Fabulous Financials

I’m so excited, I can’t compose myself!!!

I’ve been wanting to go on another trip in August but couldn’t decide where. I’ve had several discussions with multiple girlfriends and these were our options:

One girlfriend and I were talking about a cruise. I was a “little” hesitant though. For one, I have severe motion sickness so I’d definitely need an inside cabin. Two, being my first time on a cruise ship, I would have to limit the cruise to 2-3 days just in case I get sick. Three, with my girlfriend’s budget and all other things considered, our options were limited to lower quality cruise lines. Boo! I’m a vacation snob and I believe you get what you pay for. This idea wasn’t a total dud, but it was my least preferred.

Another girlfriend, who works in the travel industry, was combining a work related trip with a leisure trip and asked if I wanted to tag along. The destination: Aruba. For the most part, I’d only have to pay for airfare and personal expenses. Not a bad deal at all. However, the last day of travel conflicted with the day I planned to pick up BabyGirl from grandma’s house, which required a workaround that involved relying on other people. Not my preference but it was worth the inconvenience for a trip to Aruba.

But then, ANOTHER girlfriend and I were talking about an all inclusive resort. We hadn’t decided on a location, but we were firm about the dates, airline, and maximum budget. This budget had a little more flex room than the cruise budget because we wanted to keep our options open. And the dates were more flexible and convenient because it wasn’t a work-combined-leisure trip. So I registered my email with a travel site and kept an eye out for deals. After a few weeks of looking for the right opportunity, we narrowed down the location to Mexico or Jamaica. There seemed to be SEVERAL brand new all inclusive resorts in those countries and they were ALL offering specials and HUGE discounts. So it was just a matter of finding the right one. We said we would wait until we saw a resort that made us say WOW, then make reservations at the last minute. This idea was more exciting than the first and second, but it wasn’t finalized yet.

So I was talking to Mr. Eye Candy last night about my need for another vacay before summer ended and BabyGirl returned home. I was also telling him about my girlfriends and all of our ideas. I assumed he was half listening because he was also working, but then he made a smart remark to the effect of “you always ripping and running with your GIRLFRIENDS.” Emphasis on the last word. So in typical Single Ma fashion, I returned a quick retort “because time waits on NO MAN!” Emphasis on the last word. LOL

Side Note: He’s always working. I mean, ALWAYS!! I didn’t mind when we worked TOGETHER because he was working as an independent consultant for ME. That’s selfish huh? LOL No seriously. I admire his vision and his goals. In fact, his business savvy and dedication is what attracted me to him. Hell, I thought it was swexy. But now, I hate it. We rarely see each other! So I get in where I fit in, but I don’t sit at home and twiddle my thumbs waiting for a little quality time.

Then he goes, all matter of fact-like, “WE’RE going on vacation next month.” I’m thinking he’s BS’in so I said “Ok, take me to…(had to think of a good place)…Hawaii!” HA HA He paused and gave me a blank look, but he didn’t say anything, so I didn’t think anymore of it. He went back to working on his report and I proceeded to yap on the phone with my girlfriends. Typical scene, lately, in the Single Ma queendom.

When he called me today, he said it again. But this time, it was more definitive. “We’re going to Hawaii next month.” At first, I was like “Yea, ok. Boy, stop playing.” Then he referred to me by my government name, which he NEVER uses, and said “xxx, we’re leaving for Hawaii on August 19th. I already reserved our suite using my timeshare points. I just need to find our flight.”

All I could say was “OH SHYT!! ARE YOU FOR REAL?!?!?!” It took a few minutes before I realized that he wasn’t teasing me. Then it registered…with only a click of a few buttons, he took heed to my retort AND called my bluff at the same time. Damn, that was easy! LOL

Y’ALL I’M GOING TO HAWAII NEXT MONTH!! AND WE’RE STAYING ON WAIKIKI BEACH!!

OH SHYT!! *faint*

photo credit:

What does my zodiac sign say about me, my career, and my money:

Career and Money
Ambition is the keyword for this sign. The key phrase for Capricorn is “I use”. The Capricorn possesses a real knack for finding the right tool for the job, and getting down to it. Starting at the bottom of the ladder, and working their way to the top doesn’t scare the Capricorn off. They will go the distance once a goal is set.

Setting high standards for themselves, honesty, perseverance, and a dedication to duty makes the Capricorn an excellent manager. Honesty, loyalty and a willingness to work as hard as what’s necessary are qualities that this sign values greatly within themselves and in those around them. Careers in management, finance, teaching and real estate are excellent choices.

Capricorns are resourceful and manage their time and money well. Every now and then, the urge to spend some hard-earned cash can see this sign packing some large shopping bags with fun and frivolous items out of the store. But as a rule, caution goes hand in hand with the Capricorn making practical purchases more likely than anything else. Multi-functional items are definitely favored.

Hmmm…is this ME or what? LOL

[see more fun facts about Capricorn]

I think it’s funny. Every time I spend a few days away from home, I rediscover why personal finance is important to me. It’s not that I ever forget. Shoot, I write about personal finance almost everyday. But actually doing what I want, when I want is an ultimate reminder of my financial choices and daily sacrifices. And the rewards are memorable and priceless. For example:

VACATIONS

Making a spontaneous decision to spend an extended weekend in the (other) city that never sleeps with an equally financially fit girlfriend who isn’t the least bit phased by last minute ideas. Price was not an issue, but the #1 priority was finding a non-stop flight and minimum 4 star hotel near a mall. LOL

SHOPPING

Beginning day 1 with the goal of shoe shopping, but spending most of the day perusing high end stores that I’d never heard of, many of which have names I could barely pronounce. Can you say “window” shopper? LOL Oh to be rich and famous, just for a day!

ENTERTAINMENT

Reserving tickets for 2 shows that have received rave reviews. I’m not easily amused, so the celebrity comedienne was a bust, in my opinion. However, having front row seats and being visually stimulated by glitz, glamour, men, and muscles is a godly sight indeed.

DINING OUT

Having endless dining selections, but choosing mid-priced and delicious over high-priced and questionable because you want to, not because you have to. And having a drink with every meal - mimosa, cosmopolitan, margarita anyone? with all the fun looking drinks, I chose to pass on the wine - because you don’t have to worry about driving or awaking to an alarm clock.

LOUNGING

Spending an entire day lounging and being pampered - facial, sauna, jacuzzi, then a private cabana with a fruit tray, food, dessert, and drinks all served without having to lift a finger. Only thing missing was a cabana boy feeding me grapes followed by a foot massage.

FINALE

…and to end the last full day with a 32 oz strawberry margarita and 3 shots of vodka.

Delish!  But I barely put a dent in that drink. LOL  If it were not for side effects of Aunt Flow’s untimely visit, there’s no telling what kind of trouble it would have caused. LOL

FINANCIAL IMPACT

Total damage: ~$1,345.00

Total debt incurred: $0

Taking an extra day off work to catch up on sleep: PRICELESS

Man, I don’t need to wait for “retirement.” I love and enjoy my life right now!

Image Credit: unknown

My Mom instilled in me my love for road trips. Being one of six kids, we would fight for the honor sitting in the passenger seat, beside Mom. Shot gun came with its responsibilities (we had to keep Mom awake and look for wildlife) but it also meant that we had her attention one on one until the next stop.

The hubby and I take many road trips during the summer. Even with the cost of gas, the lack of airfare needed immediately puts it in the frugal travel category. We have a couple other tricks to keep costs down.

Cool Like That

The cooler is the road trip buddy’s best friend but that cooler space is precious. We maximize it by filling it with frozen bottles of water and low filled beverages (including drinking boxes, a healthier fruit slushy) instead of the messy ice. Ice melts, gets dirty, and spills. It also makes sandwiches soggy. Frozen drinks are a neater solution.

Backseat Peace And Quiet

When we went on a long road trip, we knew what to expect and we looked forward to it. My Mom would always buy us new coloring books and a brand new mega pack of crayons. It was the only time we got our own books.

That bought Mom peace and quiet in the backseat. Happy little faces all around.

Some more modern Moms, I know, save special video games and toys for their trips. Same result, happy kids, peace and quiet.

AAA Or Other Vehicle Assistance

As the hubby and I always kick with the older vehicles, we consider vehicle assistance part of the maintenance cost. One tow and the membership pays for itself. Plus if you’re female or in a bad neighborhood, you don’t want to step out of the car to try to fix the mystery problem yourself. Uh, not worth it.

Another benefit of AAA is the access to maps and my fave, TripTiks. These are route maps with construction zones, rest stops, and blurbs on passing towns. Educational and entertaining for the person (or child) riding shot gun.

Of course, even with vehicle assistance, run down your pre-drive checklist. Check all fluids, oil, antifreeze/coolant, windshield washer solvent (for the bugs all road trip vehicles collect). Check the tires, ensuring that they are properly inflated and in good condition. Check all belts and hoses, looking for wear and tear.

Now, I’m sure I’ve missed some road trip tips. If I have, I’d love to hear them. Oh, and what was your all time favorite road trip?

Kimber Chin writes romance novels based in the business world and blogs at No Limit Ladies. One of her favorite annual road trips is to Taste Of Chicago the first weekend in July.

A “Hello Kitty” themed pool party.

Mom and Dad present, surprisingly cordial for the sake of their daughter.

Chris Brown (and Rhianna), live in concert.

Six screaming star struck teenage girls.

Flights that arrive on time.

Coming home to a spotless apartment, cleaned by someone else.

Afternoon naps.

Mondays off.

Hope you all had a great holiday weekend.