So, here goes . . . I decided to start this up on my first day of the new job, but have not had time to formally update. Here we go.
Monday, January 25:
Today I spent . . . zero dollars. First day on the new job = bagels brought in. So I had one for lunch. Parking was free, and then I took the bus home because of the snow. Left my car there overnight rather than risk a fender bender on the horrible streets. Came home and prepared a meal with GROCERIES. WIN!
Tuesday, January 26:
Again spent nothing during the day. But then went out for dinner ($12) and to a cheap movie ($4). Not too bad.
Wednesday, January 27:
Took out $20 from the ATM at work. Because it was an ATM, had fees. Which sucks. But my plan is to take out $20 a week for lunch. The cafeterias can be pretty cheap if you play it right. In future weeks, I will get this money out ahead of time. Just spent $3 on a chai. Needed to get some internet-based stuff done and our internet at home is being a dick. Also paid part of my car insurance payment. Did it on my credit card, but will pay rest off with tax return once it comes, then use remainder of return on credit bills. GET 'R DONE.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Friday, January 15, 2010
Returning to the Challenge
Some recent changes in my life have prompted me to start this lil' old blog up again. I'm not broke, but need to make some changes. Don't ever think I'm saying I'm broke. Rather, I want to put myself in a position where I am less likely to become broke.
I had finally gotten to a point where I was slightly more than comfortable. My income was greater than my monthly bills and I had room to spend. So I would spend. I stopped keeping track of what I was spending, and while I never overspent necessarily, I didn't save.
Now, my career situation has changed and I won't be as comfortable. I don't want to rely on credit cards again and I don't want to sacrifice contributions to my retirement account so that I can make monthly expenses. I've taken on a second job and am willing to fight the good fight.
My style is one of accountability and owning up. I don't hide my spending habits. I don't complain about being broke as an excuse not to do things. It's all open. Anyone can search a database to see my salary and I never pretend to make or less than I do. I don't buy a lot of extra "stuff" like I once did, but that doesn't mean I completely deny myself any pleasure out of life.
BUT.
There are some things I want better control and accountability over. Last time I did this blog, it helped. Sharing ALL my financial choices meant I had to back them up. If I felt defensive about something, it helped me evaluate WHY I was feeling that way and make changes. If I felt sick to my stomach writing about something, there was cause to reconsider.
So, here I go again.
I had finally gotten to a point where I was slightly more than comfortable. My income was greater than my monthly bills and I had room to spend. So I would spend. I stopped keeping track of what I was spending, and while I never overspent necessarily, I didn't save.
Now, my career situation has changed and I won't be as comfortable. I don't want to rely on credit cards again and I don't want to sacrifice contributions to my retirement account so that I can make monthly expenses. I've taken on a second job and am willing to fight the good fight.
My style is one of accountability and owning up. I don't hide my spending habits. I don't complain about being broke as an excuse not to do things. It's all open. Anyone can search a database to see my salary and I never pretend to make or less than I do. I don't buy a lot of extra "stuff" like I once did, but that doesn't mean I completely deny myself any pleasure out of life.
BUT.
There are some things I want better control and accountability over. Last time I did this blog, it helped. Sharing ALL my financial choices meant I had to back them up. If I felt defensive about something, it helped me evaluate WHY I was feeling that way and make changes. If I felt sick to my stomach writing about something, there was cause to reconsider.
So, here I go again.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Bonus Day: Day 31
Saturday.
Slept in a bit because I had a hard time falling asleep, so I missed all of the Dam to Dam festivities. I also didn't feel like driving downtown because I am low on money and trying to preserve my gas.
Arouond 1 left for a BBQ. Stopped at Target where I picked up chips and beer to donate to the cause. I used my Target card b/c money is so tight . . . I need to keep in mind NOT to go overboard on that thing.
Was outside in the pool at the BBQ all day and got terribly burned.
Went out around 8:30 to a friend's going away party. I drove, and the plan was to leave my car downtown and split a car home. Well, I ended up only having 2.5 drinks and then drinking for the last two hours, so I was able to drive--but I was very stressed out. Just way too long of a day.
Total Expenses: $30 (target) + $12 bar
Slept in a bit because I had a hard time falling asleep, so I missed all of the Dam to Dam festivities. I also didn't feel like driving downtown because I am low on money and trying to preserve my gas.
Arouond 1 left for a BBQ. Stopped at Target where I picked up chips and beer to donate to the cause. I used my Target card b/c money is so tight . . . I need to keep in mind NOT to go overboard on that thing.
Was outside in the pool at the BBQ all day and got terribly burned.
Went out around 8:30 to a friend's going away party. I drove, and the plan was to leave my car downtown and split a car home. Well, I ended up only having 2.5 drinks and then drinking for the last two hours, so I was able to drive--but I was very stressed out. Just way too long of a day.
Total Expenses: $30 (target) + $12 bar
DAY THIRTY
This day was friday. My last day of cleaning out the old apartment!
Went to work, and then left at noon. I knew otherwise I wouldn't get it all done.
I also gave in to weakness and picked up MCDONALDS for lunch. LAME!!! But I needed something quick and fast so that I could get started with the cleaning. But that will be my challenge for NEXT month!!!
Got done cleaning and then went downtown to pick up my Dam to Dam packet. I wanted to make sure to pick it up and get my shirt, as I paid $30 and now wouldn't be able to run the race--I might as well get my money back.
Came home, cleaned up, then went to Cheesecake Factory for dinner . . . that is the most over-priced place in the world!!! And the menu is WAY TOO BIG--it takes at least 1/2 an hour just to read through it and NARROW IT DOWN. I decided on the fish tacos, and they were actually pretty good (and at $13 one of the least expensive items). I also ordered a mojito, and the fact that no price was listed should have tipped me off that it was way expensive--it was $10!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I luckily had declined any further drinks or else I would have been BROKE!!! Yikes . . .
Went to the movie, enjoyed it, and didn't spend any other money.
Was invited to go downtown for a drink, but ended up declining after an offer to go to a bar only a mile away from home--then ended up doing neither! Sweatpants and The Soup just sounded so much better . . .
Total Expenses: $30
Went to work, and then left at noon. I knew otherwise I wouldn't get it all done.
I also gave in to weakness and picked up MCDONALDS for lunch. LAME!!! But I needed something quick and fast so that I could get started with the cleaning. But that will be my challenge for NEXT month!!!
Got done cleaning and then went downtown to pick up my Dam to Dam packet. I wanted to make sure to pick it up and get my shirt, as I paid $30 and now wouldn't be able to run the race--I might as well get my money back.
Came home, cleaned up, then went to Cheesecake Factory for dinner . . . that is the most over-priced place in the world!!! And the menu is WAY TOO BIG--it takes at least 1/2 an hour just to read through it and NARROW IT DOWN. I decided on the fish tacos, and they were actually pretty good (and at $13 one of the least expensive items). I also ordered a mojito, and the fact that no price was listed should have tipped me off that it was way expensive--it was $10!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I luckily had declined any further drinks or else I would have been BROKE!!! Yikes . . .
Went to the movie, enjoyed it, and didn't spend any other money.
Was invited to go downtown for a drink, but ended up declining after an offer to go to a bar only a mile away from home--then ended up doing neither! Sweatpants and The Soup just sounded so much better . . .
Total Expenses: $30
Friday, May 30, 2008
Day 29
Nothing exciting . . . work, clean, relax.
I didn't spend any money at all, though!!! YESSS!!!
I didn't spend any money at all, though!!! YESSS!!!
Thursday, May 29, 2008
DAY 28
First and foremost:
Yesterday I was thinking about this BLOG and how the end of the month was approaching. I was thinking, "Hmmm . . . I should find another challenge." I decided to start a food log to keep track of what I am consuming in the most basic sense, and to instill a sense of shame in eating horribly bad things--as the world would be put on NOTICE of such tendencies. Then last night I read that Candice is going to do a similar thing, although focusing much more on the sustainability aspect. Sustainability will also be goal, of course, but the primary focus will be on fixing my consuption problems! I've been "steadily" (I use that word loosely, as some months I have lost a lot, and then other times it takes a couple of months to lose only 5 pounds) losing weight since this summer, and now that I am facing another six weeks of NO RUNNING, I need to start working on my eating and not depending on my running to undo all the damage of my binge eating. WORD UP.
Okay, back to day 28:
Went to work, commuted. Used cruise control on all the highway portions and am getting much more comfortable with it!!! YAY!!!
I had a doctor's appointment, where I was told I could not run for six more weeks and need to "baby" my leg. No cast or boot is needed, though, becuase it is the fibula and I still will be placing the brunt of my weight on the tibia when I walk and stuff. Otherwise, I would be booted up! So, I have now officially broken both of the bones in my left shin. AWESOME. Paid my copay.
Then I ordered my ticked for Sex and the City tomorrow on Fandango. We are going to dinner beforehand, so I will need to eat as cheaply as possible . . . the funds are drying up! I no longer have a cushion in my student loan account. :( That's why I'm working so hard to get my security deposit back . . . i like having that cushion. I should also seriously consider applying for a credit card to use in emergencies. But UGHHH! I do trust myself a lot more now with credit, but I still just don't like the idea . . .
Ordered a salad from McDonalds ( :( ) b/c I was eager to compare/contrast the Southwestern Salads of McDonalds and Arbys . . . McD's wins, although Arbys' is cheaper . . . but not enough lettuce!!!!
Cleaned up the old apartment some more after work, then headed back to relax.
Needed groceries, so I ran to Target so I could use my Target Card. I was so impressed by the variety of delicious/healthy products at Super Target! HOLY CRAP. Archer Farms is da bomb. I didn't buy too much, as I don't yet know what all I need at the new place. I also got PIZZA HUT for dinner. SO BAD! But again, I am in a transitional phase where I don't yet feel comfortable (or have the energy!!!!) cooking and making a big mess at the new place . . . I shall overcome.
Yesterday I was thinking about this BLOG and how the end of the month was approaching. I was thinking, "Hmmm . . . I should find another challenge." I decided to start a food log to keep track of what I am consuming in the most basic sense, and to instill a sense of shame in eating horribly bad things--as the world would be put on NOTICE of such tendencies. Then last night I read that Candice is going to do a similar thing, although focusing much more on the sustainability aspect. Sustainability will also be goal, of course, but the primary focus will be on fixing my consuption problems! I've been "steadily" (I use that word loosely, as some months I have lost a lot, and then other times it takes a couple of months to lose only 5 pounds) losing weight since this summer, and now that I am facing another six weeks of NO RUNNING, I need to start working on my eating and not depending on my running to undo all the damage of my binge eating. WORD UP.
Okay, back to day 28:
Went to work, commuted. Used cruise control on all the highway portions and am getting much more comfortable with it!!! YAY!!!
I had a doctor's appointment, where I was told I could not run for six more weeks and need to "baby" my leg. No cast or boot is needed, though, becuase it is the fibula and I still will be placing the brunt of my weight on the tibia when I walk and stuff. Otherwise, I would be booted up! So, I have now officially broken both of the bones in my left shin. AWESOME. Paid my copay.
Then I ordered my ticked for Sex and the City tomorrow on Fandango. We are going to dinner beforehand, so I will need to eat as cheaply as possible . . . the funds are drying up! I no longer have a cushion in my student loan account. :( That's why I'm working so hard to get my security deposit back . . . i like having that cushion. I should also seriously consider applying for a credit card to use in emergencies. But UGHHH! I do trust myself a lot more now with credit, but I still just don't like the idea . . .
Ordered a salad from McDonalds ( :( ) b/c I was eager to compare/contrast the Southwestern Salads of McDonalds and Arbys . . . McD's wins, although Arbys' is cheaper . . . but not enough lettuce!!!!
Cleaned up the old apartment some more after work, then headed back to relax.
Needed groceries, so I ran to Target so I could use my Target Card. I was so impressed by the variety of delicious/healthy products at Super Target! HOLY CRAP. Archer Farms is da bomb. I didn't buy too much, as I don't yet know what all I need at the new place. I also got PIZZA HUT for dinner. SO BAD! But again, I am in a transitional phase where I don't yet feel comfortable (or have the energy!!!!) cooking and making a big mess at the new place . . . I shall overcome.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
27th Day
Back to work. First commute. No traffic, but rain so it SUCKED. Didn't take too long. Will be interested to see how often I need to fill up. I think when I was commuting for bar classes last summer I was filling up about every 10 days or so . . . not too bad for having a 10 gallon engine and travelling over 40 miles a day . . . BUT WE SHALL SEE.
Ended up having to order a UHAUL to use b/c no one would pick up my large items I wanted to donate. So, I called in and was able to get one and promptly got it, used it, and returned it. $19.99 plus mileage, and I only went about 3 miles total. Then I had to put gas in it, so I just put in a little over a gallon (and then the lady at the Uhaul place had the nerve to tell me I did not put in enough gas . . . uhhh, yeah . . . so Uhauls get worse than 3 mpg? Don't think so . . . I drove all the way out there and ends up the HO was reading the gas gauge BACKWARDS and then told me the gauges are reversed on some trucks? I don't think so . . . )
After that, I didn't feel like going back to the old apartment to eat the lunch I had waiting there so I went to Arby's for a SALAD. (My first non-Wendy's fast food MEAL) What a waste . . . it was good, and I kinda want another one, but there was barely any lettuce!!! It came in this huge container and was only half full. WTF?! DAMMIT. Now I am thinking about it and want it!!! We'll see how my Dr. appointment goes today and that will determine whether or not I get one . . . I bet the restaurant has a similar one, though.
Had a cellphone dilemna that was worked out, but put me in panick mode. That's the bad thing about relying entirely on your cellphone: you can so easily be totally cut off!!!
Cleaned the old apartment for a bit, then went HOME and had a relaxing night--even fighting the urge to have a "drink" b/c I was so stressed from the day!
Ended up having to order a UHAUL to use b/c no one would pick up my large items I wanted to donate. So, I called in and was able to get one and promptly got it, used it, and returned it. $19.99 plus mileage, and I only went about 3 miles total. Then I had to put gas in it, so I just put in a little over a gallon (and then the lady at the Uhaul place had the nerve to tell me I did not put in enough gas . . . uhhh, yeah . . . so Uhauls get worse than 3 mpg? Don't think so . . . I drove all the way out there and ends up the HO was reading the gas gauge BACKWARDS and then told me the gauges are reversed on some trucks? I don't think so . . . )
After that, I didn't feel like going back to the old apartment to eat the lunch I had waiting there so I went to Arby's for a SALAD. (My first non-Wendy's fast food MEAL) What a waste . . . it was good, and I kinda want another one, but there was barely any lettuce!!! It came in this huge container and was only half full. WTF?! DAMMIT. Now I am thinking about it and want it!!! We'll see how my Dr. appointment goes today and that will determine whether or not I get one . . . I bet the restaurant has a similar one, though.
Had a cellphone dilemna that was worked out, but put me in panick mode. That's the bad thing about relying entirely on your cellphone: you can so easily be totally cut off!!!
Cleaned the old apartment for a bit, then went HOME and had a relaxing night--even fighting the urge to have a "drink" b/c I was so stressed from the day!
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