The Economy is Slowly Rebounding...

in my neck of the woods. Sloooowwwwlllyyyy is the key word here. My hours at the part-time gig went up in the last two weeks. That is my economic indicator. LOL Let's hope this is a continuing trend. I received my highest paycheck since 2009 began. That is a good sign.

Family, Friends and Money

The people around me think I have money to freely give because I have a second gig, aka the part-time job. Helloooooo, I am not out there working a second job to be Ms. Banker. They get on my last nerve.

Updates

Hours at the part-time gig increased in the last two weeks. I am hoping this will be a consistent trend.

I got a raise this week which resulted in a small increase in pay. I am thankful to have a job, and to get an increase. Any increase no matter how small is appreciated and goes a long way.

Eating..Cooking...Money..Etc

Lately I've been cooking more. The key in not getting into a rut is trying new recipes. My new thing is to pick two recipes for the week and purchase my ingredients that week. I will cook twice that week which is usually a serving of five or more (am single). The left overs I freeze until next time. The recipe for tonight was my version of jambalaya. Next up later this week is soup. Not a particular type of soup, but whatever ingredients is in the kitchen type of soup. As long as it is well seasoned there is no problem.

I do not like to cook at all. My new method makes it easier on me, and I actually look forward to trying new recipes. Whole Foods Market has great recipes on their website. Those are the ones I've been using as well as a mix from about.com food section.

In my quest to eat healthier (organic, more whole grains, raw, blah blah blah) grocery shopping is a bit more expensive. However, because I am eating out less when it comes to lunch, my overall food bill is pretty much the same.

My Financial Psyche...Plans etc

The DOW dropped even lower. Now, I am not an expert but can this thing drop any lower??

I am not even sure what is left in my old 403B anymore. I am still contributing to my pension at the current job.

The game plan right now is to continue pay down debt and save as much as I can. I've had to adjust my plans because the income from the part-time gig is almost non existent. However, I am still on track to bring the e-fund to the full goal before June 30, 2009.

My brown bagging is now at almost 100%. I eat out at work maybe once per week. In driving on the weekends I run all my errands in one trip as much as I can.

The small adjustments I've been making has helped me cope with the decrease in income.

Hours at the part-time gig are almost non existent.

I am still doing ok financially. Funny, how quickly we adapt to new financial circumstances.

The Stimulus Package Debate

What are your thoughts?

I've been following this a little too closely. Too many experts too many predictions.

Home-buyer tax credit is it $7,500 or $15,000 or now $8,000.

Will it create jobs or save jobs? Will the states get much needed aide.

I think we should all just wait until the final version is passed. Whether you agree with increased government spending or tax cuts it doesn't matter. The media is going crazy trying to provide information too consumers, but I think right now we are on information overkill. At least I am.

I will not click on anymore news article about the stimulus bill until it is signed into law by President Obama.

My 2 cents.

Updates

Wamu was bought out by Chase recently. As a Wamu customer the only change I've noticed so far is one branch close to my job that is closing by the end of the month.

I added a few dollars to my savings accounts. I am now at almost half of my $5,000 goal.

For the past few months I've been paying all my bills and using my debit card only. No credit cards whatsoever. This is the longest period of time in my adult life that I've gone without using a cc. It feels wonderful.

The price of gas has creeped back up to $2.03 in my area.

The recession has hit me hard

Paycheck from the part-time job is down about 70%. I am still hanging in there till the spring to see if it improves.

I am coping by eating breakfast and lunch at home, driving less and forgoing non essential purchases.

Shares of J Crew up 10%

I need to start a clothing line and have the Obamas wear something. Interestingly enough the J Crew website is having hiccups. I went on there tonight out of curiosity (not buying anything).

Debt Collection Now a WITCH Hunt

NY DailyNews has an article about what I would call new debt collection practices.

The Tax Man Cometh!!!

I did a tax refund estimator on HR Block today, and it's not looking good.

Tomorrow I will be making adjustments at both jobs to make sure this is not repeated next year.

Updates

The e-fund bar has been updated to reflect my 2009 savings goal.

A raise of 4% is right around the corner somewhere.

I am silently praying that Uncle Sam and his bastard child NY State have mercy on me next year.

Paying in cash feels good, walking around with change doesn't.

I am tired of hearing about the Black Friday 2 phenomenon, a.k.a the day after Christmas sale. I have no money to spend anyways, so it does not matter. ( Is it really a phenomenon if it is just made up media hype?)

Gas is now $1.84 per gallon in my area.

Looking around my apartment I realize that I started to accumulate 'stuff'. I will now have to really assess each purchase.

Money Saving Tip

Ladies please take inventory of all beauty products before heading out to the store. You will be surprised to find that you are not running low on supplies as you thought.

Tonight I was bored and decided to take inventory. There are too many half done bottles of products to count. Bath and Body Works will not be getting my money in the after Christmas sale like I planned.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all

2009 Goals

There are only 2 goals for 2009.

1. Add $3,000 to the e-fund bringing the balance to $5,000.

2. Pay off the final balance on my credit card debt.

If I can accomplish these goals within the first half of the year, the rest of the year will be smooth sailing.

I am ending 2008 with over $2,000 in the bank and a few thousand dollars less in credit card debt. Not too shabby.

Now time to look forward to the tax man.

Secret Millionaire on Fox

Did anyone else catch this show? What are your thoughts?

The show is basically millionaires who are sent to live for one week with regular struggling people. At the end of the week they decide who to give away $100,000 to.

Savings Update Side Bar

The savings bar has been updated. I've finally reached and surpassed my $2,000 mark.

Yipeeeee!!!

Gas is $2.29 per gallon in my area