WISEWOMAN's Personal Finance Blog

I start my new position at the end of the month. The restructure is mind blowing. I'm mad at myself for not negotiating the salary given the enormous responsibility I am taking on. I want to be excited but I not. My boss is super alpha and controlling. I have more knowledge about the position than management. I hate feeling stuck.

Aug is a low spend month...I need to pay off some bills since my pay structure is changing.

Life is still good. Thank goodness for family and friends who lift your spirits during difficult times.

I paid off my car today! I'm excited to conquer another debt. I will continue to put the money I paid each month on my car into my savings to be used for household maintenance. The laundry list is long. One step at a time.

I'm relieved to know I do not owe Uncle Sam a dime. I need to change my exemptions. I'm getting a small amount back but next year is uncertain in more ways than one.

No update on the restructure. Feeling angst/depression over the whole situation. We're all hanging on a limb without any information which is why I have strived to reach financial independence for the past few years. I don't want ever want to feel this way again. The story/emotions are so much deeper than I can share. I want the drama to stop. Just rip off the Band-Aid and tell us where we stand.

In the meantime, the resume is updated. I'm searching outside employment as well.

The positive...I had the most beautiful sunset today. I was in awe of nature's splendor. Life is good no matter what challenges are thrown my way.

My company is in the process of a major reorganization and we were hit today with a major restructure. I have to reapply for my job. The one I have held for 15 years. If I get my job back, the benefits and pay rate will change. I don't have any information yet. It's unsettling not knowing if I will have a job that will keep my salary to cut to save money.

Needless to say, I worried. I am wired and don't forsee much sleep tonight (or weekend for that matter).

Trying to keep positive thoughts during this uneasy time.

#1 Another e-bay sale $48.
#2 The most significant...my IRA reached a new high today. So excited! YAY!

I've been furniture shopping with a friend this weekend. We've been to Thrift stores and shopping Craigslist and found some amazing deals. A lot of the furniture is high end. Most people are moving and don't have room or they are moving long distance and the expense to transport is too high. It's also been fun, meeting different people and getting to know a little slice of their lives. Everyone has been super nice. A lot of people talk about craigslist nightmares but we've been fortunate. The rule is bring someone with you and visit during the day (mornings/early afternoons preferred).

So far, my friend purchased a lovely solid wood with iron accents dining room table and 4 chairs in excellent condition for $150.

Recycle/reuse.

I make my own almond milk because I cannot stand the additives in commercial brands. I repurpose the almond pulp into delicious healthy muffins. I dry the almond pulp in the over at low temp for about an hour or so and then pulse it in the food processor into a flour like consistency. It doesn't have to be perfect. I mix in ground flax seed, over ripened banana, peanut butter, egg whites and to top it off, a few dark chocolate bits. Seriously addicting. I make triple batches and freeze. They don't last long in this household. It's uber healthy and full of protein.

Another e-bay sale $48.00. 98% of the items listed were free to me.

$200 saving in coupons and retail vs sale prices. I'm running a tally every month to deposit into my savings.

$65 doing a project myself instead of hiring someone to do it for me. I took a good look at the problem and discovered I could fix it myself.

2014 is my biggest challenge. All of my extra income and savings will go to the principal on my mortgage. A lump sum will be paid yearly(easier to track payoff amount and date).

My car will be paid off in 9 months. Looking forward to that payment going to the mortgage as well.

I ran out of coffee (which is unheard of in this household ). I walked to Starbucks to purchase two bags of coffee. I like to create my own 50/50 half decaf/half caffeine mixture. Starbucks is not my favorite coffee but I made it work because I have a gift card. My coffee was free and will last at least 2 months.

I went to Target to purchase a few things for Superbowl (crackers, water and nuts). Total cost $3.00 because I had a $20.00 gift card.

Gift cards help in lean times as long as you can put them to use. If I receive clothing store gift card, I'd re-gift it. I honestly only want cards for the things I need (grocery, Target, Pet Store), etc.

Have a wonderful day!

My IRA mutual fund is down for the week. I took this opportunity to contribute 3K for 2014. Feeling good!

I'm feeling the pinch first day of the month. My decision to practice extreme frugalism for maximum savings is tough but I will benefit in the long run.

My best deal of the day is two large containers of organic beefsteak tomatoes for $2.49. Caprice salads for the next few days. No complaints here, I love them.

has not experienced the generosity of a friend/coworker treating them to lunch.

Lucky me. I had a fantastic lunch today with old coworkers. I hope we can get together more often.

Our company is in the midst of a major reorganization. I'm sad to see long time friends/colleagues go. Some will receive great packages. They earned it after 30+ years of service. Our organization is no different than any other in America (hence the saying "out with the old/in with the new" (cheaper) labor. Sad

I'm excited and extremely happy I am on budget this month. I made many cuts and sacrifices which will benefit me in the long run. I added $430 to savings this month.

$46.86 ebay sale
$37.00 paid project - extra income
$140.00 grocery saving (coupons)
$206.14 homeowners ins/utility saving

My biggest challenge is February.

One of my resolutions this year is to avoid retail shopping like the plague. I will repurpose/reuse as much as possible. I will do my shopping at thrift stores, yard sales, etc. No new purchases (if at all possible).

I am fortunate to have several thrift stores nearby. I have my favorite which donates all proceeds to help the blind.

Today, I found a several "new in packages" deals. My first find is a new package of Britta water filters. A 5 pack for only $4.19! Retail $25-32. Sweet!

I found an LL Bean child's backpack for $2.19 (retail $35. (A gift for my niece). A baby gift (Carter's head support for car seat or strollers ) $2.00 (retail $15). This will go toward a shower gift in April. A metal vanity stool for $7.79. I've been looking for one for myself but it's such a deal, I may sell it on e-bay.

I spent the last few weeks going over my budget, setting goals for 2014 and beyond. I made a board with "post it's" listing short term/long term goals. Looking at the board everyday gives me the inspiration and confidence to believe I can really reach most of them. It's a mix of personal, financial and general(eg. household fix it)goals.

I'll post more after I give this month a test drive. It's only been 10 days and I'm happy to say it looks good.

Happy New Year!

Our company holiday luncheon was today. I should have stayed at the office. It was lackluster, boring and most people were just there to eat and move on. There was no entertainment, the décor was lacking and just plain boring. I think the lunch line in high school was more exciting! ha!

Maybe the reason for everyone's holiday spirit was lack of raises. I received a stellar performance review. I did not receive the raise I was expecting. After all, when you put in 150% everyday and OT when needed, you expect to be rewarded. It's not the economy. My company is making large sums of money. Just ask our VP's who are showing off their new expensive cars and vacation homes.

On the positive, I delivered many holiday treats and the recipients were thrilled. Make my day!

California had a huge lottery this evening. Going to check my ticket now. The above may be irrelevant tomorrow morning. Wish me luck!

A few weeks ago, I purchased eight Peppermint Bark snack size candies from William Sonoma for stocking stuffers. I have three left. Yes, I devoured five out of eight and I don't expect the remaining three to make it to the stocking. Sigh~

I'm looking forward to the New year. I need to regroup my finances in a big way. Too much outgoing and not enough $ coming in.

I'll be baking up a storm the next few weekends. I love giving baked goods because they are well received.

If you win a bid, I go out of my way to ship within 12 hours of payment. Someone had the nerve to leave a negative comment about shipping fees two weeks AFTER they received the merchandise. If you place and win the bid, you agree to all terms of the sale. If you disagree then don't waste my time. Shipping is not free and my expenses need to be covered.

That's it. My first negative comment selling on e-bay.

It doesn't deter me from selling. 99.9% of my sales have been positive.

YAY! Another EBAY sale! That's two this week.

Listed another today. Keeping positive it continues..

"O.N." Fund Prev $50
Adding $50
Balance: $100

One of my listings on e-bay sold today! YAY!

I've sold like items for the past few years. The timing is different each time. This one is by far the longest (90 days).

Some people have suggested I lower the price. I stood firm because I know there are people out there who want the product. This is my passive income. I'm not getting rich but my $50 sale will go to my depleted "OH NO" fund.

Listed another one today. Let the bidding begin

Financially, October was a disaster. I lost track of my spending and had unexpected expenses. My "oh no" fund only covered a small portion. Time to reboot!

November budget:

Food $200(spent $57) balance = $143
Gas $100
Miscellaneous $50

I will try to stay under my food budget but with Thanksgiving coming, it's going to be a challenge.
I'm researching new recipes already. I may try making pies. I found a recipe for a crust that does not require a food processor that received positive reviews.

Gas - increase due to carpooling with coworker who broke his leg. We all need help now and then. The extra expense is minimal.

Made $60 babysitting yesterday. Will go toward October madness!

I wasn't paying attention. Traffic was crazy. I made a left turn at a busy intersection. Apparently, it was a no left turn zone.
Dang! He should have let me off with a warning. It's my birthday for Pete's sake. Whatever! What bugged me was his condescending attitude. "Don't let this little bump ruin your day. Have a nice birthday".

The financial impact is going to set me back. Ticket/traffic school.

He did not ruin my day. I'm on my way to the theatre and dinner with the most wonderful people in my life.

Life is good!

to the Piggy Bank. I babysat longer than I expected. Net $100 (sweet!)

I look forward to a few days off this week. I have numerous plans and a lot of errands/work to do around the house. I don't mind. It's much better than sitting in a cubicle all day.

Previous bal: $232.20
deposit: $100
Balance: $332.20

I don't know about you but I get tired of tracking my spending. It's monotonous and leaves me frustrated. It feels all consuming at times.

My local grocer is having amazing deals so I'm splurging and stocking up. So far I've spent $110. The best deal is wild salmon on sale for $5.99lb but they were out. I got a rain check for 2lbs but I wanted at least 6-10 to freeze. I'll check again tomorrow.

Spent $50 on gifts today. Children's clothing for $3-4 a piece NEW. Definitely beats my thrift store deals.

Babysitting tomorrow... should net $50 which negates what I spent on gifts. win/win

The property tax roll. Every year on Sept 30, I log onto the tax assessor's website and check my tax roll before the bills are mailed out. I'm a glutton for punishment..LOL

The good news..I will have the funds to pay my taxes when due. I need to increase the amount I save each month because they increase every year. Here's to putting the squeeze on a very overworked budget.

My work week was brutal. So much work and lack of support left me exhausted. A person was hired over a year ago to help me. This person is no help, she causes more work for me. She doesn't belong in the position but nepotism is why she is there. Management is fully aware. They respond with "we'll speak with her". She needs to move on. Ok, rant over

I woke later than usual this morning. Probably from mental exhaustion. I was having a little "pity party" for myself and wanted to reward myself with something. I walked to a few thrift stores within walking distance from my home. I carefully perused the stores and convinced myself "go home". I didn't buy anything. The $9 in my wallet is going into my piggy bank. It's a slow race but financial independence is the best "reward" I will ever have!

Piggy bank previous bal $273.20
Adding $9
Minus $50 (1st food gift card for coworker)
Balance $ 232.20

I received new coupons from Orowheat (Bimbo bakery) for the bread thins quality control error.

Not a single comment from the company, just a standard envelope with their standard comment "dear valued customer...blah, blah, blah.."

Whatever...at least I have compensation for my original complaint.

I work in a mid size office for a major corporation. One of my coworkers is getting married. The one and only person in the office invited to the wedding sent out a luncheon invitation to celebrate the coworker's upcoming wedding (at an expensive restaurant) and also asked for donations toward a wedding gift.

I really want to back out but politically I can't. I really wish people would stop this office nonsense.

More motivation to become financially independent !

There's nothing I like more than spending a Sunday afternoon retooling my budget (blah).

Food - increasing to $150. I've done really well however, I need variety and wiggle room. I cook 95% of my meals from scratch, brown bag it to work and eat healthy. Right now I'm eating "what's left" and it's not working for me.

Gas - lowering to $50 mo. I filled the tank today even though I had enough to get me through the month. I don't like getting too low just in case there is an emergency. The $37 for gas will be applied to next month's budget. The $40 I saved will go toward food today. The good news, I cut my monthly gas consumption in half!

*Sold - Starbucks gift card $30
*Spent $18.40 at CVS - saved $20 by making three separate purchases and maximizing my coupons and CVS bucks.
*Spent $50 on food. My fridge is full and my freezer will be too after cooking for the week.

*Making broccoli soup, fish, veggies, bread, muffins lasagna and chili this week.

I am done shopping/cooking/spending for the month! YIPPEE!

*Note to self...need to add $20 to the piggy bank.

A few weeks ago I noticed the Oroweat Sandwich Thins I purchased was short one bun. The package is supposed to have 8 and it only contained 7. I wrote the company to raise awareness of the quality control issue.

Today I received a few coupons in the mail from Oroweat. To my surprise the coupons do not include the Sandwich Thins product. Really?

So...I wrote them again. Why would they send me coupons for product I did not purchase. I would rather have my purchase price refunded or coupons for the product I did purchase.

Sheesh!