403B Rollover

Is there a wrong or right time to roll over a 403B from an old job? I am rolling it over to Vanguard. However, with the markets the way it is, is now a wrong time roll over?

Saving my second pay check

Starting with the first payroll in April my goal is to save the entire paycheck from the part-time gig. The hours have declined in the past few weeks. I will be back to regular schedule in a few weeks. This is my new mission. It is not a huge amount of money each month, but with regular hours can add of to around $600 per month after taxes.

Am so excited with this new goal.

Cash flow planning

Car insurance bill is due at the end of April. Normally, I pay half of the 6 month premium. My goal is to pay the entire bill at once.

MTA MTA Oh how I love thee

How can an organization provide progressive deteriorating service and still charge more for said service?

Just follow the lead of the MTA.

The cost of the subway fare went up this past Sunday. I still have not been able to get a seat in the mornings, and must be squished in the evenings. Oh and my train goes 5 milers per hour.

Random Thoughts

A coupon to a store is not a license to shop.

I am me. I may not be the most stylish or flashy. So, your flashy-brand-name-wearing-no-pot-to-piss-in-behind need to just get over it.

Stop complaining. Get a solution.

I have decided that my ultimate goal is to pay my car off this year. Had a lightbulb moment and realize this would be quite an accomplishment.

The price of gas no longer gives me the hives. Public transit all the way. Now if only I can get the people who take NY subway to be a better judge of size. Your size 12 behind cannot fit in the seat a size 2 just deserted.

Taking care of my own hair is not as bad as I thought. Plus it is a whole lot cheaper.

I was watching CBS News Sunday Morning

Random facts I learned from this morning's show:

Musician Kenny G majored in accounting in college. He also asks the right accounting questions before decided to go on a tour. He was one of the initial investors in Starbucks.

Suzie Orman says we should not buy more than we need, which is why she only has one pair of earrings.

One million dollars in hundreds is about a nice 22 lb package.

Paper money is not paper, but cotton and linen.

Bill Gates and Warren Buffet plays bridge. I wonder if playing bridge will make me rich.

OH and some fool, sorry I mean entrepreneur is selling plots of land on the moon. Is that an oxymoron?? Plots of land on the moon?? Da hell!! I wonder if I can get a mortgage to finance that. The deed is called a Lunar Deed. There are people out there who are buying it. $19.99 and a part of the moon can be yours. LMAOOOOOOO

Increase in credit card offers

Ever since I consolidated my credit card debt the number of credit card offers have increased drastically. Before the consolidation I almost never got any offers....this week alone I received four....yes 4. Straight to the shredder I go. Now I see how easy it is to get into the cycle of credit card debt over and over again.

Well, credit card companies TBB is not playing around. She is paying down the debt consolidation loan through payroll deductions. So go away and leave her alone.

Did anyone catch the Oprah Winfrey Show last night?

This show was soooo sad. There was a lady who was deep in debt after her husband died. He committed suicide and left her with thousands of dollars in credit card debt, a huge mortgage and no job.

I missed the first few minutes of the show. However, that was the gist of what I got.

Bottom line: Ladies there is no knight in shining armour who will take care of you forever. Even if you are a stay at home mom, make sure you are in th loop where finances are concerned. Know where all the financial documents are, know how much money is coming in and going out. This information is crucial.

Additional information on the show is available at Oprah.com.

Has the 'recession' hit home?

It has for me. Sales are down at the part-time gig which means hours are also down. This decrease my bottom line (a.k.a) paycheck every two weeks. I am learning to adjust by making sure I keep my variable expenses as low as possible. My budget is tight and every dollar is needed. This means any reduction is felt.

Has the 'recession' being to touch anyone else?

I am actually looking forward to those $600 - $1,200 rebate checks. Hopefully, consumers will decide to spend a portion of it.

A raise is on its way

A raise was just approved for a little over 6.5%. Now lets see how much Uncle Sam and his munchkins gonna take before I can see my share.

To retirement and beyond!!!!!!!!

The pension contributions have started. My retirement picture looks brighter each day. Short-term my financial picture is still a bit bleak but am making progress.

Slow and steady wins the race.

Recession!! The sky is falling!! The tax rebate savior

Recent financial news has me feeling like burying my head in the sand, and not coming up for air.

Am I the only one that feels like that?

Best Buy Customer Service Sucks

I will never again attempt to buy anything from BEST BUY.

A word to BEST BUY management, customers come first. If you did not have customers you would not be in business.

To management at the store at 622 Broadway in Manhattan, if you are not going to answer the phone, then the option to speak to a 'sales' associate should be taken off the menu. I guess you guys met your sales goal for today so you are not interested in answering the phone and speaking to additional customers.

My w-2s have started to come in. There is one thing that is shocking. The part-time gig brought in over $12,000. Huh!!!!!!! 2008 will not be that high since the hours have been reduced. However, I really need to get a handle on where that money is going.

I made another sale on half.com

Love that site.

$161 for 10 minutes of work......

Gotta love credit card companies. I was able to convince them to give me credit for the finance charges.

My day to day goal

is to not use my credit cards.

Now my credit card debt is consolidated, I use only one credit card. It has my netflix membership and tolls. I make sure to leave it at home so that I am not tempted to use it. I can't wait for those $0 balance statements to come in the mail.

Tax Time Again

How exciting! I am starting to get my documents together for tax time. It does not mean I will be doing my taxes early. I will be filing electronically for free via the State Farm website. However, I will wait until April 10th or after, LOL.

I am still paying back taxes from last year. Oh the woes of being childless and propertyless (is that a word) in NYC.

To Do List

Here are the things I have done so far financially:

1. Filled out the forms to contribute to my pension.

2. Consolidated credit card debt. (see December 28th post)

Things still to do:

1. Roll over 403B to Vanguard from previous job. (The package is sitting on the coffee table)

2. Build up emergency fund to $2,000.

Credit Card Debt Consolidated

All my credit card debt has been consolidated. The APR is lower than what I was paying on the cards.
The actual cards are not being used. The consolidation loan will be paid off quickly, quickly, quickly.

I feel more free now. Simplifying my financial life is a work in progress. Three less bills in the mail box.

There is a bright light at the end of the tunnel.

Merry Christmas and happy holidays to one and all.

HSBC interest has been lowered again

It is now 4.2%.

People in the mortgage crises and credit card debt are not the only ones suffering. Savers are feeling the pain too.

A few words of wisdom to shoppers...Let me get this off my chest

I just finished an 8 hour shift at the part-time gig. There are a few (well alot) of things I need to get off my chest. Sorry in advance if I offend anyone.


You do not have to get it because it is on sale.

Control your kids. The store is not a playground. Also, teach your little monsters to speak with their inside voices.

I am just the cashier, the powers that be sets the prices. If you think the merchandise is expensive, then DO NOT BUY IT. I couldn't give a flying fvck if you cannot afford your Christmas gifts.

DECLINE MEANS YOUR AZZ IS BROKE. END OF STORY.

You really should not be getting another store credit card. I remember your face from last week when your visa declined. Irresponsible!!

Please take the fighting OUTSIDE. Preferably all the way outside the mall. Cuz if one of you fools miss and hit me, it's on.

COVER YOUR MOUTH WHEN YOU COUGH. SHIT!!

You finished with your purchases and walked away. I don't care if you ran back to get one other item (after 10 minutes, mind you). GET YO AZZ BACK ON THE DAMN LINE. All those other people are waiting. You already had your damn turn.

Is that the line? Hell you think those 30+ people are standing their because we are friends.

The light is off and my back is turned. Is this register open? What you think Einstein. On top of that you see me speaking to someone. How about saying excuse me before you start running your mouth.

You need that shirt off the display? Ask for help, you damn near broke it, then have the nerve to complain.

Word to the couples 'in love', wait until your outside to argue. Obviously two broke people in a relationship is bad chemistry.

DO NOT TOUCH THE COMPUTER SCREEN. You need to know the price ask me.

COMMON COURTESY PEOPLE, COMMON COURTESY!!

2008

I have narrowed down my goal for 2008.

1. Do not incur any new credit card debt.

2. Pay off at least $10,000 of my current debt.

That's it.

I will also start to contribute to my pension as of 2008.

My ultimate long-term financial goal ...

is to retire at age 50.

Christmas Shopping

My holiday shopping budget is $300. This year I am only purchasing gifts for the children in my life. I already know which gifts am purchasing.

Holiday shopping made easy!

Gyms.....

are not in business to help people loose weight and or make them healthier. Gyms are in business to make a profit whether or not you loose weight. I recently decided I wanted to go back to the gym. I could go to my old gym or the new fancy one that opened up close to home. Low and behold last night I called the new snazzy gym to ask a simple question. Instead of getting a simple answer, I got a rather car-salesman-snake-pitch to come in and sign up. For now, I will stick to my dvds that I have at home. No gyms for me, since I am not looking to sign a contract with anyone.

Conversations at the register

TBB: Your total is xyz dollars.

Broke Customer: Can I put x on this card (insert store credit card here)?

TBB: Sure no problem.

Broke Customer: The rest is on this card (insert debit card here)?

TBB: Miss the card declined.

Broke Customer: Really?? (with the surprised look)

TBB: Yes really? (with the WTF look)
Broke Customer: Ok let me take some things off. Am probably over my limit anyway.

TBB: Whispers under my breath (you think).

I am so tempted to give some of these customers the URL to my favorit financial blogs. It is hard being a pf blogger and working retail. I am not perfect but at least am trying.

Stretching my paychecks to the limit

The price of everything is rising. It almost seems as if there is a conspiracy out there to eat up my paycheck. Each week I try to stretch my paycheck as much as I can. Here are some of the things I do:

Coupons: I religiously use coupons now more than before.

Electricity: The lights are off and all the unused appliances are unplugged.

Sales: Every store I go into I try to buy items that are on sale. Even at the supermarket I try to buy the items I need when they are on sale.

My new job came at the right time. Taking public transportation is not so bad anymore now that the price of gas has gone up more than 15 cents in two weeks.

These are all things I have been doing in the past. However, in the past couple weeks I have paid much more attention to how much money I spend.

Toy shopping this christmas season

WTH?? is with all the lead in kids toys. I guess all the cheap sh.it from China has come back to bite us in the hiney.

For the past few weeks with all the recall I pretty much did not say anything on my blog about. However, a report this morning blew my mind. There is this dot thingamagig toy that is the number one toy in Australia. There are little dots that when you spray them with water they are 'supposed' to stick together. Anywho, the lining on the dots has a chemical that mimics the 'date rape drug'. Yes you got that right, date rape drug. Are you kidding me? I hope corporate America wakes up because they are putting our kids lives in danger. Even though I am not a parent I have kids in my family to buy for.

There is website for to help parents and non-parents research toys this christmas/holiday whatever you wanna call it. The site is The Daily Green. It has toys that were made in the United States that has no lead or any of that other stuff.

Financial Updates

The price of gas in my area increased tremendously in the past two weeks, from $2.53 per gallon to $2.72. As much as I do not like public transportation $4 per day does seems like a bargain.

This months unplanned spending for me totalled $52.86. Ann Taylor had an extra 25% off clearance. I used it as an opportunity to stock up on 3 tops for works. Money well spent, unplanned but well spent.

Taxes at the new job are eating me alive. I am in the process of figuring out the retirement options so I can sign up as soon as possible. In the mean time I am still contributing to the 401K at the part-time gig. It is only two cents here or there, but every little bit helps.

The holiday shopping frenzy has officially begun. Tis the season of overspending, declining credit cards and ompteen returns.

The stories from the part-time gig will only get interesting from now on. I will keep you guys posted.

Get an extra job this holiday season

The holiday season is upon us. Now is the time to get a seasonal job to help with debt reduction. Try hotjobs, career builder, or go to your store of choice and fill out an application in person.

It is totally worth it. I should know, I did it.

Updates

- My computer problems are making it difficult to blog, or even visit other other blogs and leave comments.

- I am slowly paying down my credit card debt and being careful not to incur new debt. Things on the financial side are quiet.

- My 401K contributions along with employer match have started at the part-time gig. Now that I think of it I am in a unique position to be contributing to two different 401K plans at once. The dollar is very small each month because I am not working many hours. However, every little bit counts.

- ING's orange savings account has an interest rate of around 3%. My money for bills is able to earn some little interest until it is time to pay bills. Love it.

The lesson I finally learned about when it comes to finances is that small mole hills can make mountains. Am chipping away slowly and making progress.

Did anyone watch The Oprah Show????

I am sitting here watching Oprah. Today's show profiled two couples that are heavily in debt. The first couple's situation is out of this world. *Faints*
The woman in the first piece is using credit card convenience checks to pay her bills each month. Huhhhh!!!! What????? Her husband has no idea how much debt they have, wow!!

The second couple has two cars and they live in New York City. You only need one damn car, and you do not need a Lexus to be parking on the street. Thankfully there situation is not as bad as the first one. The thing that bothers me is the $100,000+ in student loans. Are you a doctor or something?

Right now am speechless, got nothing else to say.

Random.....mess

Being organized saves money. No more late fees. Sometimes I am so organized a bill gets paid twice in one month.

Why do people think it is appropriate to bring babies to late night movies. If you cannot find a sitter stay your azzzz home. I paid $10 just like you. I would like to enjoy it. On that note, I loved 'Why did I get married?'....Tyler Perry did his thing.

I do not miss going to the gas station on a weekly basis to fill up. Public transportation is not so bad, when it actually works on time and I can get a seat.

I have only two financial goals for 2007 so far. I think they are both realistic and can be achieved in that time frame. I might stick to those two instead of adding more.

Computer Troubles

A year ago my computer started dying. I stretched that bad boy out for a whole year. Well, now the time has come. It is on its last leg. I turned it on a few weeks ago and all the icons and documents disappeared. I am now really in the market for a new computer. My limit is $600 max, not a penny more.

I am looking into getting an Acer it is cheap and comes highly recommended.

Two lessons from the world's richest man

This morning the world's richest man Carlos Slim gave an interview to Diane Sawyer of Good Morning America. The two lessons I took away from this interview were:

1. Keep a spending diary. I knew this before, but hearing it from the world's richest man puts it in a different perspective. He kept a little journal when he was a kid, about how he spent his allowance.

2. You don't have to flaunt it, because you have it. Guess I will not be buying that $400,000 Bentley I saw it my dreams.

Are you smarter than a 5th grader?

NO. I am sitting here watching the show and I would not have made it past $25,000. Sad, sad, sad.

Random Stuff

The MTA wants to raise the fare from $2.00 to $2.25. Are you kidding me? I can barely get damn seat, or get a train on time and you want more money. I wish my employer would give me raises for mediocre work, absences and lateness. Shhiiittt!! I would be rich after working for only a year.

According to my calculations buying breakfast everyday at work would cost approximately $55 per month. This is the low end breakfast. Nothing with the fancy, smancy coffee and whole wheat blah blah. As long as I keep thinking of this as my electric and gas bill then am good. I will not be tempted to buy anything.

The $20 worth of gas in my car is estimated to last three weeks. Yeahhhhhhhhh!!!

On my new quest to conserve energy my electrical bill has dropped by over $20 per month in the past three months. I will continue with my conservation efforts, there is quite a bit more I can do.

Manhattan Temptations

Ohhhhhhhh the temptation of working in Manhattan!! Lunch on average cost $6.00 and this is on the lower end. When I step off the train I have the temptation of Starbucks and all the restaurants. Then there are the stores filled with clothes, from the low end to the high end. Lawdyyyy!! I cannot roam around during lunch hour without being tempted by everything.

The one good thing is that I can people watch. As a pf blogger, I find myself wondering how many of the people shopping during their lunch hour are in debt to their eyeballs. The lines in the clothing stores around my office are packed during the lunch rush. I see colleagues buying lunch everyday, and all I can think is wow. I am not judging, for all I know they can be debt free. Just can't help but wonder.

This week was good, I only bought lunch once. Next week I will keeping up that trend. Now if only I can get a damn seat on the damn train I would be happy.

I am waiting on lunch to finish cooking. Yeah!! go me, Single Ma I will Fedex your portion...LOL

Lunch for this week will be....

an assorted variety of sandwiches, fruit (strawberry and banana), rice with some kinda meat, mac & cheese with stew chicken.

Now all I need to do is get my lazy butt up and make stuff the night before.

Half.com Payment Part 2

The second payment from half.com is on its way to my bank account.

Niceeeee!!!

Things are looking up these days.

New Job

I have a new full-time job.

Advantages:
Great move for my career, am finally using that degree
More money
Better Benefits
Less hours in the work week
No more tolls, cheaper public transportation

Disadvantages
Public transportation: the subway is crowded, stink, loud, stink, stink, did I mention smelly!!!!

Brown Bagging It

Starting on Monday...well maybe Tuesday I need to take my lunch to work.

I would like ideas from those who take their lunch to work. What are some of your favorites to take?

I know the left over dinner from the night before is usually standard for some. However, as a single person who hardly makes anything substancial for dinner (read cereal or lean cuisine) that is not a ver good option.

Half.com payment

The payment on one of my half.com sale was direct deposited to my account. Love ittttt!
This is the easiest money I have made in a long time, and it did not take much of my time.

401K contribution has begun

This week is pay week, and my contribution to the 401K at the part-time gig has started.

Yeeeeeaaaahhhhhh goooo me!!

I made a sale....caching

I have made two sales since listing my books on half.com. This is $62.00 that I now have that I did not have before. Love it....not to mention I am cleaning out my closet and having more room at the same time.

Am back

I took a few days off to get my head together. Am back. Not much to report on financially except that I need to get back on the bandwagon. I fell off for those few tumultuous emotionally draining days.

Blogging Break for a few days

I think I will be taking a blogging break for a few days....having a bad Tuesday.

Relaxer and Deep Conditioner - $45.00

Hair Products - $12.53

Resulting feeling of fabulosity - priceless

Random.....am pissed....at men

Stop looking at my ass.
Can you at least be subtle....stop saying stupid shit. Walking around looking like a leprechaun, what makes you think I want you.

I got a man, nuff said. Back off, no I do not want to be your friend, do I look like a people person.

What you like a challenge? Fvck, the screw face was not enough to keep you away. You can walk on the sidewalk next to me, but if you so much as make wind brush up against me, I will slap that smirk off your face.

No you are not getting my digits!! Why you always in front the damn building just sitting there. Get a job.

Little boy am a grown woman, get your 22 year old, mothers milk on your breath face from in front of me.

Stop making up names to call me! I am not your baby girl, empress, Queen, chocolate beauty or none of that shit!! Hell just do not talk to me. You think that makes it cute! No it does not!

I've just had it with the random disrespect from men on the streets. Fvck I know its a speech is free, but one day am gonna snap and slap one of you fools!!

I've been tagged

I was tagged by Debt Challenger to give one piece of financial advice.

For those in debt, and are considering a second job here is some advice. Make sure the second job is flexible, and does not get in way of your main job, a.ka. your bigger bread and butter. The income from the second job should be either close to your main job or close to home to keep commuting costs down. The key is: your income from your second job should not be used to increase your lifestyle. It should be used to pay down your debt and increase savings.

I am participating and random crap

The decision has been made. I will participate in the 401K at the part-time gig. I just realized am in the position where both jobs (well at least when I had the two) have a matching 401K or 403B. I did not even expect that from the part-time gig.

I will be there for as long as I can.

While we are on the subject of the part-time gig, here goes:

Yeah people are still writing checks, and am still looking at them like they have three heads.

It is back to school shopping time, I know that. Hell, that little bastard does not need that many clothes. Why you got three pairs of the same shade of jeans for him. Let him alternate what he already has, and you wonder why the card declined.

Make your decision before you get to my register. How many times must I say this? Why do you have $200 worth of clothes if you only have $75. Come on, there are people on line behind you.

401K at the second gig

Apparently I am eligible to participate in the 401K plan at my part-time gig. I am sure some where I was told this a year ago when I started but I did not pay attention. This is how it works. You are automatically enrolled unless you opt out. I was sent a packet in the mail and threw it in the garbage because I figured it was sent by mistake. Then today I got a card in the mail informing me to return the crap that was in the package. Huh??

My question is should I participate in the 401K at the second gig?

Just some additional information:
I resigned from my full-time job a few weeks ago, and am waiting to start a new one. In the mean time I am 'full-time' at the second gig. Which is now technically my only gig.
I will definitely be keeping the part-time, now full-time gig once I start the new job in a few weeks.

Did I mention there is a match, I like free.

Random stuff

1. Am getting to be more and more organized. Once my bills come in, I put the minimum into online bill pay. This way nothing gets paid late. Once those are done being paid then I make an additional payment.

2. Gas is now down to $2.49 per gallon. Am so happy.

3. Velveeta Shells and Cheese at the supermarket is $2.79, at Target it is $1.52 regular price. I am getting better at letting my dollars stretch a bit more.

4. Now that it is summer I would encourage anyone looking to pay down debt, to get a part-time job. It really, really helps. I will be keeping mine for quite a while longer, I actually enjoy it most days.

5. I am glad I do not have children, back to school shopping is no joke.

6. This blog is making me more accountable for my finances each day. I look at prices more closely, look for more bargains and save as much as I can, when I can.

Spending Aug 11 - 18

My stomach = $56.61 ( I just had to crave pizza, bread sticks and hot wings - Dominoes anyone?)

The ride = $30.00

Train fare = $4.00

Shelter = $910.50

Shelter upkeep = $7.46

Credit cards = $411.04

Clothing & Accessories = $10.65 ( I got a pair of shoes and capri pants for this price) Bargainnnnnn!!!

I need to reign in my cravings for certain things. They can be pricey.

I did not keep the best records for the past few days. Things got kinda crazy and I might be forgetting one or two things.

Cleaning house and making some cash

Today I decided to clean out my closet and discovered tons of books. I completely forgot how many books I had stored in my closet. I quickly went ahead and posted those books on half.com. Hopefully I can get rid of my clutter and make a little cash at the same time.

Issues with my 'neighborhood' supermarket

Note to the supermarkets in my 'neighborhood', get it together. I do not always feel like driving to Pathmark or making a detour to Stop & Shop on my way home from work. On those days am forced to venture into your 'little' supermarket, but this does not mean I expect inferior service. So to Metfoods, Bravo and the C-Towns of my hood, here are a few things you can do:

1. Get a few people that speak English to work there. I have no problems with the people that do not speak English, but newsflash there are people in the Bronx who speak English only. We would like to have workers that 'understand' what the heck we are saying when we have a question.

2. Clean please. Just clean. Clean up the fvcking mess. That's it.

3. What is that smell!! It has been three years and your place still smells like shit.

4. Spellcheck your fvcking signs.

5. Note to cashier: yeah it says debit card, but do you see that big Mastercard logo? That means I can use it as a credit card, so shut up!

6. Save the best for last: WTF!! that customer just stepped on the baby mouse and kept it moving like it was nothing. Huh!! Unlike Arnold, ' I WILL NOT BE BACK'.

A cheap breakfast idea

My cheap breakfast for today is cornmeal porridge. Love it!!! not to mention the ingredients can all be had for under $5.00, and makes quite a few servings.

Back to eating my breakfast!

Ms. Behaving thanks for the warning, cuz girllllllll if you made me spit out my cornmeal porridge we woulda had a problem!!!! LMAOOOOOO

August 1 - 10 Spending

My ride = $330 ( includes gas and car payment)

My stomach = $44.79 ( includes groceries and eating out)

That's it. Not much.

Spending diary in progress

I have been diligently writing down everything I buy. Compared to the average person I spend very little on stuff. My spending so far has been on the basics such as food and bills.

Update and numbers to follow in a few days.

Are you kidding me?

As most of you know my part-time gig is in retail. One thing I like about the job is that it I notice things about shoppers that make me go, huh! most times its WTF!

I actually had three customers recently in one day that wrote checks for their purchases. What is with the whole writing check thing at stores? Helllooooo, are you doing it because you think you have a float or something? because guess what Einstein, we are converting that bad boy to an electronic transaction.

Why are people still walking around with their social security cards in the wallet? Seriously, this is 2007 and you cannot go a week without hearing about identity theft. And here you are walking around with your checkbook and social security card. WTF!

If you have a store card that declines this means you are carrying a balance. Huh!! you mean that you did not pay off for those socks and shirts, so you are now gonna pay 23%. WTF

Am no saint I have store cards, but do not carry a balance on them. Frankly, they are not used very often, maybe once every couple of months, if that often at all.

No more NEW credit card debt

This morning it finally hit me that for the past few months I have not incurred any new credit card debt. My credit card balances are going down, and am using cash or my debit card for new purchases.

Yipppeee!!!!!! Go me!!!!!!

This blog is really helping to keep me sane where my finances are concerned.

This whole stock market thing......

is not for the faint of heart. My 403B dipped a bit, we now under $6,900. I am not logging in again to look at it until am ready to do the roll over.

Check out this NY Times article

This NY Times article talks about the sacrifice potential buyers made to purchase their own apartments. There is hope after all.

Cooking at home really is alot cheaper

I just spent $14.78 at the grocery store. With the recipes I have in mind, I will have enough food for a week. Granted that one recipe calls for rice, and I already have that at home. I do not need to order takeout or buy lunch when I get to work next week.

Quote of the Day

'Are you anorexa'?

'You a doctor? And your wife is studying to be a surgery'?

Meet The Browns by Tyler Perry.

Lawwwdddd Am home and catching up on the Tyler Perry plays. *faint*

Real Random

1. Rachel Ray has an annoying a.zz voice.

2. Everybody and they mother have a talk show. Maybe I should get me one.

3. I choose to be home in between jobs, the bills are paid and it is not out of your pocket. Don't worry, it really is none of your business.

4. Ok so your married with child, what does that prove? I don't envy you sweetie.

5. Negro if you call my phone one more damn time, we are gonna have a problem. *wondering if e-fund is enough to bail me out of jail*.

7. My horoscope sign says Gemini. Chances are I have a multiple personality disorder.

8. My car has not moved in two days. No gas, no tolls, no nothing. Yipppeeeeee!!

9. Now that I have this much free time am spending way too much time reading celebrity gossip websites. This is my new hobby. LOL

10. "Yo, what's good?" Huh!! you kidding me right? Is that how you speak to someone on the street you donot know? I don't know what's good, but I do know what's bad. Move your dumb a.zz from my view.

WTF is wrong with the NY tax man

I called the automated number to set up my tax payment. This computer bastard had the nerve to tell me that my $50 a month is not enough. Look azzhole am only working part-time so that is why I propose $50. Here is the kicker, the automated system then tells me the minimum I can pay is $51. A damn dollar, you kidding me right. A freakin dollar.

Mmmmhhhmm... now am on hold for an agent.

Ok so the damn automated system hung up the phone on me. I called back and agreed to pay $55. Agreement accepted. Done!!

The tax bill is here

I owe NY state a little over $1,000. Damn, damn, damn. This is one of the reasons I quit the job across the bridge in stinking NJ. They fvcked up on the amount of tax to take out for NY. Now I have to get on the phone to set up a installment payment agreement cuz I don't have a grand just lying around.

Library day

I am off to the local public library to pick up a few books. Instead of being lazy and driving, I'll walk over there. The best thing is it is all free.
Just need to move the car to the other side of the street so that I do not have to wake up in the morning for that alternate side of the street crap.

Edit:

The sun is kinda hot, and your girl is allergic to the sun, LOL. Am just going to lay out and chill till this afternoon, then I'll go to the library.

Bored and shopping

So Ms. TBB is home during the day, and guess what she did today? I went shopping.......I just want to kick myself. I will probably return the stuff I bought even though it only costs $30. For the rest of the week I am not going outside unless it is to go to work in the evenings. Apparently, being bored and roaming the shopping areas is a bad thing. If I keep this up I will be broker than broke, and that would only bring more stress. Need to start that day job quick fast and in a hurry, LOL.

Spending Diary

Starting in the month of August I will 'try' and keep a spending diary. I will write down my daily spending on everything from rent to bagels. At the end of each week I will post those spending on my blog.

Am too lazy....

to update the 'Blogs I like' link on my page so I go to some of my favorite blogs to get to my other favorite blogs. Here is my travel route...to BK diva I get to Organized Noise, Just Me Writing, Ms. Behavin and a few others. Ms. Behavin hooks me to Ghetto Economics and others.

From Single Ma I used to go Brooklyn Diva and Always Funky Fresh till I updated a few months ago....now I only have to go Single Ma to Boston Gals Open Wallet, Young and Broke and Money Monk and All Financial Matters among others.

Pure laziness I tell ya! With all the free time I have during the day, I need to get on the ball. I promise to do it tomorrow (remember I did not say which tomorrow). LOL

Apartment Living

The exterminator guy comes to my building once per month. I have been in my apartment almost 3 years and today was the 2nd time he has been in my apartment. I am normally not home during the day when they arrive.
Now that am home during the day (long story, waiting to start a new job) I am getting a few things accomplished. Don't worry am not completely without income, I am still working around 30 hours per week, just at nights.

Financial update

One of my credit card now has less than a $900 balance. This should be paid off by the end of September. This is a credit card that will remain open and in the under wear drawer (lol).

My student loan payments are still on track especially Sallie Mae. The principal is going down each month. There is a federal student loan that I would like to get rid of before the end of the year. The balance is a little under $2,000.

Since I tend to have financial ADD am trying really hard to make these two my projects so that I can make some real progress. I realize that in the past not focusing and having a plan is one of the reasons am broke. I would save money and immediately use it, because as I saw it I had a job so could save it again. Bad, bad thinking. I am working on changing all that.

Maury Povich

Does he do anything besides 'Your my baby daddy shows'? WTH, Am home today, and watching this show is a damn disgrace. People use condoms.

And the boy Harry that the three girls claim is a baby daddy could not touch me with a 10 feet pole. Talking about he's not the daddy cuz the child is bow legged. WTF. I can't watch this anymore. Am switching channels.

The Year To Date column on my paycheck has me a bit depressed again! Arggghhh where did all that money go?

Random thoughts and things about me

This is a personal vent, and hardly finance related.

Lookah here Einstein..... News flash, I am not a people person, or a social butterfly....Step! Need I repeat myself.

WTF is with the fake smile? Why you give me that crazy look when I do not smile back.

Guess what, this is what my face looks like 99.9% of the times. I smile when am eating only.
This blog is the most friendly I get. Trust me on that.

So what we are blood related? I can't choose my family, but I can choose to ignore your azz.

Am broke, stop asking me to do shi.t. Yeah so what am always broke, if it is a problem to you then give me some money. I take Benjamin's only.

Leave my generic looking car alone, I don't need rims, tints or bobble head dolls on the dash ( I hate those damn dolls by the way).

Parking in Manhattan for only $225,000

Only in Manhattan can parking costs more than a home.

Ridiculous.

My advice to aging boomers

I am not an expert in any field, well except maybe sleeping and eating. However, I do have some advice for aging boomers because of the work am involved in. This is advice is for boomers, their parents and their kids.

1. Let someone know where all your paper work is.

2. Get a handle on and consolidate your accounts as much as possible. Your children in their 20's and 30's will have a hard time trying to gather things together when you are older.

3. Appoint a power of attorney when your are still able to understand what is going on. Please make sure this person knows what the heck they are doing.

4. Have enough health insurance. MEDICARE IS NOT ENOUGH.

5. Make sure you educate yourself and your family on the different clause in your insurance policy.

6. Get LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE. It goes a long way.

403B Roll over update

My 403b will be rolled over into a Vanguard Ira. All the money will be put into a targeted retirement fund. I have many years until retirement. I am going to park the money there for a little while until I am more educated on investing, and have paid down some more debt.

There you have it, decision made.

I welcome all concerns and comments. No questions though because I probably have no answers, LOL.

My 403B is now over $7,000. This is one of the fewer areas is my financial life where I am making real progress. I have increased the amount in my account by over $1,000 since April.

403B roll over into?????

I need help!!!!!!!!! In the upcoming weeks I have to make a decision to roll my 403B over into am guessing an IRA. I have never had to do this. When I left my previous job because the 401K was less than $1,000 I took it and paid bills. NEVER AGAIN. I am a few years wiser and I know better now.

This much I know:
You have to roll it over into an IRA.

I need advice as to what other people have done. What company did you use? Vanguard pops up a lot so far.
The process good or bad? It is going to take a few weeks for me to figure things out because investing and choosing investments is not my thing. I started my 403B to get the company match. Do not ask me what funds or whatever because am near clueless on that. This is about to change!

The Real World Bites

For the past two weeks that I was on vacation I only checked my bank account twice. This is a stretch for a person who checks their account daily.

I came home to a check from my insurance company for the accident last September. I guess they finally finished their arbitration stuff. That was the only good thing in my mail box in two weeks worth of crap. The rest was just bills, and junk mail.

Today was my day to rest from my vacation. Went out and got my hair done, as well as a pedicure. Tomorrow it is back to working both jobs.

I'm Back From Vacation

Am Backkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk.

My apologies for not posting an away on vacation message. I got caught up and busy busy.

I will be back to regular posting in another day or two.

Random stuff

I celebrated my birthday this past weekend. Am getting closer to the big 30, shhhh do not tell anyone. This means I really need to work my ass off, to get my financial house together.

Gas prices are really starting to get on my last nerve. Thank goodness am going on vacation, no need to fill up the tank.

If your 30 something and still living at home, don't talk shit to me about life. WTH do you know?you have yet to leave the fold. Spread your wings and fly. Don't try talking to me dude, do you first. Why you wanna bring your lazy ass to the table with supermarket special ground beef, when am used to eating steak. (ok this rant has nothing to do with personal finance, just had to get it off my chest).

My cable was downgraded a few months ago. I still have not missed not having the BETS, VH1s and lifetime etc. LOL, I watch very little tv anyway.

My car is dirty as hell. I promise to clean it before the summer is over.

Am sick and tired of people giving me puzzled looks when I tell them their card declined.

In preparation for my upcoming vacation am making sure everything is in order financially. Online bill pay is working overtime. All the bills are paid in advance. I do not want to run the risk of missing a due date. I also do not want to set up any bill pay for while am gone. I will not be checking my bank account while on vacation (well, I'll try not to). The only activity that am expecting while away is direct deposit of my pay check from both jobs.

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.

I am not a people person.........

for this reason, the part-time gig is wearing on me. I do not like people in my face asking dumb questions, I do not like people in my face period. I do not like screaming children. I do not like messy customers.

Random Observations of Consumer Behavior

The part-time gig has given me insight into 'consumer behavior'.

Disclaimer: The following are my random observations of consumers at the part-time gig, and the mall as a whole. These are my personal opinions, am no professional.

1. In this day of identity theft, I find it mind boggling that there are people who still carry around way too much information in their wallets. This week a lady proceeded to write a check, when I asked for ID and she pulled out her license, out falls her SS card. She is the perfect 'victim' for identity theft.

2. Children, a.k.a crumb snatchers, a.k.a expensive loud things, have a lot of influence over what their parents buy.

3. Women tend to be more impulsive than men. Most men who come into the store come for a specific item or items, and they are done. Women browse and buy lots of unwanted stuff. How do I know they are unwanted? Well because they return them a few days or in some cases a few hours later.

4. There are people walking around with multiple credit cards that decline. Why? Am not sure. The first one declines they just keep pulling them out until one approves the purchase.

5. Shopping is a sport for some women......they actually do it in groups. wow.

How not to buy a car!! This guy is stupid!!

This guy decides to trade in 'his' vehicle towards the 'purchase' of another one. Talk about being stupid.

Kids please don't try this at home.

Great weather means $$$$$$

There is something about great weather that makes some people spend money. There are more parties to attend, and even more excuses to go out.

A friend just invited me to her little sister's birthday party. I only met the little sister twice, she is five, I do not particularly like little kids unless they happen to be one of my nieces and nephews or a little cousin. Should I attend this party? I will probably attend, but then it means a gift. aaarrrgggghhh

There is a birthday party for a one year old. This is easy since gifts for little toddlers can be had for cheap.

Why do people invite their single friends to their kids birthday party. I hope I do not get sick since most kids are little germ magnets. I hope no one spills a drink on me. I hope I do not get knocked over by a 5 year old running at 20 miles per hour...LOL.

Why do I think this post makes me sounds like an evil childless kid hater.....LOL.