2007 will be my year

A happy and blessed new year to all.

In October I outlined my goals for 2007. I must admit these goals are very lofty. However, I have all confidence that I can work hard, make some sacrifices to fulfill those goals.

Accident / Insurance update

There was a letter in the mail today from the insurance company about the accident. After reading through all the big words and legal jargon they are basically saying that after fixing my car and paying over $5,000 they want their money back. They (my insurance) is going after the other party, her insurance and anybody else they can, to get repaid. I was instructed that I can do the same if I want, however, am not to sign any kind of release that will jeopardize them getting paid. Since, they are including my deductible ($1,000) I have nothing to do but sit back and relax. To this day I have not said a word to the other driver and or her representatives. I have no intentions of starting now. The letter did say it could take up to a year and they may sue the pants off her if they have to.

Don't you just love insurance companies! LOL

Timely Quote

My Chinese fortune cookie recently had this quote: 'Inch by inch life's a cinch. Yard by yard life is hard.

This is so true where personal finance is concerned. I would love nothing than to have all my debt erased in 2007 and have my emergency fund fully funded, all the while being able to purchase my condo. However, I realize that baby steps are best. This is something I have to keep reminding myself.

Weekly Rant

1. Am single with no kids. That means ain't got shit in the fridge but liquor, water, and cheese. Dude, you show up without notice and expect a five course meal. Talk to the stove, she is lonely as hell. Your azz should call next time.

2. Your card is 'declined'. Huh??? Fvck you looking at me like am speaking gibrish. You know your azz got bad azz credit. Stop asking me to try again. What? you think your credit will improve in 2.2 seconds. Hell Noooo.

3. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. There was no acknowledgement for my birthday or anything, but you expect a Christmas gift. Well guess what?? Am Mrs. mother freaking scrooge.

4. Rosie O'Donnell and that fvcked up hair dude Donald need to let it go already. Both of you are idiots.

5. Am not working two jobs leaving home at 8am only to return at 1am, so that you can enjoy the fruits of my labor. Did you not read no. 3. Since you do not understand plain English here goes. I ain't no bank, to be lending you money.

Blogging is good for the soul

My blog is keeping me sane. I am less stressed now about my financial situation because I have an outlet. I can come here and vent about my finances without feeling judged. There is no one in my personal circle that I discuss finances with. I did not learn from my parents, so discussing money with them is a no no. The other members of my family all think am rich. Then there are those who have no concept of their own financial situation so talking to them is like talking to a brick wall.

I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who stops by and makes a comment. Any comment is appreciated. The support makes me know am not in this alone.

Savings change

Now that the mini-efund is at 100% I will reduce the amount of direct deposit. It will now be $100 one week, and $25 the other week. Once I get to $2,000 it will be reduced again, until all debt is paid off.

Year To Date

For the first time I took a really good look at the 'Year To Date' column on my paycheck. I had a light bulb moment. This column is scary as hell. When I look at the different categories I am almost in shock. I have to make my money work better for me in 2007. The only category that was reassuring was the contributions to my retirement fund. It is a definite sense of accomplishment to know that I have over $4,000 saved for retirement.

Anyone else find the 'Year To Date' column interesting? scary?

Blogger Problems

It appears as if I cannot comment on the upgraded 'beta' blogs. If you have one of these blogs and I no longer comment, it is due to technical difficulties.

It's official......

with today's deposit the e-fund stands at $1,017.44.
I am so happy there's not much I have to say, except automation pays off.

Am still here

It has been so busy the past few days, that I can barely put a decent post together.
This thing of working two jobs really kicks ass. However, now that am single and childless, it is the best time to get my hustle on.

Financially, it seems as if things are at a standstill. I am holding my breath until Thursday when the mini-efund becomes 100% funded. Yeahhhhhhh!!!!!! I am less than $100 away.
*See side bar*

The time now is 12:45 I am off to bed before I start writing gibrish.

Updating my blog

My emergency fund number has been updated. I am almost at the $1,000 mark. Can't wait to have a drink when I get there, by the end of next week if my numbers are ok.

I need help it making my update easier to read. Does anyone know how I can make my e-fund into a little chart. Nothing fancy that requires lot of coding. Something simple.

Thanks in advance for all your help.

BOA Technology is crap part II

None of my transactions have been posted to my account in the past 24 hours. What does that mean? I can't get cash at the ATM because the deposit it sitting there as pending. I was told that they are having system problems no no debits or credits are being posted. They hope to have the issue fixed in the next few hours.

Once I get out of work at 5pm and the problem still persists the account is being closed.

I realize the problem is not limited to my account only, but two issues is one week is a bunch of shit.

Little things that bothered me this week

I am back to my weekly rant. There are a few things I need to get off my chest.

1. WTH does the price of gas keep moving up. HELLLOOOOOO oil company, can you just chill for a minute.

2. WTH my insurance company has not gotten back to me after my accident. Granted my car is fixed I would like to know what the final outcome is. OH well, fvck them, if they raise my rates in April, then I will move on.

3. Why did my netflix dvd arrive cracked. New flash! am tired and would just like to relax and watch my husband on tv, a.k.a Denzel finer-as-he-gets-older Washington. But noooooooo, the damn dvd is no good. So now I have to wait. Sheesshh.

4. Why the cheaper cordless phone is out of stock at Target. A cordless phone for over $50. I guess I did not get the expensive-as-hell cordless phone memo. I will wait.

5. Why do the guys at the car wash think am gonna tip them. Dude I was my car but once every few months, get a clue.

Flexible Savings Account is the next best thing since....

slice bread.

The paper work was submitted just a few days ago, and I received my check today. A nice whopping check for $500.

Here is the plan. I will be depositing $250 into ING, and use the balance on making extra payments on the student loans for this month.

This will bring me closer to my goal for the mini emergency fund which is $1,000. Once I achieve this goal I will reduce the amount I am direct depositing into savings, so that I can focus more on bringing down my credit card debt.

Marketing tactics

Companies employ marketing personnel to draft and execute marketing plans. The basic aim of these marketing plans is to increase consumer interest, and hopefully purchase of the company's products and or services.

One such marketing tactic, plan, idea whatever you want to call it, is to give away products for free. I am guessing (since I am not a marketing 'expert') that the marketers believe that once a person comes to get the 'free product' they will 'buy' an additional product.

Marketers! guess what? If that person is 'tiredofbeingbroke', that tactic WILL NOT work. The past few weeks I have gotten a few coupons from one of my favorite under wear store Ms. Vickie. The coupons all say one free panty 'no purchase' necessary. However, there are other offers on the coupon $10 off some kinda fancy, smancy bra.

I love 'free', and am not about to pass up a 'free' anything as long as I can use it. So, I head into Vickies, coupon in hand, head straight for the table with the 'freebies'. It is to the point where I know off hand which undie qualifies for the free purchase, and where the table with them is located.

Am not interested in the nice displays, or any other offer you might have that is not free. News Flash I am not buying anything. I will get my free undie and stand in line like all the other customers and then keep it moving.

Keep the 'free' coupons coming my marketing friends.