i'm watching several shows on VH1 (I know, showing my age) about the Fabulous lives of Hamptonites and then one about a $1.1M wedding. Uh. a party at $7K per person? 6 guest houses, a golf course, and a 100 seat theatre?! 6 wardrobe changes, at $1500+ a pop? I just can't imagine this life. and I don't want to. It isn't appealing to me AT ALL. To use your billions of dollars to buy a 22 acre property as a vacation home seems just ludicrous. Even if you're donating to get the tax writeoffs...I can't help but think that if I had billions of dollars, a tiny bit would be saved so I could use the interest to live off of, and then I'd donate the rest. I can't imagine the headaches these people go through, trying to find the perfect dress or top every day, hobnobbing with snooty people and having people serve me all the time. Ugh.
I have definitely changed mindsets since I was younger.
Example 1) Now, the best life I could imagine would be to have 'just enough,' no extras. Enough to feel secure, enough to be safe, enough to protect my family from financial strife, and not HAVE to work if I didn't want to. In all honesty, I can't imagine that takes much more than I make currently. If I could max out all my retirement funds, plus save about half my monthly paycheck, I think that would be enough. So, basically, it's my current salary plus about 17K would be plenty. Plenty to live, plenty to save. I wonder if my perception would change if I actually did make ~75K?
2) I was walking around Target today, and while I stopped in every department I was interested in, I only picked up the things I came for--with every beautifully lit display and tantalizing brand new shiny objects, my mind went, Don't need it, don't want it, I have enough of that, my money is better than that.
And it's true. My money is better than being wasted on frivolous items I don't actually need. Instead of nickel and diming myself into brokeness, I can buy things I plan on buying that will improve my life! Just today, I found a great! deal on a laptop, something I'll need for school, for several reasons. my old $100 desktop is only for storage now, it's too bulky and slow for practical use. The laptop I have now I've basically been 'borrowing' from work for the last 9 months--not cool to do, except I've been in the field so much that it didn't make sense to me to turn it in only to borrow it again. When I'm in school, I won't be in the field, so I'll have to turn this in. Since I've been able to say 'no' to myself, to the point that I'm not even tempted to buy things, I was able to run out and buy a $300 laptop OUTRIGHT today, no hard feelin's.
woo hoo! and I now have a laptop for school...sweet! Not buying is paying off...
Monday, July 30, 2007
Friday, July 27, 2007
Start the Money Drain!
So my classes start in exactly one month. Today I went to my first medical appointment of many. A consult for my oral surgery (top wisdom teeth removal) cost me 2 hours and $60. Their credit card machine was down, so they only accepted cash, making it impossible for me to even get 1% back like I usually do!
So.
Oral Surgery (august 13):
Consult fee: $60
Surgery: $300
antibiotics and vicadin: $20
Dentist:
Filling estimate: can't remember but it's about $130
Doctor:
Copay: $20
Prescription: $25
I'm also having major issues with my birth control pill, so I need to switch or go off of it completely. unfortunately, this is coming at a time when my insurance is being discontinued before I'll fully know the effects of the new medicine/going off my old medicine. The university has a medical facility, so I'm hoping that they can be of some help.
So, once all that is done, I should have enough medicines and preventative procedures taken care of for the 9 months I'm in school. I can rest easy without expecting major medical expenses (hopefully). Then comes the school supplies, tuition and fees and books, etc. I should still get a paycheck for full-time for the first 3 weeks of August. I'm hoping to use that money to take care of all this stuff, instead of having to dip into my savings (now $14,300!).
I still plan on getting a 0% interest credit card (applying today) and an emergency medical insurance plan for ~$50 a month, $4000 deductible.
So.
Oral Surgery (august 13):
Consult fee: $60
Surgery: $300
antibiotics and vicadin: $20
Dentist:
Filling estimate: can't remember but it's about $130
Doctor:
Copay: $20
Prescription: $25
I'm also having major issues with my birth control pill, so I need to switch or go off of it completely. unfortunately, this is coming at a time when my insurance is being discontinued before I'll fully know the effects of the new medicine/going off my old medicine. The university has a medical facility, so I'm hoping that they can be of some help.
So, once all that is done, I should have enough medicines and preventative procedures taken care of for the 9 months I'm in school. I can rest easy without expecting major medical expenses (hopefully). Then comes the school supplies, tuition and fees and books, etc. I should still get a paycheck for full-time for the first 3 weeks of August. I'm hoping to use that money to take care of all this stuff, instead of having to dip into my savings (now $14,300!).
I still plan on getting a 0% interest credit card (applying today) and an emergency medical insurance plan for ~$50 a month, $4000 deductible.
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Why I'd rather not stay in a 4-star hotel
Ok. First off, I have to explain that I have to stay in hotels for weeks at a time (once it was a whole MONTH--see my Sept. 06 archives) for work, and it is often a nice break. After all--there's no cleaning to do, my meals are paid for by my company, and I get to choose which channel to watch with impunity. I love leaving my bed unmade and the towels scrunched on the floor where I decide to discard them, only to return to my room and have a clean, beautiful room again, seemingly through magic. I love swiping the little shampoo bottles for my stash for the women's shelter, and I heart having a little me-time to read trashy books and watch trashy tv, no one to judge my choices. Part of my love for this time is the independence that it brings--I'm doing what I want when I want, and I don't need to cook or clean. It's life nearly free of the shackles that the office brings. Aside from the atrocious disruption to my personal and social life, it's pretty sweet sometimes.
Ah, and why wouldn't I want to live out this wonderful time in a fancy, 4 star hotel (by 4 star I mean the highest star they give out...is it 5 stars for hotels now??)? The room I'm currently staying in is a fancy-schmancy normally $300 room that was reduced to $99 because it's July in Palm Springs (yeah. 112 F at the moment...). It has beautiful fountains, 7 pools, a huge spa, yoga and tennis and and volleyball lessons, 3 golf courses, and a reputation for catering to your every need. Well...I have found that a 'luxury' hotel often has many catches, making it maybe not the most relaxing place to stay, at least for my personality type. Let me list the ways that I would rather be staying in the La Quinta Inn and Suites:
1) It isn't really 'free.' The yoga and volleyball and tennis lessons that are supposedly included in the price? Yeah, those are free with payments of $20 a day--a required 'amenities fee' they automatically charge you on top of the price of the room. The $99 room just became $119. In contrast: There is no fee associated with using the work out room at La Quinta.
2) Tip you? I can do that myself. Hrmph. Every single time I schlep through the door, a bellhop is trying to take things out of my arms. Including our samples, which legally have to stay in my possession at all times. Yes, I know you make a living by carrying Bob the Millionaire's wife's shopping bags, but IT IS MY JOB to carry a 35 pound cooler. Don't give me wierd looks because I am required and willing to carry something in myself. Good grief. HANDS OFF! Plus, my employer does not reimburse me for giving you $2 to roll my tiny suitcase down the hall or park my work truck that is rented and cannot be driven by anyone else. Puh-lease! The constant tip-mongering is highly annoying and feels very fake to me. It's your job to be nice to me...don't act like you're doing me a huge favor. In contrast: Best Western gladly offers a rolly cage if you want to load your luggage yourself, but expects no tips.
3) Free Internet! Um, for $9.99 a day. Yeah, they only offer paid wireless and internet connections in my room. Even the most basic hotel I've stayed in at least has a dial up connection for free nowadays. And the room just became $129 a day...!
4) Long freaking hallways. The expensive places are often huge, and therefore have a commute time of 20 minutes of walking to get to the elevator, down to the 1st floor, and to the car across the parking lot. Argh. Maybe they make them that way so you are more likely to have a bellhop carry your things?
5) Hotel points. You know I've gotten it down to a science? Most hotel chains have a rewards system for the points you accumulate by staying at their hotel. I have consistently found that the most expensive, nicest places have the most rediculous points-to-rewards ratio I've ever encountered in any system. For example, Hilton Honors has a minimum of 20,000 points to trade in for something that is worthless to me, like a bang and oluffson (SP?) phone cord. It does not add up to even 0.5% back of what you spent by staying there 60 nights. It's worthless. The rewards suck and are highly impractical for ...anyone, and it takes half a year of staying there to accrue them! The Ramada, however, gives me $50 in giftcards every time I stay 5 nights there. THAT, my friends, is a perk, and dare i say it? A luxury.
So, I've discovered that my true heart lies in doing things for myself and eschewing the 'pretty things,' in favor of more useful, practical, VALUABLE (monetarily and emotionally) amenities. Pretty view but no internet? count me out. 16 pools but a 3rd degree sunburn if you go outside? Useless. You can only be in one pool at a time, anyway.
It so very emphasizes the misplaced values that people struggle with--we associate the fancy name hotels and $500 rooms with luxury and independence, but I think we get more out of doing things for ourselves, and taking the time to figure out what matters most to us.
Pretty things are so often the most expensive AND the most useless. It's a sad, sad concept that has taken me many years to learn.
P.S. 40 more days.
Ah, and why wouldn't I want to live out this wonderful time in a fancy, 4 star hotel (by 4 star I mean the highest star they give out...is it 5 stars for hotels now??)? The room I'm currently staying in is a fancy-schmancy normally $300 room that was reduced to $99 because it's July in Palm Springs (yeah. 112 F at the moment...). It has beautiful fountains, 7 pools, a huge spa, yoga and tennis and and volleyball lessons, 3 golf courses, and a reputation for catering to your every need. Well...I have found that a 'luxury' hotel often has many catches, making it maybe not the most relaxing place to stay, at least for my personality type. Let me list the ways that I would rather be staying in the La Quinta Inn and Suites:
1) It isn't really 'free.' The yoga and volleyball and tennis lessons that are supposedly included in the price? Yeah, those are free with payments of $20 a day--a required 'amenities fee' they automatically charge you on top of the price of the room. The $99 room just became $119. In contrast: There is no fee associated with using the work out room at La Quinta.
2) Tip you? I can do that myself. Hrmph. Every single time I schlep through the door, a bellhop is trying to take things out of my arms. Including our samples, which legally have to stay in my possession at all times. Yes, I know you make a living by carrying Bob the Millionaire's wife's shopping bags, but IT IS MY JOB to carry a 35 pound cooler. Don't give me wierd looks because I am required and willing to carry something in myself. Good grief. HANDS OFF! Plus, my employer does not reimburse me for giving you $2 to roll my tiny suitcase down the hall or park my work truck that is rented and cannot be driven by anyone else. Puh-lease! The constant tip-mongering is highly annoying and feels very fake to me. It's your job to be nice to me...don't act like you're doing me a huge favor. In contrast: Best Western gladly offers a rolly cage if you want to load your luggage yourself, but expects no tips.
3) Free Internet! Um, for $9.99 a day. Yeah, they only offer paid wireless and internet connections in my room. Even the most basic hotel I've stayed in at least has a dial up connection for free nowadays. And the room just became $129 a day...!
4) Long freaking hallways. The expensive places are often huge, and therefore have a commute time of 20 minutes of walking to get to the elevator, down to the 1st floor, and to the car across the parking lot. Argh. Maybe they make them that way so you are more likely to have a bellhop carry your things?
5) Hotel points. You know I've gotten it down to a science? Most hotel chains have a rewards system for the points you accumulate by staying at their hotel. I have consistently found that the most expensive, nicest places have the most rediculous points-to-rewards ratio I've ever encountered in any system. For example, Hilton Honors has a minimum of 20,000 points to trade in for something that is worthless to me, like a bang and oluffson (SP?) phone cord. It does not add up to even 0.5% back of what you spent by staying there 60 nights. It's worthless. The rewards suck and are highly impractical for ...anyone, and it takes half a year of staying there to accrue them! The Ramada, however, gives me $50 in giftcards every time I stay 5 nights there. THAT, my friends, is a perk, and dare i say it? A luxury.
So, I've discovered that my true heart lies in doing things for myself and eschewing the 'pretty things,' in favor of more useful, practical, VALUABLE (monetarily and emotionally) amenities. Pretty view but no internet? count me out. 16 pools but a 3rd degree sunburn if you go outside? Useless. You can only be in one pool at a time, anyway.
It so very emphasizes the misplaced values that people struggle with--we associate the fancy name hotels and $500 rooms with luxury and independence, but I think we get more out of doing things for ourselves, and taking the time to figure out what matters most to us.
Pretty things are so often the most expensive AND the most useless. It's a sad, sad concept that has taken me many years to learn.
P.S. 40 more days.
Monday, July 16, 2007
Friday, July 13, 2007
Hey there.
So, I'm watching "Are you smarter than a fifth grader?"
I watch this show with the same love-hate as 'Deal or No Deal.' Meaning, it takes no skill or much knowledge (esp. w/ Deal or No Deal); it's all just luck--the entertainment is in the characters they have on these shows. Also meaning, I would be terrible at these and therefore don't have a chance of winning money. Grr. But anyway, I hate myself for watching, but I love the suspense.
Anyway, with all the stupid shows on now, I don't even watch that much network TV anymore--it's all Survivor and American Idol (don't get me started) ripoffs. I resort to cable and Blockbuster rentals for my rainy day entertainment. Which means I'm spending more money than I should for subpar shows when I'm bored.
I really should find other ways to fill my time. But let's face it, I'm not that creative. I can't sew, knit, craft, weld, make jewelry, cook, garden, however other people fill their time. AND, I'm not interested in any of those things except maybe, at a stretch, gardening and cooking. I don't have any space to garden, and not enough time to cook. So. what's left? play on line and read, which I do already in huge amounts. I'd join a social athletic club, but I'm averse to paying money for 6 meetings when I'd have to miss 4 of them because I'm out of town for work--this has already happened this year with the water polo, softball, and boozeskeeball teams I joined and had to miss most of.
Sigh. It really all comes back to the job. Seriously, kids, if you're reading, find a job that has no travel and regular hours. Even if you hate it, eliminating those two factors will seriously limit the effect your job has on your off-hours. 46 more days.
So, I'm watching "Are you smarter than a fifth grader?"
I watch this show with the same love-hate as 'Deal or No Deal.' Meaning, it takes no skill or much knowledge (esp. w/ Deal or No Deal); it's all just luck--the entertainment is in the characters they have on these shows. Also meaning, I would be terrible at these and therefore don't have a chance of winning money. Grr. But anyway, I hate myself for watching, but I love the suspense.
Anyway, with all the stupid shows on now, I don't even watch that much network TV anymore--it's all Survivor and American Idol (don't get me started) ripoffs. I resort to cable and Blockbuster rentals for my rainy day entertainment. Which means I'm spending more money than I should for subpar shows when I'm bored.
I really should find other ways to fill my time. But let's face it, I'm not that creative. I can't sew, knit, craft, weld, make jewelry, cook, garden, however other people fill their time. AND, I'm not interested in any of those things except maybe, at a stretch, gardening and cooking. I don't have any space to garden, and not enough time to cook. So. what's left? play on line and read, which I do already in huge amounts. I'd join a social athletic club, but I'm averse to paying money for 6 meetings when I'd have to miss 4 of them because I'm out of town for work--this has already happened this year with the water polo, softball, and boozeskeeball teams I joined and had to miss most of.
Sigh. It really all comes back to the job. Seriously, kids, if you're reading, find a job that has no travel and regular hours. Even if you hate it, eliminating those two factors will seriously limit the effect your job has on your off-hours. 46 more days.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
The Simple Dollar posted today about priorities, so I decided to use the tool he suggested and figure out what my money would best go to. Some of it is dependent on time, some need, and some for security.
Here's how my goals shake down:
1. $1000/mo for school Sept - May
2. Have emergency fund equal to 6 mo. living expenses.
3. Have a new car fund (6K)
4. Pay mom back $5000.
5. Maxing out Roth IRA.
6. contributing 15% to 401K
7. Have downpayment for a house.
8. maxing out retirement funds.
9. Have a travel fund for Europe (5K)
Obviously, my most pressing need, since school is a mere what? 47 days away, I need to have that cash on-hand to use during my stint at school. Money will be tight, I will have to budget like I haven't done since...ever, and this remains my first priority.
Secondly, I clearly know the importance of an emergency fund. Right now, this doubles as my school fund. After school is over, this becomes my #1 priority.
Next comes money for a car once mine breaks down. It wouldn't make sense to pay my mom back (#4) if I just have to borrow it back if my car dies. I like how this is so logical...
Then, I pay my mom back her $5000 once I am secure in my ability to weather a storm and buy a car free and clear. This is also nice since my mom is a very understanding lender and will allow me to postpone payments if something horrible happens and I can't afford to do it.
And, once again, at this juncture, I am debt-free and able to save up for my dreams...
#5. Max out Roth. It's only $4000 (or $5000 in the coming years), I should be able to do this on a full-time salary. I think the $15000 max in a 401K feels like a number WAY too big for me to tackle, so the smaller $4K is alot easier for me to grasp in my head.
Here's where it gets tricky...
#6 Send 15% of my salary to my 401K. Again, 15K is almost thirty percent of my gross income. That...is ALOT. So my next goal is to get half of my retirement funds out of the way.
#7 House downpayment fund. This and #6 vie with each other, as I will want to pull money from retirement to start this behemoth of a goal. I really want to avoid PMI and pay 20% upfront, but I am just not sure it's possible, given the housing market. Even with prices plummetting where I live--a 20% downpayment on the bare minimum (a 1 bed/1 bath condo in a safe area) is around 55K. Holy Jesus!!
#8 Max out retirement. Obviously, this will take a backseat since that money isn't available for decades, so I will need $$ to accomplish my other goals. I'm thinking that once I max out my retirement funds, I won't have much money left except for living expenses. Hopefully at this point I will have received several big raises to offset the cost of locking 19K in my retirement.
#9 OK. Here's where I disagree. I have to rearrange this one a little bit, since I WANT TO GO TO EUROPE! And it's a one-time, smaller cost than the previous three goals. I'm bumping it up in conjunction with my downpayment fund and my 15% to retirement.
Here's my new list:
1. $1000/mo for school Sept - May
2. Have emergency fund equal to 6 mo. living expenses (11K).
3. Have a new car fund (6K)
4. Pay mom back $5000.
5. Maxing out Roth IRA.
6. Have a travel fund for Europe (5K)
7. Have downpayment for a house (55K?).
8. Contribute 15% of my salary to 401K.
9. Max out retirement funds.
Seven and Eight will directly compete with each other. I have to really figure that one out when I get to it (I can't wait for that quandary!!).
Here's how my goals shake down:
1. $1000/mo for school Sept - May
2. Have emergency fund equal to 6 mo. living expenses.
3. Have a new car fund (6K)
4. Pay mom back $5000.
5. Maxing out Roth IRA.
6. contributing 15% to 401K
7. Have downpayment for a house.
8. maxing out retirement funds.
9. Have a travel fund for Europe (5K)
Obviously, my most pressing need, since school is a mere what? 47 days away, I need to have that cash on-hand to use during my stint at school. Money will be tight, I will have to budget like I haven't done since...ever, and this remains my first priority.
Secondly, I clearly know the importance of an emergency fund. Right now, this doubles as my school fund. After school is over, this becomes my #1 priority.
Next comes money for a car once mine breaks down. It wouldn't make sense to pay my mom back (#4) if I just have to borrow it back if my car dies. I like how this is so logical...
Then, I pay my mom back her $5000 once I am secure in my ability to weather a storm and buy a car free and clear. This is also nice since my mom is a very understanding lender and will allow me to postpone payments if something horrible happens and I can't afford to do it.
And, once again, at this juncture, I am debt-free and able to save up for my dreams...
#5. Max out Roth. It's only $4000 (or $5000 in the coming years), I should be able to do this on a full-time salary. I think the $15000 max in a 401K feels like a number WAY too big for me to tackle, so the smaller $4K is alot easier for me to grasp in my head.
Here's where it gets tricky...
#6 Send 15% of my salary to my 401K. Again, 15K is almost thirty percent of my gross income. That...is ALOT. So my next goal is to get half of my retirement funds out of the way.
#7 House downpayment fund. This and #6 vie with each other, as I will want to pull money from retirement to start this behemoth of a goal. I really want to avoid PMI and pay 20% upfront, but I am just not sure it's possible, given the housing market. Even with prices plummetting where I live--a 20% downpayment on the bare minimum (a 1 bed/1 bath condo in a safe area) is around 55K. Holy Jesus!!
#8 Max out retirement. Obviously, this will take a backseat since that money isn't available for decades, so I will need $$ to accomplish my other goals. I'm thinking that once I max out my retirement funds, I won't have much money left except for living expenses. Hopefully at this point I will have received several big raises to offset the cost of locking 19K in my retirement.
#9 OK. Here's where I disagree. I have to rearrange this one a little bit, since I WANT TO GO TO EUROPE! And it's a one-time, smaller cost than the previous three goals. I'm bumping it up in conjunction with my downpayment fund and my 15% to retirement.
Here's my new list:
1. $1000/mo for school Sept - May
2. Have emergency fund equal to 6 mo. living expenses (11K).
3. Have a new car fund (6K)
4. Pay mom back $5000.
5. Maxing out Roth IRA.
6. Have a travel fund for Europe (5K)
7. Have downpayment for a house (55K?).
8. Contribute 15% of my salary to 401K.
9. Max out retirement funds.
Seven and Eight will directly compete with each other. I have to really figure that one out when I get to it (I can't wait for that quandary!!).
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
the countdown continues
almost there. 48 days left.
Work is so much more tolerable now that I am preparing for that outlet and can see it plainly. The sad part is is that I'm wishing my summer away. Not that it matters, it is basically over anyway, it's so full!
so, less than seven weeks of normal pay to get everything back on track. I'm going to try to keep my expenses down and not raid my $14K school fund, but I'm not sure if I can do it. It's crunch time, folks.
Work is so much more tolerable now that I am preparing for that outlet and can see it plainly. The sad part is is that I'm wishing my summer away. Not that it matters, it is basically over anyway, it's so full!
so, less than seven weeks of normal pay to get everything back on track. I'm going to try to keep my expenses down and not raid my $14K school fund, but I'm not sure if I can do it. It's crunch time, folks.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Budget!
Debt hater (see side bar for link) recently posted about her salary not being the problem in her finances. She felt constricted by her income, but a quick analysis showed that it wasn't the problem--her debt was.
I've been feeling constrained by my income, lately, too--there just never seems to be enough to throw a little in my savings! and I don't have any debt to blame it on--I must be overspending (but still within my means, people, let's not get too hyper!). I decided to follow her lead and see how much I should have left over:
Rent: $750
Electric/Gas: $25 (this is a rough estimate; a full month in my new place with the solar panels factored in has not gone by)
Cable/Internet: $43 (a full month has not gone by; I think that is going to increase in a few months)
Car (gas): $120
Roth IRA: $100
Savings (automatic): $100
Cell phone: $47
Prescription: $25 (I get a $30 gift card every month for transferring my prescription, so actually make $5, but I'll count it since I spend the cash)
Food: $250 (I try to stick to $50/wk but I know I go over sometimes, plus it counts for a dinner out every once in a while)
Entertainment/misc: $200 ($50/wk)
Occasional expenses:
$43/mo for renters and car insurance ($509 total, split up into three times a year--$167 in March, $167 in September, $175 in October)
Auto registration: $5/mo ($60/yr)
$47 for AAA (they saved my butt today, actually!)
That equals roughly $1720 in expenses each month. I net a little over $3160, so I have around $1400 free each month to put into savings.
Holy crap...REALLY?!!!
Sigh. This is awfully depressing. The traveling I've been doing, plus all the car repairs, plus all the moving and buying new stuff expenses are keepin me down, man! I haven't put anything into savings in a month or two! And it's not over...oh boy, is it not over.
Just in the next month, I have:
--oral surgery (wisdom teeth removal)
--dental work (fillings)
--doc appt (for prescription refill before I start school; and also so he can check out the bumps on my head--they aren't in my skull, and they don't hurt or itch, but what could they be?)
--female doc so I can get more bc pills while I'm in school (although I suspect I can just go to the University's health center...it is a college, after all)
--a family reunion to Michigan, which is VERY expensive right now ($700 plus!)
--a trip to minnesota to attend my bf's mother's funeral (will happen in the next two weeks, most likely); I'm on standby.
--registration fees and tuition for classes.
--books for classes.
Oy. vey. I am guessing I won't be able to save anything before I start school, besides my $100 monthly must to my HSBC account. Actually, I'm going to make that weekly until I start school, so I will be contributing $700.
There. My financial bones lay on the table for all to see. The only places I can see to cut back would be the cable (could reduce it to just internet for $10 each), food spending (not sure how far I could cut this back...maybe $30/wk?), and misc.
Ah well. I did just get my security deposit back from my other place. $817 to go to savings. But let's face it--I'll be pulling that out in a few weeks to cover one of my bills (above). Sometimes the budget works, sometimes its broke.
I've been feeling constrained by my income, lately, too--there just never seems to be enough to throw a little in my savings! and I don't have any debt to blame it on--I must be overspending (but still within my means, people, let's not get too hyper!). I decided to follow her lead and see how much I should have left over:
Rent: $750
Electric/Gas: $25 (this is a rough estimate; a full month in my new place with the solar panels factored in has not gone by)
Cable/Internet: $43 (a full month has not gone by; I think that is going to increase in a few months)
Car (gas): $120
Roth IRA: $100
Savings (automatic): $100
Cell phone: $47
Prescription: $25 (I get a $30 gift card every month for transferring my prescription, so actually make $5, but I'll count it since I spend the cash)
Food: $250 (I try to stick to $50/wk but I know I go over sometimes, plus it counts for a dinner out every once in a while)
Entertainment/misc: $200 ($50/wk)
Occasional expenses:
$43/mo for renters and car insurance ($509 total, split up into three times a year--$167 in March, $167 in September, $175 in October)
Auto registration: $5/mo ($60/yr)
$47 for AAA (they saved my butt today, actually!)
That equals roughly $1720 in expenses each month. I net a little over $3160, so I have around $1400 free each month to put into savings.
Holy crap...REALLY?!!!
Sigh. This is awfully depressing. The traveling I've been doing, plus all the car repairs, plus all the moving and buying new stuff expenses are keepin me down, man! I haven't put anything into savings in a month or two! And it's not over...oh boy, is it not over.
Just in the next month, I have:
--oral surgery (wisdom teeth removal)
--dental work (fillings)
--doc appt (for prescription refill before I start school; and also so he can check out the bumps on my head--they aren't in my skull, and they don't hurt or itch, but what could they be?)
--female doc so I can get more bc pills while I'm in school (although I suspect I can just go to the University's health center...it is a college, after all)
--a family reunion to Michigan, which is VERY expensive right now ($700 plus!)
--a trip to minnesota to attend my bf's mother's funeral (will happen in the next two weeks, most likely); I'm on standby.
--registration fees and tuition for classes.
--books for classes.
Oy. vey. I am guessing I won't be able to save anything before I start school, besides my $100 monthly must to my HSBC account. Actually, I'm going to make that weekly until I start school, so I will be contributing $700.
There. My financial bones lay on the table for all to see. The only places I can see to cut back would be the cable (could reduce it to just internet for $10 each), food spending (not sure how far I could cut this back...maybe $30/wk?), and misc.
Ah well. I did just get my security deposit back from my other place. $817 to go to savings. But let's face it--I'll be pulling that out in a few weeks to cover one of my bills (above). Sometimes the budget works, sometimes its broke.
Sunday, July 08, 2007
Gift Nonsense
Gift Nonsense...
So Blogger won't let me enter in a title. I put one in on the first line of this post instead.
I have a bachelorette party to go to tonight. The bride to be was officially my roommate only one week ago. I miss living with her already, but her friends and family are GOING CRAZY if they think I am going to attend/buy gifts for EVERY SINGLE event they've planned for her upcoming nuptuals.
First there was an engagement party. My grandfather died and I couldn't attend, unfortunately. I didn't send a gift.
Then there was a wedding shower, two weeks ago. I was on vacation, didn't send a gift.
Tonight there is a bachelorette party. Not bringing a gift, but I will be paying for part of her portion of dinner and some drinks afterward.
Next Saturday there is an "Around the House" party, for which we are to buy gifts for her new rental.
And then there is the wedding.
Are you kidding me?! Five events?? Each invitation emblazoned with "K and S are registered at X, X, and X."
sorry. That's insane. She even admits it's too much, but her sister, mother, and matron of honor are heady with the power of garnering their bride an overflow of gifts.
My former roommate and good friend, or her fiance, are not the type to buy into (ha ha) all of this attention, so I won't feel bad when I click 'buy' on their wedding gift and that is all I give them. My presence, covering of my dinner and part of her dinner, and some drinks tonight will have to suffice. I know she doesn't care about that stuff--she actually doesn't know roughly 3/4 of the people invited to her wedding. Her mom is paying for it, and therefore insists on inviting her own friends, no matter if they've even met K or not. ! Imagine...250 guests, and you know 50 of them. That is what her wedding is going to be like. However...lots of gifts!
Now to go check out what is left on their registries...I may *gasp* go off-registry, I want to get them something slightly more personal.
So Blogger won't let me enter in a title. I put one in on the first line of this post instead.
I have a bachelorette party to go to tonight. The bride to be was officially my roommate only one week ago. I miss living with her already, but her friends and family are GOING CRAZY if they think I am going to attend/buy gifts for EVERY SINGLE event they've planned for her upcoming nuptuals.
First there was an engagement party. My grandfather died and I couldn't attend, unfortunately. I didn't send a gift.
Then there was a wedding shower, two weeks ago. I was on vacation, didn't send a gift.
Tonight there is a bachelorette party. Not bringing a gift, but I will be paying for part of her portion of dinner and some drinks afterward.
Next Saturday there is an "Around the House" party, for which we are to buy gifts for her new rental.
And then there is the wedding.
Are you kidding me?! Five events?? Each invitation emblazoned with "K and S are registered at X, X, and X."
sorry. That's insane. She even admits it's too much, but her sister, mother, and matron of honor are heady with the power of garnering their bride an overflow of gifts.
My former roommate and good friend, or her fiance, are not the type to buy into (ha ha) all of this attention, so I won't feel bad when I click 'buy' on their wedding gift and that is all I give them. My presence, covering of my dinner and part of her dinner, and some drinks tonight will have to suffice. I know she doesn't care about that stuff--she actually doesn't know roughly 3/4 of the people invited to her wedding. Her mom is paying for it, and therefore insists on inviting her own friends, no matter if they've even met K or not. ! Imagine...250 guests, and you know 50 of them. That is what her wedding is going to be like. However...lots of gifts!
Now to go check out what is left on their registries...I may *gasp* go off-registry, I want to get them something slightly more personal.
Saturday, July 07, 2007
Work Sucks
Ok. OK. I CAN DO THIS. Work, my friends, is driving me crazy. I HATE it. I hate the corporate bs, I hate the monotonous drudgery, I hate getting up late because I dread going in, and hate hating myself for hating it and putting up with it. I'm not doing well. I'm lagging behind in productivity, and I just don't care anymore.
The one thing I DO like? My paycheck.
I just talked to my supervisor today again about my school plan, and gave him and my CFO my possible schedule. Every time I advance this plan, I feel better about my work...as it is a step away from it.
I take solace in the fact that I am going to go part-time and take classes in T-minus 52! days. 35 of those days are working days. At least 5 of those 35 I am out in the field (and therefore not in the office). I can probably increase that to at least 9...and use 4 days as vacation...and voila! 17 days of real work left. August 27, here I come!
The countdown begins!
(sigh...anyone know why the title block doesn't let me enter in a title??)
The one thing I DO like? My paycheck.
I just talked to my supervisor today again about my school plan, and gave him and my CFO my possible schedule. Every time I advance this plan, I feel better about my work...as it is a step away from it.
I take solace in the fact that I am going to go part-time and take classes in T-minus 52! days. 35 of those days are working days. At least 5 of those 35 I am out in the field (and therefore not in the office). I can probably increase that to at least 9...and use 4 days as vacation...and voila! 17 days of real work left. August 27, here I come!
The countdown begins!
(sigh...anyone know why the title block doesn't let me enter in a title??)
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Happy Fourth!!
Well, I'm off to find some fireworks displays in a minute, but let me just say that I officially swear not to apply for any more credit cards for the remainder of the year, no matter how good the bonus is. That is, besides the cc I'm applying for for 0% interest for a year for use during the school year.
You'll remember that just last week I applied for the AMEX business gold card for a $250 gift certificate. Well, today I found a cc that offers 25,000 United Plus miles, which you can redeem for $1225 in gift certificates to selected restaurant.com restaurants. Can you say, "Too good to pass up?" I did.
So...that's my third cc this year. Soon to be fourth in August. Luckily, I don't have to be approved for any loans or apartments or jobs or anything like that in the next year. So I think there is enough time for my score to recover.
Note: the gift certificates are not without a hitch. You have to select a certificate to one of the restaurants that participate, and usually they have some requirements and restrictions on when you can use the certificate. for example, my city has 21 eligible restaurants, and each of them require a purchase of 2 entrees, or $35 in purchases, or only Sun.- Thursday or something like that. there are alternate uses for that 25,000 miles--an airline ticket is one of them. You also have to make $250 in purchases to get the points. Just FYI!!
You'll remember that just last week I applied for the AMEX business gold card for a $250 gift certificate. Well, today I found a cc that offers 25,000 United Plus miles, which you can redeem for $1225 in gift certificates to selected restaurant.com restaurants. Can you say, "Too good to pass up?" I did.
So...that's my third cc this year. Soon to be fourth in August. Luckily, I don't have to be approved for any loans or apartments or jobs or anything like that in the next year. So I think there is enough time for my score to recover.
Note: the gift certificates are not without a hitch. You have to select a certificate to one of the restaurants that participate, and usually they have some requirements and restrictions on when you can use the certificate. for example, my city has 21 eligible restaurants, and each of them require a purchase of 2 entrees, or $35 in purchases, or only Sun.- Thursday or something like that. there are alternate uses for that 25,000 miles--an airline ticket is one of them. You also have to make $250 in purchases to get the points. Just FYI!!
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Advice in small doses
Last night my bf and I were talking about the money he's about to come into. Obviously he has alot of opportunities with this money. I'll share his sentiments here only because this blog is anonymous.
In our discussion, he said that there are alot of unknowns--taxes, penalties, and so forth. For example, do 401K's pass onto their owner's loved ones without penalties? Obviously, taxes must be paid...but what else? how does that work? What about investments in funds and stocks? Their lawyer is going to be very busy.
So, once all that is cleared up, where should he put the money? He mentioned to me that he felt that stocks were unsafe with all of their ups and downs. This is surprising to me since he is such a risk-taker in real-life. On the other hand, it may just be that he doesn't know a whole lot about his options. I don't think he's ever had excess money.
Other than spending it, he seems to want to put the bulk of the money in a high-yield savings account. The idea of 100K in a savings account pretty much freaked me out. I calmly told him that after taxes and inflation, keeping money in a savings account basically only keeps up the value in the long run--not much growing is going on there. The reason to put money in a high yield savings account is for emergencies.
The fact remains that the only REAL way to make money over a long period of time (that I've heard of, and barring investing in a great piece of property to sell later) is through the stock market.
He also mentioned moving to a lower COL area and buying a house, because that brings more value to your investment. Barring the wonderfullousness and freedom of owning your own house, in the interest of pure money-making, I had a few comments. I mentioned that the real estate market is so volatile right now, and no one property will most likely gain as much as he's looking to gain, and that if he REALLY wanted to make money through real estate, the only way to make money almost for sure is through REITs. REITs can average the market out and also you can choose to invest in business real estate, which tends to be a bit more stable.
So I hope I made valid points and made him think a little bit. Please let me know if you had anything to add.
In our discussion, he said that there are alot of unknowns--taxes, penalties, and so forth. For example, do 401K's pass onto their owner's loved ones without penalties? Obviously, taxes must be paid...but what else? how does that work? What about investments in funds and stocks? Their lawyer is going to be very busy.
So, once all that is cleared up, where should he put the money? He mentioned to me that he felt that stocks were unsafe with all of their ups and downs. This is surprising to me since he is such a risk-taker in real-life. On the other hand, it may just be that he doesn't know a whole lot about his options. I don't think he's ever had excess money.
Other than spending it, he seems to want to put the bulk of the money in a high-yield savings account. The idea of 100K in a savings account pretty much freaked me out. I calmly told him that after taxes and inflation, keeping money in a savings account basically only keeps up the value in the long run--not much growing is going on there. The reason to put money in a high yield savings account is for emergencies.
The fact remains that the only REAL way to make money over a long period of time (that I've heard of, and barring investing in a great piece of property to sell later) is through the stock market.
He also mentioned moving to a lower COL area and buying a house, because that brings more value to your investment. Barring the wonderfullousness and freedom of owning your own house, in the interest of pure money-making, I had a few comments. I mentioned that the real estate market is so volatile right now, and no one property will most likely gain as much as he's looking to gain, and that if he REALLY wanted to make money through real estate, the only way to make money almost for sure is through REITs. REITs can average the market out and also you can choose to invest in business real estate, which tends to be a bit more stable.
So I hope I made valid points and made him think a little bit. Please let me know if you had anything to add.
Money Can Buy Happiness
I must be reeling from all the change--moving, bf, deaths, illnesses, on top of normal stresses--I woke up this morning absolutely hating life and completely unable to drag myself out of bed for work. I won't have any more personal finance success stories to tell if I keep going at this rate--I won't have any income!
I vow to do better. I've GOT to get on the ball in terms of eating better, working out regularly, keeping in touch with friends/family, and being on-point at work.
These are all the things that make you happier, according to this article by MP Dunleavey. In reverse order (somewhat):
6) Fun. Can't be Serious Sally ALL the time. Take time to do what you love. Kind of a no-brainer--most people do this in excess, as it is always preferable to work. people paying very close attention to their finances, however, sometimes ignore this essential item. What is the point of money if you are unhappy? Most people, women in particular, obsess over money so they feel secure, which, once achieved, frees one up to enjoy the things that make them feel happy (even if you must spend a little to do so).
I need to work on this one, and refine my budget so I have some room to play.
5) Financial Sanity. Always worrying about how to pay the rent does NOT make for a happy life.
As I recently keep finding out, having a stash of money for emergencies takes the edge off of those Oh my God! That's half of my paycheck! moments. And there is no better feeling than being debt-free and keeping it that way by living below your means.
4) Good health. Amen! A disabled father and a mentally ill sister has taught me that it is very hard to be happy when you are limited by your own body. Take care of it as best you can by eating healthfully and getting regular exercise. This does not mean never eating chocolate (see #6), but I think a most-of-the-time approach works better than a never or all the time one.
I also need to seriously spend some time and money on this one. Put it in the budget!
3) Finding what excites you, and building your skills and knowledge in that area. Spend time learning. Have a few hobbies.
Learning about personal finance and how to save money is one of my main hobbies--mostly because it directly benefits me and my family, and because of the constant reward of seeing my net worth increase. science gives me butterflies in my stomach. It feels good and it feels right when I spend time learning about it. I feel fulfilled and excited and want to know more. Reading helps me learn about both of my other hobbies, as well as get lost in another world from time to time. Giving to charity and volunteering give my life and situation some perspective.
2) Time to do #3. This directly ties into #5, as well.
My mom commutes over an hour to work every day, and that is just one trip--so she has to do more than 2 hours of driving just for work!! argh. That severely cuts down on the time she has to enjoy herself. She also regularly puts in more than 8 hours a day. As well as take care of my disabled father, ill sister, and the household, as WELL as pay all of the bills, and it's no wonder she's taking anti-depressants. If you don't have time, you can't spend time doing things you enjoy, which makes you less happy. P.S. my mom is interviewing for positions closer to home whenever she can. She's pretty senior in her field, and we live in a very rural area, so the positions are few and far between.
1) The biggie, in my opinion: Connecting to other people. Having a close bond with friends and family is essential to a happy life. It is a basic human need to feel understood, to have a place to go to when you are down, to have a network to rely on, an assortment of people that you know love you regardless of your actions. Think of it as an emotional emergency fund--money can sit there waiting for you until you need it, but you can have fun with people and invest in your relationships, and they will (hopefully) be there when you need them, which is much better. #2-6 fly out of the window if you don't have this--If you feel that you are an accepted part of your community, you will blossom. Your self-confidence will soar, you will draw people to you, in turn resulting in close connections with MORE people.
I know this first-hand--in college, i was miserable the first two years due to the lack of 1) time to have fun 2) connections to people. In grad school, it was like a complete 180. The whole time I was there I was intensely happy because everyone was interested in the same things I was, was available and had time to have fun together, and clicked emotionally with me and each other. We were very far away from our homes, which I think cemented us as our own family to replace our far away ones. My current city also lacks this, and therefore I am unhappy here as well (no time, lack of 'clickable' people). Must work on this one, as well---or move. I'm hoping my school venture takes care of this a little bit.
Synopsis:
They all kind of build on two concepts: being financially independent (not worrying about money and working smarter instead of longer hours gives you time to enjoy hobbies and people) and finding the 'its' that give you purpose in life (the actual learning, hobbies, and people that give that free time and money meaning). It is very interesting, because some people have one or the other, but still complain. Just having money and time--and even fame--isn't going to get you there...just look at Paris Hilton. Knowing what gives you purpose in life is somewhat less useful if you don't have the time or money to enjoy them. It really is the combination of the two--with a heavy weighting towards the 'its,' of course, that will lead to happiness (in my assessment, at least...feel free to comment!).
Of course, finding a job that incorporates the things that excite you, great pay, and people that you easily connect with is the ultimate jackpot, but I suppose that is the goal for those of us who aren't both independently wealthy and know exactly what we want out of life.
If you don't have the best job ever, there are things you can do to set yourself up for happiness: take care of your health, explore your interests outside of work, manage your finances so that you will one day have the freedom to walk away and possibly find that magic job, and budget your time so that you are able to have fun and time to enjoy your favorite hobbies and people in the meantime.
Looks like I need to get crackin' on my happiness net worth!
I vow to do better. I've GOT to get on the ball in terms of eating better, working out regularly, keeping in touch with friends/family, and being on-point at work.
These are all the things that make you happier, according to this article by MP Dunleavey. In reverse order (somewhat):
6) Fun. Can't be Serious Sally ALL the time. Take time to do what you love. Kind of a no-brainer--most people do this in excess, as it is always preferable to work. people paying very close attention to their finances, however, sometimes ignore this essential item. What is the point of money if you are unhappy? Most people, women in particular, obsess over money so they feel secure, which, once achieved, frees one up to enjoy the things that make them feel happy (even if you must spend a little to do so).
I need to work on this one, and refine my budget so I have some room to play.
5) Financial Sanity. Always worrying about how to pay the rent does NOT make for a happy life.
As I recently keep finding out, having a stash of money for emergencies takes the edge off of those Oh my God! That's half of my paycheck! moments. And there is no better feeling than being debt-free and keeping it that way by living below your means.
4) Good health. Amen! A disabled father and a mentally ill sister has taught me that it is very hard to be happy when you are limited by your own body. Take care of it as best you can by eating healthfully and getting regular exercise. This does not mean never eating chocolate (see #6), but I think a most-of-the-time approach works better than a never or all the time one.
I also need to seriously spend some time and money on this one. Put it in the budget!
3) Finding what excites you, and building your skills and knowledge in that area. Spend time learning. Have a few hobbies.
Learning about personal finance and how to save money is one of my main hobbies--mostly because it directly benefits me and my family, and because of the constant reward of seeing my net worth increase. science gives me butterflies in my stomach. It feels good and it feels right when I spend time learning about it. I feel fulfilled and excited and want to know more. Reading helps me learn about both of my other hobbies, as well as get lost in another world from time to time. Giving to charity and volunteering give my life and situation some perspective.
2) Time to do #3. This directly ties into #5, as well.
My mom commutes over an hour to work every day, and that is just one trip--so she has to do more than 2 hours of driving just for work!! argh. That severely cuts down on the time she has to enjoy herself. She also regularly puts in more than 8 hours a day. As well as take care of my disabled father, ill sister, and the household, as WELL as pay all of the bills, and it's no wonder she's taking anti-depressants. If you don't have time, you can't spend time doing things you enjoy, which makes you less happy. P.S. my mom is interviewing for positions closer to home whenever she can. She's pretty senior in her field, and we live in a very rural area, so the positions are few and far between.
1) The biggie, in my opinion: Connecting to other people. Having a close bond with friends and family is essential to a happy life. It is a basic human need to feel understood, to have a place to go to when you are down, to have a network to rely on, an assortment of people that you know love you regardless of your actions. Think of it as an emotional emergency fund--money can sit there waiting for you until you need it, but you can have fun with people and invest in your relationships, and they will (hopefully) be there when you need them, which is much better. #2-6 fly out of the window if you don't have this--If you feel that you are an accepted part of your community, you will blossom. Your self-confidence will soar, you will draw people to you, in turn resulting in close connections with MORE people.
I know this first-hand--in college, i was miserable the first two years due to the lack of 1) time to have fun 2) connections to people. In grad school, it was like a complete 180. The whole time I was there I was intensely happy because everyone was interested in the same things I was, was available and had time to have fun together, and clicked emotionally with me and each other. We were very far away from our homes, which I think cemented us as our own family to replace our far away ones. My current city also lacks this, and therefore I am unhappy here as well (no time, lack of 'clickable' people). Must work on this one, as well---or move. I'm hoping my school venture takes care of this a little bit.
Synopsis:
They all kind of build on two concepts: being financially independent (not worrying about money and working smarter instead of longer hours gives you time to enjoy hobbies and people) and finding the 'its' that give you purpose in life (the actual learning, hobbies, and people that give that free time and money meaning). It is very interesting, because some people have one or the other, but still complain. Just having money and time--and even fame--isn't going to get you there...just look at Paris Hilton. Knowing what gives you purpose in life is somewhat less useful if you don't have the time or money to enjoy them. It really is the combination of the two--with a heavy weighting towards the 'its,' of course, that will lead to happiness (in my assessment, at least...feel free to comment!).
Of course, finding a job that incorporates the things that excite you, great pay, and people that you easily connect with is the ultimate jackpot, but I suppose that is the goal for those of us who aren't both independently wealthy and know exactly what we want out of life.
If you don't have the best job ever, there are things you can do to set yourself up for happiness: take care of your health, explore your interests outside of work, manage your finances so that you will one day have the freedom to walk away and possibly find that magic job, and budget your time so that you are able to have fun and time to enjoy your favorite hobbies and people in the meantime.
Looks like I need to get crackin' on my happiness net worth!
Monday, July 02, 2007
End of June Moolah Mix
Checking: $2400
401(K): $6,234.67
Roth IRA: $918.64
Total Retirement Fun (12/22/06): $3,485.99
Total Retirement Fun (2/07): $4,479
Total Retirement Fun (3/07): $5,820
Total Retirement Fun (6/07): $ 6,965
Total Retirement Fun: $7153.37
Total Emergency Savings (09/09/06): $2,035
Total Emergency Savings (10/14/06): $2,583
Total Emergency Savings (11/19/06): $2,977
Total Emergency Savings (12/22/06): $3,225.97
Total Emergency Savings (2/07): $4,260.16
Total Emergency Savings (3/07): $6,750
Total Emergency Savings (6/07): $7,815
Total Emergency Savings (HSBC): $13,151.28
Total Net Worth (Emergency Savings + Retirement Fun): $20,304.59
Woo Hoo! My net worth is over 20K!!
401(K): $6,234.67
Roth IRA: $918.64
Total Retirement Fun (12/22/06): $3,485.99
Total Retirement Fun (2/07): $4,479
Total Retirement Fun (3/07): $5,820
Total Retirement Fun (6/07): $ 6,965
Total Retirement Fun: $7153.37
Total Emergency Savings (09/09/06): $2,035
Total Emergency Savings (10/14/06): $2,583
Total Emergency Savings (11/19/06): $2,977
Total Emergency Savings (12/22/06): $3,225.97
Total Emergency Savings (2/07): $4,260.16
Total Emergency Savings (3/07): $6,750
Total Emergency Savings (6/07): $7,815
Total Emergency Savings (HSBC): $13,151.28
Total Net Worth (Emergency Savings + Retirement Fun): $20,304.59
Woo Hoo! My net worth is over 20K!!
Sigh.
yet another car emergency post.
My new neighbor came over yesterday morning to tell me that there was a bulge in my front passenger side tire--and my tire was sure to pop in the near future. In order to reduce the chances of my tire popping on the freeway whilst going 70+ mph, I checked it out and replaced all 4 of my tires right away.
But that's not what I'm mad about--I knew I was going to have to replace my two back tires, seeing as they are very old. I really didn't think I'd have to replace my front ones right away--they are less than 30 DAYS OLD!!!
And I've moved since I got my car worked on, so I went to a place near my new place to avoid driving on the freeway on a suspect front tire. As you all know, front blowouts are the worst, as they make you lose control of the steering.
When I got the new tires in May, they had told me they were changing their name and would no longer do tires in a couple of days, so I got the tires quickly (didn't want to have to go to a second place for the repairs that I needed). So, when I found out my tire was about to blow yesterday, I thought I couldn't take it back to have it repaired. I sought a refund in lieu of new tires--after all, if they had their same name, I would have new tires free of charge!
So I called them--and they DO DO tires. phblt. Not that I wanted to venture that far on a shady tire, but they won't give me my money back since I went to a different place to have it fixed. OMG! MF! Want to Kill! That's the kind of stuff that annoys me. I won't say their name but I hate Midas.
I'm going to bring them the tire that had a bulge in it, my invoice, and the bill for my new tires in to the manager. Hopefully they can correct this error!
My new neighbor came over yesterday morning to tell me that there was a bulge in my front passenger side tire--and my tire was sure to pop in the near future. In order to reduce the chances of my tire popping on the freeway whilst going 70+ mph, I checked it out and replaced all 4 of my tires right away.
But that's not what I'm mad about--I knew I was going to have to replace my two back tires, seeing as they are very old. I really didn't think I'd have to replace my front ones right away--they are less than 30 DAYS OLD!!!
And I've moved since I got my car worked on, so I went to a place near my new place to avoid driving on the freeway on a suspect front tire. As you all know, front blowouts are the worst, as they make you lose control of the steering.
When I got the new tires in May, they had told me they were changing their name and would no longer do tires in a couple of days, so I got the tires quickly (didn't want to have to go to a second place for the repairs that I needed). So, when I found out my tire was about to blow yesterday, I thought I couldn't take it back to have it repaired. I sought a refund in lieu of new tires--after all, if they had their same name, I would have new tires free of charge!
So I called them--and they DO DO tires. phblt. Not that I wanted to venture that far on a shady tire, but they won't give me my money back since I went to a different place to have it fixed. OMG! MF! Want to Kill! That's the kind of stuff that annoys me. I won't say their name but I hate Midas.
I'm going to bring them the tire that had a bulge in it, my invoice, and the bill for my new tires in to the manager. Hopefully they can correct this error!
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