Oh no! The last day and Monday fall on the same day! What's a girl (who only updates once a day) to do? I think I'm going to save my Monday Morning Inspiration until next week...
By tracking my net worth on the last day of the month, I hope to keep the numbers more consistent based on the usual fluctuations of paying bills and stuff like that. Without further ado... MAY!
ASSETS:
Cash (checking, MMA, W2S): $40,098.20
GNMA: $11,405.57
Total Bond Index: $11,570.95
Total Stock Index: $21,255.79
Total Liquid: $84,330.51
Percent Change from April: -1.72%
Roth IRA (Target Retirement 2045): $5,241.98
403(b) (S&P 500 Index): $13,510.07
Total Retirement: $18,752.05
Percent Change from April: -8.53%
DEBT:
None
Total Net worth: $103,082.56
Percent Change: -3.04%
Well clearly the stock market tanked this month, since I'm down big time on all of my stock funds. I really don't pay attention to the day to day fluctuations of the stock market because I'm in it for the long haul. It's just a little sad to see a dip in my net worth. I'm also (hopefully) planning some vacation time in the near future, plus all of the expenses related to the two weddings I'm in this summer, so I think I might slip back under $100K at some point. It happens? I'll just be really sad that month :(
Today I'm grateful for: impromptu barbecues, Memorial Day and all of the people who serve our country
Monday, May 31, 2010
Friday, May 28, 2010
Loft! Why do you enable me???
Don't worry! I did not go shopping again (particularly after juuuust acknowledging my spending weakness and clearing out my closet), but I was so tempted. I blame the stores for their addictive tactics.
Things stores do that make me what to buy:
Send me coupons
The more I buy, the more coupons I get in the mail. The more coupons I get in the mail, the more I want to spend. This is especially true for stores that I have credit cards from. What a vicious cycle!
Send me catalogs with coupons
Pretty clothes! Oh so pretty! And a discount too? Trouble.
Send me "rewards" for using my store credit card
It's free money that I've gotten for spending a certain amount at a certain store. It's not a coupon, but rather like cash that I can only use at that store. Which forces me back into their store. Where I spend more money. Again with the vicious cycle...
Things I do to avoid spending too much on clothes:
Stay out of the mall
Out of sight, out of mind.
Stay off email lists
It too tempting for me to get frequent emails with coupon codes or pretty new outfits. Speaking of which, I just learned that at some stores, the more times you give them your email address (like at the register when you buy stuff), the better discount emails they send you later on. Talk about enabling!
Avoid buying clothes online
I think that it would be a slippery slope for me to do shopping online. I would start shopping online too much and it would get out of control.
Know what's in my closet
I have a terrible memory for most things, but I always remember what's in my closet (and I can tell you where and approximately how long I've owned every outfit). That helps in not buying the same thing over and over.
Things I should do to avoid spending too much on clothes (but probably... okay definitely... won't):
Stop reading fashion blogs
But it's all so pretty! Especially after discovering this entire world of petite fashion blogs.
Cancel my store credit cards
Unlikely to ever happen. I do have 2 though... for Banana Republic and Ann Taylor.
Today I'm grateful for: hearing from the (former) boy. I miss him. And I hope we can be friends now.
Things stores do that make me what to buy:
Send me coupons
The more I buy, the more coupons I get in the mail. The more coupons I get in the mail, the more I want to spend. This is especially true for stores that I have credit cards from. What a vicious cycle!
Send me catalogs with coupons
Pretty clothes! Oh so pretty! And a discount too? Trouble.
Send me "rewards" for using my store credit card
It's free money that I've gotten for spending a certain amount at a certain store. It's not a coupon, but rather like cash that I can only use at that store. Which forces me back into their store. Where I spend more money. Again with the vicious cycle...
Things I do to avoid spending too much on clothes:
Stay out of the mall
Out of sight, out of mind.
Stay off email lists
It too tempting for me to get frequent emails with coupon codes or pretty new outfits. Speaking of which, I just learned that at some stores, the more times you give them your email address (like at the register when you buy stuff), the better discount emails they send you later on. Talk about enabling!
Avoid buying clothes online
I think that it would be a slippery slope for me to do shopping online. I would start shopping online too much and it would get out of control.
Know what's in my closet
I have a terrible memory for most things, but I always remember what's in my closet (and I can tell you where and approximately how long I've owned every outfit). That helps in not buying the same thing over and over.
Things I should do to avoid spending too much on clothes (but probably... okay definitely... won't):
Stop reading fashion blogs
But it's all so pretty! Especially after discovering this entire world of petite fashion blogs.
Cancel my store credit cards
Unlikely to ever happen. I do have 2 though... for Banana Republic and Ann Taylor.
Today I'm grateful for: hearing from the (former) boy. I miss him. And I hope we can be friends now.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
April Spending
April spending (reminder for the lateness of this post: I double check my spending spreadsheet when I get my credit card bills which come in the middle of the next month).
APRIL SNAPSHOT
Total Income: $3,327.08
Total Expenses: $1,985.86
NET (Income - Expenses): $1,341.22
INCOME
Wages: $2,550.46
Medical Reimbursement: $82.99
Rebates/Sold items/Blog: $426.00 (had some ad revenue and got a check from the consignment store)
Babysitting/Catering/RS: $267.63 (worked a few catering gigs, babysat)
Monthly Total: $3,327.08
HOME EXPENSES
Rent: $875.00
Renters Insurance: $125.00 (once a year for Renter's Insurance)
Electricity: $22.68
Cell: $78.64
Cable/Internet: $96.42
Cleaning/Maintenance: $50.00 (I got a Living Social deal for housecleaning)
TRANSPORTATION
Gas: $30.00 (perfect pump!)
DAILY LIVING
Grocery Store: $79.42
Drug Store: $15.35
Dining/Eating Out: $77.19 (I'm honestly not sure why I spent so little on food this month. Did I eat at work a lot?)
Clothing: $346.72
HEALTH
Rx/OTC: $15.00
Gym/Exercise Class: $165.00 (yoga)
ENTERTAINMENT
Netflix: $9.44
Total Spent $1,985.86
Total Saved $1,341.22
Lots of extra income this month helped to add to my bottom line. Yay for lots of savings! So why did I spend so little this month on certain items (food, entertainment...)? Looking back on my calendar: I was visiting home for the first 3 days of the month (parents paid for food and entertainment), I worked a number of evenings (catering which included food and the day job which also often includes food), and was away for another 3 day weekend (food was included). It looks like I was a real homebody this month and that definitely contributed to the savings in entertainment. I was just so busy with work and traveling that I just needed some relaxation time. May is shaping up to be a month with little savings, so April is making me feel good.
Today I'm grateful for: girl plans to see the Sex and the City movie! :)
APRIL SNAPSHOT
Total Income: $3,327.08
Total Expenses: $1,985.86
NET (Income - Expenses): $1,341.22
INCOME
Wages: $2,550.46
Medical Reimbursement: $82.99
Rebates/Sold items/Blog: $426.00 (had some ad revenue and got a check from the consignment store)
Babysitting/Catering/RS: $267.63 (worked a few catering gigs, babysat)
Monthly Total: $3,327.08
HOME EXPENSES
Rent: $875.00
Renters Insurance: $125.00 (once a year for Renter's Insurance)
Electricity: $22.68
Cell: $78.64
Cable/Internet: $96.42
Cleaning/Maintenance: $50.00 (I got a Living Social deal for housecleaning)
TRANSPORTATION
Gas: $30.00 (perfect pump!)
DAILY LIVING
Grocery Store: $79.42
Drug Store: $15.35
Dining/Eating Out: $77.19 (I'm honestly not sure why I spent so little on food this month. Did I eat at work a lot?)
Clothing: $346.72
HEALTH
Rx/OTC: $15.00
Gym/Exercise Class: $165.00 (yoga)
ENTERTAINMENT
Netflix: $9.44
Total Spent $1,985.86
Total Saved $1,341.22
Lots of extra income this month helped to add to my bottom line. Yay for lots of savings! So why did I spend so little this month on certain items (food, entertainment...)? Looking back on my calendar: I was visiting home for the first 3 days of the month (parents paid for food and entertainment), I worked a number of evenings (catering which included food and the day job which also often includes food), and was away for another 3 day weekend (food was included). It looks like I was a real homebody this month and that definitely contributed to the savings in entertainment. I was just so busy with work and traveling that I just needed some relaxation time. May is shaping up to be a month with little savings, so April is making me feel good.
Today I'm grateful for: girl plans to see the Sex and the City movie! :)
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
The Great Closet Cleanout: the Finale
The story so far: I had a brilliant idea, several lovely bloggers decided to participate (and did a great job!), and I got about 1/2 way through the job.
Lessons learned:
(1) Accountability is a good thing, I really wasn't feeling the writing the finale of this... but I knew I'd have to answer to all of my readers.
(2) There are a few items that I'm not ready to let go of just yet, even though I know I don't love them.
(3) I'm a little anal retentive. I went through and switched out all of my hangers so they match (I had a few wire or colored hangers in before... now they are all white). And all of my clothes face in the same direction now.
(4) Time to go through my drawers... ugh!
To Do:
(1) Buy belt hanger (I think I like this one on Amazon, but the shipping is more than the item... I have a bunch of gift cards from swagbucks but is this a stupid purchase? Or will I be too lazy to actually go to Target and actually buy one and this is a good plan?). I created a interim hanger solution , so maybe I'll just be lazy and not buy one at all.
And here is the finished closet. I think it looks pretty spiffy, if I do say so myself.
It's not too late for you to participate!
Today I'm grateful for: accountability and a clean closet!
Lessons learned:
(1) Accountability is a good thing, I really wasn't feeling the writing the finale of this... but I knew I'd have to answer to all of my readers.
(2) There are a few items that I'm not ready to let go of just yet, even though I know I don't love them.
(3) I'm a little anal retentive. I went through and switched out all of my hangers so they match (I had a few wire or colored hangers in before... now they are all white). And all of my clothes face in the same direction now.
(4) Time to go through my drawers... ugh!
To Do:
(1) Buy belt hanger (I think I like this one on Amazon, but the shipping is more than the item... I have a bunch of gift cards from swagbucks but is this a stupid purchase? Or will I be too lazy to actually go to Target and actually buy one and this is a good plan?). I created a interim hanger solution , so maybe I'll just be lazy and not buy one at all.
And here is the finished closet. I think it looks pretty spiffy, if I do say so myself.
It's not too late for you to participate!Today I'm grateful for: accountability and a clean closet!
Monday, May 24, 2010
Monday Morning Inspiration: Small Steps for Big Change
This Monday morning, we get our inspiration from SS4BC of Small Steps for Big Change, a blogger who has inspired me with her quest to eat out only 345 days in 2010.
What inspired you to start your blog?
I can easily say that it was Krystal at Work that really got me inspired to start my own blog. I was really in a low place financially for the month before I started my blog and internet searches of how to get out of debt and make extra money got me to her blog. I started reading and couldn't stop, I started clicking on her blog links, and within a few weeks I decided that I needed a blog to help keep me accountable - even if I was the only one who ever read the blog.
What inspires you on your financial journey?
To be honest, the people who comment on my blog are my true inspiration. Every time they post encouragement or reprimand I'm reminded of the fact that my actions are held accountable.
What is something you are working towards?
I'm trying desperately to get debt free. I've made a lot of progress in the last year and a half, but I still feel like I have so far to go. Some days it feels so easy, some days it feels like a struggle. Each day I dream of the day when I look at my credit card balance and it says "zero".
Name one ... that inspires you:
Book: The 100 Secrets of Happy People - I pick this up whenever I'm feeling really down, and it reminds me of the little things in life I should be grateful for.
Song: When Your Mind's Made Up by Glen Hansard - I just love Hansard's musical style and when I hear this song it reminds me that if you want someone bad enough you'll stop at nothing to get it.
Place: There is a National forest about 30 minutes from where I live. I love taking my dog out there for this certain 7 mile hike. We both get exhausted by the terrain and I spend most of the hike thinking about my life, my career, my finances, ect. Most of my best decisions have been made while walking. ;)
Blog: Man, this is a tough one because there are so many that I love. But one that I read just about everyday regardless is Jessie's Money. Mainly because she just seems to down to earth, I feel like if I knew Jessie IRL that we would be pretty good friends. =)
Person: My friend, TMcimmy. I've talked about him a bit on my blog a while ago, but he is one of my 4 best friends. He was always the frugal one when we were in graduate school and I thought it was just SILLY. And now, I know exactly who to talk to about financial issues. He's one of the few people I know who can look at any situation completely objectively, and I appreciate his impact on my life in this respect.
What are you grateful for today? My health, my soon to be wealth, and my happiness. Two out of three ain't bad, right? ;)
Today I'm grateful for: SS4BC's inspiration
What inspired you to start your blog?
I can easily say that it was Krystal at Work that really got me inspired to start my own blog. I was really in a low place financially for the month before I started my blog and internet searches of how to get out of debt and make extra money got me to her blog. I started reading and couldn't stop, I started clicking on her blog links, and within a few weeks I decided that I needed a blog to help keep me accountable - even if I was the only one who ever read the blog.
What inspires you on your financial journey?
To be honest, the people who comment on my blog are my true inspiration. Every time they post encouragement or reprimand I'm reminded of the fact that my actions are held accountable.
What is something you are working towards?
I'm trying desperately to get debt free. I've made a lot of progress in the last year and a half, but I still feel like I have so far to go. Some days it feels so easy, some days it feels like a struggle. Each day I dream of the day when I look at my credit card balance and it says "zero".
Name one ... that inspires you:
Book: The 100 Secrets of Happy People - I pick this up whenever I'm feeling really down, and it reminds me of the little things in life I should be grateful for.
Song: When Your Mind's Made Up by Glen Hansard - I just love Hansard's musical style and when I hear this song it reminds me that if you want someone bad enough you'll stop at nothing to get it.
Place: There is a National forest about 30 minutes from where I live. I love taking my dog out there for this certain 7 mile hike. We both get exhausted by the terrain and I spend most of the hike thinking about my life, my career, my finances, ect. Most of my best decisions have been made while walking. ;)
Blog: Man, this is a tough one because there are so many that I love. But one that I read just about everyday regardless is Jessie's Money. Mainly because she just seems to down to earth, I feel like if I knew Jessie IRL that we would be pretty good friends. =)
Person: My friend, TMcimmy. I've talked about him a bit on my blog a while ago, but he is one of my 4 best friends. He was always the frugal one when we were in graduate school and I thought it was just SILLY. And now, I know exactly who to talk to about financial issues. He's one of the few people I know who can look at any situation completely objectively, and I appreciate his impact on my life in this respect.
What are you grateful for today? My health, my soon to be wealth, and my happiness. Two out of three ain't bad, right? ;)
Today I'm grateful for: SS4BC's inspiration
Sunday, May 23, 2010
The Great Closet Cleanout: Update
Things are trucking along with my closet clean out. Thanks to Broke by Choice, Ann, Money Maus, and Red for keeping me honest. How are you ladies doing? And if you still want to participate, it's not too late! Just leave a comment below.
So here is my progress:
Below is the mostly before. I took out my shoes before I got the brilliant idea to have some accountability. It's not too bad, but there are definitely things in there that I don't really wear.
So this is a picture of all of the shoes I took out of my closet. There are a lot.
Look! It's empty. Except for the step ladder I had to use to get to the shelf. I'm short, okay! I also used this as an opportunity to dust and wipes down the shelf and floor. How is it possible for things to get so dusty? Yuck!
Piles of clothes on my bed. This is about halfway through the process. I'm not all the way done yet, but expect a final report on Tuesday. This is a pile of clothes that I'm still deciding about. I need to finish going through my shoes and there are a few odds and ends that I still need to try on and make decisions about.
Hope your closet purge is going well!
Today I'm grateful for: foursquare. I am going to be the mayor of my workplace damnit! Also a lovely evening with a friend.
Friday, May 21, 2010
The Great Closet Clean Out!
My closet is too full. My drawers are too full. It's time for a closet purge. I just need some accountability. Anyone want to join me in a weekend of closet/drawer clutter removal?
Here's what I'm thinking...
(1) Declare your intention to participate on your blog (and link back to here)
(2) Empty entire closet (take and post a picture of full closet/empty closet)
(3) Edit down items
(4) Put stuff back
(5) Report on your progress on your blog
(6) Donate unwanted items
Who's with me!?!?
Today I'm grateful for: another great DC PF Blogger Happy Hour!
Here's what I'm thinking...
(1) Declare your intention to participate on your blog (and link back to here)
(2) Empty entire closet (take and post a picture of full closet/empty closet)
(3) Edit down items
(4) Put stuff back
(5) Report on your progress on your blog
(6) Donate unwanted items
Who's with me!?!?
Today I'm grateful for: another great DC PF Blogger Happy Hour!
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Do you ever find yourself...
exaggerating your financial situation for your benefit? Like, my friends don't know how much money I have, so I pay the poor card. I do work at a non-profit, after all.
Okay... I'm making myself sound cheap. That wasn't the thought process. More like I read an article on Budgets are Sexy about wedding gifts and thought to myself, $100 is a lot of money. The last couple of weddings I went to (by myself) and gave gifts or cash equivalent of about $50. I thought that sounded about right.
Now I'm second guessing. I'm in 2 weddings this summer (which I haven't really ranted about lately, but I probably will again soon) and there's another for a work colleague coming up Memorial Day weekend. I've spent at least $500 on both of the weddings I'm in so far and think there will probably be at least $1,000 more between hotel rooms, transportation, another bachlorette weekend, gifts, dress alterations...
And now I want to play the poor card. I wasn't able to attend either of the showers, so I didn't buy gifts. In my head I justified it, but is that tacky? I'm already spending so much on these stupid things.
I prefer that my friends don't really know how much I have because then the expectations would be set about me spending a certain way. I think I would get mooched off of and I do not want to start that game. Maybe it makes me a little bit cheap, I don't know. But I know that I would never be the one to buy a meal at a restaurant for $9.50 and put in a $10 and think I'm good. Or be the one who always has friends buy the round of drinks and never reciprocates (Serendipity, I was horrified by your friend's nerve). So where does that leave me? I'm not sure, I guess.
For those of you with no debt, do your IRL friends have any idea what you're worth? How does it shape how they treat you with regard to money?
Today I'm grateful for: DC yoga week and my first time at Tranquil Space
Okay... I'm making myself sound cheap. That wasn't the thought process. More like I read an article on Budgets are Sexy about wedding gifts and thought to myself, $100 is a lot of money. The last couple of weddings I went to (by myself) and gave gifts or cash equivalent of about $50. I thought that sounded about right.
Now I'm second guessing. I'm in 2 weddings this summer (which I haven't really ranted about lately, but I probably will again soon) and there's another for a work colleague coming up Memorial Day weekend. I've spent at least $500 on both of the weddings I'm in so far and think there will probably be at least $1,000 more between hotel rooms, transportation, another bachlorette weekend, gifts, dress alterations...
And now I want to play the poor card. I wasn't able to attend either of the showers, so I didn't buy gifts. In my head I justified it, but is that tacky? I'm already spending so much on these stupid things.
I prefer that my friends don't really know how much I have because then the expectations would be set about me spending a certain way. I think I would get mooched off of and I do not want to start that game. Maybe it makes me a little bit cheap, I don't know. But I know that I would never be the one to buy a meal at a restaurant for $9.50 and put in a $10 and think I'm good. Or be the one who always has friends buy the round of drinks and never reciprocates (Serendipity, I was horrified by your friend's nerve). So where does that leave me? I'm not sure, I guess.
For those of you with no debt, do your IRL friends have any idea what you're worth? How does it shape how they treat you with regard to money?
Today I'm grateful for: DC yoga week and my first time at Tranquil Space
Monday, May 17, 2010
Monday Morning Inspiration: Carrie... on the Cheap
This Monday morning, we'll get our inspiration from Carrie of Carrie... on the Cheap, a blogger inspires me with her ability to do so many things and study (and pass!) her CPA exam at the same time!
What inspired you to start your blog?
I really enjoy writing and finances. I wanted a way to share my thoughts and the blog was the perfect answer!
What inspires you on your financial journey?
I'm very futuristic. I'm always thinking about the future. I often have to remind myself to live in the present. Being such a forward thinker really helps to keep on track with my financial goals.
What is something you are working towards?
Becoming a CPA! There are 4 tests and I have passed 3 of them. I am currently studying for the fourth one and hope to be done within the next couple months!
Name one ... that inspires you:
Book: The Bible :)
Song: Telephone by Lady Gaga. Ha! Just kidding, Times Like These by the Foo Fighters, Dig by Incubus, or Empire State Of Mind by Jay-Z & Alicia Keys
Place: the outdoors
Blog: I can't name just one...Get Rich Slowly has been very inspirational lately :)
Person: my BF, Lloyd
What are you grateful for today?
My body, for allowing me to move and sweat and be in shape.
Today I'm grateful for: Carrie's inspiration
What inspired you to start your blog?
I really enjoy writing and finances. I wanted a way to share my thoughts and the blog was the perfect answer!
What inspires you on your financial journey?
I'm very futuristic. I'm always thinking about the future. I often have to remind myself to live in the present. Being such a forward thinker really helps to keep on track with my financial goals.
What is something you are working towards?
Becoming a CPA! There are 4 tests and I have passed 3 of them. I am currently studying for the fourth one and hope to be done within the next couple months!
Name one ... that inspires you:
Book: The Bible :)
Song: Telephone by Lady Gaga. Ha! Just kidding, Times Like These by the Foo Fighters, Dig by Incubus, or Empire State Of Mind by Jay-Z & Alicia Keys
Place: the outdoors
Blog: I can't name just one...Get Rich Slowly has been very inspirational lately :)
Person: my BF, Lloyd
What are you grateful for today?
My body, for allowing me to move and sweat and be in shape.
Today I'm grateful for: Carrie's inspiration
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Electricity Surprise!
I got my bill this month from Dominion (my electric company) and it was $16.68. *Shock* My bill has NEVER been that low before. In fact, here is my 2010 electricity spending:
JAN: $25.20
FEB: $21.64
MAR: $23.95
APR: $22.68
MAY: $16.68
And it's generally around this time of year when the bill starts going up because I'm using fans or AC. I read the "Customer Connection" newsletter and here's what it said:
Electric Rates Drop
An 8.9 percent rate reduction has been approved for Dominion Virginia Power residential customers... blah. blah.
Interesting... at a time when everyone is losing money, Dominion is decreasing their rates. I'm not complaining, but that seems strange to me.
What do you pay electricity?
Today I'm grateful for: reading outside under a tree
JAN: $25.20
FEB: $21.64
MAR: $23.95
APR: $22.68
MAY: $16.68
And it's generally around this time of year when the bill starts going up because I'm using fans or AC. I read the "Customer Connection" newsletter and here's what it said:
Electric Rates Drop
An 8.9 percent rate reduction has been approved for Dominion Virginia Power residential customers... blah. blah.
Interesting... at a time when everyone is losing money, Dominion is decreasing their rates. I'm not complaining, but that seems strange to me.
What do you pay electricity?
Today I'm grateful for: reading outside under a tree
Thursday, May 13, 2010
It's been a year!
It's my blogoversary. I can't believe it's been a year of oversharing about my life and finances with random people on the internet! ;)
My original plan was to list all of the things I was grateful for this year in my blogoversary. Then I realized how much work that would be and I gave up on that idea. So instead, here is a list of some of the high points of this year (cuz you all know how I feel about lists!):
* I started looking for inspiration from other bloggers
* I broke the 100K net worth barrier
* I got really into yoga and took a teacher training class
* I started a new blog to track my deals and freebies
* Hosted my first (and only) carnival
* Hit 100 posts!
* I joined twitter
* I got rid of 100+ things from my home that I don't even miss.
* I started this blog off right... kinda.
I'm so happy I have a place to talk and vent and share and rant about my finances. It's something that taboo in real life, but it's something that I so love to talk about! Thanks for listening, commenting and being there for me on my journey!
Today I'm grateful for: all of my readers! I would definitely not still be writing if it wasn't for you!
My original plan was to list all of the things I was grateful for this year in my blogoversary. Then I realized how much work that would be and I gave up on that idea. So instead, here is a list of some of the high points of this year (cuz you all know how I feel about lists!):
* I started looking for inspiration from other bloggers
* I broke the 100K net worth barrier
* I got really into yoga and took a teacher training class
* I started a new blog to track my deals and freebies
* Hosted my first (and only) carnival
* Hit 100 posts!
* I joined twitter
* I got rid of 100+ things from my home that I don't even miss.
* I started this blog off right... kinda.
I'm so happy I have a place to talk and vent and share and rant about my finances. It's something that taboo in real life, but it's something that I so love to talk about! Thanks for listening, commenting and being there for me on my journey!
Today I'm grateful for: all of my readers! I would definitely not still be writing if it wasn't for you!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
What's your spending weakness?
Clothing is my spending weakness.
I don't need "stuff." I'm happy not having very many knick knacks or books or DVDs or "just in case" items around. I've become more mindful of what I bring into my home, but I can't stop bringing back clothes. I'm mostly able to control this by avoiding malls and temptation, but once I'm there it's like my finances fly out the window. I don't think about what things cost, I just buy, buy, buy.
Usually the rational side of me gets home and realizes that there are a few items I should return... like my most recent shopping trip at Lucy (an athletic clothing shop) where I spent $312 on 4 items. Granted, I'm still expanding my yoga wardrobe, but I now have more than enough bottoms I can wear to do yoga. I think the 3 pairs of pants/capris I got are excessive. I'm going to return one pair.
Then when I was home for Mother's Day this past weekend, mommy and I went to Plato's Closet. The thing that gets me about that store is that it is SO CHEAP. It's practically criminal how little they charge for designer brands. Granted you need to hunt through a lot of crap to find the gems, but there are always gems to be found. I spent $47 for 6 items including a pair of Seven for All Mankind jeans, a Lacoste polo and a Theory t-shirt.
My drawers and closet are looking full again. I think it's time to either bring back the Get Rid of Stuff Sundays or just do a good old fashioned closet purge.
I haven't had a no spend month on clothes this year at all. Last year I spent $1,629.13 on clothes for the entire year. And this year... well... see for yourself.
JAN: $619.33
FEB: $251.69
MAR: $226.58
APR: $439.12
MAY: $47.00
TOTAL: $1,583.72
I talk about the latte factor and remembering how quickly things add up, but for some reason it doesn't compute when I'm talking about clothes. I'm genuinely shocked to see how fast those little items add up to $1,583.72. That's a lot of money! I'm a little embarassed at how much I've spend so far this year.
What's your spending weakness and what do you do to help fight the temptation? Or do you just give in to it?
Today I'm grateful for: teaching my first practice yoga class. It was actually a lot of fun!
I don't need "stuff." I'm happy not having very many knick knacks or books or DVDs or "just in case" items around. I've become more mindful of what I bring into my home, but I can't stop bringing back clothes. I'm mostly able to control this by avoiding malls and temptation, but once I'm there it's like my finances fly out the window. I don't think about what things cost, I just buy, buy, buy.
Usually the rational side of me gets home and realizes that there are a few items I should return... like my most recent shopping trip at Lucy (an athletic clothing shop) where I spent $312 on 4 items. Granted, I'm still expanding my yoga wardrobe, but I now have more than enough bottoms I can wear to do yoga. I think the 3 pairs of pants/capris I got are excessive. I'm going to return one pair.
Then when I was home for Mother's Day this past weekend, mommy and I went to Plato's Closet. The thing that gets me about that store is that it is SO CHEAP. It's practically criminal how little they charge for designer brands. Granted you need to hunt through a lot of crap to find the gems, but there are always gems to be found. I spent $47 for 6 items including a pair of Seven for All Mankind jeans, a Lacoste polo and a Theory t-shirt.
My drawers and closet are looking full again. I think it's time to either bring back the Get Rid of Stuff Sundays or just do a good old fashioned closet purge.
I haven't had a no spend month on clothes this year at all. Last year I spent $1,629.13 on clothes for the entire year. And this year... well... see for yourself.
JAN: $619.33
FEB: $251.69
MAR: $226.58
APR: $439.12
MAY: $47.00
TOTAL: $1,583.72
I talk about the latte factor and remembering how quickly things add up, but for some reason it doesn't compute when I'm talking about clothes. I'm genuinely shocked to see how fast those little items add up to $1,583.72. That's a lot of money! I'm a little embarassed at how much I've spend so far this year.
What's your spending weakness and what do you do to help fight the temptation? Or do you just give in to it?
Today I'm grateful for: teaching my first practice yoga class. It was actually a lot of fun!
Monday, May 10, 2010
Monday Morning Mother's Day Inspiration
In honor of Mother's Day yesterday, this Monday we're getting our inspiration from my mom. Now, I didn't ask her the questions that I've asked every blogger I've interviewed because my parents don't know that this blog exists. Instead I'm going to share some things about money, thrift and frugality that I've learned from my mother.
(1) Why buy it when you have something at home just like it?
My mother never let us buy snacks when we were out and about. She would always say something like "We'll be home soon" or "We have snacks at home." She hates to buy new clothes because she has a wardrobe full of basics and always has something just like it at home.
(2) Can I reuse it?
My mom was a recycler before it was hip. We never bought note pads for around the house because she would reuse the other side of notes brought home from school. She never buys tupperware because she reuses the plastic containers from the deli counter. She doesn't buy spiffy organizers for drawers or plastic storage bins because she uses empty boxes we have lying around the house. It doesn't look as fancy, but it gets the job done.
(3) Coupons
My mom taught me the basics of couponing through example. I learned the advanced techniques through other bloggers. My mother still clips coupons, even though they are not necessary for their lifestyle. My parents always bring a coupon with them to their favorite restaurant, after all why pay full price if you don't have to? Her behavior reminds me very much of this article.
(4) Get it used
Throughout childhood, my sister and I wore secondhand and hand me down clothes and played with secondhand toys. We didn't know the difference and we still had nice clothes on our back and more than enough toys. Now that my parents are a bit more comfortable, she doesn't do this as much as she used to, but I've learned this is a great way to save money. Whenever I'm home visiting, mom and I go to Plato's Closet and she helps me find deals. I know she loves that I get a lot of my designer labels for pennies on the dollar.
(5) Splurge where it matters
Even though my mother is far from style savvy, she goes to a fairly pricey salon to get her hair cut and colored. I remember her telling me a story about how a friend of hers who was saving money by dying her hair at home. My mother confessed how terrible her friend's hair looked and how it was worth it to get it professionally done.
Stay tuned for the Father's Day edition next month!
Today I'm grateful for: my mom's inspiration
(1) Why buy it when you have something at home just like it?
My mother never let us buy snacks when we were out and about. She would always say something like "We'll be home soon" or "We have snacks at home." She hates to buy new clothes because she has a wardrobe full of basics and always has something just like it at home.
(2) Can I reuse it?
My mom was a recycler before it was hip. We never bought note pads for around the house because she would reuse the other side of notes brought home from school. She never buys tupperware because she reuses the plastic containers from the deli counter. She doesn't buy spiffy organizers for drawers or plastic storage bins because she uses empty boxes we have lying around the house. It doesn't look as fancy, but it gets the job done.
(3) Coupons
My mom taught me the basics of couponing through example. I learned the advanced techniques through other bloggers. My mother still clips coupons, even though they are not necessary for their lifestyle. My parents always bring a coupon with them to their favorite restaurant, after all why pay full price if you don't have to? Her behavior reminds me very much of this article.
(4) Get it used
Throughout childhood, my sister and I wore secondhand and hand me down clothes and played with secondhand toys. We didn't know the difference and we still had nice clothes on our back and more than enough toys. Now that my parents are a bit more comfortable, she doesn't do this as much as she used to, but I've learned this is a great way to save money. Whenever I'm home visiting, mom and I go to Plato's Closet and she helps me find deals. I know she loves that I get a lot of my designer labels for pennies on the dollar.
(5) Splurge where it matters
Even though my mother is far from style savvy, she goes to a fairly pricey salon to get her hair cut and colored. I remember her telling me a story about how a friend of hers who was saving money by dying her hair at home. My mother confessed how terrible her friend's hair looked and how it was worth it to get it professionally done.
Stay tuned for the Father's Day edition next month!
Today I'm grateful for: my mom's inspiration
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
April Goals: Mostly Fail
It's mostly fail on the blog front, but I did a little better on the life goal side of things. If anyone can offer me suggestions on the blog side of things, it would be much appreciated. I'm thinking I'm going to skip May goals.
Life (Total FAIL: 2/Total WIN: 5)
(1) Have a few DC adventures: MOSTLY WIN
I love DC in the spring!
(2) Yoga 3x week: MOSTLY FAIL
Mostly did it about 2 times/week. I want to see how more frequent yoga practice will change me physically and emotionally, but I am just a little bit lazy too.
(3) Figure out when to do my community service yoga teaching: WIN
I have about 3 of the 8 classes I need to teach all figured out. I just need to get confirmation on the other 5 classes.
(4) Talk on the phone a little more (to not my parents or sister!): FAIL
I hate talking on the phone.
(5) Go on a date (and possibly make out): WIN
He was so cute. Too bad it didn't work out.
(6) Do a thorough cleaning/purging of my apartment: MOSTLY WIN
Did a few areas, but there are def a lot more areas to go through.
(7) Find new inspiration: MOSTLY WIN
I'm loving the new feature on the blog. It's definitely helped me expand my horizons a bit, but I need to figure out another way to let it take me further outside my comfort zone. I don't think I'm taking it far enough.
Blog (Total FAIL: 4/Total WIN: 1)
(1) Buy my domain name: FAIL
(2) Start the process of switching to wordpress: FAIL
(3) Start the process of a complete blog redesign: FAIL
(4) Attract a new advertiser: FAIL
(5) Reach out to other bloggers: WIN
This goes hand in hand with #7 above. It's been great to email back and forth with these bloggers that I admire. And now I have a much larger gchat list!
I'm wondering why I was so unsuccessful with the blog goals. This little piece of the Internet is important to me. I love getting comments and reading other blogger's life stories. It's been almost a year... am I losing steam? Do I just not really know where to start?
Today I'm grateful for: a successful weekend.
Life (Total FAIL: 2/Total WIN: 5)
(1) Have a few DC adventures: MOSTLY WIN
I love DC in the spring!
(2) Yoga 3x week: MOSTLY FAIL
Mostly did it about 2 times/week. I want to see how more frequent yoga practice will change me physically and emotionally, but I am just a little bit lazy too.
(3) Figure out when to do my community service yoga teaching: WIN
I have about 3 of the 8 classes I need to teach all figured out. I just need to get confirmation on the other 5 classes.
(4) Talk on the phone a little more (to not my parents or sister!): FAIL
I hate talking on the phone.
(5) Go on a date (and possibly make out): WIN
He was so cute. Too bad it didn't work out.
(6) Do a thorough cleaning/purging of my apartment: MOSTLY WIN
Did a few areas, but there are def a lot more areas to go through.
(7) Find new inspiration: MOSTLY WIN
I'm loving the new feature on the blog. It's definitely helped me expand my horizons a bit, but I need to figure out another way to let it take me further outside my comfort zone. I don't think I'm taking it far enough.
Blog (Total FAIL: 4/Total WIN: 1)
(1) Buy my domain name: FAIL
(2) Start the process of switching to wordpress: FAIL
(3) Start the process of a complete blog redesign: FAIL
(4) Attract a new advertiser: FAIL
(5) Reach out to other bloggers: WIN
This goes hand in hand with #7 above. It's been great to email back and forth with these bloggers that I admire. And now I have a much larger gchat list!
I'm wondering why I was so unsuccessful with the blog goals. This little piece of the Internet is important to me. I love getting comments and reading other blogger's life stories. It's been almost a year... am I losing steam? Do I just not really know where to start?
Today I'm grateful for: a successful weekend.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Monday Morning Inspiration: A Gai Shan Life
This Monday morning, we'll get our inspiration from Revanche of A Gai Shan Life, a blogger who inspires me with her dedication to her family despite lots of financial setbacks.
What inspired you to start your blog?
Discovering the group of personal finance bloggers was eye-opening.. I'd been following Fatwallet forums for a number of years for financial advice/ideas before I happened across blogs. I read for a while before I realized that it'd be a fantastic way for me to work out my financial issues and frustrations without feeling like I was casting aspersions on my family in our own community.
What inspires you on your financial journey?
Knowing that hard work and taking care can really make a difference has kept my fire burning for personal finance. I take inspiration from the strength of others overcoming their obstacles, I'm inspired by the littlest things some days like the ability to help someone's spirits with a small gift or the insight shared by friends online. I have IRL friends of many ages, and the older generation never ceases to amaze me with their long experience, flexibility and giving spirits. It's an example for me to live up to.
What is something you are working towards?
Freedom! I love the freedom that saving all these years gave me while I was unemployed (even though I promise that I was fretting a good portion of that time, as anyone who isn't independently wealthy should if you need a job!) and I want to have a wholly encompassing freedom in several years. I'm doing the mundane stuff like couponing and saving month to month, building a modest portfolio and basically starting at the beginning again but I plan to expand my financial base to be self sustaining some years down the road. I'll always want to work, I think, but I want to be able to work at my pace, on my projects, and not worry about how to make ends meet.
Name one ... that inspires you:
Book: Histories of wartime.
Song: '80s montages :)
Place: Under the sun.
Blog: Honestly? I couldn't name one. There are too many of you guys, the established bloggers and younger up and coming bloggers that impress me on a daily basis. Collectively, you push me to try harder and be better.
Person: My (now deceased) grandmother.
What are you grateful for today?
I'm grateful that time always marches on, and whatever is here and now will - whether I like it or not - change. That forces me, a creature of habit and routine, to change and develop.
Today I'm grateful for: Revanche's inspiration
What inspired you to start your blog?
Discovering the group of personal finance bloggers was eye-opening.. I'd been following Fatwallet forums for a number of years for financial advice/ideas before I happened across blogs. I read for a while before I realized that it'd be a fantastic way for me to work out my financial issues and frustrations without feeling like I was casting aspersions on my family in our own community.
What inspires you on your financial journey?
Knowing that hard work and taking care can really make a difference has kept my fire burning for personal finance. I take inspiration from the strength of others overcoming their obstacles, I'm inspired by the littlest things some days like the ability to help someone's spirits with a small gift or the insight shared by friends online. I have IRL friends of many ages, and the older generation never ceases to amaze me with their long experience, flexibility and giving spirits. It's an example for me to live up to.
What is something you are working towards?
Freedom! I love the freedom that saving all these years gave me while I was unemployed (even though I promise that I was fretting a good portion of that time, as anyone who isn't independently wealthy should if you need a job!) and I want to have a wholly encompassing freedom in several years. I'm doing the mundane stuff like couponing and saving month to month, building a modest portfolio and basically starting at the beginning again but I plan to expand my financial base to be self sustaining some years down the road. I'll always want to work, I think, but I want to be able to work at my pace, on my projects, and not worry about how to make ends meet.
Name one ... that inspires you:
Book: Histories of wartime.
Song: '80s montages :)
Place: Under the sun.
Blog: Honestly? I couldn't name one. There are too many of you guys, the established bloggers and younger up and coming bloggers that impress me on a daily basis. Collectively, you push me to try harder and be better.
Person: My (now deceased) grandmother.
What are you grateful for today?
I'm grateful that time always marches on, and whatever is here and now will - whether I like it or not - change. That forces me, a creature of habit and routine, to change and develop.
Today I'm grateful for: Revanche's inspiration
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