Random Financial Thoughts
I’ve been in a blog funk lately and I’m not in the mood to write about serious personal finance topics, so I’m just gonna share a few things on my mind.
- I can’t believe I earn over $600/month in extra income because of this blog.
- I really like one of my freelance gigs, but I didn’t realize how time consuming it would be, so I’m in the process of re-negotiating more favorable terms. If all goes well, I can see myself doing this indefinitely.
- I may have to begin searching for new tenants in May. I don’t mind though. Based on market comps, I plan to increase the rent by $150-200/month.
- A “Just For Me” marketing rep wants me to try a new product they’re considering. BabyGirl said she’ll write the review because she likes receiving free stuff. LOL I told her she needs to start her own damn blog! LOL
- BabyGirl needs new shoes for work – I still can’t believe she has a job – and I need a new handbag for spring. Yes, I said need. LOL Now that I have money to shop and I want to shop, I find it hard to shop. Ugh! I’m losing my touch!
- I haven’t exercised all week. I’m such a creature of habit. When something throws my schedule off track, I find it hard to maintain anything – even this blog.
- I really enjoyed that leadership class this week. I learned so much about myself and realized many things I was doing wrong as a new manager.
- I worked 11 hrs today with no lunch – only a granola bar and 2 cups of yogurt. I was out of the office all week, so everyone was demanding my attention. If I hear “do you have a minute” or “can I ask you a question” or “I’m sorry to bother you, but…” one more time, I think I will scream! As of today, we (the BlackBerry and I) are OFF until the 24th. I plan to spend lots of quality time with my BabyGirl during her spring break, catch up on personal errands, get a massage and facial, and take an extended weekend road trip.
- I received a verbal offer from job #1, waiting on the official written offer from HR. Received an email from job #2, which stated they were putting something in the mail this week. If I haven’t received it by the end of next week, let them know. Hmm…ok. I was happy, but then, I started thinking about my staff. Over the past year, I’ve grown fond of them and I think the feelings are mutual. It was rough in the beginning, but I found my own management style. Now I’ve become their buffer because I shield them from lots of unnecessary drama. I feel bad about leaving them, but it’s time for the kid to go.
- I wish I could return to work after my vacation and submit a resignation letter. Ha! But I plan to give a 30 day notice for several reasons: a) hold out for one year anniversary to avoid a gap on my resume, b) satisfy one year obligation to honor the relocation bonus agreement, c) take second leadership course in mid-April since it’s already paid in full, and d) stick around for end of year performance evals and bonuses. LOL
One more thing. I wasn’t going to blog about this yet, but I’m so excited, I can’t even hold it any longer. I sent an email to a non-profit agency and inquired about being a financial mentor for a low income family or teaching a budgeting class. I prefer the one-on-one connection with a family, but I’ll do whatever they need me to do. A lady emailed me back and said she was impressed with my blog. I don’t like it when people say they are “impressed” – with what? – it gives me a weird feeling. Hard to explain. Anyhoo, she wants to call me when she returns from vacation, so I gave her my number and told her the days/time I was available to volunteer. I hope she calls me back. This would be an opportunity to use my talents to satisfy my personal interests AND benefit my community. Maaan, I’m psyched!
Ok, that’s enough for now. Blog wit’cha 2morrow.
This blog is a personal account of my journey to become Healthy & Wealthy. If you like what you've read, feel free to subscribe via (feed reader) or (email) to follow along.
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City Mama (Trackback), 16 March 2008, 11:54
Making Ends Meet…
Personal finance has been on my mind. I've been reading many blogs about finance, net worth, savings…
Good job on getting touch with the organization! Im also doing the same with one of my potential internship sites. The plan would be for me to continue giving classes on budgeting and personal finance after I leave the site. I just need to figure out how Ill fit all of this into my schedule.
I love how you’ve gotten through the issues at your job and plan ahead, I wish I had the same presence of mind to do the same 2-3 years ago.
Well..ok. random comments: I like ‘random’ comments to go with random thoughts. LOL [-SM]
1. I can’t believe you make $600/month on this blog either..unless I remember how much I enjoy reading it, so I guess it makes sense. Not always ON this blog, but many opportunities BECAUSE of this blog. [-SM]
2. raise the rent is right…I recall you writing that it was not quite covering your expenses.
3. exercise ASAP. The longer you wait, the more likely it is that you will not start up again. take it from one who knows… I know, I know. I’m still “eating” healthy though. Does that count? LOL [-SM]
4. NEED a bag? yeah, you’re one of us.
5. leadership training is great…and greatly frustrating when you can’t apply any of it because the people you work with and/or for need the training even more than you do. been there. done that.
6. enjoy your time off. massage and facial. hhmm…good times. Never had a facial so this will be my first experience. I’m excited. [-SM]
7. good luck on the job offers. work it, girl, work it. Only 1 so far, not sure what the other is. But I’m just tryna be like you when I grow up. LOL [-SM]
and last, but not least;
applause for giving back, in person, to those who could really benefit from your talents. I hope she calls back as well.
The non profit opportunity sounds exciting. Now can we hear about this leadership/mgmt class? Oh and shoes… LOL
I’m sorry mama! I haven’t felt like organizing my thoughts to write a serious post. I’ll work on it next week though, I promise!
And shoes? Maaaaaaan, I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I went to Nordy’s this week to get a pair and they didn’t have my size. Had to order them, but loss all desire to shop in another store. I haven’t been in a shopping mood. I go in the stores, but nothing inspires me. What do you think it is? Am I coming down with the flu? [-SM]
Wow! Lots happenin’ for you Single Ma. And of course she’s impressed with the blog. The blog is fabulous – why wouldn’t she be.
Congrats on the new job prospects and BabyGirl should start a blog ;)
Wow, seems like your fabulous-ness is growing! Maybe you need a sign that is up occasionally that say “no, I don’t have a minute, please come back in 1 hour”. I think that way people might bug you less for questions that they can really answer themselves with slightly more effort.
The mentoring thing sounds awesome. I know the most annoying thing is to volunteer your time, but then never get a reply from a non-profit. It feels like they don’t value you, even though you want to work for FREE!
I’m gonna be patient and keep hope alive. LOL She’ll call me…*thinking* Lawd, please let her call me. LOL [-SM]
Awesome news on the job front – even more exciting is the volunteer opportunity. Love that you’re thinking about ways to use your talents and reinvest in your community!!
I want to be like you, I earn about $150-200 because of my blog. I want more !!!
I’m glad you are giving back single Ma. I give to different charities, but it feel better when you give your time. I once gave computers to low income families through this non profit organization in ATL. The feeling was beyond excitement. Just to see the looks on their faces, once they new we were coming!.
Wow, you are raking it in! And the teaching/mentoring thing sounds like a great idea…
I am going through the same shopping flu–but it’s going on two-to-three years now. I’m lucky I don’t need cute, professional clothes for work–even though I can afford it now, I just can’t seem to bring myself to BUY anything.
While I was paying off my debt, I had to ask some serious questions of myself whenever I went shopping–do I really NEED this? or is being debt-free more important to me? I am quite tenacious, and I seem to get a kick out of testing my will, so I chose the latter 95% of the time. And I still do, even though I don’t really need to anymore.
I used to shop just because I was bored and had a Saturday to kill, but I now dread going to the mall at all. Everything just looks…useless, wasteful, and excessively over-commercialized. Continuing the flu analogy (sort of), shopping for me now is like eating a cheesecake YOU KNEW was yummy yesterday, but today you can’t taste a bit of it…so what’s the point? It gets frustrating, trying to recapture the magic. I need to find a balance.
Congrats on the (potential) job offers and mentoring opportunity. That sounds really fun, actually!
Your truly an awesome person Single Ma.
I feel you on the freelance work. My first project took way longer than I expected. I just got a second project. Working on it this weekend.
Out of the two potential jobs, which one is your first choice?
Honestly, they’re very similar opportunities.
- Both will give me new experience in an area where I’m lacking.
- I’m familiar with the organizational culture and office politics of #1 but #2 will be completely new to me.
- Both have salary/benefits exactly the same, but I “think” I could potentially earn more at #2 because of the pay structure. However, I know I can advance faster in #1, so the money will come.
- Both are convenient commutes, but #2 is a little closer to home.
- I know more people in #1 who can vouch for the QoL, but #2 also has a good industry reputation.
- The only downside to #2 is that is has a lengthy hiring process after the offer is extended (9-12 mos) but #1 is ready to bring me on board NOW.
It’ll be a tough decision “if” I get both offers, but I’m positive #1 is already a done deal. [-SM]
Giving back to the community is wonderful for all parties involved. The family that you will wind up mentoring to will be truly blessed.
Keep up the good work and do your thang!!
I hope you get a chance to volunteer also. I can only imagine you working your stuff in person. And wouldn’t it be great to have TWO job offers on the table. Just make sure no “obligations” are signed into the contract so when you gotta go, you can go. (I was asking my hubby about that and he says he always makes sure certain things are NOT in his offer letters because he know ain’t nobody looking out for HIS best interest).
That quite alot of thoughts you have going there.
I earn between 3,000 and 4,000 dollars a month off of my websites online. They are my full time job though.
You run MULTIPLE websites FULL TIME and that’s all you earn? After self employment taxes, social security, and medicare, you’re down to ~$2250. Honey, you need to write better content or get a real job. LOL [-SM]
I’ve been reading your blog for a while now and never knew you could make money off of writing online! Wow $600/ month!!! I still cant believe it! How long did it take you to get that much income from blogging? Well, I have officially decided to start taking control of my finances thanks to you! Wish me luck….;)
You rock. Really, as you can see, we’re all proud.
Please, please enlighten us about how you’re making $600 from your blog… I know that your content gets picked up by a divorce site.
But I’m so curious: Is the revenue from the BlogHer ad?
Google AdSense?
Thanks for the insight!
My content is not picked up by a divorce site. Thanks for the recommendation, but I declined the offer. Their vision and target audience didn’t work well for me. I didn’t get the warm and fuzzies from the ops mgr either and my instincts never lie. But if you’re simply interested in making money from your blog, I’ve written about multiple ways already. And yes, I do earn extra $$ from BlogHer and Adsense, but most is from direct sales and freelance opptys. [-SM]