I received a 'free' check for $1000 today. Woo! I had forgotten that some portion of my scrilla from last start up being acquired was held in escrow until the deal was totally done.
While I was (ok, *am*) tempted to purchase that Tory Burch Reagan Zip Tote (at 20% off!), I'm pretty sure Im goin to use all to pay down a debt.
Prosperity!
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
2009 = propserity
December net worth is updated. Down by a few thousand because I updated car's worth based on kbb.com and because I didnt pay off any debt.
My 2008 net worth increased by 40k. Not too bad, considering it was a year devoted to debt reduction :)
Ive decided 2009 is going to be themed prosperity!
Short term goals are the same, and I will add more when a few earnings details fall into place.
My 2008 net worth increased by 40k. Not too bad, considering it was a year devoted to debt reduction :)
Ive decided 2009 is going to be themed prosperity!
Short term goals are the same, and I will add more when a few earnings details fall into place.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Goals update!
November was absolutely insane in almost all ways, including financially!
Core goals are the same, a few tactical shifts were made:
- I got paid my quarterly bonus, woohoo!
- I spent under $1k on my trip to Florida. It was money well spent and Im very thankful I had it in cash to spend!
- I decided to throw $2k into an EF.
- I paid $2k towards my 0% interest cc debt
Goal updates:
- Finish paying off 0% interest cc debt by Feb
- Finish funding EF by Feb
Ill think more about possibly paying down car, investing in 401k, investing outside of 401k after those 2 major goals are met.
Core goals are the same, a few tactical shifts were made:
- I got paid my quarterly bonus, woohoo!
- I spent under $1k on my trip to Florida. It was money well spent and Im very thankful I had it in cash to spend!
- I decided to throw $2k into an EF.
- I paid $2k towards my 0% interest cc debt
Goal updates:
- Finish paying off 0% interest cc debt by Feb
- Finish funding EF by Feb
Ill think more about possibly paying down car, investing in 401k, investing outside of 401k after those 2 major goals are met.
happy thanksgiving!
I had the realization while in Florida, that while life certainly isnt easy - it is good. And for that, I am so very thankful.
Life has been crazy, as usual...
Two weeks ago my 75 yo Mom (well actually my surrogate Mom, but still) called from Florida. She has been going through some challenges this year: a major neck surgery, home foreclosure, bankruptcy, and a second major surgery on the near term radar.
She procured senior subsidized housing and had been trying to move in for about 6 weeks. The rest of the fam and friends had been working hard to get her moved in and settled, but it just hadnt quite come together. No one was dedicated to getting the job done, though many people had provided quite a bit of assistance. Mom was hurting herself physically trying to do so much, and it became clear I needed to step in.
I decided to fly from CA to FL on 3 days notice to project manage the situation. The main goals were to get everything out of the old house she wanted and everything at the new house as settled as possible.
I was exhausted before I departed from moving the BF and myself into our new home in Oct + work + 2nd work. But I was also excited. A big reason for wanting to pay off that 43k in bad cc debt over the last year, was to be able to help Mom if/when she needed it.
I was able to pay for my flight ($240 roundtrip CA to FL on 3 days notice!!), groceries for her house, new shelving, movers, and leave her with some cash -- with cash (no cc!). That felt very, very good - being able to help without compromising my own situation. :)
I came home last Monday, worked Tues/Wed and then enjoyed a restful and relaxing Thanksgiving weekend with my BF.
Life has been crazy, as usual...
Two weeks ago my 75 yo Mom (well actually my surrogate Mom, but still) called from Florida. She has been going through some challenges this year: a major neck surgery, home foreclosure, bankruptcy, and a second major surgery on the near term radar.
She procured senior subsidized housing and had been trying to move in for about 6 weeks. The rest of the fam and friends had been working hard to get her moved in and settled, but it just hadnt quite come together. No one was dedicated to getting the job done, though many people had provided quite a bit of assistance. Mom was hurting herself physically trying to do so much, and it became clear I needed to step in.
I decided to fly from CA to FL on 3 days notice to project manage the situation. The main goals were to get everything out of the old house she wanted and everything at the new house as settled as possible.
I was exhausted before I departed from moving the BF and myself into our new home in Oct + work + 2nd work. But I was also excited. A big reason for wanting to pay off that 43k in bad cc debt over the last year, was to be able to help Mom if/when she needed it.
I was able to pay for my flight ($240 roundtrip CA to FL on 3 days notice!!), groceries for her house, new shelving, movers, and leave her with some cash -- with cash (no cc!). That felt very, very good - being able to help without compromising my own situation. :)
I came home last Monday, worked Tues/Wed and then enjoyed a restful and relaxing Thanksgiving weekend with my BF.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
unjaded - the new thankful
Inspired by Mr Budgets are Sexy to think about some of the Ups at my current job situation.
- I met my significant other here (though he has moved on to a new, awesome job)
- The people. I was pulled into this company by friends I worked with at my first startup in SF (about 8 years ago!). A decent sized group of these coworkers have been people I consider great friends for years.
- I believe in the founders. Ive known them for almost 8 years too. One of the founders is my direct boss.
- My direct boss is extremely positive. He recognizes my accomplishments, reminds me often how much he appreciates me, and generally kicks ass.
- My work is fun. It can be intense and frustrating, but I actually enjoy the work I do.
- I am well rewarded for my work. Great base pay, good bonus structure.
- The culture is very fun. Beer pong, bbq in the courtyard, gamerator (video game machine + beer tap!), full bar, mini motorcycle
- I dont have an office or a cube. I have a couch I work from.
- I work on a sweet mac and an iphone boss paid for.
- The company could make me a bunch of cash eventually. Having options in a company I think could hit it big feels good.
- I met my significant other here (though he has moved on to a new, awesome job)
- The people. I was pulled into this company by friends I worked with at my first startup in SF (about 8 years ago!). A decent sized group of these coworkers have been people I consider great friends for years.
- I believe in the founders. Ive known them for almost 8 years too. One of the founders is my direct boss.
- My direct boss is extremely positive. He recognizes my accomplishments, reminds me often how much he appreciates me, and generally kicks ass.
- My work is fun. It can be intense and frustrating, but I actually enjoy the work I do.
- I am well rewarded for my work. Great base pay, good bonus structure.
- The culture is very fun. Beer pong, bbq in the courtyard, gamerator (video game machine + beer tap!), full bar, mini motorcycle
- I dont have an office or a cube. I have a couch I work from.
- I work on a sweet mac and an iphone boss paid for.
- The company could make me a bunch of cash eventually. Having options in a company I think could hit it big feels good.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Out of personal loan debt, back in cc debt
Good news: I made the 2nd and final payment on my personal loan on time. Goal achieved! And it feels good to be rid of that $4k in debt :)
Not as good news: I decided to utilize a 0% interest cash advance option on one of my credit cards. $7k was used for: deposit + 1.5 months of rent on my *awesome* new home + movers + new bed + new snow tires on the Cayenne.
I had expected to spend that money this calendar year, but decided I shouldnt wait until I had the cash. The reasons are personal, but I think it was definitely the right thing to do. My partner and I are driving safely, sleeping soundly and commuting peacefully!
It does make for a couple revised goals this year:
1) repay $7k + 99 fee by Dec 15 ($1000 Nov 1, $5000 Nov 15, $1099 Dec 15)
2) pay for xmas in cash
3) save. anything?
Id really, really like to have some savings! Its not currently realistic until Jan, but there is the possibility some extra income over the next couple months could change that. I will commit to saving at least 50% of any extra income.
Not as good news: I decided to utilize a 0% interest cash advance option on one of my credit cards. $7k was used for: deposit + 1.5 months of rent on my *awesome* new home + movers + new bed + new snow tires on the Cayenne.
I had expected to spend that money this calendar year, but decided I shouldnt wait until I had the cash. The reasons are personal, but I think it was definitely the right thing to do. My partner and I are driving safely, sleeping soundly and commuting peacefully!
It does make for a couple revised goals this year:
1) repay $7k + 99 fee by Dec 15 ($1000 Nov 1, $5000 Nov 15, $1099 Dec 15)
2) pay for xmas in cash
3) save. anything?
Id really, really like to have some savings! Its not currently realistic until Jan, but there is the possibility some extra income over the next couple months could change that. I will commit to saving at least 50% of any extra income.
Getting in debt and getting out!
A couple people have asked how I managed to get rid of 43k of cc debt in under a year, so here it is.
How did I accumulate so much debt?
Simply put - I lived beyond my means from ages 19-29. I deluded myself into thinking I was entitled to a lifestyle beyond which I could afford.
- Living in HCOL (SF, LA, Philly) added to my self-delusion.
- Being in relationships with people who had wealthier lifestyles warped by sense of reality and added to my self-delusion.
- Being friends with other self-delusional people allowed me to continue my own lie (LA is full of people with inflated lifestyles and around 2000 SF was full of people with inflated lifestyles, I knew dozens of 'millionaires on paper').
If you are wondering what exactly I spent $43k on? Travel, shopping (I seriously bought 10k in handbags), eating out, moving across the country 3 times and within cities every year, gifts, medical expenses and day to day living expenses. I spent so much money, and felt broke the entire time. Living paycheck to paycheck! By October of 2007 I was paying $1100/month to service my debt. I had a close call over a few months and knew I was one emergency away from being in serious trouble. Also, I felt frustrated with myself that I made a good living, but couldnt help older family members that could use help.
breakdown of debt in October 2007
boa1 $4149.39 @ 32.24
boa2 $12659.56 @ 18.24 (952 @ 24.24)
chase1 $5510.45 @ 29.99
chase2 $10485.15 @ 29.99
chase3 $9582.95 @ 28.74
capone $833.74 @ 14.4
How did I pay it off?
I decided I wanted to start my 30s on a path toward wealth. So, I started. I thought it would take years! I live in SF, made just over 90k/yr when I started.
- I took personal responsibility, and stopped feeling entitled or making excuses.
- I focused mentally on feeling wealthy, and creating wealth in my life
- I went on a cash diet.
- I made a budget.
- I created monthly goals that were hard, but achievable.
- I stopped buying anything and everything (no more handbags, shoes, etc).
- Started eating in.
- Switched to a new job and negotiated 25% pay increase
- Took zero time off in between jobs, took the 80 hours of accrued vacation time paid out in cash and paid off debt.
- I made about 3k from startup options on company I left.
- Negotiated for new work to buy me a cell and pay the montly bill.
- No cable, no home internet.
- Utilized medical savings for pre-tax savings on expenses I knew Id have to pay.
- Worked really hard at the job and 6 months later negotiated a quarterly bonus plan.
- Reduced rent by 30%.
- Sold anything I could (Louis Vuitton bag, I dont need you!).
- I stopped all travel, except for 2 family emergencies (death and surgery).
- Paid off highest interest ccs first (about half were at 30%!!).
- Immersed myself in the world of pfblogs, this msg board, economics and finance books to stay motivated and focused.
How did I accumulate so much debt?
Simply put - I lived beyond my means from ages 19-29. I deluded myself into thinking I was entitled to a lifestyle beyond which I could afford.
- Living in HCOL (SF, LA, Philly) added to my self-delusion.
- Being in relationships with people who had wealthier lifestyles warped by sense of reality and added to my self-delusion.
- Being friends with other self-delusional people allowed me to continue my own lie (LA is full of people with inflated lifestyles and around 2000 SF was full of people with inflated lifestyles, I knew dozens of 'millionaires on paper').
If you are wondering what exactly I spent $43k on? Travel, shopping (I seriously bought 10k in handbags), eating out, moving across the country 3 times and within cities every year, gifts, medical expenses and day to day living expenses. I spent so much money, and felt broke the entire time. Living paycheck to paycheck! By October of 2007 I was paying $1100/month to service my debt. I had a close call over a few months and knew I was one emergency away from being in serious trouble. Also, I felt frustrated with myself that I made a good living, but couldnt help older family members that could use help.
breakdown of debt in October 2007
boa1 $4149.39 @ 32.24
boa2 $12659.56 @ 18.24 (952 @ 24.24)
chase1 $5510.45 @ 29.99
chase2 $10485.15 @ 29.99
chase3 $9582.95 @ 28.74
capone $833.74 @ 14.4
How did I pay it off?
I decided I wanted to start my 30s on a path toward wealth. So, I started. I thought it would take years! I live in SF, made just over 90k/yr when I started.
- I took personal responsibility, and stopped feeling entitled or making excuses.
- I focused mentally on feeling wealthy, and creating wealth in my life
- I went on a cash diet.
- I made a budget.
- I created monthly goals that were hard, but achievable.
- I stopped buying anything and everything (no more handbags, shoes, etc).
- Started eating in.
- Switched to a new job and negotiated 25% pay increase
- Took zero time off in between jobs, took the 80 hours of accrued vacation time paid out in cash and paid off debt.
- I made about 3k from startup options on company I left.
- Negotiated for new work to buy me a cell and pay the montly bill.
- No cable, no home internet.
- Utilized medical savings for pre-tax savings on expenses I knew Id have to pay.
- Worked really hard at the job and 6 months later negotiated a quarterly bonus plan.
- Reduced rent by 30%.
- Sold anything I could (Louis Vuitton bag, I dont need you!).
- I stopped all travel, except for 2 family emergencies (death and surgery).
- Paid off highest interest ccs first (about half were at 30%!!).
- Immersed myself in the world of pfblogs, this msg board, economics and finance books to stay motivated and focused.
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