Husband and I have been working now for awhile and money seems to be going good. I will try to do another post about his job switch but for now, I am talking about communication between us about our financial goals. We have generally discussed our financial goals but we have lacked in really sitting down and talking about what we want, what we are working for (our goals) and how we want to get to those goals.
We are trying to be even more mindful about our spending and saving. However, our spending varies now and our saving is not where I thought it would be or where I would like it to be with both of us working now. Yes, we do put some money aside in a savings account every paycheck but I am talking about those little things that seem to drain our checking account.
So, I was thinking this morning about how often should we sit down and discuss our financial goals. Should this be a weekly thing? I do want Husband to be involved so we can both be working towards the same goal and maybe even keep the other one in check. This is one of my struggles on trying to be more frugal with Husband.
Have you done this with your spouse or significant other? What are some tips you have found to keep talking about your frugal lifestyle and keeping it on track? Please feel free to let me know. Thank you!!
Jenn
Monday, July 30, 2012
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Vacation? Yes Please!!
As July is starting to wind down, I was thinking about vacations and budgets. I would love for Husband and I to go somewhere for a small vacation. Somewhere we can go, feel relaxed and when we get back to work, we are so ready to work because some time away refreshed our spirits.
It is hard not to do a vacation year after year. Even though I am happy for friends and family who do get to go on vacations, secretly, I want to go to!! Dare I even say the word? I think there might be some jealousy in there about vacations and friends who are getting them. Okay, there, I said it!! The ugly monster was spoken about!!
I had even planned a little for even a few days away but after some calculations, it just did not seem to work out for me. It got to be a little more expensive than I had wanted it to be. So, another summer here and another year with no travel to somewhere new and exciting.
So, how do you handle friends and family going on vacations and you end up staying home? They come home with pictures and now you are jealous. Husband and I live close enough to get to our state's capital and we have not been there for a weekend. (We made the trip to get our birth certificates but that was a one day trip.) Also, we live close enough to get to some other major cities in no time if we fly. Maybe a weekend to a city that is close enough but still far enough away.
So, how do you plan for vacations? Do you save for it throughout the year? How far in advance do you plan for your vacation? How far enough in advance to you book some things like a hotel room or a flight? How do you do a vacation and stay within a budget? Let me know some of your tips and tricks on how you do it. Who knows, we may all learn something new!! I would love to hear your tips, advice, tricks and experiences (good, bad or funny). How do you do it?
Jenn
It is hard not to do a vacation year after year. Even though I am happy for friends and family who do get to go on vacations, secretly, I want to go to!! Dare I even say the word? I think there might be some jealousy in there about vacations and friends who are getting them. Okay, there, I said it!! The ugly monster was spoken about!!
I had even planned a little for even a few days away but after some calculations, it just did not seem to work out for me. It got to be a little more expensive than I had wanted it to be. So, another summer here and another year with no travel to somewhere new and exciting.
So, how do you handle friends and family going on vacations and you end up staying home? They come home with pictures and now you are jealous. Husband and I live close enough to get to our state's capital and we have not been there for a weekend. (We made the trip to get our birth certificates but that was a one day trip.) Also, we live close enough to get to some other major cities in no time if we fly. Maybe a weekend to a city that is close enough but still far enough away.
So, how do you plan for vacations? Do you save for it throughout the year? How far in advance do you plan for your vacation? How far enough in advance to you book some things like a hotel room or a flight? How do you do a vacation and stay within a budget? Let me know some of your tips and tricks on how you do it. Who knows, we may all learn something new!! I would love to hear your tips, advice, tricks and experiences (good, bad or funny). How do you do it?
Jenn
Monday, July 23, 2012
Am I Being to Picky?
Have you ever needed a piece of clothing or pair of shoes and you had something particular in mind? You had an idea of what you wanted and what you did not want? Maybe you even started looking at some items and while they were nice items, none of them were what you really wanted?
I am finding myself in that position now. I am in need of some simple black flats for work. I have looked at one brand that I really like their shoes and I feel like I am being too picky about what I am looking at on their website. I do not want a lot of things on these shoes - no bows, no fancy two-toned colors, no open toes and quite frankly, I could probably go on and on. I do like this brand of shoes and have been wearing my current pair since at least 2009. I am wearing these shoes about two times a week also. Someone would probably ask me that if they are working so far, why replace them. They have some small holes in them. I do not know if anyone else has spotted them yet but when I see them, these holes seem to be screaming "Hey! Look at me!!" I also get a little nervous when it starts raining as I am afraid of "flooding" my shoes due to the holes. The padding on the bottom have gotten a little worn out as well.
So why am I being so picky? I know I want something that will not be trendy and have to be replaced next year because they are out of style. I do not want bows on them and I do not want a lot of extras on them either. Just plain old black flats. Ones that will last, be comfortable and can go with different outfits. Am I asking too much of shoes? Why does this seem to be so hard?
Have you ever had this problem? What did you do?
Jenn
I am finding myself in that position now. I am in need of some simple black flats for work. I have looked at one brand that I really like their shoes and I feel like I am being too picky about what I am looking at on their website. I do not want a lot of things on these shoes - no bows, no fancy two-toned colors, no open toes and quite frankly, I could probably go on and on. I do like this brand of shoes and have been wearing my current pair since at least 2009. I am wearing these shoes about two times a week also. Someone would probably ask me that if they are working so far, why replace them. They have some small holes in them. I do not know if anyone else has spotted them yet but when I see them, these holes seem to be screaming "Hey! Look at me!!" I also get a little nervous when it starts raining as I am afraid of "flooding" my shoes due to the holes. The padding on the bottom have gotten a little worn out as well.
So why am I being so picky? I know I want something that will not be trendy and have to be replaced next year because they are out of style. I do not want bows on them and I do not want a lot of extras on them either. Just plain old black flats. Ones that will last, be comfortable and can go with different outfits. Am I asking too much of shoes? Why does this seem to be so hard?
Have you ever had this problem? What did you do?
Jenn
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Baby Shower and a Farewell Party
This past week I was invited to a baby shower and a farewell party. The baby shower was very specific with a gift request - diapers or a meal that can be pulled from the freezer to cook after the baby is born. I am pretty sure either gift would have been appreciated by the mother as I am sure baby will go through diapers like crazy and although I do not have kids, I feel sure new mothers probably do not feel like making a dinner every night like she did before baby arrived. So, not having a lot of time to prepare a freezer meal, I opted for diapers. I have no kids and have not had to buy diapers before. I had no clue on what I was doing and ended up getting some suggestions from some of my Facebook friends on particular diapers they liked and the hostess ended up telling me the brand and size of the diapers to purchase. Great news for me!! I knew what I was doing when I went in to purchase the diapers from a local drugstore. Yet, I was VERY surprised at the cost of a smaller pack of diapers. Good thing that some parents do not sit down, calculate the cost of diapers and then opt out of having kids. Diapers can be expensive!!
At the farewell party, there was a large number of people who said they were coming and the party was at the home of a lovely lady. We all were told to bring an appetizer. Even a simple vegetable tray from a local grocery store was a little over $6.00. Just for some carrots, celery (who really eats that?!), broccoli, tomatoes and a little bit of dip. I just spent $18.00 (plus tax) on diapers and a veggie tray!! Holy moly!!
You could look at this as a budget buster. Or, if you are prepared, you might have some extra money just for these little events so neither one will make you wonder what you just did!! I was not prepared and had some sticker shock! Luckily, the veggie tray was able to come back home and Husband and I can eat the veggies (minus the celery).
But, the bigger point is the ladies who were honored at both parties. Babies are a little exciting and baby showers can be just as exciting to see all the gifts. Farewell parties are a mix of sad to see the person(s) go and happy to celebrate the friendship you have made with that person(s). There was lots of excitement, tears and a general fun fellowship at each party. I am so glad that I went to both parties as I enjoyed both.
The lesson I learned here is that even though I was not prepared for either party, I am so glad to have gone to both. I would not have missed it for the world. Friendships, new and old, are very important and can be more important than the small gifts I bring to either party. I am glad for each lady as they start new adventures - a new baby and a move to another part of the world due to work. Even though I may have said it at either party, I do wish you well on these new adventures and the $18.00 (plus tax) was well worth being able to enjoy your company as I have done so.
Good luck ladies. You can do well with your new adventures!!
Jenn
At the farewell party, there was a large number of people who said they were coming and the party was at the home of a lovely lady. We all were told to bring an appetizer. Even a simple vegetable tray from a local grocery store was a little over $6.00. Just for some carrots, celery (who really eats that?!), broccoli, tomatoes and a little bit of dip. I just spent $18.00 (plus tax) on diapers and a veggie tray!! Holy moly!!
You could look at this as a budget buster. Or, if you are prepared, you might have some extra money just for these little events so neither one will make you wonder what you just did!! I was not prepared and had some sticker shock! Luckily, the veggie tray was able to come back home and Husband and I can eat the veggies (minus the celery).
But, the bigger point is the ladies who were honored at both parties. Babies are a little exciting and baby showers can be just as exciting to see all the gifts. Farewell parties are a mix of sad to see the person(s) go and happy to celebrate the friendship you have made with that person(s). There was lots of excitement, tears and a general fun fellowship at each party. I am so glad that I went to both parties as I enjoyed both.
The lesson I learned here is that even though I was not prepared for either party, I am so glad to have gone to both. I would not have missed it for the world. Friendships, new and old, are very important and can be more important than the small gifts I bring to either party. I am glad for each lady as they start new adventures - a new baby and a move to another part of the world due to work. Even though I may have said it at either party, I do wish you well on these new adventures and the $18.00 (plus tax) was well worth being able to enjoy your company as I have done so.
Good luck ladies. You can do well with your new adventures!!
Jenn
Monday, July 2, 2012
Book Review - "The Girl's Guide to Homelessness" by Brianna Karp
Okay, so I thought maybe giving my "two cents" on some books I have read might help others on books to read for their ideas on saving money and even being frugal. While this book does not deal with hints, tips or suggestions for anything financial, it does give one lady's snap shot of being laid off and how she dealt with it.
This book is written by Brianna Karp who I think writes this book really well. I really do think it would have been hard for someone to help write this book for her. She starts off by giving you (the reader) some background on her family life which is a hard start (if you ask me). She deals with life with her mother, sister and I think a step-father from about the age of 10 on. She picks up odd jobs at a REALLY young age and just seems to be working ever since. I could not imagine having to work as a youngster to help support the family.
She finally lands a good job and things seem to go well. Until......(you had to know that there was some more drama here) she gets laid off from her job. She is able to get some temp work but I think that even is scarce or not at all. She then inherits her late father's truck and 30 foot trailer. At least it is a place to live? She ends up living in the trailer in a certain store's parking lot. She goes to Starbucks to be able to connect to the WiFi to look for jobs. I think she even joins a gym to have access to a shower.
She then starts a blog to start talking about how she is dealing with being homeless. That is where this book mostly comes from. Do not worry, the book is not written like different journal or blog entries. It flows really well. It is amazing to think of the things she does to keep from telling friends that she is homeless. I think she does her blog under a screen name so I think no one knows her real name. She even has a long-distance boyfriend. You will even have to keep reading to find out the problem she has with her trailer being taken and also visiting her boyfriend (at that time) who lives in a different country (how does a homeless girl travel outside the country?!).
This books definitely got me to thinking about if I ever should be laid off from my job. What would I do if a family member did not let me stay with them? How would I get mail? How would I look for jobs? Where would I shower? Where would I sleep? How do I keep local law enforcement from "picking me up" while being homeless? This book definitely is a reason for why people should have an emergency fund and live beneath your means. I am amazed how this young lady kept sane!
This book also gave me some thought about those who are homeless. I do not think people start off thinking that it will happen to them. But what do you do when you lose your job, have no money and no where to go? When and how do you ask for help?
This book is definitely a really great read about dealing with life and sometimes the bad hand you may be dealt from time to time. Yep, it may really be bad now but there has to be something better if I just keep working! The little "falls" from time to time are okay (as long as I learn something from them). She definitely shows strength, courage and someone who feels bad for herself for a moment but picks herself back up and keeps going. DEFINITELY worth the read!!
And if you want to visit her blog, you can do so by going here: http://girlsguidetohomelessness.com/. You can also read part of her book and keep up to date with what she is doing these days.
This book is written by Brianna Karp who I think writes this book really well. I really do think it would have been hard for someone to help write this book for her. She starts off by giving you (the reader) some background on her family life which is a hard start (if you ask me). She deals with life with her mother, sister and I think a step-father from about the age of 10 on. She picks up odd jobs at a REALLY young age and just seems to be working ever since. I could not imagine having to work as a youngster to help support the family.
She finally lands a good job and things seem to go well. Until......(you had to know that there was some more drama here) she gets laid off from her job. She is able to get some temp work but I think that even is scarce or not at all. She then inherits her late father's truck and 30 foot trailer. At least it is a place to live? She ends up living in the trailer in a certain store's parking lot. She goes to Starbucks to be able to connect to the WiFi to look for jobs. I think she even joins a gym to have access to a shower.
She then starts a blog to start talking about how she is dealing with being homeless. That is where this book mostly comes from. Do not worry, the book is not written like different journal or blog entries. It flows really well. It is amazing to think of the things she does to keep from telling friends that she is homeless. I think she does her blog under a screen name so I think no one knows her real name. She even has a long-distance boyfriend. You will even have to keep reading to find out the problem she has with her trailer being taken and also visiting her boyfriend (at that time) who lives in a different country (how does a homeless girl travel outside the country?!).
This books definitely got me to thinking about if I ever should be laid off from my job. What would I do if a family member did not let me stay with them? How would I get mail? How would I look for jobs? Where would I shower? Where would I sleep? How do I keep local law enforcement from "picking me up" while being homeless? This book definitely is a reason for why people should have an emergency fund and live beneath your means. I am amazed how this young lady kept sane!
This book also gave me some thought about those who are homeless. I do not think people start off thinking that it will happen to them. But what do you do when you lose your job, have no money and no where to go? When and how do you ask for help?
This book is definitely a really great read about dealing with life and sometimes the bad hand you may be dealt from time to time. Yep, it may really be bad now but there has to be something better if I just keep working! The little "falls" from time to time are okay (as long as I learn something from them). She definitely shows strength, courage and someone who feels bad for herself for a moment but picks herself back up and keeps going. DEFINITELY worth the read!!
And if you want to visit her blog, you can do so by going here: http://girlsguidetohomelessness.com/. You can also read part of her book and keep up to date with what she is doing these days.
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