I drove to Newport Beach today to prep for my fieldwork this week. I'm trying to eke out as much savings as I can from this. I don't have to spend money on gas or food this week. I'm paid hourly, and luckily (?) tonight traffic was HORRENDOUS--so I get paid for sitting in 3 hours of traffic (normally the drive takes an hour and a half). I did the math while I was sitting still--I end up getting paid 35 cents for each minute of traffic. (It still wasn't worth it, but it's something to be grateful for!)
I'm staying in a hotel that gives double points this week, so I should be able to get a $50 gift card to Von's in a couple of weeks. My food is paid for this week, so I get to eat out as much as I want on the company! I've been craving steak, so tonight I got top sirloin and yummy mashed potatoes. Oh. Yeah. I can't wait for the dinners this week!
Monday, March 31, 2008
Sunday, March 30, 2008
No TV Weekend and March Madness do not Mix
So right after I posted that last post, the boyfriend decided to turn on the TV to check the score on the basketball games. So the weekend didn't really work for him, but I'm still sticking to my guns (er, remote). Maybe another weekend...
So far I've been glued to my laptop in my room, working, except for a jaunt to the mailbox. The work is much more productive without the tv on in the background, though.
So far I've been glued to my laptop in my room, working, except for a jaunt to the mailbox. The work is much more productive without the tv on in the background, though.
Free Toiletries!
I peruse through the ad flyers that come through my mailbox every week--just in case. I don't need this stuff, but maybe some of you do:
At Rite Aid, until 4/3/08 in CA (may be different in other states):
Free Softsoap body wash, 12 oz. Buy it now, and Rite Aid will send you a rebate check in the mail later. You end up paying for sales tax on the item, but that's it.
Neutrogena Triple Moisture Shampoo, Conditioner, or Serum, Free. Double rebate available, making it free (except for sales tax).
There is also some glucose monitors and strips, and some condoms and gel, available for free.
Limit 1 per rebate, but you can get around this by having everyone in your family sign up. If you can find a coupon for these items, you actually end up getting paid to buy the item!
Go here to sign up, if you haven't already. Buy the rebate item, and keep your receipt. Go to the webpage, enter the receipt codes, and request your rebate check! You should receive the refund within 3-4 weeks. Not bad.
At Rite Aid, until 4/3/08 in CA (may be different in other states):
Free Softsoap body wash, 12 oz. Buy it now, and Rite Aid will send you a rebate check in the mail later. You end up paying for sales tax on the item, but that's it.
Neutrogena Triple Moisture Shampoo, Conditioner, or Serum, Free. Double rebate available, making it free (except for sales tax).
There is also some glucose monitors and strips, and some condoms and gel, available for free.
Limit 1 per rebate, but you can get around this by having everyone in your family sign up. If you can find a coupon for these items, you actually end up getting paid to buy the item!
Go here to sign up, if you haven't already. Buy the rebate item, and keep your receipt. Go to the webpage, enter the receipt codes, and request your rebate check! You should receive the refund within 3-4 weeks. Not bad.
No TV Weekend!
When I mentioned that I needed to make a time budget in my "To-Do" post, it's not because I have more things to do than time--quite the opposite, esp. since I went part-time at work and cut down my classes to one. I've noticed that I tend to fritter away my fabulous life by...watching TV and playing on the internet. It's becoming a problem for the part of me that likes to DO things, not just sit and be passively entertained.
So, I talked to my boyfriend about making this weekend full of...no TV. He agreed at first, but then tried to make exceptions, like, "We each can watch one show a day." It's funny, because he was the one that wanted to get rid of cable altogether! Also, we have DVR, so it's not like we'll actually miss anything, except random shows that we don't really care about. So far, it's worked, but probably only because he's still asleep on the couch (yes, at 4 PM...no, we didn't go out last night, but stayed up until 5 AM doing nothing much in our apartment really). I don't think he's been sleeping well in my bed, unfortunately.
I'm still allowing myself to play online. I want to figure out if it is both vices that are problems, or just the TV. Restricting my online usage is going to be a little more problematic, as I need it for school and work, but that will be the next to go.
So, I talked to my boyfriend about making this weekend full of...no TV. He agreed at first, but then tried to make exceptions, like, "We each can watch one show a day." It's funny, because he was the one that wanted to get rid of cable altogether! Also, we have DVR, so it's not like we'll actually miss anything, except random shows that we don't really care about. So far, it's worked, but probably only because he's still asleep on the couch (yes, at 4 PM...no, we didn't go out last night, but stayed up until 5 AM doing nothing much in our apartment really). I don't think he's been sleeping well in my bed, unfortunately.
I'm still allowing myself to play online. I want to figure out if it is both vices that are problems, or just the TV. Restricting my online usage is going to be a little more problematic, as I need it for school and work, but that will be the next to go.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
What's So Wrong With Socialism?
(Sorry--this became a rant.) On the WIR (Women in Red) message board, there are many that look upon many socialist ideals (government run healthcare, in particular) as a horrible blight upon society and something to be avoided at all costs. They use the downfall of the Soviet Union as a reason to not to adopt some of their practices.
I can't see what's so wrong with it, though! We're a different country, it's a different time, and whatever we're doing--it's not working. To not even consider it as an option when things are SO bad in the U.S. is neglectful. I look at other countries, and while nothing's perfect--alot of it sounds so much better. While Sicko didn't highlight anything bad about other countries' healthcare systems, they also weren't complete LIES--in France, they DO get a part-time nanny after they have a child, a 35-hour work week, and 8 weeks of vacation--not to mention the virtually free healthcare. Sweden gets 18 months PAID maternity/paternity leave.
The other argument against socializing programs are the taxes that are associated with funding these programs. Not that I trust the U.S. government to be able to handle organizing these programs as efficiently to minimize the cost, but what exactly is so horrible about paying the government so you don't have to worry if you get sick or hurt?
The one thing that none of us as humans have a guarantee of is our health. Anything can happen at anytime. It is IMPOSSIBLE to save up enough money to guarantee that your financial situation doesn't suffer if you come down with, say, cancer. Basically, either way you are paying--either for the health insurance premiums, and for the tests and treatments when you get sick (for which there is no guarantee that that company will uphold their word), or to pay for it in taxes and cover all treatment. So, yeah--actually, I'd LIKE to pay for my healthcare in my taxes and take the profiteering OUT of the healthcare industry. And as you can see from my previous post, as an example, New Zealand citizens get paid-for healthcare, and I would pay LESS taxes than I do in the US. So at least on one case, that theory doesn't hold water. I have a feeling it would be worth it to pay for healthcare in taxes instead of having it tied to my job and not even guaranteed!
The most horrible thing that I've heard about in the US is when someone HAS health insurance, that person gets sick and thinks, "Oh, I don't have to worry about paying for it--I'm covered." And then, the health insurance company wriggles out of paying for it--WHICH THEY WERE PAID TO DO. This makes me soooo mad.
Lots of people would read this and say that if I hate America so much, I should leave...well, I am. And I'm so relieved and excited to experience another culture and way of doing things.
Oh! I just thought of something--given that my healthcare won't be tied to my job, I can try to negotiate for less hours in NZ (32 hours is mandatory to keep your healthcare coverage in the US) if I wanted!
One more question--if I were to get permanent residency in NZ and got healthcare, and then came back to the US for some reason, would I be covered with 'no gaps' for pre-existing conditions if I were to try to buy health insurance? How does that work?
I can't see what's so wrong with it, though! We're a different country, it's a different time, and whatever we're doing--it's not working. To not even consider it as an option when things are SO bad in the U.S. is neglectful. I look at other countries, and while nothing's perfect--alot of it sounds so much better. While Sicko didn't highlight anything bad about other countries' healthcare systems, they also weren't complete LIES--in France, they DO get a part-time nanny after they have a child, a 35-hour work week, and 8 weeks of vacation--not to mention the virtually free healthcare. Sweden gets 18 months PAID maternity/paternity leave.
The other argument against socializing programs are the taxes that are associated with funding these programs. Not that I trust the U.S. government to be able to handle organizing these programs as efficiently to minimize the cost, but what exactly is so horrible about paying the government so you don't have to worry if you get sick or hurt?
The one thing that none of us as humans have a guarantee of is our health. Anything can happen at anytime. It is IMPOSSIBLE to save up enough money to guarantee that your financial situation doesn't suffer if you come down with, say, cancer. Basically, either way you are paying--either for the health insurance premiums, and for the tests and treatments when you get sick (for which there is no guarantee that that company will uphold their word), or to pay for it in taxes and cover all treatment. So, yeah--actually, I'd LIKE to pay for my healthcare in my taxes and take the profiteering OUT of the healthcare industry. And as you can see from my previous post, as an example, New Zealand citizens get paid-for healthcare, and I would pay LESS taxes than I do in the US. So at least on one case, that theory doesn't hold water. I have a feeling it would be worth it to pay for healthcare in taxes instead of having it tied to my job and not even guaranteed!
The most horrible thing that I've heard about in the US is when someone HAS health insurance, that person gets sick and thinks, "Oh, I don't have to worry about paying for it--I'm covered." And then, the health insurance company wriggles out of paying for it--WHICH THEY WERE PAID TO DO. This makes me soooo mad.
Lots of people would read this and say that if I hate America so much, I should leave...well, I am. And I'm so relieved and excited to experience another culture and way of doing things.
Oh! I just thought of something--given that my healthcare won't be tied to my job, I can try to negotiate for less hours in NZ (32 hours is mandatory to keep your healthcare coverage in the US) if I wanted!
One more question--if I were to get permanent residency in NZ and got healthcare, and then came back to the US for some reason, would I be covered with 'no gaps' for pre-existing conditions if I were to try to buy health insurance? How does that work?
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
One question answered...
From Emigrate NZ:
Since I will be on a working holiday visa, I won't have access to NZ health insurance (will have travel insurance...which means paying out of pocked then getting reimbursed). How would I go about getting a prescription filled for a maintenance medication? Would it be best to bring a prescription, note from my Dr. at home, both...
I am assuming I would need a prescription from a Dr. there and that I can't simply bring my US prescription to a pharmacy in NZ to be filled?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Questor12th October 2006, 11:48 PM
That's right, we can't dispense a prescription from anyone other than a NZ doctor - so you'll need to see a NZ doctor to get a prescription - just out of interest, what is the medication? As a lot of things you may be used to getting aren't available over here - even what I would call common medications
Jon (Pharmacist!!)
anyone know if Yaz (a birth control pill) can be obtained in New Zealand? Looks like I will be going to a NZ doctor right away after moving there.
Since I will be on a working holiday visa, I won't have access to NZ health insurance (will have travel insurance...which means paying out of pocked then getting reimbursed). How would I go about getting a prescription filled for a maintenance medication? Would it be best to bring a prescription, note from my Dr. at home, both...
I am assuming I would need a prescription from a Dr. there and that I can't simply bring my US prescription to a pharmacy in NZ to be filled?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Questor12th October 2006, 11:48 PM
That's right, we can't dispense a prescription from anyone other than a NZ doctor - so you'll need to see a NZ doctor to get a prescription - just out of interest, what is the medication? As a lot of things you may be used to getting aren't available over here - even what I would call common medications
Jon (Pharmacist!!)
anyone know if Yaz (a birth control pill) can be obtained in New Zealand? Looks like I will be going to a NZ doctor right away after moving there.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Rebate Schedule
The rebate schedule is up! I'm one of the lucky ones to get theirs first. Thanks for having me when you did, Mom!
(Here's some history on how social security numbers are assigned.)
(Here's some history on how social security numbers are assigned.)
Monday, March 24, 2008
Pay Day Loans Worsen the Housing Crisis
According to this article, many people strapped for cash due to their mortgage resets are turning to pay-day loans, digging their financial hole even deeper. These homeowners-for-now (as I've dubbed them) are ruining their futures by futilely grasping at any straw out there, and not facing facts--they cannot afford their house. I really think we need to reduce the options out there that they have for keeping their house even longer...nip this in the bud!
The crisis is only going to continue to get worse as people get in more and more trouble and debt, and if easy cash is available. People will take advantage of every easy-access to cash out there that the government will allow. If financial education isn't government mandated in schools and beyond, the government should not allow practices that prey on its citizens. Simple as that. It ISN'T the government's respoonsibility to teach good financial practices--but obviously we've seen what happens when they don't, and when they simultaneously allow businesses that prey on the needy.
I feel bad for those people that were duped into believing that the housing market would continue to rise, but this is rediculous. It needs to END.
The government should ban payday and subprime loans, and predatory lending practices--absolutely. That's how this mess started. As for the government handouts--I'm on the fence about whether the government should help out the people who are losing their houses. The businesses should suffer the consequences for their practices--with no government help. As for the people, I feel bad for them, but on the same token, there are people out there who waited, and are waiting, to buy because they knew it was smarter to buy with a downpayment. So should they get a bailout? My gut feeling, based on fairness, says no. I don't think they should keep their houses. I do think there should be an easy out clause for the people, something that makes the banks suffer for lending money to undeserving people.
The good news is that states are starting to take notice of this trend and place caps on the interest rates on these horrible businesses that take advantage of desperate homeowners. The next step is to regulate the lending that takes place over the internet.
The crisis is only going to continue to get worse as people get in more and more trouble and debt, and if easy cash is available. People will take advantage of every easy-access to cash out there that the government will allow. If financial education isn't government mandated in schools and beyond, the government should not allow practices that prey on its citizens. Simple as that. It ISN'T the government's respoonsibility to teach good financial practices--but obviously we've seen what happens when they don't, and when they simultaneously allow businesses that prey on the needy.
I feel bad for those people that were duped into believing that the housing market would continue to rise, but this is rediculous. It needs to END.
The government should ban payday and subprime loans, and predatory lending practices--absolutely. That's how this mess started. As for the government handouts--I'm on the fence about whether the government should help out the people who are losing their houses. The businesses should suffer the consequences for their practices--with no government help. As for the people, I feel bad for them, but on the same token, there are people out there who waited, and are waiting, to buy because they knew it was smarter to buy with a downpayment. So should they get a bailout? My gut feeling, based on fairness, says no. I don't think they should keep their houses. I do think there should be an easy out clause for the people, something that makes the banks suffer for lending money to undeserving people.
The good news is that states are starting to take notice of this trend and place caps on the interest rates on these horrible businesses that take advantage of desperate homeowners. The next step is to regulate the lending that takes place over the internet.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Happy Good Friday
It's over, but I still hope you had a good one. I have changed my plans all around...I am going to finish the semester and then quit work. I should be moving out of my city by June 1 to spend some time in my home state, then visit friends in Hawaii on the way to N-Zed.
Some things to do:
passport photos and update
cancel REI cc
dental and vision insurance?
sell everything/pack everything...oy.
plane ticket to va, hawaii, etc.
I volunteered to do field work over my spring break, which will do well to increase my financial situation. Let me count the ways:
1) no gas expenditure Mar 29-April 5 (I usually just rent a car for the week, it's cheaper for the company)
2) no wear and tear on my car for a week
3) food paid for Mar 30-April 4 (and hopefully I can bring some snacks home with me)
4) the hotel points are doubled in a special they are running, so I will get a $50 gift card--I plan to get a Von's gift card...free groceries for a week or so!
5) I am an hourly employee, so I get paid time and a half for every hour I work over 8 hours/day--field days are usually about 10 hours/day, if not more. I also get paid for travel time. I can also count on this being at least a 40 hour week. woo hoo!
6) this isn't financial, but: it will get me away from my desk and outside in the beautiful Newport Beach air! and, it will give me and my boyfriend a break from each other.
Some things to do:
passport photos and update
cancel REI cc
dental and vision insurance?
sell everything/pack everything...oy.
plane ticket to va, hawaii, etc.
I volunteered to do field work over my spring break, which will do well to increase my financial situation. Let me count the ways:
1) no gas expenditure Mar 29-April 5 (I usually just rent a car for the week, it's cheaper for the company)
2) no wear and tear on my car for a week
3) food paid for Mar 30-April 4 (and hopefully I can bring some snacks home with me)
4) the hotel points are doubled in a special they are running, so I will get a $50 gift card--I plan to get a Von's gift card...free groceries for a week or so!
5) I am an hourly employee, so I get paid time and a half for every hour I work over 8 hours/day--field days are usually about 10 hours/day, if not more. I also get paid for travel time. I can also count on this being at least a 40 hour week. woo hoo!
6) this isn't financial, but: it will get me away from my desk and outside in the beautiful Newport Beach air! and, it will give me and my boyfriend a break from each other.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Income for March
I received $773 from work this pay period, and $8 from Pinecone Research. My total income for March so far is $1,761.25. My budget for March is $1,835 (I upped my charity goal to $50 for reasons I'll explain later). So, I need to come in $75 under budget to make my spending = my earnings.
(I decided to donate some money to my friend's marathon fundraiser. He's running in the London marathon, though, so my $25 donation would turn into only a 12.50 pound donation...and that's nothing. So I upped it to $50 (25 pounds) to fix the currency conversion problem.)
(I decided to donate some money to my friend's marathon fundraiser. He's running in the London marathon, though, so my $25 donation would turn into only a 12.50 pound donation...and that's nothing. So I upped it to $50 (25 pounds) to fix the currency conversion problem.)
New Zealand, get ready!
It's official!! My boyfriend got emailed offer letter from U. Auckland this morning! I don't know details yet (he's helping a friend move), but when I do, I will share!
No internet...
The internet has been down in my 'hood for four loooong days. They better pro-rate that mess in my bill next month...but something tells me they don't play that way.
Anyway, this past weekend was a bit of a whirlwind. As always. I went out Friday night for a St. Patty's day party (a lil early) but my inviter gave me the wrong location, so i ended up driving out of my way by an hour roundtrip. it was 12 by the time i got back in the city, and I had to get up early sat to leave for a camping trip, so I just packed it in.
Saturday, my boyfriend and I headed out to the sand dunes near the Mexican border and Yuma, AZ. It was a long drive, but really fun. We ended up getting there in the middle of a sandstorm, so that really sucked. My boyfriend rode (and wrecked) both a quad and a dirtbike during his time there, and I rode in a jeep someone in my party had...that's about as adventurous as I get without helmets, gear, and any experience with razorback formations in sand dunes. Then, came a lot of eating, drinking, and sitting around and throwing things in the fire. I swear, 20 to 35 year old guys are seriously the most immature people on Earth--what is the fascination with making gas bombs out of bottles, fire crackers, and throwing things in the fire?? that must be something leftover from the caveman days that just doesn't cross the gender divide. the wind picked up Sat. evening, so while most of the guys were too drunk to notice how much sand they were eating outside, I stayed in the RV with the other girlfriends and wives and babies (and dogs). That tells you something--if even DOGS take cover from the sand storm, humans are definitely not supposed to be out in it.
But anyway, we ended up sleeping in my boyfriend's car instead of setting up my tent in the windstorm. Plus, I didn't want to get my nice new tent sandy and gross (the dogs were tagging all of the upright structures in the area--every tent i saw was peed on). I can't sleep except on beds, so i'm a sucky camper.
The next morning, even though i was tired, my boyfriend and I decided to go to the mud volcanoes on the way home. They are Awesome!! Even someone that doesn't like science would like these, i think. They are just that cool. See this link for more info, including pictures and an 'audio report' of the gurgling and bubbling of the volcanoes. I think it had just rained recently when we went, too, so the mud was erupting in full force!
I paid for the gas to go out to the desert:
$24.24
$28
We also were hungry and stopped at a Jack in the Crack for some all-day breakfast.
$9.87
Monday was a slow day. I didn't spend anything.
Tuesday, I finally took my car to the shop to:
-get an oil change
-get new windshield wiper blades (they were really streaky)
-get my tire pressures checked and filled
-get my fluids checked and filled
-get an estimate on an A/C recharge
-get my brakes checked (they are squeaking)
-get my muffler checked out (it has holes on the outside layer)
I thought that there was no way that I'd walk out of there without dropping hundreds of dollars, but luckily, the oil change and wiper blades were all I ended up needing:
$51.83
Last night was the final dinner for my friend that is moving away from my city. it's so incredibly sad! it was a huge group of people that showed up, and it was a good time. What was note-worthy, though, was that my boyfriend ended up picking up the tab for everyone! I have no idea WHY he did it, but he just decided to pay for 14+ people's food and drinks for 5 hours. I got the cheapest thing on the menu and one drink only, and I KNOW my share was at least $25 with tip! that's insane! I guess it was his best friend's dinner, but sorry...i would never do that--at least not spontaneously.
I also made my gyn appointment. Oh, how I hate being a girl sometimes. I probably wouldn't even go every year unless if it weren't for my prescription refill.
I don't have to go to my lab this afternoon, because the other kids in my class are just re-taking the mid-term that I aced (and blew the curve on). I figure i shouldn't make them hate me too much by taking it with them and blowing it again, so I'm sitting at home now.
Anyway, this past weekend was a bit of a whirlwind. As always. I went out Friday night for a St. Patty's day party (a lil early) but my inviter gave me the wrong location, so i ended up driving out of my way by an hour roundtrip. it was 12 by the time i got back in the city, and I had to get up early sat to leave for a camping trip, so I just packed it in.
Saturday, my boyfriend and I headed out to the sand dunes near the Mexican border and Yuma, AZ. It was a long drive, but really fun. We ended up getting there in the middle of a sandstorm, so that really sucked. My boyfriend rode (and wrecked) both a quad and a dirtbike during his time there, and I rode in a jeep someone in my party had...that's about as adventurous as I get without helmets, gear, and any experience with razorback formations in sand dunes. Then, came a lot of eating, drinking, and sitting around and throwing things in the fire. I swear, 20 to 35 year old guys are seriously the most immature people on Earth--what is the fascination with making gas bombs out of bottles, fire crackers, and throwing things in the fire?? that must be something leftover from the caveman days that just doesn't cross the gender divide. the wind picked up Sat. evening, so while most of the guys were too drunk to notice how much sand they were eating outside, I stayed in the RV with the other girlfriends and wives and babies (and dogs). That tells you something--if even DOGS take cover from the sand storm, humans are definitely not supposed to be out in it.
But anyway, we ended up sleeping in my boyfriend's car instead of setting up my tent in the windstorm. Plus, I didn't want to get my nice new tent sandy and gross (the dogs were tagging all of the upright structures in the area--every tent i saw was peed on). I can't sleep except on beds, so i'm a sucky camper.
The next morning, even though i was tired, my boyfriend and I decided to go to the mud volcanoes on the way home. They are Awesome!! Even someone that doesn't like science would like these, i think. They are just that cool. See this link for more info, including pictures and an 'audio report' of the gurgling and bubbling of the volcanoes. I think it had just rained recently when we went, too, so the mud was erupting in full force!
I paid for the gas to go out to the desert:
$24.24
$28
We also were hungry and stopped at a Jack in the Crack for some all-day breakfast.
$9.87
Monday was a slow day. I didn't spend anything.
Tuesday, I finally took my car to the shop to:
-get an oil change
-get new windshield wiper blades (they were really streaky)
-get my tire pressures checked and filled
-get my fluids checked and filled
-get an estimate on an A/C recharge
-get my brakes checked (they are squeaking)
-get my muffler checked out (it has holes on the outside layer)
I thought that there was no way that I'd walk out of there without dropping hundreds of dollars, but luckily, the oil change and wiper blades were all I ended up needing:
$51.83
Last night was the final dinner for my friend that is moving away from my city. it's so incredibly sad! it was a huge group of people that showed up, and it was a good time. What was note-worthy, though, was that my boyfriend ended up picking up the tab for everyone! I have no idea WHY he did it, but he just decided to pay for 14+ people's food and drinks for 5 hours. I got the cheapest thing on the menu and one drink only, and I KNOW my share was at least $25 with tip! that's insane! I guess it was his best friend's dinner, but sorry...i would never do that--at least not spontaneously.
I also made my gyn appointment. Oh, how I hate being a girl sometimes. I probably wouldn't even go every year unless if it weren't for my prescription refill.
I don't have to go to my lab this afternoon, because the other kids in my class are just re-taking the mid-term that I aced (and blew the curve on). I figure i shouldn't make them hate me too much by taking it with them and blowing it again, so I'm sitting at home now.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Spending
$24.15 groceries 3/10/08
$30.29 groceries
$7.72 misc
$2.29 target ($15 of my purchase was on gift cards)
I just ordered another $50 cashback rewards from my cc--thanks to charging my tuition and textbooks to my cashback cc, I received $50 last month and $50 this month--a total of $100 so far this year! Maybe those cashback and gift card rewards really did make a difference in my monthly income last year? Who knew?
$30.29 groceries
$7.72 misc
$2.29 target ($15 of my purchase was on gift cards)
I just ordered another $50 cashback rewards from my cc--thanks to charging my tuition and textbooks to my cashback cc, I received $50 last month and $50 this month--a total of $100 so far this year! Maybe those cashback and gift card rewards really did make a difference in my monthly income last year? Who knew?
Not a PF post!
Random Fact: My best friend works in an NYC hospital, and he just saw Lil Kim in the ER. How will she judge Girlicious now? All jokes aside, I hope she's OK. I wonder how celebrities deal with health insurance? Do they even need it once they amass a certain amount of wealth??
Friday, March 14, 2008
Something's Wrong With My Math
$41,962 Earned
$9,945 (roughly) to taxes
$540 medical insurance
$8,208.88 Saved in EF
$2,762.00 Saved in Retirement 401(K)
$700 saved in Roth IRA
Lived off of: $19,806.12 (plus gift cards given and cashback/rebate money)
Holy smokes! I lived off of less than $20K last year?? How on earth is that even possible? Even to me this calculation seems off--I don't feel like I lived that much below my means, or wanted for very much last year, for that matter. I can't figure out how--my taxable income was calculated on my W-2, my taxes are correct, I added up my contributions to my EF (all money that I took OUT of the EF was put back IN by the end of the year), and I didn't take any money out of my retirement accounts, so that should be everything. Unless I made so much in cashback in my cc's or from gift cards that I received...but that can't make THAT much of a dent. That means I spent $1650 a month, and for most of last year, my rent was $830.
That's just crazy. I do feel much better about my retirement goal (a measly $1 mil), though!
$9,945 (roughly) to taxes
$540 medical insurance
$8,208.88 Saved in EF
$2,762.00 Saved in Retirement 401(K)
$700 saved in Roth IRA
Lived off of: $19,806.12 (plus gift cards given and cashback/rebate money)
Holy smokes! I lived off of less than $20K last year?? How on earth is that even possible? Even to me this calculation seems off--I don't feel like I lived that much below my means, or wanted for very much last year, for that matter. I can't figure out how--my taxable income was calculated on my W-2, my taxes are correct, I added up my contributions to my EF (all money that I took OUT of the EF was put back IN by the end of the year), and I didn't take any money out of my retirement accounts, so that should be everything. Unless I made so much in cashback in my cc's or from gift cards that I received...but that can't make THAT much of a dent. That means I spent $1650 a month, and for most of last year, my rent was $830.
That's just crazy. I do feel much better about my retirement goal (a measly $1 mil), though!
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Taxes--Things I Never Knew
I haven't found a good calculator out there that figures out your effective tax rate yet (I may try to create a code for one if I get ambitious), so I did it by hand:
I made $41,962 last year. Roughly $600 of it was in interest income! Gotta love those high rates (but it's oh so sad when they decrease).
It's crazy, because you not only have the federal and state taxes, but also Medicare, Social Security, and in the state of California, CA State disability insurance. So while my federal tax rate is a measly 11.28%, my overall effective tax rate was almost 24% last year.
Here's how it breaks down:
My Flexible Savings Account for medical expenses like prescription copays is not taxed. Nor are medical insurance premiums. These amounts are taken straight off the top.
Medicare takes a flat 1.45% out of your paycheck (minus FSA and medical insurance premiums)--meaning, no matter how much you put in your 401K, they still tax the whole amount you make by 1.45%. There is no income cap or contribution limit, they can tax you all day long and you can't do a dang thing about it.
Social Security tax adds another 6.2% to your effective tax rate. so far, the tax rate totals 7.65%--not even counting your federal and state taxes yet! My sister and father actually benefit from this one, as they are both on disability, so I just pretend the money is going to them. The income cap is $102,000 for 2008, meaning of a salary of $103K, $102K is taxed for social security at a rate of 6.2%. This one is also straight off the top--401K contributions are also taxed. It must be nice for those that make more than $102K and actually see the benefit of the cap. Hrmph.
In California, we add another 0.6% into the mix for the state disability insurance (CA SDI). It increased to 0.8% for 2008, and the income cap on this one is $86,698 for 2008. 401K contributions are taxed.
So, at this point, 8.25% of my 2007 income WITH 401K contributions is gone through taxes!
In 2007, I paid roughly 4.2% of my income to the state of California for income taxes. Thankfully, my 401K contributions are not counted as income in the state of CA--apparently this is not always the case in other states. They operate on a tiered income tax bracket, much like the Federal tax system.
And, finally, the Feds took 11.28% of my hard-earned money to pay for the Iraq War.
In total, I calculated that 23.7% of my money went to various taxes. This percentage doesn't include medical insurance premiums, so I actually got paid much less than the remaining 76.3%.
Basically, I feel that the financial industry lied to me--or I didn't do my homework. I realized:
1) My 401K contributions are NOT "PRE-TAX." Argh. I wish it wasn't in the literature as such so much. I still have to pay CA SDI, SS, and Medicare taxes on them RIGHT NOW. This makes the Roth an even more attractive option for me. I do get out of paying state income taxes on the contributions, though. I guess a good strategy is to move to a state with no state income taxes and a low sales tax when I retire. Also, a question to ask is, "Do I pay SS and Medicare and CA SDI when I start taking money out of my 401K?"
2) My FSA and medical insurance premiums are completely tax-free. This is nice.
As a quick comparison, the 2007 tax rate in New Zealand is 19.5% for every dollar up to $38K, and 33% for every dollar between $38K and $60K. No idea if they do, like, province or city or local taxes, but using that criteria, my effective tax rate in New Zealand would have been less than 21% in 2007 (I did not convert US $ to NZ $)...and they have a MUCH better health care system, from what I've heard.
Also, they levy some sort of tax (1.3%) to pay for their version of national disability insurance, run by the government's "Accident Compensation Corporation," which supports citizens, residents, and temporary visitors who have suffered accidental injuries (like in car wrecks, trips, slips, falls...I guess the only thing this doesn't cover is long term illnesses like diabetes or cancer). Up to 80% of your previous salary is paid out after you've been out of work for a week, the cost of treatment is paid, and even home or vehicle modifications for the seriously injured are paid for (info from Wikipedia). So my final tally for NZ would STILL be lower, at 22%--and I would have disability insurance and a better health care system at my disposal. Perhaps Muirie and other NZ readers can help me out with the fine details there (like how hard it is to get the accident coverage, and other taxes you pay over there).
New Zealand is looking ever more attractive in this light.
I made $41,962 last year. Roughly $600 of it was in interest income! Gotta love those high rates (but it's oh so sad when they decrease).
It's crazy, because you not only have the federal and state taxes, but also Medicare, Social Security, and in the state of California, CA State disability insurance. So while my federal tax rate is a measly 11.28%, my overall effective tax rate was almost 24% last year.
Here's how it breaks down:
My Flexible Savings Account for medical expenses like prescription copays is not taxed. Nor are medical insurance premiums. These amounts are taken straight off the top.
Medicare takes a flat 1.45% out of your paycheck (minus FSA and medical insurance premiums)--meaning, no matter how much you put in your 401K, they still tax the whole amount you make by 1.45%. There is no income cap or contribution limit, they can tax you all day long and you can't do a dang thing about it.
Social Security tax adds another 6.2% to your effective tax rate. so far, the tax rate totals 7.65%--not even counting your federal and state taxes yet! My sister and father actually benefit from this one, as they are both on disability, so I just pretend the money is going to them. The income cap is $102,000 for 2008, meaning of a salary of $103K, $102K is taxed for social security at a rate of 6.2%. This one is also straight off the top--401K contributions are also taxed. It must be nice for those that make more than $102K and actually see the benefit of the cap. Hrmph.
In California, we add another 0.6% into the mix for the state disability insurance (CA SDI). It increased to 0.8% for 2008, and the income cap on this one is $86,698 for 2008. 401K contributions are taxed.
So, at this point, 8.25% of my 2007 income WITH 401K contributions is gone through taxes!
In 2007, I paid roughly 4.2% of my income to the state of California for income taxes. Thankfully, my 401K contributions are not counted as income in the state of CA--apparently this is not always the case in other states. They operate on a tiered income tax bracket, much like the Federal tax system.
And, finally, the Feds took 11.28% of my hard-earned money to pay for the Iraq War.
In total, I calculated that 23.7% of my money went to various taxes. This percentage doesn't include medical insurance premiums, so I actually got paid much less than the remaining 76.3%.
Basically, I feel that the financial industry lied to me--or I didn't do my homework. I realized:
1) My 401K contributions are NOT "PRE-TAX." Argh. I wish it wasn't in the literature as such so much. I still have to pay CA SDI, SS, and Medicare taxes on them RIGHT NOW. This makes the Roth an even more attractive option for me. I do get out of paying state income taxes on the contributions, though. I guess a good strategy is to move to a state with no state income taxes and a low sales tax when I retire. Also, a question to ask is, "Do I pay SS and Medicare and CA SDI when I start taking money out of my 401K?"
2) My FSA and medical insurance premiums are completely tax-free. This is nice.
As a quick comparison, the 2007 tax rate in New Zealand is 19.5% for every dollar up to $38K, and 33% for every dollar between $38K and $60K. No idea if they do, like, province or city or local taxes, but using that criteria, my effective tax rate in New Zealand would have been less than 21% in 2007 (I did not convert US $ to NZ $)...and they have a MUCH better health care system, from what I've heard.
Also, they levy some sort of tax (1.3%) to pay for their version of national disability insurance, run by the government's "Accident Compensation Corporation," which supports citizens, residents, and temporary visitors who have suffered accidental injuries (like in car wrecks, trips, slips, falls...I guess the only thing this doesn't cover is long term illnesses like diabetes or cancer). Up to 80% of your previous salary is paid out after you've been out of work for a week, the cost of treatment is paid, and even home or vehicle modifications for the seriously injured are paid for (info from Wikipedia). So my final tally for NZ would STILL be lower, at 22%--and I would have disability insurance and a better health care system at my disposal. Perhaps Muirie and other NZ readers can help me out with the fine details there (like how hard it is to get the accident coverage, and other taxes you pay over there).
New Zealand is looking ever more attractive in this light.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Federal Tax Return...Paid!
Yay, my $393 tax refund from the Feds got in last week. That, along with my state tax refund ($219), makes February and March very good months indeed.
I need to decide where that money is going--is it going to be used to make up the difference between spending/earning the past few months, is it going to be saved, or is it going to be spent?
I haven't spent anything since my last update, or all weekend! Friday night we had people over to our place for a Guitar Hero party, and last night we went to a bbq to watch the Duke vs. UNC game at a friends house. S'mores, burgers, beer, and margaritas...it was nice. We had beer leftover from a party about a month ago (we tasted it to make sure it was still good), so the outlay of cash for beverages, hamburger buns, and meat/fake meat was minimal--and boyfriend paid for it this time.
Next weekend most of the people I met at work are going out to the desert to do a big redneck ATV campout. I don't really go in for that kind of thing, but it's one of my friend's going away parties (see next paragraph), and I really want to get out of the city and see the stars, so I'm going. It should be fun.
The first friend I ever made in my current city is now moving away in two weeks. It's so hard to meet cool people out here! Even if I do (and I have), they move away in a year or so. I officially have no day-to-day friends left in the city--just random people I've met. Some of them I really wish I could spend more time with, but our schedules don't mesh or we live far away from each other. Some others I have spent time with just to do something with someone and not be lonely, but we don't really have much in common. It's definitely time for a change, whether it's to New Zealand or not!
I need to decide where that money is going--is it going to be used to make up the difference between spending/earning the past few months, is it going to be saved, or is it going to be spent?
I haven't spent anything since my last update, or all weekend! Friday night we had people over to our place for a Guitar Hero party, and last night we went to a bbq to watch the Duke vs. UNC game at a friends house. S'mores, burgers, beer, and margaritas...it was nice. We had beer leftover from a party about a month ago (we tasted it to make sure it was still good), so the outlay of cash for beverages, hamburger buns, and meat/fake meat was minimal--and boyfriend paid for it this time.
Next weekend most of the people I met at work are going out to the desert to do a big redneck ATV campout. I don't really go in for that kind of thing, but it's one of my friend's going away parties (see next paragraph), and I really want to get out of the city and see the stars, so I'm going. It should be fun.
The first friend I ever made in my current city is now moving away in two weeks. It's so hard to meet cool people out here! Even if I do (and I have), they move away in a year or so. I officially have no day-to-day friends left in the city--just random people I've met. Some of them I really wish I could spend more time with, but our schedules don't mesh or we live far away from each other. Some others I have spent time with just to do something with someone and not be lonely, but we don't really have much in common. It's definitely time for a change, whether it's to New Zealand or not!
Thursday, March 06, 2008
My Readers, Part II
I was going to have a whole series of posts based on you guys and what you wanted to see here, but you guys pretty much answered all of my questions! So, if you want, answer these if you haven't already:
2) How often do you check my blog?
3) Do YOU have a blog? And if you do, have I listed you on my blogroll? (link to your blog if not and I'll add you!)
4) What do you like about my blog? What do you NOT like?
5) What would you like to see here?
2) How often do you check my blog?
3) Do YOU have a blog? And if you do, have I listed you on my blogroll? (link to your blog if not and I'll add you!)
4) What do you like about my blog? What do you NOT like?
5) What would you like to see here?
Calling all readers! Part I
Ok, I've been wondering this for a while: Who visits my blog? I often don't know if my point of view is really reaching anyone. I also don't put much effort into maintaining this--no participation in carnivals, etc. I started this blog because I've always written about my life (the earliest 'journaling' I can remember doing was around 8 or 9, in fourth grade), and I wanted to join and contribute to the wonderful PF community--something I haven't really done. So, without further adieu, my first question for you:
Who are you (age, gender, married, single, any other details you want to share)?
Who are you (age, gender, married, single, any other details you want to share)?
Spending
Spending Monday-Wednesday:
$20 to baby shower gift/card for coworker (cash)
$20 to rent videos for Boyfriend and I (we were sooo bored last night we watched... Space Jam!)
$15 snacks for Boyfriend and I
$29.26 gas
No spending today.
$20 to baby shower gift/card for coworker (cash)
$20 to rent videos for Boyfriend and I (we were sooo bored last night we watched... Space Jam!)
$15 snacks for Boyfriend and I
$29.26 gas
No spending today.
Monday, March 03, 2008
Oprah's Big Give
Oh, how--and HOW--this show is going to make me cry for the entirety of every episode! It's worse than those Extreme Makeover: House Editions!
It's amazing that a little bit of money can turn into so much more.
It's amazing that a little bit of money can turn into so much more.
February Budget--How did it go?
I haven't gotten my paycheck for the last half of the month yet, but with my tax refunds, I shouldn't be going over for February, like I did for December and January. I've already received $213 from the state of California, and I should be getting almost $400 from the feds.
February Budget
Category Spent Budgeted Amount
RENT: 750 750
Car/Rental Insurance: 151 151
Food 197.76 200
Clothes 0 0
Travel: 0 0
Gifts 0 0
Car/Gas 59.57 90
Cable 60.27 60.27
Roth 100 100
Electricity/Gas 18.72 20
Eating Out 28.925 25
Charity 50 50
Cell phone: 49 49
Medical 106.99 106.99
Misc 111.9 100
Sewer/Water 22.795 20
Saving 0 0
Total: 1706.93 1722.26
I spent just over $1,700 in February. Some of that is due to my car insurance becoming due next month (I schedule it to be paid the day I get the bill, even though its not due til the end of March). February was a shorter month, and because I got sick for a week, I only filled up my gas tank twice--WAY under budget at about $60. I wasn't majorly over or under budget anywhere else, so I won't analyze the rest of it. For March, my budget is a little more since I need to go to the doctor to renew my presciption. Here's my budget:
Category Budgeted Amount
RENT: 750
Car/Rental Insurance: 0
Food 200
Clothes 0
Travel: 0
Gifts 0
Car/Gas 100
Cable 60.27
Roth 100
Electricity/Gas 20
Eating Out 30
Charity 25
Cell phone: 49
Medical 200
Misc 250
Sewer/Water 20
Saving 0
Total: 1804.27
February Budget
Category Spent Budgeted Amount
RENT: 750 750
Car/Rental Insurance: 151 151
Food 197.76 200
Clothes 0 0
Travel: 0 0
Gifts 0 0
Car/Gas 59.57 90
Cable 60.27 60.27
Roth 100 100
Electricity/Gas 18.72 20
Eating Out 28.925 25
Charity 50 50
Cell phone: 49 49
Medical 106.99 106.99
Misc 111.9 100
Sewer/Water 22.795 20
Saving 0 0
Total: 1706.93 1722.26
I spent just over $1,700 in February. Some of that is due to my car insurance becoming due next month (I schedule it to be paid the day I get the bill, even though its not due til the end of March). February was a shorter month, and because I got sick for a week, I only filled up my gas tank twice--WAY under budget at about $60. I wasn't majorly over or under budget anywhere else, so I won't analyze the rest of it. For March, my budget is a little more since I need to go to the doctor to renew my presciption. Here's my budget:
Category Budgeted Amount
RENT: 750
Car/Rental Insurance: 0
Food 200
Clothes 0
Travel: 0
Gifts 0
Car/Gas 100
Cable 60.27
Roth 100
Electricity/Gas 20
Eating Out 30
Charity 25
Cell phone: 49
Medical 200
Misc 250
Sewer/Water 20
Saving 0
Total: 1804.27
Credit Score Check!
I get junk mail from Bank of America all the time. Recently, they sent me one that I almost chucked in the trash--an offer to sign up for PrivacyAssist for FREE for 30 days--they monitor your credit reports and send you a FREE copy of your scores and reports from ALL THREE credit bureaus. I don't normally sign up for monthly-fee type deals (my cell phone, cable/internet, utility, and rent bills are more than enough for me!), but this one was too good to pass up. I wrote a note to myself in about three places so I wouldn't forget to cancel before the 30 days was done.
So yes, I got my credit reports and scores for free. Everything looks good--I've signed up for a few credit cards recently, and I was wondering how that would affect my credit score. Here they are:
Experian 781
TransUnion 784
Equifax 795
!! I'm pretty happy with those scores. It's like getting an 'A' on my credit report card. I fall in the 'excellent' category in all three, so would get the best offer out there if I needed credit.
I canceled the service yesterday, and boy did they give me the hard sell! The lady was clearly trained to try to sell me something at every turn.
She also asked me about 5 times why I didn't want the service anymore, and I just blatantly kept repeating, "I don't want to pay the monthly service charge." then she would try another tactic--some other service or tell me some other story about how California has the highest rate of identity theft in the U.S. The key just seems to wait until they are done and keep repeating that you aren't interested.
So that's one thing checked off for a few months. Stay tuned for some major decisions regarding moving to New Zealand--boyfriend gets back tomorrow!
So yes, I got my credit reports and scores for free. Everything looks good--I've signed up for a few credit cards recently, and I was wondering how that would affect my credit score. Here they are:
Experian 781
TransUnion 784
Equifax 795
!! I'm pretty happy with those scores. It's like getting an 'A' on my credit report card. I fall in the 'excellent' category in all three, so would get the best offer out there if I needed credit.
I canceled the service yesterday, and boy did they give me the hard sell! The lady was clearly trained to try to sell me something at every turn.
She also asked me about 5 times why I didn't want the service anymore, and I just blatantly kept repeating, "I don't want to pay the monthly service charge." then she would try another tactic--some other service or tell me some other story about how California has the highest rate of identity theft in the U.S. The key just seems to wait until they are done and keep repeating that you aren't interested.
So that's one thing checked off for a few months. Stay tuned for some major decisions regarding moving to New Zealand--boyfriend gets back tomorrow!
Sunday, March 02, 2008
Studying is Good for the Wallet
Sorry I've been MIA--I've been cramming for my mid-term on Monday.
My boyfriend has been in New Zealand since last Monday, and it's looking more and more likely that he is going to get funding. Finding funding for his project and Ph.D. work was the only obstacle to his acceptance, so we're (nearly) good to go.
The only thing is, money at universities is based on a yearly budget, and they may need him to start ASAP, to use up the money allotted for this year. He could start as soon as April 1. I'm not sure where that leaves me, because I have other plans--I want to finish my class (til May 17), then work for a month or so to:
1) make money to pay for at least my ticket to NZ
2) get health insurance again, so I can get my eyes and teeth checked out; get chest X-rays and other checkups to pass immigration checks.
Then, I want to go home to the East Coast for a month to spend some time with my family before I go halfway across the world! I'll probably stop in my old stomping grounds in my grad school state before flying to NZ, and try to catch my friend's PhD defenses.
Then! off to NZ to live! It looks like my plan has me there about August 1. There's a long time from April to August. So I'm hoping they say the money is available later than that. Sigh.
So, besides holing up and conducting failed brownie experiments, I've been itching to go shopping. I had about $70 in Target gift cards, so I decided to go blow off some steam with a little retail therapy last night.
I've also been getting back into running this week, with the boyfriend gone. It's amazing how much more time I seem to have to do what I want to do. So, I bought some workout clothes from Target.
Spent: $108.76, with all but $34.77 on gift cards. I'll return some of the stuff I bought to make my spending minimal.
I also got hungry so I bought a snack--$3.
My boyfriend has been in New Zealand since last Monday, and it's looking more and more likely that he is going to get funding. Finding funding for his project and Ph.D. work was the only obstacle to his acceptance, so we're (nearly) good to go.
The only thing is, money at universities is based on a yearly budget, and they may need him to start ASAP, to use up the money allotted for this year. He could start as soon as April 1. I'm not sure where that leaves me, because I have other plans--I want to finish my class (til May 17), then work for a month or so to:
1) make money to pay for at least my ticket to NZ
2) get health insurance again, so I can get my eyes and teeth checked out; get chest X-rays and other checkups to pass immigration checks.
Then, I want to go home to the East Coast for a month to spend some time with my family before I go halfway across the world! I'll probably stop in my old stomping grounds in my grad school state before flying to NZ, and try to catch my friend's PhD defenses.
Then! off to NZ to live! It looks like my plan has me there about August 1. There's a long time from April to August. So I'm hoping they say the money is available later than that. Sigh.
So, besides holing up and conducting failed brownie experiments, I've been itching to go shopping. I had about $70 in Target gift cards, so I decided to go blow off some steam with a little retail therapy last night.
I've also been getting back into running this week, with the boyfriend gone. It's amazing how much more time I seem to have to do what I want to do. So, I bought some workout clothes from Target.
Spent: $108.76, with all but $34.77 on gift cards. I'll return some of the stuff I bought to make my spending minimal.
I also got hungry so I bought a snack--$3.
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