Two Months +

Dang! Its been two months + since my last post SNIFF...SNIFF. I didn't give
up or jump off a bridge no..no. Its been crazy not like ever before busy.
So much good has been happening'! First, Barack is Prez YEEEAAAYAH! I
love him and his family. Thanksgiving was great! There's so much to be thankful for. Next week I will be transitioning into my new job that will be Oh So Good for the young one and I.
I'll keep you posted...LOL!

Caught! Stores trying to get over

Two weeks ago, the week before Thanksgiving to be exact I purchased a coat for my son. In search of a good sale I compared Ross, Marshalls, and TJMaxx to some of the many trendy stores Gap, A&E, Aeropastale ect. In the end one of the trendy stores had the best sale. The coat originally priced at $44.95 with free shipping and a 40% family and friends coupon total price $26.97. Bet! I placed my order online and received the coat. In less than a week, three days to be exact, I refered the same coat to a friend who was in search of a coat for her son. We went online together and the trendy store now had a 50% promo with free shipping. So that's, 1/2 off $44.95 for a total of $22.47. (This is all before Thanksgiving and Black Friday Madness) My friend went to order the coat and the price didn't change once in the shopping bag or checkout *Huh?* I read the fine print that stated the price shown had already been reduced. Now wait a minute!!! I had to retrieve my receipt & printout... the original price of the coat had always been $44.95. This trendy store had hiked the price up to $89.90 then took 50% off all in a matter of 3 days. In my opinion, the coat would never be worth $89.90. I called customer service to call them out and for an explanation...they were caught! speechless! The bastards were trying to get over... To all shoppers especially during the holiday season please don't allow yourself to be scammed.

No Love

No Love for the blog lately and I apologize. I’ve been so busy with busy work that it’s been hard to sit for a moment and focus. Here’s the update: It’s back to school for the young one and I, work is * killing me softly*, karate *haaa-ya*, school meetings, mommy I’m bored…, and so on. I’m here yall! Not to mention that my finances are not so good, September has been an expensive month. I had to purchase sneakers and shoes for the young one and that almost broke the bank *yikes!* I had his feet measured and I coulda fainted when the shoe rep said, “8.5 men’s.” Daaayuum! You know that the half size is just a warning to get yourself together for the next size. I must admit that I am not prepared; seriously, I will be picking up another day of work to pay for the young one’s feet *shrug.*

2008 Presidential Debate

Wow! The presidential debate is here full force! Will you be tuning in?

August Exspenses vs. The Budget

August was a difficult and demanding month. What can I say? I hustled & worked my A** off!
Rent $300/$300
Nah’s Tuition $500/500 x 2 = $1000 *missed a payment in July
Utilities $135/$135
Health Insurance Premium $132/$132
Cell Phone $130/$130
Gas $88/$88
Car Insurance $130/$130
Phone/Internet $58/$111*late fee
Dinner/Lunch Out $60/$30
Tithes $80/$15
Clothing $60/$48
Laundry $20/$0
Entertainment (Movies, parks, videos) $60/$0
Education (Tutoring, School trips) $60/$0
Gifts: Holiday, B-Day $20/$0
Back Tuition $2200
Groceries $150/$150
School Supplies: Book Bag ~ 42.00
Supply List ~ $$15.00
Uniform & Shoes ~ $44.00
Trip to NYC $40
Childcare and transportation $140

Savings
Just in Case $ Account $25/$0
Nah’s College Account $25/$0
My 1st Home Account $25/$0
I Need a New Car Account $25/$0
Getaway Account $25/$0
Total:$2083 August Total:$4750

Guilty!

I must confess folks guilt is getting the best of me. A while back, the end of July to be exact, I wrote that I would share my financial situation (the budget) every other month. Well, that's not right! I was embarrassed to show how I failed the budget. So, I came up with some BS excused to blog budget updates every other month. I'm not being true to myself or you as my readers. Therefore, I apologize....

Negative People~Who Needs Em?

Negative people Irk my soul! I'm in a good mood lovin' life and here comes a so called friend of mine texting me some BS that I had nothing to do with. Small incidents have been consistently happening for almost a year and I am DONE with her. She has officially crossed the line... putting a damper on my good mood and creating tense atmospheres. Growth has taken over in my life and with all the goals that need to be focused on negativity is not welcomed! Holla!

Move Mountain!

Recently, my sistah girl and I had a similar situation regarding the almighty dolla (dollars) I should say. We both received a unanticipated notice via letter and or phone call regarding a debt ( not the same debt) but a debt that gives you the bubble guts. The kind of notice that could rock your world, immediately makes you panic internally so you dash for the bathroom Yeah! My sistah girl's notice came first. I cool in my world at that moment so I offer words of encouragement: Sistah girl please be encouraged and KNOW that this situation will be alright. (My Bible study mode is about to kick in). "...if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." ~Matthew 17:20
Life is good for a few days my sistah girl is doing well then, my letter came and I was confused and upset! Sistah girl gave me the SAME EXACT words of encouragement and I was pissed! She bit off of my lines LOL! Seriously, trust and believe and God will definitely move that mountain!

Dealing with A Creditor

For about 3 weeks I've been called from a 1-800 # (creditor). Immediately, I re-subscribed to www.annualcreditreport.com to find nothing unusual (sigh). So why is this annoying creditor calling 4~5 times a day? Hesitantly, I called the creditor to find out who they are and why the frequent calls. I don't think the line rang one complete time before a rep answered.

Me: Hello, could I please have the name, address, phone and fax number of your company?

Straight up, the rep goes into speed mode reading some rehearsed BS about collecting a debt...wonk..wonk...wonk.

Me: Excuse me, could you also include the original creditor, account number and last date of activity on the account please?

Rep: Verify your name, SS#, address, and DOB?

Me: I stated my name initially when I called. I will NOT provide any other information during this call! Please answer the previous questions.

Rep: Mam, we are here to help you...
Word?! BS! Two can play at this game since the rep was trying to play me.

Me: You are a third party debt collector, as in, not the original creditor. Previously, I've requested that you cease all communication with me and you have chosen to continue. Your conduct thus far is unacceptable and borders on harassment. I do not wish to continue this call.

Rep: Wait! Our company information is... XXX Collections
NY, NY 12345
222-222-2222
Original Creditor
Account #
Thank you for calling! Click.
Dang! The rep hung up the phone quick...I guess they didn't want any trouble.

May God Be With You

Two Legends...

Mac & Hayes Family: May God comfort you during this difficult time. All prayers and blessings be with you. So sad…


Isaac Hayes


Bernie Mac

My Little One

I received a call from the little one's camp and my heart skipped a beat! Thank God everything's okay. Why assume the worst? Anywho, this past weekend was an exchange weekend so a couple campers left and the new campers hadn't arrived yet. My lil homey was homesick (Sad). I rushed so fast to FedEx to overnight a care package on a Sunday (Yeah imagine that!) of course they don't ship on Sundays (DAMN!). Next best thing was to ship FedEx same day...NOT! FedEx was "killing me softly" with the rates $118+ for a 1lb package not even an hour and a half away. USPS here I come...again, it was Sunday; I imagined that the post office was closed whateva; I tried anyway. Halleluiah! the post office was open and there was a nice customer rep who assured me that my lil man's care package would arrive by 3pm today for $12.60 (whew!)

Happy Birthday!

I have to blog on last weekend I had such a great time. Thank you to all who helped me celebrate my 2*th birthday (LOL!) you all made me feel fabulous.
Friday, Aug. 1st was my actual birthday and I skipped breakfast and went straight to lunch with my ma. Then, my lil man had a camp musical (how cute!) Following the musical I called my SOH who was a little short with me on the phone.
Me: Hey...I missed your call. How are you? Are you busy?
SOH: Are you home yet?
Me: No not yet
SOH: Call me when you get home.(Click)
O, I had a fit in my mind! The Leo in me was coming out and ready to roar. I was annoyed...it was my day! Word?! You gonna be unusually short with me on the phone?! I needed a minute to get myself togetha I began to sweat under my underarms I was so annoyed. I took the long way home to get my face togetha after my inner tantrum. Finally, I get home my ma was waiting for me with this HUGE smile spread across her face (WEIRD!) I'm like what are you smiling about?
Ma: Do you see anything unusual.
Me: No I don't...are you ready to go to dinner?
Ma: Look around!
Me: Ma, this is not the time to play hide and seek. Are u ready?
My ma brings out the most beautiful flowers I've ever seen. Awe...thanks ma you brought me flowers. Are you ready?
Ma: I didn't buy you flowers!
I rushed over to read the card (tear filled eyes) they were from my SOH! How sweet (sniff, sniff) I felt like a IDIOT for my inner tantrum earlier. I called SOH immediately!
Saturday, I took my lil man away to camp. I'm so proud of him...he's such a great independent lil boy and inspiration. This year is his third year at "sleep away" camp and we put a twist on things. In previous years his stay was only 7~10 days. Last summer he asked me if he could stay away at camp longer (For real young one?!) I said I would consider it (Dang that costs a couple dollars!). After talking with my SOH & brothers, the decision was made that he was going. Well, by the Grace of God he received a scholarship to attend camp for a additional week. So, this year he's away 14 days including 2 consecutive weekends. Can you say HIGH ANXIETY?! I'm sure he is having a wonderful time growing and creating lifetime experiences and memories.
After dropping the lil man off at camp I was out, gone...Ocean City, MD was calling my name. I had this new suit I HAD to wear! For years, I forgot the beach existed it had been years since I relaxed on the beach. Last year SOH & I went and had a great time! I'm hooked! This year my SISTAH & I chilled on the beach. That's a awesome birthday...God willing I will visit the beach every summer.

Growth

After looking at July and predicting the August budget I have decided for now to update every other month. Honestly, the budget is not doing well. I have been totally spent for the month of July and August. In previous posts I stated that the monthly budget is a work in progress...more work than progress. So, many stumbling blocks have been placed in my way. I'm not sad, scared, or confused. It's cool...no worries I believe that things are suppose to go down this way. Growth is happening in my life and I embrace it!

Debt

The monthly budget is a work in progress. In addition to budgeting I MUST work on getting out of debt...seriously! It's so NOT Sexy and beginning to cramp my style. Unfortunately, I use my one and only credit card to live. I swipe that little piece of plastic way too much. I'm a firm believer in DIY if at all possible. Recently, I spoke with a "...for ONLY $200 WE WILL GET YOU OUT OF DEBT!" agency, yeah, BS! For $200 every two weeks/$400 a month after you "go through" the never-ending program. I work too hard to give my pennies away.
First step, renew my membership with www.annualcreditreport.com , its been a while since I checked out my report (6 months maybe?). I have a feeling something has changed ... A 1-800 number left me a voicemail at 9:20pm a few evenings ago. Aint that some S*#T?! I'm NOT having that! I have a weekday off from work this week. During that time, all creditors( good, bad and ugly) can expect a nice letter from me. With faith, a lil time, and patience I will be set!

Procrastination

One of my biggest efforts will be to break my awful habit of procrastination. In an effort to stay focused I now realize that it is necessary to channel optimistic and positive energy into everyday tasks. I've created many lists for different things now it's time to check them of one by one. I'm putting on my boxing gloves I will not go down without a fight!
Procrastination~ It has become one of my hardest walls to climb. There's no rime or reason for it's existence in my life. Waiting until the last possible moment has costs me MAJOR money. During the evening I am tired and want to chill. Instead of taking time during the evening to prepare for the next day (clothes, paperwork, packed lunch for the next day) I put everything off till morning. In my mind I plan to wake-up early so I can prepare for the day. Well, that NEVER happens! Unfortunately, I wake-up late rush myself and son (Sooo HORRIBLE!) I usually have to purchase breakfast, eat in the car, and have that daily morning talk with my little man all in a matter of minutes. Again, I am late for work loosing money and my mind by the second. Uhh... it can be so frustrating! Major changes are ahead. I will not try to change everything at once...begin with baby steps...stay tuned.

My New Ride

I live in a city where almost everyone rides a bike. There are multiple non~profit bike programs in my neighborhood! My son goes to a bike camp where they learn how to fix bikes and ride safely. With all that said, I did not think about owning a bike.

There are a lot of gas stations in my neighborhood too... LOL! Recently, the gas stations have been scamming customers by charging an extra fee for using credit. Well, credit/debit is all I'm gonna use to buy gas so I had to really search around. Finally I found a gas station that didn't charge a extra fee and the price was alright. I filled my tank and left feeling disrespected by the amount of money I had to spend. This past weekend it hit me; Saturday, to be exact I was on my way home riding in my car chilling with the air conditioning BLASTING it was so HOT! I was grateful I had a full tank of gas. Next thing I know I am stuck in bumper to bumper traffic(DANG!). 5 minutes go by, then, 10-20-30... AN HOUR! I am pissed! I watch every minute as my gas meter gets closer to the halfway point while physically moving nowhere. Oh... but there were people moving all around and thru traffic...bikers. That's when I decided to purchase my new ride.



Is it not LUVLY? The only thing misssing is a basket. The purchase was not a splurge so no worries. I kept my budget in mind so I was able to negotiate the price which was originally $80. Luckily, I rode away for half the price.

Tweaking the Budget

I can not believe it is the middle of July (Yikes!). I was in Target yesterday and purchased Nothing! Yeah I said it....Nothing! When I entered the store Back-to-school ads were everywhere! School shirts, pants, backpacks, pencils...it was too much for me to handle. Not to mention I have to shop for supplies for my lil man and myself. Dang! Why didn't I include this into the budget?! You live and you learn! So, $10 dollars a month will be the amount I will budget, save, put to the side for school supplies.

Short~term Pain for Long~term Gain

Short~term Pain for Long~term Gain yeah...yeah...yeah. Do I believe it? Yes, but why does it have to be so painful.
The Pain: working 12 to 16 hour days, co-workers getting on my last nerve, minimal time to spend with my lil man, tired all the time.
The Gain: Money.
God willing when this is all over I will be enjoying the Gain.

July Budget

Rent $300
Nah’s Tuition $500
Utilities $135
Health Insurance Premium $132
Cell Phone $130
Gas $88
Car Insurance $130
Phone/Internet $58
Dinner/Lunch Out $60
Tithes $80
Clothing $60
Laundry $20
Entertainment (Movies, parks, videos) $60
Education (Tutoring, School trips) $60
Gifts: Holiday, B-Day $20
Groceries $150

Savings

Just in Case $ Account $25
Nah’s College Account $25
My 1st Home Account $25
I Need a New Car Account $25
Getaway Account $25

Total: $2083

The Pennies are Counted

I will not quit! Keeping account of all pennies was not an easy job but someone had to do it. Good news, I did overkill some parts of the budget however, managed to save some extra money that can now be allotted to a specific accounts. With the help of mint.com July’s budget should run smoothly!

Rent $300/$300
Nah’s Tuition $500/$500
Utilities $35/$275 The A/C Bill was ridiculous!
Health Insurance Premium $132/$132
Cell Phone $130/$120
Gas $80/$86
Car Insurance $130/$130
Phone/Internet $24/0
Dinner/Lunch Out $60/$100
Tithes $40/$80
Clothing $60/$120
Laundry $20/0
Entertainment (Movies, parks, videos) $60/$90
Education (Tutoring, School trips) $60/0
Gifts: Holiday, B-Day $20/$20
Groceries $150/$94

Savings

Just in Case $ Account $25/$50
Nah’s College Account $25/$50
My 1st Home Account $25/$50
I Need a New Car Account $25/$50
Getaway Account $25/0

Total: $1901/$$ Spent June $2247

* $346 over

Change

When I started this blog I chose to write about money, savings and how I will reach my financial goals. However, the more I post or think about posting I remember that the purpose of this blog is to share whatever I feel like sharing.
Not long ago, I would dream safe small dreams and thoughts. Then, I was asked, what do you live for? For months I've been stuck in a rut thinking about the answer. I have big visions for my life. I envision myself succeeding beyond my wildest dreams. I want to give a shout~out and special THANK YOU to my fellow dreamers. Thank you for being my rock and inspiration in the time of need. Today I had to walk alone and that's OK. Time alone has given me strength and I now know that I have not reached my limits, this is not as far as I will go in life. I made the decision a while ago and confirmed it today that I will no longer go through the motions in life, I am not going to live another day without joy and passion. I've seen sooooo many sad depressed people on the streets of Philly. That won't be me! I will not accept complacency or mediocrity. Life is too short.

Dreamlist

I'm a dreamer by nature. So, I take a few minutes to dream daily. With budgeting and hard work these dreams will come true!
A Vintage Bike... The cost of gas is Ridiculous!

Dream Vacation Sweet! No work all play! I could chill and relax with no worries.

A Digital camera to take pics while I'm on vacation LOL! Currently, I am clicking away and running to Walgreen's to get the pics developed. That's so not cool...

Wow! How nice would it be to have on of these?

Last but not least amount of $$ I dream of owning a used Land Rover

Try Mint!

After a hours of adding up receipts and budgeting papers I'm fed up! No more spreadsheets they are too time consuming and I'm still not finished. I've read about MINT through other blogger's posts but hesitated in giving it a try. Well...I think Mint is the program for me! I entered my accounts and BAM! all my pennies where calculated and categorized. How Luvly and convenient is that?

www.mint.com

Time Is $$

June is over and it is time for me to tally up the pennies! I know that I fell a little off track with my budget but it's OK! Now I know what adjustments need to be made. I'm going to try a different spreadsheet or program...Excel is taking up too much of my time. It's July 1st and the new budget is not finalized...uhh! Suggestions please

Fabulous Find

I have a Gala to attend on Saturday (Tomorrow...YIKES!) and I did not plan ahead. I have no dress and little funds. I believe the attire is formal however, gowns are not my style so I had to shop for a dressy dress. I considered borrowing a friend's old bridesmaid dress but I couldn't bring myself to it. Optimistic and pressed, I shopped and found nothing except overpriced left-over prom dresses. I walked in and out of stores tired of walking and waisting gas. Then I remembered I'm creative and can make a dress out of a pillowcase ( that's for you Dina!). So, I grabbed this dress for $10 after using a store credit voucher.

What do you think?

Right on~time & right for my budget!

"My dress ain't cost nothing but seven dollars, but I made it fly." ~Erykah Badu

Grandma's Words

My grandmother always said, "Patience~is having endurance under difficult circumstances. It's not gonna be easy! But, wait on the Lord and He will see you thru! Anything in this life worth having is worth waiting for. " I was eight years old when she said all this so she wrote a little note for me. Every so often I have to pull out that old wrinkled paper and remind myself of grandma's lessons. Funny, she said when I get older and can't read it no more I won't need it. Dang! I'm not old enough yet?! LOL!
When frustrated with life and the difficult circumstances remember to eat your Ps...Patience, Power, Potential and Promise.

Inspiration

Inspiration: I enjoy looking at people while they sleep weird but true. While sleeping one appears to be at peace… no worries as the mind and body rest. Well, I was looking at my little boy as he slept he had a long and hard day of play. I thought back to earlier in the day as everything presented to him regardless of difficulty he achieved with great optimism. For that reason, I must live by example and life to the fullest leaping over stumbling blocks.

Lesson Learned

Usually, a midweek trip to the market has the potential to shake –up my budget. However, unlike most visits where I am skating down the aisles; today I am not in a rush so I have time to look for the unmarked sales. It’s me and the senior citizens LOL! I’m picking up 4 pounds of ‘greens’ for my mom at $.49/pound and there is this older lady around 80s-90s (Bless Her Heart!) there with me picking through. As I reach up to the top to grab a bundle of greens she smacks my hand away as if I was reaching into fire. I’m SHOCKED! I don't know this lady! Then she points her finger at me and says “The stems weigh the most! Just because the leaf is big and pretty doesn’t mean it’s gonna taste good." In my mind I'm thinking the greens are only $.49/pound so what if I go over $2. Naw...so what is not the answer! It’s this type of thinking and behavior that gets me into trouble. $2 was the budgeted amount and that is what I should stick to.
Lesson learned: Be observant and respectful for the wisdom elders pass on...those big pretty leaves could have cost me.

Thankful

I am so thankful to have my dad, brothers, uncles, and cousins in my life. Father’s Day was such a joyous day. During the beginning of the week I had concerns about not being prepared…I simply forgot that Father’s Day was on Sunday! Well... everything worked out and not a moment was taken for granted! There is no price tag on spending time with family.

Stepping up my game

Today, is what you call a productive day! I opened up "Nah's College Account" AND "My 1st Home Account"! It felt soooo good leaving the bank knowing that another item on my list can be checked off. I did a few other things and worked on this blog page-hope you all noticed. Then; I remembered this weekend was Father's Day. What the heck?! So many gifts to create and make cause honey my money is funny LOL ... any suggestions?

Feeling Stressed

More income needs to come my way during the summer! I just received two tuition bills for the fall...Uhh! Dang...that's only 12 weeks away so somethins got to give! This is is a perfect example of how I become financially distracted and frustrated! No time for that tho...I'm pressin' on!

Test of Faith

This weekend was the first of many tests financially. I must admit that I didn't spend TOO much money! I splurged on a few drinks (non-alcoholic of course) here and there...it was HOT! (100 plus degrees) so what the HECK! There were festivals and huge block parties in the city. I wanted to buy everything! Then, as I was sippin on my last drink (some fruity lemonade); I quickly remembered how buying little in-expensive things add up. So...so fresh in my mind a few days ago (May) I had no money and no money saved. Besides, I spent a lot of time and effort on my budget. I have to be faithful and true to me!

Yaaaay! I created a Budget!

Finally, the budget is finished! It may not be official, however; as I stated in previous posts it will be a work in progress. Furthermore, the time I had to create the budget was used wisely. I believe I a constructed a realistic budget that will allow me at least one of my favorite drinks per month (Passion fruit bubble tea) Mmm...Delicioso! Please take a look cause I'm on my way!

June 2008~ My First Budget

Rent $300
Nah’s Tuition $500
Utilities $35
Health Insurance Premium $132
Cell Phone $130
Gas $80
Car Insurance $130
Phone/Internet $24
Dinner/Lunch Out $60
Tithes $40
Clothing $60
Laundry $20
Entertainment (Movies, parks, videos) $60
Education (Tutoring, School trips) $60
Gifts: Holiday, B-Day $20
Groceries $150

Savings

Just in Case $ Account $25
Nah’s College Account $25
My 1st Home Account $25
I Need a New Car Account $25
Getaway Account $25

Total: $1901

The Beginning ~ Revised

My New Year's resolution list was compiled of some goals, some dreams, some positive affirmations, and then some really corny unrealistic things like: #6 go to the gym 5 days a week. Now, who do I think I am?! I say this in many ways.... First, I am a young single mother. I work full time plus some, go to school part-time, teach dance when I am not working, in school or chillin with my little boy. When could I possibly go to the gym FIVE days out of a 7 day week? Lol!

Anywho, today I read my list for the second time since I wrote it. Sadness came over me as I reflected back to when I originally wrote it. I was fresh, determined and proud at that time, however; I allowed self-doubt, ignorance, and other distractions get the best of me. No more! The list has been revised! I read it loud and proud! This time next year I want to proudly look back and see how much I have achieved. My life is not my own anymore so this is how I begin.

Goals and Dreams

• Pray daily +
• Budget and Save
• Don't Cheat God...Tithe right!
• Laugh, Love, Learn & have fun daily
• Pay bills on time!
• Create "Just in Case $" Account
• Create " Nah's College" Account
• Create "My 1st Home" Account
• Sign-up for workplace retirement plan ASAP
• Create " I Need a New Car" Account
• Stay consistent in school
• Don't Procrastinate...lead by example
• Exercise
• Embrace the hard times
• Don't make the same mistake twice
• Improve time management
• Volunteer
• Pay off Debt
• Forgive...life is too short!

Budgeting~Work in progress

This morning I decided to tackle a few of my issues full force. Budgeting! Uhh!!! The word makes me cringe...more so because I know it will be a long project similar to a unsolvable math problem. However, I'm sure I will feel rewarded/successfull once I get budgeting on a roll. I'm ready to buckle down and get serious about money and my future...healthy financially! I have a problem with splurging; so, at this very moment, my bank accounts are dangerously thin and that's scary. I lose sleep at night as I think about how much I do not save or budget daily. I remember my parents stressing the importance of having "Just in case money." You know the money you are suppose to save before an emergency occurs. Well, my current "Just in case" balance is $0. I really want a piece of the American Dream- a house of my own. My sacrifice will be many things during these next months/years.... It's ok! I'm wit it!

Six Months Into 2008

Well it's June already and I think I have completed one of my twenty goals for 2008. Procrastination and failure is not an option so I decided to go with #2 the list. Start a blog! I'm here and ready to work people! Whew! Together, we will be able to teach and inspire each other. By the way, I must give a shoutOut to Obama Yes We Can!!!