This Page

Sunday, June 22, 2008

• Finally pick up my dry cleaning. It's been 2 weeks and I think they are going to string me up by the stilettos. I also need to drop off a few suits and a comforter that needs cleaning. Last time I tried to do it myself, I ripped it in the washer.
• Return a dress that makes me feel like June flippin' Cleaver. To quote Meowmix "Return it!". Do I love the dress - no. It's cute but seriously, how many black and white dresses does a girl need. Plus - that money can be used to pay down bills.
• Return a few things that have been waiting for 3 weeks for me to bring back, i.e. impulse buys which include a new cutting board (don't need it), a book that regurgitates the same mess on debt reduction (don't need it - I can just get the same info from my blogs, etc.), some makeup which I DON'T need. (well I'm too weak to open the jar and I don't need yet another brown eyeshadow) and, maybe, those sandals that I recently bought (money would be better in my bank account as I wait for them to go on sale.)
• Work on the closet and figure out what needs to be put on eBay and start on Declutter Project 2008. I need to start rifling through all the stuff I have and evaluate if I REALLY need some of this stuff around here. I'm not always going to have an apartment that's 932 sq. feet. I need to pare down.
• I also need to hang up clothing galore and get back into the whole "You have so many hangers - no buying NEW hangers - reduce what you have" theory. That includes stuff that doesn't fit and needs to be tossed, donated or sold. No mercy, my friends - no mercy.
• Same for Jewelry - that whole jewelry box needs to be re-evaluated. I have a rule of one statement piece balanced with one minimal piece. Those that don't work - out out out!
• Mail out packages that I've been meaning to send. I FINALLY returned the SW pumps from 2.5 months ago and I've had ShoeAddict's package on my desk that NEEDS to go out Monday before she strings me up by my stilettos.
• Start cooking at home more. I actually cooked tonight and I forgot how relaxing it can be. Perhaps tomorrow I'll cook again.
• Go to Costco to pick up some various necessities like Gas, Dishwasher Detergent, Laundry Detergent and some cheese. Sometimes it's better to pay a bit more when you are getting a better deal and there is no way in HELL I'm paying any more than possible for gas. Costco gas it is.
• Toss out the boxes that I've kept "just in case" for "moves, etc." Listen, I don't really need to worry about keeping the original Cuisinart food processor box or boxes from my Nigella pots, etc. I'll package them mover style when I'm ready to move on out. Now they are taking up valuable space.
• Clean out the car - something that is desperately needed.
• Actually bring UP the new suitcase I bought 3 weeks ago and get rid of a couple others that are currently in my closet from touring days.
• Work on my Budget/Personal Finance excel workbook. I've had my head in the sand TOO long and I'd like to get this done so I can get back on the PF bandwagon. I need to work on that FICO score quickly and the more I wait and play ostrich, the more I am only hurting myself.
• Start planning the Philly trip. We've got the car and the airline tix - just need to start the party planning, the errand planning and all the stuff that goes into actually PLANNING when I go back home.
• Speaking of Philly - this gal needs to get back on the workout wagon. I stopped due to the chaos and no more. I need to break out the pilates and hip hop abs dvd. So what if it kicks my butt - I'll be Philly ready in no time.

Labels: Apt, Blog 365, Cooking, Finance, Goals, PF

Posted by Lys :: 1:34 AM :: 4 comments

Post a Comment

---------------oOo---------------

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Advice to Ponder From Larry Winget...

Well, YouTube offered up this FABULOUS interview with Larry Winget and Matt Lauer. So, do me a favor - grab that coffee and take 4 min. out of your day and give him a listen.

Labels: Blog 365, Finance, PF

Posted by Lys :: 7:43 AM :: 0 comments

Post a Comment

---------------oOo---------------

Sunday, April 13, 2008

Spreading the Wealth - Revolution Money Exchange...

The Fabulous Mrs. Micah tuned me into a new little service that is quite intriguing - Revolution Money Exchange. Basically, from what I'm gathering - it's like an alternative to PayPal. Not bad, right? But you don't get charged a FEE to send money to other people. That kills me sometimes because when I send money to peeps or vice versa, Paypal is making a nice little profit off of yours truly. So this gives me options.

Per Ms. Michah:

No need for commitment, it’s just like Paypal. You sign up and then you use it or don’t use it as you need to. You still get the $25 without even using it once (though you’d have to link a bank account to claim your money). (A transaction fee applies for check withdrawals ($2.50 per check), check stop payments ($20 per check), paper statements ($5 per statement), ACH returns ($35 per returned ACH), and overdrafts ($35 per overdraft). But you can withdraw electronically for free.).

Now - up through April 15th, if you sign up, they will give you $25 towards your account, shoot a little money my way and then, should you want to spread the wealth, they will give you $10 for anyone that YOU refer. What are you waiting for - that $25 can go far my friends. Enjoy!

You can sign up here:

Labels: Blog 365, Finance, PF

Posted by Lys :: 2:00 PM :: 0 comments

Post a Comment

---------------oOo---------------

Monday, April 07, 2008

300 Days...

Today it was a combo of 9to5 mixed in with a little entertainment calls during my lunch hour just to try and keep the skills from getting TOO rusty. All in all, success. However, it reminded me that sometimes I need to recognize that I tend to sell myself short and pigeonhole myself in a category that doesn't take into account all that I can do (and have done). I think that by letting the 9to5 get to me as badly as it did, it set me back a bit. Hanging out with JoeZ and FormerClient put things into a new perspective, much like my travel to Philly did in February - it reinforced everything that I've been feeling for a while. I need to make a change.

So, while I had to make some decisions here in the short term, now I have to focus on the bigger picture and the long-term goals. I know where I want to go, what I want to do, etc. Its just prepping the outline and the planning to get to that next level. And, by doing so, I'm pretty much "putting it out there" - a template for success, one might say.

I know that, come February, it's a whole new ball game out there and this gives me perspective. 300 days from today until I hit my goal. While it seems like alot right now, I know that, in reality, it's going to go by quickly. 300 days to work on the credit. 300 days to fix the damage that was done from back in the day. 300 days to go through the clutter and weed out what is not needed. 300 days to work on what damage I brought upon myself. 300 days to find a new place. 300 days to get everything in motion. 300 days until I really am *home*.

And, somehow, it doesn't seem that far off.

Labels: Blog 365, Finance, Goals, Random Mess

Posted by Lys :: 4:38 PM :: 1 comments

Post a Comment

---------------oOo---------------

Saturday, March 29, 2008

Fate For The Win...

Its no secret that I *heart* USAA. Not only do they have superior benefits and excellent customer service, but they also make my paycheck available a day prior to payday. Love that.

Well, as we USED to (used to because this is our last 15th & 31st paycheck) get paid twice a month, the 9to5 is now changing to a bi-weekly pay period*and, with that - they are now not paying us until the 18th. Knowing that and how I have bills due, I turned around and changed my bank allotments. I tuned into my bank and saw a huge increase in what's in my USAA (hence my SW purchase). I thought some overtime and sickday cashouts took place and we were told our other changes wouldn't happen til the 18th on payday.

Aren't I the dunce. I logged into my other bank account and found them to have my changes - I didn't get paid my "bonuses", just my changes. Guess that means I have to rework the budget this weekend.

Lys = Dunce!

*Don't even GET me started about how we were told to call our banks/landlords/creditors and change our due dates. Ummm.. yeah - I'll shut up about that.

Labels: Blog 365, Finance

Posted by Lys :: 1:37 PM :: 3 comments

Post a Comment

---------------oOo---------------

Tuesday, January 01, 2008

Finances, Finances, Finances...

If something comes across my path repeatedly, I start to pay attention. Right now - everything on Fine Living is all about Time Management (I'm bad at that) and Financial Matters. And the main chatter topic outside of stocks, capital gains, 401(k), etc. - the dreaded EMERGENCY FUND.

This got me thinking - where is my emergency fund? Ala Carrie Bradshaw, where I can see it. Much of it is in my closet and used during the move to furnish the new abode. It's also in my kitchen. So this year, my goal is to fully furnish my emergency fund.

What is an emergency fund, one may inquire? (I'm the inquiring one - trust *LOL*)

From YourDictionary.com:

A cash reserve that individuals should have on hand that is easily accessible
and doesn't involve selling securities. Financial experts generally recommend
having three to six months of living expenses on hand in case income or a job is lost. [Emphasis added]

I've got to remember that emergency is NOT a pair of gorgeous pricey shoes. It's not a sizzling hot handbag. It's not that cordless immersion blender or copper risotto pot I'm currently lusting after. It's a fund for me to use should something happen - like real ummmm emergencies. As I have plans for this year both professionally and personally, I need to get off my butt (before it expands further) and work on my finances. And you, my dear readers, can feel free to slap me upside the head should I go nuts. Those big expenses I want and lust after - well, I can save for those separately, but I must start building up my E-Fund.

Currently, my ING account is wayyyy lower than it should be. I think Starbucks would scoff at the amount currently in there. As I look at the amount on my excel spreadsheet, I cringe because it should be soooo much more. Well, enough is enough -come January 15th, I have set up an automatic transfer set up for each paycheck with the hope that I should have some $$$ in there twice a month (three times in May and October with the new payroll change at the 9to5). That money needs to never dip below a certain amount - I don't care HOW cute various shoes are or how good of a sale is.

Reading various PF bloggers lists and goals this year has kicked me into overdrive. The one I really want to point out is Single Ma's blog. She's got some great advice on there and if you aren't reading it - you might want to. I also have some PF books that I will be reading and reviewing here on the blog.

The 401(k) account - no additional % will increase this year. There are a number of reasons for that and it wasn't an easy decision but one that had to be made. Not to disclose 9to5 bizness, but the match is not large AT all. It's less than a pair of Stuart Weitzman shoes. I contribute WAY more than that a year. Plus - I thought Suze Orman (or one of those PF people) suggest that you only contribute to the match and the rest to a Roth?? I could be wrong. However, my goal is to start my Roth with USAA by September. In addition to the Emergency Fund Challenge, I'd like to be credit card debt free by December. After that, I'm off and running on fully funding the Roth.

The Sharebuilder account - it's on hold. I've decided there is to be no buying of additional stocks for the next 4 months and that deduction originally earmarked for Sharebuilder will go straight to ING. I won't sell off the stocks I have currently, but at the end of 4 months, April 30, I will evaluate whether or not I will be restarting my automatic stock buys.

I also need to work on the decluttering around here and start putting some stuff on eBay. The proceeds - yup, you guessed it - ING. I have to admit, there are things with tags that I never have worn because they don't fit or look right and it was too late (or I was too lazy) to return. I know, I know - silly Lys! So, either they get donated or on eBay. Those that can be returned (like a 1/3 of what I got at Crate & Barrel and didn't absolutely NEED this Friday or a super cute bustier at Lane Bryant which I will NOT be wearing - total impulse buy) will need to be returned by Sunday. Return credits will be transferred to ING. The same goes for any cash back proceeds or interest earned.

Any money left over in my checking accounts at the end of a pay cycle from my paycheck will be transferred to ING outside of a small emergency cushion in each checking account. You start to see the pattern? Me and my ING account - Total BFF!

Basically I need to set procedures into place because, as I said yesterday, 2008 is *the* year for all of us. And your gal needs to make sure there is a bit of financial security on my end. That security will only begin when I put my mind to it. One thing with The Secret is you can say and visualize everything - but I've also learned that when you start to put things into motion is when things happen. Nothing comes to those who don't work for it.

So, to the Universe - know this - the Emergency Fund Challenge is hereby accepted!

Labels: Blog 365, Finance, Goals, PF, The Secret

Posted by Lys :: 8:28 PM :: 2 comments

Post a Comment

---------------oOo---------------

Tuesday, November 06, 2007

Larry Winget: The PitBull of Personal Development...

Does anyone here watch that show BIG SPENDER on A&E?

I've taken to watching it on the weekends and that somewhat curbs my appetite to "shop til I drop." The thought of this man coming in the house and cursing me out for lack of control when shopping scares me. Not to mention, one of my goals in 2008 is to be completely debt free (or have a STRONG reduction of debt - like most of my student loans kicked to the curb would be great).

I have Larry's other two books, Shut up, Stop Whining, and Get a Life : A Kick-Butt Approach to a Better Life and It's Called Work for a Reason! : Your Success Is Your Own Damn Fault and, in my opinion, they are pretty good. He's a man that doesn't sugarcoat anything and, his tact (or lack thereof) vaguely resembles mine. No wonder why I get it, right?

In my inbox today was a nice note from Barnes & Noble telling me he's got a new book coming out: You're Broke Because You Want to Be: How to Stop Getting By and Start Getting Ahead. On December 27, I will have my happy behind in B&N leafing through this.

Who knows, I might even give away a book or two here to help a couple readers start 2008 off right. Because, if we don't get our finances together, it's our own damn fault. Not to mention, who wants this guy coming after you for lack of control & spending. Certainly not I!

Labels: Finance, NaBloPoMo

Posted by Lys :: 12:27 PM :: 2 comments

Post a Comment

---------------oOo---------------

Monday, September 03, 2007

Suze, Its Been A While...

I've lapsed lately when it comes to my personal finance goals. Mr. TiVo came to the rescue with taping an ep of the Suze Orman show. Can I tell you that this is the punch in the arm I needed.

I am jumping back on the pay down CC debt bandwagon, and I'm hopeful to have 4 cards paid down by 12/31/07. I'm also back on the raise Fico score track and, starting tomorrow, I will be renewing the MyFico.com subscription (let's hope there is a coupon somewhere) and its back to my spreadsheets. While I didn't go beyond crazy in Philly, I did buy a couple things and those items have to be paid this month.

Now if only the electric bill will go down...As it is now, we're basically paying $8.03 a kwh and, once I get my ducks in a row, I will be posting about that later - rather disturbing.

:::UPDATE:::

Ask and ye shall receive.. You can get 20% off at MyFico.com using Promo code: MW01 and you also get 10% back through FatWallet.com. I picked up Suze Orman's Fico Kit for about $40 and will be doing ScoreWatch tomorrow when I get verify my identity (who else would care about my credit scores *LOL*) and ScoreWatch monitoring is at $7.16 a month with discount. Not bad for a little piece of mind, right?

Labels: Finance

Posted by Lys :: 10:39 PM :: 1 comments

Post a Comment

---------------oOo---------------

Saturday, June 30, 2007

Happy Saturday!!!

I think I'm actually going to work around the apartment this weekend. There's still some stuff that I need to do around this place (like put up curtains in the bedroom - finally). I've got some errands to run (like stop by the farmers market, groceries, etc.) because, frankly, I have not been very good about cooking home lately. I stopped at Costco last night (still having flashbacks to Saturday hell & Costco karaoke!) and, while picking up a few staples that I needed, I decided there that I need to get my crap together and start bringing my lunch, cooking at home, etc. I'm spending a fortune on dining out.

Finance wise, I've been a bit bad lately (Blackberry purchase, Nordys visit [but the shoes were on sale - Bobbi Brown, however, wasn't], Borders visits, and more Starbucks runs than I can count), but I do have a $100 rebate card coming from Cingular, a $250 bonus card coming from a company I work with, and I need to get aggressive with paying down the credit cards.

Philly is a little under 2 months away and I'd like to have some extra cash to have fun at the King of Prussia (9 West AND Nordys - oh my!) and South Street (my fave costume jewelry vendor - I always have fabulous earrings for clubs!). For all my time spent in Philly during the years, I always discover something new. My dad asked me the other day if I was thinking about moving there - not yet but perhaps one day. I love my little apartment and I don't think I can find something like that in Philly. I'm also very anti-snow lately and Florida weather seems to agree with me.

So, I'm going to start whippin' my butt into gear, renew my SparkPeople pledge (Starbucks can really kick one's butt on that!), get my finances in order, and just bite that procrastination monster in the butt!

Labels: Finance, Random Mess

Posted by Lys :: 12:47 PM :: 0 comments

Post a Comment

---------------oOo---------------

Monday, June 04, 2007

Can I Hear - "Lowest Level of Stupid" Please?

Yes, I've hit the all time low - the level where I can shake my head and go "SNAP THE **** outta it, LYS! Where is your head at?". When I do most of my finances, I'm multi-tasking - multi-tasking to where my wallet is now screaming in dire agony..why...

BECAUSE I PAID MY FORMER ROOMATE'S ELECTRIC BILL! See - I used to do everything electronically and didn't really think much about it. Well, when I moved, I got an account, she closed out hers and all is perfect with the world -well, until today when I got a disconnect notice for $204.34. I knew that wasn't right because I paid it on USAA Bill Pay last month for $77 and this month for about $127. Both were paid. Both came out of my account - yet it showed up as no payment.

Then it dawned on me - let me log into G's old account and, yup! There it was -- Payments applied. What a stupid @#*@*# costly mistake. So, with that, I'm calling the electric company and going "What part of "Don't you get it" don't you get?" and praying that they will see that yes, I am blond, yes I tried to screw in my own lightbulb and they will take pity on my idiot self. However, just in case, my emergency fund is now down $204.34. Thank god I had it. *grumble grumble grumble* but its scheduled to go to the RIGHT account out of USAA. I got the screen prints and everything.

You know when this mess is over, my happy ass is telling USAA to delete that old account AND QUICK!

Labels: Finance, Random Mess

Posted by Lys :: 9:37 PM :: 2 comments

Post a Comment

---------------oOo---------------

Sunday, April 22, 2007

Interesting Finance Articles...

There's a finance show that I've been watching on the Style Network called "Maxed Out" and it's by a financial planner in Canada counseling those who are about to fall on Debt's sword. Well, I came across some interesting tips & articles from the show's financial planner, Allison..

You can check it out HERE.

Enjoy!

Labels: Finance

Posted by Lys :: 8:44 PM :: 0 comments

Post a Comment

---------------oOo---------------

Thursday, January 18, 2007

Best Financial Advice Ever...

Now this is somethin' that I found to be highly informative... MSN's article:

"The Best Financial Advice Ever"

Guess I don't need to wait for Prince Charming anymore!

Labels: Finance

Posted by Lys :: 10:34 AM :: 0 comments

Post a Comment

---------------oOo---------------

Monday, January 01, 2007

George Clooney - You Have $$$ waiting...

So does Brad Pitt, George Eads, Sarah Michelle Gellar, even some people from my company and a couple friends of mine. How do I know this.. one of the gossip blogs reported that Unclaimed Property of the State of California is a plethora of info, and yes, I was a bit bored. So, Georgie, you might want to find out why WB didn't deliver the check to your office on the lot. Had to have been an intern's fault.

I'll tell you, on a serious note - check your state's unclaimed property division. I was able to recover around $65 from some policy payment eons ago from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. It took them over 5 months to get through the red tape, but my savings account was most appreciative.

Always good to start the New Year off with a bit of positive cash flow, no?

Labels: Celeb, Finance

Posted by Lys :: 10:03 PM :: 0 comments

Post a Comment

---------------oOo---------------

Saturday, December 16, 2006

Donald Trump - Watch Out...

This gal has decided to re-evaluate her Sharebuilder account and, in true JAnG fashion, I decided that my stock choices should reflect my personality - I'd only invest in those stores/companies I tend to believe in and/or frequent. Did you know that Williams Sonoma, Nordstrom and Pier1 is on the NYSE? Me either. Well - forget my S&P choices that were way too rich for my blood (and only for my 401(k) plan). I decided that monthly, I'm going to obtain my measly $51 investment in Starbucks and Pier1. After the move, I might change it up a bit, or maybe not. But with Pier1 trading at only a bit over $6.00, hell, what am I gonna lose. Most of my money's in the 'Bucks anyways *LOL* Pier1 - watch out for your new shareholder.

Now if only I could get a "investor's discount".

Labels: Finance

Posted by Lys :: 9:45 PM :: 0 comments

Post a Comment

---------------oOo---------------