Payday was today, I get paid on the 15th and the 30/31st of each month. I paid the car note, the student loan note, the telephone bills (land and mobile), paid back the last money owed to a friend for some real estate fees (yeah!), gassed up the car (gas is $3.55/gal in my area), I transferred money to my HSA and I will pay my health insurance tomorrow. The middle of the month I usually pay my mortgage, my car insurance and my electric bill. I may pay it this week to get it out of the way. I just want to see my bill in-basket more on the empty side rather than the full side.
I'm working my second job this weekend, so I won't be food shopping for a lot of food (my meals will be covered). I do have a food shopping expedition planned for next week. Time to load up on various pantry staples that I am getting low on. That will help me with my meal planning that has gone to the wayside this past month. Not having various pantry staples makes me want to NOT cook or be a creative cook. Uninspired pasta and rice dishes very rarely satisfy the palate, don't make for good lunchovers, which leads to buying over priced food at our local (and only) deli/market close to work. A pint of soup costs $4. I can make 8 quarts of chicken soup for $6.
I will say, it does feel good to have the bills paid early!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
It's Official, I'm a LLC
The paperwork came from the state awhile ago, but I just got around to creating a file for it. As part of my "plan" to re-invent myself, I set myself up as an LLC. For some future unknown to me yet business. I liked the name of my LLC, and filed for it (so no one else could either). It's a name very identifiable with me, so it won't be revealed here.
The filing feels like such a grown up step-wait I AM a GROWN UP. I still feel like I'm 20 years old.
This is one step of a plan I am formulating for taking control of my working life. Small steps, but one that I got to do early for my October To Do list.
The filing feels like such a grown up step-wait I AM a GROWN UP. I still feel like I'm 20 years old.
This is one step of a plan I am formulating for taking control of my working life. Small steps, but one that I got to do early for my October To Do list.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Just When I Think I Have a Handle on All of This
Something crops up to totally undermine my fiscal self esteem. Big Sigh, I hate that feeling. I really do.
Like most people, I have my issues. Feeling insecure about myself when I'm feeling down is one of them. I let those nagging horrible feelings come through and surface in my mind and I play my own set of head games until I can snap out of it and "get a grip". This weekend was one of those head game weekends.
I visited some of my cousins I've not seen in ages. Like ten years plus. They only live 2 hours away, but it could be 20, our paths just don't cross that often. This past weekend I made an effort to touch base with them. And it cost me my sanity for most of yesterday.
It goes without saying that the Bankruptcy was more than a little hiccup in my life. Compounded by other personal and professional non successes last year made for a really crummy 2007 for me. 2008 is getting better, but it's by no means outstanding, but definitely better than 2007.
Fast forward to dinner yesterday afternoon. I'm sitting at the table listening to my cousins talk about homes, jobs, kids, trips, hobbies, and it all sounds so much better than my life. Almost without exception, my cousins are married or partnered up, own their own homes, have successful jobs, own successful businesses, and their kids are nice, well mannered, smart, bright kids. They really are. In one respect I'm very proud of my family. We are second and third generation immigrant offspring and they have lived the American dream. My grandparents came to this country with $30 in their pocket and knew no one. They raised 4 kids and supported and sponsored literally dozens of other relatives who made that trans Atlantic crossing to Ellis Island. The conversation was not about one upping one another, it was a passing of information on to the cousin who has done her own thing for so long and to get me back up to speed on the family. I'm pretty certain too that they don't have a ton of credit card debt or have faced bankruptcy either. Not 100% sure, but pretty certain. I felt like I had been left in the dust of my go getting relatives.
It's just tough for me to see what they have accomplished and for me to wonder why I can not or have not been able to compete (for lack or a better term) on the same level they have. I live in a shoe box house with bad flooring and a funky roof leak, they live in lovely suburban homes with hardwood floors, and granite and cherry kithens, they have family Sundays, I have Sundays at the laudromat. They have trips to Tuscany each year (rent a villa for 2 weeks), I had a trip to Canada for someone else's family party.
Maybe it is comparing apples and oranges, and usually I'm pleased for other folks who are able to do these lovely and fabulous things. This time, I really felt like the poor relative. I just felt out of touch and out of step with what the rest of the family has done.
I really hate those feelings...
Like most people, I have my issues. Feeling insecure about myself when I'm feeling down is one of them. I let those nagging horrible feelings come through and surface in my mind and I play my own set of head games until I can snap out of it and "get a grip". This weekend was one of those head game weekends.
I visited some of my cousins I've not seen in ages. Like ten years plus. They only live 2 hours away, but it could be 20, our paths just don't cross that often. This past weekend I made an effort to touch base with them. And it cost me my sanity for most of yesterday.
It goes without saying that the Bankruptcy was more than a little hiccup in my life. Compounded by other personal and professional non successes last year made for a really crummy 2007 for me. 2008 is getting better, but it's by no means outstanding, but definitely better than 2007.
Fast forward to dinner yesterday afternoon. I'm sitting at the table listening to my cousins talk about homes, jobs, kids, trips, hobbies, and it all sounds so much better than my life. Almost without exception, my cousins are married or partnered up, own their own homes, have successful jobs, own successful businesses, and their kids are nice, well mannered, smart, bright kids. They really are. In one respect I'm very proud of my family. We are second and third generation immigrant offspring and they have lived the American dream. My grandparents came to this country with $30 in their pocket and knew no one. They raised 4 kids and supported and sponsored literally dozens of other relatives who made that trans Atlantic crossing to Ellis Island. The conversation was not about one upping one another, it was a passing of information on to the cousin who has done her own thing for so long and to get me back up to speed on the family. I'm pretty certain too that they don't have a ton of credit card debt or have faced bankruptcy either. Not 100% sure, but pretty certain. I felt like I had been left in the dust of my go getting relatives.
It's just tough for me to see what they have accomplished and for me to wonder why I can not or have not been able to compete (for lack or a better term) on the same level they have. I live in a shoe box house with bad flooring and a funky roof leak, they live in lovely suburban homes with hardwood floors, and granite and cherry kithens, they have family Sundays, I have Sundays at the laudromat. They have trips to Tuscany each year (rent a villa for 2 weeks), I had a trip to Canada for someone else's family party.
Maybe it is comparing apples and oranges, and usually I'm pleased for other folks who are able to do these lovely and fabulous things. This time, I really felt like the poor relative. I just felt out of touch and out of step with what the rest of the family has done.
I really hate those feelings...
The Check Gets Deposited Wednesday
I previously posted about lending a friend some money. The catch was to have a check made out in advance so I could deposit it on a set date. That date is Wednesday. I'm going to drop the check into my account Wednesday on my way to work. It should clear my account by Thursday.
My friend has not called to say, No don't deposit it, so let's keep our finger crossed.
My friend has not called to say, No don't deposit it, so let's keep our finger crossed.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Another Way to Earn Frequent Flier Miles
Since I've been bankrupt, I've not been traveling as much by air (or at all-once in two and a half years). I used to for a variety of reasons, participate in airline travel several times a year.
Because I've not flown on USAir in awhile, I got my frequent flier miles yanked at the end of 2007. I had the options of losing the miles, taking a flight, or paying a yearly fee for the privilege of keeping my 28,000 miles.
What I have discovered is the two other airlines I have miles with now have a way for me to earn miles. I log into my frequent flier account and then I connect to a specific retailer-(Ebay, Half. com, Lands end, Circuit City). Presto! Frequent flier miles posted to my account. I bought a couple new skirts and a couple books and DVD's over the summer and now have "re-activated" my mileage accounts. The only down part to all of this was had I paid attention to the marketing e-mails about this promotion, I could have gotten a one time mileage credit of 3,000 for my phone upgrade that I did late last winter. It's not a retroactive credit regretfully.
I don't do that much shopping, but the odd purchase or two each month has kept my accounts active, and I occasionally earn multiple miles for each dollar spent.
Even those of us in budget mode should check this out. Think about it, frequent flier miles for your E-bay purchases!
Because I've not flown on USAir in awhile, I got my frequent flier miles yanked at the end of 2007. I had the options of losing the miles, taking a flight, or paying a yearly fee for the privilege of keeping my 28,000 miles.
What I have discovered is the two other airlines I have miles with now have a way for me to earn miles. I log into my frequent flier account and then I connect to a specific retailer-(Ebay, Half. com, Lands end, Circuit City). Presto! Frequent flier miles posted to my account. I bought a couple new skirts and a couple books and DVD's over the summer and now have "re-activated" my mileage accounts. The only down part to all of this was had I paid attention to the marketing e-mails about this promotion, I could have gotten a one time mileage credit of 3,000 for my phone upgrade that I did late last winter. It's not a retroactive credit regretfully.
I don't do that much shopping, but the odd purchase or two each month has kept my accounts active, and I occasionally earn multiple miles for each dollar spent.
Even those of us in budget mode should check this out. Think about it, frequent flier miles for your E-bay purchases!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Neither a Borrower or A Lender Be....
or says Hamlet
From Shakespeare's Hamlet, 1603:
LORD POLONIUS: Neither a borrower nor a lender be; For loan oft loses both itself and friend, And borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry.
This past weekend, I was a lender. With an explanation. Here is the tale.
I had my friend Adam call up a couple weeks ago and ask if he could crash on my couch for a couple nights, he was working in the area on a project, needed to be local, could not get a hotel reservation, and this would give us a chance to catch up. I said yes, come on by, you are welcome to stay, I've got some stuff going on, but we can catch up over dinner. Friday afternoon I called and left a message on his cell phone stating I was going to leave the office shortly, run by the grocery store-did he need anything. I get a call back about an hour later.
Adam: Hi-finished early today, got here, got settled, got your message.
BB: Great! I've got a dinner reservation at The Bar for 6:15 PM, we can grab a quick bite to eat.
Adam: The Bar sounds fine to me.
BB: Do you need anything from the grocery store?
Adam: Wellll, no, but ah, two of my clients have not paid me yet, can you lend me $200 until the trade show in 10 days?
BB: Four beats of silence-then "OK, but I'm not going by the bank until sometime on Saturday, it's not on my way home and I don't have that much cash in my wallet, can you wait?
Adam: Yes and thanks. Noticeable relief in his voice. Noticeable.
I lent Adam the money because a couple years ago when I switched jobs there was a delay with payroll processing and then another delay when my paycheck was mailed to me instead of being direct deposited. Our accounting office is not local to my current job. He kindly fronted me a bit more than $200 until all my checks came in and things got sorted. I paid him back once the dust settled. I know his business, I know his clients who are late payers, I know Adam will pay me back. (fingers crossed).
What disturbed me about lending the money was the following. Adam and I sat over dinner and talked about his business (he works as a "consultant" as well). He stated that due to the economy, his yearly income is down by at least 1/3rd if not almost 1/2 of what it was the year before. Plus he has several clients, habitual late payers, that are even paying later. He's had to be more creative with his travel, temporary employees, expenditures and finances. Adam told me he was paid and up to date on all his bills, nothing in arrears, but very little if anything left over for this month. (Hence the temporary loan from me). I have also done some freelance work for Adam, one time working on site at a clients office gathering information. The client was in an ultra chatty mood and told me that while he liked Adam as a person and his work was acceptable, he was having an issue with some of the incidental expenses that got tacked on to almost all of Adam's projects. I cheerfully replied, I'm just the gatherer of information, I don't handle the billing! I've heard this before. Adam does good work, but the incidental expenses at times seemed high.
Adam and I went to dinner and Adam decided to have three glasses of wine at $8.25 a pop, a fairly pricey meat dish, plus an appetizer and dessert. I had soup, a burger, and two beers. My meal cost was $22 including tax and tip-give or take a buck or two, Adam's was $60 excluding tax and tip. How do I know this? Adam grabbed the check and said "The meal is on me", but forgot to pick up the receipt. I picked it up and dropped it in my bag to bring it back to the house. The next night, a similar situation. I call some mutual friends and the four of us go out for Mexican food. I'm not feeling all that flush with cash (budget, just doing a temporary loan) or hungry, so I order an appetizer, eat more than my fair share of chips and salsa and am willing to pay my fair share of the margarita's. Adam has several Margarita's, an appetizer and a main course.
The conversation turns to our jobs and expenses. Adam again says he's having a cash flow problem with a couple clients. He again grabs the check, takes cash from the others in the party and puts the meal on his AmEx. Because he is on a business trip, we discussed business, this is a business expense and he will bill his clients.
IF Adam is having a such a cash flow problem, WILL he be able to pay his AmEx when the bill comes due? I have no idea. I did make Adam give me a check for the $200 that I will deposit to my account no later than the day before the trade show he will be attending. That was the stipulation for me forking over the cash. I made it very clear and asked that the check be dated accordingly. I'm not just going to fork over the cash without a little collateral.
At first I really thought Adam was joking about the temporary loan. After our dinner conversation on Friday, I realized he was not. I also saw all those warning signs-paying for things with his credit card, taking cash from others (sounds like he has no cash of his own). He told me he has had to pre-bill several clients for work not yet completed (even his good payers) on two current projects and the upcoming trade show expenses were almost 1/3rd more this year than last. As I listened to the conversation, I could also hear that while a lot of lip service was paid to "cutting expenses" due to "decreased income" that in all likely hood, I really wondered if that was the case. What I saw was a lack of good money management on Adams part and an unwillingness to really cut his expenses (how about a burger instead of a steak?)
Oh well. I made the loan as a payback for a kindness done for me. Let's just hope Adams check doesn't bounce between my bank and his. I'll let you know what happens with that in two weeks.
From Shakespeare's Hamlet, 1603:
LORD POLONIUS: Neither a borrower nor a lender be; For loan oft loses both itself and friend, And borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry.
This past weekend, I was a lender. With an explanation. Here is the tale.
I had my friend Adam call up a couple weeks ago and ask if he could crash on my couch for a couple nights, he was working in the area on a project, needed to be local, could not get a hotel reservation, and this would give us a chance to catch up. I said yes, come on by, you are welcome to stay, I've got some stuff going on, but we can catch up over dinner. Friday afternoon I called and left a message on his cell phone stating I was going to leave the office shortly, run by the grocery store-did he need anything. I get a call back about an hour later.
Adam: Hi-finished early today, got here, got settled, got your message.
BB: Great! I've got a dinner reservation at The Bar for 6:15 PM, we can grab a quick bite to eat.
Adam: The Bar sounds fine to me.
BB: Do you need anything from the grocery store?
Adam: Wellll, no, but ah, two of my clients have not paid me yet, can you lend me $200 until the trade show in 10 days?
BB: Four beats of silence-then "OK, but I'm not going by the bank until sometime on Saturday, it's not on my way home and I don't have that much cash in my wallet, can you wait?
Adam: Yes and thanks. Noticeable relief in his voice. Noticeable.
I lent Adam the money because a couple years ago when I switched jobs there was a delay with payroll processing and then another delay when my paycheck was mailed to me instead of being direct deposited. Our accounting office is not local to my current job. He kindly fronted me a bit more than $200 until all my checks came in and things got sorted. I paid him back once the dust settled. I know his business, I know his clients who are late payers, I know Adam will pay me back. (fingers crossed).
What disturbed me about lending the money was the following. Adam and I sat over dinner and talked about his business (he works as a "consultant" as well). He stated that due to the economy, his yearly income is down by at least 1/3rd if not almost 1/2 of what it was the year before. Plus he has several clients, habitual late payers, that are even paying later. He's had to be more creative with his travel, temporary employees, expenditures and finances. Adam told me he was paid and up to date on all his bills, nothing in arrears, but very little if anything left over for this month. (Hence the temporary loan from me). I have also done some freelance work for Adam, one time working on site at a clients office gathering information. The client was in an ultra chatty mood and told me that while he liked Adam as a person and his work was acceptable, he was having an issue with some of the incidental expenses that got tacked on to almost all of Adam's projects. I cheerfully replied, I'm just the gatherer of information, I don't handle the billing! I've heard this before. Adam does good work, but the incidental expenses at times seemed high.
Adam and I went to dinner and Adam decided to have three glasses of wine at $8.25 a pop, a fairly pricey meat dish, plus an appetizer and dessert. I had soup, a burger, and two beers. My meal cost was $22 including tax and tip-give or take a buck or two, Adam's was $60 excluding tax and tip. How do I know this? Adam grabbed the check and said "The meal is on me", but forgot to pick up the receipt. I picked it up and dropped it in my bag to bring it back to the house. The next night, a similar situation. I call some mutual friends and the four of us go out for Mexican food. I'm not feeling all that flush with cash (budget, just doing a temporary loan) or hungry, so I order an appetizer, eat more than my fair share of chips and salsa and am willing to pay my fair share of the margarita's. Adam has several Margarita's, an appetizer and a main course.
The conversation turns to our jobs and expenses. Adam again says he's having a cash flow problem with a couple clients. He again grabs the check, takes cash from the others in the party and puts the meal on his AmEx. Because he is on a business trip, we discussed business, this is a business expense and he will bill his clients.
IF Adam is having a such a cash flow problem, WILL he be able to pay his AmEx when the bill comes due? I have no idea. I did make Adam give me a check for the $200 that I will deposit to my account no later than the day before the trade show he will be attending. That was the stipulation for me forking over the cash. I made it very clear and asked that the check be dated accordingly. I'm not just going to fork over the cash without a little collateral.
At first I really thought Adam was joking about the temporary loan. After our dinner conversation on Friday, I realized he was not. I also saw all those warning signs-paying for things with his credit card, taking cash from others (sounds like he has no cash of his own). He told me he has had to pre-bill several clients for work not yet completed (even his good payers) on two current projects and the upcoming trade show expenses were almost 1/3rd more this year than last. As I listened to the conversation, I could also hear that while a lot of lip service was paid to "cutting expenses" due to "decreased income" that in all likely hood, I really wondered if that was the case. What I saw was a lack of good money management on Adams part and an unwillingness to really cut his expenses (how about a burger instead of a steak?)
Oh well. I made the loan as a payback for a kindness done for me. Let's just hope Adams check doesn't bounce between my bank and his. I'll let you know what happens with that in two weeks.
Monday, September 22, 2008
The Busmans Holiday
It was a lovely weekend here in New England, a perfect way to end the summer. What did I do with my time off. Went to watch a local horse show. I was not working one, but instead went to watch some folks from my barn compete at a local show. It was fun to sit ringside and watch everyone do their thing and not have to worry about running back to the set up to get horses and riders ready.
Great way to spend a warm sunny Sunday.
Great way to spend a warm sunny Sunday.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
More of Hindrence Than A Help
At my regular full time job, we recently lost an employee, she went on vacation and literally, never came back to work. She just upped and quit. That was sort of a blessing in disguise. My office has slowed down and we don't need an extra person at the moment. The company is saving money, but we have these times when we need an extra person in the office. Like a few days this week and last week.
The solution, my boss is having his wife help out. She is a very nice person, but not very computer literate, she tries, but lets just say she tries. It's better if she does other work, not computer work. She wants to be more adapt at the computer, but I am not a good enough teacher/trainer to work with her, other than to do the basics.
I've been working on a project today and unbeknown to me, she has tried to "help me out" by putting some information on our public website. This is not good. Our web site is designed to be " point click and shoot", sort of idiot proof, but you do need some computer savvy to make it work and keep our customers happy.
I will now spend the remainder of the day undoing all the work she did, a wast of my time, and very frustrating. Had I realized what she was doing, I would have switched gears so to speak to do the computer work. ...UGHHHHH.
The solution, my boss is having his wife help out. She is a very nice person, but not very computer literate, she tries, but lets just say she tries. It's better if she does other work, not computer work. She wants to be more adapt at the computer, but I am not a good enough teacher/trainer to work with her, other than to do the basics.
I've been working on a project today and unbeknown to me, she has tried to "help me out" by putting some information on our public website. This is not good. Our web site is designed to be " point click and shoot", sort of idiot proof, but you do need some computer savvy to make it work and keep our customers happy.
I will now spend the remainder of the day undoing all the work she did, a wast of my time, and very frustrating. Had I realized what she was doing, I would have switched gears so to speak to do the computer work. ...UGHHHHH.
Another Reason I Like ALDI-Part 3
I've posted before that I'm doing more and more of my shopping at ALDI. The ALDI does not carry extensive inventory, that's not their style and they admit it. They do carry the basics plus some extras and that's ok. I needed to do a basics shop this week. I got my usual eggs, cereal, canned goods, flour, sugar, some frozen veg etc. I had two full bags of groceries and walked out of there spending $20.16.
My cupboards are slowly getting re-stocked for the next few months (pasta, rice, beans, canned goods) and I'm not spending a ton of money. I'm not brave enough to try their meats. I have a good local grocery store that has very fresh, very good, and fairly priced meats, cut by an in store butcher. I'm a little leery of meat that has traveled half way across the country pre-packaged. (think all those salmonella outbreaks).
My cupboards are slowly getting re-stocked for the next few months (pasta, rice, beans, canned goods) and I'm not spending a ton of money. I'm not brave enough to try their meats. I have a good local grocery store that has very fresh, very good, and fairly priced meats, cut by an in store butcher. I'm a little leery of meat that has traveled half way across the country pre-packaged. (think all those salmonella outbreaks).
Monday, September 15, 2008
Successful Weekend And Looking Ahead.
I had a decent weekend tackling my to do list. I did another clutter/possession purge, made a trip to the town dump, got the returnables back to the store, managed to get my laundry done, met up with some friends and got treated to lunch on Sunday, solved my couch cushion dilemma, and actually went to a movie. I went to the movies because it was too muggy and humid to do yard work (well that was my excuse) and I've not been to the movies in ages. I saw Burn After Reading and really liked it. I love the Cohen Brothers!
I do consider the weekend successful on a couple levels, not only did I get some long neglected chores done, but I've been working very hard on changing my mindset these past couple months. Look at the glass half full instead of half empty. Be more of a Pollyanna. Look on the Bright Side of Life. Ditch the Negative People.
My long and lengthy to do list is still pretty long, but I was able to finish some outstanding projects and I've made substantial headway in my two main goals of the month and we are just halfway through September. When I looked at the list last night, I did not think, wow, I've got soo much left to do, instead it was "Wow I got a lot done and I got to have some fun as well! " That is a big improvement for me, a big improvement.
What has this got to do with Personal Finance. It's about realizing how far you have come towards your goals. Weather it's debt reduction or savings, I see and read a lot of blogs where people are complaining I have soo much debt left, or I am so far away from my savings goal. I'm here to say, give yourselves a pat on the back and look at what you have achieved. I know I've made some less than sensible decisions on how to spend my money recently and I've griped about my E-fund at a standstill. BUT I have an E-Fund now, last year at this time I was going crazy with the Bankruptcy filing, saving any money was just something I did not and could think about.
Try to spend some time congratulating your selves on your financial successess. Congratulate your selves on finding ways to monitize your blogs, sell things on E-bay/Craig's List, that you are truly getting the concept of snowflaking, you've started an Emergency Fund. Congratulate yourself on taking those steps that need to be taken and take a few moments to enjoy the day. You deserve it!
I do consider the weekend successful on a couple levels, not only did I get some long neglected chores done, but I've been working very hard on changing my mindset these past couple months. Look at the glass half full instead of half empty. Be more of a Pollyanna. Look on the Bright Side of Life. Ditch the Negative People.
My long and lengthy to do list is still pretty long, but I was able to finish some outstanding projects and I've made substantial headway in my two main goals of the month and we are just halfway through September. When I looked at the list last night, I did not think, wow, I've got soo much left to do, instead it was "Wow I got a lot done and I got to have some fun as well! " That is a big improvement for me, a big improvement.
What has this got to do with Personal Finance. It's about realizing how far you have come towards your goals. Weather it's debt reduction or savings, I see and read a lot of blogs where people are complaining I have soo much debt left, or I am so far away from my savings goal. I'm here to say, give yourselves a pat on the back and look at what you have achieved. I know I've made some less than sensible decisions on how to spend my money recently and I've griped about my E-fund at a standstill. BUT I have an E-Fund now, last year at this time I was going crazy with the Bankruptcy filing, saving any money was just something I did not and could think about.
Try to spend some time congratulating your selves on your financial successess. Congratulate your selves on finding ways to monitize your blogs, sell things on E-bay/Craig's List, that you are truly getting the concept of snowflaking, you've started an Emergency Fund. Congratulate yourself on taking those steps that need to be taken and take a few moments to enjoy the day. You deserve it!
Ask and You Shall Receive
Ask I did! I ran into a freind of mine over the weekend. The topic of the conversation was "What are you doing this weekend?" I rattled out my to do/errands list and also said mentioned my impending insulation replacement project. I also said I was having a tough time finding reliable home improvement people that would 1) take on my small jobs and 2) not charge me an arm and a leg. We chatted for a few more minutes and went on our merry way.
The next day I got a call. My friend gave me the number of a young man who works in her company. He does things like painting, odd jobs and yes, would even do the insulation work. I talked to the young man, he offered references, understood the scope of the work (working in a very small dirty crawl space) and said he would stop by to give a quote. His hourly rate for painting was $11/hour and the odd job rate as $15. This may be too good to be true, but in the course of our conversation he said he is doing select small jobs to help fund a down payment account for his first house. He said at this time, he prefers to "hand select" a few customers who pay promptly and can work with his full time schedule.
All of the above, I can handle. Sooo, keep your fingers crossed, I'm to get an estimate in a couple days and lets hope it all works out!
The next day I got a call. My friend gave me the number of a young man who works in her company. He does things like painting, odd jobs and yes, would even do the insulation work. I talked to the young man, he offered references, understood the scope of the work (working in a very small dirty crawl space) and said he would stop by to give a quote. His hourly rate for painting was $11/hour and the odd job rate as $15. This may be too good to be true, but in the course of our conversation he said he is doing select small jobs to help fund a down payment account for his first house. He said at this time, he prefers to "hand select" a few customers who pay promptly and can work with his full time schedule.
All of the above, I can handle. Sooo, keep your fingers crossed, I'm to get an estimate in a couple days and lets hope it all works out!
A Good Purchase
I have a love seat that I use as my couch. I got it second hand and it works just fine for me in my small space. It also folds out to a single bed, handy for the odd guest that stays over.
The back cushion for the love seat was made of fiberfill and lost it's umpf and cushioning a long time ago. And one of the dogs decided the cushioning would make a great play toy and shredded half of it as well. I decided to replace it with some sturdy upholstery foam. Until I went shopping and found out that the high density foam I wanted would cost around $70. I also needed to have the cushion cover repaired replaced. The fabric around the zipper had worn and torn, the whole assembly was not good. I was quoted at least $30 to fix the zipper and "remake" the cushion cover by the seamstress at the dry cleaners. I was also not prepared to spend $100 on a new cushion for a used couch.
The solution came to me this weekend while at TJ Maxx, just browsing the isles. I was pricing out accent pillows to use as the cushion. I was not impressed by the choices left (wrong color, ultra shiny fabric, wrong size), but a trip down the sleep isle yielded a two pack of European Sized Bed Pillows (26 x26) with a plain white cover for $19.99. The pillows fit nicely side by side on the couch, provide enough cushioning and best of all, the cost was $19.99. I should have enough fabric from the old cushion cover to make covers for the new pillows. If not, I can pick up a couple yards of fabric in a complimentary shade and make a "front side" and a "back side". For less than $30 and about a hour on the sewing machine, I've just saved myself $70 and I have spiffy new pillows as well.
The back cushion for the love seat was made of fiberfill and lost it's umpf and cushioning a long time ago. And one of the dogs decided the cushioning would make a great play toy and shredded half of it as well. I decided to replace it with some sturdy upholstery foam. Until I went shopping and found out that the high density foam I wanted would cost around $70. I also needed to have the cushion cover repaired replaced. The fabric around the zipper had worn and torn, the whole assembly was not good. I was quoted at least $30 to fix the zipper and "remake" the cushion cover by the seamstress at the dry cleaners. I was also not prepared to spend $100 on a new cushion for a used couch.
The solution came to me this weekend while at TJ Maxx, just browsing the isles. I was pricing out accent pillows to use as the cushion. I was not impressed by the choices left (wrong color, ultra shiny fabric, wrong size), but a trip down the sleep isle yielded a two pack of European Sized Bed Pillows (26 x26) with a plain white cover for $19.99. The pillows fit nicely side by side on the couch, provide enough cushioning and best of all, the cost was $19.99. I should have enough fabric from the old cushion cover to make covers for the new pillows. If not, I can pick up a couple yards of fabric in a complimentary shade and make a "front side" and a "back side". For less than $30 and about a hour on the sewing machine, I've just saved myself $70 and I have spiffy new pillows as well.
Joining Me in Bankruptcy Is....
Sherson Lehman Brothers, the big Wall Street investment bank. You can read about them and their decision to file for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy here.
Merrill Lynch has "announced a new partnership with Bank of America" You can read about that deal here.
Merrill Lynch and BOA are hosting a webcast of their press conference, today at 10 AM. If you so desire, you can click here to get the link.
It's a good think I keep telling myself that my little investment account is set up for the long term, not the short term....
Lovely Monday Morning news, just lovely,
But Seriously, hope you all had a great weekend.
Merrill Lynch has "announced a new partnership with Bank of America" You can read about that deal here.
Merrill Lynch and BOA are hosting a webcast of their press conference, today at 10 AM. If you so desire, you can click here to get the link.
It's a good think I keep telling myself that my little investment account is set up for the long term, not the short term....
Lovely Monday Morning news, just lovely,
But Seriously, hope you all had a great weekend.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Rain-Again
It's raining again here in New England. As Mark Twain said, if you don't like the weather, wait 10 minutes and it will change. I've waited 10 minutes, it did not change.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Saying No Because I Just Don't Need It
My neighbors kids are of that age where a couple times a year, they have fundraisers. They usually hit me up for a purchase. This year I turned down the magazine fundraiser because I just don't need any more magazines. I currently subscribed to 4 magazines, one of which I will not renew, I'm just not enjoying it enough to continuing to pay for it for another year. My cost in magazine subscriptions for the year is $48.
I've also said no to a couple other things. No to the extended warranty on my new $30 DVD player (the old one finally and truly died), no to the extended coverage on my new glasses (I only wear them evenings and occasionally on the weekends). I've said no thanks to the guys at the oil change place who want to change the air filter in my car for twice the price that it would cost me to buy the filter myself and replace myself. I've said no to the guys at the car wash, I don't need the tires on my car to be spiffy and shiny (Not at $25, I can buy a can of tire shiner for $8 and do it myself multiple times) I've said no thanks to going to some women's fundraiser/auction luncheon because I just can not justify spending $35 on a lunch for a cause I've got no interest in and really don't want to bid at the silent auction (therefor saving another $30-$100).
In the past I would have (and did) take a magazine subscription or would have gone to the luncheon and bid on something because it was expected. My friend who asked me to go to the luncheon was a bit taken aback when I said (very politely) I've done my charitable giving for this year and there is no more room at the Inn. I've attended this luncheon 6 out of the past 8 years (more for my friend than for the cause) and I've opted out.
What have you said no to recently?
I've also said no to a couple other things. No to the extended warranty on my new $30 DVD player (the old one finally and truly died), no to the extended coverage on my new glasses (I only wear them evenings and occasionally on the weekends). I've said no thanks to the guys at the oil change place who want to change the air filter in my car for twice the price that it would cost me to buy the filter myself and replace myself. I've said no to the guys at the car wash, I don't need the tires on my car to be spiffy and shiny (Not at $25, I can buy a can of tire shiner for $8 and do it myself multiple times) I've said no thanks to going to some women's fundraiser/auction luncheon because I just can not justify spending $35 on a lunch for a cause I've got no interest in and really don't want to bid at the silent auction (therefor saving another $30-$100).
In the past I would have (and did) take a magazine subscription or would have gone to the luncheon and bid on something because it was expected. My friend who asked me to go to the luncheon was a bit taken aback when I said (very politely) I've done my charitable giving for this year and there is no more room at the Inn. I've attended this luncheon 6 out of the past 8 years (more for my friend than for the cause) and I've opted out.
What have you said no to recently?
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
The Second Goal
My second of two goals for this month was to get some quotes for some Home Improvement work that must be done at the house.
I got a quote of $350 labor only for someone to come, rip out the old insulation and install new insulation at my home. I have not had a chance to go to the Home Depot or Lowes to price out rolls of insulation or to research it at all. The contractor wants $50/hr to do the work (8x50=250), plus an additional $100 for an assistant to help him out. I have nary a clue if the $50 is reasonable, overpriced or what. To me it sounds a bit much, but I have not hired anyone to do work at the house in a couple years. I'm going to make a few more calls and get a couple more quotes.
I've got a call into a couple people for new gutters as well. My old gutters are not functioning, and that's been on my replacement list since I bought the house.
Just slowly working on that second goal!
I got a quote of $350 labor only for someone to come, rip out the old insulation and install new insulation at my home. I have not had a chance to go to the Home Depot or Lowes to price out rolls of insulation or to research it at all. The contractor wants $50/hr to do the work (8x50=250), plus an additional $100 for an assistant to help him out. I have nary a clue if the $50 is reasonable, overpriced or what. To me it sounds a bit much, but I have not hired anyone to do work at the house in a couple years. I'm going to make a few more calls and get a couple more quotes.
I've got a call into a couple people for new gutters as well. My old gutters are not functioning, and that's been on my replacement list since I bought the house.
Just slowly working on that second goal!
The Weekend Plan
I've got this upcoming weekend booked with a to do list that goes against my edict of earlier this month to NOT over load the To Do list with easy to accomplish minutia. That lasted all of 10 days.
The storms last weekend sort of flattened a couple of my flower beds, knocked down a bunch of sunflowers, and I have some neglected gardening to do anyway. The weather is questionable (as of this am), but as long as it's not a downpour, I think I'll start deadheading flowers, plant bulbs, work on the mulch pile, I did mow the lawn last night, you know, start to put the garden to bed for the winter. I just have this feeling that winter will come early to New England.....
My big plan for the weekend is to actually paint my bedroom. I have been mulling this over for almost 2 years and now is the weekend to do this. I have to get this done, I have to refresh my space. I'm tired of looking at my walls and going-they need to be painted.
I will be meeting a friend for pizza and beer on Saturday night. We get together once a month (we missed August), we catchup on gossip, we BS with each other and we just hang out. One month I treat, one month she treats. The system works out well and after a day of moving furniture and painting, I know I won't be in the mood to cook myself some dinner. Exciting isn't it?
The storms last weekend sort of flattened a couple of my flower beds, knocked down a bunch of sunflowers, and I have some neglected gardening to do anyway. The weather is questionable (as of this am), but as long as it's not a downpour, I think I'll start deadheading flowers, plant bulbs, work on the mulch pile, I did mow the lawn last night, you know, start to put the garden to bed for the winter. I just have this feeling that winter will come early to New England.....
My big plan for the weekend is to actually paint my bedroom. I have been mulling this over for almost 2 years and now is the weekend to do this. I have to get this done, I have to refresh my space. I'm tired of looking at my walls and going-they need to be painted.
I will be meeting a friend for pizza and beer on Saturday night. We get together once a month (we missed August), we catchup on gossip, we BS with each other and we just hang out. One month I treat, one month she treats. The system works out well and after a day of moving furniture and painting, I know I won't be in the mood to cook myself some dinner. Exciting isn't it?
Sooo Much Rain, Sooo Little Work
The remnants of the Hurrican blew through New England on Saturday. My area got 5.5 inches of rain on Saturday afternoon alone. This also ment the event I was supposed to work was cancelled. I hate that. Cancelled work means reduced or no pay. Since we were already at the barn and getting set to go, I did get some compensation, not alot, but some. The decision was made to "abandon ship" because of the storm. We ended up unpacking the trailer and a couple of us got pizza for dinner (our boss bought it for us, which was nice of him to do so.)
I'll have to find a way to make up the "budget shortfall" this month.
I'll have to find a way to make up the "budget shortfall" this month.
August ~Not as Bad As I Thought
I knew I spent a lot of money on gas during August. Despite my plan to not do many things, I ended up driving someplace each weekend. And that meant getting gas each weekend instead of every 10-12 days.
I looked at my bank statement yesterday and while my gas purchases were high, the rest of my expenses (excluding my medical bills) were low. I had more money left over than I had anticipated! Good thing in my book. Almost all my bills were paid (I forgot to pay my phone bill, $35), I had food in the cupboards, I was organized and paid a bunch of September bills early.
I had posted in August that I felt like I was getting my fiscal life back, which I was. I then went into a bit of tailspin, doubts crept in, work was crazy, second job up in the air and I started to wonder IF the plan I had was actually working. I think it is and I'm starting to feel better again about my fiscal life.
I looked at my bank statement yesterday and while my gas purchases were high, the rest of my expenses (excluding my medical bills) were low. I had more money left over than I had anticipated! Good thing in my book. Almost all my bills were paid (I forgot to pay my phone bill, $35), I had food in the cupboards, I was organized and paid a bunch of September bills early.
I had posted in August that I felt like I was getting my fiscal life back, which I was. I then went into a bit of tailspin, doubts crept in, work was crazy, second job up in the air and I started to wonder IF the plan I had was actually working. I think it is and I'm starting to feel better again about my fiscal life.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Random Food thoughs
Here's a list of 100 odd foods. Everything in Purple I've tried, and in italics there is no way I would ever eat it! I've been pretty adventurous in my food, how about you?
1. Venison
2. Nettle tea
3. Huevos rancheros
4. Steak tartare
5. Crocodile
6. Black pudding
7. Cheese fondue
8. Carp
9. Borscht
10. Baba ghanoush
11. Calamari
12. Pho
13. PB&J sandwich
14. Aloo gobi
15. Hot dog from a street cart
16. Epoisses
17. Black truffle
18. Fruit wine made from something other than grapes
19. Steamed pork buns
20. Pistachio ice cream
21. Heirloom tomatoes
22. Fresh wild berries
23. Foie gras
24. Rice and beans
25. Brawn, or head cheese
26. Raw Scotch Bonnet pepper
27. Dulce de leche
28. Oysters
29. Baklava
30. Bagna cauda
31. Wasabi peas
32. Clam chowder in a sourdough bowl
33. Salted lassi
34. Sauerkraut
35. Root beer float
36. Cognac with a fat cigar (i've had the cognac)
37. Clotted cream tea
38. Vodka jelly/Jell-O
39. Gumbo
40. Oxtail
41. Curried goat
42. Whole insects
43. Phaal
44. Goat’s milk
45. Malt whisky from a bottle worth £60/$120 or more
46. Fugu
47. Chicken tikka masala
48. Eel
49. Krispy Kreme original glazed doughnut
50. Sea urchin
51. Prickly pear
52. Umeboshi
53. Abalone
54. Paneer
55. McDonald’s Big Mac Meal
56. Spaetzle
57. Dirty gin martini
58. Beer above 8% ABV
59. Poutine
60. Carob chips
61. S’mores
62. Sweetbreads
63. Kaolin
64. Currywurst
65. Durian
66. Frogs’ legs
67. Beignets, churros, elephant ears or funnel cake
68. Haggis (i've seen what it really is)
69. Fried plantain
70. Chitterlings, or andouillette (ranks up there with haggis Yuck)
71. Gazpacho
72. Caviar and blini
73. Louche absinthe
74. Gjetost, or brunost
75. Roadkill
76. Baijiu
77. Hostess Fruit Pie
78. Snail
79. Lapsang souchong
80. Bellini
81. Tom yum
82. Eggs Benedict
83. Pocky
84. Tasting menu at a three-Michelin-star restaurant.
85. Kobe beef
86. Hare
87. Goulash
88. Flowers
89. Horse
90. Criollo chocolate
91. Spam
92. Soft shell crab
93. Rose harissa
94. Catfish
95. Mole poblano
96. Bagel and lox
97. Lobster Thermidor
98. Polenta
99. Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee
100. Snake
So, how did I do?
Foods eaten: 65.5
Foods I don't ever want to try: 17
1. Venison
2. Nettle tea
3. Huevos rancheros
4. Steak tartare
5. Crocodile
6. Black pudding
7. Cheese fondue
8. Carp
9. Borscht
10. Baba ghanoush
11. Calamari
12. Pho
13. PB&J sandwich
14. Aloo gobi
15. Hot dog from a street cart
16. Epoisses
17. Black truffle
18. Fruit wine made from something other than grapes
19. Steamed pork buns
20. Pistachio ice cream
21. Heirloom tomatoes
22. Fresh wild berries
23. Foie gras
24. Rice and beans
25. Brawn, or head cheese
26. Raw Scotch Bonnet pepper
27. Dulce de leche
28. Oysters
29. Baklava
30. Bagna cauda
31. Wasabi peas
32. Clam chowder in a sourdough bowl
33. Salted lassi
34. Sauerkraut
35. Root beer float
36. Cognac with a fat cigar (i've had the cognac)
37. Clotted cream tea
38. Vodka jelly/Jell-O
39. Gumbo
40. Oxtail
41. Curried goat
42. Whole insects
43. Phaal
44. Goat’s milk
45. Malt whisky from a bottle worth £60/$120 or more
46. Fugu
47. Chicken tikka masala
48. Eel
49. Krispy Kreme original glazed doughnut
50. Sea urchin
51. Prickly pear
52. Umeboshi
53. Abalone
54. Paneer
55. McDonald’s Big Mac Meal
56. Spaetzle
57. Dirty gin martini
58. Beer above 8% ABV
59. Poutine
60. Carob chips
61. S’mores
62. Sweetbreads
63. Kaolin
64. Currywurst
65. Durian
66. Frogs’ legs
67. Beignets, churros, elephant ears or funnel cake
68. Haggis (i've seen what it really is)
69. Fried plantain
70. Chitterlings, or andouillette (ranks up there with haggis Yuck)
71. Gazpacho
72. Caviar and blini
73. Louche absinthe
74. Gjetost, or brunost
75. Roadkill
76. Baijiu
77. Hostess Fruit Pie
78. Snail
79. Lapsang souchong
80. Bellini
81. Tom yum
82. Eggs Benedict
83. Pocky
84. Tasting menu at a three-Michelin-star restaurant.
85. Kobe beef
86. Hare
87. Goulash
88. Flowers
89. Horse
90. Criollo chocolate
91. Spam
92. Soft shell crab
93. Rose harissa
94. Catfish
95. Mole poblano
96. Bagel and lox
97. Lobster Thermidor
98. Polenta
99. Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee
100. Snake
So, how did I do?
Foods eaten: 65.5
Foods I don't ever want to try: 17
I Should Be..
1) doing my work instead of posting on my blog.
2) re-working my September budget instead of surfing the web for a new bed.
3) making my final decision on paint for my bedroom and setting a fixed date to paint.
4) at the gym instead of watching That 70's show re-runs.
Can you tell I'm in a bit of a slump? My motivation to do things, most things, any thing, is running really low. Even by cutting myself some slack and only making my goal list very small, I still feel un-motivated to do things. I don't mind coming to work, but I use every opportunity to surf the net (at least this week I am). Not good.....
I could have snuck over to the neighbors to do one last load of laundry (they came home late last night), but I had fed the cats and the smelly ferrets Wednesday AM and just did not want to walk the 75 feet from my house to theirs to do a load of laundry. I did watch bad TV reruns and even skipped out on going to the gym this week.
Dear me....
2) re-working my September budget instead of surfing the web for a new bed.
3) making my final decision on paint for my bedroom and setting a fixed date to paint.
4) at the gym instead of watching That 70's show re-runs.
Can you tell I'm in a bit of a slump? My motivation to do things, most things, any thing, is running really low. Even by cutting myself some slack and only making my goal list very small, I still feel un-motivated to do things. I don't mind coming to work, but I use every opportunity to surf the net (at least this week I am). Not good.....
I could have snuck over to the neighbors to do one last load of laundry (they came home late last night), but I had fed the cats and the smelly ferrets Wednesday AM and just did not want to walk the 75 feet from my house to theirs to do a load of laundry. I did watch bad TV reruns and even skipped out on going to the gym this week.
Dear me....
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Be Careful of What You Wish For
..you may just get it.
I've been harping on about my second job is it still in existence for me or not? I have scheduled for the month of September, enough shifts to pay for my car note and then some. It looks like I'm still gainfully employed! That is actually great news for me, not great news for my weekends.
All of a sudden, my weekends have booked up with work, home improvement projects, and friends visiting.
The good thing is I've met one my two goals for the month,-gaining enough income for the car note. Now to work on the second one, getting those home improvement projects done.
I've been harping on about my second job is it still in existence for me or not? I have scheduled for the month of September, enough shifts to pay for my car note and then some. It looks like I'm still gainfully employed! That is actually great news for me, not great news for my weekends.
All of a sudden, my weekends have booked up with work, home improvement projects, and friends visiting.
The good thing is I've met one my two goals for the month,-gaining enough income for the car note. Now to work on the second one, getting those home improvement projects done.
Lots of Driving, But A Good Trip
I had a very nice weekend. The weather co-operated all three days, the animals that came with me were well behaved, my friends are lovely and it was nice to get away. I need a few more weekends of AWAY.
The only downer to the weekend was the shopping. I went off to the land of the outlet malls with 4 items on my list of things to buy. I got one. I really need/want all 4 items. This was the first time in about three visits to the land of the outlet malls that I did not find items I needed/wanted. I may have to pay RETAIL. Ah well, it was what it was.
The only downer to the weekend was the shopping. I went off to the land of the outlet malls with 4 items on my list of things to buy. I got one. I really need/want all 4 items. This was the first time in about three visits to the land of the outlet malls that I did not find items I needed/wanted. I may have to pay RETAIL. Ah well, it was what it was.
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