Fabulous Financials & Fitness

an 8GB iPod and a 7MP digital camera

- or -

a cell phone that can store up to 4GB in music/videos with a built in 5MP digital camera

[assuming no unique expertise, hobbies, etc.]

Received the following email today:

Hi Singlema,

I need help finding a reasonable moving company to move our belongings from Maryland to North Carolina.

My research has been frustrating and I do not want to fall prey to scam artists. So would you and your fabulous readers recommend companies so that I can shop around.

Thanks!

All of my professional moves were arrange and funded by an employer so I’ve never paid attention to the cost. All other moves were courtesy of “Pookie n ‘em” for the low, low price of a six pack and some wings from the corner store. LOL So my experience with pricing professional movers is limited non-existent. Sorry I couldn’t provide any useful information. But let’s see if my fabulous readers have suggestions.

Can anyone recommend a good professional moving company?

Last week was crazy busy for me so I don’t have any posts prepared. But what better topic to discuss than our holiday budgets!

As mentioned last week, my holiday shopping budget is $500.
So far, I’ve spent $357.

Other than BabyGirl, I’m finished with my Christmas shopping.  I have 2 more things I need to buy for her, but they’re fairly inexpensive so I’ll be ok.  I know exactly where I can find them.  Even have them saved under my favorites.  Just waiting for a sale, promo code for an extra discount and free shipping before pulling the trigger.  Yaaaaaaaaaaay for Cyber Monday!! What about you?

How much is your holiday budget?

How much have you spent so far?

Looking for anything this Cyber Monday?

I received the following email (edited) this week:

Hi my name is ___ and I’m also a single parent of three. I work full time and still live check to check. I’m hoping you can help me. The holidays are coming up and I don’t have enough money to be able to give my kids a good Christmas. Honestly by the looks of things I won’t be able to give them anything this year. I have rent, bills and day care and not able to buy them any gifts. My kids [are] great and deserve more I just don’t know what to do or where to go for help. Can you help me and give me any ideas on what I can do for my babies?

The reader and I have exchanged emails but I don’t think she liked my answer.  Do you all have any suggestions for her?

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Mr. Eye Candy’s birthday is coming up this month and I’m a little nervous.  This will be his first birthday that we’ll share together and the first time I will be responsible for buying HIM a gift and/or planning an activity FOR him.

Since we’ve “officially” been seeing each other (around December-ish), he’s been the gift buyer, the surpriser, the planner, and the doer.  Prior to that, I lusted after him for the better part of 7 months. LOL  I’m sure most of you remember my inappropriate thoughts during meetings and behind the privacy of my office door.  *sigh*  Since then, I’ve been coasting along for the ride.

All year long, he’s been genuine and never disappoints (my birthday, V-day, farewell party, summer vacay, date nights, just because, etc.), so the pressure is on.  I won’t try to match the price of his gifts because I’m working with Andrews, he’s got Benjamins, but I must reciprocate his sincerity and generosity.

Can you guys help me out with some ideas?

If I had to describe him, I’d say he’s a workaholic who spares no expense when it comes to quality.  He lives and breathes his business and almost everything he wears is some kind of name brand.  He’s a suit and tie wearing brother Monday through Friday, but thugged out on the weekend.  Like your typical man, he loves sports, his truck and his mama. LOL  In his spare time, which is rare, and when I’m not pouting because we don’t spend enough time together, he’s on the golf course or basketball court.  Between me and you, I don’t think his game is that good.  Please gawd, don’t let him read this post! LOL But anyway, we both share a love for old skool hip hop, dining at hidden gem restaurants, and personal finance.

So tell me readers, especially any male lurkers, what does a man want for his birthday?

My budget is only $100.