So, I bought new glasses today. $500 total for exam (contacts and glasses), new frames and lenses. But the lenses were 50% off since I bought frames. It would have been cheaper but I had no insurance because lack of constant job. Oh well I need to see better. So my headaches will stop. I can't tell if it's from eye strain or from caffeine withdraw, which it could possibly be from.

Yup. That was my big purchase for the next few months. Luckily my contact prescription didn't need to be changed, and I still have some supply left so I didn't need to reorder yet. I haven't decided where the $500 is coming from yet. Most likely savings #1. Not too concerned yet. Big purchases I like to pay off right away. I usually put it on my credit card and then do a bill pay the next day. That way I get points on my credit card, but save on the interest by paying it right away. I should have my cc paid off though by next week so that will free up one bill for me since I'm not working this week.

I'm still struggling with my staffing manager at the temp agency. She's kinda buggy. Hopefully... something will come up.

today was apparently my last day with this temp position. I was told at 3PM today. My day ends at 5. I guess no big deal. Accept for the fact that I really feel like I'm being played for a fool with the temp agency I'm working for. First they told me that my last day for the contract was March 31st. Ok that's fine. And then when I asked about a month ago the end of February, about my last day since my family is coming to visit from Virginia and I wanted to take like 3 days off... all of a sudden my contract extended to April 9th. Ok fine... I'll deal and just balance the family and work at the same time. And then today. Oh, sorry so-and so is coming back from leave on Monday so today will be your last day. Geez, a little annoyed. And it's not like I actually liked working there but hey... a little earlier notice than 2 hours before I'm checking out for the day would have been nice. And all my temp agency staffing person could say was that this never happens before and that HR probably got it messed up and didn't want to admit they were wrong. Whatever. I'm tired of them playing the blaming game. As far as I'm concerned they are both in the wrong. The company said that I did an awesome job though and that if anything came up if I would be willing to come back. I said yes. I don't know why I said yes. Most likely because of the fear of saying no. I've been there, done that... and unless I'm staying there 20 years there's no sense in going back because I wouldn't really be able to move up and do other things.

I guess I should be more concerned with finding another job. But I'm not. My staffing manager wants to me fill the other temp job with the same company that I was just at if I don't find anything in two weeks. I told her not really interested in going back there. And then everyone under the moon is telling me that I should because it's a job. I don't care if it's a job. That's all it is, is a job. I'm just starting out, I'm looking for something I would be happy making a career out of. My aunt is like "just take whatever you can get". I don't want to settle. Because then I end up just like them, 20 years down the road in a job that is, just that, a job. I didn't move all the way across the nation to settle for just anything. I'm not trying to be ultra picky either. I just know myself and if I'm not enjoying what I'm doing or the place I work at, I just can't relax and I don't work well. I believe that I'll be okay.

But on a lighter note. I met a goal. A financial goal. Savings #2.. I met the $2500 goal and Savings #3 is above $1000 which is 50% to the goal of $2000. And I know I'm jobless right now. But I should be okay without dipping into the savings for now.

I'll update all my numbers later. Sorry for ranting. It seems like these days that I can't actually voice my feelings to anyone because they aren't listening to what I'm saying because apparently I don't know what I'm doing because I'm young, silly, and naiive. Well... it's better than being a know-it-all that likes to put their life on everyone else. People aren't made one-size fits all. Some people just know how to made an already bad day worse.

It's a raining Sunday here in the Bay Area or at least where I am. I usually don't particularly care for raining days but day eh not so bad considering that we do need the rain. And plus, sometimes I feel as though rainy days are for relaxing.

February came and went really fast. I'm glad. February kinda blew work wise. I'm so over ALREADY working for the place I'm working at. I'm ready to move on. The people there are really Catty and if they spent half the time working and minding their own business than sitting in each other cubicles talking about other people in the office, MAYBE just maybe they wouldn't need my help as a temp. Just maybe. Oh well. There's the real world for you. My aunt tells me that they are just worried about their jobs and are threaten by me, ( I think she's just saying that to make me feel better)... I personally choose to think that they are just plain mean and I don't care if the economy is rough and people are getting desperate, it doesn't give them a free pass to be rude to other people. But enough with work.

February was a good month saving wise I guess. I mean I did save quite a bit for being such a short month. I think mainly because I got back my Federal return and my $1 Virginia State tax return, haha. $1. I'm not expecting California state tax anytime soon. It was only like $30 anyways.

So here is the rundown of my financials,

Savings #1: 10,572
Savings #2: 2,212
Savings #3: 851

Roth IRA: 1,675
401K: 1089

DEBT:
Credit Card: 671
Student Loan: 13,610

I applied an extra $200 along with my monthly payment to my student loan this past month since I got my Federal Tax return back. I figure I might as well put the money to good use instead of spending it.


Well, that's pretty much it. Tonight we are having pasta. MMM... instead of going out to Olive Garden my family opted to go to this place that makes fresh pasta and take it home to make. A lot cheaper than going out that's for sure. And everyone got to pick out which pasta they wanted! I can't wait to try it.

So I'm working this contract job. The job itself should not be that hard. Basically what I'm doing is reconciling accounts. Well... I know what I'm doing for the most part. I get the general idea of it. But... every time I think I can handle it on my own (been there about 3 weeks now) something unusual arises. The exception to the rule. How come I get all those. So now it looks like I don't know anything because I keep getting the exception to the rule. And since I'm one of those that likes to know the answer instead of just pretending it's not there I'm asking all these questions. They are probably getting tired of me. Man I can't wait until this contract is up. I first I really liked it. But now not so much. Everyday there is a new crisis... a problem which I identified that was never corrected before or something similiar. I don't understand how payroll deductions errors can continue for over a year with out being corrected? How did they balance at year-end. Oh well. I guess I'm glad to be done at the end of March.

Plus I got the rudest letter today from one of the chapter contact person regarding a letter that I had sent about updating the account. The man said that basically it was useless for me sending the letter and that the letter regarding payroll was not his department and he doesn't appreciate me sending him the letter and that he is retiring come June and I quote these were his exact words, "If I can find an idiot to take this job" he doesn't want me to send confusing letters to the new person that doesn't have anything to do with the job. HELLO! First off the account updates were apart of his job. And secondly the note regarding the payroll was a Copy of the letter that I send to another department. I figured since he is the contact person he should know what's going on with his chapter. Gee whiz. The second letter wasn't even addressed to him he was just CC on it. He has got to be one of the rudest people I have ever dealt with. I copied the letter and posted it on my bulletin board at work. This is to remind me never to be rude like that man. I don't care how frustrated I am. Reminder to always be professional and respectful.

What a way to ruin a person's day. I must say I know that I just have to let it go and not take it so personally. Still I want to do a good job at work. And some people just make it hard.

And I know this post has nothing to do with saving or money. I'd just thought I'd share an eye opener that made me realize that I am definitely in the "Real World" now.

So I went to the Home & Garden Show today. I've never been to one. I must say I really enjoyed just walking around to the different booths. I don't have my own place yet but it definitely getting me excited and pumped to eventually to get to the point that I can get my own place. I guess it gives me another motivation to keep saving and budgeting!

So I decided that I putting aside money outside of my savings. I guess more like spending envelopes. These are for upcoming purchases. Like for a new cell phone plan come April when I finally get my own plan. And for my plane ticket and hotel room for my friends wedding in April as well. And then a gift fund for B-days and holidays. This way I don't have to go into my savings for these. Plus, I won't put this stuff on my Credit Card. I don't know, we will see how well this works for me.

All I know is that going to the gym is actually helping my wallet. Haha. I've been going to the gym right after work for the past week. And when I get home after the gym I'm so tired that I just stay home and don't go out and spend money.

But that's pretty much it for my week/weekend ramblings.

this morning I forgot my lunch.

I had it all packed and everything, ready to go. In fact this morning was the first morning in a LONG time that I just popped out of bed and started getting ready. Usually I just hit snooze and drag myself to get dressed to go to work. In fact I had made myself a pretty decent breakfast too.

And it wasn't like I was rushing either. I sat down and ate breakfast and just walked out the door without my lunch. So I had to buy lunch today. Booooo! Because by the time I realized that I forgot it I was already in the parking lot at work. Go figure.

Well at least I have lunch already made for tomorrow.

So there went $8 that I wasn't planning on spending. But, I did have Chipotle, which I haven't had in months. It was yummy. So I guess it wasn't that bad forgetting my lunch, hehe.

Gosh my mind is all over the place though. Besides forgetting my lunch, I can't even remember what day it is. I keep thinking it's Tuesday. And for some reason at 10AM today I was thinking it was a 11Am when I was looking at the clock and thought to myself only 2 hours until lunch break when it was really 3 hours. Work is taking over my mind so much that I can't focus on the little things, lol. I can't wait for the weekend to come!!!!

So with my job, technically I'm only suppose to work 35 hours. the hours are 9-5 with an hour lunch. I asked my boss if I could come in at 8 and stay til 5 so that I can get the full 8 hour pay. She agreed. So I'm working the complete 40 hour week. That 5 hours doesn't seem like much. But in one month that would be 20 hours of pay that I would be giving up. And if I were getting paid $15/hr that would be $300 a month that I'm missing out on. And that is a lot of money. At least it is to me. That's a student loan payment right there. I'm being good though. Whatever extra money I make is being put to good use, either to my Credit Card, Student Loan or savings. Hopefully it will help make a dent in my goals.


Here are my updated numbers

Savings #1 10,336
Savings #2 1,661
Savings #3 675

Roth IRA 1,675
401K 1089

Debt
Credit Card 1,003
Student Loan 14,039

So, I definitely did not do a NSD. In fact I spent $300 on a 2-year gym membership with 24 hour fitness.

Costco.com is running a sale on their gym membership. $299 for a 2 year membership. That you can use at all locations except for Sports and one other of their clubs. I can't remember. But after everything is calculated it comes out to roughly $12 a month. That is really really good considering it's usually around $60 a month. There is no expiration date. So the 2 year starts whenever I bring it in for the first time to activate it. And costco says that if I have any issues that I can return it and get my full-refund. Which is great.

Also. I bought Turbo Tax on there too. They are running a rebate until 1/25 $10 off. This is only online though. And they are cheaper than other places.

So I spent a lot but then again in the long run of things, I guess I saved a little too. Good now I can get my behind to the gym. No more excuses that gym membership is too expensive, lol.

So I was able to land the contract job. I had a 5 minute over the phone interview. And then they decided to pick me after they did the same with the other candidate that they were interviewing. So Yay! So this one goes until the end of March. I'm covering a maternity leave. I started yesterday actually. It's a lot of work to learn. Like with any job. It's good though because I'm getting good experience. And now that I'm figuring out that I'm able to learn new software rather quickly is even better.

This contract pays a lot more than the other job. So I'll be able to save more which I'm really excited about. I'm planning to use the extra to of course pay on my student loan/cc/ and for my IRA

Also I checked my credit score, the free annual, but I pay for my score, which I shouldn't because it doesn't really matter I just wanna know. It went lower. It's not 795. It said my installation debt was too high. Which is funny because last year it was $2000 more than it was this year. I'm confused. Eh. It's not that much anyways.

Just like I said in my last post. I was going to sit down and figure out how much I have and where I have my moolah.

Savings #1 10,199 ($50 increase)
Savings #2 1,411 ($151 increase)
Savings #3 580 ($205 increase)

Roth IRA: 1,600 ($50 increase)
Rollover IRA (frm. 401k): 1,089

Total Savings Increase since 12/23/08
$456

Debt:
Credit Card: $1,034 (A decrease of $161)
Student Loan: $14,248 (A decrease of $72)

Note: I did get $150 for Christmas money that I deposited into Savings #1. But the rest I saved all on my own by automatically transfering $75 to Savings #2, $25 to Savings #3 and #1. Every paycheck. Automatic savings of $125 each week. For now.

Today was my last day at the contract job. I have an interview on Monday. At least the one on Monday the contract should last until March. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I do well at the interview. I'm going to studying up on the company and the position this weekend.


Oh and the nerve. So I'm doing the temp thing right now. And there were two other temps that I was working with. My recuriter told me to update my resume so she could send it off to new opportunities. So I did. She came back and said that my resume was really well written. She was impressed. And then she had the nerve to ask me if I would be willing to share my resume with the other two temps so they could fix their s. In normal situations I would be okay with sharing.But these are tough times. And frankily those two temps are also my competition. How dare she ask me to share something that makes me stand out of other applicants. I put a lot of effort into putting it together, in fact at one point I had to scrap the entire thing and start over. Maybe I'm being silly, it's just like asking me to show my term paper to someone else so they can get ideas after I had to come up with the original idea with no help and what if they get the better grade. Nope. no can do. They'll have to figure it out on their own. After I get a job I would be more than happy to share, lol.

So being a temp, my contract of course had to end early because apparently the 3 temps that helped out worked too fast. My last day is Friday. But luckily I may have another contract starting on Monday so there is really no lapse. Even though I'm ready to just have a permanent job just for the sake of only having to be the new person one more time, I'm glad that at least I can be working. Plus the best part about temp for the mean time is that I can try out different jobs and without the commitment if I don't like it.

Other than that, I've been able to save a little. I'll find out tomorrow if I have the other temp job on Monday so if there is no lapse in paychecks I'll be able to put more away. I'm really excited to be saving again. I'll update my stats this weekend once everything gets to its destination.

Plus I'm curious about my credit report. When I checked it last year I had a 806 with Equifax. I wonder what it is now since my student loan is lower I had just started paying then, I haven't opened up any credit cards this past year, and my balance on them is relatively the same. I'm waiting until the 11th to pull it again for my 1 free report a year.
But yeah this is on my list of things to do along with filing taxes. eek!

Today I just got bitten by the cleaning bug. I packed up most of my Holiday decorations except for the Tree. I like looking at it so I'm going to wait a couple of more days to take it down. But everything else is packed away. Speaking of Holiday stuff. I bought Christmas wrapping paper on sale at Cost Plus Market for $0.50 EACH. Original Price was $2.99. That's crazy. But I kept my cool and only bought 3 that I really liked. So I have some for next year. I'm trying really hard not to overspend next year or any year after that.

Back to cleaning, I dumped all my magazine before Dec in the recycle. I organized all my paperwork into binders with labels and everything I need at easy access. I even saved all my photos on my computer to disk just in case something happens to my computer.

And I did a bunch of other little things. I figure I better ring in the New Year right.

I got a sewing machine from my Grandma for Christmas. I love it. She couldn't have picked a more perfect gift for me. And I don't even remember ever mentioning secretly wanting one. Now I can make all my crafty stuff. I already put it to good use and sewed a tote bag, two to be exact. And the best part yet, my grandma also had big box of fabric pieces that she was going to throw out. Now I have all this fabric for free! Talk about providing hours of entertainment for free, lol.

My goal this week is to spend less than $50. I think this is doable. I mean I already filled up gas Yesterday so I won't be needing gas for at least another week and a half. I don't spend any money on food because I eat breakfast at home and I take my lunch everyday and dinner is usually on the table once I get home. I love Grandma's house, hehe(but can't wait to get on my own!). And that's pretty much it. I can't see whatelse I would spend money on this upcoming week but we shall see. Bills don't count because I have already planned for those to come out once my paycheck hits. Trying to cut back on the non-essential spending. So far so good.

Eh, I figured I might as well do it now or I'm never going to do it. My overdo update.

Ouch. Okay so now that I have a job for the time being I'm able to rebuild my savings.

So here it goes

Savings #1 10,149.00
Savings #2 1,260.00
Savings #3 380.00

IRA 1550.00
401k(which is now a Roll-over IRA from previous job) - 1089.00 (lost from that huge stock market plunge back in september)

CC debt 1,195.00 YIKES
Student Loan 14,320.00

so for the time being i get paid weekly.
My paycheck varies because of the amount of overtime that I work. But I'm automatically transferring $50 to Savings #1, $75 to Savings #2, $25 to Savings #3 every paycheck. The rest goes towards CC debt and other bill money. I know I could just pay off my Credit Card debt in one swoop. But since I'm only working contract I really want to keep my savings in tact just in case I don't have work once this contract ends.


Quick question. I don't know if anyone knows the answer to this. Since I moved to another state and is now working in another state. I have to file 2 tax returns right? Since I lived in Virginia for most of the year, I file Virginia first right? And then California?

Geez, I didn't realize how much time has past since I last posted.

Well I've been busy moving. I moved at the end of September to the Bay Area in California. It's been quite an adjustment, more than I thought it would be. I am getting use to it as everyday passes by. At least now I'm not quite so worried about getting lost. I didn't work for almost 2 months. So my finance took quite a hit. I haven't quite hit below $10,000 on savings yet. I'll have to update my stats soon. But luckily I was able to land a temp job in the mean time as an Sales Auditor. Basically I reconcile this company's sales for their stores. I will be temping with this company until the end of January possibly February. But hey at least I'm working now and I'm finally getting stuff to put on my resume.

It's a good thing that I'm staying with family for the time being. But I really am motivated to hurry up and get on my feet and get on my own.

I'm also started taking an accounting class at UC Berkeley online. It's through their continuing education program. This way I'm getting more accounting background to add to my finance degree. It an entire accounting certificate program. At least this will keep me until I get the funds to go to grad school and get my MBA.

But yeah, so far so good. I'll have to update everything soon, maybe this weekend once I have more time to sit down and get everything together again. Still unpacking yet hehe.

I'm moving to California on Saturday... my flight is 7am. I'm still not completely packed and I have two more shifts until I'm done with work. I've really cut this down to the wire, but really I didn't have much of a choice. Everyone around me basically squeezing the life out of me.

I am however glad to be almost done with my part-time job in retail. Enough of retail... and the drama between co-workers and managers. I never knew adults could act so childish. They talk about each other behind each other's back and then get angry when they find out they were talked about from the other person. I don't think they even realize how hypocritical they are being. Oh well. I'm done with that chapter and moving on for the better.

So I'm moving to CA to start over and begin a new life. I figure now is the right time because I have no attachments or obligations. Some people think I'm crazy, but I can't let them hold me back. One of my managers told me "We are all for people trying new things. But don't be embarrassed if you need to come back, you will always have a job with us." I mean I know he had good intentions when he told me that, because frankly I'm not the first one to just pick up and leave. There have been others before that come running back because things didn't work out. However that's them, not me. I'm determined to make this work for me.

You can't expect to win the lottery if you never play. Right? lol.

As far as the accounts go... pretty much stable... all the money recent in go right back out to pay for moving expenses, ticket and so on. I guess I should get back to packing.

Sometimes at work I just want to rip my hair out. And I think it's one of those days today. At my part-time job... retail. I get it... it's summertime... and the kids are out of school. I get it. Back-to-school shopping. But is it really necessary to let the kids run around in the stores... running and bumping into other customers? Is it okay to let them stand on tables... and climb on ladders that says "EMPLOYEES ONLY", hide under the racks???

I mean I remember when I was a kid... if I even thought about doing anything of the sort... I would get it at home. My brother and I were to behave in public... no bribery with toys or food... because those were the rules when we were out in public.
And I'm not saying that all the kids were out of control, there were just a few that just wouldn't stop today. Or maybe I'm just overly sensitive today since I woke up on the wrong side of the bed.lol.

Anyway... I'm moving in September. Moving across the country to California. I have a really good situation out there... and I can't pass it up. I'm young and willing to take the leap while I have the chance. And I'm all about new opportunities and new places. I'll be staying with my Grandma until I get on my feet. Hopefully I won't need long because I'm a pretty independent person and don't want to cause a burden on my Grandma. Plus I need to establish CA residency... so I can finally start looking at CA grad school and can get in-state tuition where it counts. One of my life goals is to get my MBA. So this is just one step closer to completing that.
I'm excited about the change of scenery.

I'll have to do my mid-month update later. I don't really feel like looking up all the numbers.

I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Well, actually it's no longer a problem because I took care of it right from the get-go.

My friend/co-worker the one that I occasionally give rides told me that she was going to buy a used car. I told her that was great and good luck and so on. Well the next day she came up to me asked me if she could ask me something. I was like sure what is it. And then she asked if I would be a co-signer on her car note because she doesn't have enough credit to get a car on her on. Before she could even explain herself why I told her flat out no.

It's not that I don't trust her to pay her car note I'm sure she will, I know she will actually. However, I'm not willing to take that chance. I'm working really hard to get and maintain a high credit score and all I need is for one thing to ruin that and ruin a friendship. I asked her why she didn't ask her brothers or dad. She told me that her brothers don't have enough credit either and her dad is out of the country right now.

All I told her is that for the sake of our friendship it would not be in my best interest to co-sign on her car note. Especially since I plan on moving in the next few months I don't need that note on my credit report if I plan to buy a place.
And I left it at that. She said that it was all right and that she was just asking. I'm just really shocked that she asked me to do that for her. Do people really ask other people that are not in their family to co-sign with them???

It's a shame that I take my finance seriously. I don't want to end up on Judge Judy. lol

July 1st... I guess it's time to post June Results. Ouch.

Savings #1: 11,220(goal:15,000 ----74.8% to goal)
Savings #2: 1078(goal:2,500 ----43.12%)
Savings #3: 504 (goal 2,000 ---- 25.3%)

Roth IRA: 1,500 (goal: max 2008 contribution)
401K: 803
Brokerage Account: 100
Employee Stock: 420

Debt:
Credit Card: STILL $0!!!
Student Loan: $15,222


From end of May to end of June
Savings #1 = + $80
Savings #2 = -647
Savings #3 = - 196
Roth IRA = + $0
401K = + $43
Brokerage Account = +$25
Employee Stock Plan $0

My savings for the month of June = $-695
(oooo... that hurts!) And I haven't even paid my car insurance yet! It's not due until July 7th... so I'm waiting until I get paid again, which is this Wednesday. However I know that it won't be enough to cover the entire payment. I'll have to dip into my savings again (pull about $300). Also these results are understated a little since May was overstated by me including that first paycheck in May results.

I will admit that June wasn't a complete loss because I did get rid of my credit card debt. So I sacrificed some of my savings in order to have cc freedom. I'm going to work really hard for July in order to start rebuilding my savings after I pay my car insurance.


I just need to remember to focus on my goals.

Hmm... it seems that I must have caught the declutting bug too! haha. I did a whole lot of shredding, bundling up newspaper for recycling, consolidating and purging a lot of stuff. Keyword being stuff. I really just need to throw a lot of stuff out but for someway I just convince myself that it has sentimental value to me and hang on to it. Usually later down the line I end up throwing it away or donating it.

My family is all going on vacation tomorrow for two weeks. I'm left here to take care of the house and the cat. Me and the cat are going to be best friends once the two weeks are over, haha. I am sort of looking forward to the empty house... more cleaning and I can actually sit down and focus on tasks with no distractions.

By the way I was able to get 30 items for the food bank donation at work... for less than $20. I was only one out of 4 people to bring food in. I knew it would end up like that. Not that I was keeping score or anything, I actually really enjoy these types of community action projects. The next community action project is back-to-school supplies for underpriviledged kids in our local area. I can't wait for that! I love shopping for school supplies that is so much fun!

Next week I'm volunteering at this event serving food, helping with setup and clean up. I'm not quite sure what organization it's benefiting, I did at one point know, I just forgot. I know the proceeds from the event are going towards helping children.



And as far as financial update... Still no credit card debt! WOO HOO! I'm staying strong. I think as I'm trying to build back up my savings I'm going to put some of that money towards my IRA... at least that way I can get closer to my goal of maxing out 2008 contribution.

That's pretty much it. I'll be back in a couple of days to post end of June Results. (ooOOOoooo scary thought... June is almost over) yikes! Time flies!

As I think about yesterday, I'm thinking that I was a bit harsh on my friend/co-worker.
We got into it yesterday about some things. She's my brother's age, two years younger than me, I just now realize that I sort of treat her like a younger sibling.

I was getting annoyed yesterday, because she asked me for a ride home from work. (that I don't mind because she's on the way, not really... but it's not that far.)But then... once we got into my car she wanted me to drive to some fast-food place so that she could get food... (it was around 11pm). The one she wanted was not in the direction I was headed. So I firmed stated "no" and that she needs to pick some place on the way, because I'm not driving all around the creation wasting gas. She got mad at me. I know it sound really petty, but I was annoyed at the fact that I had a conversation earlier in the day that I was trying to cut back on my driving to save on gas, so for her to forget about that and not understand, I just don't get it. I told her that she would understand once she got a car and started paying for her own gas.

I know this sounds really selfish of me, but I like it when I get off of work at different times that way I dont have to worry about giving rides home. I mean every now and then I don't mind, but when it becomes often like almost every shift, that's where I draw the line, because they aren't offering gas money and I'm not asking for it. So it's better that I don't give rides home... that way it's just a straight 7 minute drive home with no detours. I'm not a taxi.

Argh!!!!

It has come to my attention that I do not know how to add and subtract on a calculator. I miss added my one of my CC payments. So I overpaid by $33.05! How annoying. I don't know how I did it... or what I was thinking when I was adding it. I mean I got the balance from calling the number and then I checked the last 10 trans... still had a couple purchases pending... so I added those in. I don't know how I got $33.05 more than what I actually charged.

Oh well. I guess I'll have to charge exactly $33.05 and then whatever the balance is either pay cash or debit! My next purchase for groceries or something. I do not know.

I did it! I single handedly in one foul swoop wiped out all my Credit card debt. YES!!!
Well... I didn't want to think about my CCs anymore when I checked my balances this morning. I apparently spent way more than I thought I did while I was visiting in California. So I decided to just pay off all my cards. Now I can just focus on building back up my savings, saving more for retirement, and saving more for my enjoyments.

Unfortunately... my savings will probably take another hit at the end of the month when my Car insurance is due! That will be another $400. But I will cross that bridge at the end of the month. I should be alright because this past paycheck was weak because I only worked for a half a week... because I was on vacation. So money is tight this month. I'll make due.

But everything is okay because I have NO CREDIT CARD DEBT!!! YAY! Hopefully I can keep it like that!!! I'm taking them out of my wallet right now!!!


But anyways here is my mid-month results.

Savings #1: 11,220 (74.8% to goal)
Savings #2: 1,050 (42.0% to goal... 27% decrease from previous balance, yikes)
Savings #3: 504 (25.2% to goal...9.8% decrease from previous balance)

Roth IRA: 1,500
401K: 803
Brokerage Account: 100
Employee Stock: 420

Debt:
Credit Card: $0
Student Loan 15,325
Car Insurance $400 at the end of the month


So... June has been a really slow month so far. However, I did get rid of my CC debt. Now I just need to get my savings back up and I need to start contributing to my IRA.

So, I just got back from San Francisco. I love that city.

Anyways... just ONE of the many highlights of my trip was when I spent the day in the city by myself. I was a little hesitant about it. I went the day before with my aunt who is from the area. So I decided the next day I would go by myself and go exploring. Anyway I was standing in line to buy a day pass for the Cable Car. $11 for an All Day Pass. This couple came right up to me and gave me both of their All Day Passes for FREE. They said that they were done for the day and didn't need them anymore and that I should use it and I should give the other one to someone that I thought was nice. I almost fainted. I thanked them so much for being so kind, not that I really needed the free tickets, but I was just shocked of their kindness. I thanked them plenty. So I rode of the Cable Car, my round trip. I was done with all my riding by 3pm. So... I stood around waiting to give the two tickets to two people that I thought would enjoy them. I found these two ladies. One had a tour guide book in her hand. So I gave the two tickets to them, because they were like me just visiting the city. I hope they had a nice trip like I did!!!

I feel like I'm on a lucky streak right now, too many lucky occasions to explain. But anyways, I feel as though I want to give back for being so blessed right now. My job is holding a food drive for the local food bank. Tomorrow I'm going to go to the store and see what I get get for $20 to for the food drive!!! All about paying it forward right?

I'm a little late on end of May. However I've been in California visiting family for the past week and I'm here until next week. The nice thing is that I've been to California a bunch of times, so I don't feel the need to buy a lot of things, so just good time with the family.

Anyway, here is the rundown (note this also includes my last paycheck that was posted yesterday)

Savings #1 - $11,140 (goal: 15,000 ---- 74.27% to goal)
Savings #2 – $1,725 (goal: 2,500 ---- 69.00% to goal)
Savings #3 - $700 ($50 less than mid-may - $50 towards a little spending money for my trip) (goal: 2,000 ---- 35% to goal)

Roth IRA – $1,500
401K: $760
Brokerage Account - $75
Employee Stock Plan: $420

Debt:
Credit Cards (4): $500
Student Loans: $15,326 (June & July’s pymt in Checking)

From April to May
Savings #1 = + $327
Savings #2 = + $156
Savings #3 = - $179
Roth IRA = + $0
401K = + $382
Brokerage Account = +$75
Employee Stock Plan $102

My savings for the month of May = $863

I was thinking this number is unusually high. Then I realized that it’s overstated because I included the first paycheck for June. Oops. Well that just means that June’s number will be lower in the end as far as increases in savings. It will all balance out in the end. May’s should be around $250-300 less. But hey that’s still a good number for me, considering I’m only working part-time. Thank goodness for time-and-a-half and holiday pay for Memorial Day.
When I get back from California, serious job hunt time!!! Then maybe I can get my savings up higher!!! That makes me happy!

So... May is going a little slower than I originally planned for. However I must say I'm doing pretty well for only working part-time. Luckily I was able to pick up extra hours between job searching and sprucing up my resume. I'm so glad that I made myself a cushion before leaving my full-time job so that I have wiggle room to find something I really want to do without really suffering the consequences of not working full-time.

So anyways here's the rundown on the accounts.
Savings #1: 11,040 (new additions $75 from Checking transfer, and interest)
Savings #2: 1,619 (new additions $50 from rebate check)
Savings #3: 750 (new additions $50 from turning in loose coin)

Roth IRA: 1,500 (I need to get on this year's contribution)
401K: 480
Brokerage Account: 25
Employee Stock Plan: 318

Debt:
Credit Cards (4): roughly $505 (I kinda rounded up to the nearest even amount... so in reality I have a little bit less)
Student Loan $15,486 (payment due on the 21st. Have May,June and July's payment saved up in my checking account)

That's pretty much it, I get paid next week. The day after Memorial Day I'm leaving for California for two weeks to spend time with family and possibly check out employment possibilities and west-coast living. Everyone keeps telling me that California is expensive. Yeah I know, but Northern Virginia is almost that expensive too. What frustrates me is that everyone likes to tell me what I CAN'T do...I'm determined and once I set my mind to something I'll make it work and accomplish it. We'll see what happens because ultimately it's my decision! BTW my round-trip ticket to California from Washington DC was only $230 on Virgin Atlantic, everywhere else it was around $400!!! And I paid cash for it... so more woo hoo.

Ugh! Okay so I don't have that much CC debt... but it's enough to drive me crazy.

Okay so I did the post-it thing where I write down the balance of my card and stick to the front of the card. This way I know what I put on the card. Well it worked to an extent. However... then I was looking over what exactly I purchased in the past billing statement. It was mostly restaurant/food purchases. I need to stop eating out! I really really do. Today this has to stop. It's not like I can leave all my CCs out of my wallet because I like to carry one just in case of emergencies... like I'm stranded somewhere and I don't use my debit card.

I would like to get to the point where I don't have a CC bill at all... at least for a month, then I'll truly know how it feels to be 100% out of CC debt.

So today I transfered another 155. from my car savings acct to my CC. I don't know why it's easier to part with my car savings acct money than my other accounts... probably because it's my newer account and I think like LIFO... Last-in, First-Out. This should satisfy me until I get my rebate.

So new balance on savings #3... $700. sad to see it go down... but I rather my CC be closer to zero. A minor set-back to my plans, I'll get this back up shortly... with my automatic direct deposits to this account.


I may have to re-look at that.

600
200 - student loan pymt for July (May & June payment already saved for in CKING ACCT)
150 - parents for June
65 - cell phone bill for June (already paid May's with last paycheck)
50 - savings #2
135 - CC bills... I don't want to look at them anymore!



*** correction to my Roth IRA... the amount I've actually contributed is $1500. And the reason why my stated balance before was $1570 was because I have a self-directed brokerage IRA account. so the 70 was from the stocks in my account rising. So I'm adjusting this back to just the amount that I contribute, because it's easier to keep track up that way.


*** my challenge for the Month of May***
I always need to work towards something.
-have my 4 Credit cards total balance be below my last months balance of $650.
-even though savings is tough on a tight budget have a least a net savings addition to be at least $100.

until next time... hopefully no more set backs between now and then.

I really like the fact that I can view my paycheck before it direct deposits to my account on Wednesday. It allows for early planning. So by Wednesday I already have everything planned and I don't have to think about anything. Usually all my transfers, if any, are done... automatic bill pay is set up to come out the next day. Then I'm taken care of until next pay period.

This week.

$49 to 401K Pretax Money
$46 towards Tax
$16 towards Employee Stock Purchase (set aside until next Stock Purchase time, I think it's either at the end of May or beginning of June)
$50 towards Savings #1 (automatic Direct Deposit)
$25 towards Savings #3 (automatic Direct Deposit)
$25 towards my newly created Brokerage Account (automatic Direct Deposit)
the rest to my checking for bills


So Updated Balances

401K previous balance $419
addition (w/match) $49
new balance $468
(note: my 401K balance is actually higher than this because it's an investment portfolio so it fluctuates daily, so I'm just using the balance of what I actually put into my 401K (w/match).

Savings #1 previous balance $10,888
addition $50
new balance $10,938

Savings #3 previous balance 879
addition $25
CC payment $49 (for last month's gas purchase)
new balance $855


well that was easy... all that's left is actually getting paid. I see no need for adjustments this week, no extra transfers or rearranging of funds.

As for my Credit Cards. I've come up with a way to hopefully deter me from pulling them out and using... aside from actually leaving them out of my wallet. I only carry one credit card on me at all times. I called the number on the back of my 4 cards with balances on them. Wrote the balance of each of them on a post-it note and stuck the post-it on each card. So now when I pull out my credit card I "See" the balance of the card in front of me. And hopefully when I see the balance, I will change my mind about buying whatever it is I'm buying... except for gas of course because well, I need fuel for my car to get to work. And when I make a purchase I'll just update the balance on the post-it. Almost like an informal check book register. That way I have no reason to be surprised when I get the bill in the mail or via estatments.

Anyway, Until next time. Probably May 15th since that's when the interest on Savings #1 posts.

***I live by the words "pay yourself first" even if I'm not earning that much.***

Wow, I just happened to stumble across this site this morning searching for new ideas on how to save money on a tight income. A pretty neat idea.

Anyways I guess I should get started. I'm using this at a way for me to keep on track with my savings goal of someday retiring early (I don't want to work forever).

So here are my facts.
I'm 22 years old.
I just graduated from college a year ago. After all my grants and scholarships I was left with roughly $17,500 in student loans. My current balance on my student loans $15,487 (paying on it since October 2007).

I have 4 credit cards with a combined balance of roughly $650.00 (I really try to pay off my balance each month).

I still live at home unfortunately. I don't mind really because it's ALOT cheaper than living on my own, Northern Virginia is EXPENSIVE! Pay $150.00 in rent a month (I know that's nothing, my parents decide to give me a break considering that I'm paying $200.00 a month for my student loans).

I pay for my cell phone which is $65.00 a month

My car insurance is $500 every six months.
No car payment I paid that off my junior year in college, woo hoo.

Unfortunately I recently left my full-time job at a bank, in search for something more in my field of study. Unfortunately the job market is really slow. Luckily I still have my part-time job working retail with flexible hours, that will allow me to do my job search while still earning some kind of income.
My take-home pay dropped from $2000 a month to roughly $500 a month. A big difference.
I really want to continue saving.

This is my savings situation.
I have 3 savings account at 3 different institutions.
My savings #1 (my online savings that earns the higher interest) : $10,813 (this is the money I DO NOT touch, the money I set aside for my future, or... my emergency fund in case something happens I know I have this month to cover my student loans. [note: when I had my full-time job at the bank I was saving about 40% of that income, this is where most of this money came from]
My savings #2 (my oldest savings account, for everyday things) : $1,569 I'm trying to build this back up again, I took a big chunk of this out when I paid off all my credit card bills from college. This is the month that I'm allowed to touch if I need to cover some bills at the end of the month.
My savings #3 (my newest savings account, not quite sure what I'm going to use this for yet, just knew that I needed another account): $879

I have a 401K plan my with my part-time job, which I contribute 15% of my gross pay (pre-tax every two weeks) with a 4% company match. I just started this in January the balance is $378.

Another 5% of my gross pay from my part-time job goes towards an account set aside for employee stock purchase.

So with just $500 a month... how will I stretch it out so that I can still save after roughly $400 in monthly bills? Maybe I can pick up more hours at my part-time job between job searching to earn a little bit more. I figure it out and give bi-weekly updates on how I'm doing.