I bought a winter coat from Sierra Trading Post last night. The coat is gortex and insulated. I usually don't purchase clothes online, so I'm worried about the fit. However, I could pass up the great deal. The jacket was originally around $450. I paid under $170 (including shipping). This wasn't built into my budget (only $50 in my clothing budget), but I really do need a warm winter coat.
Brip blap tagged me for his new meme, "I commit publicly to..." I was unsure about what to post at first, but then I realized that I should be honest with my readers. Even though my weight has no relevance to my financial situation, I decided to post about my one area of unhappiness. I commit publicly to lose 10 pounds.
This recent weight gain has made me extremely uncomfortable with my body. I feel awkward, and I hate shopping for pants. I frequently wear clothes that are baggy, so no one will notice that I've put on weight.
I've never had to diet before (or even control what I eat), so this has been extremely frustrating for me. Right now, I have an injury so I can't work out (at all, according to my doctor), so my eating really needs to be scaled back. My major eating problem comes in with snacking...I love chocolate...and I eat candy all afternoon at work....
Let's see how I did with my October Goals
Add another $100 to my emergency fund. I will transfer the money from my checking to my savings tomorrow.
Register for and take the general GRE. Done.
Register for the subject GRE. Done
Spend $75 (or less) on gas. This will be hard because I have to travel for a few baby showers this month. I spent less than $50 on gas.
Upgrade the grips on my bike (the one I ride to work)... Ordered the wrong size grip, so I haven't done this yet.
Reach a net worth of $20,000 DONE! :)
I thought I would get my net worth information together a few days early. My net worth increased quite a bit this month. I thought I would provide a breakdown of what type of cash accounts I have.
I also had a large increase in cash (in savings and checking).
Checking Accounts--$940 ($1190 minus $250 in credit card payments that will go through today)
Down Payment $1139.45 (or 3.8% of my $30k goal)
Emergency Fund $250.22 (I will add another $100 in a few days)
Car Maintenance Fund $100
I'm thinking about giving both of my siblings iPod shuffles for Christmas. Before every one throws a fit, I have a plan on getting them for free or close to it. I have 650 points at iPodSweepstakes and it takes 1,000 points to earn an iPod shuffle (only another 350 points). I earned a shuffle from iPodSweepstakes last summer, but I sold it on eBay to help pay off some of my credit card debt. I will try to earn one shuffle through ipodsweepstakes.com and I will start saving up Amazon gift certificates to purchase the other one.
I've read quite a bit about CashDuck from other bloggers. Bloggers were upset when the site went down. However, the site is now back up, and I just signed up at CashDuck. The minimum payout is $10. I will keep you posted on how I like CashDuck.
I just purchased a paper shredder through Amazon. I had a $20 gift certificate, so I thought I would use it to purchase something that I need. I found this shredder for only a few cents cheaper on another page. The reviews that I found online recommend a crosscut shredder for additional security. Since I don't need something large, I think this paper shredder will work well. I will probably put the shredder under one of my end tables, so I can shred my junk mail as I open my mail.
Recently, a friend of mine had her credit card number stolen. She had quite a few charges on the card, and she is in the process of filling out a fraud application. She asked for my advice, so I told her to pull her credit report (free once a year--link to the government's web page about the free annual credit report). She hasn't looked at her credit reports (that I know of), but I also told her she might want to consider freezing her credit (since she isn't trying to get any new credit) just to be safe. Has anyone frozen their credit? Is it difficult? Do you think it is a wise decision? How do you go about doing it? I've read about it on a few blogs and in a few articles on MSN, but I don't totally understand what the freeze includes.
Since I hadn't pulled my credit reports this year, I decided to check out my credit reports. I was a little nervous as I looked at each report. Luckily, there were no surprises. The only thing that I found startling was how often my credit card companies looked at my credit history. Even though I have never been late for a payment, they check my credit report monthly (soft pull, I can see that they checked it out, but companies requesting my credit report won't see it).
I also think I'm going to purchase a paper shredder. It will make shredding all of my junk mail a lot easier. Does anyone have any recommendations about what type or brand? I'm looking for an inexpensive shredder to shred a few pieces of junk mail a day.
I made another small deposit ($10) to my down payment account. The money was earned through a PPP opportunity.
I purchased razor cartridges through eBay last night (they're so much cheaper). I had $9 sitting in my paypal account last night when I cashed out, so I used that money to help defray the cost of the cartridges. Now, my spending money (food/fun/utilities) account is almost empty...I feel like I shouldn't spend any money until Friday. However, I really need to purchase toilet paper (going with the recycled stuff this time around).
I also posted about MySurvey yesterday, and a few people signed up using my referral link (Thank you to anyone that used my referral link!). Now, my account has enough to cash out for $20. I'm still debating whether I want to wait for the $50 check or 5500 points for the Skagen watch. The men's watch retails for $100 and the women's for about $95. However, I don't really need a new watch, but I think the watches are super cute! If I have enough points (5500) by Christmas, maybe I will give the watch as a gift.
I just filled out a survey on MySurvey. I earned enough points for another $10 gift certificate. I didn't redeem the points for the check because I'm going to let the points accumulate. I think I'll feel really good about having a $40 or $50 check. I know that I'll miss out on the interest, but I also think I will log on to MySurvey more often (and earn more points, I hope). Also, my down payment savings accounts is held by online only banks, so I have to mail in the checks. I figure I'm saving a few dollars by not mailing 5 $10 checks, but mailing a single $50 check (if I can hold out that long). I'm also somewhat tempted to save up for the Skagen watch (5500 points)....maybe for myself or for a gift. 
I think Skagen watches are so pretty! They're super thin....and great for an everyday watch.
I'm saving my money in a few different reasons (and the money is separated by future purpose too).
Down Payment Fund--I'm trying to save $30k for a down payment on a nice one or two bedroom condo. I wish this was more of a priority (because I would really like to have a place of my own), but I need to build up a decent emergency fund first.
Emergency Fund--I'm saving for stability...I would love to not have to worry about money every month. If I lose my job, I won't go into massive debt. I want a cash cushion to help me feel secure with my finances. Right now, I'm saving $100/month, and my account is up to $250
Clothing--I'm saving for a winter coat. I save $50/month. With winter quickly approaching, I might have to dip into my fun money in order to afford something reasonable.
Retirement--I save about $700/month. I contribute to my 401(k) through work and a personal RothIRA. I would like to be able to retire around 60. 
Gates had a great post on how PF blogger focus on "how they save money," but not how they spend money. I thought I would take his criticism and write a post about what I spend my money on. I will also do a follow-up post (with pictures) about what I'm saving my money for.
Money Spent This Month:
$55 Prescriptives Foundation and Tinted Moisturizer
$45 at Target
$25 on plastic drawers (additional storage)
$5 a metal hook (goes over the door in my bathroom)
$1 SunSilk Shampoo & Conditioner
$4 Milk
$5 Candy--Snickers, Peach Rings
Cereal--free with coupon
$3 Scrubbing Bubbles automatic shower cleaner refill
$20 Drinks and pool with friends
$10 Pizza--I drove to pick it up rather than pay the delivery fee and tip the delivery driver
$11 Bike Handle bar grips (didn't fit my bike) $6 for shipping, $5 for the grips
$35 Desk and Plant at IKEA
$30 Lunch out with friends
$27 Groceries
$16 Electric Bill
$18 CFLs
$12 Skin Balancing Carbon Mask from Paula's Choice
$15 Co-Pay (annual check-up)
$15 Groceries
$2 Bagel and cream cheese for lunch (Forgot to Pack My lunch)
$10 Lunch at my favorite Thai restaurant
$28 gas
$92 Gift for Baby Shower (will be reimbursed for 1/2 of the present)
$140 GRE Test Registration (General)
$130 GRE test registration (Subject)
$30 Gym Membership
$225 Car Payment
This episode made me think about my recent spending spree. I know that I don't need a face mask, but my skin will look so much better (I've been neglecting my skin recently) in a few weeks. However, I will admit that I throw away money on convenience food. For example, I forget to pack my lunch and I don't want to eat the soup in my drawer so I go out to eat. Or...I'm feeling a little bummed, so I buy a few cookies....I'm too lazy to make dinner, so I order a pizza. While I have improved, my laziness is out of control! Does anyone have advice how to get over my lazy eating habits?
I've been spending quite a bit recently (shopping online, eating out, groceries)...I have an account ($330/month) with all of the money I can spend each month (utilities, groceries, and fun). I have a direct deposit of $165 from every pay check put into my spending account. With my recent surge in spending, I have approximately $30 remaining in the account...and I don't get paid until next Friday! And...I'm leaving town for the weekend! Luckily I haven't spent any of my gas money from this month ($50), so I will be within the budget for gas...but I might go over because I have a lunch out with a friend planned...
I feel so frustrated with myself! Why can't I stick to a budget?! Did I really need to order that face mask? Did I really need to go out to eat?
I finally received my $10 check from MySurvey.com and deposited it into my down payment savings account. I logged on to the site today, and I'm only $100 points away from being able to redeem my points for another $10 check!
I also earned $5 from a survey through PineCone. Pinecone is great because they don't mail out paper checks like MySurvey. PineCone deposits the money into your PayPal account (usually about a day after completing the survey). Also, you receive payment for every survey you fill out (points have to accumulate to 1,000 to get a $10 check from MySurvey). However, I don't receive surveys invitations from PineCone very often (usually once or twice a month).
I stopped using SurveyTeam, Tiktikcash, and PandaRewards. I just don't have the time to dedicate to those sites because they have such high cash-out values (between $50-$100).
I have started using iPodSweeptakes.com. I've earned one free shuffle that I sold on eBay. I'm trying to earn another shuffle for a Christmas present. I'm about 350 points away (out of 1,000). I only do the opportunities that ask for your e-mail address (use one that you don't mind getting a lot of spam in) or contact information (and I use the wrong phone number).
I received my most recent elctric bill ($16.80) via e-mail (I try to avoid paper bills. Less waste) and it was a little higher than my bill from last month($15.85). I think having a desktop computer on for a few hours a day is the big difference. With internet access, I think my electric bill is going to go up every month.
Ms. M&P posted about her carbon footprint, and I thought I should also take the Ecological Footprint Quiz. The average carbon footprint in the U.S. is 24 acres per person. Worldwide, there are 4.5 biologically productive acres per person.
My eating habits require 3.7 acres. My mobility requires 0.2 acres (no flying, hardly driving, not driving alone). My shelter requires 4 acres. My goods and services require 3 acres. For a grand total of 11 acres. If everyone lived like me, we would need 2.4 planets.
How big is your carbon footprint?
I agree with Ms. M&P that I need to work to reduce my carbon footprint. I will try to buy more locally grown produce at the farmer's market. I will also try to cut out the small trips with my car...
Yesterday I had my annual check-up with my physician. My co-pay is $15 for the check-up, so it's not a huge imposition. However, I scheduled the appointment to get a few prescriptions updated. I know that preventative health care is a lot easy than treatment only....but....would I get an annual check-up if I didn't need to have my prescriptions renewed? Probably not....
Do you get your annual check-up? What about 2 times per year dental visits? Annual eye exam?
Break out the apple cider, fall is here! It's time to carve pumpkins, pick out Halloween costumes, and pull winter clothes out of storage. Watching the leaves change colors and fall off the trees is one of my favorite things about the fall. However, the weather is damp, cold, and miserable. Riding my bike to work is not fun (the ride home is still pleasant) because of the cold, wet weather....However, the short drive to work would cost quite a bit of money (at least $50/month for parking plus gas), so I will continue to ride my bike...and probably complain....a lot...
Motivated by the low prices Dimples paid for produce at her local farmer's market, I decided to follow in her footsteps. Early Saturday morning (okay, 9 a.m.), I hopped on my bike and rode to the local farmer's market. I only had $12 (I forgot to stop at the ATM), so I couldn't go too crazy. I bought 3 small eggplants for $1, 4 tomatoes for $2, and a large squash for $1. Everything looked so fantastic! I will definitely go back in two weeks (I'll be out of town next weekend).
I ran into a friend buying apples at the farmer's market. She said she was making apple sauce. She made 12 jars and gave one to me. I'm really excited to try her homemade apple sauce made from fresh, local apples....
I saw the article, "10 little expenses that add up fast," on MSN and thought I needed to blog about it. I am guilty of a few, but I've been improving...
1. Coffee--I don't drink coffee. On the rare occasion that I meet a friend for coffee, I get tea (usually green).
2. Cigarettes--I've never purchased a pack and plan to keep it that way.
3. Alcohol--I used to spend a lot of money going out (on cover, drinks, taxis, etc). If I do go out (which is very rare) on the weekend, I have 1 or 2 drinks, don't hang out at bars that charge cover, and always have a designated driver.
4. Bottled water--I love my Nalgene bottle. I only purchase bottled water when I forget my water bottle (and I've been getting better about carrying it in my bag).
5. Manicures--I've had 3 manicures....ever! I want to get another one soon, but it's a special occasion when I get one.
6. Car washes--My car only gets detailed when it goes into the shop (they do it for free).
7. Weekday lunches out--I have cut down on this a lot! My food budget doesn't allow a lot of lunches out. However, I did go to lunch today and it was FANTASTIC! We went to a really expensive restaurant, but it has a relatively inexpensive ($10/plate) lunch menu. Our waiter also gave us a free dessert...so nice!
8. Vending-machine snacks--Luckily the building I work in doesn't have a vending machine. One of my coworkers has a candy jar that we all help to stock...just as dangerous for the waistline, but not too bad on the wallet.
9. Interest charges on credit card bills--I don't have any credit card debt, and I hope to keep it that way.
10. Unused gym memberships--I don't use my gym membership as much as I should, but I think the $30/month is worth it!
I purchased the desk from IKEA last night. I resisted the temptation to buy everything in sight and only purchased a single unplanned plant. I had a pot that wasn't being used, so I only spent an additional $8. I love plants, and now I have a grand total of 5 plants in my apartment. I want to get a few flowering plants now.
I'm almost out of Aveda Light Elements Smoothing Fluid. It's a great product, but it's expensive ($23) for a hair care product. I've been looking for an inexpensive alternative (I've been able to switch my shampoo and conditioner from Redken to ProVive). Unfortunately, I haven't had much luck. Now, I'm considering purchasing the Aveda Brilliant Emollient Finishing Gloss as a replacement, even though it costs $23. This current bottle has lasted for over a year (two pumps is all I need), so I think it may be worth the splurge. I still have over a month before I will run out of product, so I'll keep looking for a replacement product.
I will also need to purchase a new translucent powder in a few months....once again, I use a rather expensive product...Aveda Inner Light Loose Powder ($19). I'm happy with this product, but I don't think it is fantastic. This container has also lasted for almost a year, so I think I may just stick with Aveda. If anyone else has any translucent powder recommendations, I would really appreciate it.
What are you willing to pay more for? What items make you throw all of your frugal thoughts out the window?
I love beauty products (especially make-up). I will spend more for a product that works better than something that is a fraction of the price. However, I try to keep my beauty product spending in check and frequently use coupons and sales to get more for my money.
I also hate to clean. I would have a maid clean my apartment weekly if I could afford it. I always look for cleaning shortcuts. I've been considering purchasing a iRobot Roomba Vacuuming Robot
I also don't scrimp on running shoes. I put a lot of miles on my legs (not as many as I used to, but my legs still take quite a pounding). I want to be able to run for another 60 years, so I have to take good care of my body. I wear quality running shoes that work for my feet and my running style. I also have two pairs of running shoes, so I can rotate the shoes (I'm thinking about working in a third pair). I usually have to pay full price for my shoes (occasionally I'm able to get the color from the previous season at a discount), but running is totally worth it. However, I refuse to spend a lot of money on matching running outfits (I have a few, but they were gifts). I have a few pairs of running tights (for winter), a few pairs of running shorts, great running socks (another area that is worth the money, but my socks were a gift), and 3 great sports bras (almost as important as the shoes). I have to admit that I do love dri-fit and under armor, but I won't purchase them without a sale, coupon, or discount.
My down payment account balance is $1077.45. I'm at 3.59% of my $30k goal. I'm not at all close to reaching my goal. Going back to school will make it even harder to save for my down payment. I'm trying to stay positive and think about eventually owning a place with my own washer and dryer (just like Dimples).
In a recent post about families in suburbia, I was extremely judgemental. Recently, I've become envious of the spending habits of my friends. They frequently have lavish meals out (at fantastic restaurants that I could never afford to go to, one meal would eat up my entire monthly food budget), buy designer clothes ($168 for a tank top during our last shopping trip), drive nice cars and live in awesome apartments (no shared laundry rooms--think vaulted ceilings, large balconies, etc).
One of the main reasons that I don't drive to work is parking. Parking would cost over $50/month if I drove to work. I usually enjoy riding my bike to work. Now that it is getting cold, I feel horrible when I have to ride my bike to work in the rain. I can't help but feel jealous when they dash into the building without a drop on them.
I love going out to eat! I wish I could eat at every restaurant in town. However, I have certain self-imposed budget restrictions ($200/month) on my monthly food spending. I have a friend that goes out to eat at least once a week and racks up a $200+ bill. When she describes the food, I'm always so envious! She doesn't even appreciate the food (she complains about the smallest things), and she's one of those girls that's permanently on a diet (even though she's not even 100 pounds).
One of the things that used to be a budget breaker was clothing. Recently, I've been able to drastically cut down on clothing shopping. However, I did feel a twinge of guilt when a coworker showed up with the J.Crew jacket I am lusting over. While I don't really feel the urge to go shopping right now, I am jealous of the amazing wardrobes that females my age have.
I know this type of jealousy is not health (for my personal well-being or my budget), but I just can't get around it. If anyone has any advice, I would really appreciate it. (As a side note--please don't tell me material possessions don't matter because they do matter to me). Please forgive my moment of weakness...I'm sure there will be more in the future.
I really want a new bike to ride to work. The bike that I ride to work is over 7 years old. It has spent more than a few winters outside (in college I used to ride it to class in the snow). The seat is starting to come undone. The handlebar grips leave your hands sticky and black. Buying a new bike is not in my budget, so I decided to try to replace a few components on my bike. I'm still looking for a new seat, but I did buy new grips ($11 including shipping). Yesterday, I lubed my chain and derailer with White Lightening. I've realized that I need to treat my bike well (even though it is really old).
Am I still going to buy a new bike? Yep! But at least I can put it off for a few more months.
In my post about reducing
my beauty purchases (and pretty much everything else about my lifestyle), I invented a 3-in-one product that would cut down on the number of body products I would have to purchase. While I was at the grocery store, I found out that Neutrogena already makes it! It's a moisturizer with a hint of self-tanner and SPF 20. I'm going to use up the remaining Aveeno Active Naturals Continuous Radiance Moisturizing Lotion (I included a link, so you could see the product. However, I do NOT recommend this product) before I purchase my 3-in-one dream product.
I just received a payment through PayPal from Pinecone Research. I receive $5 for every survey I complete (usually I get one or two a month). I deposited the $5 into my down payment account.
I'm still waiting on my $10 check from MySurvey. I've received a check from them before, so I'm sure it will come...I'm just impatient! I also haven't had any available surveys in a few days, which is extremely frustrating.
My new apartment complex has one washer and one dryer in the basement (to be shared by 8 apartments). Also, the machines use quarters ($1.25 for each machine)! I'm used to having a huge laundry room to be shared by the entire apartment complex. I used to be able to finish all of my laundry (which I have a tendency to allow to build up) in under 2 hours. Now, I have to collect quarters (10/load) and I can only wash one load at a time. This is torture...I think I may have to start behaving like an adult and wash a load a week. I also need to visit my bank to get a roll of quarters (4 loads) every month.
I noticed an article on CNN Money, "Life and Debt in Suburbia." The article talks to three different families in a suburb outside of Philadelphia about how they feel about their finances, how they feel they compare to their neighbors, and dissects the savings & debts of each family.
The Steins--Make a combined income of $132,000. Have 3 kids. "Now, living in a five-bedroom colonial on an acre of land, they feel a lot better about money, even though their actual finances haven't improved. "
$32,000/year for house payments (5-bedroom house on one acre of land)
$26,000/year for a full time nanny (Does it seem excessive to have a nanny when you're only making $132k?)
$800/month on groceries
$39,000 on credit cards ($1200 American Express with an interest rate of 30.21%)
$88,000 in retirement accounts
I can't believe these people feel secure with their finances. Am I the only person that finds it crazy that they have a nanny?!
The Mendells--Make a combined income of $250k. Contribute $12k a year to their retirement accounts ($176k total). "The Mendells don't seem concerned about how little they've saved for retirement. They say their parents managed their retirement just fine and they were not as well off."This family just spends a lot of money on stuff--$3400/year on karate lessons, $1200/year on yoga, $8500 on vacations last year.
The Wrights--Make a combined $85,000 a year. The family has just over $200k in retirement accounts which puts them on track for retirement because they both plan to work until they're 70. This family is spending more than they earn (blowing through a $100k cash cushion from the sale of their Philadelphia house), which I think is problematic.
I think all three of these families need to really wake up and look at the bigger picture! All of the families seem to think their spending habits are totally normal. I can't imagine being so lax about the security of my family.
The remaining $20 was spent on food and beauty items...at Target. I did buy milk and cereal...but the rest of the food I purchased was candy! Using coupons and clearance sales, I was able to buy shampoo and conditioner for under $1 (for both). I purchased the SunSilk Summer shampoo and conditioner (on clearance for about $1.48). I used $1 off coupons for both bottles. I haven't used this type of Sunsilk yet, but it smells like suntan lotion and a little bit like coconut.
I also went to a real grocery store and bought a few items. I will probably need to go again tonight to get a few items to hold me over the rest of the week. However, I'm doing very well sticking to my food and fun budget.
I made another small deposit into my down payment account. The money was from two PPP opportunities. I also have a $10 check coming from MySurvey.
Today I'm going to have Internet installed in my apartment! I'm ecstatic! I can't believe how excited I am....I have to admit that it has been a struggle living without it. Anyway, HAPPY MONDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!
Krystal broke down her beauty costs by product...and I thought that I would do the same....
Olay Foaming Face Wash, Sensitive Skin
Neutrogena Day Lotion, Anti-Oxidant Age Reverse, 1.7 Fluid Ounces
Biore Warming Anti Blackhead Cream Cleanser 6.25 oz
Prescriptives Traceless ($32.50, tinted moisturizer), Virtual Skin ($32.50, foundation), and Camouflage cream ($17.50, concealer)
Maybelline eye liner (about $5)
Christian Dior DiorShow Mascara (free sample, I'll probably go back to drug store mascara)
Nars Blush in Orgasm ($25)
After I got back from lunch, I had a little surprise waiting in my PayPal account. It was from a PPP postI did. I deposited the money into my down payment account.
I also have a $10 check coming from MySurvey. It usually takes a few weeks to receive it. I dislike the waiting game, but I do love mail! Plus, the paper check gives me a little rush. The paper check makes the money seem real. The PayPal payments just seem like numbers moving around...not real money...I guess that is why I am able to save it so easily (like monopoly money).
My favorite things....right now....
I've really started to enjoy watching TV on the Internet. It's great because there is only about 30 seconds of commericals every 15 minutes. The shows that I'm addicted to:
I've decided to bite the bullet and get Internet again...Unfortunately, my only decent (and reasonably priced) option is Comcast. Even though I hate Comcast, I can't live without Internet any more. Comcast is coming to my apartment on Monday to hook up the Internet. I can't wait!!!!!!!
My top 5 referring sites (according to Google Analytics):
Thanks for the traffic!
I enjoy knitting, but I feel that my knitted items are unappreciated (and in some cases, unwanted) by the receivers. I might try to sell some of my items on Etsy. I have sold a few hand-knit items on Etsy before, but I think I might start knitting things to sell. I used to sell items that I had knit just to try out a new pattern. I feel uneasy about selling my hand knit items because I worry that my knitting isn't good enough...I have a lot of knitting self-worth issues that I have to work through.
Since I have a lot of extra yarn around my apartment, I wouldn't have to spend any money on the projects. Also, I would be able to try out a lot of new patterns. My favorite items that I sold on Etsy was a Barbie dress that I made out of left over sock yarn. I'm excited about the creative possibilities. However, I'm also worried that I'm going to have a huge stack on knit items that I don't have any use for....
I finished my first mitten (not a pair, just a single mitten). I used a very basic pattern, but I was impressed at how well the mitten turned out. I will finish this pair of mittens, and then I think I will try to find a more elaborate mitten pattern. I've been avoiding my favorite yarn shop because I spend too much money when I go in....but now I have an excuse to go! I will try to control my shopping impulses and just buy the necessary mitten pattern. I'm also going to try to find a pattern that works with some of the yarn that I have. I currently have two drawers filled with yarn...I wish I could get it down to one...
I just earned another 1,000 point through MySurvey.com, which translates into another $10 check. This brings my total earnings at MySurvey to $20. I like the low payout amount at this site ($10 minimum). Also, the surveys are really short, but you only make a few points from each survey (I made 50 for my last survey, but it took less than 5 minutes). I dislike that MySurvey mails checks. Why can't I have a fast PayPal payment? I will continue to use this survey site because I don't have to spend very much time to see a payout (even if it is small).
Rent $670
Health Care $170
Utilities $30 (I hope to get this under $15 this month)
Car (Insurance, Payment, Gas, Maintenance) $325
Gym $30
Internet $45 I'm finally biting the bullet and getting Internet. This bill is for installation. If I have to pay any more money for my cable bill this month, I will take it out of my fun account.
Food $200
Down Payment Account $0
Retirement $700
Fun $100
Emergency Fund $100
Presents $40
Test Registration $300
I cut back in a few areas. The major cut back area was my car. I didn't contribute to my maintenance account this month, but I did perform an oil change myself and used money from my fun account to pay for the oil and the oil filter. I also cut my gas budget in half, down to $50. I totally cut out my travel budget. I don't have any trips planned and I don't think I will be able to afford to take one any time soon (maybe a camping/road trip).
Areas that I didn't cut in my budget, but I hope to have a surplus include--food and utilities, I plan on eating most of my meals at home to keep the money spent on food low. I am trying to get my food budget down to $150, and to pay my gas budget with my food money.
Areas I'm not cutting--Rent (because I can't), Retirement (because it's a priority to me), Emergency fund (because it really needs to be built up quickly), Presents (because Christmas is right around the corner).
October is breast cancer awareness month. 
Monthly breast self-exams are the easiest (and cheapest) way to check for any abnormalities. However, monthly exams are not a substitute for annual breast exams and mammograms. Early detection is the best tool medicine has to beat this devastating disease.
The chance of a women getting breast cancer increases with age. At age 20, the chance is 1 in 1,985. By the time a woman reaches age 70, her chances are 1 in 24 [American Cancer Socity Survelliance Research, 2005].
Christmas episode last night. Phyllis (shown right) gives Michael (the office manager) a hand knit oven mitt. While Michael hates the gift and hilarity ensues, I thought I could knit my coworkers gifts! According to Hustler $$$ Blog, I'm a "Get-By Student" with a 2.0 GPA.
I'm just excited to be named on the list...at least I'm not a drop-out! :)These are newly minted bloggers or those that posted once or twice a month/
Since I had so much success with my September goals, I thought I would make a new set of goals.
Brought on by piggybankblues: These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things (a song you don't want stuck in your head, sorry...). I decided to compose my top 5 frugal things list.
1. Don't spend any money on clothing. I plan on saving the $50 set aside in my budget in an ING savings account.
I didn't spend any money on clothing for the month of September. I added the $50 to my emergency fund.
2. Add $100 to my emergency fund (which is non-existent right now).
I stuck to my budget, so I was able to add the budgeted $100 to my emergency fund. Since I didn't spend any of my clothing budget, I also added an additional $50 to my EF (added a total of $150)
3. Readjust budget to save $100 for car maintenance.
I adjusted my budget to set aside $100 for car maintenance. I have a separate car maintenance account with $100 (and I plan on adding $100 every month). This account will double as my new car savings account. After I finish paying off my car (in May 2008), I will start saving my car payment in my new savings account. I will try to be able to purchase my next car without any financing (recommended by brip blap).
Rent--$670
Utilities-$15.85 (only electric) under budget by $14.15
Health Care--$170
Clothing--$0 (Oh yeah!) The $50 in the budget will go into my emergency fund.
Travel--$0
Food--$200 Right on budget
Gas--$102.08 Over budget by $2.08
Car Maintenance--$0
I stuck to my September budget, and I'm super excited! It's nice to do the end of the month summary and see that I didn't overspend...
My networth increased quite a bit this month. I'm proud to see that my cash savings increased quite a bit (both in high yield savings account and in my checking accounts).
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