Random Thoughts While Waiting for Spring
I know I haven’t been blogging much lately, but I’m going to blame the weather. I so wish it were Spring already. Then maybe…just maybe…I’d be motivated to blog more. Ok, probably not. But let’s assume the weather was warmer and the pretty flowers were blooming, here’s a compressed version of all the fabulous things I would have shared with you:
FABULOUS FINANCIALS
~ Tracking my net worth has lost its appeal so I only update it once per quarter. As of April, it increased $7k+ but I won’t get too excited. The market can take it all away on Monday.
~ One of my CDs is scheduled to expire next month. The current rates I’ve seen are crappy so I plan to park it in my efund until I figure out what to do with it.
~ In an attempt to simplify my finances, and say goodbye to low performing accounts, I closed everything I had with ShareBuilder and ING. The small balances were transfered to my efund.
~ Although I reached my efund goal a long time ago, I still save $200 bi-wkly through payroll allotment and any excess leftover from the previous period. Saving has become second nature for me, I do it without even thinking about it.
~ My car insurance is up for renewal next month. I’m currently with Geico and pay $600/year. Hmm…I’m sure there is someone cheaper. Full coverage, one car, no points, professional, good credit, low crime rate zip code, $1k deductible. Any suggestions?
~ My lease expires soon and the rent is going up $17. Not a lot, but considering the market, it shouldn’t be going up at all. I conducted a little market research and learned that the base rate for my apartment is $167 cheaper than what I pay now. Whoa! I’m sure you know what I did, right? I asked the leasing manager to lower my rent to the market rate. He said he couldn’t do that for a renewal, but offered to let me move to another unit (same floor plan, better view, fireplace) for the market rate with no additional fees or deposits. *still scratching my head on that one* I don’t feel like packing up and moving so I asked him to split the difference. He said he would get back to me.
~ My house is a thorn in my financial side. It could be worse, but it’s the only thing that makes me feel financially INsecure. Although my tenants take very good care of it and pay their rent on time, the thought of being legally tied to a sinking ship makes me uncomfortable. If I were still living in it, I probably wouldn’t feel this way. I wish I could do a short sale to dump the money pit.
~ Most of my 2009 financial goals are still on track, except online earnings and net worth. I’ve lost interest in writing about personal finance daily so the well is running dry. I save/invest diligently, but the market is out of my control. Things change, you adjust and keep it moving.
~ But let’s not forget, life is about balance…manage your finances AND have fun!
FUN, FUN, AND MORE FUN!
~ Spa Week is next week and select services are $50. May I have 2 please!
~ There’s a Food and Wine Festival at the National Harbor in June. Wish I could go. The Essence Music Festival is in July. Wish I could go to that too. I can’t afford either. Sometimes living within your means and being responsible suck monkey balls. 
~ But – I have tickets to see The Color Purple in July. I’m also going on a Bahamas cruise in October. I can’t wait!
~ I need to make travel reservations for our summer trip. Everyone is saying travel is so cheap now, but maybe I’m missing something. Perhaps my version of “cheap” is a little different. I’m looking for a roundtrip (1 stop), 5 night, all inclusive for 2 – less than $1,500 total.
SHOPPING
~ I need to buy a new digital camera before I go on another trip or fun activity. I’m thinking about buying the Kodak Easyshare 8.2MP or the Canon Powershot 8MP. Both received 4/5 star reviews, but the Cannon has more bells and whistles. Probably more than I need. I like the Kodak because it’s pretty and cheaper (can you tell I’m a novice photog? LOL), but my last camera was a Kodak, so I’ll probably end up buying the Canon.
~ I wish I could afford a camcorder that takes video and digital pics. They’re so expensive!
~ I need a new cell phone too. After 6 years, I figure it’s about time for me to catch up with technology. I don’t need anything fancy like an iPhone or BB or Treo, but I want something user friendly, bluetooth compatible with web service, and FREE. Yes, I said FREE! Oh, and I need a family plan with FREE activation on both phones. Yes, FREE again. You see, I’m not under contract anymore so the right deal just MIGHT convince me to sign my life over for another 2 years. I’m considering T-Mobile, but I need them to run another online special with FREE cute phones, FREE shipping, and FREE activation. Unless I find a better deal, I’ll wait.
~ I’ve seen a lot of pretty spring clothes, but I don’t want to buy any right now. I’m determined to lose this weight dammit! I’m determined, determined, determined! As a birthday present to myself this year, I want to see a new me. And she’s on her way! I had to run my favorite jeans through the dryer (twice) to make them fit tighter. Don’t tell me you’ve never done that before. LOL! Ooooooh, and guess what else? I had to buy a new belt because my favorite one was still too loose on the last hole. SWEEEEET!
~ In 2010, I’m going on a shopping spree with no budget. I am sooo serious!
BABYGIRL/FAMILY
~ I took BabyGirl to get her learner’s permit. DMV requires you to pass a two-part test, 100% on the 1st and 80% on the 2nd. After claiming she studied for a week, then waiting an entire hour to be processed, this chick missed the SECOND question on part ONE of the test. Sheesh! Told you my offspring was a genius. Now we have to wait 15 days before she can take it again.
~ BabyGirl is taking the SAT next month. I pray that she’s a better standardized test taker. When I took the SAT eons ago, I scored a 980 out of 1600. And I think they GIVE you a few points for writing your name. Embarrassing, huh? But that’s ok, my life turned out just fine. 
~ I asked BabyGirl if she wanted to go to the prom in June, she said “No, not this year. I’ll save all of that for my senior year.” My instincts tell me it’s because she doesn’t have a date, but my pockets are thanking her anyway. Then again…
~ BabyGirl was accepted into a creative writing program this summer. The week after school ends, she’s going to stay at Big University for 2 weeks. Between the two of us, I don’t know who is more excited! The only downside, the program is going to cost me $1,300.
~ My mom has been wanting a new formal living room set for years. I told her I’d buy her one if she accepts it as a combined Birthday/Mother’s Day/Christmas gift for the year. Surprisingly, she agreed. Actually, she’s ecstatic. But now, I’m nervous because I didn’t give her any limits. Gosh, I hope whatever she finds is reasonably priced.
~ My brother turns 21 this year. I have no idea what I’m going to do for him. Whatever I decide, I know it has to be extra special. I love that little punk.
~ I’m so excited about Easter tomorrow. I’m not going to church though. No need to front just because it’s Easter. When my mom and BabyGirl leaves for church, I’m going to clean the house, finish making Easter baskets for the kids, and begin the prep for dinner. Ma dukes is hosting about 20+ people and I look forward to seeing the family/friends I haven’t seen since Christmas. My people are crazy, so there will be lots of drama and blog fodder to share.
Ok that is all. Is it Spring yet?
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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Have you read the Fabulous Financials comment policy lately?
For the insurance: Check State Farm. They have consistently been cheaper when I have compared for my own use. My situation is completely different (I’m a 21 year old, male, in the mid-west) but I’d at least check them out.
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For the insurance: Check State Farm. They have consistently been cheaper when I have compared for my own use. My situation is completely different (I’m a 21 year old, male, in the mid-west) but I’d at least check them out.
Oh yeah, and for the camera, I’d go with the Canon. I’ve had both Canon and Kodak’s in the past, and I think hands down their better (both better pictures and better build)
By The Way…Canon has 1 N Cannon makes industrial products.
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For the insurance try Allstate. My insurance is dirt cheap, $60 a month for full coverage in NOVA and thats after my boyfriend crashed it last year (grrr) For the camera I recommend the Canon. I have a powershot and I love it. I dont know how to work all of the bells an whistles but there is one that I know and love and its the color accent. You can take a black and white photo with one color being in color. Pretty hot.
If you should ever decide to stop blogging about finances and focus on your shopping, mommy moments, and other stuff, I’d keep reading. The financial stuff is just a bonus.
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Two in one! Go for a flip video camcorder and you can make digital pictures from the video you shoot. This great because it allows you to capture the ultimate snapshot from the video vs. retaking pictures to get the perfect shot or perfect smile. The camcorder is so simplistic with a few simple buttons. It is easy as can be and the units are as low as $69. Here’s the link
http://www.amazon.com/Flip-Video-Ultra-Camcorder-30-Minutes/dp/B000V1PXL4/ref=amb_link_83601571_3?ie=UTF8&me=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-6&pf_rd_r=0BMBYHN08SZ0S0B5GH3Y&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=473208151&pf_rd_i=373705011
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While I like the financial posts I prefer the more “personal” posts about your job, raising BG, family, losing weight, dating, etc. You pass along pearls of wisdom in all your posts and I connect more to the personal blogs (and learn more!) from those. So if you’re tired of blogging about finances please don’t stop blogging!!
as far as the camera goes i vote for Canon hands down. I had a Kodak and hated it. Canon and Nikon are the only camera brands I buy.
Happy Easter!
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For me, Allstate and State Farm were both very expensive, and neither one offers gap insurance. I had a brand new car when I went with my current company, American Family, specifically for the gap insurance (so if the car was stolen, totaled, or otherwise inoperable, they’d pay me the FULL value, not simply the blue book value), and to this day they are still cheaper than both of those companies, and I receive excellent service. I also have my homeowner’s insurance with them, making for an additional discount.
My camera of choice is the Sony Cyber-shot. It came with both a battery charger and a rechargeable battery pack. It’s simple to use, takes great photos and videos, and I love, love, love it.
Depending on the kind of furniture your mom likes, I’d try to encourage her to look at Value City Furniture if you have those, or Ikea.
Finally, there are a lot of travel bargains out there, depending on when and where you’re interested in. I highly recommend comparison shopping online, and pitting one company against another for a better deal. Airlines and hotels are hurting for business and many are willing to negotiate in order to win business. Also consider traveling off season for better rates; e.g., our summer is their winter, or avoiding major holidays and heavy tourist times. It definitely pays to do a lot of research. I used to work in the travel industry and to this day, family and friends call me for help. I don’t mind, though, because it keeps me abreast of what’s out there.
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Don’t give up on the Food and Wine Festival! Check into volunteering to pour wine/serve food for a couple hours in exchange for free entry. I know Berrywine/Linganore Winecellars always can use a couple volunteers, so email them and ask. From past experience with them, they give you a free bottle of wine after working 3 hrs, as well as free entry to whatever festival. There are also other wine festivals coming up, such as Wine in the Woods at Symphony Woods in Columbia, MD in May (16th and 17th I believe), and nearly all the wineries there will be looking for volunteers. Again, you’ll get in for free and the wineries usually offer another bonus for volunteering. Plus other volunteers will usually hook you up when you go to visit their booths. It’s well worth the 3 hrs work (and did I mention you can drink as much wine as you want on your shift?).
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I have the Kodak Easyshare and couldn’t be happier. It takes amazing pictures, it’s small, and durable. Not to mention cute! :)
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Why don’t you try Progressive? They are the ones that pioneered using credit scoring for insurance premium. Since you have high FICO scores, then this should be no big deal for you. You might get a really good rate for all the things you stated. No harm trying for a quote.
I renewed my 6-month term with Progressive for $290/- full coverage $1k deductible for collision and comprehensive for a 2007 car (if you have an older car, it might be cheaper), plus I have two traffic tickets (dinged 4 points).
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Hey Y’all
Thanks for sharing your experience and recommendations on the camera. I just bought the Canon for $120 (including shipping). I can’t wait for it to get here!
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NO…you can’t lose interest in blogging. I love getting the email updates. Good for BG going to the summer program!! Oh, and I l.o.v.e. spa week. Not participating this time though…I’m on a spending strike, kinda.
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I’m glad you got the Canon. My whole family uses Canon, and I like their phones. I actually miss your net worth updates, though. I haven’t been as inspired to report mine lately, either, although that may be for different reasons… I personally think T-Mobile is good. Hope you get the deal you want. I traveled for Easter – I pass your neck of the woods, and believe it or not, I thought about you and BG when I was on the road. Hope your holiday went well!
Aww, wish you had time to stop as you were passing through. [-SM]
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If you get a chance try going to this website for your trip — http://www.tbbenson.rovia.com. They have a match or beat policy on any posted price. But they will probably be cheaper than anyone else to begin with. You can also sign up as a Preferred member and they will look for the trips for you and email only what you are interested in. Happy Travel Hunting.
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Great post! As far as cheaper wine festivals, there’s one in Reston, VA on April 25th & 26th, here’s the link http://www.uncorkthefun.com/reston-virginia/site-info. It’s $20 for an online ticket purchase, and $25 onsite. Also, there’s one in Annapolis, MD on May 2nd & 3rd (you can find info on that on the same website). I was considering going to the one at the National Harbor too, but like you, I stick to a strict budget, and I couldn’t justify the cost of those tickets. But, I allow myself $20 of blow money a week, so the Reston & Annapolis ones fit in perfectly!
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Your comment: There’s a Food and Wine Festival at the National Harbor in June. Wish I could go. The Essence Music Festival is in July. Wish I could go to that too. I can’t afford either. Sometimes living within your means and being responsible suck monkey balls.
This really hit me. It is funny, I like to think I am so smart, but sometimes something so simple just knocks me upside the head – hard! My first thought when I read… “Wish I could go . . .I can’t afford either” was Um, why can’t you go Single Ma? I’ve been reading your blog for a minute and I know you’ve got thousands of dollars in savings. What do you mean you can’t afford. . ? A coupla trips ain’t even gonna put a small dent in your bank account.
This thinking is exactly what separates people in my financial position (paycheck-to-paycheck) from people in yours (people with savings and emergency funds, etc.). Historically when my monthly bills were all paid, I felt good. I’ve had the nerve to be saving and planning a vacation for later this summer. The truth is, I can’t afford a vacation. And I don’t mean like YOU can’t afford it because you prioritize and plan and spend responsibly. I mean I don’t-even-have-an-e-fund can’t afford it! I mean I have-a-small-business-but-profits-aren’t-enough-to-quit-my-day-job-yet can’t afford it!
I needed to read this today. While your topic is Random Thoughts. . . I needed that part about living within your means and being responsible to jump out at me.
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how do you find out whether or not you are paying the ‘market rate’ for your apartment rental? i’m moving to st. louis and it seems that every building management i went to had a different price. and the worse thing is rent is as expensive there as chicago! i was hoping for a lower cost of living by moving to st. louis!
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