Last Day Net Worth: June

So I made it to 14 days in my 30 days of job stuff... I'm out of town now, so maybe I'll continue when I get back.  I'm still loving the unemployed life, applying for jobs here and there, helping out my sister and getting excited for my various vacations.  My net worth is up by the tiniest amount this month, but I'll take any increase I can get!  The next few months will likely show significant decreases in income and I'm going to schedule an upcoming post about that.  I track my net worth on the last day of each month, so that it remains consistent based on the usual fluctuations in my monthly spending.

Liquid Assets
Cash (checking, MMA, W2S) $38,126.48
GNMA $17,674.42
Total Bond Index $17,698.47
Total Stock Index $29,292.46
Total Liquid $102,791.83
Percent Change 0.02%

Retirement Assets
Roth IRA (Target 2045) $6,415.27
403(b) (S&P 500 Index) $21,445.16
Total Retirement $27,860.43
Percent Change 0.84%


Total Net worth $130,652.26
Percent Change 0.19%

Today I'm grateful for: time with my sister.

30 Days of Job Stuff: Day 14: Website

I've been toying with the idea of buying my name domain name.  I'm not sure what I'd put on the website besides my resume though.  Maybe a quick bio?  Maybe a semi-personal/semi-business blog I update 1-2 times a week?  Maybe a page of people saying how awesome I am?  Maybe links to my linkedin, facebook and email?  I don't  really have a portfolio of any sort and I don't know that I need one. But I think it would be awesome to be able to have my firstnamelastname.com and be able to put it on my resume/networking business cards.  It would look really professional and polished, right?

I'm kinda beginner when it comes to web design and how it all works, but I've  been doing some research.  What it seems like (and PLEASE correct me if I'm wrong), is that I:
(1) buy my firstnamelastname.com on http://www.godaddy.com/ (costs $$)
(2) find a hosting site (costs $$)
(3) use a wordpress publishing platform to publish content
(4) create content

Is that how it works?  Which hosting site do you use?  What content would you put up?  Do you think it would be beneficial?

Today I'm grateful for:  staying in touch

Monday Morning Inspiration: Father's Day Edition

Last year in honor of Mother's Day, I shared lessons learned from my mom as my Monday Morning Inspiration (yes, I've fallen off the wagon on posting these regularly... if you want to share your inspiration with my readers, email me!).  I never got around to posting the same lessons from my dad, so in honor of Father's Day yesterday, here are lessons learned from my dad.

(1) If you don't know how to do something get a book and teach yourself
There's no excuse for not knowing the answer. If you're not good with money, get a book a learn. If you're not sure what a word means, look it up.  My dad is also a master googler.

(2) Slow and steady wins the race
My parents didn't start out with a lot of money.  Their families were comfortable, but once they were out on their own... that was it.  My dad taught himself (see #1 above) about how to invest and how to start his own business.  He knew that there was no get rich quick scheme and over the years, through careful saving, investing and building his businesses, my parents will never have to worry about money.

(3)  Just because you have money doesn't mean you should pay full price.

Both of my parents love a good deal and hate paying full price.  My dad isn't so much of a couponer, but he knows how much the things he buys cost and he knows where to get them for the best price.  He understands that every dollar not spent is another dollar in your pockets and he is careful with his dollars.

(4)  If it makes your life easier and you can afford it, outsource it.
My dad hates yard work, so for as long as I can remember, we've always has a yard guy.  The time and energy spent on yard work or painting or doing their taxes, isn't worth it for my dad, so he gladly pays someone to do those things for him.

(4)  Honesty and integrity.
My dad is the most honest and trustworthy guy I know and I strive to be like him.  He got so mad at my sister when he found out that her boyfriend was illegally downloading movies!  He's the person who will always say if he's be under OR overcharged for something and I respect him so much for that. 

(5)  Be the boss if you want to make the most money.
This is my dad's mantra and why he went into business for himself quite early.  I know it was a struggle when they just were starting out, but being a savvy business owner allows for the most flexibility and the most profit.

(6)  Buy a few quality items
My dad isn't into "stuff."  His wardrobe consists of the same items that he buys over and over again.  His side of the closet is neat and orderly because there are so few items there.

My dad is a really smart guy and I've learned so much from him and I know I'll continue to learn from him. 

Today I'm grateful for: my dad!

30 Days of Job Stuff: Day 13: Plans for unemployment

Now that I'm unemployed, I have all the time in the world.  I'm so exited for my summer vacation!  So Me, now that you're unemployed what are you going to do?

(1) Go to Disney World!
Yup!  Actually happening.  Mr. Cupcake and I are taking our first big trip together.  We're going to hit up Disney World (we're hoping that the tickets my parents got in 1992 that we never used will help us get in for free), Harry Potter World and Epcot.  Any Orlando advice is appreciated!

(2) Visit a friend in NYC
One of my friends whose wedding I was in last summer.  Haven't seen her in awhile and now I have time.  She'll show me her hood and we'll have fun time.

(3) Go to the beach with my parents
Ahhh!  Relaxation!  And they'll pay for everything.

(4) Kill all of the shows on my DVR
And then finally upgrade to the HD box.  And reprogram new DVR to tape all of my old shows!

(5) Visual journal

(6) Sleep

(7) Read!
I have a stack of magazines to get through.  And I'm definitely hitting up the library.  Any book recommendations for summer reading?

(8) Sit by the pool
With book from (7).

(9) Clean/Organize
Find a place for everything in my house.  Get rid of some stuff.  Maybe help Mr. Cupcake do the same?

(10) Network!
Send out my resume.  Check online message boards.  Make personal business cards.  Go to industry meetings.  Follow up.

What would you do if you had the summer off?

Today I'm grateful for:  my funemployment friend dinner

30 Days of Job Stuff: Day 12: I'm unemployed

Wednesday was my last day.  It's bittersweet.

I've spent the last week or so:
(1) training my replacement
(2) cleaning out my desk and slowly bringing personal items home
(3) cleaning out my files and making sure they're organized
(4) getting presents and being honored
(5) recapping the last year

As I walked away from my now-empty desk, I felt a surge of gratitude.  This was the right place for me for the last 5 years, but now I'm ready for what's next. 
Days until unemployment:  0 days.
Today I'm grateful for:  5 years of ups and downs, learning, growing and being ready for what's next

30 Days of Job Stuff: Day 11 ~ Hypotheticals

For some reason this didn't post when I scheduled it. But here it is now, for your reading enjoyment!

Awhile ago my boy J. Money asked "Is a dream job worth it if you can't save any money?" and that got me to thinking about all sorts of hypothetical job questions.  The sort of "would you rather" question that makes your brain hurt.

So would you rather:
Work long hours and feel appreciated or work short hours and not  feel appreciated?
Make a lot of money and be unhappy with the work situation or make a lot less money and be happy with the work situation?
Work somewhere super social (happy hours, parties, etc.) or work somewhere where everyone goes home at the end of the day?
Have a long commute but lots of vacation days or a short commute and not a lot of vacation days?
Have a job that you love with no chance of promotion or have a ho-hum job where you can quickly and easily move up the ranks?

I'm interested to see how all of you feel about this before I answer!

Days until unemployment: 1
Today I'm grateful for: being ready to say good bye

30 Days of Job Stuff: Day 10 ~ Reader Question

An anonymous commenter asked a good question that I'm sure other readers have wondered:

I'm also thinking of moving on from my current job. Is there a specific reason that you chose to quit your job before securing your next offer? I've been thinking of doing that, but everyone I know has advised against it.
 
Honestly, the main reason is that I wanted the summer off.  I worked a lot of long hours over the last 5 years and I needed and wanted a long vacation.  It's a bit of a selfish reason, but I'm allowing myself to be selfish about this.  I've saved my money over the last 5 years so I have a cushion to be able to make this happen, as well as to take advantage of my free time. In my field, if I started applying for jobs right away, I would have to start work right away and I am just not ready for that.
 
I definitely don't advise this decision for everyone, but I think I'm going to be okay.  The DC-area has a stronger job market than other parts of the country, the field I hope to enter has a number of jobs posted online and I have some contacts who are going to help.  I've had a number of people (including high up HR contacts) look over my resume, I've taken a job search class and I've been staying up to date on industry trends through various professional organizations.  I certainly think it will take some time and effort to find a job, but I am confident that I will start a job in September or October.
 
Any other reader questions?
 
Days until unemployment: 2 days
Today I'm grateful for:  a wide open summer

30 Days of Job Stuff: Day 9 ~ Narrowing Down the Job Hunt: Location

I haven't really began my job hunt in earnest yet.  However, one thing I keep getting asked is if I want to stay in the area.  I love living in Arlington, my friends are here, my boyfriend is here and I don't have any desire to leave right now.  I have a number of contacts through my last job who have offered their help and I know that networking is key.

With that being said, for the right job, I might consider it.  I just don't know what that "right job" would be.  So the likelihood that I'm skipping town are pretty small.

Would you move for a job?  What questions have you asked yourself while looking for a job?

Days until unemployment: 3 days
Today I'm grateful for: tanning by the pool

30 Days of Job Stuff: Day 8 ~ Money out

We learned the other day that I can sustain my unemployment for quite some time, but I don't want to blow through all of my savings.  I'm definitely working to cut spending even further where I can, so I can really take advantage of other opportunities while I'm jobless. 

Here are 5 ways I'll be saving (and I'll post other ways in upcoming blogs):

(1) Fun, free and cheap
There are so many amazing fun, free and cheap things going on over the summer in the DC-area that Mr. Cupcake and I plan to take advantage of.  Some of them include: outdoor movies, the pool in his apartment complex, $5 baseball tickets, and outdoor summer concerts.  I also plan to do a lot of reading (love you library!), blogging and yoga for free.

(2) Family vacation
I'll be on vacation with my parents for a week where they will cover everything.  I'll have to spend on gas and tolls to get there, but once I'm there, it'll be hanging with my parents, beach and no money worries.

(3) Working at camp
For about a week in late June/early July, I'll be working briefly at a camp earning $350 and having my food expenses covered.  My spending during that week will probably also be very limited.

(4) No spend on clothes
June and July will be no spend on clothes months. I had a pretty spend-y May, so I'm really covered for the summer.  If I cheat on this, it will be a maximum of $50.  I'm allowing myself some wiggle room due to the possibility of outlet shopping at the beach with the family and a trip to Plato's closet if I visit home.

(5) Minimizing eating out
I'm back to my hard and fast rule that eating out is social and I'm not allowed to do it by myself.  Mr. Cupcake and I are also trying to minimize our eating out as we save for our first vacation together and as he is trying to make more healthful eating choices.  So with that being said, my goal for paying for eating out is to do it once a week or less.  I know that this won't

What are some ways you are planning on saving money this summer?  Where do you think I could cut?  What are some of your favorite free/cheap summer activities?

Days until unemployment: 4 days
Today I'm grateful for: tacos and avocado egg rolls

30 Days of Job Stuff: Day 7 ~ Staying Insured

I'm learning more and more about insurance these days, even though it still is totally overwhelming for me.  My dad (who I really trust with financial-type decisions) thinks that I should stay on my current insurance through COBRA.  For those non-US people, COBRA "gives workers and their families who lose their health benefits the right to choose to continue group health benefits provided by their group health plan for limited periods of time under certain circumstances such as voluntary or involuntary job loss, reduction in the hours worked, transition between jobs, death, divorce, and other life events. Qualified individuals may be required to pay the entire premium for coverage up to 102 percent of the cost to the plan."

Basically, it allows you to keep your current insurance for a period of up to 18 months while paying for the entirety out of pocket.  My company will pay for my insurance through June and then I'm on my own.  They are very specific with the rules and deadlines, so I just filled out the paperwork to make sure my coverage is uninterrupted.  It's going to cost me $319.30 each month for my coverage which is among the cheapest options offered by my workplace.  It's an age banded policy and luckily, I'm in the most inexpensive age range. 

I know it is probably possible to find insurance for cheaper, but I'm pretty specific in what I want.  I want comprehensive coverage, not just catastrophic.  That means that I'm covered for all regular doctors visits and prescriptions, not just health emergencies.  I want to be able to see the doctors that I've been seeing for years and not have to switch.  I want to make sure that meds that I take will be covered.

Have you ever shopped around for health insurance or been covered under COBRA?  Any advice?

Days until unemployment: 5 days
Today I'm grateful for: fake moms

30 Days of Job Stuff: Day 6 ~ Money, money, money

Mr. Cupcake seems a bit worried about the financial ramifictions of my impending unemployment.  I keep telling him that I have a healthy emergency fund, but I don't know that he is convinced.  You all have seen my numbers, but he and I aren't there yet. 

Here's the skinny on my the money coming in.  I'm being paid for all of June, even though I'm leaving on June 15.  It's a mixture of good negotiation, unused vacation days and pity.  I'll take what I can get!  Mr. Replacement isn't starting full time until mid-August, so even with paying me for 2 weeks I'm not working, they are still coming out ahead.  Everyone wins!

Other money coming in:  I'm going to be working for a week in late June at a camp banking $350.  I'm also hoping to pick up some hours babysitting Munchkin for a few bucks here and there. 

The money that I will be spending during my unemployment is going to come from my cash assets (money in the bank) which totalled about $38,500 as of May 31.  Based on that number and the fact that my average monthly spending is around $2,000, I can sustain about 19 months of unemployment.  I'm also planning on cutting my spending where possible during the summer, even though there will be some vacationing and visiting of friends (more on this soon).  Here's hoping there's not 19 months of unemployment!

What's your emergency fund like?  How long could you sustain being unemployed?

Days until unemployment: 6 days
Today I'm grateful for: my healthy savings allowing me flexibility in the job hunt

30 Days of Job Stuff: Day 5 ~ Training my replacement

I'm leaving my job.  Yup.  It's really real.  They've hired someone to replace me and I started training him last Friday.  Have you ever trained someone who is going to replace you?  It's just a giant brain purge.  Trying to remember every single last detail of what you do, put it into a coherent thought and then hoping Mr. Replacement (that's what we're going to call him) doesn't forget once the time to use the information comes.

It's also weird to imagine Mr. Replacement doing my job.  I mean, starting in August he will be, but it still feels totally surreal.  I'm leaving my job.  I'm leaving my job.  Mr. Replacement isn't going to do my job the way I do.  He's going to make mistakes (and hopefully learn from them).  He's going to make changes.  And when I come back to visit, it won't be me sitting at my desk.  I have to be able to handle that.  I'm not sure that I can.  And when does it finally start to feel real?

Any words of wisdom for Mr. Replacement?  Besides don't f*ck it up? ;)

Countdown to unemployment: 7 days
Today I'm grateful for: stickers!

30 Days of Job Stuff: Day 4 ~ Presents that cost more

I posted yesterday about my loot from leaving my job.  It's awesome to get gifts, but sometimes there is a hidden or not so hidden cost.  Some of my gifts will actually increase my spending or have already encouraged me to spend more, not so good while I'm unemployed! 

For instance:
(1) Flat Screen TV
My parents got me a fancy 40 inch flat screen TV.  Before that, I had an old TV that I got for my freshman year of college.  Yes, it's almost 10 years old... so old that it had a built in VHS player.  I may have mentioned before that a flat screen was on my list of wants, but I didn't want to shell out the cash to buy one.  Well, Daddy wanted to give me a present in honor of my 5 years at the job and he thought this would be a good one.  I guess he didn't consider that I need to purchase a HDMI cable (which I understand are somewhat pricey) and my monthly cable bill is going to increase big time.  You can't have a fancy HD TV and not get all the HD channels!

I haven't upgraded my cable yet and I don't think that I will until after I'm unemployed.  I have hours of TV left on my DVR and won't be able to finish all of it until I have the time that unemployment will bring.

(2) Gift Cards
$40 to Ann Taylor is just a drop in the bucket.  If I go there, I will definitely wind up spending way more money.  It will definitely be nice to use it towards buying a few new things for my new job, but I am going to wind up spending more out of pocket.

(3) Necklaces
One of the necklaces came with a gift receipt, which was great since it wasn't exactly my taste.  I took it back to Macy's and found another necklace to exchange it for.  The new necklace was $7 more than the gift, so I paid $7 out of pocket.  Not so expensive, but it was $7 that I wouldn't have spent if I wasn't in that situation.

Have you ever received a present that wound up costing you more?  What did you do about it?

Countdown to unemployment: 9 days
Today I'm grateful for: finalizing my summer travels

30 Days of Job Stuff: Day 3: I heart presents

My workplace is kind of a unique thing.  I'm leaving on June 15 and it's been lots of celebrations with a few still to come (yay free meals!).  I feel so lucky that they appreciate the contributions that I've made over the last five years and are genuinely happy for me in my next career steps.  I'm going to miss my workplace a ton, but I am ready.

And I've made out like a bandit.  Co-workers, members and my family have been giving me presents like crazy.  And I'm not complaining!  Here's my booty so far:
necklaces (2)
Vera Bradley ID holder
$40 Ann Taylor gift card
$25 Barnes and Noble gift card
Cook books (2)
iphone case
reusable bag (a cute one for my purse)
digital picture frame
various chocolates
a piece of beautiful artwork
flat screen TV (from my parents)

Now some of these things are things I find useless for me and my lifestyle.  Digital picture frame is sweet in theory, but I don't think I would ever use it.  But they pre-loaded it with pictures so I can't return it.  What do I do?  Barnes and Noble is awesome, but I've really been library-ing it up lately.  I don't want more book clutter around my house.  I'm thinking I am going to sell it on plastic jungle like last time.  Cook books are nice... if I ever cooked!  Not sure what to do with those, maybe Mr. Cupcake would like them?  What do you think I should do with all of this "stuff"?

What are the nicest gifts that you've gotten from your job?  How do they show you that you're appreciated?

Countdown to Unemployment: 10 days
Today I'm grateful for:  Truckeroo

30 Days of Job Stuff: Day 2 ~ About the Job

Welcome to day 2 of my 30 days of job stuff challenge.  Today's post is a Q&A about my job and my hopes for my future job.  Feel free to answer on your own blog and link back to this post.  Do you have any other job questions?  Ask in the comments!

What do you do?

Without getting too specific, I work at a non-profit organization with a specific age population.  I run activities for this group.

What do you like about your current job?
The population I work with, my coworkers, the supportive and nurturing environment, the free food, the late start time (I usually go into work after 10am), the flexibility in hours and vacation time, and the limited supervision.

Why are you leaving?
There is no room for advancement.  I feel as if I learned all I can in the position and I don't have the creativity or know-how to change the position into something new.  I wish I could stay at my organization and do something a little bit different, but there are no openings and none in the foreseeable future.  I also work long, odd hours including nights and weekends.  Mr. Cupcake is getting fed up with the hours and so am I.

What are your work-related strengths?
I super organized and detail-oriented.

What are your work-related weaknesses?
None of that I care too much and I work too hard bullsh*t!  I think that my ideas are the best and am not always open to doing what others want.  I really work best independently or with limited oversight.

What is your dream job?

My dream job is not having a job! But in reality, I think I would love to do something related to meeting or corporate event planning. I'd get to use those organization skills, travel a bit and be able to really see the fruits of my labors.  There is such a rewarding feeling when you are in charge and everything runs smoothly.

What would your ideal work situation be?
A boss that I could learn from, but gives me the space and freedom to do my own thing.  Job perks like free food, discounts around town, and free swag.  Room for growth (personal and professional), opportunities for advancement, financial stability, job security, friendly co-workers, and a flexible schedule.  Pays me enough to live a little less frugally.

Your turn!
What do you do?
What do you like about your current job?
Why are you leaving (or what would make you leave)?
What is your dream job?
What are your work-related strengths?
What are your work-related weaknesses?
What would your ideal work situation be?

Countdown to unemployment: 11 days
Today I'm grateful for: candle lit dinners... and breakfasts.

30 Days of Job Stuff: Day 1 ~ The Challenge

As I mentioned, I'm leaving my job in pretty short order and I could not be more excited.  I have big plans for my summer off and for my next steps.  However, I've been slacking on the blog updating lately, so I figured I could use a little challenge to keep me motivated to write.  I love having this outlet, but sometimes life gets in the way. 

Anyhow, I am challenging myself (and my readers) to update for 30 days about things related to my job, leaving my job, my feelings related to all of this, unemployment, job searching, networking and ... You're welcome to participate for all 30 days or for 1 day or for somewhere in between.  If you have specific questions that might make good starting points for blog entries, ask away! 

It will be 30 posts related to job-ness, but I do have a few posts in the queue that won't be job related (specifically my last day net worth and a special Monday Morning Inspiration), so I hope you'll forgive my few lapses. 

Who's with me?

Countdown to unemployment:  12 days
Today I'm grateful for: mint green toes

Leaving the Job

I've mentioned before that I'm leaving my job.  Well the end date is coming up fast!  June 15 to be precise.  There's a lot on my mind that's job-related, so expect a bunch of posts about this.  Here's my leaving the job to do list:

(1) Figure out COBRA
(2) Network like crazy!  Make sure to get all of the contact info of people who said they'd help over to my personal account.
(3) Negotiate final paycheck
(4) Clean desk, clear out files
(5) Write lots of Thank Yous
(6) Update my Linkedin profile, ask for recommendations

What were things that you did as you prepared to leave a job?  Am I forgetting anything?

Today I'm grateful for: farewell celebrations and gifts