Happy New Year's!

Just had to get one last post before the year was over. I have been dealing with some stuff that has made me refocus on my whole moving deal, and it made me look at 2013 differently. It will certainly be a long year (365 days is a LOT of days for things to go wrong!), and full of new challenges, no doubt. But it will also be full of small victories if I set my mind to it. And oh yes, I am definitely setting my mind to it.

So to everyone, thank you for reading and bearing with me even though I am sure somedays you'd just rather throw me under an abandoned bridge for decisions I've made or things I've done or said. 2012 was quite a year in review, and I'm certain 2013 will be another year in my battle against debt and my quest in life.

Have a great, SAFE, calming, relaxing and enjoyable New Year's!

Quicken, Mint, Good ol' Excel?

I got an email from Quicken about them selling their 2013 software at 50% off. Seems I get one (or 10) of those emails per year. But since I'm really looking forward to keeping a closer track on how I spend my money in 2013, and hopefully create some sort of record, I think Quicken provides a very decent model. I have one of Quicken's older versions (I think 2009?) which I think was the better one, compared to all the features they keep removing in the newer versions. I used them for a few months, then got the sample for the following year and they had removed their stronger feature (at-a-view money calendar), and I never looked back to it.



(Screenshot of the new Quicken software)

What I found somewhat burdensome was trying to add all of my accounts to it and have it balance out. The bank transactions never seemed to match, and entering info manually in addition to having it automatically pulled was a nightmare. I sort of know where my money goes... at least everything but the discretionary amount, but that only accounts for 16% of all the moneys.

Regardless, I guess I wanted to ask what do you guys use to keep your finances in place? Mint? Quicken? Do you have your own spreadsheet? (and if so, can I see a screenshot of it to check out how you break the categories?)

If you do use any of those systems, what do you find works best? Input the data once a week, or do it daily or as needed?

Christmas Recap

It was awesome to have such a long time off from work (four days total). Two of my best friends are teachers, so when they said the word "winter break", it took me a while to realize what they were talking about. I was hoarding sleep as if I could carry over for the rest of the season. Too bad it doesn't work that way, though! Otherwise I would've been good for the next month or so.

On Friday, my landlords gave me a $25 clothing giftcard and a $25 restaurant giftcard. At work, we all also received a $25 Target giftcard.

Since I had to go downtown to grab my new glasses anyway, I went in and bought what I wanted. Yup, I walked out with socks and two shirts for the summer. You'd be surprised how expensive those things are! So all in all, I paid a total of $2 and some change for 'my' gifts, and I couldn't be happier. Sure, I could've bought these things myself, but chances are, I wasn't going to. Since this was gift money, I was a lot more compelled to get things for myself. I am completely happy with my gifts, and thankful to have generous people around me.

On Monday, I took my half brother out to eat to a new place we've never been before (not a hard task, I assure you). What a fantastic restaurant! The owner would be reason enough to go back, if it wasn't because the fantastic food far surpasses his charisma. It started to snow towards the end of our lunch, which was a nice touch. Then I headed off to my parents' and took a nap. Again with my sleep hoarding habit.

My brother and his wife + kids came over and we had dinner by 9pm, a record at my parents' house, where holiday dinners are often enjoyed closer to midnight. It was quick and fairly uneventful, made entertaining by the kiddos. The two year old wouldn't leave my dad eat anything since he was dead set on fixing the radio that nobody could fix, so it would play music. It eventually did, surprisingly, and we went to the livingroom. Since my brother had a busy Tuesday going to visit the other half of their family (sister in law's parents/grandparents), they opened all the gifts then and there. Very cute moments. Christmas is all about the kids. Though when my dad saw his iPad, he was truly surprised, and very, very happy. That was a gift for me and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Then I went to sleep some more. But that was my weekend in a nutshell. I hope everyone had a fantastic Christmas, and upward and onward with the new year!

Christmas is just around the corner

I find it hard to believe Christmas is just a weekend away. That came quick!

My plans involve dragging my half brother to a nice lunch on Monday, since that's his only day off close to the holidays. I'm excited to try this restaurant, since I've heard a lot of good things about it, and it isn't terribly expensive. Hopefully it won't be too crowded, as the place itself is fairly small! Sadly, it can't be dinner, because my parents have issued an "or else" dinner invitation to me on Christmas Eve, so I'll be there and on my best behavior. My best friend sent me a lovely collection of music CDs I'm sure I'll get halfway through before the year is over.

Hope everyone has a very relaxing pre-Christmas weekend. Don't rush too much that you won't enjoy getting there, don't stress too much that you will be too tired once it gets there, and don't expect too much that you may be disappointed once it's all over. Just enjoy what you can and go with it. That's my plan, anyway!

All gifts are in the mail and on their way

My brother picked up his gifts when we went to lunch on Sunday, and he also took home the parents' and my younger brothers/sister's cards. I put the rest of the letters in the mail yesterday, and have two gifts left to give out: one for my landlords, I figure I'll "drop it off" (leave on the table) on Friday or earlier. My half brother and I are getting together for lunch on Monday, so he will get his card there. Then I'm done done.

I completed up to $500 in funds for my dad's toy (the iPad 3rd gen)... me and my brother bought it on Sunday (for $508 total). Initially, he had agreed to put part of it. Then he backed off that portion, but I had already budgeted for that, so no issue there. However, what I did not budget for was the Apple Care (insurance) that's pretty much required as with any other Apple toy. That comes to $99. A decent case is a necessity as well (since my brother's kids will most likely use the iPad more than my dad is going to). Good cases can go for $70~90. I'm not spending that kind of money at all. So my brother offered to get the Apple Care. He emailed this morning he wont be able to, so there goes that plan. He said he may get the case, but yeah. Not holding my breath. My dad will have to cover for those items. I am still pretty happy with the deal we got (about $150 off including taxes, plus a $50 gift card towards a case). Whatever. I've done my part and I'm done. I can only hope he won't lend this one and let it get stolen and not replaced.

I'm getting new glasses on Saturday (they're ready for pick up!), so I'm somewhat excited about that. This Friday will be a very uneventful payday, and there's nothing wrong with that. I'm more excited for the following payday in January (Jan 4th) where I get to throw a SUPERSIZED snowball at my CC1. It's a total of $640! That's almost 70% of the whole paycheck. I can't wait.

Sadness is in the air

I just don't feel it's right to move along when so many are stuck in such a sad situation. Thoughts and prayers, best wishes and good wishes for all those affected by the Newtown, Conn. incident, including everyone that is reading this. I know it has affected everyone one way or another, but immensely so to the parents, children, siblings, spouses and friends of the slain.

Another thing that's bringing sadness to my heart is an old ex-employee we had, Ms Joan (we called her that even though she was married and we all liked her husband Charles too, who was always with her!). She was everyone's grandmother and lived/worked in FL. She was like a second mother to one of our higher executives. Everyone in the company loved her, including me. She had battled cancer twice over 5 years (and won), but it eventually took every bit of strength she had and she passed in 2011. I had only known her about since 2008 and I was quite devastated. We never met in person, just phone/email troubleshooting things. Meeting in person is severely overrated in this day and age... a good personality and strong spirit travels faster than anything.

I still deal with Charles (for insurance and such), and every so often he sends me paperwork for me to check, and includes notes. He's also sent me some small gifts as thank you. I've kept all of his notes so far. Just received one today:

As I said, sadness is in the air. Just in time for the holiday season... we haven't seen sunshine in about 4 days now (mixture of cloudy, foggy, rainy and misty days), and it just seems fitting. The whole world is mourning and grieving, and that's not a bad thing. May the holiday bring these troubles to rest and some hope for the new year.

I'll return tomorrow to more budget nonsense. I can't stay in this sadness for long. Also, we're supposed to unearth the sun all over again. We'll all be thankful for the warmth.

Found a wallet...

I was walking back to work after a short break and saw a wallet on the floor, near our parking meters. Looked around, but didn't see anybody. Perhaps it was a co-worker or building neighbors? No. The wallet was... no offense, kind of 'granny' style. Most of the people around my building are rather young, so it wouldn't be theirs. I looked at the driver's license, and the wallet belonged to a woman named Kate, and she was born in 1931... so I was right!

Looked sort of like this, but very worn out

So I immediately think, let me call this woman. I mean, at least I can contact her home or something. But then I see a lot of high-value bills ($20-$50) and I immediately close the wallet and go up to my manager.

One thing I've learned at my part time job (since it is at a hotel) is that every time you're dealing with such situations, you get a "witness"; someone to vouch that you didn't do anything you shouldn't have. So I got my manager to be a "witness". Brought the wallet to her, and she took a look around it. No phone numbers. Few credit cards and prescription schedule. I said I'd turn it in at the police station 3 streets down after quitting time, half hour away.

Just for kicks, I decided to go into the hair salon down the street and check if they knew this lady, and they did! She was actually right there, so they pointed her to me. She had her hair spiked up (I guess they were coloring it?), and I told her what had happened. She was very thankful, but was very embarrassed, so I told her I didn't take anything, that she was welcome, and walked out. She didn't even know the wallet was gone. Bless her heart.

There goes my good deed for the year! Not a moment too soon too.

However, tip for everyone... please put something in your wallet that has a way to contact you (cell number if any), and make it easy on people trying to make a good deed. After that incident, I made sure I made myself a little card with my info.

Other than that, happy Friday to everyone!

Exploring Goals: 9-13

A full list of goals can be found here. Goals 1-4 can be found here. Goals 5-8 can be found here.

9. Blog at least 13 times per month
Why: Not sure why I should be focusing on post quantity and not quality. I do try to keep up with the blogs I follow. This shouldn't be too hard, but I've said that before and blogged only 3-4 times. I think it'd help me more with my accountability.
How: Besides my self-accounting posts to report any off-book purchases, I guess look into future financial topics and pick one a month. Things like retirement, moving, house hunting, stuff like that. I need to research them anyway!

10. Read 13 non-study books (career ok)
Why: This was one of my failed goals for 2012. I didn't read near enough, some of it because I'm a picky reader and some because I didn't want to spend on books.
How: I have been really wanting to get a Kindle reader (the most basic model, at about $50), and then try some books, which average about $10 for their Kindle edition. Since I have Amazon Prime, I have access to quite a few books, and I think that may be something to look into. Otherwise, I'll stick with physical copies. I just hate the idea of having to carry or dispose of hard copy books because I'm done with them.

11. Cook and photograph 13 cookbook recipes
Why: Another failed goal. I really like to cook, but I feel very, very constricted in the current house (I rent a room, but have housing privileges). I've had this goal for the past few years, and I finally have a decent camera, so I should just go ahead and do it. It's a fun goal.
How: Ha-ha. No idea. I won't even try to get creative. Though I have looked at some recipes I may be interested in making that require not a lot of work...

12. Charity: Help 13 different causes (World Vision/others)
Why: Just because. I got it easy this year, donating well over $300 worth of items. I want to increase that a bit by joining a few charities, like World Vision.
How: Maybe part of the extra money left at the end of the month (if any...) will be dedicated to this cause. Different donations start at about $15, so it's not an overbearing lump-sum type payment.

13. ??
Last year I had a hard time coming with one last goal too. So this one remains blank until further notice.

Exploring Goals: 5-8

A full list of goals can be found here. Goals 1-4 can be found here.

Continuing with yesterday's post, here's the why/how's of my next four goals for 2013:

5.  Save $700 for Christmas 2013 before Nov 1, 2013
Why: I felt like I cheated by quickly coming up with a bulk of my Christmas money this year, during Oct/Nov. The whole point of this goal was so I didn't have to stress during the holiday season, so that didn't quite work.
How: Save throughout the year. I'd hate to break it into monthly amounts, since it sounds slightly intimidating to my rock-inflexible budget (an extra $60 shouldn't be a problem, in theory, but it would definitely be stressful if I can't meet it every time), so I will just have to wait and see, with some flurries here and there. 

6.  Use cash-only budgeting for at least 4 months.
Why: Because it may help  me with Goal #5 for Christmas. Saving spare change was a good decent amount, and that was only from 2 months of full cash budgeting. Also, I don't know. I'd like to switch things up a bit.
How: By using cash, I'll be limiting my credit card rewards. However, the credit card has about 2 quarters with no interesting bonus-cashback opportunities. So while I'll take full advantage of the grocery and gas categories, I won't be doing so for the department stores or at movie theaters. During those months, I think I should work under cash-only budgetting. That'd mean most of April-Jun and Oct-Dec.

7.  Save $475 for Certification test AND pass test in December 2013
Why: Same as with Christmas, I don't want to leave it to the last minute. Also, I'll be paying through the year for study material.
How: No idea. Honestly, no idea. I guess extra money from my part time job. I can only stretch my funds so much! But this supersedes the Christmas fund. 

8.  Lose another 13lbs, starting from 2012 minimum weight (150)
Why: Because I feel a lot better. I was surprised to finally be able to shed some weight (to the tune of 15lbs) after trying for 10 whole years. My metabolism is going and I'm not letting it slow down.
How: This sounds a bit counter intuitive, but I need to spend my full food budget money. All of it, on foods, healthy foods. Too many times this year I didnt go grocery shopping for 3+wks to save money, and that has to stop!

Exploring Goals: 1-4

A full list of goals can be found here.

Instead of making 1 huge post with the why/how's for each goal, I decided to break it down into 4's. Here's the first four:

1. Drop debt by $6,500. Stretch goal, down by $7000 (or $500 extra in snowflakes)
Why: Continued efforts to get out of debt. The number ($6.5k) has been scheduled on my blue book as part of regular payments, so it is the minimum I should be able to pay, assuming I can meet all of my snowballs.
How: I can achieve this goal without any extra assistance (PT job money or extras), but it does assume things will go fairly smooth for the whole year. The snowball payments will be treated as a regular payment, so I am not given any room to slack off.

2. Save $1000 for vacations in April and/or June
Why: Even though I am still not sure what I want to do for vacations this year, I am just gonna go ahead and prep for it anyway. The past 2 years I've taken vacations around April and June, so I'll plan for both. $1000 is still a very small budget (considering plane tickets/parking consume 85% of that amount), I think $1000 is a good starting point.
How: Mostly the extra check from the 3-paycheck months, which occur around April/Jun. Also: Part-time job money.

3. Increase car savings account by another $2000, stretch of $2600... Not counting any possible bonus!
Why: I would love to buy a car, but I am not setting my hopes up. I have a goal to buy a car by early/mid 2014, so 2013 should help me finance it. Adding $2k means I'd have a minimum of $4,000 in the bank for a down payment. Also: Not counting bonus. Bonuses can be added to this car account, but will not count for it. I guess I like a challenge?
How: No idea yet. I think mostly from part-time job or extra savings I manage to find...

4. Keep track of expenses (extra and regular) for at least 10 months
Why: I had zero control and no records of what became of most of my part time job money, or all the money funnelled to my parents, or got lost getting Murphy out the door. There were several 2wk periods where I saw none of my grocery/personal budget because it was spent elsewhere, and that has to stop. I need accountability!
How: Thursday posts before a new paycheck arrives to detail all purchases made from paycheck Friday to the Thursday before the next check (14 days).

'Tis the season to be ticked off

I had a partner at work that would call me "The Grinch". I can be giving, forgiving and understanding. I can be someone who cares for and about others, and will put them ahead myself. However, I still dislike the holiday season. And I cannot wait for January. I still don't want to listen to Christmas music (though I've caught myself humming to it a few times!). I'm in the season to be ticked off. Fa-la-la-bah humbug.

Mostly because I am burned out from work, I refuse to think about a little situation that is way too messed up, concerning my parents and my money. I'm sure some of you can guess, but for right now, I'm in pure survival mode and I have to ignore that situation. Can't let it fray the last few strings of sanity I'm hoarding!

Other than that, I had my eye appointment, and I got my eye exam plus glasses for $130. My prescription went up (or down?) another .25, (from -2.50 to -2.75). It's been going down for the past 3 years on .25 increments, even though I can still see very clearly with the previous prescriptions. While I did need to get my glasses redone (my old ones were 6+yrs and only -1.25), I don't know about the continually increasing lense power. Does anyone else find that your eyes are just getting worse? I've always thought glasses were supposed to stop or slow the deterioration, but it seems to be going pretty stable. I should be able to pick my glasses next week, so at least that's something to look forward to.

2013 Goals

Here's what I've come up with as far as goals for next year:

1. Drop debt by $6,500. Stretch goal, down by $7000 (or $500 extra in snowflakes)
2.  Save $1000 for vacations in April and/or June
3.  Increase car savings account by another $2000, stretch of $2600... Not counting any possible bonus!
4. Keep track of expenses (extra and regular) for at least 10 months
5.  Save $700 for Christmas 2013 before Nov 1, 2013
6.  Use cash-only budgeting for at least 4 months.
7.  Save $475 for Certification test AND pass test in December 2013
8.  Lose another 13lbs, starting from 2012 minimum weight (150)
9.  Blog at least 13 times per month
10.  Read 13 non-study books (career ok)
11.  Cook and photograph 13 cookbook recipes
12. Charity: Help 13 different causes (World Vision/others)
13. Go out to eat at least once a month (or takeout?)

While making these goals, I checked some numbers... it seems I may need to make an additional $4,200 just to meet all the additional goals!  I will have to tighten the rope significantly. I am also not going to let myself cheat like with 2012 by using bonus money. A big push to my financial goals was the $2000 bonus I received at the beginning of the year, which I ultimately used to pay my taxes, repaid myself, and then paid off dad's car.

I'll be breaking these goals into pieces and explaining the method/reason for each goal. Hopefully by then I would've come up with goal #13. 

Friday Update & Food Waste

Another lovely payday and a great opportunity to zero out my budget once more! From this paycheck, I was able to complete my EF (go ME!), which now sits at $1,000. I paid another snowball to my credit card ($100), and added $140 to my mixed fund (preliminary named iPad fund), for a total of $380. I have a brand new $150 budget for the next 2 weeks ($60 food, $40 misc., $50 gas), and if I *really* really wanted to, I am sure I could stretch groceries for another few days. But I don't want to and I'm growing very bored with my food selections.

Speaking of food... Let's talk food waste. Me? I haven't really trashed anything in these past few months. I had two peppers who were dangerously close (perhaps too close) to going bad, but managed to salvage them. I have an onion that I should probably use asap. Other than that, I am food waste free! However...

I'll start by saying I really like my landlords. They're great people, and they make me laugh (unbeknownst to them). They also provide me with really, really decently priced rent and house privileges. But when it comes to food waste, they're definitely a D- at best. It's just the landlord, landlord lady and landlord's mother. They eat out about 4-5 times out of the week. And I don't object or have an opinion about how they use their money. However... every 2-3 days, they trash so much food that was leftover. I'm talking about 3-4 cups of shredded chicken from BBQ chicken takeout, half a container of Chinese pork and vegetables, gallons of soup, half pizzas, and salad stuffs. They also end up trashing a lot of breads because they just don't eat it that often.

That bothers me slightly, especially since most of the food they trash is still perfectly good. They just know they wont eat it because they eat out so often, and really, who can blame them? Wish they'd either order less food, or have a few more leftover-for-dinner days. I think I've seen them eat leftovers (for lunch or dinner) maybe once a month if that. Kind of makes me sad, but nothing I can do. Not my place!

I'm off to see the Christmas parade to clear my mind a bit. I've had a very rough, very long week and I'm just ready to take a mental break. I'll try to post my goals this weekend before my brain is officially fried beyond repair. Stay safe, warm, and have a good weekend!

Christmas and small unintended results

Weight loss... Yes, I know it was coming. Yes, I'm happy I'm 15lbs lighter now, but my pants don't quite sit right... actually, they don't sit at all! And a few of them (3 of 4-- most!) have no real belt loops. My jeans are definitely baggy. But I feel great, so I'll suck it up (or not!) until I definitely need new pants. I totally hate shopping for clothes, but I can't help it.

Anyway, enough bragging about that.

What do YOU want for Christmas? What do you wish other people would get you, that you wont ask them for?

Similar base, but with a
Chicago Skyline crystal

All I want for Christmas? If you can keep a secret... I want socks. Black socks. Both 3/4 crew ones and knee-high ones. I've overused most of mine and they need to be replaced. I haven't found good quality ones on any sort of sale, even though I did see the dollar store carries them. I'll put it off as much as I can, but that's all I really want. Last year I wanted gloves and a scarf, but failed to either get it or buy a pair. This year, I think I can do without them. I'd also love to replace the little light stand where I have my laser-etched Chicago crystal sits. Seems all 3 of the glowing lights have died. :(

Money wise, I'm pretty much at zero! No movement since I last reported. I get paid on Friday, so I'll be able to pay some bills (woo hoo) and change my side bars. I'm not one to count my blessings before they get there... but this coming paycheck completes my EF. I'm SO ready for Friday!

December Goals, sort of

December is finally here. Freezing temperatures most mornings (no surprise there), already broke my ice scrapper, and there are 31 days until 2013 gets here. I'm rather excited for the new year to come, and wouldn't mind it to skip my way to Jan 2. But since that won't happen, let's just play nice.

I did pretty good on my goals for Nov, so it's a bit challenging thinking of something to do this late in the year that wasn't already scheduled to happen.

Looking at my blue book, here are some of the events that will happen during December:
- EF will be completed by 12/7 ($1,000)
- There will be $220 floating money that was budgeted as extra by 12/21 (no idea where that money will be going, but I won't force it into anything)
- My Verizon bill that I was paranoid would double is back to normal, at $76/mo
- I've scheduled $100 as snowball against my CC1 that is getting ready to exit the building once February rolls around

Additional to-do things:
- Send cards by Dec 14. I was never a believer of getting something so in advance. We already got Christmas cards at work, as early as Nov 10.
- Deliver gifts to my brother and SIL by Fri 12/21. They are still fixing the house, and I'm not sure they'll have the place/space to hide the kiddo's toys. Speaking of which, I need to wrap them. Any idea how to wrap one of these bead maze things?
- Stay within budget. (Go grocery shopping. Stop putting it off)
- Order contact lenses by the end of December (when my insurance expires)
- Post my 2013 goals. They're done, but may need some tweaking.

I've been super busy and super stressed at work. From about October to after Valentines' day is when my section of the office gets swamped, so I'll try to hang in there. This week went by in a flash, so I hope the rest of the weeks follow suit!