Wishing everyone a safe and relaxing Labor Day

Sending hugs and prayers to our Saving Advice family located in Texas and Louisiana.

Please stay safe

I’ve been painting my kitchen cabinets and they’re turning out okay. First I learned, if the paint has streaks, use a sander, then it was use a sponge brush. Now I’ve removed the hardware. All in all, it’s coming out pretty good, and I’m happy I’m able to revamp my kitchen without paying a arm and a leg to do so.

This past week was slow, I completed a survey in that I earned $20 so I paid $20 towards the student loans. Next week is pay day, so I’ll be able to make additional payments.

As you all know I’ve been saving for a bedroom set, I took half of my saving a paid on my student loans, thinking I could save another $700+ by end of the year.

Well I get a call from my sister and her friend is selling a wood bedroom set. Though wood isn’t my first choice, if the price is $500 or less I’ll make it work. I’m going on Wednesday to look at it. Fingers crossed.

Well I looked at the loan docs and I’ll admit, I questioned the amount, it was explained; however I didn’t realize I didn’t understand until I got my statement. I consider myself pretty literate, however I guess not. Basically when the loan officer/broker told me that I was correct that the balance was the $109k she didn’t explain the charges. So I assumed that was what I was financing, lesson learned. I’m annoyed, only because I told her I felt like the process was being rushed, two, when communicating I think she deliberately played on my ignorance. I also received a gift card from here with a note that it was my application fee. I’m pissed because I questioned this and she told me it would be refunded after the closing, well she didn’t tell me it would be in the form of a gift card. Didn’t know I had to ask if this would be a check, gift card or cash.

I also received a huge check today for my escrow and taxes. I’ve put this in my EF account, contingent on the tax bill in November, I’ll use this to pay the bill, I’m almost certain I won’t have enough in my escrow account. What ever the balance is after taxes and insurance, I’ll pay down the principal.

Long run when I look at it and crunch the numbers, the overall savings is worth it. My break even is actually two years. I’ll start back paying an extra $100 on the principal.

Hello August!

I can’t believe we are eight months into the year.

On top of COVID, now we are dealing with a potential hurricane. I’m praying that this thing remains a tropical storm ⛈ , or at the mist a category 1 storm, I’m so over it.

Thankfully, I’ve been stacking up on supplies for COVID and hurricane season so I didn’t have to go out in that mess. The lines were crazy.

I called the SO, to see if he thought I should put up the plywood, he said no since it was a Cat 1 the day before and it looks as though none, except for one, of the neighbors are putting up anything either. We are getting some rain that’s it right now.

I received my statement from the new mortgage company and the balance owed is $10k more, not sure why so I’ll be calling them on Monday. I also received my escrow refund from the old company, that I’ll put in the bank. I have a feeling I’ll be billed in November and I want to make sure the money is available. I’ll tell you the truth, I was so tempted to take this money and pay off my lowest student loan, then save for November taxes and insurance. I also need to call my old mortgage company, I haven’t received my refund for my last payment.

Monday will be a busy day on the phone.

Since last week, I’ve been decluttering. I realize that I’m less productive with clutter, and I spend way too much money on junk, well I use to. Yesterday I found things that I had no idea I had, 2-3 of the same stuff. I trashed so much unopened makeup 💄 it was ridiculous. For each project, area I declutter, I’m throwing $5 into my challenge fund, so far I’m at $30. I tell ya it feels really good to get rid of junk. I vowed not to buy a thing until I use what I have.

I’m so sore from the bending, moving, stretching et cetera, that I might take today off and just relax; however, I really want this desk area/mini office finished.

It’s new to me but old to most. I read Apple approved to split their stocks, 4 to 1, they closed out at about $400, that’s about $100 a share after the split. Something so simple gave me so much joy, just a week ago I had no clue what a split was or how to calculate, and today I’m smiling because I have a clue.

Now, as I mentioned earlier I’m in no position to buy stock but I couldn’t help but play the game. Even though Apple is a viable organization, what’s going to happen next year? I’m anticipating that sales will plummet. Right now we have high unemployment, high GDP, we are in a recession but most haven’t felt it yet because the government is pumping all this stimulus money into to economy. So with that, I’m anticipating that Apple’s stocks will decline. So if I was in a position to buy, I think I would hold off until the top of the year, when stock prices decreased a tad bit more, purchase and later experience the increase once things bounce back.

For you pros what’s your thoughts?

Please be gentle, I’m new to this.

Today my friend’s mom died. She fought a long fight with this virus, please practice social distancing and wear a mask.

After I got the news, I started decluttering, my house. I tackled the kitchen (lower cabinets )and then moved to my master bathroom. In doing so I found I have a leak. I’m so glad that I’ve been saving since I moved into the house for home repairs. I called my handyman who should be here next week.

Excited, I picked up another side gig for about $60 for a hour. Of course this will go towards the student loans.

I’m really hoping that my business would pick up, but it takes patience.

I was really hoping to close before the first. I have not heard a thing from the title company so I reached out to the broker. She’s telling me to hold off from making a payment. I’m nervous about that. She says if I pay, I’d get reimbursed, anyone know anything about this?

I’m so thankful for this blog, you all often provide great advice.

I’ve been saving as much as I can. Outside of my grocery and electric bill, my expenses have been extremely low. I’m hoping my manager will continue with the work from home option. So far I’ve saved about $150 in gas alone.

I notice that there has been a spike in the cost of food, an 18 count of eggs 🥚 were just over a dollar now it’s $2+. I understand the supply and demand has impacted these increases, but I can’t help but think yikes!

As you all know, I’m in Florida and people are hitting the beaches in droves. I’ve decided to continue with social distancing, only heading to the store when I need items. No pool or beach for me.

I’ve also been keeping myself busy, attending virtual movie night, virtual BINGO, virtual happy hour and painting a wine glass, all have been fun. I’ll admit I’m a little antsy but safety first.

I’ve also been walking more, I’m down about four pounds, I’m hoping to hit my goal of 10lbs over the next 30 days.

Well that’s it for me

This pandemic has made me realize that I want to hit FIRE sooner than later. I was pretty much doing what I should, adding to my EF, saving for upcoming expenses, adding to my 401(k) and paying down debt. I’ve even cut expenses.

I realize my biggest obstacle is my income and fear. I’m worth so much more than I’m paid, I was always taught when you get a job you stay, take what’s offered don’t negotiate. But at 65k for the amount of work I do, and my accomplishments while on this job (implementing new processes that streamlined hiring, recouped the company over $100k, saved us 5% on health care premiums) for the size of the company I work for, it’s a joke. I’m under paid by $30k for my position, for my current role in the area I’m in.

I recently stepped out on faith and applied for one director’s position, $100k, and one VP position, $200k.
I refuse to take less than $100k a year, those days are over

I hold a masters, two certifications and over 10 years experience. I know my crap, people reach out to me all the time. I’m going to start charging for coaching. This pandemic made me realize, years of fear has allowed me to sell my self short.

I can’t understand why we are not cutting non-essential contractors before we lay off staff.

I’m really upset with this. We’re paying a cleaning crew six figures to clean, that doesn’t even show up, or when the do, don’t clean. This was way before COVID-19. Cleaning crew owned by board member, conflict of interest no🤷🏾‍♀️ especially if their services is more costly and ineffective.

We’re paying someone to clean the buses that aren’t running, and we have bus drivers who do it anyway, well before COVID-19..

Wrong wrong wrong

I’m considering refinancing my house. It appears as though I can get it down by two percentage points.

One thing I can’t stand and that is feeling rushed. I keep getting the send this by this time and that time etc. Well the broker sends me the documents at about 9 pm last night, tells me to review and sign by 10 am. Wtf I work.

She tells me in the email, I’m getting a $2,000 refund or I can use the money to buy down my interest. I’m excited about the refund but wondering why. I glance through the documents and notice the loan amount is rounded up. I think nothing of it, put it in my list of questions.

Now it’s 3am I’m up and I have an ah ha moment, so I think. I’m thinking the loan balance is about $18,000 so it’s rounded up and figured that’s where the $20k came from.

Well that can’t be it, I checked and the balance is actually less than $110k. Now I’m wondering if it’s worth the refi if I’m paying extra on the principal anyway. I don’t want a refund, I want to finance the balance, $110k, at a lower interest rate.

I’ll review the documents in detail and get my questions together. I refuse to be rushed through this process.

Having worked in HR for many years, coupled with a MS in HR management, and HR designations that keeps me abreast of new laws, guidelines etc. I highly recommend that employers follow the guidelines coming down the pipe from DOL, OSHA , EEOC and other agencies. Unhappy employees equals, more complaints that equals if you’re not doing your due diligence lawsuits, hence huge pay outs.


Trust me on this.

So prior to the new e-FMLA I made a recommendation to open our schools to staff. That request was denied, citing, we can’t pay employees. Well post e-FMLA, I mention that staff will now be able to take leave, non-paid, when it comes to child care, and we must restore the position. Now leadership says it’s okay to open the school but the employee must pay. 🙄🤦🏽‍♀️

I realize that the company I work with, definitely doesn’t consider/care for their staff. It’s awful. I had my feelings, but everything has come full circle.

One question, I’m definitely asking employers when I get to the point of interviewing, how did they respond, pre, during and post COVID-19? Awful just awful

I made a request to temporarily suspend the wait period for STD when it applies to COVID-19, was told no.
I’m so disappointed

So we had our leadership meeting, we all report updates based on our department. Things are changing daily on the HR side. As you know the FMLA law was updated, I’m to report those areas that impact us the most, I’m told not to report. WTF!

I’m so disappointed in our response to the virus. It’s the lack of being educated, running by the seat of our pants. The organization doesn’t even have a legal team, that I’ve been asking for, since I started. Decisions are being made without counsel.

Sad, just sad

I ell these last few weeks have been extremely exhausting for me.

First my mom hit me for $1500 that I totally forgot about, significantly reducing my EF. I’d borrow the money from her about five years ago. I tried paying her back and she wouldn’t take the money. Honestly I forgot about it, well she asked for it. Was I annoyed? Absolutely but I owe it and I’m done with it. She was upset because I took my $100 she owed me, for paying her cable bill. Either way, we’re done. I’m trying to hold on to my EF in case I’m laid off.

Next, I’m in HR. What I’ve found is that these managers do not adhere to the recommendations that I make. They’ll go to my boss, the CEO, get her confuse and convince her to go with their recommendations, that normally benefits themselves and their favorites.

Well yesterday, I had a manager insist on laying staff off. I’d advise her against it. The controller and I had worked out a few kinks and created a plan that could keep staff, all would receive their pay, and keep medical expenses at least a month. I’d given her a few options. She said she would speak to her direct report and call me back. Well the next call I get is the CEO decided to shut down two facilities, 40+ employees. I ask, when will this be done she says it’s already done. Being pissed is an understatement.

Well after she did this, she realized that the plan to pay her high income earner friends was no longer. 1.5 to 2 hours later, she’s on the phone telling her director staff to return to work. This is so unprofessional and unacceptable, I can just scream. We can’t do this to staff, given these times.

When I finally spoke to my CEO, she liked my recommendations and was told she was never provided my recommendation.

Financial literacy is an ongoing process for me.

I use to consider myself a saver and a spender, I’ve gotten to the point where I am now more of a saver. I’ve always hated giving the government my money; however, I do understand that there are resources in that those funds could, well should, be used for. But to be hit with $200 less in my check, I am not happy. This really burns me. I’m not trying to make this post political by any means; however, those new tax laws are not beneficial to me, and I’m ticked off about it. Home interest deductions for some is no longer, and I’m one of them. Yes, I know pay the house off but I’m still ticked off. I can go through the list but won’t.

I’m still learning, so even though there isn’t a match with my employer, I’ll adjust my deductions to include 401(k) contributions, this should help, I think with my taxable income(reduction) vs transferring the money to the IRA.

I’m just annoyed, I feel like I work so hard and yet I’m still not educated enough. I want to scream, wages are at an all time low, though there’s jobs, and you’re taking my money.

Getting off my soapbox

My glasses and contacts were $340, I had $230 in my HSA account. The difference for me to pay is $110. I’ve got to bump the dollar amount of my contributions.

Well I actually had selected enough but the payroll team keeps screwing up. I’ll reach out to the controller tomorrow. For some reason the amount is always less.

Last night I attended a dinner event, hosted by one of the fraternities. I’m so proud of myself because I shopped my closet vs going out and buying something. The old me would have bought a new outfit for the event.

Lastly, I completed day 26 of no dining out, feeling great!

I think I’m ready to hang up the towel on this site.
Can’t post, comments, or pictures. It like every other month there is a problem

The best thing I could have done was purchase a laptop for my side gig.

Sometimes sitting at my desk can be daunting.

I was able to knock out three policies, attendance, over time, and holiday pay, all while in the bed. I sent the company the new W4 for 2020, made the recommendation that staff completes the form (it’s not required), and provided a copy of the new Florida minimum wage poster to be placed in the break room.

I also sent reminders regarding items I’d sent out last week. I feel like I made progress.

Tomorrow I’ll log onto the desktop, it’s where my MSMoney is housed. I really wish I could get this thing on the laptop, but it’s discontinued. I use MSMoney to track my time and invoice the organization. I’ll have to note the hours spent creating policies.

In financial news, day 6th and I didn’t dine out. I did buy a red vase for the house,$10.68. It’s not a need but a want. I’m having a little buyers remorse and will more than likely return.

I’d signed up for Pandora music, free trial, and cancelled today. I really don’t listen to music where I should be paying for it. I’ll take the commercials.

Changing plans, dryer must go on hold. I’ve got to get the hurricane shutters for the house. Tomorrow I’ll check the city’s website for grants and get a few quotes. The shutters that I’m considering, I believe will be less than $2,000. Fingers crossed 🤞🏾.

Lastly, in fitness news, today make day six in that I got cardio in. I’m hoping I can continue with this.

Have a great night

Due to auto pay and using my credit card for gas, I earned $39 this month in cash back rewards.

What I did was, I signed up for autopay for variable expenses such as internet, and car insurance. I use the card to pay for gas, and before leaving the parking lot, I pay the bill. When I had the car emergency I used the card and paid it off the same day.

I’m excited about earning the extra cash and not having a balance, this is CC9. The cash back isn’t too bad. I’ll throw the cash back at CC10

Just wanted to wish the best financial blog group ever a very Happy New Year 🍾🥂

Merry Christmas everyone!

May your day be filled with joy.

Hi all
It’s been awhile but I’m still trucking along.

These last few weeks have been super busy. Work has been crazy, we have one manager that everyone and I do mean everyone struggles with, including the CEO, who needs to be fired. I’ve somewhat made the recommendation but my manager, CEO, is quite sensitive to this. The woman has worked with her for 25 years 🤦🏽‍♀️🙄. The position is a $110k + a year that actually can be eliminated.

My side hustle is going great, they’re actually looking to expand in 2020. I have a really strong feeling they’ll be offering me a full time gig. I’ve decided if I’m offered the position, I’d negotiate two days there a week with benefits for $65k a year and keep my current job negotiating $65K a year for three days. Fingers crossed.

On the money front, thank goodness I saved and paid cash for Christmas. I spent more than usual, for the family game night. Reason being is because this time it was all on me. Usually the SO chips in, but he didn’t as much as he usually do. I paid the server and the photographer and that’s usually him. I’m not upset, just glad I’d budgeted for it. The sinking funds really do help. I bought Christmas gifts for my staff, nephews, and paid for game night all with my Christmas sinking fund. Not to mention, no stress.

Today I’ll be reviewing my cash envelopes, and updating my budget for January

December is here, I can’t believe it.

Yesterday was a relaxing day, with a little activity. I switched out my fall decor for the Christmas decor, I’ll be finishing up decorating my Christmas tree 🎄 today.
I also did a little holiday cleaning, have to finish this up today.
The red decor will stay up until Valentine’s Day.

This morning I finished up my monthly consulting report for my side hustle, and created the invoice. This month I’m billing for $1300, $400 will go towards the training and I will make a total of $900. This is an extra $100 on top of my normal consulting services. The trainer charged me $400, I charged $500. I’m also going to let the owners know, that I’m interested in other opportunities in case they know of any other small businesses that will be needing my services. I also told my friend who is an accountant, he’s the one who got me the gig.

I’ll say this, I’m glad I got the laptop for the side gig, it really helped me out today.

Later today, I’ll review my November budget.

Hope everyone enjoyed their holiday.

I’ve been wanting a laptop for personal use, then that want turned into a need when I got the consulting gig.

I went into Walmart today to get $5, Christmas PJs for my great nephews, a tradition, and a tv 📺 for my mom, she was to pay me back, I didn’t get the tv, Walmart was out. Well low and behold Walmart had a HP laptop 💻 for $149. I checked the specs and the reviews while in the store and they were pretty good, so I purchased it. I didn’t need anything fancy, just something I could take along, type notes, track things etc. This laptop will come in handy for my site visits to the facility for sure. I was told I could use this purchase as a business expense. I’ll have to check with the accountant since I’ll be using it for both personal and business, primarily business though. I’ll also have to adjust the budget, rather than paying $730 on the CC 💳, I’ll be paying $581, since I bought the laptop.

On a different note, yesterday was pay day 💰 I was surprised to see my money hit the bank on a holiday. I paid bills, the minimum on CC10, I’ll be adding the extra payment next week. I entered my student loan and car insurance payments into the registry, so that I have a better idea of my balance.

Things are a little crazy but hey, over all I had a good holiday.

Hope everyone had a great holiday.

Happy Thanksgiving to my favorite frugal family, Saving Advice Bloggers.
🦃 🍁

I love having the ability to track my electric bill daily, it helps me to manage my usage.

Yesterday was closing and I was at $69, I figured by time the bill generated today it would be about $72. Well I logged in and the amount due was $71.84. Yay!

On average I think the bill was about $130 a month. When SO other left, it was August and that bill was $158.67, the bill has consistently decreased since he left. I’ve seen about a 45% decrease. Honestly all my bills have decreased since he left, water, electricity, cable even my food and household items purchased have decreased. Though we lived somewhat like roommates, he cost me money. Honestly, though we remain friends, I’m glad he’s gone. That’s a different story.

I can’t wait to see the bill next month. I’m in Florida so we don’t have much of a winter ❄️; however, there are days in that it’s nice and cool and I can open my windows vs using the AC.

I’m considering a timer ⏱ for my water heater. Unfortunately, after I YouTubed how to install, I think I’ll feel more comfortable with an electrician installing vs. myself. I’m also considering a smart thermostat for the home.