Without further ado...the naked spectral figure of my debt:
Credit Card #1: $3262.64
Credit Card #2: $4377.60
Credit Card #3: $1270.01
Subtotal: $8910.25
Auto Loan: $14336.79
Undergrad Loan #1: $1508.57
Undergrad Loan #2: $9414.82
Subtotal: $25260.18
Total debts: $34170.43
Saturday, December 5, 2009
The State of Things
Well, the $10 per week thing didn't work so well. Neither did the $20 per week thing. It's just a wee bit too restrictive right now. But I haven't spent any money on credit cards!
We haven't really been going out much anyway. We spent Thanksgiving with Carrot's family. I've been studying for finals, so mostly I just spend money on lunch.
We haven't really been going out much anyway. We spent Thanksgiving with Carrot's family. I've been studying for finals, so mostly I just spend money on lunch.
Newest Art
Loved this, bought it at the Delray Art Festival. $95 - with a hand-drawn detail of one of the butterflies. Definitely worth it every penny.
Check out the artist's website: http://www.echo-x.com
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
Date Night #2
Last Saturday, we went to a place in Boynton Beach called Phyllis G's Enigma - we had a 25% off coupon and had never been. The entrees were pricier than we expected, but we didn't want the same thing, so we couldn't share.
So, I used part of my $20 discretionary allowance (from the previous two weeks) to get myself what I really wanted, snapper francese and a glass of sangria. Carrot had a burger and a beer. The sangria was really good, but I'm sticking with water next time. It's just not worth the money.
We did join their mailing list, and I just got an email with some early bird specials (buy one, get one free). We'll definitely go back - the food was awesome and it's a really cute place. Apparently, the usual (older) crowd starts to shuffle in around 6. You've been warned.
Then we went to Goodwill - I resisted the temptation to buy a super cute coat (one that would be perfect in my New York fantasy life, but is next to useless in my Florida reality life) and a couple of purses. Instead, I bought a canvas tote with a Hindi tobacco advertisement on it. Carrot got a tacky Hawaiian shirt and a random tie for her Halloween costume.
The bottom line:
Sangria: $5
Stella: $4.25
Snapper Francese: $18
Burger: $10
Total (after tax, discount, and tip): $37.76
Tote bag: $0.99
Hawaiian shirt: $2.49
Tie: $1.49
Total: $4.97
Date night this week cost...$42.73. Not bad.
So, I used part of my $20 discretionary allowance (from the previous two weeks) to get myself what I really wanted, snapper francese and a glass of sangria. Carrot had a burger and a beer. The sangria was really good, but I'm sticking with water next time. It's just not worth the money.
We did join their mailing list, and I just got an email with some early bird specials (buy one, get one free). We'll definitely go back - the food was awesome and it's a really cute place. Apparently, the usual (older) crowd starts to shuffle in around 6. You've been warned.
Then we went to Goodwill - I resisted the temptation to buy a super cute coat (one that would be perfect in my New York fantasy life, but is next to useless in my Florida reality life) and a couple of purses. Instead, I bought a canvas tote with a Hindi tobacco advertisement on it. Carrot got a tacky Hawaiian shirt and a random tie for her Halloween costume.
The bottom line:
Sangria: $5
Stella: $4.25
Snapper Francese: $18
Burger: $10
Total (after tax, discount, and tip): $37.76
Tote bag: $0.99
Hawaiian shirt: $2.49
Tie: $1.49
Total: $4.97
Date night this week cost...$42.73. Not bad.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Credit Card Paid Off
Just paid off my Navy Federal Credit Union credit card...woohoo! One ($633.24) down, four ($10612.05) to go.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
The Debt Snowball
While I wouldn't call myself a Dave Ramsey fan, I certainly respect the message and the implementation that seems to be working for many people.
I think the debt snowball is a great idea, however. It goes like this: 1) you figure out how much a month you can pay towards your debt - let's say, just credit cards (although it could be anything). 2) List all of your debts, the amount, the interest rate, and the minimum payment. 3) Pay the minimum payment towards each debt except the debt at the lowest dollar amount. Throw the rest of your debt-paying money at that lowest debt, until it's paid off. Then move on to the next one. Here - check out this better explanation.
This spreadsheet (you have to download it) is great. I highly recommend it. There is also a video that explain how to use it, which is not necessary but is helpful.
I think the debt snowball is a great idea, however. It goes like this: 1) you figure out how much a month you can pay towards your debt - let's say, just credit cards (although it could be anything). 2) List all of your debts, the amount, the interest rate, and the minimum payment. 3) Pay the minimum payment towards each debt except the debt at the lowest dollar amount. Throw the rest of your debt-paying money at that lowest debt, until it's paid off. Then move on to the next one. Here - check out this better explanation.
This spreadsheet (you have to download it) is great. I highly recommend it. There is also a video that explain how to use it, which is not necessary but is helpful.
Non-Consumer
I found a fantastic new (to me) blog yesterday - The Non-Consumer Advocate. Although I am not sure I'm ready to commit to not buying new stuff, it was definitely inspiring. Reading this blog suggested the following NFD (New Financial Decision):
NFD #1: once we run out of paper towels, we are not going to buy any more. Instead, will use dish towels to dry things. Carrot is on board with this.
NFD #1: once we run out of paper towels, we are not going to buy any more. Instead, will use dish towels to dry things. Carrot is on board with this.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Two Bits
We did overtip - by $0.02. 20% on $21.14 is $4.23.
But that's really not the point - the point is, tipping in change makes me feel like I'm that old lady who slips the busboy a shiny new nickel and cackles, "this is just for you, sonny...don't spend it all in one place! Go get yourself an egg cream."
However, I can live with a quarter - at least it's a noble coin. But if Carrot wants to start leaving pennies and nickels and dimes...we're going to have to have a serious talk.
But that's really not the point - the point is, tipping in change makes me feel like I'm that old lady who slips the busboy a shiny new nickel and cackles, "this is just for you, sonny...don't spend it all in one place! Go get yourself an egg cream."
However, I can live with a quarter - at least it's a noble coin. But if Carrot wants to start leaving pennies and nickels and dimes...we're going to have to have a serious talk.
Monday, October 19, 2009
The four and a quarter debacle
First I will say hello...hello! (this being my first post and all) On to the show.
We had already gone over the budget, and we knew that was going to happen because the raw total for the dinner was $20 so we knew tax and tip would put us over. I have worked in restaurants and bars, and while I like to tip the bartender even if they are kind enough to get me a water, under the circumstances I thought it fitting to use a little restraint. Normally I would have left the $5 and not thought much of it, but my mentality was that we were already going into debt on our $20 meal challenge. When Bunny says she was mortified, she means it. I almost gave in, but 20% tip on $21 and change is $4.20...I was actually over-tipping! (I can't wait to see what Bunny says a about that.) I think this experiment will open our eyes to the fact that these days we may be able to get one entree and and two coffees for $20...and pray they bring free bread.
We had already gone over the budget, and we knew that was going to happen because the raw total for the dinner was $20 so we knew tax and tip would put us over. I have worked in restaurants and bars, and while I like to tip the bartender even if they are kind enough to get me a water, under the circumstances I thought it fitting to use a little restraint. Normally I would have left the $5 and not thought much of it, but my mentality was that we were already going into debt on our $20 meal challenge. When Bunny says she was mortified, she means it. I almost gave in, but 20% tip on $21 and change is $4.20...I was actually over-tipping! (I can't wait to see what Bunny says a about that.) I think this experiment will open our eyes to the fact that these days we may be able to get one entree and and two coffees for $20...and pray they bring free bread.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
$25.39
Our dinner last night went over our budget by $5.39, because of tax and tip.
We went to a new place, the Mediterranean Kabob House. I highly recommend it - it's on Federal Highway and Linton, in Delray Beach. Had sigara boregi (delicious), zucchini pancakes (fantastic), and hummus (very good). The pita was fantastic - fresh and hot. Just enough to fill us up. We thought about getting a gyro kabob ($13.95) but then we would have been over budget if we had gotten the sigara boregi, so we decided to just go all veggie apps.
And Carrot left a tip of $4.25. I am used to rounding up, so it was slightly mortifying. Plus, it was a quarter. Is that tacky? Yes, I know it's 20%. But still.
Julie and Julia was awesome. Amy Adams is adorable. When they make a movie of my life, I want her to play me.
We went to a new place, the Mediterranean Kabob House. I highly recommend it - it's on Federal Highway and Linton, in Delray Beach. Had sigara boregi (delicious), zucchini pancakes (fantastic), and hummus (very good). The pita was fantastic - fresh and hot. Just enough to fill us up. We thought about getting a gyro kabob ($13.95) but then we would have been over budget if we had gotten the sigara boregi, so we decided to just go all veggie apps.
And Carrot left a tip of $4.25. I am used to rounding up, so it was slightly mortifying. Plus, it was a quarter. Is that tacky? Yes, I know it's 20%. But still.
Julie and Julia was awesome. Amy Adams is adorable. When they make a movie of my life, I want her to play me.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Date Night, and the $20 Restaurant Challenge
Carrot and I have decided to give ourselves $20 a week to spend eating out. Since we lurve us some food, this is going to be challenging. But fun, since we've decided to hit up all the little interesting places that we never go to. Given our current location, I think that may primarily be Chinese and Italian restaurants, bagel places, and delis. Also, using coupons should help.
For our date tonight, we are going to see "Julie and Julia" tonight (after our adventurous $20-or-less meal). I realized how long it's been since I went to a movie, because I was shocked -- shocked, I tell you -- to find that a movie ticket costs $9.50. However, we have a gift card to the movie theater. Mwahahahaha.
Today's act of financial self-control: did not buy a cute little jar (cost: $15) to put our restaurant money in. Instead, using an olive oil and garlic spaghetti sauce jar. That seems fitting.
For our date tonight, we are going to see "Julie and Julia" tonight (after our adventurous $20-or-less meal). I realized how long it's been since I went to a movie, because I was shocked -- shocked, I tell you -- to find that a movie ticket costs $9.50. However, we have a gift card to the movie theater. Mwahahahaha.
Today's act of financial self-control: did not buy a cute little jar (cost: $15) to put our restaurant money in. Instead, using an olive oil and garlic spaghetti sauce jar. That seems fitting.
Friday, October 16, 2009
My Personal Financial Goals
The Short List (I'll spend more time on it later)
- Pay off all credit card debt.
- Build up savings account to 12 months of living expenses.
- Pay off car.
- Pay off Disney Vacation Club.
- Pay off student loans.
- Pay for mine and Carrot's wedding outright.
- Pay off mortgage.
Continuing Goals (once I've achieved stasis, as detailed above)
- Max out 401(k) contributions.
- Max out Roth contributions.
- Live on 50% or less of my net pay.
- Remain debt-free.
- Find a good credit card with rewards/cashback/TBD and make all purchases on it, paying off in full every month.
- Save for major purchases.
- Maintain an emergency purchase fund.
- Pay off all credit card debt.
- Build up savings account to 12 months of living expenses.
- Pay off car.
- Pay off Disney Vacation Club.
- Pay off student loans.
- Pay for mine and Carrot's wedding outright.
- Pay off mortgage.
Continuing Goals (once I've achieved stasis, as detailed above)
- Max out 401(k) contributions.
- Max out Roth contributions.
- Live on 50% or less of my net pay.
- Remain debt-free.
- Find a good credit card with rewards/cashback/TBD and make all purchases on it, paying off in full every month.
- Save for major purchases.
- Maintain an emergency purchase fund.
Steps So Far
Last night:
- Shredded all credit cards.
- Talked to Carrot about having a restaurant budget of $20 a week - she puts in $10, I put in $10. This will cause us to eat more reasonably (both monetarily and portion-ly, I hope). If we want to spend more than $20, we can save up. We are going to physically put this money in a jar. If it's not in the jar, we can't spend it. For $20 you can get a pizza or a couple of basic sushi rolls, and include a tip.
Today:
- Switched SunPass replenishment to a debit card, rather than the credit card. Now the only recurring bills I have on credit cards are 1) a credit monitoring service ($12.99 monthly) and the Banfield cat health plan for Esk ($21.95 monthly until March).
- Decided that I will give myself a weekly allowance of $10 - this will be completely discretionary. It doesn't sound like much, but really, what do I need? I've already accounted for truly necessary expenses. I am going to physically put this money in my wallet - if it's not there, I can't spend it. For $10 I can get 3 pieces of Godiva chocolate, or one fast-food meal, or a magazine and a chocolate milk, or two Frappuccinos at Starbucks. In three and a half weeks I can have a pedicure. If I want to spend more than $10, I can save up.
- Shredded all credit cards.
- Talked to Carrot about having a restaurant budget of $20 a week - she puts in $10, I put in $10. This will cause us to eat more reasonably (both monetarily and portion-ly, I hope). If we want to spend more than $20, we can save up. We are going to physically put this money in a jar. If it's not in the jar, we can't spend it. For $20 you can get a pizza or a couple of basic sushi rolls, and include a tip.
Today:
- Switched SunPass replenishment to a debit card, rather than the credit card. Now the only recurring bills I have on credit cards are 1) a credit monitoring service ($12.99 monthly) and the Banfield cat health plan for Esk ($21.95 monthly until March).
- Decided that I will give myself a weekly allowance of $10 - this will be completely discretionary. It doesn't sound like much, but really, what do I need? I've already accounted for truly necessary expenses. I am going to physically put this money in my wallet - if it's not there, I can't spend it. For $10 I can get 3 pieces of Godiva chocolate, or one fast-food meal, or a magazine and a chocolate milk, or two Frappuccinos at Starbucks. In three and a half weeks I can have a pedicure. If I want to spend more than $10, I can save up.
The Point of It All
I spend more money than I make.
I have $10000 in credit card debt.
I do not have a 6 month savings cushion in case something terrible happens.
None of this is OK, and it ends now.
I intend to chronicle my journey to financial OK-ness here. Most likely I'll include some numbers. I believe that our society's general secrecy about money reinforces bad saving and spending habits.
I have $10000 in credit card debt.
I do not have a 6 month savings cushion in case something terrible happens.
None of this is OK, and it ends now.
I intend to chronicle my journey to financial OK-ness here. Most likely I'll include some numbers. I believe that our society's general secrecy about money reinforces bad saving and spending habits.
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