I went shopping for work pants today and got a pair at Express for $5. This was the best $5 I've spent in a long time. The original sale price was $19.50 plus tax. I have a $15 off coupon which brought the price down to $5.
Normally I do not like shopping especially for pants. However, I tried on a pair that I thought was my size and it fits perfectly. There is no big gap in the waist and the crotch does not look funny. Oh and best of all I DO NOT NEED A BELT. yeeeaaaaaaahhhhh!!!!!

So to Mr or Mrs Express CEO,
I TBB pledge to buy all my work pants from your store, starting today and forever and ever. (That's until some smart ass designer messes with the cut of the pants).

I received the pay off letter for one of my student loans (no it is not Ms. Sallie). I consolidated all my federal loans, both subsidized and unsubsidized. The pay off letter is for the unsubsidized portion of my loans.

Yippppeeee.

Bankrate.com today has an article on in-store check conversions. I understand all the concerns in the article, but the question I ask is: Why are people still writing checks for their purchases at the store. I see customers do it all the time at our store. However, we do not store the checks, the customer gets the paper check back.

My 5 Obsessions

I've been tagged by Single Ma, so now I have to blog about my 5 obsessions. First, let me start by saying I do not have any obsessions. There are a few things that I may think about and do constantly, but I would not call them obsessions. So here they are, in no particular order.

1). My checking account: I look at it every day, maybe a few times per day. When you are as broke as I am there is no room for error in your checking account. I balance my checkbook to the penny. Yes I do keep a check register. It is in my purse. I can tell you where every dime of my direct deposit went.

2.) Online Banking: See above.

3.) Gas Mileage: This is a new one. I am forever watching my gas gauge to make sure it does not move too fast.

4.) Rude kids: Laaawwwwdddd I have this undying urge to smack people's rude kids. Can I just say I have no kids, so please don't think am evil. It is just that, some of these damn kids that come into the store at my part-time gig drive me crazy. Screaming at the top of their little lungs because they cannot get a damn ball.

5.) Flossing: I floss my teeth more than I probably should...read more than once per day. I guess part of it is because I do not like to go to the Dentist, so I over compensate.

My driving habits have changed

The price of gas in Jersey is now $2.83 per gallon on average. It now costs me more than 30 dollars to fill up from 1/4 tank, in the past the cost was $20. In an effort to save money I now drive at the speed limit. On my route home from the part time gig the speed limit is either 50 or 55 mph depending on which route I take. I drive in the middle lane at or below the speed limit. This means I burn less gas, and the chances of me getting a speeding ticket are slim to none.

Since starting my new driving habits I noticed a marked change in the amount of gas my car uses. The other night I drove down 87 on my way home, then took the GWB into Jersey all on E. I no longer fill my tank since it costs more than 30 bucks. I spend $25, and stretch this gas out till after next pay day.

Note to other driver: When you see me in middle lane cruising please do not flash your lights. Go around. I am not speeding up.

My Clothes Rant

I just dropped $99.99 on a business suit that was originally priced at $360.00. I love a good sale. Am now the proud owner of two business suits that 'fit'.

Let me get this off my chest. I hate shopping for clothes, especially pants. Why? Well, am bottom heavy, literally. WTF can't I find separates that fit someone who is bottom heavy but only stands at 5 feet and some change. I do not want my jacket to hang all the way down and hide my hands. Not because I wear a petite size that does not mean am a size 6 or even a damn 8. Why can't clothing designers get it together? Should I start mailing mini cocoa cola bottles to them so they can see what I look like.

WTF do the stores no longer carry proper separates. I do not want a suit that comes together. I want them SEPARATE, so I can get a size 10 or 12 jacket and a size 14 pants. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, Macys has the nerve to have the big ass sign talking about 'oh the size has to be the same on top and bottom you cannot mix and match'.

Ok, I admit I used to go into some stores and switch them up when no one was looking. I would put the sizes together the way I want them. Then I would get to the register and chat up the cashier and hope she did not notice a size 10 jacket with a 14 pant. AAAARRRRGGGGHHHH. Guess some smart aleck started paying attention, so now they have the big numbers attached to each piece. Well maybe they should make separates that looked as fly as the suits and I would not be forced to screw up your inventory. It's not like I was stealing it, I just wanted to get a suit without having to spend an arm and a leg at the tailor.

Shopping for pants is such a headache, this would explain why I own 10 tops for every pant in my wardrobe.

Make it automatic

The one piece of financial advice that I can personally say is 100% true is automatic savings. Since September 06, I have managed to grow an e-fund to over $1,300.00, use it down and build it back up to the current amount of $527.00. I saved this amount without much effort on my part. ING makes it real easy. The direct deposit form can be printed from the website with all the information.

My advice to anyone struggling to start saving would be to set up direct deposit. Make savings automatic, you will see how quickly it grows.