Changes

I've decided to shift my focus on here in hopes that I will actually gain some readers. I am not a writer by nature, so if you do read this bear with me and if you have any suggestions I would be happy to hear them. I'm trying to make this less about only my personal finances and more about things I can share with others such as deals, ideas, etc. Something I would like to start doing are book reviews. I know books aren't exactly frugal per se, but borrowing books from the library, using Paperbackswap, finding them cheaply used, and combining Borders gift cards with coupons allow me to feel more frugal.

The Year of Fog
Michelle Richmond

The cover of this book had stated that it would appeal to Jodi Picoult readers so I decided to give it a try. (It was also a $1 thrift store find.) It's about a woman photographer who is originally from Mobile, AL living in San Francisco who was beginning to establish a relationship with her fiance's little girl, only to have the girl disappear while in her hands. I liked it; it was suspenseful and kept my attention for the most part. I enjoyed the descriptions of memory and time and philosophical references. However, having some knowledge on the subject of missing and exploited children, I didn't feel like the ending was very realistic. This would be a good book to take to the beach and/or vacation.

Happy Birthday to me!!

I've finally hit a quarter century today, I can't believe it!! Hopefully 25 will be fun and exciting as I plan a wedding, begin looking at houses, etc. Plans for today will be dependent on whether or not my fiance is able to fly out on time from a short business trip in Pittsburgh. We will probably go out to eat somewhere and just relax. Now off to enjoy my day off from work by cleaning and running some errands.

Some Frugal Shopping

I decided to venture out and do a little (frugal) shopping today. I trudged through the snow and took the train downtown. I wanted to look around Borders to see how I could best use my $15 in Borders Bucks that I earned through E-Rewards. As luck would have it, I was able to get 7 books (all $1 clearance) and a calender (also $1 clearance). The cashier was really nice and explained that Borders Bucks work just like cash and I have until the end of the month to use the remaining $7.

I also was interested in trying out some "grown-up" makeup and was drawn to the Clinique counter at Macy's. Maybe because it was downtown, but I just didn't feel appreciated as a customer. I opted not to buy anything because of how I felt, so Borders ended up being my only purchase. Update: I went on Clinique's website and saw that it was bonus time at Carson's. So, I ended up spending $30 on eye liner and some under eye concealer and received a gift bag with mascara, blush, lipstick, lipgloss, trial face wash, eye cream for free!! I realize this isn't entirely frugal, but I still feel like I got a good deal on higher quality make-up.

On the way home I stopped at Jewel and they had the new double stuff Oreos so I was able to use my 2 free coupons. Score!!

Megabus Trip Cancellations

I found out yesterday my Megabus trip was cancelled. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't their fault. All the snow that Ohio has gotten and now Chicago is finally getting can make for some pretty dangerous driving conditions. However, the fact that it took me 3 phone calls and an email before getting a refund for my $36.50 shows poor customer service in my opinion.

I am sure they received lots of calls the past couple of days since they have cancelled all of their Midwestern bus routes, but I would have appreciated a little more efficiency and a whole lot less stress and struggle. Oh well, my fiance and I are still talking about getting a car once we can agree. (Since he likes to spend, he prefers a brand new car, while I would be perfectly fine with a used one.)

Also, on the wedding front we finally sat down and had a long conversation about everything. He admitted that he felt this October was too early. As of now we have come to the compromise of Valentines weekend 2011 which is halfway between this Oct. (my preferred date) and June 2011 (his preferred date.) I plan on talking to his mom before we go forward with any arrangements. She didn't seem too happy about October, so lets see what she has to say about February.

So, what to do now? I have 4 days off from work since my plans are cancelled so hopefully I can get some much needed catching up/cleaning done.

End of Jan. wrap up

Wedding news- I have decided to take another short trip to Ohio to look at wedding venues. So far one is $850 or $950 to rent out for the whole day depending if it is a Friday or Saturday. The other place is a lot nicer, but is $1700 or so. This doesn't include catering or decoration, but both places allow you to pick your own caterer which is good. Hopefully I can get a better feel for each place when I visit and my fiance trusts me with whatever choice I feel is best.

Update

So, as of the 2nd week of Feb. my schedule will change to Thurs. and Fri. off. I am so excited as it has been over a year since I have had a Fri. or Sat. night off without having to take a vacation or floating holiday!! Also, I plan on using 2 floating holidays that week so that I can take a 4 day trip to OH. I originally purchased a megabus ticket for $28.50, but had to change it and ended up paying $8 more. Still, $36.50 isn't bad for round trip bus fare for 350+ miles.

Saving, saving, and more saving!!

So my fiance and I have come to an agreement, if I can save $6000 by Sept. 1st to put towards a house down payment, then we can get married in Sept. or Oct. Of course I will also have to be able to afford the wedding which we will probably keep pretty small and I will hopefully have a little help from my family. Time for me to get into super frugal mode. In addition to having my yearly budget I think I am going to do a monthly Budget as well.

End of 2009 Update/ Happy 2010!!!

So even though I had to work on New Year's Eve, I ended up having a wonderful New Year's. My boyfriend, now fiance came to pick me up at midnight and proposed to me!!!!! I wasn't expecting anything until possibly our upcoming anniversary on the 12th. I am so excited to get married. This will definitely require some adjustment in the personal finance department, but will be well worth it in the long run.


I really should have posted this before the New Year, but here are my final 2009 numbers:

Savings: 1400+250= $1650 total saved!!

Starting Debt:
$32,000*

Ending Debt:
$17,490*

Difference:
$14,510*(balance & interest paid)


*I rounded to make the numbers even.

I also completed my goal to get my citi bank loan which was originally $20,500 to under $10,000 and it now stands at $9955!! I think I did a pretty good job this year since my net salary for my full-time job was only $28,000. I am not even sure what my take-home pay was but $28,000-$14,510 is $13,490 which means I lived on even less than that for this whole year!! Once I figure out my net pay for both my full-time and part-time jobs hopefully I can have a more accurate number, but I think those numbers speak for themselves.

I have debated on whether I am truly a "Frugal City Dweller," but with numbers like that to back me up I think I am pretty frugal. At the very least I put more of my income towards debt than living expenses which I am proud of.