Last week I chipped a tooth, so today I had the fun visit to the dentist. Even with my private health insurance paying some, it still cost me just over $200 (that was for getting the tooth fixed, and a check-up/clean).
At the end of the day I know it is money well spent, the tooth needed fixing, but still, not a fun way to spend money.
Am definitely going to have to stop getting massages to get my medical budget back in line.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Another fortnightly update
The 2nd half of March didn't go as well as the first. I really didn't expect to be over my budget by so much.
There are still a couple of days left in March, so will post a monthly summary and update my credit card list etc later this week, but this is a update for the previous fortnight (up to Saturday 28th March).
Rent: As expected.
There are still a couple of days left in March, so will post a monthly summary and update my credit card list etc later this week, but this is a update for the previous fortnight (up to Saturday 28th March).
Rent: As expected.
Household: Over because I bought a $49.99 TV. Still consider this a good deal so not too concerned.
Food: I think reducing my food bills is going to be an ongoing challenge this year. At least I had a bit of money left over from my first fortnight in March, but will still be over for the month. I still throw out food and buy too many snacks.
Medical: If I keep getting massages I may need to increase this category. Maybe I should just stop getting massages!
Public transport: Over, but this includes 2 x 10 trip savers bought last week which I haven't started using, so they will last me for a while.
Mobile phone: Bill not due until next month.
Clothes: Shouldn't have bought that dress from the markets, particularly as I need to buy winter clothes
Study expenses: This put the largest dent in my budget, and this doesn't include the textbooks from Amazon I bought yesterday. Hopefully won't have many more expenses for the rest of semester.
Gifts: Under, this was an Easter egg for my Mum.
Miscellaneous: I bought a $3.00 Scratchie.
Spending: Over by a little bit, but was under last fortnight.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
I'm a geek
I just spent $311.95 US (think it will be around $450AU) at Amazon. And they weren't even fun books! (Sigh, how many "fun" books could I have gotten for $312US? A lot!)
I just spent $311.95 US buying two textbooks on US Federal Income Tax.
I'm a geek.
If any of my friends ever say "I've spent too much money", it's usually followed by "I shouldn't have bought another pair of shoes", or "I shouldn't have bought that bag", or "I really need to stop going out so much". Me, I just blew my budget on tax textbooks!
At least they are tax deductible!
I just spent $311.95 US buying two textbooks on US Federal Income Tax.
I'm a geek.
If any of my friends ever say "I've spent too much money", it's usually followed by "I shouldn't have bought another pair of shoes", or "I shouldn't have bought that bag", or "I really need to stop going out so much". Me, I just blew my budget on tax textbooks!
At least they are tax deductible!
Saturday, March 28, 2009
I have some hard-core saving to do
Obviously my first financial priority is to pay off my debt. But after that, I have some hard core saving to do.
It's a dream of mine to study tax in the U.S. - there is an international tax program at NYU; and an LLM with a tax specialisation at Harvard.
This is from the Harvard website:
"A year in Harvard Law School's LL.M. program is expensive. Tuition for 2007-2008 is $39,325; in addition, the costs of dormitory housing, food, medical fees, books and supplies, activity fee, and personal and travel expenses for a single student come to at least $23,097, for a total of at least $62,422".
And that's US dollars! I feel so depressed about it, it is something I really want to do, and although I will be trying for a scholarship, it seems like unless I get one (and they are extremely competitive) I will never get there. I'm expecting to take until the end of next year (2010) to pay off my debt, and that was "only" $25K. (Yes, I know it is still an incredibly high amount but compared to approx $100K AU which the program + living expenses would be, it isn't much!)
Unless there is a kind reader with almost $100K AU reading this who feels like helping me out?? ;)
It's a dream of mine to study tax in the U.S. - there is an international tax program at NYU; and an LLM with a tax specialisation at Harvard.
This is from the Harvard website:
"A year in Harvard Law School's LL.M. program is expensive. Tuition for 2007-2008 is $39,325; in addition, the costs of dormitory housing, food, medical fees, books and supplies, activity fee, and personal and travel expenses for a single student come to at least $23,097, for a total of at least $62,422".
And that's US dollars! I feel so depressed about it, it is something I really want to do, and although I will be trying for a scholarship, it seems like unless I get one (and they are extremely competitive) I will never get there. I'm expecting to take until the end of next year (2010) to pay off my debt, and that was "only" $25K. (Yes, I know it is still an incredibly high amount but compared to approx $100K AU which the program + living expenses would be, it isn't much!)
Unless there is a kind reader with almost $100K AU reading this who feels like helping me out?? ;)
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Amazon
When you are on a budget, and like books, Amazon is evil. I think the best thing to do in a situation like this is just avoid the site all together. There are always so many things I find on there which I want.
I've enquired about joining my local library. The problem is you need two forms of ID with your current address. All my photo ID has my old address on it; and all my current mail is sent to a PO Box, not my home address. Hopefully I will still be able to join up.
Regardless though, I have books at the moment I haven't read, so I certainly should get through those before even thinking about buying any more. And, head dropped in shame, I did buy some books last week at a discount book store (ended up being $37.95 for 5 books, one of which was Lauren Weisberger "Chasing Harry Winston" which have I have been wanting for ages.
I've enquired about joining my local library. The problem is you need two forms of ID with your current address. All my photo ID has my old address on it; and all my current mail is sent to a PO Box, not my home address. Hopefully I will still be able to join up.
Regardless though, I have books at the moment I haven't read, so I certainly should get through those before even thinking about buying any more. And, head dropped in shame, I did buy some books last week at a discount book store (ended up being $37.95 for 5 books, one of which was Lauren Weisberger "Chasing Harry Winston" which have I have been wanting for ages.
Medical/Dental costs
I have been sick for about a week and a half. Not fun. Went to the doctor's on the weekend and got some antibiotics, which obviously has a cost.
And, I have managed to chip a tooth. Well, it is either a chip or a hole, but it is not painful at all, so I think it's a chip. But I don't know how I did it, it wasn't like I bit down on something and felt the tooth break. It is at the back of a tooth, so luckily not obvious, but I can see it the missing bit when I hold a mirror in my mouth. So I have a dentist's appointment next Monday. I don't have a big problem with dentists, I always make sure I go every six months for a clean/checkup (my Mum spent enough on my teeth when I was a teenager that I want to take care of them!); but it still isn't exactly on my list of Top 10 fun things to do.
I'm concerned about the cost, my private health cover will cover some of it, so I'm hoping it's not too expensive. But I would prefer to get it dealt with now rather than wait in case it gets worse.
And, I have managed to chip a tooth. Well, it is either a chip or a hole, but it is not painful at all, so I think it's a chip. But I don't know how I did it, it wasn't like I bit down on something and felt the tooth break. It is at the back of a tooth, so luckily not obvious, but I can see it the missing bit when I hold a mirror in my mouth. So I have a dentist's appointment next Monday. I don't have a big problem with dentists, I always make sure I go every six months for a clean/checkup (my Mum spent enough on my teeth when I was a teenager that I want to take care of them!); but it still isn't exactly on my list of Top 10 fun things to do.
I'm concerned about the cost, my private health cover will cover some of it, so I'm hoping it's not too expensive. But I would prefer to get it dealt with now rather than wait in case it gets worse.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Credit cards, interest rates, plan of attack
My credit card interest rates are as follows:
I haven't updated my list of credit card debt as I usually only do it at the end of the month. But essentially:
- I received a 6 month balance transfer promotional rate offer (3.99%) for Card 2. As Card 2 only had about $1,500 available, last month I transferred that balance to Card 3 to free up the credit.
- Card 5 was my highest credit rate, so I transferred part of that to Card 3 last month and paid some off.
- I have now transferred the rest of Card 5's balance to Card 2, so have reduced the rate from 15.49% to 3.99% - but I HAVE to pay it off in 6 months.
So when I next update my credit card list, Card 5 will have a balance of $0 (I know this is mainly due to balance transfers, but since it has been sitting around $9K for some time it is a nice feeling to get rid of it!) and Card 2 will have a balance of close to $5K.
My plan of attack is:
- Pay off Card 1 (now down to about $1,500) - smallest balance and highest interest rate
- Pay off Card 2 - need to pay off within 6 months or the interest rate will increase dramatically. I first about tackling it first but I should be able to pay both Card 1 and Card 2 off within 6 months - and if worst comes to worst I am expecting my tax refund before the 6 months expires.
- Pay off Card 3
- Pay off Card 4 - low(er) interest rate for the life of the balance so out of my credit cards, this is my lowest priority.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Blogger time settings
On a completely random note, I need to work out how to change the time on Blogger - it is currently Tuesday afternoon in Sydney, but in Blogger world it is still Monday....
Grocery shopping
I really need to go grocery shopping - I made my lunch today and as I made it realised I have nothing left for the rest of the week for lunch. Pain in the you-know-what as I have a lecture tonight so won't have time to go shopping.
However - fate intervened and there was a lunchtime seminar at work today which I had forgotten about until I got into work and checked my calendar. This meant .... free lunch! So I can eat the lunch I brought today tomorrow, and can go grocery shopping tomorrow night so will have lunch on Thursday and Friday.
I really need to organise my life. I didn't go grocery shopping on the weekend because I was sick, and because I still have food in the house for dinners (frozen vegies, meat etc), I thought - oh, I'll be fine for the week.
However - fate intervened and there was a lunchtime seminar at work today which I had forgotten about until I got into work and checked my calendar. This meant .... free lunch! So I can eat the lunch I brought today tomorrow, and can go grocery shopping tomorrow night so will have lunch on Thursday and Friday.
I really need to organise my life. I didn't go grocery shopping on the weekend because I was sick, and because I still have food in the house for dinners (frozen vegies, meat etc), I thought - oh, I'll be fine for the week.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Monthly challenge - bought lunches
I’ve been spending too much money on lunches/snacks etc. (I really need to go grocery shopping again).
Krystal (one of my favourite PF Bloggers: Give Me Back My Five Bucks), has in the past had “monthly challenges”, one of which was go for a month without buying lunch/snacks etc.
Today is the 23rd March, and I want to start the challenge now, so my challenge is to get through March and April without buying any lunch or snacks while at work. I live so close to work I don’t have to leave very early, so there is really no excuse for me not making lunch in the mornings.
I do have one exception – my work isn’t really a “let’s go out to lunch together” place. I’ve been here 7 weeks, and my boss has asked me to lunch once. If that happens again I will go, because last time it was her and some other “higher-ups” so in terms of the benefits for networking and my career outweigh the downside of paying for lunch.
Krystal (one of my favourite PF Bloggers: Give Me Back My Five Bucks), has in the past had “monthly challenges”, one of which was go for a month without buying lunch/snacks etc.
Today is the 23rd March, and I want to start the challenge now, so my challenge is to get through March and April without buying any lunch or snacks while at work. I live so close to work I don’t have to leave very early, so there is really no excuse for me not making lunch in the mornings.
I do have one exception – my work isn’t really a “let’s go out to lunch together” place. I’ve been here 7 weeks, and my boss has asked me to lunch once. If that happens again I will go, because last time it was her and some other “higher-ups” so in terms of the benefits for networking and my career outweigh the downside of paying for lunch.
Weekend
I had been expecting a reasonably expensive weekend. I had planned to go out to dinner Friday night with some friends from uni; get my eyebrows and eyelashes tinted on Saturday (an extravagance I know!); and then catch up with some friends which were down from Queensland on Sunday. I was expecting we would spend the whole day together so probably would have lunch and dinner.
I was quite sick all weekend, so Friday night I didn’t go out to dinner, just had a quiet night at home. Saturday I cancelled my beauty appointment but ended up going to the doctors to get antibiotics, so had the expense of that. I also bought a few groceries. Sunday I did meet my friends but because I was still sick, only for a couple of hours (and in that couple of hours managed to get sunburnt, so I’m now still feeling sick and in pain!). Lunch was fairly cheap, but I ended up spending $55 at some markets on a dress and a bangle. And now I have buyer’s remorse. I fell in love with the dress, it’s a bit hard to describe but I loved the colours, but looking at it again this morning, I just don’t think I will wear it much. The only clothing I “need” at the moment are some more jumpers for winter, so I really I should have been saving my ‘clothing’ money for that.
I was quite sick all weekend, so Friday night I didn’t go out to dinner, just had a quiet night at home. Saturday I cancelled my beauty appointment but ended up going to the doctors to get antibiotics, so had the expense of that. I also bought a few groceries. Sunday I did meet my friends but because I was still sick, only for a couple of hours (and in that couple of hours managed to get sunburnt, so I’m now still feeling sick and in pain!). Lunch was fairly cheap, but I ended up spending $55 at some markets on a dress and a bangle. And now I have buyer’s remorse. I fell in love with the dress, it’s a bit hard to describe but I loved the colours, but looking at it again this morning, I just don’t think I will wear it much. The only clothing I “need” at the moment are some more jumpers for winter, so I really I should have been saving my ‘clothing’ money for that.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Balance Transfers
Why does it feel like banks are out to get you for everything you have?
I have recently put through a balance transfer from Card 5 to Card 2 (haven't updated my credit card list yet). The amount is now listed as owing on Card 2, but is still listed as being outstanding on Card 5! This has happened with other balance transfers before, it seems that it stays on both cards for a day or so. Very frustrating … as I’m sure I’m being charged interest on both amounts!
I have recently put through a balance transfer from Card 5 to Card 2 (haven't updated my credit card list yet). The amount is now listed as owing on Card 2, but is still listed as being outstanding on Card 5! This has happened with other balance transfers before, it seems that it stays on both cards for a day or so. Very frustrating … as I’m sure I’m being charged interest on both amounts!
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Pay break-down + gym fees
I get paid again on Thursday, but my pay slip is available online now. This is the first pay where my gym fees have been taken out (I salary sacrifice them) and I was interested to see the impact it would have on my pay.
The gym fees taken out were $19.82 for the fornight. Considering at my last gym my fees were $37.50 a fortnight, that's a big discount already. My tax has also gone down $8 as a result. So essentially, the "cash" cost of my gym fees are $11.82 per fortnight - much cheaper than I originally expected.
In my budget, I had listed my anticipated pay as $1,550, but it will be $1,567. Every little bit extra helps!
The gym fees taken out were $19.82 for the fornight. Considering at my last gym my fees were $37.50 a fortnight, that's a big discount already. My tax has also gone down $8 as a result. So essentially, the "cash" cost of my gym fees are $11.82 per fortnight - much cheaper than I originally expected.
In my budget, I had listed my anticipated pay as $1,550, but it will be $1,567. Every little bit extra helps!
Weekend spending
Saturday was a no-spend day. Yay :)
Sunday I went to a Star Wars exhibition at the Power House Museum with my brother and Dad. We are all science fiction fans and it was nice to find something that we were all interested in doing.
The exhibit was $24 - if you like Star Wars it was interesting, but I'm not sure if it was worth the $24. It is probably better if you take some kids to it - there were a lot of things for them to do.
We went to lunch afterwards, then my brother took me shopping - Coles (supermarket) had 34cm TVs for $49.99! Now I know this was a want rather than a need, but I had been thinking of getting a TV in my room for a while, and $50 is a great price. Also bought a few groceries.
So the cost of Sunday was:
Exhibit: $24.00
Lunch: $13.10
TV: $49.99
Groceries: $27.15
Sunday I went to a Star Wars exhibition at the Power House Museum with my brother and Dad. We are all science fiction fans and it was nice to find something that we were all interested in doing.
The exhibit was $24 - if you like Star Wars it was interesting, but I'm not sure if it was worth the $24. It is probably better if you take some kids to it - there were a lot of things for them to do.
We went to lunch afterwards, then my brother took me shopping - Coles (supermarket) had 34cm TVs for $49.99! Now I know this was a want rather than a need, but I had been thinking of getting a TV in my room for a while, and $50 is a great price. Also bought a few groceries.
So the cost of Sunday was:
Exhibit: $24.00
Lunch: $13.10
TV: $49.99
Groceries: $27.15
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Actual versus budget
It's now been two weeks since I posted my budget. I get paid fortnightly and my budget is fortnightly. So in the past fortnight, how did I go?
Considering I spent $243 on airfares, which I hadn't budgeted, I'm surprised I'm on $41 over my budget for the fortnight.
Rent: right on target, no surprise
Household: over budget. This included some monthly bills I paid with my rent this week, so should be be under budget by the end of the month.
Food/groceries: Under budget for once! Still not entirely happy as I didn't go grocery shopping this week, but still managed to spend almost $20 on snacks/junk food.
Medical: A little left over and considering I had prescriptions filled I am happy with this.
Public transport: Under. This was one train fare. In January I bought some ten-trip savers which I have been using on buses, so I expect this to be quite low until I use them up.
Mobile phone: I have to check this. My bill for the month showed my account was $2 in credit, and I paid $100 last month rather than $50. I thought I had only paid $50, but will need to go back through my bank statements.
Clothes: Under, but as I need to buy a few winter clothes I doubt it will stay this way for long!
Study expenses: Nil but I need to buy a textbook next week which will be way over my budget!
Gifts/miscellaneous and entertainment: all under.
Airfares: Need to work out how to budget for these. They are airfares to visit home (two different weekend trips) but maybe I should be considering these holidays and budgeting money into a holiday fund.
Considering I spent $243 on airfares, which I hadn't budgeted, I'm surprised I'm on $41 over my budget for the fortnight.
Rent: right on target, no surprise
Household: over budget. This included some monthly bills I paid with my rent this week, so should be be under budget by the end of the month.
Food/groceries: Under budget for once! Still not entirely happy as I didn't go grocery shopping this week, but still managed to spend almost $20 on snacks/junk food.
Medical: A little left over and considering I had prescriptions filled I am happy with this.
Public transport: Under. This was one train fare. In January I bought some ten-trip savers which I have been using on buses, so I expect this to be quite low until I use them up.
Mobile phone: I have to check this. My bill for the month showed my account was $2 in credit, and I paid $100 last month rather than $50. I thought I had only paid $50, but will need to go back through my bank statements.
Clothes: Under, but as I need to buy a few winter clothes I doubt it will stay this way for long!
Study expenses: Nil but I need to buy a textbook next week which will be way over my budget!
Gifts/miscellaneous and entertainment: all under.
Airfares: Need to work out how to budget for these. They are airfares to visit home (two different weekend trips) but maybe I should be considering these holidays and budgeting money into a holiday fund.
Weekly update
Well it's Saturday night and I don't have plans to go out. Had two exams today so am glad just to have a night in. But since I'm not going out there will be no spending tonight, so thought I would do a weekly update slightly early.
Like most of my weeks, it has been a bit good and a bit bad.
As I already posted during the week, my goals to only pay my rent and pay for a massage didn't happen. However, I put my massage off for a week which saved some money, and my expenses were a lot less than last week (because I didn't buy plane tickets this week!) However, am annoyed that there was still frivolous spending - too many snacks and food out.
Weekly expenses this week were as follows:
Rent: $220
Household: $51
Food: $19.65
Entertainment: $17.50
Gifts: $7.45
Total: $315.60
Like most of my weeks, it has been a bit good and a bit bad.
As I already posted during the week, my goals to only pay my rent and pay for a massage didn't happen. However, I put my massage off for a week which saved some money, and my expenses were a lot less than last week (because I didn't buy plane tickets this week!) However, am annoyed that there was still frivolous spending - too many snacks and food out.
Weekly expenses this week were as follows:
Rent: $220
Household: $51
Food: $19.65
Entertainment: $17.50
Gifts: $7.45
Total: $315.60
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Forbes rich list
I'm obviously not happy with my financial situation at the moment (however I realise I have no one to blame but myself). But, I'm trying to look on the bright side. Not having much money means I can't lose that much money!
What has prompted this is Forbes releasing their annual "rich list". Not surprising, Bill Gates is the world's richest man - with a net worth of $40bn. However, he has lost $18bn in the last year. That is a staggering 31% drop.
I may never be a billionaire - but it also means I will never lose a billion!
What has prompted this is Forbes releasing their annual "rich list". Not surprising, Bill Gates is the world's richest man - with a net worth of $40bn. However, he has lost $18bn in the last year. That is a staggering 31% drop.
I may never be a billionaire - but it also means I will never lose a billion!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Goals for week: Big FAIL already!
I posted on Sunday about my goals for the week (or at least Monday to Friday) which involved spending no money except paying my rent and for a remedial massage.
Well, it's already Tuesday and I have already failed....
Monday: Having bad day at work, ending up buying far too many snacks (some of which I still have): $7.05
Today: Boss and some of "higher ups" at work invited me to lunch so I said yes. Good part is the lunch I was going to have was in the work freezer, so I can have it tomorrow, it won't go to waste. I spent $5.00 on rice paper rolls (trying to be healthy).
I have exams at the end of this week for one of my post-grad courses, so I have pushed my massage back until next week, which will save me some money this week.
Well, it's already Tuesday and I have already failed....
Monday: Having bad day at work, ending up buying far too many snacks (some of which I still have): $7.05
Today: Boss and some of "higher ups" at work invited me to lunch so I said yes. Good part is the lunch I was going to have was in the work freezer, so I can have it tomorrow, it won't go to waste. I spent $5.00 on rice paper rolls (trying to be healthy).
I have exams at the end of this week for one of my post-grad courses, so I have pushed my massage back until next week, which will save me some money this week.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Frequent Flyer Points
I found out today that I have enough frequent flyer points to get a one way flight from Sydney to L.A. - this would however leave me with basically zero points to get a return flight.
Wonder how long I can stay in L.A. before I am kicked out by US immigration?
Wonder how long I can stay in L.A. before I am kicked out by US immigration?
Monday-itis
I had a bad day today. I really don't know why. I'm just cranky today.
It started off well - actually it started off being a rainy day and me wishing I could stay in bed rather than go to work - but once I actually got to work it was ok. As I mentioned in my post "career path", there is some potential restructuring happening at work. I can't say too much about it, but there was a big meeting on Friday which became a bit of a mud slinging match. Nothing that was directed at me, but everyone in our department was a bit down. I didn't think I was any more down than anyone else, but my boss actually called me this morning to reassure me that my job would be safe and to talk about further opportunities next year. I thought that was really nice of her, and I started to cheer up.
Then for some reason I just got really pissed off as the day went on. I had a headache and it wasn't helped by the fact that I work at a uni - today was the first day of classes so there were students everywhere (now, still being a student myself, I have nothing against them per se - but please DO NOT STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STAIR WELL TO HAVE A CHAT WITH YOUR FRIENDS!! I was almost tempted to yell out "FIRE" to get them to move).
Home now working on an assignment which is due tomorrow for one of my post-grad courses but am going to treat myself to a bubble bath tonight before going to bed - a nice cheap way to relax.
It started off well - actually it started off being a rainy day and me wishing I could stay in bed rather than go to work - but once I actually got to work it was ok. As I mentioned in my post "career path", there is some potential restructuring happening at work. I can't say too much about it, but there was a big meeting on Friday which became a bit of a mud slinging match. Nothing that was directed at me, but everyone in our department was a bit down. I didn't think I was any more down than anyone else, but my boss actually called me this morning to reassure me that my job would be safe and to talk about further opportunities next year. I thought that was really nice of her, and I started to cheer up.
Then for some reason I just got really pissed off as the day went on. I had a headache and it wasn't helped by the fact that I work at a uni - today was the first day of classes so there were students everywhere (now, still being a student myself, I have nothing against them per se - but please DO NOT STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STAIR WELL TO HAVE A CHAT WITH YOUR FRIENDS!! I was almost tempted to yell out "FIRE" to get them to move).
Home now working on an assignment which is due tomorrow for one of my post-grad courses but am going to treat myself to a bubble bath tonight before going to bed - a nice cheap way to relax.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
ELMO!!!
You'll notice I said in my post Weekly Expense Update that I spent $7.99 on clothes. So what did I buy?
ELMO SLIPPER SOCKS!!!
I admit it, I am a big kid at heart, and love anything cute. As I have mentioned (probably a few times), I moved from the Gold Coast to Sydney at the start of the year, and even though when I moved it was insanely hot in Sydney; generally speaking, Sydney has a lot colder weather. I seem to always have cold feet (wear socks to bed even in summer), so I know when winter comes I am going to have cold tootsies. Enter .... the slipper sock.
Thicker than socks but still in the "sock" rather than "shoe" category, when I saw the slipper socks while grocery shopping on Wednesday night I couldn't resist (I'm starting to sound like an infomercial for slipper socks!)
Aren't they cute?
ELMO SLIPPER SOCKS!!!
I admit it, I am a big kid at heart, and love anything cute. As I have mentioned (probably a few times), I moved from the Gold Coast to Sydney at the start of the year, and even though when I moved it was insanely hot in Sydney; generally speaking, Sydney has a lot colder weather. I seem to always have cold feet (wear socks to bed even in summer), so I know when winter comes I am going to have cold tootsies. Enter .... the slipper sock.
Thicker than socks but still in the "sock" rather than "shoe" category, when I saw the slipper socks while grocery shopping on Wednesday night I couldn't resist (I'm starting to sound like an infomercial for slipper socks!)
Aren't they cute?
Below are the tags - you will notice the tag shows they are size 9-12; and on the back it says size 9-12 is for children aged 5-8. Yet they are my feet shown in the first photo. I used to think having small feet was cute .... I'm starting to think it's actually a bit weird when I can fit into sock designed for children 20 years younger than me. But hey, it's a lot easier to find cute socks when you are looking at ones designed for children!
Goals for the coming week
My goals for Monday to Friday are:
No spending except.... (yes there had to be a but):
Rent (I pay rent weekly)
Massage (I have been having some remedial massages, but the one this week should be the last one I have for a while)
I bought some food today, but it was a whole $3.20 (2 tomoatos and a lettuce).
Saturday and Sunday I will be going out. Saturday probably doing something with some friends from uni; Sunday I'm going to a Star Wars exhibition with my brother and Dad.
No spending except.... (yes there had to be a but):
Rent (I pay rent weekly)
Massage (I have been having some remedial massages, but the one this week should be the last one I have for a while)
I bought some food today, but it was a whole $3.20 (2 tomoatos and a lettuce).
Saturday and Sunday I will be going out. Saturday probably doing something with some friends from uni; Sunday I'm going to a Star Wars exhibition with my brother and Dad.
Weekly expense update
From 1 March 2009 - 7 March 2009
Airfares: $243.00
Rent: $220.00
Medical: $93.29
Food: $73.21
Household: $22.85
Entertainment: $11.90
Clothes: $7.99
Public transport: $3.20
Total: $675.44
Medical included 2 x prescriptions which I won't need for another month.
Airfares was obviously the big one - and essentially the amount I should be putting on my debt each week. As I mentioned in my earlier post about the week, I need to include "travel" in my budget. I'm not planning any extravagent holidays but will be having some trips home during the year.
Airfares: $243.00
Rent: $220.00
Medical: $93.29
Food: $73.21
Household: $22.85
Entertainment: $11.90
Clothes: $7.99
Public transport: $3.20
Total: $675.44
Medical included 2 x prescriptions which I won't need for another month.
Airfares was obviously the big one - and essentially the amount I should be putting on my debt each week. As I mentioned in my earlier post about the week, I need to include "travel" in my budget. I'm not planning any extravagent holidays but will be having some trips home during the year.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Lazy lazy lazy
I have been so lazy today. I really need to get into a routine. Ever since I started my new job down here, I've been indulging in the luxury of being able to sleep late. (Don't start until 9 and live 10 minutes walk from work). But I'm starting to get concerned at the amount I'm sleeping. I was meant to get up early this morning, put in a solid day studying and then meet a friend for dinner who is up from Canberra for the weekend. What have I done? Slept late, did a tiny bit of study, had a nap, and am now meeting the friend for a late afternoon tea (although in financial terms that will be cheaper!) I will have to study tonight when I get back from afternoon tea. Sad way to be spending Saturday night.
Career path
When I left my corporate job in December last year, it was to accept a one-year contract position. It is likely it will be extended, but it’s not guaranteed. I’ve been at m y new job just over 4 weeks, and I’m already starting to get concerned about what I will do next year if it isn’t renewed.
I still think I made the right decision leaving my old job – they have begun retrenching people – and although I think I would have been kept on (I’m not saying that to big note myself, but I did work insane hours and they were disappointed when I left), it would have been a very stressful environment to keep working in.
I guess I’m feeling a bit “meh” at the moment. I’m loving some aspects of my new job, but I’m meant to be a research assistant and at the moment am spending a lot of my day doing things which are really more administrative assistance. And although it’s sometimes nice to be able to switch off and do some tedious tasks (particularly on a Friday afternoon!), I’m not really sure if I want to stay in this position next year, even if my contract is renewed. There also looks like there will be some restructuring happening at work, which is depressing me. I don’t feel like I can complain because the restructuring won’t cause me to lose my job (it is likely it won’t happen until January 2010 anyway), but it’s another factor that is making me think I don’t want to stay where I am long term.
Of course it is the question of what do I do instead? The industry I’m in has been affected by the financial crisis, and although I’m still seeing jobs in my field advertised, there certainly aren’t as many as there used to be and I suspect there are a lot more applicants.
I think part of the problem is I don’t know exactly what I want to be doing. I usually like the field I work in, but I’m feeling like I have lost my career track a bit. At my old job, (assuming I hadn’t been retrenched), there was a clear career progression – although having said that, it was part of what caused me to leave, I started to think where I would be if I stayed there a few more years and realised that was definitely not what I wanted.
I know in this day and age people change careers a lot, and in the grand scheme of things I’m still relatively new to the professional world. But as I am now closer to 30 than 20, I feel like I should have my whole career plan mapped out. I don’t have a significant other, I don’t have kids, my life has pretty much always been university or work. I do have a tendency to define myself by my job. Without work, who am I?
I still think I made the right decision leaving my old job – they have begun retrenching people – and although I think I would have been kept on (I’m not saying that to big note myself, but I did work insane hours and they were disappointed when I left), it would have been a very stressful environment to keep working in.
I guess I’m feeling a bit “meh” at the moment. I’m loving some aspects of my new job, but I’m meant to be a research assistant and at the moment am spending a lot of my day doing things which are really more administrative assistance. And although it’s sometimes nice to be able to switch off and do some tedious tasks (particularly on a Friday afternoon!), I’m not really sure if I want to stay in this position next year, even if my contract is renewed. There also looks like there will be some restructuring happening at work, which is depressing me. I don’t feel like I can complain because the restructuring won’t cause me to lose my job (it is likely it won’t happen until January 2010 anyway), but it’s another factor that is making me think I don’t want to stay where I am long term.
Of course it is the question of what do I do instead? The industry I’m in has been affected by the financial crisis, and although I’m still seeing jobs in my field advertised, there certainly aren’t as many as there used to be and I suspect there are a lot more applicants.
I think part of the problem is I don’t know exactly what I want to be doing. I usually like the field I work in, but I’m feeling like I have lost my career track a bit. At my old job, (assuming I hadn’t been retrenched), there was a clear career progression – although having said that, it was part of what caused me to leave, I started to think where I would be if I stayed there a few more years and realised that was definitely not what I wanted.
I know in this day and age people change careers a lot, and in the grand scheme of things I’m still relatively new to the professional world. But as I am now closer to 30 than 20, I feel like I should have my whole career plan mapped out. I don’t have a significant other, I don’t have kids, my life has pretty much always been university or work. I do have a tendency to define myself by my job. Without work, who am I?
Quick review of week
I'll update with exact figures tomorrow, but this week has been good and bad in terms of spending.
Good
Bad
Good
- Sunday, Monday and Tuesday were no spend days.
Bad
- Bought fast food for dinner last night as I was depressed (see the post on my Diet blog). Didn't cost a lot but was unncessary spending.
- Bought 2 x return plane fares to visit home.
One at start of April and one at end of May. I got a good deal but it still means I spent over $200 on travel this week. I need to work out a way to budget for this. Sad to say considering I'm in my mid twenties, but it's the first time I've lived more than driving distance away from "home" for any extended period of time. I'm missing my Mum and all my friends. It's a bit over a hour flight home and there are usually good deals, but they still add up!
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Depressing times
One of the regular blogs I read is My Open Wallet by Madame X. Recently she posted: "These are difficult days to be blogging about money. There's lots to talk about, as the economy is front and center in the news, but sometimes it just gets depressing." See full post here.
It does seem that everyday there is more bad news about the economy. Yesterday Wall Street hit a 12 year low. Today, Australia's growth figures for the December 2008 quarter were revealed - negative growth of 0.5 percent. This is the first time in 8 years that the economy has had negative growth in a quarter. http://www.news.com.au/business/story/0,27753,25138213-462,00.html
It is rather depressing, but as trainer Shannon has said on the Australian version of The Biggest Loser (yes I admit to watching it quite regularly of late!) - control the controllable and let the rest work itself out. (Or something along those lines).
All I can do is keep going to work and try to pay off my debt as fast as possible.
It does seem that everyday there is more bad news about the economy. Yesterday Wall Street hit a 12 year low. Today, Australia's growth figures for the December 2008 quarter were revealed - negative growth of 0.5 percent. This is the first time in 8 years that the economy has had negative growth in a quarter. http://www.news.com.au/business/story/0,27753,25138213-462,00.html
It is rather depressing, but as trainer Shannon has said on the Australian version of The Biggest Loser (yes I admit to watching it quite regularly of late!) - control the controllable and let the rest work itself out. (Or something along those lines).
All I can do is keep going to work and try to pay off my debt as fast as possible.
Interest rates
Yesterday the RBA decided not to lower interest rates.
I'm getting a bit annoyed with some articles acting like this is terrible news.
For example: http://www.news.com.au/business/money/story/0,28323,25132946-5016110,00.html, which in the first paragraph says:
"OH, so close. The Reserve Bank denied homeowners a rare moment of good news amid all the economic doom and gloom today, leaving the official interest rate steady at 3.25 per cent."
I don't mean to sound callous, because I know in the current economy, with job losses and threats of more job losses, some people are struggling. But interest rates have dropped 4 percent in 1 year! I looked at the historical cash rate on the Reserve Bank site. The figures go back to January 1990 - so over 19 years ago. Interest rates are lower than they have ever been in that 19 years.
I was a child in the late 80s/early 90s recession, but I remember my parents struggling with a 17% mortgage. 17%!
I'm going to be blunt - if you can't afford a mortgage on current interest rates, you shouldn't have a mortgage.
I'm getting a bit annoyed with some articles acting like this is terrible news.
For example: http://www.news.com.au/business/money/story/0,28323,25132946-5016110,00.html, which in the first paragraph says:
"OH, so close. The Reserve Bank denied homeowners a rare moment of good news amid all the economic doom and gloom today, leaving the official interest rate steady at 3.25 per cent."
I don't mean to sound callous, because I know in the current economy, with job losses and threats of more job losses, some people are struggling. But interest rates have dropped 4 percent in 1 year! I looked at the historical cash rate on the Reserve Bank site. The figures go back to January 1990 - so over 19 years ago. Interest rates are lower than they have ever been in that 19 years.
I was a child in the late 80s/early 90s recession, but I remember my parents struggling with a 17% mortgage. 17%!
I'm going to be blunt - if you can't afford a mortgage on current interest rates, you shouldn't have a mortgage.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Budget
I think part of my problem in January and February was that I didn't have a budget to stick too. Since I'm now getting paid regularly, that is going to change.
This is my fortnightly budget. Not that as my first pay was for 2 and a half weeks of work, I still don't know precisely what I will get after tax each fortnight. I'm also sacrificing membership fees at the university gym, which will come out of my pre-tax salary.
But basically, my budget each fortnight will be:
Now comes the hard part. Sticking to it!
This is my fortnightly budget. Not that as my first pay was for 2 and a half weeks of work, I still don't know precisely what I will get after tax each fortnight. I'm also sacrificing membership fees at the university gym, which will come out of my pre-tax salary.
But basically, my budget each fortnight will be:
Now comes the hard part. Sticking to it!
February Expenses
These are the details of my February expenses:
I'm so disappointed with myself - apart from my rent and mobile, I basically spent more than I should have in every single category. Might come back later today and go through these in more detail ... but right at the moment that feels too much like putting salt in the wound!
February Summary
As at 1 March 2009:
Credit card debt: $23,808.10
Cash/bank accounts: $4,714.81
Net deficiency: 19,093.29
February Income: $2,638.99
February Expenses: $3,461.72
(Note that income is after tax)
Another terrible month. I still spent more than I earned (in part because my income was 1 pay check + some Ebay sales, and I had some unexpected expenses like car repairs). I paid off some of my credit cards but this was from savings.
What am I doing? Since starting this blog my financial situation has worsened. I knew January and February would be tough, January with no pay and February with not much, but I'm stil spending far too much money.
Credit card debt: $23,808.10
Cash/bank accounts: $4,714.81
Net deficiency: 19,093.29
February Income: $2,638.99
February Expenses: $3,461.72
(Note that income is after tax)
Another terrible month. I still spent more than I earned (in part because my income was 1 pay check + some Ebay sales, and I had some unexpected expenses like car repairs). I paid off some of my credit cards but this was from savings.
What am I doing? Since starting this blog my financial situation has worsened. I knew January and February would be tough, January with no pay and February with not much, but I'm stil spending far too much money.
Another month gone
February seemed to zoom by. I know it was a short month, but I also started my new job which I think helped.
Finance wise, I didn't have a good month - I added up all my expenses yesterday and it was terrible! Some were unexpected (like car repairs), some were standard like rent, but I definitely need to cut back on things. Now I'm actually getting paid again I have to make sure I actually stick to a budget.
I think part of the problem is that while I've been keeping track of what I spend, I only add it all up each month. From now on I am going to do it weekly.
Will post updates later today in regards to my expenses/credit cards. I left a credit card bill at work which I need to pick up.
In other news, I have started another blog: Another Diet Blog, which will chronicle my attempts to lose some weight. I have lost some weight this year, but I am still considered overweight by my BMI, and definitely still feel too heavy and too unfit. Hopefully being on a diet will also help me cut back on money I spend on snacks!
Finance wise, I didn't have a good month - I added up all my expenses yesterday and it was terrible! Some were unexpected (like car repairs), some were standard like rent, but I definitely need to cut back on things. Now I'm actually getting paid again I have to make sure I actually stick to a budget.
I think part of the problem is that while I've been keeping track of what I spend, I only add it all up each month. From now on I am going to do it weekly.
Will post updates later today in regards to my expenses/credit cards. I left a credit card bill at work which I need to pick up.
In other news, I have started another blog: Another Diet Blog, which will chronicle my attempts to lose some weight. I have lost some weight this year, but I am still considered overweight by my BMI, and definitely still feel too heavy and too unfit. Hopefully being on a diet will also help me cut back on money I spend on snacks!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
