tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255313952024-03-13T15:23:35.651-04:00Debt Has Made Me Its BitchThe man is sticking it to me, hard...Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03624043194372509638noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25531395.post-87021526297658925152006-10-20T13:13:00.000-04:002006-10-20T13:15:21.133-04:00Official MoveWell, I'm pretty much all set up at the new blog. I'm hoping everyone will update their links and check me out over there. Archives will still be here until I figure out how to move them. So, I guess this is my last post here at blogger. -sniff sniff-<br /><br /><a href="http://www.debtservant.com">http://www.debtservant.com </a><br /><br /><br />Thanks for reading!Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03624043194372509638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25531395.post-9574412279793645992006-10-13T13:59:00.000-04:002006-10-13T14:07:20.579-04:00two wonderful updatesFirst of all...<br /><br />I've just purchased a new domain <a href="http://debtservant.com/">http://debtservant.com/</a> so I'll be moving the blog over there! huzzah! blogger has been cool and all, but i hate the templates - yeah, im picky.<br /><br />SECOND!!!<br />I've been using <a href="http://cashduck.com/members/register.php?ref=jessicaldale">Cash Duck</a> like a fiend these past 2 days because Kira has a little contest running right now. Just so you know it's working...<br /><br />SPENT: 32.54<br />EARNED: 63.00<br />AWAITING: 68.00<br /><br />Uhh just so we're clear - I've basically made 100$ pure profit y'all. IM SERIOUSLY NOT JIVING YINZ...<br />(yes I said yinz, I was emphasizing a point)<br /><br />Last but not least...<br /><br />My traffic has gone way down and I know that is because I haven't been posting regularly. I'm going to do my damndest to get back on top of things here once the transition to the new server is done.<br /><br />Peace,<br />JessJessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03624043194372509638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25531395.post-14064276512689469242006-10-12T15:03:00.001-04:002006-10-12T16:23:43.996-04:00CASH DUCK - FREE $$...it's like employer matching..but BETTERSo, ok - most of you 2 people who read my blog know who Kira is. Well Kira started this sweet ass website to make money from! I'm trying to write this so it sounds as legitimate and non-cheesy as possible, but honestly...I know it sounds too good to be true. <br /><br />Basically Cash Duck is a refferal ad - clicky program thing. Kira lists offers (i.e. FREE TRIAL FOR NETFLIX!!!!! score) and you signup for the free trial and you earn $$$$ for it. Sometimes, the trials aren't free. Sometimes you pay a couple of bucks. Sometimes, you need to cancel in a certain number of days...Regardless, it's like free money. I kind of consider it like a really quick turn around stock market deal.<br />You invest a little (be it time or a few bucks) then you make a profit!! then you 'sell' (or cancel). Pretty sweet right?<br /><br />Here's the way I work it. I look for the offers that have the highest payouts (my highest was 35$) which I paid 10$ to sign up for. Now, obviously you will need to keep track of/cancel subscriptions that you don't want, but that's not much work at all.<br /><br />So now, I have a little refferal button over on my side bar. <a href="http://cashduck.com/members/register.php?ref=jessicaldale">HOOK A SISTA UP</a>!!!Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03624043194372509638noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25531395.post-35551639380421044832006-10-06T09:49:00.000-04:002006-10-06T10:05:13.511-04:007th Edition of Festival of Under 30 Finances! (let's hope I don't screw it up)Ah, once again - I am HARDLY doing this carnival justice, so forgive me. My question for this edition was:<br />What method have you found works best when changing jobs and negociating a higher salary and/or benefits? What are the deal makers or breakers for you?<br /><br />The responses I received were pretty helpful. Unfortunately everyone couldn't answer, but thanks to those who did!<br /><br />HC: Well, my method for getting a better job was to go to grad school, but that obviously doesn't work for everyone. I will say that I had several competing offers come in at the same time, and was therefore able to get a salary boost from my ultimate employer. So my advice would be not to settle too much on one dream job, because several offers give one room to negotiate. As far as deal makers and breakers, I do want a relatively flexible leave policy. It's so important to be able to take time to care for one's family. Obviously salary and the usual benefits matter a lot, but if it comes down to a place that will allow me to take extra leave and one that won't, I'll go with the one that will.<br /><br />Kira: Well, being awesome has always been my basic strategy for securing higher pay. Be better than everyone else - and be worth the higher salary. It won't strain your relationship with a future boss to say, "I'd like to ask for $X+5k, can you accommodate that?" Just gotta be a little bit brave...<br /><br />Susan: After far too much exposure to awful resumes, I think that what many young people need to work on first is ensuring that their resume is good--it's really the first step. You can have the best interviewing and negotiating skills around, but the resume's still what gets you in the door.<br /><br />Laura: A good strategy that I have heard but not yet used myself is to ask that your salary requirement be met after 6 months if the company is not willing to meet it initially. Your employer feels secure that they don't have to pay up if you're doing a bad job and you get the salary you want after a short wait.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Now for the GOODS!</span><br /><br />Wenchypoo presents <a href="http://beta.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=" target="_blank" onclick="return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)"></a><a href="http://wenchwisdom.blogspot.com/2006/10/maintenance-makes-up-for-low-price.html">Maintenance Makes Up for Low Price</a> posted at <a href="http://beta.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=" target="_blank" onclick="return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)"><script><!-- D(["mb","http://wenchwisdom.blogspot<wbr>.com/index.html</a>" >Wisdom From Wenchypoo\'s Mental Wastebasket</a>.\n</div>\n<p>Enjoy!</p>\n<p>\n<span>Blog <span>Carnival</span></span>\n</p>\n<hr />\n<p>\nWe value your feedback. Feel free to contact us by replying to this message.\n</p>\n</div>\n\n\n\n",0] ); D(["ce"]); //--></script></a><a href="http://wenchwisdom.blogspot.com/index.html">Wisdom From Wenchypoo's Mental Wastebasket</a>.<br /><br />HC presents <a href="http://mortarboard.blogspot.com/2006/09/well-thats-one-way-to-avoid-student.html">One Big Mortar Board: Well, that's one way to avoid student loans</a> posted at <a href="http://mortarboard.blogspot.com/">One Big Mortar Board</a>.<br /><br />Kira presents Penny Foolish: <a href="http://pennyfoolish.blogspot.com/2006/09/one-issue-i-dont-have-with-robert.html">The one issue I don't have with Robert Kiyosaki</a> posted at <a href="http://beta.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=" target="_blank" onclick="return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)"></a><a href="http://pennyfoolish.blogspot.com/">Penny Foolish</a>.<br /><br />Spender presents <a href="http://spendingless.org/archive/2006/10/02/Change-can-be-more-than-you-think.aspx">Change can be more than you think</a> posted at <a href="http://spendingless.org/default.aspx">Spending Less</a>.<br /><br />Susan presents <a href="http://beta.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=" target="_blank" onclick="return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)"></a><a href="http://www.grown-up.org/2006/09/27/the-grown-up-resume/">The Grown-Up Resume</a> posted at <a href="http://www.grown-up.org/">Am I Grown Up Yet?</a><br /><br />David presents <a href="http://beta.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=" target="_blank" onclick="return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)"></a><a href="http://www.moneyunder30.com/budgeting-in-your-twenties">Budgeting In Your Twenties</a> posted at <a href="http://www.moneyunder30.com/">Money Under 30</a>.<br /><br />Katie presents <a href="http://beta.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=" target="_blank" onclick="return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)"></a><a href="http://aridni.com/2006/09/a-finance-website-can%e2%80%99t-say-that/">A finance website can’t say that!</a> posted at <a href="http://aridni.com/">Aridni</a>.<br /><br />David presents <a href="http://thegoodhuman.blogspot.com/2006/09/my-25-ways-to-save-money-small-things.html">My 25 ways to save money-the small things add up!</a> posted at <a href="http://thegoodhuman.blogspot.com/">The Good Human</a>.<br /><br />Bill presents <a href="http://askunclebill.typepad.com/my_weblog/2006/09/your_own_busine.html">Your Own Business</a> posted at <a href="http://askunclebill.typepad.com/my_weblog/">Ask Uncle Bill</a>.<br /><br />Bryan C. Fleming presents <a href="http://beta.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=" target="_blank" onclick="return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)"></a><a href="http://bryancfleming.blogspot.com/2006/09/counting-cold-hard-cash.html">Counting Cold Hard Cash</a> posted at <a href="http://bryancfleming.blogspot.com/">Bryan C. Fleming .com</a>.<br /><br />Jeff Plumb presents <a href="http://www.jeffplumb.com/blog/2006/09/28/online-savings-accounts/">The Buck Stops Here » Online Savings Accounts</a> posted at <a href="http://jeffplumb.com/blog">The Buck Stops Here</a>.<br /><br />Jeremie Beaudry presents <a href="http://beta.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=" target="_blank" onclick="return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)"></a><a href="http://www.efipo.com/20060917/how-short-term-goals-make-long-term-results/">How Short Term Goals Make Long Term Results</a> posted at <a href="http://www.efipo.com/">eFIPO Finance and Politics for the Younger Generation</a>.<br /><br />Tyler presents <a href="http://skinnyinvestor.blogspot.com/2006/09/how-to-choose-dividend-growth-stocks.html">How to Choose Dividend Growth Stocks</a> posted at <a href="http://beta.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=" target="_blank" onclick="return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)"></a><a href="http://skinnyinvestor.blogspot.com/">Skinny Investor</a>.<br /><br />Laura presents <a href="http://thenthings.blogspot.com/2006/09/i-got-raise.html">I got a raise!</a> posted at <a href="http://thenthings.blogspot.com/">Then Things</a>.<br /><br />HeJustLaughs presents <a href="http://beta.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=" target="_blank" onclick="return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)"></a><a href="http://pf.endlessgibberish.com/2006/09/why-reinsurance-companies-like-mrh-are.html">Why reinsurance companies like MRH are the place to be</a> posted at <a href="http://pf.endlessgibberish.com/">HJL Money Blog</a>.<br /><br />Penny Nickel presents <a href="http://moneyandvalues.blogspot.com/2006/09/share-car-save-earth-and-your-wallet.html">Share a car-- save the earth and your wallet!</a> posted at <a href="http://beta.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=" target="_blank" onclick="return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)"><script><!-- D(["mb","http://moneyandvalues.blogspot<wbr>.com</a>" >Money and Values</a>.\n</div>\n<p>Enjoy!</p>\n<p>\n<span>Blog <span>Carnival</span></span>\n</p>\n<hr />\n<p>\nWe value your feedback. Feel free to contact us by replying to this message.\n</p>\n</div>\n\n\n\n",0] ); D(["ce"]); //--></script></a><a href="http://moneyandvalues.blogspot.com">Money and Values</a>.<br /><br />Word from (Ninja Pigeon) the sponsors:<br /><br />Please check out <a href="http://www.under30honorroll.com/">The Under 30 Honor Roll</a>, which was founded by our very own Kira of <a href="http://pennyfoolish.blogspot.com/">Penny Foolish</a>. If you're only hearing about this for the first time, we'd appreciate you stopping by and maybe even checking out the <a href="http://www.under30honorroll.com/forum/">forums</a>, which are sadly lacking in posts since the site was moved to its permanent home. Here is a<br />little more <a href="http://www.under30honorroll.com/?page_id=14">background information</a> on the Honor Roll.Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03624043194372509638noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25531395.post-39914130052498751192006-10-04T11:41:00.000-04:002006-10-04T11:54:57.493-04:00I Love To Spend MoneyHonestly, as of recent, I don't. Now, understand that I am one of those who appreciates the finer things in life. I mean, come on, we can't take it with us right? When you work 40 hours a week, or 50, or 60, sometimes you need to treat yourself. I am of the opinion that spending a little more to get a little more is worth it. I also believe that you gotta spend money to make money, but that's another unrelated topic...<br /><br />For me, spending 100$ on dinner with friends would probably make me uncomfortable. 75$ would be easier to swallow. 50$, I wouldn't blink twice. Going out and spending time with family, friends, loved ones, and having a GOOD meal is priceless. Do I do it every week? Noooo...but I might if I had the money.<br /><br />I love food. I spare no expense for food. But lately, I've been having a really hard time spending money on it. It really is kind of exciting. I don't know if it's because I've been especially broke the last couple of weeks, or if I'm getting more serious about my budget, but I really DON'T want to spend spend spend like usual.<br /><br />Hoarding money, tracking spending, and streching dollars have become some of my top daily priorities. Certainly I'm still eating out, but I have a budget for that now (oops - I'm almost maxed out for the month). And I THINK about what I'm spending. I've stood and stared at the vending machine thinking...do I really want to spend 80 cents?!<br /><br />All of these new changes and challenges I welcome. I'm still tracking every penny and trying to make better decisions about my cash flow. I have to get my DMP paid off and some of these personal loans done. Baby needs a new ride!Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03624043194372509638noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25531395.post-71985712139563925442006-10-02T10:03:00.000-04:002006-10-02T14:43:00.855-04:00Back In The GameWell, I am finally beginning step 2 of the PLAN!<br /><br />I began tracking my spending again yesterday, just so I can be sure that my new budget stays on track.<br />Here is my estimate for October:<br /><br /> <table str="" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 101pt;" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="134"><col style="width: 53pt;" width="70"> <col style="width: 48pt;" width="64"> <tbody><tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td class="xl24" style="height: 12.75pt; width: 53pt;" height="17" width="70">cable</td> <td class="xl24" style="width: 48pt;" num="" align="right" width="64">50</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td class="xl24" style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17">phone</td> <td class="xl24" num="" align="right">125</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td class="xl24" style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17">ccs</td> <td class="xl24" num="" align="right">275</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td class="xl24" style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17">B loan<br /></td> <td class="xl24" num="" align="right">250</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td class="xl24" style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17">A loan<br /></td> <td class="xl24" num="" align="right">100</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td class="xl24" style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17">rent</td> <td class="xl24" num="" align="right">475</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td class="xl24" style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17">electric</td> <td class="xl24" num="" align="right">50</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td class="xl24" style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17">save</td> <td class="xl24" num="" align="right">50</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td class="xl24" style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17">A loan<br /></td> <td class="xl24" num="" align="right">200</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td class="xl24" style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"><br /></td> <td class="xl24"><br /></td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td class="xl24" style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17">total<br /></td> <td class="xl24" num="" fmla="=SUM(B1:B10)" align="right">1575</td> </tr> </tbody></table><br />Those should all pretty much be on point. The 'b loan' and 'a loan' are both people that I OWE. One is the ex and one is the current partner! AWESOME.<br /><br />Right now, I owe the current partner A quite a bit of money ($4000) as I have made a lot of <span style="font-weight: bold;">necessary</span> purchases with A's credit.<br /><br />The ex B, is owed for a purchase made when we were together. I've split the cost with her, so it ends up with me paying around $1100.<br /><br />Here are extra expenses (and bills included)I have budgeted for:<br /> <table str="" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 144pt;" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="192"><col style="width: 48pt;" width="64"> <col style="width: 48pt;" width="64"> <col style="width: 48pt;" width="64"> <tbody><tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td class="xl24" style="height: 12.75pt; width: 48pt;" height="17" width="64">bus fare</td> <td class="xl24" style="width: 48pt;" width="64"><br /></td> <td class="xl24" style="width: 48pt;" num="" align="right" width="64">60</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td class="xl24" style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17">eating out</td> <td class="xl24"><br /></td> <td class="xl24" num="" align="right">80</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td class="xl24" style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17">bills</td> <td class="xl24"><br /></td> <td class="xl24" num="" align="right">1575</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td class="xl24" style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17">parking</td> <td class="xl24"><br /></td> <td class="xl24" num="" align="right">45</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td class="xl24" colspan="2" style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17">entertainment</td> <td class="xl24" num="" align="right">100</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td class="xl24" style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17">savings</td> <td class="xl24"><br /></td> <td class="xl24" num="" align="right">50</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td class="xl24" style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17">school</td> <td class="xl24"><br /></td> <td class="xl24" num="" align="right">100</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td class="xl24" style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17">gas</td> <td class="xl24"><br /></td> <td class="xl24" num="" align="right">40</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td class="xl24" colspan="2" style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17">household/groceries</td> <td class="xl24" num="" align="right">150</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td class="xl24" style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"><br /></td> <td class="xl24"><br /></td> <td class="xl24"><br /></td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td class="xl24" style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"><br /></td> <td class="xl24"><br /></td> <td class="xl24"><br /></td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td class="xl24" style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"><br /></td> <td class="xl24"><br /></td> <td class="xl24"><br /></td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td class="xl24" style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17">total<br /></td> <td class="xl24"><br /></td> <td class="xl24" num="" fmla="=SUM(C1:C12)" align="right">2200</td> </tr> </tbody></table><br />My bi-weekly checks from work equal up to $2100. I still have some additional cutting and saving to do.<br />Fortunately I do a fair amount of freelance ( accepting work now!) so thats always good for a couple hundred extra each money.<br /><br />In other news, I QUIT SMOKING!!!!!Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03624043194372509638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25531395.post-44066891719885361432006-09-11T09:46:00.000-04:002006-09-11T09:48:45.314-04:00Out From Under The RockI'm back for a minute to let you know I'm not dead! I'm sorry I let nearly a month pass without an update. I did manage to complete my tracker for the month of August and promise to get all of the totals and new budget plan together for the next post. I've been a little pre-occupied with FINISHING SCHOOL!!!! yesssss...<br /><br />now, back to the grindJessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03624043194372509638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25531395.post-35631055663828896802006-08-18T16:22:00.000-04:002006-08-18T16:36:06.232-04:00Letting It All Hang OutWell kids, it's been one of those weeks...<br /><br />My spending has been ok, I tried not to eat out as much this week. Broke down yesterday. Oops!<br />I have an 'unexpected' expense coming up on Saturday (cable install - 130$) which I really don't have the money for. I also have to order 3 books for an online class (probably about 50$) and also make to next Friday. Wednesday, I 'accidently' went buck nutty on eBay and bought 3 things (61.09$) that I have to pay for ASAP.<br /><br />Current Account Balance: 131.96$<br /><br />I have a refund check floating out in space somewhere for around 200$. I also have a sidejob paycheck coming for about the same amount. No real idea when these will be paid to me.<br /><br />I have about 30$ in my Paypal account which I can't access because I need to re-verify.<br /><br />I also have my ING e-fund: 25.40$<br /><br />And another 20$ stashed in my closet for EXTREME emergencies...<br /><br />It's times like these when the tracker is useful for reminding myself how foolish I am with my money. SO, I guess my plans for this weekend will involve some hustlin'<br /><br />Blah...Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03624043194372509638noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25531395.post-1155330495681202922006-08-11T17:06:00.000-04:002006-08-11T17:08:15.693-04:0030 Under 30 Festival - LIMITED 3rd EDITION!!!Check out our third <a href="http://beachgirlsbudgetblog.blogspot.com/2006/08/3rd-edition-festival-of-under-30.html">Festival of Under 30 Finances </a>over at <a href="http://beachgirlsbudgetblog.blogspot.com/">Beachgirl's Budget Blog</a>.<br /><br />I still have yet to submit a post - next time, I swear...Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03624043194372509638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25531395.post-1155245212090095522006-08-10T17:22:00.000-04:002006-08-10T17:26:52.090-04:00Hi, My Name is Jessica....and I have a problem with spending. My, my how the <a href="http://www.trackslife.com/user/debtbch/080706/august-spending">sexy tracker</a> has opened my eyes...<br />It's only been a little over a week and I've spend about $750. Only about $250 was budgeted for.<br />Not to mention I just aquired another $2000 (iMac) debt.<br /><br />I don't even know what to say to that.<br />Anyone hiring web designers?Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03624043194372509638noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25531395.post-1155138725870333692006-08-09T11:25:00.000-04:002006-08-09T12:01:11.273-04:00Saving On A ShoestringSo, I found this article from MSN Money that I printed a couple of years ago (2004) that had some really good tips on it and I thought I would share a few of my favorites:<br /><br /><blockquote><span style="font-weight: bold;">Accept frugality as your savior</span>. Become a closet cheapskate and emulate your frugal friends. Note that they fix the shower curtain instead of buying a new one. Sit down with Depression-era relatives and ask about economizing.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cry poverty -- with style</span>. Learn handy phrases like, "Let's eat somewhere cheap." And "Shopping? Blech. Let's go for a bike ride." It's less embarrassing than you'd think, because more people are in your shoes than you think -- and they'll be grateful you spoke up.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Don't even think about it</span>. Direct deposit is a saver's best friend because the money is whisked away into your IRA, 401k or money market account -- and you don't have to do a thing, Except drop by your payroll department and/or your bank and fill out the damn forms. Today.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Play money games</span>. Whenever you get a $5 bill, put it aside. Or do it with ones, with quarter, or all your spare change. You'll have a nest egg before you miss a nickel.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Toss the catalogs</span>. The most insidious form of spending temptation known to man or woman. Chuck them straight in the trash. Yes, including Victoria's Secret.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Re-evaluate. Re-evaluate. Re-evaluate</span>. That dinner out cost more than you spend on groceries in a week. That pair of shoes is worth half a commuter pass. Learn what your money is worth, and you won't be so quick to dispose of it.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Never pay full price</span>. If you must shop, for pete's sake, discover the online world of discount web sites. Ebay is still ok, but half.com and craigslist.org are excellent sources of "lightly used" goods -- everything from books to jewelry to office furniture -- to the entire first season of Star Trek on video.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Don't pay unecessary fees</span>. Like the $1.50 you pay just because the ATM is right there, right now as opposed to walking two blocks to your bank, where you don't get charged every time you use your cash card. Or the late fees for returning videos. (Netflix people!) I know a woman who paid $60 in late fees to a video store last year. (It wasn't me.)(Ok, it was.) Or those fat charges banks hit you with when you write a check that, well, bounces.<br /></blockquote><br /><br />I'm so guilty of the last one! Pay attention to my tracker...you'll see what I mean. I especially like the second to last tip. Re-evaluate. I have noticed that with tracking my spending and actually paying more detailed attention to where my money goes I am more concious of my spending. Hopefully by the time the end of the month rolls around I will have brain-washed myself into a more frugal way of living!Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03624043194372509638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25531395.post-1154972831419840492006-08-07T13:20:00.000-04:002006-08-07T13:48:10.980-04:00Holy Hectic Schedule Batman!Wow, it seems like it's been a few days (weeks) since I posted anything worthwhile. Fortunately things have slowed down and I have a little time to share my new toy!<br /><br />Last week, on the 31st I was reading <a href="http://beachgirlsbudgetblog.blogspot.com/2006/07/debt-proof-living-part-1-tracking-your.html">this post</a> over at the beachgirl's blog about the debt-proof living plan and I was inspired to get started on it. yesssss! so, as soon as the 31st rolls around ( I started august 1) I'm going to<br />tally up my monsterous monthly spending total and get started on <a href="http://beachgirlsbudgetblog.blogspot.com/2006/07/debt-proof-living-part-2-10-10-80.html">step two</a>.<br /><br />So far, I'd been keeping a little notebook as the instructions say, but today I was reading <a href="http://fromthered.com/2006/08/01/tracking-away-debt/">from the red</a> and saw he was using a cool little app to track spending! hahahaha PERFECT!<br /><br />I'll be updating this little baby for another couple of weeks(possibly after that) if you want to check it out. I can already see where all of my money is leaking out and I've been trying to make adjustments accordingly!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.trackslife.com/user/debtbch/080706/august-spending">She thinks my tracker's sexy</a>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03624043194372509638noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25531395.post-1154118592807783362006-07-28T16:29:00.000-04:002006-07-28T16:29:52.823-04:00New Under 30 Festival Is Up!!Yeah, <a href="http://www.hberry.net/">check it out </a>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03624043194372509638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25531395.post-1153512501570694412006-07-21T15:36:00.000-04:002006-07-21T16:08:21.766-04:00Setting New Goals For SavingsWell <a href="http://pennyfoolish.blogspot.com/2006/07/short-term-savings-goals-or-how-i-plan.html">Kira</a> inspired me to re-evaluate, so here's what I came up with:<br /><br />For August and September I'm paying off a 1500$ debt to an ex so I plan to save 50$ each month.<br />I would drop in more, but I'm also moving August 1st and I know how unexpected expenses can pop up.<br />I also dropped my 401k contribution down to 1% for these two months. What can I say? Times is hard.<br /><br />August/September:<br /><br />10$ - 401k -- 2x a month<br />25$ - ING (emergency fund) --1x a month<br />25$ - HSBC (long term home/car fund) -- 1x a month<br /><br />For October, debt will be paid, but student loans kick in (arg!). I will reset my 401k contribution to 9% (matched 1%) and up the payment to my debt management program. This works out to me paying 200$ for my loan and 300$ for my DMP. I end up overpaying them both, but that should help out in the long run.<br /><br />October:<br /><br />130$ - 401k -- 2x a month<br />100$ - ING<br />100$ - HSBC<br />100$ - IRA<br />25$ - Sharebuilder stocks<br /><br />I will be pretty much locked into that budget for a while unless I get a raise (gasp!), or my student loan payments increase! I know I'll probably make extra $$ from freelance, but I plan to use most all of that towards my debt.<br /><br />Sounds good, eh? I sound so financially responsible!Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03624043194372509638noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25531395.post-1153334783518707362006-07-19T14:46:00.000-04:002006-07-19T15:00:12.920-04:00Under The ThumbSo, did I mention my brakes went bad? Yep - everytime I stopped the car I came to a grinding hault...literally.<br />I was riding my brakes metal on metal which I had no idea was a bad thing. I mean, I knew it didnt sound healthy, but really...what do I know about cars?<br /><br />Sunday, I went to a brake repair shop (cough, cough FIRESTONE), and was told it would cost something around $275 to get them fixed. Fortunately, I have friends with connections and got hooked up with a good mechanic who did the work for $40! I ended up paying $140 for 2 new brake pads and 2 rotors. Saved myself just about a hundred. Brilliant!<br /><br />Yeah, except I didn't really have that money to replace the brakes.<br /><br />I ended up taking $175 from my deposit money that needs to be paid on the 28th. So, of course, my budget for next paycheck is completely screwed. I also owe people money now.<br /><br />As sad as I am that I had this unexpected expense come up I'm sort of relieved also. I have this horrible habit of putting things off (especially when it comes to maintaining my car) that really need to be taken care of ASAP. I kind of feel good about being able to get the problem fixed so quickly and 'technically' having the money to do it. Is that weird?Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03624043194372509638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25531395.post-1152900299395412612006-07-14T14:02:00.000-04:002006-07-14T14:04:59.406-04:00First Festival!So, the first festival of under 30 finances is up over <a href="http://pennyfoolish.blogspot.com/2006/07/very-first-festival-of-under-30_14.html">here</a>. I didn't submit this time because i suck, but there are some really good posts! Need I say more?Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03624043194372509638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25531395.post-1152639391869839382006-07-11T11:56:00.000-04:002006-07-12T14:55:08.550-04:00A Mind Is A Terrible Thing To Waste -or- I WAS ROBBED!!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5649/2669/1600/sdf15.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5649/2669/400/sdf15.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>First, let me just try to post some screen captures from my account: Exibit A...My current (or "original") balance on my student loans. Fortunately I was able to consolidate them on June 28th (haha, kind of late) and my interest rate dropped from 6.54 to 4.75. Now mind you I'm still in school, so I don't pay on it now, but of course by consolidating, I opted out of my 6 month grace period. Yeah, nice...<br /><br /><br />So, as you can see to the left. I owe about 45000$. I was able to have some of the cost of my 60000 $ education paid for by grants, but because I was the only one willing to shoulder the burden for higher learning I will probably spend the rest of my life paying back debt. Ok, actually the next 36 years. Uh, WTF ?! Does it make any sense for me to be paying for my education until IM 60?!!!! Now, I don't have a problem paying for education, but I don't think people should have give and arm and a leg to do something more with their lives. Seriously, you have to start asking yourself if it's worth all that. For example, I have a friend who tends bar and makes easily between 500-800 weekly. Now, techinically I make close to that, but shes not working daily 9-6, she only works 3 or 4 days. Sometimes I wonder if I shouldve dropped the 500$ for bartending school and called it a day.<br /><br /><br />My education was costly. Was it worth it? Sure, yes. 45,000$ is a big number, but it's not insane. My potiental for growth is pretty decent. I fortunately have nothing to do with my money but pay bills (no family), so it's not THAT BAD, right?<br /><br />Exibit B:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5649/2669/1600/Sallie-Mae-Manage-Your-Loan.2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5649/2669/400/Sallie-Mae-Manage-Your-Loan.1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>I'm an optimistic sort of girl, I really am. I'd like to believe one day my career choice will provide an opportunity for me to make 6 figures. Is it possible? Sure! Probable? Uh...I don't know if my annual salary will ever exceed 75k. Certainly not here in my lovely city. Perhaps it could get above that number if I moved and planned to work 20 years in the industry. Paying 45000$ until im 60 is disturbing. Paying 78000$ until im 60 is $&@#^!$( RIDICULOUS. I was reading <a href="http://money.cnn.com/2006/05/01/pf/college/reverse_dowry/index.htm">this article</a> on CNN Money. Basically, this generation is getting shafted. I don't want to be living paycheck to paycheck for the rest of my life. Maybe I won't be eating ramen noodles anymore, but damn - is there really a way for us recent/future grads to be successful?<br /><br />Upon receiving this horrible information about my loans, I searched the net for some consolation. Didn't really find any, but managed to score some helpful(?) hints. <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><br /><br />How Not To Get Suckered Into OVERPAYING</span>:<br /><br /><b>SCHOLARSHIPS</b><p></p><b>The pitch</b> "Pay us to search our vast database and win you a scholarship - and we'll apply for you!"<br /><p><b>The truth</b> Generally, you shouldn't have to pay to find or apply for any scholarship. Plenty of web sites have searchable databases that you can scour for scholarships and grants absolutely free.</p><b>Trusted sources</b><br /><br /><ul><li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.Collegeanswer.com">Collegeanswer.com</a></li><p></p><li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.Scholarshipexperts.com">Scholarshipexperts.com</a></li></ul><p></p><b><br />CONSOLIDATION</b><br /><p><b>The pitch</b> "From the U.S. government: Act by midnight or you'll miss out on consolidating your student loan at below-market rates."</p><b>The truth</b> This isn't from Uncle Sam, it's from a marketer. Student loan rates do go up on July 1, however, so now's the time to consolidate. Also, rates are set by the government, not your consolidator.<br /><p><b>Trusted sources</b><br /></p><ul><li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.Loanconsolidation.ed.gov">Loanconsolidation.ed.gov</a> Explains consolidation</li><br /><li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.Salliemae.com">Salliemae.com</a> Another good first stop </li></ul><p></p><br /><b>FINANCIAL AID</b><b><br /><br />The pitch</b> "We'll submit your FAFSA for just $79.99 - don't worry about a thing."<br /><br /><b>The truth</b> For starters, submitting a FAFSA is free - hello, it's called the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This pitch likely came from a web site that had a URL suspiciously close to that of the official site, such as fafsa.com or fafsa.us.<b><br /><br />Trusted sources</b><br /><ul><li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.Fafsa.ed.gov">Fafsa.ed.gov</a> How to apply</li><p></p><li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.Finaid.org">Finaid.org</a> Tons of timely info</li><p></p><li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.Ed.gov">Ed.gov</a> Main federal aid site</li></ul>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03624043194372509638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25531395.post-1152216273864336712006-07-06T16:00:00.000-04:002006-07-06T16:11:53.626-04:00Who's A Good Girl?Alright! Cupcakes all around! The lovely <a href="http://beachgirlsbudgetblog.blogspot.com/">beachgirl</a> just gave me an ING referral and helped me take that first step into my LOFTY savings goals. Eh, not really lofty...I just know how SLOW to follow through with anything I can be, so today is a big deal! Guess what else I did people?! Yessss, I finally called to have my previous 401k rolled over. ANDDDD I setup my new 401k today. 3 for 3 man! Next up, complete the rollover, setup ING Roth IRA, and setup HSBC e-fund. I am trying my hand at using Microsoft Money 2006 just to see if I can track what's going out vs. what's coming in. Since I also managed to collect some $$ that was owed yesterday, I was seriously considering taking a good portion and cutting my debt in half. I checked my balances today and here's what came up:<br /><br />HSBC - 576.29<br />Orchard - 540.74<br />JCP - 391.21<br />Capital One - 472.93<br /><br />So, I have 1000$ I can use. My only dilemma is whether to spread it across all 4 or knock out JCP and Capital One and leave the other two for my DMP.<br /><br />So yeah, who wants a cupcake?Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03624043194372509638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25531395.post-1151938699086186342006-07-03T10:43:00.000-04:002006-07-03T11:05:06.430-04:00Taking Things SeriouslySo, admittedly, I've gotten off track with this being financially responsible. It's upsetting to me. It's not that I've been especially foolish with my money lately (although I wouldn't say I've been smart), it's just that there's still alot of unresolved money issues that I'm avoiding/putting off. This is something I struggle with in every aspect of my life and it's come to the point where I'm fed up. I was talking to my friend over the weekend and I was trying to explain how I feel stuck in this mentality of 'struggle'. I was ranting about how the system is designed and how the man is always trying to keep us down and how there are so many opportunities to break free from this struggle but most people never realize and take advantage of them because we are so caught up. My friend said we aren't stupid people, we just don't know how or where to take our first step. I think it again goes back to our education and our experiences. We are stuck in the daily grind because we've been taught that this is how it is. Life is a struggle. Working for nothing, trying to get something, that we aren't sure even exists for us.<br /><br />I'm sick of it. I shouldn't be struggling. I shouldn't be in debt. Not saying I'm making millions here in the burgh, but I do pretty good for my age. I have around 6 grand in debt. That's not an insane amount. I can certainly take care of it. I'm single, no kids, cheap housing...why the hell am I always scraping? THERE IS NO REASON I SHOULD BE!!<br /><br />Yeah, that kind of blows my mind. So today, I'm finally (a month later) going to call and roll my 401k. I'm going to work on finishing some projects and collect some $$ owed to me. I'm going to take care of the rest of my bills. I'm going to call my debt management program and make up my missed payment(s). I know I'll feel better if I do this 'grown-up' thing right. If I'm trying to rise above this mentality, I know I have alot of work to do. I'm going to try and get another post up either Friday or next Monday, just to keep myself honest!Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03624043194372509638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25531395.post-1151091679052006122006-06-23T15:27:00.000-04:002006-06-23T15:41:19.266-04:00Pinching the PenniesAfter an almost 2 week hiatus and far too many online purchases, the guilt was finally starting to overwhelm me. Earlier this week I got started with tracking my spending in an excel spreadsheet. I hoping that I will somehow shock myself into spending less. So far nothing, but I'm optimistic. I had a hairy situation with my bank account a couple of weeks ago, but I'm happy to report everything is back on track. Sometimes I feel like I'm managing my money properly, but there are times when I make slip-ups and that of course throws everything off. I wrote out a little check list of things I need to take care of this next month. First being rolling my 401k from my old job to my new job and getting my contributions set up. After that's taken care of I need to open my ING account and get funds set up for my HSBC account. I want to put 10% into 401k and 50$ to each savings account each pay. That ends up being about 450$ saved each month, which is managable for me right now. I still have many more month of my Debt Management Program (especially since I missed a payment last month), so I want to try and pay double on that every month. Right now my biggest challenge is buying crap online. I am seriously considering ordering a new debit card from the bank because I've memorized my # and that just makes things way to easy.<br /><br />In the past week I've ordered:<br />Skin Care Products - 25$<br />3 Art Prints - 70$<br />Car Charger for my phone - 25$<br />25+ Songs from iTunes - 25$<br /><br /><br />I could've saved that :(Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03624043194372509638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25531395.post-1149629962305780182006-06-06T17:27:00.000-04:002006-06-06T17:39:22.323-04:00Making Ends MeetOver the weekend I was given a very BIG and HORRIBLE reminder of why I started this blog. I have been looking at this apartment for about a month now, and finally submitted my application (with co-signer) along with the fees for that ($50) and the first month's rent ($575). Of course, not an hour after I had applied, the woman called me back to notify me that my credit app had been denied (shocker).<br /><br />At that moment, a lot of thoughts went through my head. First, of course, was *($@#^@. Then I started to get irritated about putting myself in this situation. I've said before that I've made a lot of stupid decisions, especially when I had SEVERAL opportunities to pay off my debt, which I'm kicking myself for now, but I'm trying to get back out of this hole. I was really upset about being irresponsible, I was upset at my parents for being irresponsible (neither one could co-sign for me because of credit problems), I was upset with the management company for not being more understanding (I sent a letter to the woman explaining my situation beforehand), and I was just generally stressed because I happened to be leaving town that day and was totally unprepared.<br /><br />I ended up asking a friend for help. That made me feel even more uncomfortable, but she told me sometimes you just have to accept help when it's available. So, despite struggling with all of this over the weekend, the management company called today and said they are mailing out my lease! There are a few small financial details to be worked out, but I'll have to talk more about that later. Headed to class...Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03624043194372509638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25531395.post-1149080339465120572006-05-31T08:48:00.000-04:002006-05-31T08:58:59.480-04:00Playing Catch UpI have a couple of posts that I've been saving up, but things have been hectic with job-switching over the last few weeks. Now that my income has changed, I'd like to re-evalute my budget and get started using all the advice I've received so far. Stay tuned for that one. For now, I'll ask for some more advice. This time for a good friend of mine. If I don't get any responses here (though I am hopeful!) I may try asking Single Ma. She seems to be full of good info. Without further ado...<br /><br />My friend, we'll call her 'A', is 37. Currently she works full time making about 400$ a week. I know she puts 15% into a 401k and she also takes 100$ a month and puts it into an account at the credit union (which just sits). At the end of the year she takes the credit union $$ and puts it into an IRA.<br />She owns her home with a mortage payment of 1200$ a month. She has very little debt (I believe she said under 1000$) which is on credit cards shes pays down every month. She told me she also has an emergency fund, but I didnt get the $ amount on that.<br /><br />She and I have talked before about different things she could do with her money, and ways she could get it to work for her, but since I'm certainly no expert, I was wondering if someone could give me any ideas for her.<br /><br />Thanks much!Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03624043194372509638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25531395.post-1148417812203213352006-05-23T16:54:00.000-04:002006-05-23T16:56:52.213-04:00SenioritisEveryday, I stare blanky at my computer screen and think...<br />"You should do something with your life today.."<br /><br />My next thought is always..."It's too nice out!"<br /><br />Graduation is only a couple of months away!Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03624043194372509638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25531395.post-1147715008788757772006-05-15T13:30:00.000-04:002006-05-15T13:43:30.116-04:00Weekend ConfesssionalSo, I'm pretty sure I've mentioned this before, but just in case you weren't all aware, I have a problem. I am absolutely addicted to buying sh-- I don't need. I posted previously about needing to track my spending and when I left work Friday (after giving myself a pep talk) I had resolved not to spend more than $30 this weekend. I ended up spending $80. Under normal circumstances, this would be "fine", but it just so happens that I've been spending this way for the past week and I have some bills that I'm behind on. I originally intended to take the money I got paid Friday and deposit it into my account to cover the payment that I had scheduled. Yeah, that didn't happen. That leaves me with $150 in cash, $15 in the bank, and 2 bills totaling $355 that should've been paid already. I suck at life...<br /><br />My financial irresponsibilty manages to rear its ugly head again and I'm left feeling ashamed and disappointed in myself. I know better than this. WTF am I doing? It's probably quite obvious now why I am still in debt. I have the opportunity to take care of my business and I flake out. So, now that I've purged, I have to spend this week trying to get back up and handle this. On that note, a <a href="http://www.lifehacker.com/software/saving-money/trick-yourself-into-buying-less-172477.php">post from lifehacker</a> on how to trick yourself out of not buying stuff!Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03624043194372509638noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25531395.post-1147117878846690412006-05-08T15:42:00.000-04:002006-05-08T15:58:16.153-04:00The Deluxe Apartment in the SkySo, I somehow managed to get interviewed and offered a position at the company I interned with during the last week. As much as I don't want to sound like my decision to accept was solely based on money, I can't lie. It was. They offered to pay me 10k more than I'm currently making. I would be silly not to take the job. Because of the recent turn of events in my personal life, I'm now looking at having to be totally financially and emotionally independent. This, of course, is a huge stretch for me, and just another reason for me to accept this position. I need the extra $$ now more than ever.<br /><br />I feel really guilty about leaving my current job. I'm scheduled to meet with my boss tomorrow morning and let her know. Hopefully she will be understanding. She knows that I've been house hunting...maybe she won't be surprised at all.<br /><br />I am going to try and get one of those little status bars to track my debt/savings amounts. Really this is just for my benefit. It will be helpful to have a visual representation instead of just figures in my head.<br /><br />I don't want to forget to thank those ladies for all the advice on my last post. I am going to come back to that issue later on this week. Hopefully I can plan on putting some of your ideas into action!Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03624043194372509638noreply@blogger.com1