Someone asked me if I paid my renters INS monthly. I actually pay once a year, but i divided the amount of my last primium by 12 and put that aside in savings every month. It's a manditory bill for me, but it really just ends up in a savings account. The same for my car insurance, but that's paid every 6 months since they wouldn't let me pay for a whole year up front.
I’m feeling a bit on the dumb side right now. I accidently paid my gad bill twice… and not by automatic payments either. I just forgot that I paid it and went ahead and paid it again…
That could have been another 18.00 to the roth ira… pity. I think I’m going to call them and ask me to cut me a check for the balance instead of leaving the credit. I also have a $5.00 check from gas receipts for work related jazzzzz, and roommate cut me her rent check so I also have her utility payments that I can toss toward the pretty Roth. I really hope that next month I’ll be able to wipe this goal away and just wait for my extra check to come in and finish doing its job. =)
In other news, As of today, my house down payment covers all my closings costs, down payment, etc for the condo I'm placing an offer on. Which makes me feel wonderfully accomplished. Although it kind of bugged me when my realtor asked me today if i had parents because they didn't come with me to look, and i brought my boyfriends mom and dad to look at the property before i put the offer in. And I hadn't mentioned them once.
I was personally hoping they take their time with the offer and the paperwork…. because I still have 8 rent payments left on my apartment lease. My apartment charges 2,000 to terminate a lease early, plus 230 for every month I’ve lived there because we got a deal on the rent. But it would be such a crazy ordeal with my roommate because she would have to give up independence if I were to break the lease. She can’t afford to live solo, and has no other roommates in line, so it’s back to dad’s and dad’s rules if I leave… I already know I won’t be breaking the lease since I made an agreement, and I’ll hold to it. Not to mention that I don’t want to screw up my credit score… But after August 1st rolls around, it would be cheaper to keep the place then to terminate (if i wanted to take that option) and move out (since I’d have to pay all the termination costs myself). So i'm hoping that whatever I buy closes after August 1st.
Especially if the place is a fixer upper. That way its beneficial for me to keep my apartment and stay there while repairs get underway so i'm not drowning in paint smell and stuff.
But apparently there are other offers on the condo... which means the odds of them accepting my offer and slim to none... especially since my real estate agent can't seem to find a fax number to give them my offer... I'm now feeling a little shaky about my original lack of a choice in a realtor... well that and beside her hitting a car and driving away still doesn't jive well.
But were still looking and I'm going back out to look in a different city on Monday with her. This is her last chance to impress me since i have not signed a buyer broker agreement. If she wow's me on Monday, then i'll keep her for a bit (a very short contract mind you)
I'm also asking my loan guy-- Jim-- to give me a good faith estimate going up to 165,000 (the original amount I was approved for.) That way when i go looking, I know what and how much I can afford and all the estimated costs that are associated with it. (that and the highest condo i'm looking at on Monday is for 165,000.)
the problem I'm having now is that i'm most likely going to have to purchase a one bedroom if I want to do it this year... which is harder to sell later on, but I do get the $8,000 from uncle sam if it's this year... and that's like a year of free mortgage payments... The 2 bedroom ones that interest me (which means they are at least 900-1000 square feet) are all in the 200,000-220,000 range... which is out of my range. So it's like i'm having this internal fight with myself over the governments offer of 8,000 and the freedom from no roommates.... or the keeping of the roommates and not getting the 8,000... and having to rent way longer as i try and save up for the 2 bedroom condo of my little hopes... and then watch the prices rise and me kick myself later for not buying when i physically can... assuming these people accept my offer.
poo
but alas, I keep going forward. I think I decided that if i buy a one bedroom it MUST have a fireplace, a detached garage, and a little patio that gets sunshine for my potted veggie garden I want to have. I keep going back and forth on the garage because most of the places are carports that have fireplaces... but i'm going to try to find a place that has both. Who know's... maybe i'll strike gold or something.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
put an offer in on a short sale...
I had a very confusing yesterday... but my loan officer is within walking distance of my apartment. He's going to see a lot of me... SINCE I PUT AN OFFER IN ON A CONDO!
It's 882 square feet. 1 bedroom with loft and detached garage. (the complex is also currently getting painted and updated and the condo i want is in the back and hasn't been done yet, but it's going to get a nice paint job in the next few months.) And it needs a complete remodel.(new everything, but it's totally livable now... just looks like the 70's).. but boyfriend and I are handy, and I'll get 8,000 bucks from Uncle Sam if this thing closes by Dec 1st and that's remodel money baby. There are also two other short sales-- same model but slightly upgraded and they are asking 225,000....... so if they take this, its a deal.
In case your wondering...
Interest rate 4.875% Apr 5.422
Price 150,000.00
Loan 147,283.00
DP $5,250.00 (3.5%)
pre-paid interest $295.05
FhA MIP $2,533.13 ----financed
Lender fee $1,050.00
points 1.00 $1,472.83
appraisal fee $420
credit report fee $35.00
flood check fee $26.00
county Taxes (4 months) $736.00
closing/escrow $750.00
notary fee $175.00
title insurance $950.00
courier/express mail closing $50.00
title insurance endorsement $100.00
government recording/ transfer charges $100.00
Monthly payment: 1325.32
P&I 779.43
Taxes 184.00
Mort ins 65.89
HOA 250.00
Hoa 46.00
So i'll be coughing up 11,410.01 if the seller doesn't help with costs, and I think 8,693.01 if the seller does help with costs. But by the end of the month (friday) i'll have at least 11,800 in the downpayment fund so i'm good either way. I'm going to call the guy later today to make him go over this line by line, but for those of you more knowledgeable, let me know if i'm getting ripped.
I'm doing a Calpers FHA (why my rate is so low..) and now i wait 3-4 months and hope it doesn't forclose. I also get to wait around and still look because i can pull the offer at any time.
as for my apartment, who knows... I may break the lease (if it closes before July 31st)... if it's after August 1st... it's cheaper to keep my old place and just pay for both units... so i'm hoping it's the latter so i don't have to piss of my roommate who's already mad that i'm putting an offer in with her and won't be keeping the lease beyond December. (she wants to live with me until the day I get married... not move home with daddy)
It's 882 square feet. 1 bedroom with loft and detached garage. (the complex is also currently getting painted and updated and the condo i want is in the back and hasn't been done yet, but it's going to get a nice paint job in the next few months.) And it needs a complete remodel.(new everything, but it's totally livable now... just looks like the 70's).. but boyfriend and I are handy, and I'll get 8,000 bucks from Uncle Sam if this thing closes by Dec 1st and that's remodel money baby. There are also two other short sales-- same model but slightly upgraded and they are asking 225,000....... so if they take this, its a deal.
In case your wondering...
Interest rate 4.875% Apr 5.422
Price 150,000.00
Loan 147,283.00
DP $5,250.00 (3.5%)
pre-paid interest $295.05
FhA MIP $2,533.13 ----financed
Lender fee $1,050.00
points 1.00 $1,472.83
appraisal fee $420
credit report fee $35.00
flood check fee $26.00
county Taxes (4 months) $736.00
closing/escrow $750.00
notary fee $175.00
title insurance $950.00
courier/express mail closing $50.00
title insurance endorsement $100.00
government recording/ transfer charges $100.00
Monthly payment: 1325.32
P&I 779.43
Taxes 184.00
Mort ins 65.89
HOA 250.00
Hoa 46.00
So i'll be coughing up 11,410.01 if the seller doesn't help with costs, and I think 8,693.01 if the seller does help with costs. But by the end of the month (friday) i'll have at least 11,800 in the downpayment fund so i'm good either way. I'm going to call the guy later today to make him go over this line by line, but for those of you more knowledgeable, let me know if i'm getting ripped.
I'm doing a Calpers FHA (why my rate is so low..) and now i wait 3-4 months and hope it doesn't forclose. I also get to wait around and still look because i can pull the offer at any time.
as for my apartment, who knows... I may break the lease (if it closes before July 31st)... if it's after August 1st... it's cheaper to keep my old place and just pay for both units... so i'm hoping it's the latter so i don't have to piss of my roommate who's already mad that i'm putting an offer in with her and won't be keeping the lease beyond December. (she wants to live with me until the day I get married... not move home with daddy)
Friday, March 20, 2009
WOOT
I over budgeted my utilities so far for the month.
Gas 18.52/ 30.00
electric 7.88/30.00
I took the extra a sent it to the roth. I'm still waiting on my water bill (any day now) when it comes, hopefully its under 30 and then the extra i'll send over to the roth too. Right now i've put in
3675.88 for the year. I have one extra check of 1124.08... So i need to save up 200.04 more. Hopefully i'll have a few extra dollars left over from my gas/car budget this month to send that way. I'm hoping and it's totally a huge stretch but maybe by the end of April I can have this thing funded so I can worry about my other goals for the year.
and with the happy market corrections over the past few days, my roth is only down 20.69% (well it helps when you add money in that hasn't lost it's value... Maybe by the end of the year it will get out of the negative 20 and enter the 15-19%... hey, one can dream.)
Gas 18.52/ 30.00
electric 7.88/30.00
I took the extra a sent it to the roth. I'm still waiting on my water bill (any day now) when it comes, hopefully its under 30 and then the extra i'll send over to the roth too. Right now i've put in
3675.88 for the year. I have one extra check of 1124.08... So i need to save up 200.04 more. Hopefully i'll have a few extra dollars left over from my gas/car budget this month to send that way. I'm hoping and it's totally a huge stretch but maybe by the end of April I can have this thing funded so I can worry about my other goals for the year.
and with the happy market corrections over the past few days, my roth is only down 20.69% (well it helps when you add money in that hasn't lost it's value... Maybe by the end of the year it will get out of the negative 20 and enter the 15-19%... hey, one can dream.)
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Got my tax return from CA
WOOT WOOT WOOT
I got my money from the government. =)
186.00 to the roth.
And i'm all set for the meeting on Saturday with the realtor and boyfriends daddy. =)
I got my money from the government. =)
186.00 to the roth.
And i'm all set for the meeting on Saturday with the realtor and boyfriends daddy. =)
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
My visit with the realtor
My visit with The realtor…
Well she’s an interesting person (as in hit a car in the parking lot, looked at hers, then drove away and made a few illegal u-turns on our adventure). I’m not too sure if she’ll end up being my realtor in the end, but so far, so good… and Monday was very helpful.
The place I thought I’d love and buy--- I hate.
I places I thought I’d hate, I love and may put in an offer since it’s a short sale and could essentially take forever to close and my deadline is Dec 1st.
There is a one bedroom with loft and detached garage going for 150,000.00. It’s a total fixer upper. Hasn’t been remodeled since it was first build so new paint, new floors, new kitchen, new bath, and new closets and appliances are in my future. I’ll eventually scrape the ceilings and add recessed lighting too. (Just so you all know, the next cheapest same unit floor plan deal is going for 225,000 with some upgrades like new paint and floors so I’m confident any money put in will only help later on down the line so I could be buying into equity.)
I’m going to call my realtor back today and ask to see the property again on Saturday after work and take boyfriends daddy with me to get a look at the place. (They remodeled their home a few years ago and I want his advice. Then I’ll find someone to officially look the place over for any internal problems.) If I like, I’ll place a bid.
I’m reminding myself of the $8,000 home buyer dollar for dollar addition to my tax return for 2009 if I close by dec 1st. and the 8,000 will go towards remodeling. I’m going to try and do a lot of the work myself because boyfriend and friends are handy. I know I could probably paint the place myself (although there are those vaulted ceilings) but I’m hopeful.
I’m going to call my realtor back today and ask to see the property again on Saturday after work and take boyfriends daddy with me to get a look at the place.
Well she’s an interesting person (as in hit a car in the parking lot, looked at hers, then drove away and made a few illegal u-turns on our adventure). I’m not too sure if she’ll end up being my realtor in the end, but so far, so good… and Monday was very helpful.
The place I thought I’d love and buy--- I hate.
I places I thought I’d hate, I love and may put in an offer since it’s a short sale and could essentially take forever to close and my deadline is Dec 1st.
There is a one bedroom with loft and detached garage going for 150,000.00. It’s a total fixer upper. Hasn’t been remodeled since it was first build so new paint, new floors, new kitchen, new bath, and new closets and appliances are in my future. I’ll eventually scrape the ceilings and add recessed lighting too. (Just so you all know, the next cheapest same unit floor plan deal is going for 225,000 with some upgrades like new paint and floors so I’m confident any money put in will only help later on down the line so I could be buying into equity.)
I’m going to call my realtor back today and ask to see the property again on Saturday after work and take boyfriends daddy with me to get a look at the place. (They remodeled their home a few years ago and I want his advice. Then I’ll find someone to officially look the place over for any internal problems.) If I like, I’ll place a bid.
I’m reminding myself of the $8,000 home buyer dollar for dollar addition to my tax return for 2009 if I close by dec 1st. and the 8,000 will go towards remodeling. I’m going to try and do a lot of the work myself because boyfriend and friends are handy. I know I could probably paint the place myself (although there are those vaulted ceilings) but I’m hopeful.
I’m going to call my realtor back today and ask to see the property again on Saturday after work and take boyfriends daddy with me to get a look at the place.
Retirement not so shabby
Still waiting on that state return of mine… but in other news
My retirement accounts don’t look so weary.
My Roth IRA has only lost 21.7% of its face value (what I put in, in regards to what its worth). It’s worth $9,746.61/ $12,451.63
And considering I still have 1548.37 to add to it for this year, I think I’m fairing well in this market since I have the long term to recoup my losses.
Of the 9,746.61 of worth, ---> $2,018.35 is in the ING Fee free Roth IRA. If you remember, last year I opened a second Roth IRA with ING that allows you to have a separate savings account and linked CD’s. So I put $1,000 in a long term CD at 4.5% (I was smart that year and that CD lasts for 2 years). I was really worried about the market and didn’t want all my eggs in one basket so to speak.
Well this year I’m feeling the same way. I didn’t want to put the full $5,000 I’m allowed to into mutual funds since I really hate risk and the stock market just scares me. So, I added $1,000 to the savings account and made one $100 CD thus far at 1.75% (the highest rate they are offering right now). The other $900.00 will be transferred into CD’s a little at a time. I’m waiting to see if the CD rates will change as we go each month. The 900 gets to earn a cruddy 1.65% since that’s what the current interest rate for their savings accounts are in the mean time. I may add another $500.00 into CD’s this year and only put 3500 into mutual funds depending on the market.
My Cal PERS money in my pension is a guaranteed 6% return and I’ll get that fun employer funded amount added into it in November so that amount can only go up.
The pennies from my years of minimum wage currently $1030.78 (that I get when I quit all forms of city employment) are out of my control and will be eaten up with inflation since it earns some ridiculous rate (like .05%). But again, each month a few pennies are added to the balance so it won’t drop.
Then there is my mandatory 401-A… currently worth 332.63. 1% of my paycheck is deposited into here and I recently changed the diversification. 30% goes to stable bond and money market values (that can’t loose money) and 70% goes into a target date 2040 retirement account. No idea how much I’ve put in here over the years… I may try to find out just for curiosity sake.
But when I add everything up, retirement wise I’m clearing over 17,000 at 22! For details, see my net worth IQ sidebar.
My retirement accounts don’t look so weary.
My Roth IRA has only lost 21.7% of its face value (what I put in, in regards to what its worth). It’s worth $9,746.61/ $12,451.63
And considering I still have 1548.37 to add to it for this year, I think I’m fairing well in this market since I have the long term to recoup my losses.
Of the 9,746.61 of worth, ---> $2,018.35 is in the ING Fee free Roth IRA. If you remember, last year I opened a second Roth IRA with ING that allows you to have a separate savings account and linked CD’s. So I put $1,000 in a long term CD at 4.5% (I was smart that year and that CD lasts for 2 years). I was really worried about the market and didn’t want all my eggs in one basket so to speak.
Well this year I’m feeling the same way. I didn’t want to put the full $5,000 I’m allowed to into mutual funds since I really hate risk and the stock market just scares me. So, I added $1,000 to the savings account and made one $100 CD thus far at 1.75% (the highest rate they are offering right now). The other $900.00 will be transferred into CD’s a little at a time. I’m waiting to see if the CD rates will change as we go each month. The 900 gets to earn a cruddy 1.65% since that’s what the current interest rate for their savings accounts are in the mean time. I may add another $500.00 into CD’s this year and only put 3500 into mutual funds depending on the market.
My Cal PERS money in my pension is a guaranteed 6% return and I’ll get that fun employer funded amount added into it in November so that amount can only go up.
The pennies from my years of minimum wage currently $1030.78 (that I get when I quit all forms of city employment) are out of my control and will be eaten up with inflation since it earns some ridiculous rate (like .05%). But again, each month a few pennies are added to the balance so it won’t drop.
Then there is my mandatory 401-A… currently worth 332.63. 1% of my paycheck is deposited into here and I recently changed the diversification. 30% goes to stable bond and money market values (that can’t loose money) and 70% goes into a target date 2040 retirement account. No idea how much I’ve put in here over the years… I may try to find out just for curiosity sake.
But when I add everything up, retirement wise I’m clearing over 17,000 at 22! For details, see my net worth IQ sidebar.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
I love this site, FYI
http://lessisenough.wordpress.com/
She lived on a Dollar a day for a month, ate no processed foods, and survived. I started reading her blog half way through her experiement, but it definently makes you think.
Talk about simplistic living. In California food prices are a bit higher, but if my Boyfriend went away for a whole month on business or something, i'd try to see what I could do with $45 ( i eat more then two meals a day)
I heart her. I now shop more at my whole foods market. I don't car if it's a bit farther out of my way. I love it.
She lived on a Dollar a day for a month, ate no processed foods, and survived. I started reading her blog half way through her experiement, but it definently makes you think.
Talk about simplistic living. In California food prices are a bit higher, but if my Boyfriend went away for a whole month on business or something, i'd try to see what I could do with $45 ( i eat more then two meals a day)
I heart her. I now shop more at my whole foods market. I don't car if it's a bit farther out of my way. I love it.
What I spent in February
A whole lot less then January… spending dropped by 50%. In January I spent: 2,054.41.In February I spent $1,000.47 (including the addition of new utility bills and their turn on fees, but pro rated rent.)
I find that most of the time I take my Fun money and actually use it to subsidize my grocery bill… but it was lower then last months 160 something.
Utilities: 174.68
[Electric bill 26.02; laundry 20.00; water bill 34.15; gas bill 40.31; cell 54.20]
Housing: 385.58
[Pro- rated rent for half a month 375.00; renters ins 10.58]
Car: 138.65
[Car INS 82.63; gas 56.02]
Birthdays/ Holidays/Church Giving: n/a
Groceries: 134.66
Meat: 21.17
[Chicken 5.97; tuna 7.75, ground beef 7.45]
Dairy: 17.80
[Cheese 7.00; margarine 1.02; ice cream 5.49; sour cream 4.29]
Grains: 40.27
[Bread 5.28; whole wheat pasta 1.29; whole wheat tortellini and ravioli 13.95; huge frozen lasagna 9.99, crackers 3.00 tortilla chips 1.97; brown rice 2.50; tortillas 2.29]
Fruit: 7.41
[Apples 2.91; strawberries 4.50]
Veggies: 17.90
[Cauliflower 0.77; carrots 0.97; broccoli 1.64; canned mushrooms 4.77; refried beans 3.20; canned corn 1.58, lettuce 1.69; relish 1.29; celery 1.99]
Spices, dressings, sauces: 7.68
[Alfredo Sauce 3.50; taco spice .50, ranch 1.69; lemon juice 1.99]
Crap that’s bad for me: 19.84
[Alcohol 2.99, 4.99; mayo 2.99; pudding mix 1.38; brownies 3.50; bacon bits 1.49; chocolate fruit dip 2.50
Other Food Stuff: 2.59
[Water 2.09; CRV 0.50)
House Hold items: 3.99
[tampons 3.99]
Eating Out: $44.39
[Islands 13.23; carls jr 9.68; A’s 1.71; Fridays 5.00; tips 14.77]
Books: 15.10
[3 books at the FOL in my new city- 3.00; Sweep 2, 3, and 4 (shipping included) 12.10]
Clothes 27.94 (I used the gift card I got on a return)
[3 bra’s at Target 27.94]
Miscellaneous: $64.23
[Tax Prep (I know I was going to do it for free, but I wanted to file early to avoid the CA refunds not being issued… 19.95; LA Marathon sign up 38.28; 3 movie tickets 6.00]
Prescriptions: 5.00
(3 month supply prescription A)
Any and all sales tax: 6.25
Year Total:
Jan Utilities: $90.32
Feb Utilities: 174.68
Jan Shelter/Housing: 1,280.58
Feb Housing: 385.58
Jan Car- $291.52
Feb Car: 138.65
Jan Birthdays: $6.96
Feb Birthdays: $0.00
Jan Holidays: $9.99
Feb Holidays: $0.00
Jan Church Giving $22.00
Feb Church Giving: $0.00
Jan Groceries: $163.04
Feb Groceries: 134.66
Jan House Hold Items $28.28
Feb House Hold items: 3.99
Jan Eating Out: $109.59
Feb Eating Out: $44.39
Jan Books 16.98
Feb Books: 15.10
Jan Clothes 1.75
Feb Clothes 27.94
Jan Miscellaneous $25.04
Feb Miscellaneous: $64.23
Jan Prescriptions: $0.00
Feb Prescriptions: 5.00
Jan Any and all sales tax: 8.33
Feb Any and all sales tax: 6.25
I find that most of the time I take my Fun money and actually use it to subsidize my grocery bill… but it was lower then last months 160 something.
Utilities: 174.68
[Electric bill 26.02; laundry 20.00; water bill 34.15; gas bill 40.31; cell 54.20]
Housing: 385.58
[Pro- rated rent for half a month 375.00; renters ins 10.58]
Car: 138.65
[Car INS 82.63; gas 56.02]
Birthdays/ Holidays/Church Giving: n/a
Groceries: 134.66
Meat: 21.17
[Chicken 5.97; tuna 7.75, ground beef 7.45]
Dairy: 17.80
[Cheese 7.00; margarine 1.02; ice cream 5.49; sour cream 4.29]
Grains: 40.27
[Bread 5.28; whole wheat pasta 1.29; whole wheat tortellini and ravioli 13.95; huge frozen lasagna 9.99, crackers 3.00 tortilla chips 1.97; brown rice 2.50; tortillas 2.29]
Fruit: 7.41
[Apples 2.91; strawberries 4.50]
Veggies: 17.90
[Cauliflower 0.77; carrots 0.97; broccoli 1.64; canned mushrooms 4.77; refried beans 3.20; canned corn 1.58, lettuce 1.69; relish 1.29; celery 1.99]
Spices, dressings, sauces: 7.68
[Alfredo Sauce 3.50; taco spice .50, ranch 1.69; lemon juice 1.99]
Crap that’s bad for me: 19.84
[Alcohol 2.99, 4.99; mayo 2.99; pudding mix 1.38; brownies 3.50; bacon bits 1.49; chocolate fruit dip 2.50
Other Food Stuff: 2.59
[Water 2.09; CRV 0.50)
House Hold items: 3.99
[tampons 3.99]
Eating Out: $44.39
[Islands 13.23; carls jr 9.68; A’s 1.71; Fridays 5.00; tips 14.77]
Books: 15.10
[3 books at the FOL in my new city- 3.00; Sweep 2, 3, and 4 (shipping included) 12.10]
Clothes 27.94 (I used the gift card I got on a return)
[3 bra’s at Target 27.94]
Miscellaneous: $64.23
[Tax Prep (I know I was going to do it for free, but I wanted to file early to avoid the CA refunds not being issued… 19.95; LA Marathon sign up 38.28; 3 movie tickets 6.00]
Prescriptions: 5.00
(3 month supply prescription A)
Any and all sales tax: 6.25
Year Total:
Jan Utilities: $90.32
Feb Utilities: 174.68
Jan Shelter/Housing: 1,280.58
Feb Housing: 385.58
Jan Car- $291.52
Feb Car: 138.65
Jan Birthdays: $6.96
Feb Birthdays: $0.00
Jan Holidays: $9.99
Feb Holidays: $0.00
Jan Church Giving $22.00
Feb Church Giving: $0.00
Jan Groceries: $163.04
Feb Groceries: 134.66
Jan House Hold Items $28.28
Feb House Hold items: 3.99
Jan Eating Out: $109.59
Feb Eating Out: $44.39
Jan Books 16.98
Feb Books: 15.10
Jan Clothes 1.75
Feb Clothes 27.94
Jan Miscellaneous $25.04
Feb Miscellaneous: $64.23
Jan Prescriptions: $0.00
Feb Prescriptions: 5.00
Jan Any and all sales tax: 8.33
Feb Any and all sales tax: 6.25
Januray-- what i spent
I mentioned in a previous post how anal I am… and how I’m finally doing personal finance rule number one…
Keep track of every dime you spend.
I knew January was going to be insane with all the moving costs—(eating out because I packed up the kitchen, deposits, etc)… So I decided to start there... and I committed to keeping track of everything I spent for the whole year. Why? Well last year I made a good chunk of change [$43,000.00]… and with the lack of overtime and projected cuts in our department; I know I won’t clear that this year. I will make less, I have more savings goals then last year, which means I need to be diligent and keep a good financial record of my purchases so I’m able to save more money. This should help me plug the leaks in the budget.
The only part that isn’t accurate is gift card use. If I had an $11.00 credit to the grocery store and bought 25 dollars of groceries… (Instead of marking it off as $14 spent… it’s still calculated as 25.00 spent because I could have used the credit and then taken the money I would have spent and put it in savings.) Most the time I use the credit to be able to buy more or treat myself to more expensive items.
Instead this is an itemized list of how I choose to use my resources. What I exchanged money, or gift cards for. If I used a coupon, then that price reflects the price with the coupon (since the receipt does that automatically). This list does NOT include savings, just spent money.
I hope this will also let me see where the minor “oops” of life come into play that reek havoc with ones monthly budget (auto maintenance, doctor’s visits, house stuff—stuff I don’t have an itemized budget for.) I’m hoping to spot problems and fix them sooner so I’ll be able to make my saving’s goals.
January Expenses:
Utilities: $90.32
[Electric Bill- 15.91; Laundry quarters -20.00; Cell Phone -54.41]
Shelter/Housing: 1,280.58
[Rent- 795; Application fee- 15.00; Security deposit- 400; Extra Key- 2.00; U-haul trailer- 52.00; Cashier’s check fee- 6.00; Renter’s Insurance- 10.58
Car- $291.52
[Car insurance 82.63; Gasoline 53.89; DMV car tax- 155.00]
Birthdays: $6.96
[hats 1.49; balloons 1.19; party pin 2.99; cake candles 1.29]
Holidays: $9.99
[Valentines Day 1.00; Pepperidge Cookies 4.54; x-mas garland 1.25; x-mas cards 3.20
Church Giving $22.00
Groceries: $163.04 (this was a store credit month, but still holy cow! I realized I needed to stock a totally depleted pantry, but this still makes me sad to look at it.)
Meat: $47.46
[Chicken 14.88; frozen shrimp 4.99; mixed frozen sea food 5.29; frozen turkey meatballs 2.69; orange chicken 9.98; pastrami 8.44; canned chili 1.19]
Dairy: $27.41
[Eggs 1.49; organic non fat milk 12.77; cheese 8.97; parmesan cheese 2.69; margarine 1.49]
Grains: $16.27
[Bread 3.99; shredded wheat 4.54; whole wheat pasta 7.74]
Fruit: $20.62
[Frozen pineapple 1.59; avocados 6.37; apples 4.90; apple sauce 4.27; oranges 3.49]
Veggies $17.11
[Spinach 3.79; sauerkraut 1.98; artichokes 3.00; canned mushrooms 8.34]
Spices, Dressings, Sauces $20.54
[Thousand Island 1.67; Alfredo sauce 9.45; vodka sauce 1.89; spaghetti sauce 3.38; pesto 1.59; sweetener 2.29]
Crap that’s bad for me: $8.47
[Cupcakes 8.47; soda 1.50]
Other: 5.16
[Water 4.61; CRV 0.55)
House Hold Items $28.28
[toilet paper 11.00; cleaning wipes 1.97; lotion 3.54; tampons 4.19l deodorant 6.59; paper towels .99]
Eating Out: $109.59
[subway (move day for friends) 58.35; chili’s 23.35; Chipotle 5.95; La Salsa 12.94; Tips 9.00]
Books 16.98
[Rebel angles 9.99; Sweep 1- 6.99]
Clothes 1.75
[holiday socks (3 pairs) .75; cheap flip flops 1.00]
Miscellaneous $25.04
[Panda calendar 4.97; farkle dice game 4.99; 2 gig flash drive 5.00; candles 2.50; masking tape 3.79; packaging tape 3.79]
Any and all sales tax: 8.33
I spent a lot of money that month. I had overtime from the holidays (which covered the over spending, but dang, it’s kind of a reality hit to see it all being added up here and there. I spent a crud load on food (10% of my food budget alone went to alfredo sauce… how did I do that? It’s not like I drink the stuff like it’s water)… and I know after I moved I had to stock up the pantry again, but wow.
Keep track of every dime you spend.
I knew January was going to be insane with all the moving costs—(eating out because I packed up the kitchen, deposits, etc)… So I decided to start there... and I committed to keeping track of everything I spent for the whole year. Why? Well last year I made a good chunk of change [$43,000.00]… and with the lack of overtime and projected cuts in our department; I know I won’t clear that this year. I will make less, I have more savings goals then last year, which means I need to be diligent and keep a good financial record of my purchases so I’m able to save more money. This should help me plug the leaks in the budget.
The only part that isn’t accurate is gift card use. If I had an $11.00 credit to the grocery store and bought 25 dollars of groceries… (Instead of marking it off as $14 spent… it’s still calculated as 25.00 spent because I could have used the credit and then taken the money I would have spent and put it in savings.) Most the time I use the credit to be able to buy more or treat myself to more expensive items.
Instead this is an itemized list of how I choose to use my resources. What I exchanged money, or gift cards for. If I used a coupon, then that price reflects the price with the coupon (since the receipt does that automatically). This list does NOT include savings, just spent money.
I hope this will also let me see where the minor “oops” of life come into play that reek havoc with ones monthly budget (auto maintenance, doctor’s visits, house stuff—stuff I don’t have an itemized budget for.) I’m hoping to spot problems and fix them sooner so I’ll be able to make my saving’s goals.
January Expenses:
Utilities: $90.32
[Electric Bill- 15.91; Laundry quarters -20.00; Cell Phone -54.41]
Shelter/Housing: 1,280.58
[Rent- 795; Application fee- 15.00; Security deposit- 400; Extra Key- 2.00; U-haul trailer- 52.00; Cashier’s check fee- 6.00; Renter’s Insurance- 10.58
Car- $291.52
[Car insurance 82.63; Gasoline 53.89; DMV car tax- 155.00]
Birthdays: $6.96
[hats 1.49; balloons 1.19; party pin 2.99; cake candles 1.29]
Holidays: $9.99
[Valentines Day 1.00; Pepperidge Cookies 4.54; x-mas garland 1.25; x-mas cards 3.20
Church Giving $22.00
Groceries: $163.04 (this was a store credit month, but still holy cow! I realized I needed to stock a totally depleted pantry, but this still makes me sad to look at it.)
Meat: $47.46
[Chicken 14.88; frozen shrimp 4.99; mixed frozen sea food 5.29; frozen turkey meatballs 2.69; orange chicken 9.98; pastrami 8.44; canned chili 1.19]
Dairy: $27.41
[Eggs 1.49; organic non fat milk 12.77; cheese 8.97; parmesan cheese 2.69; margarine 1.49]
Grains: $16.27
[Bread 3.99; shredded wheat 4.54; whole wheat pasta 7.74]
Fruit: $20.62
[Frozen pineapple 1.59; avocados 6.37; apples 4.90; apple sauce 4.27; oranges 3.49]
Veggies $17.11
[Spinach 3.79; sauerkraut 1.98; artichokes 3.00; canned mushrooms 8.34]
Spices, Dressings, Sauces $20.54
[Thousand Island 1.67; Alfredo sauce 9.45; vodka sauce 1.89; spaghetti sauce 3.38; pesto 1.59; sweetener 2.29]
Crap that’s bad for me: $8.47
[Cupcakes 8.47; soda 1.50]
Other: 5.16
[Water 4.61; CRV 0.55)
House Hold Items $28.28
[toilet paper 11.00; cleaning wipes 1.97; lotion 3.54; tampons 4.19l deodorant 6.59; paper towels .99]
Eating Out: $109.59
[subway (move day for friends) 58.35; chili’s 23.35; Chipotle 5.95; La Salsa 12.94; Tips 9.00]
Books 16.98
[Rebel angles 9.99; Sweep 1- 6.99]
Clothes 1.75
[holiday socks (3 pairs) .75; cheap flip flops 1.00]
Miscellaneous $25.04
[Panda calendar 4.97; farkle dice game 4.99; 2 gig flash drive 5.00; candles 2.50; masking tape 3.79; packaging tape 3.79]
Any and all sales tax: 8.33
I spent a lot of money that month. I had overtime from the holidays (which covered the over spending, but dang, it’s kind of a reality hit to see it all being added up here and there. I spent a crud load on food (10% of my food budget alone went to alfredo sauce… how did I do that? It’s not like I drink the stuff like it’s water)… and I know after I moved I had to stock up the pantry again, but wow.
Friday, March 13, 2009
pay day friday!!!!
WOOT WOOT WOOT:
And my withholding was adjusted by obama... so an extra $19.07 on every paycheck for the year. Pretty (even tho i'm very anti obama).
House DP Fund $11,285.09
Roth IRA: $3,361.63
Wedding: $69.90
and just so you all know, I'm keeping a log of everything i've purchased in 2009. Whether I use giftcards and coupons to pay for it, or with cash. I want to see what i'm spending my hard earned money on, and, i've already been finding how those precious pennies keep falling from my fingers and it's really helping me refine how i've been spending my money. I highly recommend it. how else would I have known that in January i spend 10% of my budgetted grocery amount on Alfredo sauce... EEEKKK
And my withholding was adjusted by obama... so an extra $19.07 on every paycheck for the year. Pretty (even tho i'm very anti obama).
House DP Fund $11,285.09
Roth IRA: $3,361.63
Wedding: $69.90
and just so you all know, I'm keeping a log of everything i've purchased in 2009. Whether I use giftcards and coupons to pay for it, or with cash. I want to see what i'm spending my hard earned money on, and, i've already been finding how those precious pennies keep falling from my fingers and it's really helping me refine how i've been spending my money. I highly recommend it. how else would I have known that in January i spend 10% of my budgetted grocery amount on Alfredo sauce... EEEKKK
Monday-- house hunting
I'm going out with my Realtor on Monday to finally look at some Condos and see for myself what they are and if i'm interested in buying any of those that are in my price range.
Sorry its been so long since I last posted...
Been really busy and not really home much to be honest. My roommate had another episode on Sunday night (see the comments from my last post), so i've been just laying low and getting through one day at a time.
--- Random updates----
I'm not going to be in Boyfriends sisters wedding. They are going to keep it to a best man and a maid of honor. Which is way okay with me, and the $250.00 i set aside for the dress is now resting in my Roth IRA fund.
I'm puppy sitting for a couple of days and getting $90.00 for it. Bueno.
and i logged into the california tax franchise website and found good news:
I used to get this message:
Your return has been received and processed, however, your refund cannot be issued at this time.
Due to the state’s persistent cash and budget problems, the State Controller has directed FTB to stop sending refund requests to the State Controller’s Office for payment. Refund payments will resume when the State Controller indicates there is enough cash available to make refund payments.
Today, I got this:
Your refund was authorized on Thursday, March 12, 2009.
If you filed a paper return, please allow 25 business days from this date to receive your refund. If you filed your return electronically, please allow 10 business days from this date to receive your refund. If we make any adjustments to your tax return, we will notify you.
woot woot!!!
--- Random updates----
I'm not going to be in Boyfriends sisters wedding. They are going to keep it to a best man and a maid of honor. Which is way okay with me, and the $250.00 i set aside for the dress is now resting in my Roth IRA fund.
I'm puppy sitting for a couple of days and getting $90.00 for it. Bueno.
and i logged into the california tax franchise website and found good news:
I used to get this message:
Your return has been received and processed, however, your refund cannot be issued at this time.
Due to the state’s persistent cash and budget problems, the State Controller has directed FTB to stop sending refund requests to the State Controller’s Office for payment. Refund payments will resume when the State Controller indicates there is enough cash available to make refund payments.
Today, I got this:
Your refund was authorized on Thursday, March 12, 2009.
If you filed a paper return, please allow 25 business days from this date to receive your refund. If you filed your return electronically, please allow 10 business days from this date to receive your refund. If we make any adjustments to your tax return, we will notify you.
woot woot!!!
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