Fabulous Financials

BG leaves for college in 2 weeks. We both have mixed emotions.

She found her roommate on FaceBook. So far, they’re off to a good start.

I’ve decided to pay her tuition in one lump sum. The thought of a new monthly bill makes my stomach turn.

Once I pay her tuition and extracurricular expenses, she’s responsible for managing her own money and expenses for the rest of the year.

I’m on Day 16, Level 2, of The 30 Day Shred. It’s haaaaaaaaaaard. *tears*

When I workout in the morning, I eat MORE throughout the day. Weight training makes me RAVENOUS! And me no likey. Weight training – fewer calories burned during workout + more food = …you get the picture.

My bills are out of whack and my finances are a little disorganized.  I need to spend some time this weekend cleaning them up.

I need to make a dentist appointment, but I’m afraid he’s going to tell me something I don’t want to hear. Like, I need a whole new set of teeth.

Verizon makes me sick. That is all.

My car registration expires in…oh 6 days. I need to get an inspection first, but it’s too hot.

I want to see the movie Inception. Heard great reviews about it from many people.

I love my dysfunctional family. They’re crazy but we’re thick as thieves.

I’m contemplating a beach trip in October and we’re going on a cruise for Christmas.

I’m not putting up a tree or buying any gifts this year.

Wait…I might buy BG a good set of luggage. Practical gift for a young adult being sent off to explore the world.

My new life focus is centered around what makes ME happy.

I’ve lost 42 lbs so far. I still have 15 lbs more to lose, but the scale isn’t my friend right now.

The most exciting thing to me about reaching my weight loss goal is going on a shopping spree.

Other than working out, I plan to spend ALL weekend doing absolutely nothing but sitting on my couch and eating watermelon. LOL!

What’s been going on with you guys?

My only child is now 18 and she will be heading off to college in a few weeks. I thought this would be a sad time for me – you know with the empty nest syndrome and all – but I’m actually excited.  Very excited.  Shoot, probably too excited! LOL  For the first time in my adult life, I feel that it’s ok to focus on ME.  Although I will be a mom for as long as I live, I have birthed and raised another person to be an independent, productive member of our society.  I have laid the foundation. I have nurtured her physically and emotionally.  I have molded her mind and spirit.  I have exposed her to the world.  I have prepared her for LIFE.  And I am proud of the results.  Now, I look forward to seeing how she carries the torch.

In the meantime, I’m experiencing a shift in my own life.  Things that were once extremely important to me (ex: career advancement) are no longer a priority.  Things that were once a dream deferred (ex: international vacations) are now coming into focus.  Don’t get me wrong – I always have been and always will be goal oriented, but my perspective is changing.  I’m beginning to question the “why” behind what I consider important and the value it adds to my life.  I don’t know what is causing this shift, but it’s a welcome change.  I am happy. I feel free. And I look forward to what my future holds.

As I prepare for this new phase of my life, I’ve noted a few things that have risen to the top of my goal list.  In no particular order of importance,  I call them 30 in My 30s:

FITNESS

1. Run a 5k without walking
2. Run a 5k in under 40 minutes
3. Run a 5k in under 35 minutes
4. Run a 10k
5. Run a 1/2 marathon – maybe in Paris
6. Run on the beach
7. Overcome my fears and learn to swim
8. Reach my “happy” weight
9. Maintain my “happy” weight
10. Wear and look FABULOUS in a bikini

FUN

1. Take a solo beach trip
2. Spend a weekend at a spa resort
3. Vacation in Jamaica
4. Vacation in Barbados
5. Vacation in Europe (again)
6. Vacation in the Motherland
7. Take a cruise for my birthday & Christmas
8. Go wine tasting in Napa Valley
9. Take a gourmet cooking class
10. Go hiking or mountain climbing

FINANCE

1. Sell my townhome
2. Buy a cute 2 bedroom condo
3. Increase net worth by $50k
4. Maintain $50k in liquid savings
5. Maintain debt freedom (sans mortgage)

FAMILY

1. Nurture and strengthen my relationships (friends and family)
2. Attend my daughter’s college graduation
3. Prepare for my husband

PHILANTHROPY

1. Inspire and help others to improve their finances and fitness
2. Become a mentor to a teenage single mom

Well there you have it – my list of 30 things I’d like to accomplish while in my 30s.  *raising my wine glass* Here’s to enjoying the rest of my 30s and living life to the fullest!

If you missed it, here’s a summary of our Paris vacation.  The summary outlines the transition of my dream vacation from a simple idea to planning and living a dream come true.  Now here is the damage and after effects. LOL

When I booked our trip, I shared that I paid approximately $4,550, which included the following:

• Round trip airfare x 2
• Round trip transportation from/to airport x 2
• 4 star hotel in Paris for 7 nights
• Bus tour, river Seine cruise, tour and lunch at Eiffel Tower x 2
• 2 days hop off/hop on sightseeing bus x 2
• 2 days Paris pass to all museums and monuments x 2
• 2 days unlimited metro and bus pass x 2
• 1 day trip to London with transportation and a full day itinerary x 2

During the planning and prep stage, I spent approximately $125.  I bought an international adapter, a book on France, and a few clothes from Ross.

Prior to leaving the U.S., I withdrew $500 from the ATM and exchanged it for 380 euros at the airport.  This amount included foreign exchange fees.  In the future, I will do this at my own bank to avoid the extra fees.

The day we traveled to London (mid-way vacation), I withdrew 160 euros from the ATM with my debit card.  Shortly after, my bank (USAA) sent a text that read $200.90 US based on the exchange rate for the day.  When the transaction posted to my checking account, it read $202.51 US, including the exchange rate and my bank’s 1% foreign exchange fee.

When we arrived in London, I exchanged a few euros for pounds.  I don’t remember the exact euro-to-pound exchange rate, but let’s just say the dollar is weaker than the euro and the euro is weaker than the pound.  Basically, our dollar is worth diddly-squat around the world! LOL  Needless to say, I spent all of my pounds in one day.

Back in Paris, the euros I had on hand were more than enough for the rest of our trip.  All of our sightseeing expenses were covered, so we only had to spend money on food, drinks, tips, and shopping.  Which reminds me…I used a credit card (USAA) to pay for my shoes that were on sale for 64 euros (reg. 129 euro).  When the transaction posted to my credit card, it read $82.02 US, including the exchange rate and my bank’s 1% foreign exchange fee.  The 1% fee for this transaction will be offset by the 1% cash back I earn with this card.

At the end of our vacation, almost all of our foreign currency was gone.  I came home with approximately 8 euros (paper and coins) and 5 pounds (all coins) as souvenirs.

In total, I spent approximately $5,500 for 2 people to enjoy a 7 day vacation in Paris and London.

• Reservations and Activities: $4,550
• Trip Prep: $125
• Cash Conversion: $700
• Shopping Transaction Conversion: $81

Based on my planned budget, this total amount was as expected.  Besides, in celebration of my daughter’s 18^th birthday, high school graduation, and our first international trip as mother and daughter, it was worth every dime. :-)

I enjoyed Paris so much, I already know I’m going back…hopefully sooner rather than later.  Their culture fascinates me and there’s much to see and do! The next time I’m in Paris, I plan to:

• Stay in the Latin Quarter
• Go clubbing on Ave des Champs-Élysées
• See the show Moulin Rouge
• Visit Château de Versailles
• See a fashion show
• Spend an entire day exploring small shops and cafes in non-touristy areas
• Lace up the Asics and go for a run along the River Seine

I read that Paris is only 6 miles wide. *mind racing with ideas* All I need is a reason.  Hmm…maybe I should plan another trip when I’m ready to run my first 10+ mile race!  How’s that for a double-edged incentive? :-)

While traveling in Europe, I made a mental note of banks that I recognized.  Between Paris and London, I only saw HSBC, ING, and American Express.  I’m not really surprised because they seem to have the world on lock.  But here are a few banks that I didn’t recognize.

I know Barclays is a global financial firm, but it is not a recognizable household name (to me).  The other two are associated with specific geographic locations and made me think of Bank of America.  Wonder if they suck as bad you would find a BofA in another country? LOL