What's up, y'all?
I'm thisclose to being done with all the moving related things that need to happen so I can get back to blogging. I'm looking forward to it! Here's my checklist of things still to do:
- Finish packing the apartment (truly, it's more than 90% done)
- Return cable modem
- Change address everywhere
Since I've been scatterbrained as of late with everything that's going on, I want to do a little crowd-sourcing. To make sure I don't miss anything, would you leave a comment reminding me of all the places I should think of to change my address? I've given my new address to my landlord (for return of security deposit) and work (for sending COBRA documents), and I've done it with the post office and the two magazine subscriptions I have. Bank accounts, etc. will happen this week. Where else might I forget to change my address?
How have YOU been?
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Smart tips to combat mortgage debt and avoid repossession
This is a guest post from Anya.
The U.S economy has improved significantly in the post-recession period. The Fed (United States Central bank) opines that the current state of the economy is quite better right now than it was in March last year. The number of people opting for debt consolidation programs and debt settlement services are dwindling. However, that does not mean that things are looking rosy. The unemployment rate is currently 9.7% (which is quite high), people are having difficulty in getting the loans approved and last but not the least, the mortgage market is still pretty volatile.
Mortgage debt has become quite an issue in America. A large number of people are facing repossession and foreclosure risks and can lose their home any moment. In case you are far behind your payments or the lender has threatened to sue you, you must get your plans in order as soon as possible. The following tips might help you to save your home in case you are struggling with your mortgage debt:
1) Mortgage debt can be triggered by a fall in income, unforeseen circumstances like medical problems or some unfavorable changes in your life. Whatever the case might be, it is very important for you to realize early that something is wrong. Do not waste any time and approach your lenders immediately to find a way out. There is no need to panic about foreclosure/repossession in the beginning. This is because the creditors will opt for either of the options only when all other options are exhausted.
2) Next, you must devise an effective strategy to deal with your debt. For this you need to have an idea on how much you earn and what are your expenses. Prioritize your debts. Make a list of your debts and understand how much you owe and how many creditors you have. Devise a repayment plan accordingly. Ideally, you should prepare a budget for best results. Keep your lenders updated about all the developments.
3) Make a list where you check certain things about your mortgage debt. This list should help you to:
a) Check the level of mortgage arrears.
b) Check if the lender is planning to sue you.
c) Check your present debts apart from the mortgage debt.
d) Check for benefits like having some assistance regarding your mortgage interest.
4) You will face a repossession or foreclosure only if the court passes a judgment against you. Mortgage arrears are the most common factor due to which people lose their home. In case the court has summoned you for a hearing, you should always attend it. You should also discuss with your attorney about how you can defend yourself. It is possible to stop repossession even after the process has started. You should look into the conditions which, if satisfied, will allow you to keep your home. The best thing, of course, is to discuss with your lenders about a restructured payment plan before the repossession starts.
5) If the court has granted repossession to the lender then the latter has to apply to the Enforcement of Judgments Office to gain possession of your house. Do respond to the mails you receive from the Enforcement of Judgments Office. If your lender cooperates then you might still be able to come up with a new agreement which would save your home.
Mortgage debt can be quite a menace if you don’t deal with it properly. So remember the above points and proceed carefully.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
8 Ways To Make It Through a Stretch of Being Broke
This is a guest post from Anthony Benedict from Credit Donkey.
Most of us experience being low on money – or downright broke – often, particularly around the end of the month when the paycheck hasn’t come through yet. Advising someone not to worry about it is a waste of time. While we all wish that our lives didn’t revolve around money, the truth is that it often has to. There are some ways to make life a little less stressful when you don’t have enough money to go around, though.
Create a Mini-Budget
Look at any money that you do have, however little. Get out a piece of paper and allot portions to food, rent, and other bills. Food and rent are the two most important expenses you have. Stick to this budget and avoid any temptations to splurge on anything.
Essentials First
If it comes to having to decide which bills not to pay, pay your rent first. You can live without utilities, but you have to have a place to live. If you don’t have rent, your order of importance with utilities is: electricity, gas, phone, water. Find out if your water can be cut off. In many places, it is illegal to cut off your water, even if you don’t pay. If it is this way in your area, leave your water bill dead last.
Get Your Loans Back
If you’ve loaned money to family or friends, ask for it to be repaid. Don’t let sob stories guilt you. You are having just as hard a time with money as any of them. Even if they can’t pay back the entire amount, ask for anything that they are able to pay on it. Any little bit will help you.
Keep Your Eyes Open
When you’re out where there’s high foot traffic, keep an eye out for money on the ground. This may seem insignificant, but those pennies and dimes you find could add up to dinner one night. Stick your fingers in payphone change slots. Look around the drive-thru at restaurants, where people drop change and don’t pick it up. There are often quarters underneath drink and candy machines. Don’t walk by a penny just because it’s a penny. It’s still money.
Use Cards with Benefits
While it’s ideal to use only cash during a time when you’re broke, to avoid building up a lot of debt, you can actually save yourself a little money by using cash back cards for your necessities. Just don’t go overboard. Buy only what you absolutely need.
Eat Frugally
When you’re broke, stop worrying about buying health-conscious foods. Just make sure that you eat. If you can get a hamburger for less than you can get a couple of carrots, eat the hamburger. Gaining a couple of pounds is better than acquiring malnutrition. Also try to get yourself invited to dinners with family and friends – most of them will probably be more than willing to feed you.
Look for Yard Sales
If you find yourself in immediate need of something like clothing or housewares, drive around and look for yard sales. Many people sell things for just a few cents and most are willing to negotiate even on those prices.
Free Cell Phone Time
If you absolutely must have your cell phone during this time, make sure you are only using your free minutes and texts. You should have a way to get in contact with people, but don’t overdo it and get yourself huge overage fees.
Most of us experience being low on money – or downright broke – often, particularly around the end of the month when the paycheck hasn’t come through yet. Advising someone not to worry about it is a waste of time. While we all wish that our lives didn’t revolve around money, the truth is that it often has to. There are some ways to make life a little less stressful when you don’t have enough money to go around, though.
Create a Mini-Budget
Look at any money that you do have, however little. Get out a piece of paper and allot portions to food, rent, and other bills. Food and rent are the two most important expenses you have. Stick to this budget and avoid any temptations to splurge on anything.
Essentials First
If it comes to having to decide which bills not to pay, pay your rent first. You can live without utilities, but you have to have a place to live. If you don’t have rent, your order of importance with utilities is: electricity, gas, phone, water. Find out if your water can be cut off. In many places, it is illegal to cut off your water, even if you don’t pay. If it is this way in your area, leave your water bill dead last.
Get Your Loans Back
If you’ve loaned money to family or friends, ask for it to be repaid. Don’t let sob stories guilt you. You are having just as hard a time with money as any of them. Even if they can’t pay back the entire amount, ask for anything that they are able to pay on it. Any little bit will help you.
Keep Your Eyes Open
When you’re out where there’s high foot traffic, keep an eye out for money on the ground. This may seem insignificant, but those pennies and dimes you find could add up to dinner one night. Stick your fingers in payphone change slots. Look around the drive-thru at restaurants, where people drop change and don’t pick it up. There are often quarters underneath drink and candy machines. Don’t walk by a penny just because it’s a penny. It’s still money.
Use Cards with Benefits
While it’s ideal to use only cash during a time when you’re broke, to avoid building up a lot of debt, you can actually save yourself a little money by using cash back cards for your necessities. Just don’t go overboard. Buy only what you absolutely need.
Eat Frugally
When you’re broke, stop worrying about buying health-conscious foods. Just make sure that you eat. If you can get a hamburger for less than you can get a couple of carrots, eat the hamburger. Gaining a couple of pounds is better than acquiring malnutrition. Also try to get yourself invited to dinners with family and friends – most of them will probably be more than willing to feed you.
Look for Yard Sales
If you find yourself in immediate need of something like clothing or housewares, drive around and look for yard sales. Many people sell things for just a few cents and most are willing to negotiate even on those prices.
Free Cell Phone Time
If you absolutely must have your cell phone during this time, make sure you are only using your free minutes and texts. You should have a way to get in contact with people, but don’t overdo it and get yourself huge overage fees.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Drive By Update
Well, it's been a while, hasn't it? Thanks for putting up with a few weeks of guest posts and silence while we get our lives together. Although I haven't been blogging about money, I've certainly been thinking about it. Here are a few of the financial things we've been dealing with:
- Movers have been booked and the deposit paid. The total cost (packing, shipping, delivery, insurance, etc) is around $4,000 right now. After looking more closely at the new apartment, I'm going to see if I can shave off a few unnecessary pieces of furniture (or pieces that can be replaced with used items for cheaper than it costs to move them). Despite the size of our library, most of what we're leaving behind are bookshelves - we found them all for free or cheap and none of them are absolutely fabulous. I'm still really relieved that we're hiring movers instead of driving ourselves in a Uhaul.
- Public transportation vs. a car. While getting around in Minneapolis is certainly possible via public transportation, I think we will probably end up getting a car. Peanut's been managing just fine getting to work, but the jobs I'm looking at are unfortunately not located right downtown, and I'm not sure I can face a 15-minute walk in sub-zero temperatures when winter hits. If/when we do get a car, it will be used, between $6,000-8,000 and paid for in cash.
- Cost of living. Peanut's salary dropped by about 20% (compared to the salaried position he had last year), mine might drop by as much as 40%. Our cost of living will drop by at least that much, and our standard of living will vastly improve, so it seems to work out. Still, it's kind of heartwrenching to think of the difference in my paychecks. I'm even more thankful now that we took one of the cheapest apartments we saw.
We're in the last long haul of our long distance relationship. The next time we see each other will be when I leave New York, suitcase in hand, on a one-way ticket. The next few weeks will be the most difficult, because I am so ready for this period of transition to be over.
What are you up to?
- Movers have been booked and the deposit paid. The total cost (packing, shipping, delivery, insurance, etc) is around $4,000 right now. After looking more closely at the new apartment, I'm going to see if I can shave off a few unnecessary pieces of furniture (or pieces that can be replaced with used items for cheaper than it costs to move them). Despite the size of our library, most of what we're leaving behind are bookshelves - we found them all for free or cheap and none of them are absolutely fabulous. I'm still really relieved that we're hiring movers instead of driving ourselves in a Uhaul.
- Public transportation vs. a car. While getting around in Minneapolis is certainly possible via public transportation, I think we will probably end up getting a car. Peanut's been managing just fine getting to work, but the jobs I'm looking at are unfortunately not located right downtown, and I'm not sure I can face a 15-minute walk in sub-zero temperatures when winter hits. If/when we do get a car, it will be used, between $6,000-8,000 and paid for in cash.
- Cost of living. Peanut's salary dropped by about 20% (compared to the salaried position he had last year), mine might drop by as much as 40%. Our cost of living will drop by at least that much, and our standard of living will vastly improve, so it seems to work out. Still, it's kind of heartwrenching to think of the difference in my paychecks. I'm even more thankful now that we took one of the cheapest apartments we saw.
We're in the last long haul of our long distance relationship. The next time we see each other will be when I leave New York, suitcase in hand, on a one-way ticket. The next few weeks will be the most difficult, because I am so ready for this period of transition to be over.
What are you up to?
Sunday, May 15, 2011
How to Save Money By Building a Solid Credit Score
This is a guest post. Ed O’Brien is a seasoned writer in personal finance, specializing in credit repair. You can find more of his articles located at CreditRepair.org.
You may not realize it, but you can save thousands of dollars by improving the three-digit number known as your credit score. Your credit score is a powerful number that has an impact on the cost you pay for credit card and loan products. If you have a low credit score (lower than 720), you can expect to pay higher interest rates when you borrow money. On the other hand, borrowers with excellent credit get the best interest rates.
The mortgage and the car loan are two of the biggest loans most people will ever take out in their lives. As such, these loans have the potential to cost low credit score borrowers thousands of dollars in interest.
Mortgage Loan Costs
Let’s consider mortgage loans, for example. Mortgage interest rate can be 1 to 2% higher when you have a low credit score. It doesn’t sound like much, but it translates to a lot of money when you think about a big mortgage.
If you have an excellent credit score – these days that’s beyond 760 – you qualify for the best interest rate, something around 4.5%. Your monthly mortgage payment on a $150,000 30-year fixed mortgage would $764. However, if your credit score was just 100 points less at 660, your interest rate would increase to 5.2% and your monthly mortgage payment would increase by $56 to $820. If you credit score was 620 – usually the lowest score a lender will consider – your interest rate would be 6.1% and your monthly mortgage payment would be $913. The difference between a mortgage payment at the best rate and the worst rate is $149 per month, almost $2,000 per year, and $60,000 over the life of the mortgage. Just imagine what it would cost if your home was $500,000!!
If you invested $2,000 per year in an account earning 7%, in 30 years you would earn close to $190,000 – that’s more than the interest and principle you’d pay on the mortgage for that time period.
Auto Loan Costs
Car shoppers face a similar scenario when they’re on the market for a new car loan. Borrowers with credit scores above 700 have more options for loan terms and better interest rates. For example, a borrower with a high credit score could qualify for a loan up to 72 months, with no down payment, and an interest rate as low as 4.25%. The loan payment on a $25,000, 48-month auto loan at 4.25% would be $567.28. You might have the option of lowering your monthly payment by increasing the loan term to 60 or 72 months, resulting in a payment as low as $394.
If your credit score is below 650, you could only qualify for the highest rate, 8.5%, and you might be required to make a down payment as high as 15%. If you took out a $25,000, 48-month auto loan at 8.5%, your monthly payment would be $616.21, almost $50 per month more than if you had the best credit score.
People with the best credit scores save money in other ways, too. They pay less interest on credit cards balances, have lower car insurance rates, and avoid paying deposits on utilities and cell phone service. If you have bad credit, take steps to raise your credit score so you can start saving money!
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Packing Thoughts
Nothing makes you want to become a minimalist like moving.
My dream is that the next time we move (1-2 years, into our own house) we have LESS stuff than we have right now. And that we don't move from that place EVER.
My dream is that the next time we move (1-2 years, into our own house) we have LESS stuff than we have right now. And that we don't move from that place EVER.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Moving Update and a Checklist
Moving Update
We have an apartment in our new city, and Peanut is living there with a borrowed mattress and dishes from his parents. It's a big apartment, and about half what we're paying in New York - and it's within walking distance to his office, so he doesn't have to drive his dad's gas-guzzler.
Things here are about half packed - a little more than half, maybe. I'm running out of things to pack that I won't need between now and the move date, so that's good. I'm going slowly to have time to declutter and clean along the way.
We have one piece of furniture to sell and two to give away, but otherwise we're taking everything with us. We shouldn't need to purchase much when we get there, other than a rug for the dining area to protect the carpet. And maybe a vacuum, since there's carpet.
Here's the moving checklist I'm working off of:
We have an apartment in our new city, and Peanut is living there with a borrowed mattress and dishes from his parents. It's a big apartment, and about half what we're paying in New York - and it's within walking distance to his office, so he doesn't have to drive his dad's gas-guzzler.
Things here are about half packed - a little more than half, maybe. I'm running out of things to pack that I won't need between now and the move date, so that's good. I'm going slowly to have time to declutter and clean along the way.
We have one piece of furniture to sell and two to give away, but otherwise we're taking everything with us. We shouldn't need to purchase much when we get there, other than a rug for the dining area to protect the carpet. And maybe a vacuum, since there's carpet.
Here's the moving checklist I'm working off of:
- Book movers and buy one-way plane ticket. Find somewhere to stay for one night.
- File change of address with post office. (Magazine subs have already been updated with the publisher.)
- Pack everything we own.
- Cancel Internet, return cable modem, get refund.
- Cancel electric/gas.
- Complete NYC Bucket List.
- Clean after movers leave with everything we own. Putty nail holes in walls.
- Schedule walk-through with current landlord.
- Get security deposit back.
- Bid farewell to the Big Apple.
- Clean kitchen fan before even considering packing it. Ew.
- Remember to pack a week's worth of necessities in carry-on suitcase. Belongings won't arrive for 14 days. Will need more than two pair underwear, especially if I think I might get a job interview during that time.
- Of course, NOW everyone wants to come visit for the last time. After I've packed the blankets and stuff.
- What recipes will enable me to eat an entire bottle of ketchup in a month?
- It irritated me a lot that Peanut wanted to save every package that every computer part ever came in - it's not like we have a ton of storage space here. I am SO GRATEFUL that I gave in. It'll be a snap to move three flat-screen monitors in their original boxes.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
April Spending Report
Alcohol $34.15
Business expenses $3.89
Clothing $41.90
Dance expense $54
Entertainment $30
Food—dining out $55.329
Food—groceries $152.43
Household $2
Gifts $54.98
Hygiene/Medical $40.23
Laundry $8
Moving $520
Rent $2699.69
Student loans $453.83
Taxes $277
Transportation $253.85
Travel $877.80
Utilities $260.57
Yoga $15
Total spending: $6,311.05
Notes
Clothing - I'm a little irritated by this. I just bought jeans in January, and they were a great deal, except they were AWFUL and got so stretched out after one wearing I could have used them for maternity jeans - at nine months along. I dealt with it for three months by rolling the waistband down so they'd stay up and then I broke down and went to Old Navy and got two pair that actually fit.
Dance Expense - I went to three classes last month and now that I'm paying per class instead of buying 10-class cards, it seems pricier!
Food spending in general was high but we're working on that to bring it down.
Moving - that's half our security deposit and credit check fee.
Rent - we are now paying dual rent. More on that in a future post, but at least it's only for May and June.
Transportation - ouch! That's what driving will do - gas prices hurt! I'm wondering if we can get around owning a car after all. Moneyapolis does it, and while I'm not sure I'm going to be a fan of biking, I'm going to give it a shot.
Travel - that's pretty much the last of the plane tickets for this long-distance period. I have one more to buy - a one-way ticket out of New York after the movers are booked. Goodbye to bleeding money!
Business expenses $3.89
Clothing $41.90
Dance expense $54
Entertainment $30
Food—dining out $55.329
Food—groceries $152.43
Household $2
Gifts $54.98
Hygiene/Medical $40.23
Laundry $8
Moving $520
Rent $2699.69
Student loans $453.83
Taxes $277
Transportation $253.85
Travel $877.80
Utilities $260.57
Yoga $15
Total spending: $6,311.05
Notes
Clothing - I'm a little irritated by this. I just bought jeans in January, and they were a great deal, except they were AWFUL and got so stretched out after one wearing I could have used them for maternity jeans - at nine months along. I dealt with it for three months by rolling the waistband down so they'd stay up and then I broke down and went to Old Navy and got two pair that actually fit.
Dance Expense - I went to three classes last month and now that I'm paying per class instead of buying 10-class cards, it seems pricier!
Food spending in general was high but we're working on that to bring it down.
Moving - that's half our security deposit and credit check fee.
Rent - we are now paying dual rent. More on that in a future post, but at least it's only for May and June.
Transportation - ouch! That's what driving will do - gas prices hurt! I'm wondering if we can get around owning a car after all. Moneyapolis does it, and while I'm not sure I'm going to be a fan of biking, I'm going to give it a shot.
Travel - that's pretty much the last of the plane tickets for this long-distance period. I have one more to buy - a one-way ticket out of New York after the movers are booked. Goodbye to bleeding money!
April Recap/May Goals
April Goals
1. Spend less eating out. Well, that was a hilarious joke that's been. We are at a seven month high for eating out, in part because of Peanut's lunches out but also because of all the good-bye meals we've been having. It's insane.
2. Deal with Evil Internet Company. I did not do this - I took another look and realized I could deal with it in May instead, so I put it off. :p
3. Serious hardcore decluttering and cleaning. Success! I've gotten rid of a TON of clothes and a lot of houseware items as well. Nothing helps declutter like the threat of moving. Peanut and I also moved the living room furniture and swept behind and underneath everything so I won't be embarrased when the movers come.
4. Three yoga classes. I made it to two. Which is two more than I made it to the month before, so I give myself a B on this.
5. Use stuff up. So-so - I'm throwing out a lot of stuff that I don't love or don't think I'll get around to, and making an inventory so I won't accidentally buy more moisturizer before I use up everything I have. It occurs to me that this must be a problem extreme couponers face!
May Goals
1. Continue decluttering while packing. My goal is to take a cart full of donations to Goodwill every weekend. I've done this twice so far!
2. Start deep cleaning. After the movers leave I will have a day or so to clean the apartment but I want to start doing some cleaning now. This is stuff like cleaning out the refrigerator, bleaching the shower knobs and caulk, patching nail holes, sweeping underneath/behind furniture, magic-erasering marks from lightswitch plates and cupboards, wiping down vertical blinds, and all the other misc bits and pieces that take much longer than you expect. I'm watching marathons of Doctor Who and Castle, and it's the perfect activity to go along with it.
3. Yoga classes when possible. I was amazed at the difference I felt after class last month, even when I felt like I was too tired or sore to go. My evenings are filling up but I'm going to do what I can here.
4. Book movers. I've had one company come out to do an estimate, one company provide an estimate based on an inventory, and another one scheduled for this weekend. We're looking at an outlay of around $4,000 for full-service moving, which is astounding. We could move ourselves for about half that, but the idea of finding friends to come help us pack up a truck, driving the rental truck on the interstate for several days, and finding friends to unload was keeping me up at night. Plus Peanut would have to take several days off work. It may not be the most frugal move ever, but it's given me a lot more peace of mind.
6. Spend less overall. Our spending has really been out of control lately and I want to rein it in. Especially on the eating out front!
Resolutions Update
1. Single-task. Not doing so great with this, although since I'm spending so much time offline, I'm not guilty of watching Twitter and a TV show and writing emails all at the same time.
2. Participate in The Happiness Project. Going pretty well, although I'm not actively doing the weekly projects.
3. Be able to do headstand in yoga. Haven't even thought about it.
4. Save enough to hurt a little. Despite the outflow of cash we're distributing, we are growing our savings.
5. Change our net worth by the value of our student loans. I'm no longer sure what this is going to look like with the move and all.
6. Prepare to leave my job. Going well. I've started handing over a lot of responsibility and making lists of priorities for my replacement.
7. Declutter -- ideally, reduce our possessions by about 1/3. Two trips to Goodwill in April, and another load already started, plus a bunch of things sent to recycling.
8. Organize digital photos and finish physical scrapbooks. A little progress made here!
9. Take up a crafty hobby. On hold since all my non-essentials are basically packed.
10. Create a bucket-list of New York adventures and start checking them off. I'm focusing on people right now, but I hope to check some things off this weekend.
11. Read through my library. Going okay, actually - I identified a couple books I am not going to take with me, so if I want to read them I have to do it now.
1. Spend less eating out. Well, that was a hilarious joke that's been. We are at a seven month high for eating out, in part because of Peanut's lunches out but also because of all the good-bye meals we've been having. It's insane.
2. Deal with Evil Internet Company. I did not do this - I took another look and realized I could deal with it in May instead, so I put it off. :p
3. Serious hardcore decluttering and cleaning. Success! I've gotten rid of a TON of clothes and a lot of houseware items as well. Nothing helps declutter like the threat of moving. Peanut and I also moved the living room furniture and swept behind and underneath everything so I won't be embarrased when the movers come.
4. Three yoga classes. I made it to two. Which is two more than I made it to the month before, so I give myself a B on this.
5. Use stuff up. So-so - I'm throwing out a lot of stuff that I don't love or don't think I'll get around to, and making an inventory so I won't accidentally buy more moisturizer before I use up everything I have. It occurs to me that this must be a problem extreme couponers face!
May Goals
1. Continue decluttering while packing. My goal is to take a cart full of donations to Goodwill every weekend. I've done this twice so far!
2. Start deep cleaning. After the movers leave I will have a day or so to clean the apartment but I want to start doing some cleaning now. This is stuff like cleaning out the refrigerator, bleaching the shower knobs and caulk, patching nail holes, sweeping underneath/behind furniture, magic-erasering marks from lightswitch plates and cupboards, wiping down vertical blinds, and all the other misc bits and pieces that take much longer than you expect. I'm watching marathons of Doctor Who and Castle, and it's the perfect activity to go along with it.
3. Yoga classes when possible. I was amazed at the difference I felt after class last month, even when I felt like I was too tired or sore to go. My evenings are filling up but I'm going to do what I can here.
4. Book movers. I've had one company come out to do an estimate, one company provide an estimate based on an inventory, and another one scheduled for this weekend. We're looking at an outlay of around $4,000 for full-service moving, which is astounding. We could move ourselves for about half that, but the idea of finding friends to come help us pack up a truck, driving the rental truck on the interstate for several days, and finding friends to unload was keeping me up at night. Plus Peanut would have to take several days off work. It may not be the most frugal move ever, but it's given me a lot more peace of mind.
6. Spend less overall. Our spending has really been out of control lately and I want to rein it in. Especially on the eating out front!
Resolutions Update
1. Single-task. Not doing so great with this, although since I'm spending so much time offline, I'm not guilty of watching Twitter and a TV show and writing emails all at the same time.
2. Participate in The Happiness Project. Going pretty well, although I'm not actively doing the weekly projects.
3. Be able to do headstand in yoga. Haven't even thought about it.
4. Save enough to hurt a little. Despite the outflow of cash we're distributing, we are growing our savings.
5. Change our net worth by the value of our student loans. I'm no longer sure what this is going to look like with the move and all.
6. Prepare to leave my job. Going well. I've started handing over a lot of responsibility and making lists of priorities for my replacement.
7. Declutter -- ideally, reduce our possessions by about 1/3. Two trips to Goodwill in April, and another load already started, plus a bunch of things sent to recycling.
8. Organize digital photos and finish physical scrapbooks. A little progress made here!
9. Take up a crafty hobby. On hold since all my non-essentials are basically packed.
10. Create a bucket-list of New York adventures and start checking them off. I'm focusing on people right now, but I hope to check some things off this weekend.
11. Read through my library. Going okay, actually - I identified a couple books I am not going to take with me, so if I want to read them I have to do it now.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Linkfest
A Practical Wedding had a fabulous post: claiming my 30s. I didn't mention it here, but I turned 30 in the past few weeks, right in the middle of all this upheaval. I am delighted to report that I am calmer and saner in my 30s than I ever was in my 20s, and so far, being 30 has a lovely cache.
Cate on why having a beautiful home is important to her. As a homebody myself, I say WORD to that!
I love the idea of a worry swap! I think I'm totally trying this with my sister next week.
Squawkfox on what's worth it from Costco. A case of someone writing my post before I got around to it. And with photos!
Simple things you can do to make your life better. I like the 30-day list, understand your big why, and employ the clean slate approach options - they definitely make my life better.
I always thought business cards were kind of lame, but I totally use them all the time now. Maybe I'll get some blank business cards now that I'm about to be unemployed. My current cards have QR codes on the back that I can update to keep them fresh, but how much cooler to personalize a card to someone on the spot?
Trent asks, Are you willing to share your full financial picture? My answer is definitely no. I'm not comfortable telling a lot of people how much we earn (earned). Our families know that we are committed to living off of one income while bringing in two, but I don't discuss numbers with my parents. We're a little more open with Peanut's, because his mom will eventually be our real estate agent, so it doesn't make sense to hide it from her now. I'm fine telling people how much we spend on anything and everything, and even how much we save.
I love Smart, Pretty and Awkward so much - I end up favoriting almost every post to re-read. This one in particular spoke to me this week, because of this line: There will never be a convenient time to make a change; but that doesn’t mean it’s not the right time to make a change.
I loved Cordelia's 29 Nevers and 29 Alwayses - I never made a list like that myself, but maybe I should!
The Frugal Girl addresses the "My homemade food must be fat free, sugar free, salt free and 100% whole grain!" mentality. Guilty of that! I love her rebuttal!
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