Saving Money, Spending Money, and Enjoying Life
I’ve been so happy lately! Over the past month, I’ve been in the process of developing new interests, changing my perspective on many things, adjusting my priorities, and staying on top of my finances despite the doom and gloom of the economy. I refuse to let this recession drive me batty. It’s a natural flow of the economic cycle, but life goes on. Shoot, I still have things to do (get my body in shape), places to go (vacation), and people to see (eye candy!). So instead of blogging about Obama’s housing bailout plan and how effective it may (or not) be, I’ve been saving money, spending money, and enjoying life – three things that make me happy.
Here are a few of the things I’ve been up to lately:
SAVING
I received a huge fed and state tax refund this year – over $5,000. All of it went into savings. Yep, ALL of it! In addition, I saved $2,000 last month (Feb) and I project to save another $1,500 this month (Mar). Man, I’ve been a saving machine! The balance on my efund is over $35,000! Only $25k is earmarked for emergencies though. The other $10k plus regular savings is for whatever comes up that I can’t cover with monthly cash flow.
SPENDING MONEY
My shoe fever season has begun and I’ve already added 2, maybe 3 (or was it 4?), new pairs of heels to my collection. I’m trying to practice a little restraint so that may be all I buy this season. *thinking about what I just said* Aww shoot, who am I fooling?!? If I see a pair of fabulous shoes and they’re within my budget, I’m buying ‘em! LOL!
I bought a CHI flat iron on Amazon for $66 (reg $190) with FREE shipping. Let me tell ya, this thing really lives up to the hype. I usually HATE doing my own hair because of the time it takes, but after a quick wash and deep condition, my tresses are silky and straight like I’m fresh from the salon. I also bought a heat protectant that I apply to my hair before using the CHI because that little thing gets HOT – over 400 degrees. But the results are fab! And it’s already paid for itself because I can stretch out my salon visits and do more regular maintenance at home.
ENJOYING LIFE
I have 6 weeks vacation that I keep in reserves and rollover every year for emergency time off, but I also earn an additional 4 weeks each year. I plan to take 1 this spring, 1 this summer, 1 this winter, and float 1 throughout the year for personal time.
Over spring break, I’m taking BabyGirl to NYC. This will be her first time in the city so she’s very excited. We’re staying in Manhattan for 4 days and 3 nights. While there, we plan to see the The Lion King on Broadway; visit the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, NYC Library, Grand Central Terminal, and (undecided) one of the museums near central park; eat “real” Chinese food (BabyGirl’s term) in Chinatown and “real” pizza (BabyGirl’s term) in Little Italy; and do a little shopping. So far, I’ve booked the transportation (megabus), hotel (partially funded with CC rewards), Broadway tickets (using discount codes found on theater discount websites) and the SOL ferry. Total spent: $387. Total budget: $650. I have friends from the Bronx and NJ meeting us for one or more of the scheduled activities and I already know we’re going to have a blast!
This summer’s vacay will be on a tropical island. Still researching destination spots but undecided if I’ll take BabyGirl with me or roll solo. Budget: $1,500 w/ BabyGirl, $700 without.
I joined a gym and I’m committed to working out at least 3x each week. I just completed my first week and it’s had an amazing impact on my energy level. However, I must admit, it was HARD, my body was EXHAUSTED, and my muscles are SORE. Bodies don’t lie, I was an out of shape lazy bum. Emphasis on the word WAS. As I build my stamina, I will gradually increase my workouts to 4x each week. The cost of membership and my personal trainer is $50/month without a contract (deal through my employer), so I have to pay a month in advance. Now you know I’m not wasting any money, right? Hellz to the naw! I plan to have my fat arse front and center on Mon/Wed/Fri or Tues/Thurs/Sat every single week. Hmph! I already added the expense to my monthly budget and I think it’s worth every penny.
That’s all I have for now.
I hope you guys are making the best of these challenging times and enjoying life as well!
Pssst. When I don’t post on the blog, you know where to find me.
This blog is all about Finance, Fitness, Fashion & Fun - the sum of my life. If you like what you've read, feel free to subscribe via (feed reader) or (email) to follow along.
Things are really going well for you – that’s fantastic! And what a great deal on the CHI. I have been wanting one for the longest time but didn’t want to spend the money. Now just might be the right time – especially since I need a new one. The vacation plans sound great. Hope you have fun! :-)
The NYC trip sounds fun, maybe BabyGirl can do a guest post about it? I’d love to hear her food critiques:)
This was really great post, very uplifting!
I wish you to have a great time in NYC, holler if you want any advice on what to do and where to eat (that of course if you have time, as it seems that you already have full schedule for 3-4 days you are staying here).
For great pizza try Adrienne’s Pizza bar- I know one is next to my office, downtown Manhattan in financial district – Stone street, however I think there might be couple more in the city. After eating their pizza, regular pizza will never quite measure up. And I hope you will get to go to the City Island-there are tons of restaurants serving seafood.
P.S. Tell BG that to eat real pizza she would have to take a trip to Italy and see what pizza really is. Nothing like it is here, what they call pizza and what we call pizza are different things all together. My daughter had a wish that was granted to her by Make a Wish Foundation and in 2005 we took a trip to Italy, as her wish was to have “real” pasta, pizza and gelato. How surprised she was to find out that what Italians consider pizza and what we have in US differ vastly. We did have tons of gelato- breakfast, lunch dinner, especially in Rome. And she had tons of pasta. For pizza we had to home :-) to Brooklyn
If your daughter likes a very cheese version of pizza, then by all means try Ray’s pizzeria, try the one at 736 7th Avenue, it is somewhere around 34 street and 7th avenue, little highert than 34street. The amount of cheese they pile up on those slices is incredible.
Good for you! Almost all the endorphins are firing. Saving money, spending money, great plans and a putting the body through its paces. Great post.
Eye Cand y hmmm lol
Are you going to post pics of the shoes ? lol I have a thing for shoes and purses.
That was a good deal for the flat iron
Glad to hear everything is going good …
Good for you, lady! You’ve got all the money and career stuff (seemingly) on autopilot–or close to it–it’s def. time for you to take care of YOU, in the physical sense. It’s one of those things that *should* come first, but hardly ever does in real life.
I love that you have SIX WEEKS of reserve vacation time. Man, I use it up every chance I get. How on earth did you get that much time after changing companies so many times? Did you negotiate it?
Good for you, lady! You’ve got all the money and career stuff (seemingly) on autopilot–or close to it–it’s def. time for you to take care of YOU, in the physical sense. It’s one of those things that *should* come first, but hardly ever does in real life.
I love that you have SIX WEEKS of reserve vacation time. Man, I use it up every chance I get. How on earth did you get that much time after changing companies so many times? Did you negotiate it?
BTW I love your blog!
the NYC trip sounds great! if possible, you should try dim sum in chinatown. I’m a picky eater, but it’s fun to see all of the carts and try random treats (and it’s cheap!).
Single Ma,
I just bought a CHI straightener too. Can you tell me which heat protectant spray you’re using? I’ve been meaning to get one but was undecided.
Your trip to NY sounds great. If you need suggestions check this website: http://newyork.seriouseats.com/
or lemme know if there’s something specific you’re looking for to eat/shop/etc…DEFINITELY visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It’s huge and will probably take the entireeeee day but just drop by for a morning/afternoon.
enjoy!
Sounds like things are really great in Single Ma world! I know you’ll have fun in NYC and that tropical vacay sounds divine.
I wish I did have 6 weeks vacation – I only have 3 and it’s killing me! I’m used to having at least 4 weeks with some personal days and more holidays.
As far as saving – that’s all I’ve been doing, however most of it will go into my new home. Whenever I get one…
Great to hear that at least one person is happy and on top of their finances rathe than all the doom and gloom on the news.
Wish i could say the same but unfortunately life likes to spring big suprises out of the blue which means you have to spend money you were hopeing to save. hey ho
Make sure you guys try to get to Brooklyn when u come to NYC! If you want recommendations let me know.
I clicked on your link for the Chi! and it is now $46 plus shipping!! I bought me one, finally!! Didn’t want to spend the $100+ that they usually sell for. Thanks for the link and really enjoy your blog.
Wow! SM I think you and I are on the same wavelength. I too have been trying to take positive steps to change my life for the better! I decided to apply to grad school and I joined a gym too. I’m not one to use the machines but they have several classes that seem like fun so I decided to join. So far I’ve done Zumba and Yoga. It is amazing how much is revealed after going to the gym, like the fact that I have NO muscles! Good for you!! Best of luck with it all! The trips sound like a lot of fun!
It’s refreshing hearing such GREAT news!! Good for you all, it’s gonna be a helluva good year no matter what’s going on out there for ya :)
The savings sounds great and so do the trips! Here’s a suggestion – Barbados. The hurricanes always miss it, and I want to go there someday so I can live vicariously through you!
Glad to hear that you’re having such a fabulous time! Good news is so rare in this current climate!
My only caution would be: Since you got such a huge refund, I hope you’ve considered fine-tuning your tax withholdings with HR at work. I am sure you could have used that money better than letting Uncle Sam hold on to it interest free.
AWESOME! Whenever i return from a trip to NYC i feel like i came back from another planet… my own!! I love how you can find elements of every world and country there. The food at Joya’s is great (Brooklyn)… you just might have to stand in line if you don’t time it right. But price is right, and delish! Have BG walk the Brooklyn bridge, take the Staten Island ferry (another free funtime)… You guyz are gonna have a blast! :) Empire State building, Grand Central Station, Fascati’s Pizza, Dallas BBQ, MMA, Botanical Gardens, Chinatown, Lil Italy, ooohhh, i’m getting all excited and wish i could get outta here NOW! Have a wonderful time!! -tu shaki :)
I’m happy you’re happy! You know I LOVE New York so I hope you guys love your trip. I thought the Lion King was wonderful. I think you’ll both enjoy it.
Hi SingleMa!
Its been a while since I’ve posted, but now I see you are coming down to NYC so I gotta throw in my 0.02!
Now, any trip to NYC won’t be complete with out visiting Times Square. And I recommend that you go there at night because its even more impressive lit up. If you want to grab a bite when in Times Square, go to 46th Street between 8th & 9th avenues. That street is known as restaurant row. You will get better food at better prices (still in NYC though) then you would if you eat in Times Square directly.
I bought the CHI about two months ago. Love it!!! What heat protectant did you buy? I need one.
I am trying to get to NY and New Orleans (Essence) this year but all these planes going down is scaring the bejesus outta me. May have to hop on a train or something. Will see.
Congrats on doing you and enjoying life. That is the way to go.
I went to Sally’s Beauty Supply and bought an imitation of the CHI Silk Infusion and CHI Ironguard Thermal Protection – both $5.99 each. It’s a white bottle with black print. [-SM]
I see that the CHI is now $59. Try asking for a refund. I’ve done this before and they’ve credited my account. Here’s some more information or do a Google search. http://www.bargaineering.com/articles/amazons-price-drop-policy.html
It’s worth a try anyways.
The lower price is from a 3rd party, not Amazon. Amazon’s price is still $66. If Amazon reduces its price within 30 days of purchase, they will refund the difference. [-SM]
I cannot wait to my girl grow up and we can start doing big thingd together. I was 17 when I first went to NYC and was sooooooooooooooo amazed
oh by the way, try visiting Alvin Ailey Theater if you get a chance
Yeah, eat off Time Square. Go one block off any major avenue and you will find the prices to be better for food or even hotels. I always check TravelZoo for specials before I go on vacation. Last December, a week before Christmas, I snagged a posh hotel in mid-town that normally went for 350 a night but was going for 100 a night or $500 savings over two nights, and that was a Friday/Saturday night. I also snagged a $1000 all-inclusive travel deal to the DR in April (airfare, hotel, rental, transfers, taxes, etc…) Be aware the Carib is famous for hurricaines so aim for early summer.