I got a check in the mail yesterday from our escrow account!! WOO HOO! I bought this house almost 3 years ago and have never received a check from my escrow. I'm pretty darn exciting!
My plan is to put about 40-50% of it into my camera account and then placing the other 50-60% into our joint savings account. I also had forgotten to cash my dad's check (our Christmas present), so I plan to put 20% (my part) of that check into my camera account and the rest into our joint savings account.
So it looks like after that, I'll have almost 50% of what I need to purchase the camera + lens that I want. After this months paycheck (if I get to put any away for the camera) I'll have about 58%. Ugh, I want that camera SO bad!
Showing posts with label money. Show all posts
Showing posts with label money. Show all posts
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Friday, December 31, 2010
New year, new beginnings, new goals
I'm not one for New Years resolutions. The excitement of the new year fades quickly and most of the population does not stick to the resolution(s) they made. But I guess you could say this year is different for me. I feel more resolve to change certain things in my life.
I've decided to do a scaled down version of 101 in 1001. Let's face it, a lot of things can change in 2.75 years. So many things on my old list be came unimportant or things that just weren't attainable any more with a new baby. But, I did complete quite a bit of it, and as a list maker, it made me feel good to cross off a few things here and there. So, I decided that this year I would make 27 goals for the year. One for every two weeks of the year. They don't have to be completed weekly, I just wanted to scale down the number of goals. I originally started with 52, but I trouble coming up with that many. I'll start with 27 and if I have more to add I'll add more.
I've decided to make some of the goals more long-term and therefore, more difficult to achieve. But others will be quick and easy. That way I can feel like I'm accomplishing *something*. So, here they are.
I've decided to do a scaled down version of 101 in 1001. Let's face it, a lot of things can change in 2.75 years. So many things on my old list be came unimportant or things that just weren't attainable any more with a new baby. But, I did complete quite a bit of it, and as a list maker, it made me feel good to cross off a few things here and there. So, I decided that this year I would make 27 goals for the year. One for every two weeks of the year. They don't have to be completed weekly, I just wanted to scale down the number of goals. I originally started with 52, but I trouble coming up with that many. I'll start with 27 and if I have more to add I'll add more.
I've decided to make some of the goals more long-term and therefore, more difficult to achieve. But others will be quick and easy. That way I can feel like I'm accomplishing *something*. So, here they are.
- Get on a budget, and try to stick with it for good! I've lived out of my/our means for a while. Living on credit and not really having a solid plan to pay it off. Right now I'm using Mint.com for budgeting, and I recommend it, it's pretty cool! (0/12)
Pay off credit card 100%and keep the spending within a limit that I can pay off *every* month- I'd say $500/month. I paid the card off a few days ago using a lower (than the CC) interest rate loan that we already had. But now the challenge is to keep the spending down every month so that I can keep the balance at zero. (0/12)- Lose 6 pounds. I've got 6 pounds of baby weight left to lose! (0/6)
- Lose 4 pounds to equal a total of 10 (0/4)
- Lose another 5 pounds to equal a total of 15 to put me into the middle of my BMI range. (0/5)
- Save for and buy new camera (monthly goal $150). I've got my eye on this one! ::love::
- Take pictures of Sofia monthly. This one should be easy as I'm already doing it, but I want to make sure I continue it! (0/12)
- Go to the dentist every six months. To some this might seem silly, but I, sadly, have not been to the dentist in years. It just wasn't something that was instilled in me in my childhood. (0/2)
- Finish Sofia's growth chart
- Hang curtain rod and curtains in Sofia's room
- Get Bandit's claws clipped or filed every 3 months (0/4)
- Buy and start a compost bin. This is something I've been wanting to do for a while. I really want to be better about not being so wasteful.
- Try to finish C25K program- 9 weeks. I don't know if this will be feasible for me because of my knee, but I think it might help me to get back into running. (0/9)
- Sell maternity clothes, put that money towards camera savings
- Start savings account for Sofia
- Sell Sofia's no longer used toys and "gear". Put that money into her savings account.
- Get cloth diaper inventory up to 24 diapers and/or GroVia inserts (16/24)
- Fill Sofia's month-by-month picture frames, 13 total pictures in each (0/13 x2)
- Have a small, successful, and cute first birthday party for Sofia.
- Buy an external hard drive, keep all pictures and important files updated on said drive.
- Get house "baby-proofed" (stove button caps, oven locks, doorknob locks, cabinet locks, toilet seat locks, etc)
- Try to be consistent in using coupons (i.e stockpile non perishables)
- Work on my photography skills (do any one or more of the following- complete my photography book, complete the 12 weeks to better photography, and/or take a photography class)
Buy a chest for my Grandmother's silverware, polish said silverware and store correctly- Buy and install fireplace doors or screen (kind of counts as baby proofing)
- Buy and install a ceiling fan for Sofia's room
- *Possibly* re do fire place hearth and surrounding area with new glass tile
Thursday, August 5, 2010
The general overview
Yes, I realize this is the third post today. What can I say, I'm trying to catch up. And because of that, I'm going to continue this post in a bullet fashion as well as chronological starting with the oldest update. Hopefully this will keep me from rambling.
1. Sofia had her 2 month check up on Thursday July 29. She did awesome. She's in the 75% in height, weight, and head circumference. She was 23.50 inches tall, weighed 11 pounds 13.5 ounces, and had a head circumference of 40.2 centimeters. I was a little worried to hear that she went from the 19% in most categories to the 75% in all, but the pedi said that he wasn't worried at all. He stated that since she grew in all the categories, not just one, that she was progressing as he would expect. Apparently the largest jump is usually from the first to the second appointment. She also got her first round of immunizations and she did FABULOUS! Didn't even cry :) We decided to do the Dr Sears (also Dr Bob) schedule. You can find it here if you're interested. I decided a few weeks before her appointment that I wanted to do the alternate schedule. It was what I felt was right for our family. If you want to know more you can ask, but otherwise it would take up a whole post. Here's a picture of her after her appointment, drool and all.
2. My 27th birthday was Monday. No big deal. So I turned a year older? Eh. My husband was out of town and it was my first day back at work. There was definitely nothing special about it. In fact it was, sadly, just like any other day.
3. We bought a new car. The hubs' car broke down back in February. We went about a month as a one car family... that was interesting. Then we borrowed my grandmothers old buick- sans A/C- since she can no longer drive. He used that car until he left for tour. I had been working non stop since last week to find him a car since he's coming home on the 16th and will need a car with a working A/C asap. We got re-approved for a loan and the hunt began. By the way, that is suppose to say RE-approved. We got our first loan back in February, but ultimately decided to wait to buy and since the offer was only good for 90 days I had to re-apply for a loan.
I don't want to go into everything, but I found car #1, researched it, had the letter of intent sent over from my bank, and went in to test drive. They tried to take advantage I left without a car. Found car #2, everything checked out except it didn't have ABS, ugh. Found car #3, awesome car (had ABS!) and great deal. We are now the proud new owners of a 2009 Toyota Corolla. This is more car than I ever hoped to get on our minuscule budget. But it's awesome, it reminds me of my first car (RIP 1999 Corolla, I loved that car!). I'm driving it until he comes home... you know... just to make sure it works ok. ;) It also doesn't hurt to save the miles on my car. Here are some pictures.
I feel SO good about this car. Safe for my husband and my baby. And will last forever. Finally this weight has been lifted from my shoulders. I also spent WAY too much money at Target (where else?) getting the car outfitted with all the little things. I got him a sun shade, car mats ('cause it didn't come with any, boo), an iPod AUX jack, and a sticky pad that holds your iPod on your dash. I love buying things for the hubs! :) I can't wait until he gets home and is able to enjoy it!!
1. Sofia had her 2 month check up on Thursday July 29. She did awesome. She's in the 75% in height, weight, and head circumference. She was 23.50 inches tall, weighed 11 pounds 13.5 ounces, and had a head circumference of 40.2 centimeters. I was a little worried to hear that she went from the 19% in most categories to the 75% in all, but the pedi said that he wasn't worried at all. He stated that since she grew in all the categories, not just one, that she was progressing as he would expect. Apparently the largest jump is usually from the first to the second appointment. She also got her first round of immunizations and she did FABULOUS! Didn't even cry :) We decided to do the Dr Sears (also Dr Bob) schedule. You can find it here if you're interested. I decided a few weeks before her appointment that I wanted to do the alternate schedule. It was what I felt was right for our family. If you want to know more you can ask, but otherwise it would take up a whole post. Here's a picture of her after her appointment, drool and all.
2. My 27th birthday was Monday. No big deal. So I turned a year older? Eh. My husband was out of town and it was my first day back at work. There was definitely nothing special about it. In fact it was, sadly, just like any other day.
3. We bought a new car. The hubs' car broke down back in February. We went about a month as a one car family... that was interesting. Then we borrowed my grandmothers old buick- sans A/C- since she can no longer drive. He used that car until he left for tour. I had been working non stop since last week to find him a car since he's coming home on the 16th and will need a car with a working A/C asap. We got re-approved for a loan and the hunt began. By the way, that is suppose to say RE-approved. We got our first loan back in February, but ultimately decided to wait to buy and since the offer was only good for 90 days I had to re-apply for a loan.
I don't want to go into everything, but I found car #1, researched it, had the letter of intent sent over from my bank, and went in to test drive. They tried to take advantage I left without a car. Found car #2, everything checked out except it didn't have ABS, ugh. Found car #3, awesome car (had ABS!) and great deal. We are now the proud new owners of a 2009 Toyota Corolla. This is more car than I ever hoped to get on our minuscule budget. But it's awesome, it reminds me of my first car (RIP 1999 Corolla, I loved that car!). I'm driving it until he comes home... you know... just to make sure it works ok. ;) It also doesn't hurt to save the miles on my car. Here are some pictures.
Friday, July 17, 2009
uh oh, i feel an obsession coming on
I went to Michael's today to look for a very specific item. I came back with a bag full of stuff... oops. I'm suppose to be saving money! I guess I did, technically, since almost every item was on sale. But who am I kidding. I still spent money I wasn't suppose to. Are you dying to know what I bought yet? Is it that hard to guess knowing which store I went to? That's right, scrapbooking supplies.
I used to scrapbook in high school and I loved it, and that was before they came out with all these really cute stickers, and cutouts, and dye cuts, and buttons, and pens, and, and, and... ugh! I think it actually would be good for me to have a hobby (other than sitting on the internet). I'm just afraid that it is going to get really expensive. I guess I'll have to write a small budget/month to allow myself to do it. I'm actually thinking that my first project will be a mini book of my nephew to give to my SIL.
I used to scrapbook in high school and I loved it, and that was before they came out with all these really cute stickers, and cutouts, and dye cuts, and buttons, and pens, and, and, and... ugh! I think it actually would be good for me to have a hobby (other than sitting on the internet). I'm just afraid that it is going to get really expensive. I guess I'll have to write a small budget/month to allow myself to do it. I'm actually thinking that my first project will be a mini book of my nephew to give to my SIL.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Back to the drawing board
so to speak. After only one month of officially TTC, we have decided to hold off. :( Things might change by the next O day, if we feel more confident in our spending/saving, but as of right now we're putting it on hold. Of course, there still is a teensy chance that I might get pregnant this cycle, but it's highly doubtful.
We had a very unexpected monetary emergency pop up yesterday that has depleted our wimpy savings account. We're down by half and we're both seeing this as a sign that now just might not be the best time.
The good thing in all of this is that it has forced me (and him, finally!) to take a really good look at our own budgets and how we spend money. We've come up with an action plan and hopefully we'll be able to save even more than we were before! Let's hope the determination holds true.
We had a very unexpected monetary emergency pop up yesterday that has depleted our wimpy savings account. We're down by half and we're both seeing this as a sign that now just might not be the best time.
The good thing in all of this is that it has forced me (and him, finally!) to take a really good look at our own budgets and how we spend money. We've come up with an action plan and hopefully we'll be able to save even more than we were before! Let's hope the determination holds true.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Oi...
Budgeting for a baby is getting frightening! And these are just estimates...
NURSERY
$400 Crib + Mattress
$100 Dresser/Changing table (ebay, hopefully)
$100 Bedding
$100 Closet organization
$150 Nursery Decorations
$310 Cloth Diaper rental for newborn
--------
$1160 To outfit nursery with furniture and diapers
$400 Glider/Rocker (extra)
$200 Rug (extra)
--------
$1760 for fully outfitting nursery with extras
PRENATAL NEEDS AND MEDICAL EXPENSES
$600 Maternity clothes
$36 Prenatal vitamins
$3500 Labor and Delivery cost with insurance co-pay, deductible, and out of pocket expenses
-------
$4136 Medical bills and clothing
BABY GEAR
$170 Stoller
$150 Car seat
$150 Breast Pump
$90 Pack-n-play
$60 Baby Sling
$60 Baby Monitor
$50 Diaper Bag
$50 Creams and lotions
$40 Bottles
$45 Milk storage
$36 Boppy
$30 Changing Pad
$20 Grooming Kit
--------
$891 baby gear and necessities
BABY CLOTHING
$100 Sleepers
$50 Onesies
$50 Socks
$40 Receiving blankets
$30 Hats
$30 Burp cloths
$20 Bibs
------
$320 on baby layette
Grand Total: $6507 ($7107 with extras)
This is most definitely a VERY conservative estimate. AHH!!
NURSERY
$400 Crib + Mattress
$100 Dresser/Changing table (ebay, hopefully)
$100 Bedding
$100 Closet organization
$150 Nursery Decorations
$310 Cloth Diaper rental for newborn
--------
$1160 To outfit nursery with furniture and diapers
$400 Glider/Rocker (extra)
$200 Rug (extra)
--------
$1760 for fully outfitting nursery with extras
PRENATAL NEEDS AND MEDICAL EXPENSES
$600 Maternity clothes
$36 Prenatal vitamins
$3500 Labor and Delivery cost with insurance co-pay, deductible, and out of pocket expenses
-------
$4136 Medical bills and clothing
BABY GEAR
$170 Stoller
$150 Car seat
$150 Breast Pump
$90 Pack-n-play
$60 Baby Sling
$60 Baby Monitor
$50 Diaper Bag
$50 Creams and lotions
$40 Bottles
$45 Milk storage
$36 Boppy
$30 Changing Pad
$20 Grooming Kit
--------
$891 baby gear and necessities
BABY CLOTHING
$100 Sleepers
$50 Onesies
$50 Socks
$40 Receiving blankets
$30 Hats
$30 Burp cloths
$20 Bibs
------
$320 on baby layette
Grand Total: $6507 ($7107 with extras)
This is most definitely a VERY conservative estimate. AHH!!
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