Cat's Monies

Sept 11 & backlog (Bad Blogger!)

2007-09-11T15:42:00.000-04:00

Well, I have been a slacker in the writing department. The good news is that I haven't been a budgeting slacker. I've spent about $20 on various sundries, $8.61 on underwear at Gap Body, $74 on a room at a Montreal Hostel for Osheaga, and I pulled out $100 spending money while at Osheaga (at least half of which I hope to be paid back).

My credit balance is worse than ever thanks to me buying those 2 computers, but the one on ebay will make me an estimated $45 after fees & shipping and the one sold on craigslist will make me $100-110 (assuming the guy doesn't change his mind before Friday).

Sept 04, I went shopping with Beth & James. I spent $23.20 at Walmart (face cleaner, tampons, other necessities). We then went to Xmas Tree Shops. We got a bunch of stuff (mainly James's, mainly food), but when we got to the register, James snarked, "I wonder who's going to pay for this one." I thought he was being passive aggressive so I said I would (while in my head being like "Fine, bitch!"). So I dropped another $18.73 there. James later claimed that he was not being passive aggressive and claimed it was his "cool British wit." Cool British wit? Pulleeze. Cool British wit is funny, not bitchy. Maybe he meant it differently, but I totally took it as a criticism.

Another criticism I received recently is that I don't tip well enough. After an 18% tip was left on a shared bill, one friend seemed a bit miffed and walked off without the rest of the group. When we asked her what was wrong, she said the tip was too low - she had tipped 33% and expected the rest of us to match that level. ok, that's fine, you have your opinion, but if you think the tip is too low, the place to voice that would be when we're paying the bill, not sulking later. I wasn't mad or anything, I just thought the whole thing was a bit odd and a poor way to handle the situation.

Update: I got an email from the friend saying that she had some other stuff to do (hence walking away) and that she hoped our disagreement wouldn't affect anything else. I wrote back that I wasn't angry, but I didn't understand her putting her own expectations on the rest of the group (and that she didn't tell us until after the fact - we can't read minds). Maybe separate checks would be a good idea next time...

Sept 03

2007-09-04T09:05:00.000-04:00

Today was not a good day for the saving of money. I had already bought ride tickets ($10 for 15) and passes ($6.50 for 3 - I think they made a billing error) for the Champlain Valley Fair, but I ended up dropping another $17 on fair food to share.

Sept 02

2007-09-04T09:04:00.000-04:00

I spent $375 each on 2 new laptops. I plan to sell them for a profit or return them though, so it shouldn't be a big deal.

I also spent $2.73 on a cinnamon cappuccino while I was waiting to pick James up from the airport.

Sept 01

2007-09-04T09:01:00.000-04:00

I spent $8.15 at City Market & $10.66 at Henry's Diner. I went in Old Navy, but didn't buy anything.

Day 33 - Aug 31

2007-08-31T13:01:00.000-04:00

I was buying tickets to the Zach Galifianakis comedy show and when the lady asked me if I was a student, I was honest. Thus, my $10 student tickets were upgraded to $15 staff tickets. Damn my honesty, I should have kept my mouth shut. Luckily, James is paying for this one as I got the Champlain Valley Fair rickets & ride coupons for Sept 3 (bought before this blog started).

Oh, but I also bought a cheddar brat for lunch at $1.76.

Day 32 - Aug 30

2007-08-31T13:00:00.001-04:00

Spent no money, but did pick up a pizza (coupon) & a small set of shelves (friend who's moving) free.

Day 31 - Aug 29

2007-08-31T12:58:00.000-04:00

Spent some of James's money filling the car with gas & making spare keys.

Also spent my own money on a side salad ($2), sweet tea($1.40), and cinnamon toast crunch bar ($1.50) for dinner.

Total spent: about $5

Day 30 - Aug 28

2007-08-31T12:57:00.000-04:00

Spent $8.40 on a small present for James.

Day 29 - Aug 27

2007-08-28T11:56:00.000-04:00

The $3 I spent on ants went through and the ants are here! Twice as many of them this time for the same price.

Also, I spent $7.54 shipping a shirt back to get a better one and $9.80 shipping the fetish shoes I sold on ebay for $36.

Oh, and I spoent $75 on a fitness pass. That sounds like a lot, but it lasts until Dec & gives me unlimited classes (including yoga, pilates, cycle, weightlifting, Zumba, kickboxing, etc). If I go to 2 classes per week and take out the week(s) I'll be on vacation, the classes still only cost $2.50 apiece. Usually, yoga goes for $8/class.

Day 28 - Aug 26

2007-08-28T11:32:00.000-04:00

Spent nearly $14 at Walmart on household goods (hangers, Advil for Adam, potting soil, dishwashing detergent, etc) and $56 at Christmas Tree Shops (glasses, food, bug spray, notecards, more hangers, kitchen towels, birdseed & feeder, doormat, & a $1.69 lipstick).

However, my roommates will be reimbursing me $15.

Oh yeah, I also went to the grocery store and though I can't find the receipt, I spent $51, $13 of which was on plants to make me happier in the winter. (ok, so I really got angry by the deplorable condition in which they kept their plants & bought the worst off ones... which now that I'm reasonable again, I realize will just encourage them to mistreat more plants as they can make money off them.)

Day 27 - Aug 25

2007-08-28T11:31:00.000-04:00

I spent $104 on my kitties today. They got their annual check-up and some shots.

Day 26 - Aug 24

2007-08-24T11:10:00.000-04:00

Today, I spent $14.82 on some Burton Snowboard gloves that were marked down from $71. (I needed some new waterproof gloves, my old ones have a hole and seep water in.)

I also bought James a keychain for $8 to celebrate his new car.

Day 24 - Aug 22

2007-08-22T11:48:00.001-04:00

You know, I can forgive myself when I slip on my "no online shopping at work" rule when it's a new shirt or something, but coveting stamps online is nerdy beyond belief. I didn't only covet today, I actually needed stamps so I spent $10.20 on new stamps and 2 cent stamps to make my old stamps worthwhile. As I was browsing for a pretty design, I thought I may as well get an extra to put in my stamp collection. $44 dollars later, I am now the proud (if ashamed) owner of said useful stamps, plus a set of "Marvel Superheroes" (I already had the DC Superheroes, how am I expected to resist Marvel?), a "Louis Comfort Tiffany" set of stained glass based stamps (another of my weaknesses, damn you, Postal Service), an extra set of "Beautiful Blooms" (the original "useful stamps" I picked out), and a "Pollination" set (I'm a sucker for bats).

Speaking of bats, I also bought a set of 2002 bat stamps I have long coveted ($11+shipping) and a set of Bright Eyes stamps that caught my eye from the same seller ($9.49+shipping). Shipping has yet to be determined though, as it should be combined.

I was proud of myself though, as I resisted the temptation of the Disney stamps. I bought one set of Disney stamps a long time ago and though I do not like them or those that have followed them, I've felt an urge to buy Disney stamps to keep my lonesome Disneys company since that first errant purchase. I should just use them and be done with it, but I've pledged to myself not to use or sell any of the stamps that go in my book. It's a test of my own willpower before I will allow myself to see/touch/covet my Dad's more valuable stamps.

Day 23 - Aug 21

2007-08-21T11:50:00.000-04:00

No monies spent yet, but I also have a fairly empty fridge (though full cabinets). Some fresh veggies may be in order. :)

James went shopping while I was at the movies ($6), after I had bought myself a dinner of candy ($3.50, but Beth reimbursed me $1.25 for her gummi bears).

Total spent: $8.25

Day 22 - Aug 20

2007-08-20T08:59:00.000-04:00

No money spent today. Today is the day, however, that James & I finalize the purchase of the Jeep. (The money wouldn't go through on Friday.)

I wrote this in the morning, later, I charged $1 for a piece of bread from Klinger's. I know I can get free bread at the City Market, but Klinger's is just so good.

Day 21 - Aug 19

2007-08-20T08:53:00.000-04:00

I spent $10 on lunch/beers at VPB. James & I tried a sampler and there was a beer that tastes like raspberries ("Forbidden Fruit") and another that had maple, apple, and hickory involved and thus mimicked a smoky bacon flavor ("Mickey's Smoked Stout"). The wheat beer with orange peel & coriander was my 3rd favorite ("Curacao Wit"). James liked the Burley Irish Ale and thought the Pilsner would go well with seafood.

Also, I owe Tim $2 from utility payments.

Day 20 - Aug 18

2007-08-20T08:44:00.000-04:00

I spent $9 on mini bananas, fortune cookies, dried mango, fruit, and other foods from the Vietnamese Market.

My roommates wanted to buy stools for our high counter for $30 apiece. When I mentioned this to Tiff, she said she would give/sell us her barstools for 2/$10. That's an amazing price! I would have even paid $10 apiece.

Also, James might be moving into our townhouse. Adam still needs to think about it & Ellen seemed positive. As Tim put it, "He's here all the time anyway (and that's not a criticism, I like James). His rent would put an extra $110 in my pocket every month and lower utilities." If he does end up moving in, he would save $435/month on rent and each of us would save $110. We would then also be able to split the utilities, cleaning, etc. 5 ways instead of 4. Maybe the 5th person would get a week off cleaning?

Day 19 - Aug 17

2007-08-20T08:43:00.001-04:00

No money spent today, other than credit card payments.

Day 18 - Aug 16

2007-08-16T10:32:00.002-04:00

Spent $1.50 on a coffee and about $2-3 on some skim milk to drink at work

James is test driving a Jeep tomorrow that he's considering buying on Saturday. That would reduce grocery bills and improve selection and range.

Day 17 - Aug 15

2007-08-16T10:32:00.001-04:00

Nothing spent today!

Day 16 - Aug 14

2007-08-14T10:10:00.001-04:00

Nothing spent thus far today -- work keeps me out of trouble!

Day 15 - Aug 13

2007-08-13T15:10:00.001-04:00

I went to City Market (local grocery store - somewhat overpriced, but what I can reach without owning a car) and bought some necessities. The total was $21.25, but I had a $15 gift certificate thanks to the Bike/Walk Rewards Program at work. Thus, I spent $6.25.

Day 14 - Sunday

2007-08-13T15:03:00.000-04:00

I went to Dobra teahouse and for a mere $8, spent 2.5-3 hours lounging and feeling as though I had just done mental yoga. (That place is very relaxing.) I felt it was a good deal at around $2.50-3 an hour. I then remembered that I have a coupon for a free yoga class, but it was nearly time to get ready for the BBQ, so I didn't pursue that idea. Ultimately, the BBQ was canceled though, so I got a $20 from the atm, changed it to quarters, and spent another $4.50 on laundry.

Total spent: $12.50

I didn't go see Rush Hour 3 with Beth, Ray, & James so total saved: $8.25

Oh, I also found a $15 gift certificate to downtown places in a purse I hadn't used in a while. I think I'm going to try to be practical and apply it to groceries at City Market.

Day 13 - Saturday

2007-08-12T09:55:00.000-04:00

So, I exchanged the shirt rather than returning it. I also spent $8 on groceries (snacks to go to the movies so we didn't have to have dinner right away); $6.50 on a movie ticket, $11 on dinner at Asiana, & $2.50 on new water bottles to take to the beach, then reuse.

Total spent: $28

Day 12

2007-08-10T14:22:00.000-04:00

Nothing yet... today decides whether or not I will return and/or sell stuff.

Day 11

2007-08-10T11:57:00.000-04:00

ok, I got my $50 rewards check from the credit card company.

Beth called and needed to raid my closet for a job interview tomorrow. I had some pants and skirts that fit her, but none of my shirts would fit over her boobs. Hence, a trip to Old Navy. 50% off sales abounded on everything except the dress shirt we sought. So, I bought:
- Green polka dotted shirt: $7
- Magenta polka dotted shirt: $7
- Dark jeans: $15
- Dark green sweater: $15
- Really big Cucumber Lemon Balm candle: $3
Total: $47

While we were at the Gap, I also bought James a really cool $5 candle that was marked down from $20. It replaced his candle that was crushed by the window and was in a glass holder so I didn't feel bad about that expenditure. However, the Old Navy trip is making me a little angsty... I got the magenta shirt a size too big so I'm either going to trade it in or return it tonight... we shall see how my willpower goes...

Beth & Tiff were in awe over the sheer magnitude of my wardrobe; I think that's a sign that it's time for another purge.

Day 10

2007-08-08T11:37:00.000-04:00

I keep telling myself I will take the $17 peep-toe shoes back to the store before I wear them. However, maybe if I can sell my 6" heels on ebay, I can keep the cuter, more reasonable pair?

Day 9

2007-08-08T11:36:00.000-04:00

Spent $4 on donuts & a drink for the movies. James bought me yummy Chinese food for dinner & my movie ticket.

Day 8

2007-08-06T13:13:00.002-04:00

*** No monies spent ***

Day 7

2007-08-06T13:13:00.001-04:00

*** No monies spent***

Day 6 - Saturday

2007-08-06T13:07:00.000-04:00

I spent $126 on a doctor's appointment & birth control for 3 months and $10 on miscellaneous things ($4 & some change on a book for James, $2 on 2 shirts for myself, $3 on a mirror for my room). I forgot birth control as a recurring expense. When I heard their prices were going up, I bought 6 months of it, but I was finally down to one month left. Hence, the cost is now $37/month for the ring. (Which is fucking nuts, but still cheaper than a fetus.)

Day 5 - The Apocalypse is Nigh!

2007-08-03T10:14:00.000-04:00

Most of my office is going out to lunch at Magnolia's (my favorite breakfast spot) today. I politely declined as 1. I'm trying to save money and 2. I don't really know the birthday girl that well. Is it weird that we seem to celebrate temp staff's birthdays more than regular staff's?

No money spent yet today and I am making a concerted effort to eat the food I already have rather than buying new food. I have a bad habit of stocking my cabinets as if the apocalypse is imminent...

Day 4

2007-08-02T15:40:00.001-04:00

*** No expenditures at all today ***

Day 3

2007-08-01T16:35:00.000-04:00

Spent $1.50 on a Dasani Plus beverage from a vending machine

Day 2 (evening)

2007-07-31T22:36:00.000-04:00

Spent $13 on 2 sandwiches for tomorrow's lunch and a pomegranate cherry juice for tonight

New Shiny

2007-07-31T14:59:00.001-04:00

First, an insight into the nerdgirl vernacular:
- Shiny: Clothing or accessory, especially those that literally shine; can also refer to high end electronics; I believe this started as a Pokemon reference to the in-game shiny objects, but also refers to "shiny, happy people"
- Toy: Mostly refers to electronics (especially DS games) and tchotkes (something that may be mundane, but with which you want to play immediately, such as a Ring Thing or Staple Free Stapler from www.thinkgeek.com or a 25 cent rubber animal from a grocery store vending machine); comes from the shouts of "New Toy! New Toy!" that accompany said delightful objects
- Squishy: A squishy toy or other beloved object, certain people may also qualify as squishies; a term of affection; started by a quote from Finding Nemo: "I shall call him Squishy, and he shall be mine, and he shall be my Squishy..."

My boyfriend made me an anklet out of chain mail links last night. (Yes, we're nerds.) I think it's helping me quash the "I want!" urge as well because I do like it & it's a new shiny. :)

Day 2 - Abstaining

2007-07-31T14:02:00.000-04:00

DANGER! DANGER! Lunch Break Approaching! Free time and readily available online shopping! Danger, Cat Robinson, Danger, Danger!

That said, here's some stuff I did not buy today (but wanted a lot!):

Mossimo® Black: Scoop Bodice Knit Dress - Bittersweet

guest ratings:

$19.99

and

Mossimo® Black: Sleeveless Smocked Dress - Drama Red

guest ratings:

$19.99

Both are still available in a size L, unlike the one I didn't buy (and now regret not buying) that is now only available in size XXL.

Merona® Short-Sleeve Tie Dress - Animal Print

guest ratings:

$24.99

Hmmm... maybe I should ask my parents to get me summer dresses for Christmas... I already have the red one in both slate blue & black & wear both of them often... Anyway, I feel that these are classic designs and could be worn summer after summer (and am thisclose to buying them anyway as I've wanted the red one for nearly a month now). Alright, time to close the browser and give the "I want" urge a breather.

ok, maybe one more:

Merona® Schiffly Skirt - Spanish Brown

$13.99
List price: ~~$19.99~~
You Save: $6.00 (30%)

Colors: Spanish Brown

or even

Juniors' Mossimo Supply Co. Side-Pocket Fashion Skirt - Das Brown

$14.99

Colors: Das Brown

(My wardrobe lacks a brown skirt - were I in any position to go on a shopping spree, these would be in my possession.) Anyway, posting what I want and can't have is kind of cathartic, like an anorexic's thinspiration. I may post my entire "Wish List" on here. (I have one to save that "What do you want for birthday/Xmas?" "Ummmm... I dunno..." conversation from happening.)

Argh! ok! Last one now, for real this time:

was $68.00
now $24.97

So now you know what I do with my lunch break. I obsess over dresses.

Day 2

2007-07-31T11:15:00.000-04:00

I went to pick up a $1.45 iced coffee as a special treat/Starbucks run alternative and couldn't resist the smell of the sausage biscuits. So now I'm eating that for lunch, even though I brought a sandwich.

Total unnecessary spending in Waterman Cafe: $5

Shopping for Essentials - Day 1

2007-07-31T08:54:00.000-04:00

Last night I also went to the grocery store and the drug store. I don't feel that anything I bought was extraneous. I spent $28 on groceries (fresh fruits & veggies, milk, eggs, bread that was on sale so I bought 2 & froze one, sale peanut butter, and a couple miscellaneous things). My knees have been acting up so I bought glucosamine chondroitin (2 for price of 1) and cod liver oil (half price). I also got 5 body washes at $.88 each, deodorants (2 for $5), & vitamins ($4). Total at drug store: $33 (not including mail in and/or online rebate for $2).

Spent: $61

I gave in on Day 1, but it was sensible

2007-07-30T18:15:00.001-04:00

I did buy 3 new shirts for work - 2 button ups (both around $3) and a soft, drapey shirt (splurge at $7). Button ups make sense as they're pretty much all I wear during the colder months (and one shirt was to replace a shirt I'd stained last year). All 3 came to a total (including shipping) of $13 thanks to Chadwick's awesome clearance sale. I made sure that all 3 coordinate with pants I already own so I will not need to buy more of those just yet.

Up to 85% off Clearance + 30% off Coupon + Free Shipping at Chadwick's! Chadwick's has just updated their clearance inventory. They sell Women's apparel. Save up to 85% off select items. Apply promo code CHBONUS at checkout for 30% off entire order + Free Shipping. CHADWICKS

Total Spent: $13

Temptations Day 1

2007-07-30T17:51:00.000-04:00

I avoided buying:

25% off entire order at Linens n Things Enter coupon codes 205200000000 or 205200000007 at checkout for 25% off entire order at Linens n Things. Free in-store pickup available for most items.

Honeywell HY-013 38" Tower Fan is $29.99 - 25% off coupon - $10 rebate = $12.49

and

Logan 18-Piece Glassware Set $5.99 at Linens n Things Linens n Things has the Logan 18-Piece Glassware Set at $7.99 - 25% coupon code = $5.99 with free in-store pickup available. Includes 6 of each: 10.5 oz. Juice Glasses, 10.5 oz. Double Old Fashioned Glasses, and 14oz. Cooler Glasses. LINENS N THINGS

Though I'm still kind of considering the glasses as my current ones are forever dirty. (I have 6 people regularly drinking stuff at my house, including roomies & significant others.) Then again, I could just hang out at the b/f's more often...

Top 50 Frugality Bloggers

2007-07-30T14:04:00.000-04:00

Top 50 Frugality Bloggers

Day 1

2007-07-30T13:47:00.001-04:00

I feel as though I'm fairly frugal, but maybe this blog will help me see areas I can cut back.

I like credit cards because they are convenient (no trips to the atm, can pay online, rewards card) and track my purchases for me, but I don't want to rack up interest or overspend. Also, the rewards card I have has higher interest than the card on which I am carrying a balance. My goal is going to be to still use my rewards card, but to pay it off every month. This will also help me budget as I've lowered the limit on the rewards card to $500.

Day 1:

DEBT:

Rent: $550/month + utilities (about $60/month)
Paid August's rent today, will pay utilities when I get my check for the 15th

VSAC Student Loans:
Status: deferred
Total due: $31945
Interest rates: 7.8-8.26%
Monthly payment: $260 (just covers interest)
Today's action: $260 monthly payment

Credit Card #1:
6% interest, $8000 limit
balance: $3208
Today's Action: paid $700
new balance: $2500

Credit Card #2:
Rewards card, 23.24% interest, $500 limit
balance: $34
Today's Action: paid total balance of $34, ordered reward check of $50
new balance: $0

Credit Card #3:
College Student Card, 14.24% interest, $1650 limit
balance: $0 (hardly ever use this one)

MONEY IN:

My job pays $887 net every 2 weeks.

Bank Account:
total: $1600
paid out today: $1545
total left: $55

Savings Account (recently raided for the beginning of student loan payments)
total: $137
interest rate: 4.50%

So I was wondering if I should run up my Credit card #1 bill by using it to pay off my student loans with the higher interest. I decided that's a poor plan however as the credit card has an extremely variable rate (like it was 20% when I was a college student, then 15%ish, now 6% - which may or may not be because they think I'm in the military?).

The Birth of a Blogger

2007-07-30T13:26:00.000-04:00

Well, I did have the "dots" template on this blog, but it made me want to shop online at Target (aren't subliminal cues great?) so now I'm in plain white. In 2005, I was debt free (other than some pretty big student loans). I was feeling so free & easy that I set up housekeeping for my first apartment using my credit card and paid off a few thousand dollars of student debt. Turns out I should have done one or the other as I then had credit card debt.

I borrowed money from my grandfather to pay off the high interest credit card debts and successfully paid him back, all $3,000 . However, 2006 came around with a juicy tax rebate of $1800. What would I do with the money? I had never been out of the country so with student debt out of sight and out of mind, I bought a ticket to London & France.

I went to Europe with some friends and had the time of my life. However, our travel plans were nearly sunk by a huge snow storm, so instead of waiting in New Jersey for 3 precious days of our trip, we chose to fly into another part of the UK and take the train to London. Continental originally told us that the train may be covered, but has since denied my claim.

On top of that, London was much more expensive than I thought it would be. I knew the dollar was weak, but (incorrectly) assumed that the prices would be lower to compensate a little. They were nothing if not higher! I ate pasties the entire time to save money, stayed in hostels, skipped seeing Stonehenge, and nearly got knifed in a less savory part of town, looking for a good deal (another story completely). In France, we took more precautions, having learned our lesson in England. Anyway, point of paragraph: tried to conserve money, but is $$$ (and my travel partner still owes me the $98 he borrowed)

So, the point of this blog will be to keep a log of what I buy, how much I spend, and how much I make/job related decisions. I am notorious for not keeping track of my finances, not to the point that I am charged for overdrafts, but enough so that I wonder where my money has gone. Also, I am a plastic addict, everything goes on the credit card. This was fine when I paid it off completely every month, but now that I'm carrying a balance, not so great. Feel free to offer financial advice as I am a fresh-out-of-college complete finance novice.