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Saturday, January 03, 2009

Everyone's Talking About Resolutions...

Y'all know the drill - everyone makes resolutions which, in my opinion, is giving themselves an easy out if they don't make it. For example, I could say that I resolve to cut back on my Starbucks runs. Ummm.. I tried that and it doesn't work. It's like when as a kid I would resolve to give up chocolate for Lent. That just never played out.


Instead, Single Ma over at Fabulous Financials talked about "Life Goals" and that is a way of thinking that I wholeheartedly support. I could say I resolve to "get out of debt" but I know that I might just shrug it off at the first sign of a sassy pair of shoes. However, I have a HUGE Life Goal this year that makes me think twice before I go shopping. Plus, with the state of the economy, I want to really build up that E-Fund because I've made a goal to buy my own place by 2010. (Plus - an apartment with these two monsters = chaos. Trust!)


I've also been inspired by various bloggers who have really taken the bull by the horns and either transitioned their blogs to WordPress (Blogger - I *heart* you but Cooking In Stilettos needs a new design and platform) so I've made a Life Goal to actually LEARN my HTML and programming, etc. I learned so much already from some fab bloggers like Hotfessional, Fabulously Broke, Single Ma, Erin Cooks!, The Chic Life, The Leftover Queen, and Chef B, etc. where I'm inspired to just go forth and blog. However, I'm NOT going to blog with BLOG365 HANGING OVER MY HEAD!! That about drove me nuts. Plus, a few months ago, I had dinner with some amazing food bloggers that has really made me reflect on how to make Cooking In Stilettos better...


Another life goal is to really get into the kitchen and play more. I'm working like crazy at the 9to5 where I finally realized that if I continued at this pace, my life is going to pass me by. So I'm learning to take some time for myself. The only time I really don't let my mind race to work issues is when I'm chopping my little heart out in the kitchen. However, the pug will be playing personal trainer to help me work off all that cooking goodness.


I've also made it a goal this year to work on revamping the PR side of things and my writing. Thanks to circumstances that crossed my path earlier in 2008, I've learned I am damn good at doing Culinary PR so while the entertainment industry works itself out with all their recession drama (too many buddies of mine have been laid off), I'm going to learn all I can about the culinary side of things.


Finally, and this is a goal that might be contrary to some of the stuff above, I've resolved to buy my first pair of Loubous (with cash - not plastic!) Now, if that means scouring the outlets, the Internets etc. for the best deal - I'm game. However, I'm also making it a goal to pare down the closet, getting rid of stuff that I don't absolutely love and wear on the regular and the main shoes I find myself wearing are those that are well made. I have a number of pairs of shoes that I rarely, if ever, wear. So EBay and I will be BFFs for a while. Apparently, the Loubou desire has also infected Meowmix because on NYE she sent me a pair of shoes that she fell for and, lo and behold, they were red-sole lovelies. These are the ones I currently have my eye on.





Not a bad Life Goal list to work on in 2009... What do you have on the agenda for 2009?

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Posted by Lys :: 11:57 AM :: 8 comments

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Wednesday, December 03, 2008

The One Where Ice Coffee Equals Christian Louboutin...

Tis the season to be jolly. For me, 'tis also the season to watch those pennies. So, while I was crunching my financial numbers and wincing repeatedly, one glaring cost kept coming up over and over again.

It's no secret that I can't make coffee. No matter how many times I try or new machines I get, the coffee I make still comes out tasting like swill. Not to mention, if I grab it at the 9to5, it's not as good as Starbucks aka 4bux. In talking with a co-worker and lamenting about the cost of living, lack of raises, inflation and how what was once a $50 grocery bill has since morphed into a $98 grocery bill, it's a surprise that some people can even function. As quickly as the money flows in, it quickly flows out. And when I starting thinking about where my money was leaking too, I had to focus on my coffee runs. Basically, my inner Suze Orman/Larry Winget/Jean Chatzky is freaking the eff out. And by freaking out, it means I have to admit a glaring problem - I just can't make coffee. And, those that can't make, buy. And by buy - yeah, I buy.

Here's what hit my little blonde brain today:

I run to Starbucks during work about 4 to 5 times a week. That's my 20 min. of piece and quiet (and normally my "lunch"). So, figuring that it averages at $6 per run, let's estimate that at $30 a week. Therefore, one could easily assume that it is $30 a week which translates into $120 a month and, therefore $2400 a year. WHAT THE HELL??

Couple that above figure with runs to Dunkin' Donuts at night and on the weekend, on average about 3 to 4 times a week. At an average of $5 per run, let's estimate that at $20 a week which translates to $80 a month and, therefore, $960 a year.

Add those two up and you get $3,360 - IN FLIPPIN' ICED COFFEE?!?!!!

My Bampa once presented the simple premise of equating a massively high bill to something that gives me pleasure to demonstrate what it translates to. (Back then it was a ridiculous phone bill from calling my boyfriend at the time = how many Limited Sweaters - but trust, I got the point). SO, let's see what can I get for $3,360?


2 Jimmy Choo Riki Handbags

5 pairs of Christian Louboutin shoes

6 Kooba handbags

10 pairs of Stuart Weitzman shoes

3.5 trips to Philly

and so on

Better yet - I could be earning ING interest on that $3,360. Therefore, with you readers as my witness, my coffee budget has been slashed from $50 a week to $20 a week (if that). I will have to learn how to brew coffee and, if it's still swilly - tough, I have to buck up and deal.

Tough times ahead...

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Posted by Lys :: 6:15 PM :: 9 comments

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Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Temptation: It's A Part of Life...

It seems like on the daily, my email inbox is barraged with a influx of "SALE" emails. Every retailer that I can think of is having a "sale". Every retailer that I normally frequent is going "Lys, here's a coupon". Retailers that I do the cash back and coupon combo are even in on the game and my wallet is on the verge of saying "Witch - if you even THINK of whipping me out, I'll hit you". Of course substitute the apropos word in place of witch and you can feel the depths of loathing that is radiating from my wallet.

My USAA debit card - some days it works, some days it doesn't - because it's wearing out from use. And that's my go-to card for EVERYTHING. I just don't know if I can wait another 10 days for a replacement.

My ING card is hiding in fear in my apartment - for fear of me breaking it out again at the outlets.

My credit cards are not an option because I'm working on paying them off for Operation Fico Score.

Cash - what's cash? I have maybe $5.00 to play with - the rest is in my USAA account.

What that means is this: I CAN'T GO SHOPPING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That's like a fish out of water, my friends. All these sales are trying to tempt me with their siren song and as much as I DON'T want to open the email, sometimes I slip and click on the open link which opens up a whole other rash of hell for me because now I have to fight my shopping/reasoning side of the brain that says "But Lys - those shoes would look FIERCE in Philly. Lys, you need a smaller flat iron. Lys, you know you just need to check out Macy*s for their One Day Sale (which - by the way - appears to be EVERY weekend - c'mon now)." And don't even get me started on Sur La Table and Stonewall Kitchen, both of which are banned for me right now until I go through my kitchen pantry - and I so desperately want to try Stonewall Kitchen's Pumpkin Pesto.

I'm trying. I'm really really trying.

:::sigh:::

It's hard being good.

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Posted by Lys :: 6:06 PM :: 4 comments

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Monday, July 14, 2008

In Need of a Refresher Course...

I've seemed to put aside my copy of The Secret and, after last week's debacle and every negative thing I thought about, let alone PUT OUT THERE, came to fruition, I said "ENOUGH". I had to reread the 100 Quotes from The Secret to go "Hmmmm..."

Since I was told to get my "head in the game" this weekend, I did. I didn't log into the 9to5 ONCE over the weekend. I worked on rejuvenating my spirit. I relaxed (somewhat). I cooked. I started to organize my place. I started to (with the help of a chart creation from the uber fab FB) organize my finances and I have a solid plan in place for jumpstarting my FICO score. I also put together a organizational plan for me to start my "Declutter '08" Project whereby I will start listing stuff in the next couple weeks either on EBay or a personal site - haven't figured that out yet. I even broke out the limoncello.

All of the above is really breaking down my big goal into little manageable tasks ahead. I also talked for a bit with Meowmix today which also centered me. Nothing like a telephonic slap upside the head, right?

And now, this week, I'll stop nursing my wounds and start getting down to business. Well, after I have another limoncello & lemonade.

And after I watch Bren from Flanboyant Eats tell Emeril "BAM!" tonight at 9:00.

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Posted by Lys :: 7:01 PM :: 4 comments

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Sunday, June 22, 2008

Lots to Do... Little Time To Do It In...

Needless to say, work's been kickin' my butt into overdrive. Sadly, my personal life has taken a backseat to the madness. So, this week I need to zap my happy behind into gear and here's my checklist to start the week:

  • 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.
I'm sure I'll add to the list, but there's too much to do and little time to do it in.

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

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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.

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

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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:

Refer A Friend using Revolution Money Exchange

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

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Wednesday, February 13, 2008

A Little Pre-Valentines/Valentines Gift From Ms. O...

Oprah put a little somethin' somethin' up on her website that is to be downloaded BEFORE 8pm/7pm central time on February 14, 2008 from the Personal Finance guru - Suze Orman...

What are you waiting for - click already, scroll down and download Suze Orman's book WOMEN & MONEY.

Much thanks to Single Ma for the heads up!

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Posted by Lys :: 9:48 PM :: 0 comments

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Thursday, January 31, 2008

Contest Winners...

Just Because...'s first contest went swimmingly and I've decided that four, instead of one, will be sent the Larry Winget "You're Broke Because You Want To Be" book. I think everyone should have a prosperous 2008 and why not end January on a fabulous note, right?

Now to the next part: the following people need to shoot me an email with your address to justanothagal [at] gmail [dot] com and I'll zip a copy off in the mail to you.

  • Just A Girl
  • Auburn Kat
  • The Diva's Thoughts
  • Michelle (Grown Up Girlie)

Happy Reading...

Stay Tuned for February's giveaway!

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Posted by Lys :: 7:19 AM :: 2 comments

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Monday, January 28, 2008

The Laptop's Still Striking...

Yeah, Strike Day 2 at the Lys household as the Laptop is on protest. Somehow, I think it is refusing to cooperate because, per Kimmy's suggestion - it was put on a time out and has been so since I started blogging via Blackberry last night. I'm giving it a 2 day cooling off period and then either it powers up and behaves like the good lil' laptop it once was or I'm bringing it to the Laptop Doctor who will make it more painful than it should be (both on my wallet and the 'puter).

In other news, the Contest ended on Friday and *boom* not much of a participation level - but it's all good because ALL four entrants/commenters are getting a copy of Larry Winget's book, "You're Broke Because You Want to Be : How to Stop Getting By and Start Getting Ahead". I think its one of those books that must be read. He offends, sure, but he tells you the truth straight up, no chaser, which is more than I can say for many of the PF authors I've read. It's kinda like a doctor - I tell my doctor - "JUST TELL ME STRAIGHT" I can handle things much better that way. Regarding my finances, he's a finance doctor of sorts and really has made me think "Do I REALLY need that pair of shoes I don't adore" or "Do I REALLY need yet another pot?" (Well, I think I do but don't tell him that.) It's just one of those books that makes you take a good long look at yourself and think about what's going on in your financial world and what YOU can do to make it better - because, seriously, the only one responsible for you and your debt is really you. I can't blame H. solely for the cell phone drama - I should have NEVER put him on my plan to begin with (and should have paid attention when he ran up a $2,000 + cell phone bill in ONE MONTH!). I can't solely blame my student loans on Uncle Sam - I can only handle my bizness and be accountable. This book makes it clear - you are accountable for YOU. So, why not take the advice he doles out and do what you will with it? To those that are getting copies of the book, I'd love to hear your thoughts on it when you are finished.

SO - yeah, uninspired post tonight, but 'sall good. I'll be back blogging with a force by Friday - regardless of laptop strike or not.

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Posted by Lys :: 7:56 PM :: 2 comments

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Thursday, January 24, 2008

Deadline's Getting Close...

Time is tickin' my friends. Don't forget to leave your best tip, goal, or random financial story in the comments of Larry Winget post to win a copy of his new book!

Contest ends Friday night, 1/25/08 - 11:59 p.m. ;) That's tomorrow folks. I have two copies to go 'round.

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Posted by Lys :: 7:46 PM :: 1 comments

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Sunday, January 20, 2008

Just Because’s First Contest...

Well, in light of people’s (read mine) resolution about getting one’s finance’s in order, I’m giving away 2, count ‘em 2 copies of Larry Winget’s “You’re Broke Because You Want To Be: How To Stop Getting By And Start Getting Ahead”. I read this book and, let me tell you – the review is coming but hot damn. LOVE this guy. He really spells it out for everyone with some sage advice. And I can see why the book hit the top of the charts since its release last week.

SO – with that, leave your best financial tidbit, story and/or goal for 2008 in the comments on THIS THREAD and, come Friday evening, I’ll draw the winning entry via the Randomizer and 2 lucky readers will get a copy of this book along with a lovely additional surprise from yours truly.

So – what’s YOUR best financial tidbit/story or goal?

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Posted by Lys :: 7:13 PM :: 3 comments

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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!

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

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Monday, December 17, 2007

Sharebuilder, You Got Some 'Splainin' To Do....

I get this lovely email from Sharebuilder today asking me ever so nicely to put them back on the "NICE" list and not leave them in limbo on the "NAUGHTY" list. I've been with them for over a year and every month, like clockwork, I invest some $$$ into my stock of choice: Starbucks. Yes, I have over 12 shares. Does that get me a discount at the local 'Bucks. Surely you jest. I also invest in a couple other stocks and that works out fine for me. However, last month during my financial drama with the ghosts from the past and my desire to break up with the student loan monster, I suspended any draws from my bank account and figured I'd resume in January/February.

Well today, here comes Sharebuilder whining in an email to take them back. So, I consider it and figure "Eeeh. I do have some OT moolah left" and then saw my account. It dropped over $73. So, here's my question:

Sharebuilder - in the words of Ms. Janet - what have you done for me lately? I mean, besides lose my money. Besides nagging me. Besides driving me to the poor house. I am giving you 2 months suspension. After that, I hope you have my $73 back WITH interest. Because seeing my money drop that low is enough to piss me off.

And I didn't get any shoes out of the deal either.

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Posted by Lys :: 6:42 PM :: 5 comments

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Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Peter & Paul: We Need To Chat...

I've been guilty, my friends - I've been robbing Peter to pay Paul, doing the bill juggle and, as of 2:07 this afternoon - I. Gave. Up.

"Enough with the finance juggle, Lys - you are going to drop more than one ball and break EVERYTHING" - I screamed internally. Some choices have to be made and soon. Now, the apartment fits and that's cool - I'm not moving again and can handle my rent costs alone but some of the other bills I need to get under control and quick. (Note to self: Explore VONAGE). Also, knowing that I'm about to deal with someone or something head on is better than drawing it out and procrastinating. Don't get me wrong, I am absolutely a rehabbing procrastinator. However, I've come to learn through life experience that procrastinating is just delaying the inevitable. If you know the band-aid is gonna hurt, just pull it off quick and deal with the sudden onslaught of pain - not wait, pull the band-aid slllloooowwwwlllyyy prolonging the agony and making it worse. Something like that was how it took me 6.5 years to dump Mark for good and look where THAT got me - bad credit, drama and the whole shebang. Don't even get me started on H. and his daggone Cell Bill.

So, last month I paid off one of the credit cards and, I'm slightly reassured by the fact that I filed away the card in my accordion bill folder which means I cannot use it. I won't however, just close the card account because it's my oldest card since the whole Mark & H. debacle and I refuse to ding my credit score by closing it. I'll just leave it where it is. I have another credit card that will be paid off December 1st and that will join it's brother in the folder. After that, its tackling the remaining CC debt while I build up my score and you better believe that it's ON now.

I've accepted the fact that I'm more than likely going to have to get a second 9to5 to just build up the e-fund and pay down the cards. I won't be able to do so until after December 1st, but hey - I can totally do retail. Retail and I are JUST fine - and it would be nice to get paid to help people shop rather than intruding on their space with my opinions (yes, I'm one of those types that will tell you if something looks great and, if it doesn't suggest an alternative). Plus the PRBiz is good but not bringing in that much $$$ right now. I'm over scheduled as it is. Is there a cloning machine somewhere? Basically I need a temporary influx of cash that selling plasma won't help at the moment. As an added bonus, I'm hoping to be DEBT FREE by the end of 2008. Let's hope, right?

The above drama combined with my February trip means an aggressive Debt Reduction/Savings Plan is in order. So, I'm warnin' y'all - I'm joining the Personal Finance bandwagon again. Seeing Valley Girl's list today inspired me a bit to re-evaluate a few things and lay out a plan. Because life is no good without a plan, right?

First Order of Business: Put down Nina Garcia's Little Black Book of Style and crack open the new Suze Orman - Women & Money.

Second Order of Business: Cut out the eating out and limit the Starbucks intake to 2-3 times a week while I'm at work (shouldn't be that hard now that I have quasi learned to make coffee). Ditto on the pre-work morning java. Also I need to start grocery shopping smarter (lists! Must have Lists!) and planning meals for the week. (Added bonus - hello weight loss wagon - we meet again!)

Third Order of Business: Clear out the clutter! What clutter can be sold is going on eBay. What clutter that needs to be donated is being donated. What clutter is taking up space is going in the trash or returned to where it needs to be.

Fourth Order of Business: Holiday shopping: 90% of my holiday shopping will be online and with cash back and whatever coupon codes there are. That with the addition of a list shall keep me in check. Lists and I need to get reacquainted again.

Fifth Order of Business: Limit the personal shopping. Any and all shopping in the immediate future has to be necessary and either with coupon, cash back or something. (Val - I don't think I'm strong enough tho to give up the Net-A-Porter or Bluefly virtual shopping visits tho! I just won't click the checkout button)

Sixth Order of Business: Re-watch The Secret - Re-watch it TWICE if I have to. Because, obviously I haven't been paying it much attention lately.

Well, I think that's a good start. Now excuse me please while I begin my second coffee making experiment...

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Posted by Lys :: 7:12 PM :: 6 comments

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Thursday, September 06, 2007

Operation Credit - Armed and Dangerous...

Word to the wise: Never arm a blond gal with a little knowledge - she will run you over quicker than a fashionista on her way to a Manolo sample sale.

Over the past few years, I've been viciously attacking my credit report, and thankfully I did because when I pulled my scores this week, I saw that in about a year, my score jumped: Transunion +44 pts; Experian + 70 pts and Experian - 12 pts. WT??? Seriously - these three need to get their heads together. I have a few things I'm going to be attacking for 4th Quarter 07.

  • Reduce CC debt. I am planning to pay off 4 cards. They raised the limit on one of my cards without me even asking. The ones I did ask for were denied because they raised them "recently" (recently meaning last year and even then it was only $100.) While I won't be closing those, I will keep those for "emergency" and start closing out eventually.

  • Work on on the errors contained within the report. I.E. Verizon, for that daggone cell that H. had me get - well, they charged an amount of $2k (mind you he did that in ONE month), but then they also created ANOTHER account for $612. Another credit card company (back when I moved down here eons ago) took it upon themselves to issue a new card, but I never authorized nor activated it. Their version of "verification" - screen prints of their account system on a computer - no signature, nada authorizing it. Why - because they don't have it. Also - the first card I had with them was secured, sold off to a new bank (Merrick) and they never applied my security deposit. I made mistakes, but I've been extremely good with my credit to date. I got a second chance in 2005 and learned a valuable lesson - NEVER co-joint-authorize NADA! You would think I would have learned with Mark, but then I made the same mistake with H. Never again will I do that. Lesson learned.

  • Start a fight with the credit bureaus over their "verification" procedures. I've spoken with some of the characters there and, let me tell you, I now understand why some lawyers dumb down the letters. While it really offended me at first, I now see that perhaps Lexington Law has a few things up their sleeve. They did delete a number of things off my report.

  • Start a fight with the false judgment in Massachusetts. Apparently this is becoming a widespread problem. I've had one of my colleges who previously told me I had "student loans" and I took classes there for a FULL YEAR. Well, some time after I left them to return back to Bay Path [which is a whole other ballgame but I'll save that for another day] after I decided to not go to law school, this college changed their position and said I "didn't have student loans". However, they forgot to notify yours truly. No letter, no call, nada, nil, nothing. Riddle me this ****, what am I paying for then?

    Very recently, this well known school had their General Counsel send me a nasty gram with this ridiculous 2 line settlement agreement. First of all, this is a general counsel of an academic institution with a law school and they send me a 2 line settlement agreement unenforceable under Florida law. Hell I could challenge it under Mass law. And, the interest is way more than the amount owed (and I say WAY more - close to amounts that should be deemed illegal but I'm not a lawyer). Obviously, if you can send me a letter at my NEW address that I just moved into now, but couldn't send any correspondence from 1992 + and this is the first I heard about it - isn't something a little fishy? And, the piece de resistance - they took a known shady law firm who got a false judgment with three of my addresses smooshed together in a town where it would have never been able to be served. I found out in Massachusetts this was the norm and the court system would allow it. (Check out the Boston.com series here.) They are trying to make changes now to the system. I'm waiting for the third letter to put an arrow in her snooty behind, with of course, copies going to the President of the School, local news agency and their director of alumni affairs (did I mention my dad is an alumni?) as well as the Board of Bar Overseers for the crooked law firm who filed the false judgment. If I have to fly home to argue it before a judge and retain counsel in town, I'm more than happy to do so, even looking up a former boss to see if he'll take the case for me. Eat that, ****! Oh - and if I have to, guess who's going to be paying legal fees, costs, etc. - not moi. The college will have that lovely bill. Perhaps they should take that out of the GC's salary. Research, sweetheart, research.

That's the shortened list, but wish me luck. I'm getting feisty again...

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Posted by Lys :: 5:04 PM :: 1 comments

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Wednesday, May 02, 2007

A Couple Things On The Brain...

I'm a firm believer that if you have something to say, just for the love of God man - SAY IT! If we have a problem, let's get it into the open and all parties are satisfied. HOWEVER, should someone go behind one's back and talk a whole bunch of junk while smiling in one's face - oh. give. me. a. break. Back to the Dooce'd thing, let's just say true colors are more evident than ever and I, for one, ain't having it. Nosiree Bob!

In other news... I've made a stout resolution to my Personal Finance Goals. I'm holding myself accountable and that includes looking at all aspects of a gal's life. Someone told me that I tend to sell myself short and need to reach a little higher. I think that they may have a point. I had a rather refreshing chat with Meowmix Tuesday night whereby I kinda made the statement "I'd like to have the chance at having some aspect of a life". Does that mean I need to cut the work hours - most definitely. Am I a workaholic - c'mon now. Some people are addicted to alcohol, drugs, shopping, etc. - my vices are work and shoes. Not necessarily in that order and one of them has to be curtailed. I'm burnt out so much so that I need to breathe and if that means I need to cut back on hours, than so be it. However, my shoes get a stay of execution - I can't cut both out at once, ya know.

And - in other news.. DANCING WITH THE STARS VOTED OFF JOHN RATZBERGER??? Aw man - he tried tho - bonus points for stickin' it out unlike that one that quit prior to the show starting.

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Posted by Lys :: 11:32 PM :: 2 comments

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