The end of the third quarter and start of the 4th brings a heck of a lot of stress in my work line. But it also brings my work anniversary, which often times means a raise! Oh, the anniversary itself is a great event. I can't believe it's already been 5 years since I started working! So much has happened since...
But I digress. Raise! Woo hoo! It's no big amount, which is better than the 0% expected. It's been a very tough and financially draining year this year for the company, so we sort of know bonuses are out of the picture this December, and were suspecting raises were also going to be stopped. But I'll just be glad they weren't.
My raise equates to $35 per paycheck. As I said, it's a small amount. Small enough I probably wont notice in months to come. I could just pretend the $35 doesn't even exist by automatically sending it off to a separate account where it will silently grow. If it all works as expected, it'd be $910/year. Most likely not, as I will use it to grow a slush fund/Murphy fund, but I think automatically sending it off will accomplish two things for me...
First, I really, really want to try my hand at automatic movement of money. My goal being to have all of my bills be paid automatically someday (haha--yeah right). Second, I think it'd be the easiest way to build up some savings without grueling over the amounts.
Of course, my other alternatives would be to send it to my IRA which has gotten the cold shoulder from me since about April. Decisions, decisions...
Friday, September 27, 2013
Thursday, September 26, 2013
The most money I've ever had
Since opening my Ally account earlier this year, most times I make a new deposit, it breaks a new record. It bumps up the amount of "most money I've ever had" to a new limit, if even for a short time. Right now, that Savings account sits at $4,656.83, which is the most amount of available cash I've ever had in my life. (Yeah, yeah, I know some can make that in a month or two, but cut me some slack).
Even though the number is relatively small, it still amazes me. I could say it 10 more times: it is indeed the most money I've had accessible to me at my age and it leaves me in awe and makes me all excited. (SAD!). But at the same time, it doesn't feel like real money, and the reason why is because most of those dollars have a permanent home/goal:
$2,500 Car fund
$1,000 EF
$700 Christmas fund
$400 vacation fund
$40 for car insurance (paid every 6mo)
$16.83 in interest gains.
It makes me sad that the account will be -$700 once Christmas is through, and the car insurance fund only gets up to $240 before getting reset back to $0 twice a year. The EF is supposed to be untouchable, and the vacation and car funds will probably be gone by the end of next year as they realize their purpose. Then the account will be quite lonely.
But still. The sense of security from having such an amount 'available' is worth making permanent. Not sure if that means an even bigger EF-only fund or an even longer term savings account (like house down payment), but it's definitely something worth exploring for next year's planning.
Even though the number is relatively small, it still amazes me. I could say it 10 more times: it is indeed the most money I've had accessible to me at my age and it leaves me in awe and makes me all excited. (SAD!). But at the same time, it doesn't feel like real money, and the reason why is because most of those dollars have a permanent home/goal:
$2,500 Car fund
$1,000 EF
$700 Christmas fund
$400 vacation fund
$40 for car insurance (paid every 6mo)
$16.83 in interest gains.
It makes me sad that the account will be -$700 once Christmas is through, and the car insurance fund only gets up to $240 before getting reset back to $0 twice a year. The EF is supposed to be untouchable, and the vacation and car funds will probably be gone by the end of next year as they realize their purpose. Then the account will be quite lonely.
But still. The sense of security from having such an amount 'available' is worth making permanent. Not sure if that means an even bigger EF-only fund or an even longer term savings account (like house down payment), but it's definitely something worth exploring for next year's planning.
Monday, September 23, 2013
Trip to California? No thanks...
I wasn't sure if I wanted to share this, because it both irritates me, shames me and saddens me, all in a same package with a bow on top! My family sure loves to include all sorts of fun emotions together.
About 2 weeks ago, my father calls me. Now, when my father calls me and mother is not home (she's out of the country again), it's usually not good. This time was no different. He asked me to take some vacation days, Oct 6-Oct 10 to go to California with him and my younger sibling.
Yeah. That again. One of my younger siblings just HAS to go somewhere, since they started working (and hence, making some money). She picked CA and booked her flight. And my dad's flight. My dad wants me to tag along. Other than the flight, nothing has been prepared (hotel, car, activities, meals, etc). Not to mention a airfare ticket there is over $380, plus about $80 for parking at the airport. So no, I am not going to CA. I didn't go to Chicago because the airfare was too high, why would I go on a whim to someplace I really have no true interest in, with such short notice?
I wont lie, though. I did think about it a lot. I could make it work and make the money back with my PT job and nobody would even know the money was gone. It pains me that my dad may be stuck there, and I know he'd like me to come along. We get along better, and have more similar interests. He's been wanting to have a family vacation for a while, but thus far, it's been individual vacations here and there. And as much as I'd want to and can make it work, it irritates me they do these things without thinking and try to guilt others into joining. I'll gladly wear my anti-social label, if that spares me from this drama.
Sure, money can be found. Time can be arranged. But it is only whimsical and a bit inconsiderate of my sister. Why choose a Sunday to a Thursday? Oh, that's right. Because she works odd days and hours. The rest of us work the regular Mon-Fri with additional weekends. It's not like any of us (most importantly, she does not) have extra money to spend. It irks me they go and almost impose on others these half-planned ideas.
I lied and said I couldn't get the time off (which is half true, since we're down one on a 4-person department, due to maternity leave). I haven't asked, and won't either. Though it'd be awesome, that money would be better left where it is and save for things that really matter. And I'd be a total PF hypocrite. That's sufficient enough "excuse" not to go.
About 2 weeks ago, my father calls me. Now, when my father calls me and mother is not home (she's out of the country again), it's usually not good. This time was no different. He asked me to take some vacation days, Oct 6-Oct 10 to go to California with him and my younger sibling.
Yeah. That again. One of my younger siblings just HAS to go somewhere, since they started working (and hence, making some money). She picked CA and booked her flight. And my dad's flight. My dad wants me to tag along. Other than the flight, nothing has been prepared (hotel, car, activities, meals, etc). Not to mention a airfare ticket there is over $380, plus about $80 for parking at the airport. So no, I am not going to CA. I didn't go to Chicago because the airfare was too high, why would I go on a whim to someplace I really have no true interest in, with such short notice?
I wont lie, though. I did think about it a lot. I could make it work and make the money back with my PT job and nobody would even know the money was gone. It pains me that my dad may be stuck there, and I know he'd like me to come along. We get along better, and have more similar interests. He's been wanting to have a family vacation for a while, but thus far, it's been individual vacations here and there. And as much as I'd want to and can make it work, it irritates me they do these things without thinking and try to guilt others into joining. I'll gladly wear my anti-social label, if that spares me from this drama.
Sure, money can be found. Time can be arranged. But it is only whimsical and a bit inconsiderate of my sister. Why choose a Sunday to a Thursday? Oh, that's right. Because she works odd days and hours. The rest of us work the regular Mon-Fri with additional weekends. It's not like any of us (most importantly, she does not) have extra money to spend. It irks me they go and almost impose on others these half-planned ideas.
I lied and said I couldn't get the time off (which is half true, since we're down one on a 4-person department, due to maternity leave). I haven't asked, and won't either. Though it'd be awesome, that money would be better left where it is and save for things that really matter. And I'd be a total PF hypocrite. That's sufficient enough "excuse" not to go.
Saturday, September 21, 2013
First holiday purchase
This post by Ripples made me realize something. I have officially made my first Christmas purchase! Yay. Having children in the family makes this so much easier and enjoyable. That said, the gift is not a gift just yet. It's a $50 giftcard to Little Tykes that I got for $25. I am planning on getting a table and chair set for the nephews. They have MORE than enough toys and clothes, and this is something I know they can use year round inside or outside the house.
One website that I love to look at, even though I've only ever bought 1 item from it, is FindGift.com. I just like sorting through the pages and pages of useless junk with the hopes that it may give me an idea of something for my family, but so far it has only happened once. I still find the site entertaining, so I thought I'd share.
My back-up (or main) plan remains to give everyone just cash. It's easy, the right size, right color, and something everyone will like. Last year I did $100 for each parent, $50 for each sibling, plus toys for the kids and cards/sweets for friends. I may just stick to that this year again. Can't go wrong.
It doesn't mean I can't look...
One website that I love to look at, even though I've only ever bought 1 item from it, is FindGift.com. I just like sorting through the pages and pages of useless junk with the hopes that it may give me an idea of something for my family, but so far it has only happened once. I still find the site entertaining, so I thought I'd share.
My back-up (or main) plan remains to give everyone just cash. It's easy, the right size, right color, and something everyone will like. Last year I did $100 for each parent, $50 for each sibling, plus toys for the kids and cards/sweets for friends. I may just stick to that this year again. Can't go wrong.
It doesn't mean I can't look...
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| Wouldn't this be perfect for one of my siblings... |
Friday, September 20, 2013
I'm still standing
I've been on a wicked 70-80's music mood for the past few days. Not that it is a bad thing or anything.
Sorry I've been extremely quiet recently. I've finally found most of my routine, and I'm afraid that if I let it slip, it will be gone forever. I've been exercising, studying, eating (biggest achievement!), doing a lot of non-study reading (hurray for free or cheap books!), and apparently, spending too much time at my dad's. Money wise, I have only spent about $15 this week and shouldn't have to spend any funds on dinner next week. I still have $12 and change, which should be plenty to buy salad stuff for lunches.
I am having the hardest time finding the exact same wheel/rim for my car. My dad refuses to let me get a different one, or even a similar one. I don't like driving with the donut on, as I think my car feels slightly unstable. Might be just my nerves. I have the money set aside (about $300 including a tire), but can't get it done until I find the right wheel. Frustrating.
Nothing else worthwhile to report, I am off to start my weekend. Working today after work at my PT job, and also working tomorrow. Woo hoo, extra money. Boo hoo, no free time.
Hope everybody has an awesome weekend. The weather itself is reason enough to be cheerful and content. 60-70 degree weather, where have you been all summer?!
Sorry I've been extremely quiet recently. I've finally found most of my routine, and I'm afraid that if I let it slip, it will be gone forever. I've been exercising, studying, eating (biggest achievement!), doing a lot of non-study reading (hurray for free or cheap books!), and apparently, spending too much time at my dad's. Money wise, I have only spent about $15 this week and shouldn't have to spend any funds on dinner next week. I still have $12 and change, which should be plenty to buy salad stuff for lunches.
I am having the hardest time finding the exact same wheel/rim for my car. My dad refuses to let me get a different one, or even a similar one. I don't like driving with the donut on, as I think my car feels slightly unstable. Might be just my nerves. I have the money set aside (about $300 including a tire), but can't get it done until I find the right wheel. Frustrating.
Nothing else worthwhile to report, I am off to start my weekend. Working today after work at my PT job, and also working tomorrow. Woo hoo, extra money. Boo hoo, no free time.
Hope everybody has an awesome weekend. The weather itself is reason enough to be cheerful and content. 60-70 degree weather, where have you been all summer?!
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Of loans and tickets
Remember the ticket I got a while ago? I finally got the court for it. The original fee was $90 and no points. It came to my honest, yet lengthy explanation about what happened shortly before, during and after, and the officer's statement that she saw me not stop at a stop sign. (I swear there was no logistical way I could've been there at the time she stopped me, but whatever.)
So, I plead not guilty, got found guilty beyond reasonable doubt (so much for reason...), and got 1 day of unsupervised probation before judgment. Woo. Hoo. Not. The fee? $82.50. "No points", as stressed by the judge. Hello, the original citation carried no points! But I digress. I "saved" $7.50 by wasting my 1hr lunch. I paid the fine and went back to work. Probation without judgment also voids my appeal rights, so I can't even go there.
Probably not relevant to many, but this reminds me of my favorite video game of Chrono Trigger (for Super Nintendo), where you go to court for something you didn't commit, and even if you get a 9:1 not guilty jury decision, you're still thrown in jail and put on death penalty. At least that makes me laugh. No worries, the hero does escape, saves the princess and all that good stuff.
Ahem.
On much better news, one of my 4 remaining loans, (3 of which are bundled into that big bundle called Student Loans 2), will finally go below 2k! I just put in a $545 payment on it. This is the highest interest loan, at 6.80%. The next 3 are 2.35%, 2.35% and 5%. Me and this loan will go our separate ways this coming December.
Oh yeah. I'm ready for December.
...
No wait. I am not. That means exam time!
So, I plead not guilty, got found guilty beyond reasonable doubt (so much for reason...), and got 1 day of unsupervised probation before judgment. Woo. Hoo. Not. The fee? $82.50. "No points", as stressed by the judge. Hello, the original citation carried no points! But I digress. I "saved" $7.50 by wasting my 1hr lunch. I paid the fine and went back to work. Probation without judgment also voids my appeal rights, so I can't even go there.
Probably not relevant to many, but this reminds me of my favorite video game of Chrono Trigger (for Super Nintendo), where you go to court for something you didn't commit, and even if you get a 9:1 not guilty jury decision, you're still thrown in jail and put on death penalty. At least that makes me laugh. No worries, the hero does escape, saves the princess and all that good stuff.
Ahem.
On much better news, one of my 4 remaining loans, (3 of which are bundled into that big bundle called Student Loans 2), will finally go below 2k! I just put in a $545 payment on it. This is the highest interest loan, at 6.80%. The next 3 are 2.35%, 2.35% and 5%. Me and this loan will go our separate ways this coming December.
...
No wait. I am not. That means exam time!
I'm doing better with studying, but still struggling, especially when I bring my views on things (like on unions... don't get me started!). Some things irritate me the way they are, and how little respect and support businesses get. Yeah, yeah. I know all employees feel the same way, and both parts are equally guilty, but businesses are the ones getting punished by the government.
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Hitchhikers
After returning from my last vacation at Sluggy's, I mentioned I got some talking to from my co-workers (who are all much older than I expect my office mate who is my age). One of the topics that turned up was hitchhiking and helping/meeting strangers. Though I've done my fair share of meeting with "face to face strangers", I've also picked up one hitchhiker before. Ok, I lied. I've picked up 2 for sure. Can't remember if there was anyone else. And nothing out of the ordinary happened.
You'd have thought I told them I went to an out-of-town bar and accepted drinks from strangers and followed them home. But I might as well have. I know my fair share of danger and I'm not completely oblivious, ignorant, or simply a fool. I love detective/police shows, and I know sometimes, people closest to you are the ones that may end up doing the most horrible things. I also know of innocent people posing to hurt or kill others. Again, I'm not stupid or careless. I guess I just haven't lost ALL faith in humanity to believe every hitchhiker is a possible murderer, sexual predator, thief or carjacker.
Anyway, all times I've given people rides, nothing has happened. And that wasn't understandably enough for my co-workers, so I was banned from ever picking up another hitchhiker. I didn't think a whole lot of it, but you can be sure my face was completely red with embarrassment after the talking to was over.
Why has this come to mind again? There was a hitchhiker today on my way to work. A young man, early to mid 30's with a t-shirt, jeans and a backpack. He wasn't too far off the closest town interception. But I kept on driving and I felt bad. Though I've never been in a situation where I'd need to hitchhike (and probably wouldn't even if it was the last choice), I've had my fair share of getting stuck in very precarious situations. I know what's it like to need help, and to receive it. I also know what it is like to need help and NOT receive it. Humbling either way.
So, what's your take on the hitchhiking topic? Ever been involved either way on it, or it's considered way too much of a dangerous practice and I'm just late to the information party?
Anyway, all times I've given people rides, nothing has happened. And that wasn't understandably enough for my co-workers, so I was banned from ever picking up another hitchhiker. I didn't think a whole lot of it, but you can be sure my face was completely red with embarrassment after the talking to was over.
Why has this come to mind again? There was a hitchhiker today on my way to work. A young man, early to mid 30's with a t-shirt, jeans and a backpack. He wasn't too far off the closest town interception. But I kept on driving and I felt bad. Though I've never been in a situation where I'd need to hitchhike (and probably wouldn't even if it was the last choice), I've had my fair share of getting stuck in very precarious situations. I know what's it like to need help, and to receive it. I also know what it is like to need help and NOT receive it. Humbling either way.
So, what's your take on the hitchhiking topic? Ever been involved either way on it, or it's considered way too much of a dangerous practice and I'm just late to the information party?
Monday, September 9, 2013
Busses, tires and extra work
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| How I know it's already September |
Oh, and the tire I had to change? Well, it seems the rim itself is cracked, so I need a new rim for my tire. Speaking of tires, I need a new tire too, since this one was about to blow up at some point ('thankfully', it developed a leak because of the crack before it blew up).
I did not spend money at all this weekend, which was awesome. I've been overspending every time I go to my parents', and it really hurts my budget even if I cover it up by eliminating other expenses. I only need to buy some chicken or whatever meat is on sale, and I'll be set until Friday. Oh, the joys of cooking for 1 very reluctant eater.
Most of the extra money from my part-time job will be shuttled to one of 3 places:
1) Car registration: $135, due October
2) Rim and tire: ??? (estimating $150-$200+)
3) Gift for sibling's birthday
At least it doesn't bother the rest of my normal budget. I call that a success! Happy Monday.
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Flat tire? No problem.
I stopped by Acme this afternoon to buy some food for tonight, and I noticed why my car suddenly had started to veer right with no real cause... my tire was losing air! It was almost deflated. 3 calls later to my dad, I had to take action.
I should say that growing up as a girl had its disadvantages when it came to my father. He's the Jack of all trades, the handy man of handy men, and if anything can be fixed, he's 90% guaranteed to fix it. But to him, a girl shouldn't dwell in the world of hardware and fixing things and manual labor. I'm not even kidding. His idea of me needing any car work while on the road and away from him is to "bat my eyes pretty at some guy so he can come fix it". His exact words, translated for your reading pleasure.
While I lost a childhood worth of learning (instead, my brothers took full advantage of the opportunity, and it shows) I've beenstalking shadowing his work, especially when it comes to cars, much to his dismay. In theory, I know how to change a tire. I've changed one a few times, with him being present and doing most of the work. But not this time.
I changed the tire all by myself. Woo. Pee. But seriously, I am pretty excited about it, and proud of myself. Tomorrow I'll take the tire in to be patched and refilled, and maybe put it back myself. Or let my dad do it. I've stolen enough of his manly-dad glory by doing things girls shouldn't be doing.
No idea how much this is gonna cost, but he doesn't seem to think it's a lot. Should be no issue... especially since I've ended up with $200 on my account, and I can't figure out, for the life of me, what they were supposed to be used for. I'll be obsessing over that until next paycheck, I am sure!
I should say that growing up as a girl had its disadvantages when it came to my father. He's the Jack of all trades, the handy man of handy men, and if anything can be fixed, he's 90% guaranteed to fix it. But to him, a girl shouldn't dwell in the world of hardware and fixing things and manual labor. I'm not even kidding. His idea of me needing any car work while on the road and away from him is to "bat my eyes pretty at some guy so he can come fix it". His exact words, translated for your reading pleasure.
While I lost a childhood worth of learning (instead, my brothers took full advantage of the opportunity, and it shows) I've been
I changed the tire all by myself. Woo. Pee. But seriously, I am pretty excited about it, and proud of myself. Tomorrow I'll take the tire in to be patched and refilled, and maybe put it back myself. Or let my dad do it. I've stolen enough of his manly-dad glory by doing things girls shouldn't be doing.No idea how much this is gonna cost, but he doesn't seem to think it's a lot. Should be no issue... especially since I've ended up with $200 on my account, and I can't figure out, for the life of me, what they were supposed to be used for. I'll be obsessing over that until next paycheck, I am sure!
Weekend recap and September outlook
For a long weekend, it felt awfully short. Let me recap:
On Wednesday, I developed a strange pain on my foot. It wasn't as if it was sore or broken, but hurt when stepped on. I couldn't pinpoint what the heck it was, so I didn't exercise Thu or Fri because I was afraid to make it worse before having to work on Saturday on my feet all day. It felt better by Saturday.
Bought food, which I feel stupid to say, is way more expensive when it's for 2+ than for <1 person. It came to about $70 of my $200 food/misc/gas budget. Ouch! Worked Saturday at a very high profile event, which meant all managers were nosing into every little non-issue event, driving us workers crazy. As bad as it was at 90 degrees and 90% humidity, I was somehow talked into working on Sunday with the same group for their gala event (inside this time). By that point, my foot was back to normal. But no worries: on Sunday, a huge bruise on my behind and a scrapped hand swiftly replaced it when I fell backwards into a set of cement steps while guiding guests to a different building. Talk about a bruised ego. Good news: It's an extra $110 on my upcoming paycheck! Bad news: it was freaking 11 hours of work. Not cool. But I'll take the money.
Monday was a lot calmer. Didn't get to cook the chicken and dumplings, though I have all the materials and will cook it next Sunday instead. Washed the car, bathed the dog (and got repeatedly showered by her), did laundry, some cleaning. Boring stuff. Sure as heck did not exercise. But I'll get back to that today. Tuesday was spent on a haze and I was not productive at all.
Onto other stuff... I've moved the $400 back to my Ally account for safekeeping until next year for vacation. Thanks for the advice! Now to figure out why I have $200 remaining in my account... no idea where it came from or more importantly, if it was supposed to go anywhere.
September should be a quiet month besides the car registration becoming due. So far, so good, and I'm loving the cooler temperatures. 2 weeks til Fall starts!
On Wednesday, I developed a strange pain on my foot. It wasn't as if it was sore or broken, but hurt when stepped on. I couldn't pinpoint what the heck it was, so I didn't exercise Thu or Fri because I was afraid to make it worse before having to work on Saturday on my feet all day. It felt better by Saturday.
Bought food, which I feel stupid to say, is way more expensive when it's for 2+ than for <1 person. It came to about $70 of my $200 food/misc/gas budget. Ouch! Worked Saturday at a very high profile event, which meant all managers were nosing into every little non-issue event, driving us workers crazy. As bad as it was at 90 degrees and 90% humidity, I was somehow talked into working on Sunday with the same group for their gala event (inside this time). By that point, my foot was back to normal. But no worries: on Sunday, a huge bruise on my behind and a scrapped hand swiftly replaced it when I fell backwards into a set of cement steps while guiding guests to a different building. Talk about a bruised ego. Good news: It's an extra $110 on my upcoming paycheck! Bad news: it was freaking 11 hours of work. Not cool. But I'll take the money.
Monday was a lot calmer. Didn't get to cook the chicken and dumplings, though I have all the materials and will cook it next Sunday instead. Washed the car, bathed the dog (and got repeatedly showered by her), did laundry, some cleaning. Boring stuff. Sure as heck did not exercise. But I'll get back to that today. Tuesday was spent on a haze and I was not productive at all.
Onto other stuff... I've moved the $400 back to my Ally account for safekeeping until next year for vacation. Thanks for the advice! Now to figure out why I have $200 remaining in my account... no idea where it came from or more importantly, if it was supposed to go anywhere.
September should be a quiet month besides the car registration becoming due. So far, so good, and I'm loving the cooler temperatures. 2 weeks til Fall starts!
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