears. I think I need to wear "real" earings. Method of disposal: donate.
Today I'm grateful for: choosing to be happy.
Friday, September 18, 2009
August Spending
I just got my credit card statements from August, so here is my spending for last month.
Quick Snapshot:
Total Income: $2,721.02
Total Expenses: $2,017.59
NET (Income - Expenses): $703.43
Breakdown on Income
Wages: $2,561.02
Rebates/Free Money: $160.00 (from babysitting, a gift from work and from transferring prescriptions)
Monthly Total: $2,721.02
Breakdown on Expenses
HOME EXPENSES
Rent: $850.00
Electricity: $33.35
Cell: $78.33
Cable/Internet: $116.92
TRANSPORTATION
Gas: $89.78 (much higher than usual because of my trip to the beach, a trip to Philadelphia and a trip to West Virginia. This is the most I've spent on gas in one month by far!)
Bus/Taxi/Metro/Toll Fare: $35.00 (lots of extra tolls from trips above)
DAILY LIVING
Groceries/Drug Stores: $95.71 (not terrible)
Dining/Eating Out: $138.19 (wish it were lower)
Laundry: $7.50
Clothing: $96.00 (I did just return one of the items, so in actuality it is probably a little less)
HEALTH
Rx/OTC: $33.37
Gym/Exercise Class: $265.00 (I'm starting my new yoga class as well as an abs class next week. They charged me for it in August though)
ENTERTAINMENT
Newspaper: $18.00
Netflix: $9.44
Concerts/Shows/Covers: $30.00
Vacation/Travel: $59.59 (We went white water rafting in West Virginia when my sister came to visit. That's an expensive trip!)
MISCELLANEOUS
Cash: $58.25
Not sure what this is: $3.16
Total Spent: $2,017.59
The goal is to save between $600 and $1,000 per month for the rest of the year, so my $703 fits in there nicely. I should be well over my goal to save an average of $600. Yay!
I ate out a lot last month. I'm hoping to do this less this month. So far I'm at about $25 which I think is respectable since it is more than halfway through the month.
Today I'm grateful for: comfy oversized sweatpants and my red fleece blanket.
Quick Snapshot:
Total Income: $2,721.02
Total Expenses: $2,017.59
NET (Income - Expenses): $703.43
Breakdown on Income
Wages: $2,561.02
Rebates/Free Money: $160.00 (from babysitting, a gift from work and from transferring prescriptions)
Monthly Total: $2,721.02
Breakdown on Expenses
HOME EXPENSES
Rent: $850.00
Electricity: $33.35
Cell: $78.33
Cable/Internet: $116.92
TRANSPORTATION
Gas: $89.78 (much higher than usual because of my trip to the beach, a trip to Philadelphia and a trip to West Virginia. This is the most I've spent on gas in one month by far!)
Bus/Taxi/Metro/Toll Fare: $35.00 (lots of extra tolls from trips above)
DAILY LIVING
Groceries/Drug Stores: $95.71 (not terrible)
Dining/Eating Out: $138.19 (wish it were lower)
Laundry: $7.50
Clothing: $96.00 (I did just return one of the items, so in actuality it is probably a little less)
HEALTH
Rx/OTC: $33.37
Gym/Exercise Class: $265.00 (I'm starting my new yoga class as well as an abs class next week. They charged me for it in August though)
ENTERTAINMENT
Newspaper: $18.00
Netflix: $9.44
Concerts/Shows/Covers: $30.00
Vacation/Travel: $59.59 (We went white water rafting in West Virginia when my sister came to visit. That's an expensive trip!)
MISCELLANEOUS
Cash: $58.25
Not sure what this is: $3.16
Total Spent: $2,017.59
The goal is to save between $600 and $1,000 per month for the rest of the year, so my $703 fits in there nicely. I should be well over my goal to save an average of $600. Yay!
I ate out a lot last month. I'm hoping to do this less this month. So far I'm at about $25 which I think is respectable since it is more than halfway through the month.
Today I'm grateful for: comfy oversized sweatpants and my red fleece blanket.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Things I should know about my money ~ Part 3
This is the third in a several part series inspired by 50+ Things Everyone Ought to Know About Their Money (And Hundreds of Questions to Ask Along the Way) from Saving for Serenity. See Part 1 and Part 2, for more info. Sadly, there are a lot of the answers that I don't know off of the top of my head and I've had to do a bit of research. Below are the answers to questions 23 to 33. The people I spoke with at my credit card companies probably think I’m an idiot, but I found out some useful info! Lots of credit card related info below!
Credit Card
I have two credit cards: Wachovia Card Services (my rewards card), FIA Card Services (both are VISAs)
23. Interest Rate
What interest rate are you paying on your credit card balance? I have no balance, but the interest rate is: Wachovia: 12.99% APR for purchases / FIA: 13.99% for purchases
Is it currently a promotional rate? Wachovia: no FIA: no
When will it change? Wachovia: no/ FIA: no
What will it change to? Wachovia: N/A / FIA: no
24. Grace Period Length
How long is your grace period (where you aren't charged interest)? Wachovia: 25 days from the date the statement cycles (on the 10th) bill sent that day and I get it 5 days later. No grace period after due date / FIA: between closing date and due date – 25 days (raised from 20 days)
What will eliminate the grace period (missing a payment? holding a balance)? Wachovia: nothing changes it. / FIA: nothing changes it.
How long before you get the grace period back? Wachovia: N/A / FIA:N/A
25. Terms & Conditions of Rewards
What type of rewards program do you have? Wachovia: yes, points can be redeemed for all kinds of stuff/ FIA: no
Do they expire? Wachovia: 5 years, they’ll send notification / FIA: no
How can you cash them in? Wachovia: using the website / FIA: no
Is there a minimum? Wachovia: no / FIA: no
A maximum? Wachovia: no max / FIA: no
26. Requirements for Additional Insurance
To take advantage of the additional insurance that your card may offer, what must you do? Wachovia: no extended warranty / FIA: The lady at FIA had me look up my coverage on their website. Here is what it said: Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver - When certain terms and conditions are met, the Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver benefit provides at no additional charge reimbursement for damage due to collision or theft up to the actual cash value of most rental vehicles. In your country of residence, this benefit is supplemental to, and excess of, any valid and collectible insurance from any other source. Certain exclusions, restrictions and limitations apply
27. Requirements for Extended Warranty
What is required to benefit from an extended warranty that your card may off? Wachovia: doesn’t have /FIA: Purchase Guard - Purchase Guard will double the manufacturer’s original United States (U.S.) warranty period on personal items purchased in full with your eligible card that carry a warranty duration of less than 1 year and extend the manufacturer’s original U.S. warranty period for 1 additional year for Covered Purchases with a warranty duration of 1 to 3 years. Purchase Replacement - Within the first ninety days of the date of purchase, Purchase Replacement will replace or repair eligible items of personal property purchased entirely with your eligible card up to a maximum of $500 per claim and $50,000 per year, in the event the item is lost, stolen, or damaged. Certain exclusions, restrictions, and limitations apply.
Debt
28. How Much Credit Card Debt You Have
How many credit cards do you have? I pay off my balances in full every month
What balance do they have? none
What are their interest rates? N/A
When will they be paid off? They are paid off
29. How Much Student Loan Debt You Have
Are they private or government assisted loans? none
What interest rate are they charging? none
What is the minimum payment? none
When will it be paid off? Don’t have them
30. How Much in Personal Loans You Have
Do you owe your parents any money? Friends? Relatives? Don’t have any
Are they charging interest? How much? None
When are you expected to repay? Don’t have any
31. How Much in Credit Lines You Have
Do you have a line of credit through your bank? No
What interest rate is being charged? none
Is it secured against anything? N/A
What are the terms of repayment? N/A
32. How Big Your Mortgage Is
Do you have a mortgage? No; however, this is one debt that I will be taking on in the next two years (I hope!).
How large is it? N/A
When will it be paid off? N/A
Are you able to make additional payments? N/A
What fees are associated with the mortgage? N/A
Is your home worth more or less than the value of the mortgage? N/A
What interest rate is your mortgage at? N/A
What does it cost to refinance your mortgage? N/A
33. How Big Your Car Loan Is
Do you have a car loan? No
What are the terms of repayment? N/A
When will it be paid off? N/A
Is your car worth more or less than the value of the loan? N/A
Today I’m grateful for: being able to answer that I have no debt to these questions. And my parents for helping me and teaching me about the value of a dollar.
Credit Card
I have two credit cards: Wachovia Card Services (my rewards card), FIA Card Services (both are VISAs)
23. Interest Rate
What interest rate are you paying on your credit card balance? I have no balance, but the interest rate is: Wachovia: 12.99% APR for purchases / FIA: 13.99% for purchases
Is it currently a promotional rate? Wachovia: no FIA: no
When will it change? Wachovia: no/ FIA: no
What will it change to? Wachovia: N/A / FIA: no
24. Grace Period Length
How long is your grace period (where you aren't charged interest)? Wachovia: 25 days from the date the statement cycles (on the 10th) bill sent that day and I get it 5 days later. No grace period after due date / FIA: between closing date and due date – 25 days (raised from 20 days)
What will eliminate the grace period (missing a payment? holding a balance)? Wachovia: nothing changes it. / FIA: nothing changes it.
How long before you get the grace period back? Wachovia: N/A / FIA:N/A
25. Terms & Conditions of Rewards
What type of rewards program do you have? Wachovia: yes, points can be redeemed for all kinds of stuff/ FIA: no
Do they expire? Wachovia: 5 years, they’ll send notification / FIA: no
How can you cash them in? Wachovia: using the website / FIA: no
Is there a minimum? Wachovia: no / FIA: no
A maximum? Wachovia: no max / FIA: no
26. Requirements for Additional Insurance
To take advantage of the additional insurance that your card may offer, what must you do? Wachovia: no extended warranty / FIA: The lady at FIA had me look up my coverage on their website. Here is what it said: Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver - When certain terms and conditions are met, the Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver benefit provides at no additional charge reimbursement for damage due to collision or theft up to the actual cash value of most rental vehicles. In your country of residence, this benefit is supplemental to, and excess of, any valid and collectible insurance from any other source. Certain exclusions, restrictions and limitations apply
27. Requirements for Extended Warranty
What is required to benefit from an extended warranty that your card may off? Wachovia: doesn’t have /FIA: Purchase Guard - Purchase Guard will double the manufacturer’s original United States (U.S.) warranty period on personal items purchased in full with your eligible card that carry a warranty duration of less than 1 year and extend the manufacturer’s original U.S. warranty period for 1 additional year for Covered Purchases with a warranty duration of 1 to 3 years. Purchase Replacement - Within the first ninety days of the date of purchase, Purchase Replacement will replace or repair eligible items of personal property purchased entirely with your eligible card up to a maximum of $500 per claim and $50,000 per year, in the event the item is lost, stolen, or damaged. Certain exclusions, restrictions, and limitations apply.
Debt
28. How Much Credit Card Debt You Have
How many credit cards do you have? I pay off my balances in full every month
What balance do they have? none
What are their interest rates? N/A
When will they be paid off? They are paid off
29. How Much Student Loan Debt You Have
Are they private or government assisted loans? none
What interest rate are they charging? none
What is the minimum payment? none
When will it be paid off? Don’t have them
30. How Much in Personal Loans You Have
Do you owe your parents any money? Friends? Relatives? Don’t have any
Are they charging interest? How much? None
When are you expected to repay? Don’t have any
31. How Much in Credit Lines You Have
Do you have a line of credit through your bank? No
What interest rate is being charged? none
Is it secured against anything? N/A
What are the terms of repayment? N/A
32. How Big Your Mortgage Is
Do you have a mortgage? No; however, this is one debt that I will be taking on in the next two years (I hope!).
How large is it? N/A
When will it be paid off? N/A
Are you able to make additional payments? N/A
What fees are associated with the mortgage? N/A
Is your home worth more or less than the value of the mortgage? N/A
What interest rate is your mortgage at? N/A
What does it cost to refinance your mortgage? N/A
33. How Big Your Car Loan Is
Do you have a car loan? No
What are the terms of repayment? N/A
When will it be paid off? N/A
Is your car worth more or less than the value of the loan? N/A
Today I’m grateful for: being able to answer that I have no debt to these questions. And my parents for helping me and teaching me about the value of a dollar.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Outlet shopping, really a good deal?
I just returned from the beach with my parents. And you know what that means... Outlet Shopping! The weather was dreadful the last few days, so mommy and I drove to Rehobeth to the outlets. I was kind of disappointed overall with the experience, but I did learn a few things that I want to pass along to you, dear readers. Below are tips that have come from my experience over the years with outlet shopping.
So first, let's talk about outlets in general. It's my understanding that these stores were started as a place to sell irregular clothes or last season's clothes at a cheap price. Slowly, as outlets began to expand throughout the country, brands began creating specific (cheaper) clothing sold only at their outlet stores. This can mean fabulous discounts, but you really have to know what you are looking for.
Outlet Shopping Tips:
It's only a bargain if it's something you would've bought anyway.
This is kind of obvious, but I think sometimes people get blinded by the "discounts" and purchase things that they might not at a regular mall. I had a conversation about this with a college friend who goes to the outlets with her sorority sisters after stressful situations (particularly mid-term and final exams). She was telling me about all of the "deals" she gets at the outlets to which I replied, "but are they things that you would've bought at full price?" That shut her up pretty quick! If it's not something that you will wear, it's not a bargain.
Shop in the morning.
Avoid the crowds and get the best selection. By the time mommy and I got to the outlets at 3pm, it was a zoo! Outlets are notoriously messy, so get there early when all of the items are still where they are supposed to be and the chances of finding your size are better.
Coupons/Discounts
There are absolutely coupons for outlet stores! In fact, I had a 20% off coupon for the Coach Factory Store (which made it a little easier to part with the originally $258 wallet that I got for $144.48 after the 30% sale and the 20% coupon!). If you stop at the information desk of the Outlet center, you can find additional ways to save. Call ahead and see if your outlet offers special deals for military, senior citizen, AAA members, etc.
Selection varies from outlet to outlet
Depending on the location, you may be able to find a better or worse selection. For instance, I mentioned that I stopped at the Tanger Outlets in Rehobeth, but I also stopped briefly at the Prime Outlets in Queenstown, MD on my drive back. I changed my mind about a purse that I got at Coach, so I returned it. I glanced around the Coach store and the selection was definitely not as large as the one in Rehobeth. However, I went to the Calvin Klein Outlet which I found to have a much better selection. I've heard people say that the outlets are hit or miss and that is definitely true!
How to tell if it is real or "factory"
Here are a couple of tips that I've picked up along the way: Look at the sales tags on the clothing. Does it say "Factory" or "Outlet" or "Warehouse" or something similar? Does the logo look slightly different from the one at the mall? Those are two signs that the item was made only for the outlet. Check both the sales tag and the tag inside the clothing. For instance, Gap, Banana Republic and Old Navy Outlets all have their usual logo with three squares underneath. Ann Taylor has their usual logo with two squares underneath. There are also sometimes other places that you can find clues. A salesperson at Coach showed me that each purses has a number on the inside. Purses made only for their outlet have an "F" in the number code, whereas items that come from the real store have only numbers. Are there any other clues that you learned to tell the outlet brand from the store brand?
Final Outlet Shopping Thoughts:
I hadn't been outlet shopping in a long time and I was really kind of shocked by the poor quality of many of the items for sale. Don't these high-end stores realize that they are reducing the image of their brand by selling items with their name on it that are sub-par? There are definitely great deals to be had at the outlets, but you have to dig deep and be patient. It's about the thrill of the chase, right?
I found some other great tips here. The article is a little old, but the tips are still useful!
Today I'm grateful for: spending time with my parents. They are good people and I'm lucky to have them.
So first, let's talk about outlets in general. It's my understanding that these stores were started as a place to sell irregular clothes or last season's clothes at a cheap price. Slowly, as outlets began to expand throughout the country, brands began creating specific (cheaper) clothing sold only at their outlet stores. This can mean fabulous discounts, but you really have to know what you are looking for.
Outlet Shopping Tips:
It's only a bargain if it's something you would've bought anyway.
This is kind of obvious, but I think sometimes people get blinded by the "discounts" and purchase things that they might not at a regular mall. I had a conversation about this with a college friend who goes to the outlets with her sorority sisters after stressful situations (particularly mid-term and final exams). She was telling me about all of the "deals" she gets at the outlets to which I replied, "but are they things that you would've bought at full price?" That shut her up pretty quick! If it's not something that you will wear, it's not a bargain.
Shop in the morning.
Avoid the crowds and get the best selection. By the time mommy and I got to the outlets at 3pm, it was a zoo! Outlets are notoriously messy, so get there early when all of the items are still where they are supposed to be and the chances of finding your size are better.
Coupons/Discounts
There are absolutely coupons for outlet stores! In fact, I had a 20% off coupon for the Coach Factory Store (which made it a little easier to part with the originally $258 wallet that I got for $144.48 after the 30% sale and the 20% coupon!). If you stop at the information desk of the Outlet center, you can find additional ways to save. Call ahead and see if your outlet offers special deals for military, senior citizen, AAA members, etc.
Selection varies from outlet to outlet
Depending on the location, you may be able to find a better or worse selection. For instance, I mentioned that I stopped at the Tanger Outlets in Rehobeth, but I also stopped briefly at the Prime Outlets in Queenstown, MD on my drive back. I changed my mind about a purse that I got at Coach, so I returned it. I glanced around the Coach store and the selection was definitely not as large as the one in Rehobeth. However, I went to the Calvin Klein Outlet which I found to have a much better selection. I've heard people say that the outlets are hit or miss and that is definitely true!
How to tell if it is real or "factory"
Here are a couple of tips that I've picked up along the way: Look at the sales tags on the clothing. Does it say "Factory" or "Outlet" or "Warehouse" or something similar? Does the logo look slightly different from the one at the mall? Those are two signs that the item was made only for the outlet. Check both the sales tag and the tag inside the clothing. For instance, Gap, Banana Republic and Old Navy Outlets all have their usual logo with three squares underneath. Ann Taylor has their usual logo with two squares underneath. There are also sometimes other places that you can find clues. A salesperson at Coach showed me that each purses has a number on the inside. Purses made only for their outlet have an "F" in the number code, whereas items that come from the real store have only numbers. Are there any other clues that you learned to tell the outlet brand from the store brand?
Final Outlet Shopping Thoughts:
I hadn't been outlet shopping in a long time and I was really kind of shocked by the poor quality of many of the items for sale. Don't these high-end stores realize that they are reducing the image of their brand by selling items with their name on it that are sub-par? There are definitely great deals to be had at the outlets, but you have to dig deep and be patient. It's about the thrill of the chase, right?
I found some other great tips here. The article is a little old, but the tips are still useful!
Today I'm grateful for: spending time with my parents. They are good people and I'm lucky to have them.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Carnival!
I'm trying to get in the swing of thing again and trying to more regularly submit to carnivals. Thanks to Suburban Dollar for hosting the Carnival of Money Stories . My article "How saving $30 is saving me hundreds" was included, as well as many adorable baby pictures! Check it out!
Today I'm grateful for: being really productive.
Today I'm grateful for: being really productive.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Get Rid of Stuff Sunday #9
I finally finished going through all of the drawers in my 2 bedside tables. I got rid of 6 fabric headbands that I rarely wear. I kept a few other ones that are in better colors or fabrics. Then I got rid of 2 scarves... the accessory kind, not the winter kind. That's a total of 8 things this week!
Today I'm grateful for: peanut brittle.
Today I'm grateful for: peanut brittle.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
New school year goals
There's something about the start of a new school year that gives me the desire to make "new year's resolutions." I'm not in school anymore and I don't have kids, but there's still that new school feeling where anything is possible.
Goals
* Spend very little money eating out in September.
* Get 4 complete new work outfits, but use sales. Spend less than $250.
* Work more effectively. Spend less time at the office, but get more done.
* Recalibrate investments, especially Roth.
* Seek out a career coach to help me figure out where I want to be next and how I should get there.
* Be more social. Call at least one different person every week just to say hi. Try to see at least one different person each week.
* Be patient at work. Start the year off strong and keep up the momentum all year. Build strong relationships.
* Eat more whole, organic foods. Perhaps bake a little?
* Simplify. Declutter. Stay organized, neat and clean.
* Write 10-20 posts per month. Comment on at least one blog per day.
Today I'm grateful for: meeting new people.
Goals
* Spend very little money eating out in September.
* Get 4 complete new work outfits, but use sales. Spend less than $250.
* Work more effectively. Spend less time at the office, but get more done.
* Recalibrate investments, especially Roth.
* Seek out a career coach to help me figure out where I want to be next and how I should get there.
* Be more social. Call at least one different person every week just to say hi. Try to see at least one different person each week.
* Be patient at work. Start the year off strong and keep up the momentum all year. Build strong relationships.
* Eat more whole, organic foods. Perhaps bake a little?
* Simplify. Declutter. Stay organized, neat and clean.
* Write 10-20 posts per month. Comment on at least one blog per day.
Today I'm grateful for: meeting new people.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Things I should know about my money ~ Part 2
This is the second in a several part series inspired by 50+ Things Everyone Ought to Know About Their Money (And Hundreds of Questions to Ask Along the Way) from Saving for Serenity. Please see the first 12 questions here . Sadly, there are a lot of the answers that I don't know off of the top of my head and I've had to do a bit of research... Questions 13 to 24 are below.
Cash
13. How Much Cash You Have In Your Wallet
Do you carry cash in your wallet? Yes, but not very much.
Count the cash in your wallet, in your pocket, in your change drawer/jar/purse. About $100
Do you have other cash stored around your house? No… (Do you keep extra cash lying around? If so, how much?)
Do you know where it is? N/A
Do other people know where it is? N/A
Is there a piece of paper with locations & amounts in case of emergencies? I don’t really know what this means
14. How Much Cash You Can Get Your Hands on in an Emergency
If something were to happen, how much cash can you get your hands on? All of my money, except my retirement is pretty liquid. I could go to the bank and take out about $40,000. I could also take out my investments in bonds and mutual funds, if absolutely necessary. If it were something that was a true emergency (especially something health-related) my parents would be an additional financial resource.
Do you have an easily accessible bank account with cash you can withdraw? Yup. The bank is right down the street.
Do you have actual cash stored around your house? Not that much.
Automation/Bills
15. When Your Credit Card Bill Is Due
I have two credit cards: Wachovia Card Services (my rewards card), FIA Card Services (both are VISAs)
On what day do you receive your credit card statement? Wachovia: the bill is sent on the 10th and I should get it on the 15th FIA: statement closes between 9th and 11th of the month and bill is sent the day after.
On what day is your credit card bill due? Wachovia: 3rd or 4th of the month FIA: End of the month-27th to 31st.
How long is between those two days? Wachovia: about 20 days/ FIA: 25 days
Are your credit cards paid off automatically or do you have to do a manual transfer? I pay them off in full each month manually through my online bank.
Do you do it through an online bank, by phone, by mail? Online bill pay through my bank.
16. When Your Phone Bills Are Due
When do you receive your phone bill? I usually get it around the 9th or 10th of the month
When is your phone bill due? It’s due the third week of the month, usually on the 21st, 22nd, or 23rd.
Are your phone bills paid automatically? No
Are they tied to a credit card, or a bank account? I use auto bill pay from my bank.
17. When Your Rent/Mortgage Payment is Due
When do you pay rent? 1st of the month
When is your mortgage payment due? N/A
Is the process automated? Nope. I mail a check to my landlady.
18. When Your Utility Bills Are Due
When are your gas, electricity, or water bills due? I only pay for electricity, everything else is included in my rent. It’s due mid-month, usually on the 16th or 17th.
Are they paid automatically? Nope
Are they paid through money transfer, credit card, or cheque? I have auto bill pay from my bank.
Emergency Fund
19. How Much You Need For Your Emergency Fund
What's the worst case scenario? I quit my job and have a hard time finding something else. There is little to no chance that I will be laid off (and I feel really grateful for that!).
If you lost your job, how much money will you need to cover your expenses while you look for work? I’d probably need a minimum of $1,500 a month to live. Absolute worst case scenario, I would move home to live with my parents.
If you were to break your leg, how much cash do you need while you recover? N/A. I could still do my job with a broken leg.
20. How Much You Have For Your Emergency Fund
Do you have an emergency fund? Yes. Kind of. See I don’t really think of it as an emergency fund as much as I think about it as my savings. The $86,000ish that I have is my emergency fund. I would NEVER let that amount go below $15,000. So I guess that means that my fund is $15,000?
How big is it? $15,000
How long will that last you? 10 months (though I could last a lot longer on my additional savings).
21. How You are Going to Save For Your Emergency Fund
Do you have a plan to fund your emergency fund? I just save money. I transfer $1,000 a month from my bank MMA into my stock and bond funds. I transfer $500 a month from my checking to my MMA.
Is it automatic? Yes
22. When You Will Use Your Emergency Fund
During which circumstances will you allow yourself to touch your emergency fund? Serious emergencies: no job, death of a loved one, medical emergency… stuff like that.
Are these situations written down (and agreed upon)? I just wrote them down :). And it’s just me, so there’s no one to agree on them with me.
23. When You Will Not Use Your Emergency Fund
What does not qualify as an emergency? Silly stuff, things that are “wants” and not “needs.” A vacation would probably not be considered an emergency (though maybe if it was a once in a lifetime thing and I had more money than my emergency fund saved…). “Stuff” like clothes and purses and shoes are definitely not an emergency!
Are they written down (and agreed upon)? I just wrote them down :). And it’s just me, so there’s no one to agree on them with me.
24. How You Will Replenish Your Emergency Fund Should It Be Used
If you are forced to use your emergency fund, how quickly can you replenish it? It depends on the situation I guess. If I have no job, it will be hard to replenish. If I ever needed, I know I could go to my parents for help, but I don’t want to have to do that. I like being an independent person.
Today I’m grateful for: mexican food.
Cash
13. How Much Cash You Have In Your Wallet
Do you carry cash in your wallet? Yes, but not very much.
Count the cash in your wallet, in your pocket, in your change drawer/jar/purse. About $100
Do you have other cash stored around your house? No… (Do you keep extra cash lying around? If so, how much?)
Do you know where it is? N/A
Do other people know where it is? N/A
Is there a piece of paper with locations & amounts in case of emergencies? I don’t really know what this means
14. How Much Cash You Can Get Your Hands on in an Emergency
If something were to happen, how much cash can you get your hands on? All of my money, except my retirement is pretty liquid. I could go to the bank and take out about $40,000. I could also take out my investments in bonds and mutual funds, if absolutely necessary. If it were something that was a true emergency (especially something health-related) my parents would be an additional financial resource.
Do you have an easily accessible bank account with cash you can withdraw? Yup. The bank is right down the street.
Do you have actual cash stored around your house? Not that much.
Automation/Bills
15. When Your Credit Card Bill Is Due
I have two credit cards: Wachovia Card Services (my rewards card), FIA Card Services (both are VISAs)
On what day do you receive your credit card statement? Wachovia: the bill is sent on the 10th and I should get it on the 15th FIA: statement closes between 9th and 11th of the month and bill is sent the day after.
On what day is your credit card bill due? Wachovia: 3rd or 4th of the month FIA: End of the month-27th to 31st.
How long is between those two days? Wachovia: about 20 days/ FIA: 25 days
Are your credit cards paid off automatically or do you have to do a manual transfer? I pay them off in full each month manually through my online bank.
Do you do it through an online bank, by phone, by mail? Online bill pay through my bank.
16. When Your Phone Bills Are Due
When do you receive your phone bill? I usually get it around the 9th or 10th of the month
When is your phone bill due? It’s due the third week of the month, usually on the 21st, 22nd, or 23rd.
Are your phone bills paid automatically? No
Are they tied to a credit card, or a bank account? I use auto bill pay from my bank.
17. When Your Rent/Mortgage Payment is Due
When do you pay rent? 1st of the month
When is your mortgage payment due? N/A
Is the process automated? Nope. I mail a check to my landlady.
18. When Your Utility Bills Are Due
When are your gas, electricity, or water bills due? I only pay for electricity, everything else is included in my rent. It’s due mid-month, usually on the 16th or 17th.
Are they paid automatically? Nope
Are they paid through money transfer, credit card, or cheque? I have auto bill pay from my bank.
Emergency Fund
19. How Much You Need For Your Emergency Fund
What's the worst case scenario? I quit my job and have a hard time finding something else. There is little to no chance that I will be laid off (and I feel really grateful for that!).
If you lost your job, how much money will you need to cover your expenses while you look for work? I’d probably need a minimum of $1,500 a month to live. Absolute worst case scenario, I would move home to live with my parents.
If you were to break your leg, how much cash do you need while you recover? N/A. I could still do my job with a broken leg.
20. How Much You Have For Your Emergency Fund
Do you have an emergency fund? Yes. Kind of. See I don’t really think of it as an emergency fund as much as I think about it as my savings. The $86,000ish that I have is my emergency fund. I would NEVER let that amount go below $15,000. So I guess that means that my fund is $15,000?
How big is it? $15,000
How long will that last you? 10 months (though I could last a lot longer on my additional savings).
21. How You are Going to Save For Your Emergency Fund
Do you have a plan to fund your emergency fund? I just save money. I transfer $1,000 a month from my bank MMA into my stock and bond funds. I transfer $500 a month from my checking to my MMA.
Is it automatic? Yes
22. When You Will Use Your Emergency Fund
During which circumstances will you allow yourself to touch your emergency fund? Serious emergencies: no job, death of a loved one, medical emergency… stuff like that.
Are these situations written down (and agreed upon)? I just wrote them down :). And it’s just me, so there’s no one to agree on them with me.
23. When You Will Not Use Your Emergency Fund
What does not qualify as an emergency? Silly stuff, things that are “wants” and not “needs.” A vacation would probably not be considered an emergency (though maybe if it was a once in a lifetime thing and I had more money than my emergency fund saved…). “Stuff” like clothes and purses and shoes are definitely not an emergency!
Are they written down (and agreed upon)? I just wrote them down :). And it’s just me, so there’s no one to agree on them with me.
24. How You Will Replenish Your Emergency Fund Should It Be Used
If you are forced to use your emergency fund, how quickly can you replenish it? It depends on the situation I guess. If I have no job, it will be hard to replenish. If I ever needed, I know I could go to my parents for help, but I don’t want to have to do that. I like being an independent person.
Today I’m grateful for: mexican food.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Get Rid of Stuff Sunday #8
I started going through my desk area and here are the things I got rid of this week:
(1) Business Cards. I had a stack of cards and a lot of them were no longer relevant. I got rid of the cards for people who no longer work at those organizations, doctors who I no longer visit and the like. Method of disposal: recycle
(2) Stickers. Sadly, I don't have any use for the random stickers lying around my desk. Method of disposal: I'll bring them to work and see if anyone's children would like them.
(3) Firewire port. When I got my old, old ipod back in 2003 or 2004, it wouldn't connect to my computer so I had to get a firewire port to make it work speedily. Now an ipod and 2 computers later, I have no need for this port. Method of disposal: ???
(4) Wireless card. Two laptops ago, when I first started college, wireless was not as prevalent as it is today. My starter laptop didn't have a built-in wireless card so I had to buy a removable one. Now internal wireless stuff is pretty standard, so I don't think I need to worry about this anymore. Method of disposal: ???
(5) Converter piece for an old computer mouse. The mouse doesn't work and it was used on my last computer anyway. Don't need it! Method of disposal: ???
(6) Livestrong-style bracelets. Not going to wear them. Done. Method of disposal: trash.
(7) Misc. pens, markers and other writing implements. I have way more of these items than necessary, collected over years! Method of disposal: bring them to work and put them in the pen drawer for others to use.
Today I'm grateful for: vacation with my family! I'm at the beach now relaxing!
(1) Business Cards. I had a stack of cards and a lot of them were no longer relevant. I got rid of the cards for people who no longer work at those organizations, doctors who I no longer visit and the like. Method of disposal: recycle
(2) Stickers. Sadly, I don't have any use for the random stickers lying around my desk. Method of disposal: I'll bring them to work and see if anyone's children would like them.
(3) Firewire port. When I got my old, old ipod back in 2003 or 2004, it wouldn't connect to my computer so I had to get a firewire port to make it work speedily. Now an ipod and 2 computers later, I have no need for this port. Method of disposal: ???
(4) Wireless card. Two laptops ago, when I first started college, wireless was not as prevalent as it is today. My starter laptop didn't have a built-in wireless card so I had to buy a removable one. Now internal wireless stuff is pretty standard, so I don't think I need to worry about this anymore. Method of disposal: ???
(5) Converter piece for an old computer mouse. The mouse doesn't work and it was used on my last computer anyway. Don't need it! Method of disposal: ???
(6) Livestrong-style bracelets. Not going to wear them. Done. Method of disposal: trash.
(7) Misc. pens, markers and other writing implements. I have way more of these items than necessary, collected over years! Method of disposal: bring them to work and put them in the pen drawer for others to use.
Today I'm grateful for: vacation with my family! I'm at the beach now relaxing!
Friday, September 4, 2009
Oh the Swag...
A lot of the blogs I read regularly have been raving about swagbucks, so I decided to check it out. It seems pretty neat, but it also seems like a lot of work. The way to rack up the most swagbucks is to get a ton of friends to sign up, but I don't want to be that friend who always sends the "sign up for this service" emails. Those emails drive me nuts!
So far I have 11 swagbucks thanks to the code I found on money saving mom's website (5 bucks), plus a few for installing the new toolbar and a few more for some random searches I've been doing. Just with doing what I'm doing, it's going to take a lot of searches to get up the 45 bucks needed to earn a $5 amazon card (which is what it seems like most people tend to cash in for).
Do any of you have tips or tricks that you've used to help you earn so many swagbucks?
If you haven't signed up yet, please consider helping a fellow blogger out and use my referral code: http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/meinmillions.
Today I'm grateful for: going on vacation on Friday!! The beach is my happy place! I have a few scheduled posts for while I'm gone and I'll try to keep commenting on your blogs via my iphone.
So far I have 11 swagbucks thanks to the code I found on money saving mom's website (5 bucks), plus a few for installing the new toolbar and a few more for some random searches I've been doing. Just with doing what I'm doing, it's going to take a lot of searches to get up the 45 bucks needed to earn a $5 amazon card (which is what it seems like most people tend to cash in for).
Do any of you have tips or tricks that you've used to help you earn so many swagbucks?
If you haven't signed up yet, please consider helping a fellow blogger out and use my referral code: http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/meinmillions.
Today I'm grateful for: going on vacation on Friday!! The beach is my happy place! I have a few scheduled posts for while I'm gone and I'll try to keep commenting on your blogs via my iphone.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
$%^&* Weddings!
Awhile ago I mentioned that two of my girlfriends are getting married next summer. Well one of them is turning into a bridezilla. I knew it was inevitable because of this girl's personality, but @#$%^&!!!!! She really is a good friend, but she gets a little obsessive about the details (which I know I can do also sometimes). And she had expensive taste (which I do too sometimes). But @#$%^&*!!!!! Below are a few excerpts from emails she's sent recently:
The one area where I am totally slacking is on bridesmaid dresses. I have decided I want to have long dark-ish purple/eggplant dresses. I am not entirely sure what the wedding colors will be, but I do want a little bit of purple, because that is my favorite color. I thought a purple color could look very formal, which is what we are going for, since the wedding is black tie.
Here are some dresses I've liked so far. Feel free to e-mail me back with likes, dislikes....I am of course trying to keep them inexpensive.
Then she listed links to the dresses, none of which were ones that I could see myself wearing again.
Next email:
The XXXXX dresses I e-mailed you range in price from $208.00 to $234.00 (pre-tax). They are normally more than that, but since I'd order through the store I bought my wedding dress, the bridesmaid dresses would all be 15% off the normal price.
I thought something in the 205, 215 range was pretty reasonable for a long black tie dress, but wanted to know what you thought.
Is that actually "pretty reasonable"? Because I will absolutely have to get it altered. I'm petite and I can bet that any long dress will be way too long on me, even if it fits everywhere else (which I'm sure it won't). I have such a hard time finding things that fit the way I like!
The issue is that I've totally already talked to her about keeping it affordable (clearly our definitions are different) and something that I could possibly wear again. I don't mind paying a little more if it is wearable again, but it isn't looking like that will happen. I can afford a $200 dress... that's not the issue. The issue is paying that much for a "throwaway" dress and for feeling like I can't complain about to the bride. It's her day, but do I really have to spend so much on it?
The funny thing is that my other girlfriend is totally relaxed and nonchalant about the whole thing. And she's been engaged for over a year longer!
Today I'm grateful for: a positive review at work. Too bad there's a pay freeze and a positive review doesn't mean a raise. :( Okay. That was not really grateful sounding. I'm happy that my work is appreciated and I am given flexibility to work as I please.
The one area where I am totally slacking is on bridesmaid dresses. I have decided I want to have long dark-ish purple/eggplant dresses. I am not entirely sure what the wedding colors will be, but I do want a little bit of purple, because that is my favorite color. I thought a purple color could look very formal, which is what we are going for, since the wedding is black tie.
Here are some dresses I've liked so far. Feel free to e-mail me back with likes, dislikes....I am of course trying to keep them inexpensive.
Then she listed links to the dresses, none of which were ones that I could see myself wearing again.
Next email:
The XXXXX dresses I e-mailed you range in price from $208.00 to $234.00 (pre-tax). They are normally more than that, but since I'd order through the store I bought my wedding dress, the bridesmaid dresses would all be 15% off the normal price.
I thought something in the 205, 215 range was pretty reasonable for a long black tie dress, but wanted to know what you thought.
Is that actually "pretty reasonable"? Because I will absolutely have to get it altered. I'm petite and I can bet that any long dress will be way too long on me, even if it fits everywhere else (which I'm sure it won't). I have such a hard time finding things that fit the way I like!
The issue is that I've totally already talked to her about keeping it affordable (clearly our definitions are different) and something that I could possibly wear again. I don't mind paying a little more if it is wearable again, but it isn't looking like that will happen. I can afford a $200 dress... that's not the issue. The issue is paying that much for a "throwaway" dress and for feeling like I can't complain about to the bride. It's her day, but do I really have to spend so much on it?
The funny thing is that my other girlfriend is totally relaxed and nonchalant about the whole thing. And she's been engaged for over a year longer!
Today I'm grateful for: a positive review at work. Too bad there's a pay freeze and a positive review doesn't mean a raise. :( Okay. That was not really grateful sounding. I'm happy that my work is appreciated and I am given flexibility to work as I please.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Subscribe To me in millions
Posts
All Comments
