Mamasita's Quest for Financial

I woke up early, still jet lagged. Then went back to bed, this time with little DD and dog in tow, so no sleep, but it was funny! Little DD wrote a story on the computer while big DD slept, she stayed up really late last night to celebrate no school!

I stopped in at work to finish some end of the year stuff, then did a 30 minute workout with a friend. Afterwards I ate a packed lunch with my girls. Then we got groceries for the week, and the girls are watching a movie downstairs now. I did some cleaning, and I'll get ready to cook in a few minutes. We still have dance class tonight, which is fun for all of us!

A medical appointment scheduled for tomorrow has been rescheduled for later this week. So now we plan on going to the library tomorrow and the pool whenever the rain stops.

Have I mentioned I love it here in the summer?!?! There's so much to do, I feel like I'm on vacation! Or maybe my family is just easily amused!

I made it back from Europe! The most difficult parts of the trip of course involved the airlines, it was a disaster from the beginning as far as transportation and luggage were concerned. I'm too exhausted to go into much detail, I will just say I have no desire to fly anytime soon. Bleh.

Fortunately,Poland is not as expensive as the rest of Europe. Besides unplanned spending on emergency clothes and toiletries to get us through 4 DAYS WITHOUT LUGGAGE(!) I comfortably stayed within budget.

Of course, long term savings took a hit to cover ticket costs, so I'll be building that back up this summer. I noticed that some bloggers are doing a 2 week no eating out challenge, I'm jumping in, starting today!

All of the bills for the first half of the month have gone through. A transfer is scheduled on Monday from long-term savings to my credit card. This will pay off the plane tickets for Europe. So savings is down to $9,924. I'll bring it back up again, though.

I'm getting excited about the trip! I'm a little anxious about what to wear- seems like no matter what I wear I stick out anyway! At least this time I'm visiting my "homeland", Poland. My mother's family is from Poland, my great-great grandmother! So I might blend in a bit more than when I've visited other places!

A few more weeks of school, so I've got lots of end-of-year work to be done. Then I'm off to Europe! BFF is headed there for work and I'm tagging along! It will cost the plane ticket, but the room will be covered. I'm going to have to take money out of savings to pay for the tickets. Ah, well, that's what it is there for. Sometimes!

So far, so good with the budget this month. We have a long weekend coming up, though, so I need to keep that in mind. The pool will open for the kids, so that is free entertainment, and barbq foods will come out of grocery budget. I just have to say "no" to urges to eat out when I can cook instead, and I need to postpone front yard sprucing. Thr front looks fine, I have been wanting a little bench or something to perk up the front porch, that's all. Maybe I'll do some yard sale hunting this weekend and see if I can find something that will look good for less. One man's trash...

I was doing so good limiting my eating out, but we let it get a little crazy this weekend. It was all delicious, but it added up to over $125 for two people over the course of Friday and Saturday. We'll plan carefully for the rest of the month, to involve being home for meals. That's what it comes down to, really, planning ahead.

I also got paid this morning, even better! I've got enough money to cover all of my expenses. Now that student loans are in repayment I don't put anything in savings on the 15th, only on the 1st. I don't like seeing the savings account grow so slowly, but it's still in the adjustment stage. I'm thinking in June things will feel more "normal" with my budget.

Work is chugging along, very busy time of year. I'm a little anxious about that, but I've learned to work through it. Doing nothing will only make things worse. (I have had a tendency to do freeze up and do nothing or flake out in the past, that is a bad habit I am breaking this year).

If I stick to the budget for the remainder of the month I know I will start to feel better on the financial front, no need to feel anxious about money. Then come June 1st I will be able to put money in savings again, that will make me feel better!

On fitness front, I have been keeping up with my exercise. I've met my modest running goals every month since January, and getting in plenty of workouts after school. This month will be no different. In the past I have given up when I start really getting into the workouts or getting close to reaching my goals, I guess due to fear of something??? Not this year, I'm gonna keep pushing through the fear and turn it into anticipation!

This month has been super busy at work and home, but not much progress on the financial front. Money in, money out.
Still no word on my summer plans as far as work is concerned. I applied for summer school because that is the easiest and most practical way to make money this summer. No one has heard anything back yet, which is giving me time to rethink my plans! It isn't the actual work that is giving me second thoughts, it is the potential impact to my summer travel plans. A summer job would really bump up my savings, though, for minimal hours a week. I would be silly to turn it down if offered a position.
I need to do something drastic to make drastic changes. I'm tired of treading. I'm not doing horrible, but I could do better. I'm eager to see how things could turn out if I did something "more".

I did get to reorganize the kids' room, they were impressed! I sorted through their things and I have a huge bag to donate.

I got my miles in on the treadmill, did a little bit of cleaning, some cooking, and some shopping errands. Productive, fun weekend!

This week at work is going to be super busy. I just want to knock these events off of my list so I can breathe a bit easier.

I haven't saved anything this month, still adjusting my accounts to cover the student loan payment that started up again in April.

I've been feeling a bit under the weather, can't determine if it's a cold or allergies. Either way, I've been left stuffy and drowsy. But it's the weekend, and I've got some things I want to tackle around the house!

I've got some cleaning to do this weekend. I also plan on running 4 miles today to meet my running goal for the month. I also want to reorganize the kids' bedroom. Fortunately, it is beautiful outside so maybe we will grill out this evening. There's also a cool festival going on at the beach tomorrow that sounds like a ton of fun-free,too! Of course, come Monday morning I'm going to wish I spent some time just laying around, so I will have to squeeze that in,too!

I do not plan on eating out this weekend, I need to be more careful with my cash this pay period. So I have to plan out my meals this weekend so I eat when I'm at home, no excuse to eat out.

30 more days till the pool opens!

I found out my student loan payments started up again when I had an automatic debit payment of $420 taken out of my checking account. Ugh. How did I let that slip by me??? In my head I thought payments would start up again in October, so I was totally unprepared for this. Yet when I checked my accounts online, sure enough, payments were scheduled to begin again this month. Luckily I did have cash in the same bank to cover the debit.
I restructured my savings plan to cover the student loan payment. On the 15th "savings" deposit will instead go to my student loan. I'll still be able to save from the paycheck on the first. This huge student loan is my only debt and will be with me for a while!
Besides that, we all enjoyed a fabulous Spring Break and Easter. We have lots to look forward to on our way to Summer.

Wednesday for Spring Break we spent the early afternoon at the beach and then headed home for a lunch of take-out pizza and breadsticks for under $10.
When we went to the thrift store to drop off a bag of donations, we browsed. I got a great looking Talbots sleeveless shirt for myself and a brand new spring dress(tags still on) for oldest DD, for a whopping $3.65!!!
Since girls will be with Dad for Easter, we decided to do our Easter Egg hunt that evening. Even though I didn't pick up much candy, it still ended up being a lot, lol.
In general, a pretty cheap, fun day!

I used my early wake up time to save myself some money. I priced around auto insurance and I'm saving $35/month switching providers! I paid the 6 month premium with a new credit card. With my first purchase on this card I get a $200 credit, so that covers my insurance purchase and some change! I also downgraded my internet service a notch. I'll save $14.50 a month. So that's $50 a month total I'm saving just by making a few inquiries, and a $200 credit to boot!

Day 2 of a beautiful Spring Break. Ran some miles, the running actually helped decongest me. Did some cleaning. Took the girls to the Aquarium, we all had so much fun! Since we had season passes we didn't have to pay anything for today. When we came home my SO grilled dinner, delicious. I guess the whole family needed a break, the girls have been in such good moods this week.

So we made it! Yesterday was just perfect. Started the day off painting the dog's nails blue, then the whole family went outside to play. I jogged and walked with the kids. After that we went to the zoo, I guess everyone else had the same idea. I've never had to stand in such a line to get in the zoo before! The kids had a ball taking pictures. Finished up with dance class that night, fun for all 3 of us. I ended up spending $50 Monday, for 4 tickets to the zoo and lunch at McDs after.

I got no sleep last night, I literally woke up every hour due to congestion. Gave up on sleep around 3:15am, took another decongestant and some motrin. I figure I will surf the internet until I feel good enough to go back to sleep. Thankfully we have the week off, I don't have to go to work on sporadic sleep! I'm hoping this is just due to allergies and not an actual cold.

April is just cruising on by me! Next week will be Spring Break. I'm looking forward to relaxing with my family at home. We are lucky to live in a coastal city with lots of little things to do to keep us busy. It all depends on the weather, really. If it is warm enough to "play outside" we will go to the beach, dog park, hiking trails. If not, we will hit some museums and historical places nearby. None of the activities planned should cost too much. The kids would be happy playing at the beach and then heading to Chuck E Cheese!

Initially we had discussed taking a trip to NYC or somewhere else on this coast, but I guess this is a prime time of year to travel. The costs were adding up to be quite outrageous. We decided we would rather save up that money for somewhere really great next year.

Some day I would like a job that entails travel to exotic places, where I would get paid to travel. I really want someone else to foot my travel bill! My family has been fortunate that we have been able to visit a great many places very economically due to my ex's work assignment overseas. By 2021 I want to have the career that takes my family and me to exotic places! (see long term goals on sidebar!)

Only spent about $50 on groceries this week. I allot the family $320 on the 15th of every month for groceries for 4 weeks. SO and I realized we only had about $70 "left" for groceries till the 15th. That made shopping easy. Taking money from another account to cover groceries was not on option. We only purchased what was on our list, and it paid off at the checkout counter!

(Self-analysis of why our grocery bill is going up instead of down)
I wanted grocery bill to be under $70/week. The past couple months, though, it has been steadily around $100/week!
-we have reduced our eating out from a couple times a week to maybe 3-4 times a month, requiring more meals at home.
-we all take lunch to work and school.
-we buy a lot of produce that adds up each week.
-we buy plenty of disinfectant wipes, napkins, paper products weekly.
-we use coupons...

What am I willing to change in order to make my grocery expenses go down?
- STICK to the LIST. Even if we have a coupon for something else, unless it ends up being a stock-up steal, we can do without. While we have been saving a lot with coupons, I think they are encouraging extra spending on things we might have done without in the past.
-Find a cheaper way to get cleaning products. Does anyone have an at-home alternative to the disinfectant wipes? My roommate is squeamish about sponges and is hooked on those wipes, but there has to be an alternative to these things.

Ok, we'll see what happens Sat. after weekly shopping trip...

I checked my deferred compensation plan, I've passed the $5,000 mark, yippee! I started this plan less than 2 years ago, shortly after I began working full time. No company match, but I still enjoy the tax benefits. I am almost vested at work so I am eligible for a pension one day. I am also entitled to a portion of my exhusband's pension. So it's not like I'm starting from scratch. I just don't know how to quantify pensions because I won't receive a lump sum, only monthly amounts.

How do others determine net worth/retirement savings totals with a pension?

I'm a teacher so I don't work in the summers. I'm considering this year advertising a drop in "camp" for a child or two. Not designed for every day, but for days when a parent has an appointment or just needs a break. The idea is that the child comes hangs out with my kids and me during the day while we do campy kinds of things- go to the pool, local attractions, crafts, etc. Nothing extreme like water parks, but not a day of sitting watching t.v., either.
What do you think, as parents, would this be an interesting idea?

I am enjoying some beautiful weather this weekend, what a sight after the winter!
Yesterday my daughters and I ran fun errands, some window shopping I promised them after a good week of getting ready for school and not killing each other!

My oldest loves Breyer horses, which are very pricey. She was dissappointed in the cost of these sets at a local store, so now we've got a new hobby. We are going to be hunting for these horses at yard sales and thrift stores! She wants them for the "play value", not as a collector, so she doesn't care if they have been loved a bit!

Today we will be checking out a new church and then heading to the beach for a walk with the dog, slack day, love it!

Those suffering from recent tragedies in Japan, I am praying for you and your loved ones for some peace and strength.

After my February expenses and ongoing car drama ($$) I've finally been able to stash some extra cash in my efund, so I have exactly $8000. Whew. I'm making steady progress towards my goal, feeling a bit better. Then I find out that my roommate's coworker has $80,000 saved up. She's my age. I'm impressed by her ability to save so much, and I have to admit, a bit envious.

On the other hand, I'm pretty content with my life choices, and I recognize that the choices I've made come with consequences. Some good, some not so good. My ex and I chose for me to stay at home when our girls were young. This was important for us, and really improved our quality of life, but those were a lot of years where I wasn't making any money or building up my career.

Also, the subject of the separation from my ex. We have a much better relationship today, and our entire family structure is improved since our separation several years ago, as weird as that sounds. But now we have 2 households instead of 1. That's a lot of upfront cash, and I'm catching up from that.

Am I envious that I don't have $80,000 in the bank? Sure, for a little bit I was. But I've got the life I've chosen, and I'm proud of how I'm living, I'm proud of the life I'm giving my children.

I don't begrudge the coworker her $80,000. She's worked very hard for it- career military, single mom, deployments to war zones, separated from her child, committed to her job and her country. That came with her job, and she accepted it. She also has made good choices with what she has earned, and she is beginning to see the financial rewards!

Financially February was a really expensive month, but that's ok. I planned for some of the expenses (painting, dog needs), and had money set aside for the gonna-happen-eventually (car repairs). I bought new curtains and things to enhance the lovely paint job, looks great but not cheap.

I want to make March a no-spend month. Of course I'll buy groceries and gas, but I'm tired of buying Stuff. Had my fill of that last month! Today is day one of no spend!

*Met February fitness goal, looks like when I really Want to do something I find a way to do it...hmmm

I love February! It's a relief because January is finished (January is always tough on me for some reason). Also February has tons of things to keep us busy. I'm a teacher so it's always fun in class when you can learn about everything from 100 Days of School to Chinese New Year, African American History to the Presidents! I plan on keeping up the momentum the rest of the year,I'm feeling so much better.

It has been a spendy month- vet expenses, car repair, painters, summer plane tickets, but I'm fortunate because I have credit cards to put the expenses on right away and then savings to pay them off with. I don't like to dip into savings, but that's why it's there. It is a secure feeling.

With all of the expenses this month I can't help but think what I would do if I had the new mortgage of the rental property I was considering. I know I would be losing sleep over the expenses while having the responsibility of a rental house as well. I'm glad I decided not to pursue rental property right now. In a few years, when we get new orders, we will turn our current home into a rental and then purchase a new primary residence. That will make much more sense for us.

I also can't forget our long term goal, to be living somewhere tropical in 10 years! No rental house, new car, or fancy dinner tugs at my heart like the thought of settling in the tropics. I lived in one such place for 3 years, We were sorry to go and I know we will get back there in the future if I keep our goal in mind.

I did a lot of spending this week. I had an unexpected car repair, to the tune of $780. Ouch! So I had to move money around to cover that repair, really lowered my savings. But I need to keep my vehicle in good repair, better than a car payment.

The painters came and painted the downstairs, so I went out and picked up some curtains and little things to really make the place shine. Those weren't necessary, but the place looks great!

The financial disorganization surrounding the week of spending is what drives me crazy. I've got some money in checking waiting to be sent to my credit card to cover the purchases. Some of my purchases were on debit and others on credit card to get points. It's very hard for me to keep track of. By the end of this week the dust should settle on my transactions and I can move all of my money where it belongs. I know people suggest using credit cards for the rewards, but this is really difficult for me to do for some reason.

I do better if I just stick to debit, but the $780 car repair threw my accounts for a loop. I didn't have that much sitting in my checking account and it takes a couple days to do an online transfer from savings. I really should have more money in the savings account linked to my checking, but that money is too easy to access!

I've taken some money out of long-term savings to pay for the painting job. I just paid $175 for exam and supply of preventative meds for puppy. (I need to find a cheaper way to purchase heartworm, flea and tick meds...) I also have some summer plane tickets I plan on purchasing sometime soon before prices go up. Ah well, it's all for things I think are important.

We have been doing a good job not eating out very much, this is saving us a bunch of money. We used to average eating out about 6-7 times a month (including take out pizza at home!), now it's down to 2-3. It felt weird at first, but now it feels a bit more normal to cook at home on the weekends. It actually feels good enjoying a meal at home on the weekends, because I know that I'm saving time, money, and eating healthier.

I spent the last several days miserably sick and lethargic. Ugh, I don't ever want to go through that again. I'm starting to feel better now, but I still need to take it easy this weekend.

On a more fun note, I'm having the downstairs painted soon! The design/color guy is coming over tomorrow to help us pick out colors. Back in 2008 when I first moved back to the area I painted my old house by myself... it took forever and didn't look very professional. I vowed to pay someone else to do it the next time! I'm excited about the prospect of having beautiful colors on the walls, and I'm happy to pay for a professional job.

Early yesterday morning I ran my last 3 miles. I ran 25 miles in January and worked out at least 3 times a week!
It feels good to reach a goal. One of my weaknesses is not following through on my intentions. I have to force myself through the moment where I would usually give up. I hear that following through on intentions gets easier with practice!

Great topic, Ceejay!

Work- I do feel like I am doing the work I am meant to do. I wish there was more monetary reward, but I am rewarded knowing that I am making a difference in the world. Cliche, I know, but I am a big believer in doing something Useful. I am so fortunate to work with a great team, because it really is challenging work and I couldn't do it without them! I need to build more confidence in my work, I am too fearful that I am not doing a good job.

Myself-More confidence. I am building up my confidence this year by being more positive, keeping negative thoughts about myself out of my head, and forcing myself through personal challenges where I usually give up.
I also really need to get my moods back to a healthy place. We've had such a long winter already, I can feel it taking its toll on my spirit. I need to find a way over this and find the positive.

Home Life- I enjoy making our home peaceful. I am pleased with what I have done to make our home a sanctuary for my family. I haven't spent a lot of money doing it, either. Just using what we've got or what I find.

Family- I have great kids, and I am always striving to be a better parent. I need to just enjoy my kids a bit more, be consistent with rewards and consequences, and not take it all too personally when they don't listen. Sometimes I talk down to myself when they don't behave, like I'm a lousy mother, but kids aren't perfect, either.
I want more quality time with my SO! I need to keep this relationship strong as well, and it needs attention just like any other part of my life that is important.

I'm averaging around $70/week for groceries. I was aiming for $60/week, but I keep finding great deals that I stock up on. So maybe eventually it will get down to $60/week? I'm also not scrimping a whole lot in groceries. I buy what we want, mostly, just try to do it with coupons and sales. I could easily cut it down by really getting tough on the purchases. But I don't have to be THAT tough yet, I'm seeking a balance between smart shopping and being a miser! Otherwise I will not enjoy eating at home and I will one day break down and spend all my money on some restaurant food instead and then be hungry the rest of the month!

Yesterday I registered for the certification classes I'll need in order to do my side business. I'm looking forward to getting back into the scene, I'm hoping it will be fun and profitable this summer! Next I'll need to get a business license so I am legit,and just save those receipts. The most expensive part of the business is the intial certification, but that will be good for three years. February and March will be buzzing with training, and then I can work on promoting myself. That's the scariest part for me!