I hate when my beau is right. So last night, I felt compelled to do some spring cleaning. After moving things around and adding things, I checked out eBay and immediately fell in love with a Vintage perfume tray. I clicked Watch This Item and twittled my thumb for 2 whole hours waiting for the bid to come to near close. Ok, 6 more minutes left. I was going to bid on right before the bid ended and only had less than a minute left and guess what....I missed it. I told the beau and his reply was, "Well maybe that's a good thing....I doubt you needed it anyway." I snapped, "I work hard for my money and will spend it however I please." He hates when I catch a 'tude, so he hung up on me. Being the stubborn woman that I am, I smiled and thought oh well.... I guess I won that fight. I felt bad the next morning, so I sent an "I am sorry but love you text." Hahahaha. Deep down, I still felt that I was right....UNTIL I ready Ms. Fabulous Financial's blog and her words brought me back down to earth.
Excerpt: "I wouldn’t have anything in savings because I’d always think of a reason to spend it. If I viewed every purchase with short term focus and tunnel vision, I could probably “afford” any and everything my heart desired. However, as the reader mentioned, this way of thinking is exactly what creates “paycheck to paycheck” living.I call it the Poor Man’s Mentality - a false or temporary sense of security to justify a poor financial decision. Other variations of the Poor Man’s Mentality include:
1. Earn a decent salary = decide what to buy in terms of the “monthly payment”
2. All bills are paid = think about how to “spend” the rest of the paycheck
3. A little money in the bank = use the “charge” option carelessly"
Read more of it here
This has been a struggle area for me for quite some time now. I feel like when I have extra money in my account it makes me want to spend it. I am so determined to change my mind set BUT dang it's hard. It's hard to think long term gratifcation when eBay and online shopping are just a click away.
Showing posts with label money 101. Show all posts
Showing posts with label money 101. Show all posts
Checking My Priorities
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
My girlfriends and I email each other regularly during the week because that is the easiest way of communicating with each other since everyone is so busy. My bff sent a very inspirational email today regarding keeping up with our goals that we made at the beginning of the year. One of the good things about my blog (for me at least) is that I create a "how am I doing with my goals" at beginning of each month. In a way, it really keeps me accountable of my goals. While I may not complete all of them, it's great to see them in black and white (or even colored texts).
Working out has been a big struggle for me. Growing up I was very athletic. I have an athletic build under all of the layers of fat. I played soccer and ran track in my younger years. It's really hard to remain active in an office environment where you have easy access to the snack machine and your co-workers constantly wanting to go out to eat after work. Over the next few months my plan is to really try to concentrate on working out again. My church has a step class that is beginning next week plus my bff and I are joining a boot camp come April. I am really excited. So that is a snippet of how I plan to achieve my weight loss goal.
If you made a New Year's Resolution or goals that you wanted to accomplish, really try to stick to them this year. Spread your goals out and do mini goals so that way it's easier to achieve that BIG goal.
For example: One of my main goals this year is to create an emergency fund between $1000 to $1500. When I first thought of that goal, I just knew it was impossible. I mean I have debt to clear, a school payment to finish, save for my son to travel this summer and the list goes on. But I knew since I don't have a credit card (yeah, me no have cc...I may reevaluate that later) I know an emergency fund is vital. So I created mini goals to help me accomplish this main goal. I am currently saving $150 a month. While that whole amount is not going toward my emergency fund, majority of it will. I have two accounts that automatically take money out each account bi-weekly. So to me, I hardly feel instead of transferring $150 from one account all at once.
I want to apply the same type of method to working out and being healthier. I haven't completely figured it out yet but I really enjoyed this post by Fabulous Financial who is changing her fitness lifestyle. Check it out here.
Hit me up guys and let me know if you had any New Years Resolutions and what are you doing to check off this resolutions this year. In order to be fabulous we have to have our priorities in check. Let's it done ppl!
Working out has been a big struggle for me. Growing up I was very athletic. I have an athletic build under all of the layers of fat. I played soccer and ran track in my younger years. It's really hard to remain active in an office environment where you have easy access to the snack machine and your co-workers constantly wanting to go out to eat after work. Over the next few months my plan is to really try to concentrate on working out again. My church has a step class that is beginning next week plus my bff and I are joining a boot camp come April. I am really excited. So that is a snippet of how I plan to achieve my weight loss goal.
If you made a New Year's Resolution or goals that you wanted to accomplish, really try to stick to them this year. Spread your goals out and do mini goals so that way it's easier to achieve that BIG goal.
For example: One of my main goals this year is to create an emergency fund between $1000 to $1500. When I first thought of that goal, I just knew it was impossible. I mean I have debt to clear, a school payment to finish, save for my son to travel this summer and the list goes on. But I knew since I don't have a credit card (yeah, me no have cc...I may reevaluate that later) I know an emergency fund is vital. So I created mini goals to help me accomplish this main goal. I am currently saving $150 a month. While that whole amount is not going toward my emergency fund, majority of it will. I have two accounts that automatically take money out each account bi-weekly. So to me, I hardly feel instead of transferring $150 from one account all at once.
I want to apply the same type of method to working out and being healthier. I haven't completely figured it out yet but I really enjoyed this post by Fabulous Financial who is changing her fitness lifestyle. Check it out here.
Hit me up guys and let me know if you had any New Years Resolutions and what are you doing to check off this resolutions this year. In order to be fabulous we have to have our priorities in check. Let's it done ppl!
Goals for the Month - March
Monday, March 2, 2009
Today has been such a stressful day at work, that I almost forgot to write out my monthly goals. My February analysis seemed like I did not do well but financially and savings wise, I must pat myself on the back. Quick run down on my financial or lack of savings habit:
In the past, I lived check to check not because of my financial or lack of financial gains but because I chose to spend, spend, spend. I lived in malls and boutiques. I thrived on the sales reps knowing me by name and having my number, so they can let me know what/when the next deliveries were coming. My parents are not poor nor are they rich but they taught me not to get caught up in the credit card hype. They could have FINANCED that flashy car but my father preferred paying CASH for his and never dealing with monthly car notes.
Somehow, I retaliated against the delayed gratification teachings my parents instilled in us growing up and adopted the I MUST HAVE IT NOW philosphy. While I may have a closet full clothes and tons of shoes that I do not wear, my savings was obsolete. Once growing pains started whopping my tail, I had to learn it the hard. So on December 31st of 2008, I told myself I MUST SAVE. While, I still believe in enjoying myself, my main goals are save, save, save.
In January, I opened my first CD. I have 2 savings accounts going on simultaneously. So far YTD, I have managed to save over $500. That is NOT much but it is DEFINITELY an improvement. I remember a preaching my pastor preached a few months ago and also Dave Ramsey believe system is "Living UNDER my means." As hard as that is, that will have to be my motto this year. I am close to 30 (not really but I passed close to 20) and I have not been able to travel across the waters. I have not LIVED life like I should because I am too busy trying to buy the newest Louis Vuitton bag or CL shoe. While I will still buy them, I have to have my priorities in check....anywhoot with that long rant here are my March goals:
1) Health check ups, the gyno & dermetologist (my dentist appt is in April...that's crazy when it takes 2 months to see your dentist but they are GOOD, so I will wait I guess.)
2) Pay off 2 outstanding things on my CR (credit report).
3) Seriously start working out
4) Stick to only eating out on the wkends....try to cook more.
5) Throw son a birthday party
6) Go to Stone Mountain Park at least twice this month and walk up the mountain.
.....to be continued.
In the past, I lived check to check not because of my financial or lack of financial gains but because I chose to spend, spend, spend. I lived in malls and boutiques. I thrived on the sales reps knowing me by name and having my number, so they can let me know what/when the next deliveries were coming. My parents are not poor nor are they rich but they taught me not to get caught up in the credit card hype. They could have FINANCED that flashy car but my father preferred paying CASH for his and never dealing with monthly car notes.
Somehow, I retaliated against the delayed gratification teachings my parents instilled in us growing up and adopted the I MUST HAVE IT NOW philosphy. While I may have a closet full clothes and tons of shoes that I do not wear, my savings was obsolete. Once growing pains started whopping my tail, I had to learn it the hard. So on December 31st of 2008, I told myself I MUST SAVE. While, I still believe in enjoying myself, my main goals are save, save, save.
In January, I opened my first CD. I have 2 savings accounts going on simultaneously. So far YTD, I have managed to save over $500. That is NOT much but it is DEFINITELY an improvement. I remember a preaching my pastor preached a few months ago and also Dave Ramsey believe system is "Living UNDER my means." As hard as that is, that will have to be my motto this year. I am close to 30 (not really but I passed close to 20) and I have not been able to travel across the waters. I have not LIVED life like I should because I am too busy trying to buy the newest Louis Vuitton bag or CL shoe. While I will still buy them, I have to have my priorities in check....anywhoot with that long rant here are my March goals:
1) Health check ups, the gyno & dermetologist (my dentist appt is in April...that's crazy when it takes 2 months to see your dentist but they are GOOD, so I will wait I guess.)
2) Pay off 2 outstanding things on my CR (credit report).
3) Seriously start working out
4) Stick to only eating out on the wkends....try to cook more.
5) Throw son a birthday party
6) Go to Stone Mountain Park at least twice this month and walk up the mountain.
.....to be continued.
WOOOHOOO!
Friday, January 30, 2009
I'm starting the year off right. I just opened my CD account with HSBC. I already have a savings account with them but I saw this advertisement and could not resist!
Check them out here: HSBC Online CD
The selling point was the LOW LOW LOW $10 minimum deposit while other banks minimum deposit was starting at $500. I am starting with their 6 month plan. I will try to deposit $50 per paycheck and see how it goes from there! I'm really excited! This year is starting off FABULOUSLY!
I've got 99 problems and money is one of them
Thursday, January 15, 2009
HA! So today is payday. I got up staggering with a headache and bills on my mind. My paycheck is practically spent even before it was deposited to my account. While I may have limited income, I refuse to let this year fly by and not enjoy the fruits of my labor. Growing up is not easy but life experiences will either whoop your tail or make you into a better person. I prefer the latter myself. While being a single mother, independent, and stubborn I've learned learning to make the best of what I got. How do you still enjoy life on a limited income?
Here are my plans
1) BUDGET, BUDGET, BUDGET
2) Pay ALL of my bills IMMEDIATELY
Why waste more money and pay late fees. Dodging creditors is never a fun thing since I am not the nicest person when they call, I might as well meet my obligations so I won't ruin their day or mine.
3) Use your mileage wisely.
Ladies, have a beauty day. Instead of getting your nails done one day and then hair done the next. Set up those appts on the same day. For me, my beauty day is tomorrow. I plan on getting my nails done and my eyebrows threaded. Pics to come
4) Do it yourself
To minimize my stops to the salon, I am trying to do these things myself. I will admit that I am pretty hair illiterate but I am definitely learning how to recreate what my stylist does.
5) Have fun and have fun cheaply
If you love going out to eat, find ways to cut the cost. For example, I love restaurant.com. Purchase gift certificates for less. Don't be afraid to use coupons. Look through your local newspaper and see what coupons are available for the clipping. If you like going to the movies, buy movie tickets in bulk. You'll save $2 to $3 per ticket. Share the bill. Going out with your significant other? Offer to split the bill. If he is always picking up the tab, he may be less willing to go out.
6) Get in the car and drive
Road trips can be a lot of fun and a great weekend gateway all while saving money. Pack a picnic basket and some hiking shoes and enjoy mother nature.
7) Take classes
Look through your local craigslist or google local happenings. There are a lot classes that you could take, some inexpensive and a lot of them are FREE. I plan on taking some cooking/photography/yoga classes. I'll post when I've found some good ones to take.
Bottom line, while it's definitely smart to save, save, save make sure you take the time out to enjoy life. You live one life. There are no dress rehearsals, no manuals, and there definitely are not any do-overs. LIVE.LAUGH. LEARN!
Here are my plans
1) BUDGET, BUDGET, BUDGET
2) Pay ALL of my bills IMMEDIATELY
Why waste more money and pay late fees. Dodging creditors is never a fun thing since I am not the nicest person when they call, I might as well meet my obligations so I won't ruin their day or mine.
3) Use your mileage wisely.
Ladies, have a beauty day. Instead of getting your nails done one day and then hair done the next. Set up those appts on the same day. For me, my beauty day is tomorrow. I plan on getting my nails done and my eyebrows threaded. Pics to come
4) Do it yourself
To minimize my stops to the salon, I am trying to do these things myself. I will admit that I am pretty hair illiterate but I am definitely learning how to recreate what my stylist does.
5) Have fun and have fun cheaply
If you love going out to eat, find ways to cut the cost. For example, I love restaurant.com. Purchase gift certificates for less. Don't be afraid to use coupons. Look through your local newspaper and see what coupons are available for the clipping. If you like going to the movies, buy movie tickets in bulk. You'll save $2 to $3 per ticket. Share the bill. Going out with your significant other? Offer to split the bill. If he is always picking up the tab, he may be less willing to go out.
6) Get in the car and drive
Road trips can be a lot of fun and a great weekend gateway all while saving money. Pack a picnic basket and some hiking shoes and enjoy mother nature.
7) Take classes
Look through your local craigslist or google local happenings. There are a lot classes that you could take, some inexpensive and a lot of them are FREE. I plan on taking some cooking/photography/yoga classes. I'll post when I've found some good ones to take.
Bottom line, while it's definitely smart to save, save, save make sure you take the time out to enjoy life. You live one life. There are no dress rehearsals, no manuals, and there definitely are not any do-overs. LIVE.LAUGH. LEARN!
My babies at Whole Foods at a cake baking class. Cost $10 per child
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