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.
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