Amber's Personal Finance Blog

So I haven't blogged, been super busy.
The brunch went well, mom did not show, actually only my sister. I was a bit heart broken but what can you do. Everyone wants me to do it again next year so I said okay.

In other news, dad has been down since turning 80 and refuses to eat. I took him to the doctor and he got into a huge pow wow with her. He says he's weak but I think it has a lot to do with the fact he is not eating or drinking fluids. I really need you all to pray for me,he is my world

I've been on a little hiatus planning an up coming brunch for this coming Saturday.

When I was in 12th grade, day dreaming, a thought popped into my head that when I started doing a little better for myself that I would reward another woman the opportunity to continue her education. So I decided to have s brunch. Ticket sales would cover the brunch and scholarship.

So last year I decided to just do it and it's coming true Saturday. I broke even, didn't make any money out of it and I'm happy with that, I just wanted to give back.

Now here is the disappointing thing. As you all know my mom and I have had a very rough relationship. Needless to say I ask her to purchase a ticket and she agreed. I also asked her to ask her friends and she tells me know. At first I was upset and then that quickly turned to anger. Reason being, when her friends kids are selling anything she's happy and assist with the sale. However, when it's her own children she refuses. This occurred a few months ago.

Fast forward today I swing by because my sister is making a donation. My BF ask my mother if she's attending, her response is no. I figured that much. But what gets me and what was most hurtful was she turns to me and say, "why would you even want to do something like that?" I don't respond and my boy friend jumps in and says, oh it's a great thing, too bad other people aren't as giving. Why is/was it so hard for her to say congratulations, I'm happy for you, or hope everything goes well.

I can't understand for the life of me why this woman is always so negative, hurtful and non-supportive of her own children. I would have felt better if she had kept her mouth shut.

My sister told me today, that the photos that she had taken for our mother's 75th birthday, and mind you hiring a photographer isn't cheap, my mom gave her back the photos. I'm thinking, wouldn't you want those memories? She simply went into my sister's room and placed them in the bed.

The woman is so hateful and bitter. I pray that God allows me to forgive her, but for some reason and I'm sorry I can't stand the woman. As soon as I think, okay she's coming around she does something else. I try so hard to try and have a relationship with her but honestly it pains me, I'd rather not be bothered. The only thing is, I often think what if something happened to her, and I didn't try to build a better relationship.

She tells my BF she loves him, but never has said it to me, Christmas rolls around she buys others children gifts and not even a card for me. The last time she ever bought a Christmas gift for me I was in 6th grade. I'm 42 now.

I'm sorry I just needed share, please keep me in prayer.
Ugh

Yeah I hit my $3,000 mark today. I'm so excited, it pay day so I added $200 to my $20/52 week challenge. For some $3,000 may not be a lot, but it's a huge accomplishment for me.

As I begin pricing homes, I realize that things are way too expensive, I don't want to lose hope, so I'm saying a prayer that this will be the year that I can make things happen.

After March, I'm going to start looking for a part-time job or one that pays me more money.

Well, I got paid and added my $50 to the house fund, coupled that with the $100 dad gave me as well as the extra $17 to round things up, and now my new total is $2,600. I'm hoping I can hit that $3,000 mark by end of March.

Looks like today will be my first no spend day in months. I'm here with dad and will be heading home shortly, when I realized I haven't spent a dime. So I'll be adding $2 on the BoA CC.

In healthy living news, today is day 2 and I have not had a soda, adding $1 to the BoA CC. I also walked a little over a mile today so another buck added to the CC. In all today, I'll be adding $4 payment to the BoA CC.

I really tried today to make it a no spend day but that didn't happened. Needed a few girly things so I headed to the store. While I was there I went ahead and picked up snack and dinner for tomorrow.

I did workout today. I started back walking/running. I want to train myself to run at least a 3k

I will say this, today was the first day in awhile that I did not have a soda, yay! I was so excited, and to be honest I wasn't even craving one.

In financial news, I checked my checking account and I had $.90 worth of change so I rounded down and added the $.90 to the credit card. Because I worked out and didn't have a soda I added two more dollars to the $.90, giving me a total of $2.90 paid on the CC.

That's it in a nutshell. Hopefully tomorrow I won't spend a dime.

Last year was a rough year for the BF and I, at one point I was really considering leaving him. But then all of a sudden he stepped up, paying his bills on time and taking care of what needed to be done around the house.

We haven't really done a lot together so I decided to come up with a "Date Night Jar." Basically we both put four stickies each of what we would like to do for a night/day.

For me I chose the following

Dinner - we have a $50 gift card
Drive through movie
Game night at home
Polo match

Not sure what the BF wrote, it's suppose to be a surprise. On Thursday each week will pull a sticky so that we know what we will be doing. I'm excited.

So I decided to make a crockpot chicken and stuffing dinner, found on Pinterest, love that site.

Two large chicken breast - cut into 2
1 can of cream of chicken
1 can of chicken broth
Pepperidge Farm stuffing (half bag)

Place chicken in the crock pot - seasoned with salt, pepper
Add the stuffing
Mix the broth/cream of mushroom - add a little onion and chopped celery
Pour mixture over stuffing
Cook high for four hours

Now I'm just waiting to see how it turns out.

So the BF wanted to go to the Fair, he was taking his two daughters. I told him I wasn't interested, nor did I have the extra cash, but he insisted, so off we go.

To be honest it was nice but he spent a ton of money in my eyes that could have been used for something else.

2 adult tickets - $30
We had two tickets that my company gave us
2 wrist band for rides $50
$80 for the kids to spend
$30 cartoon photo
$5 lemonade
$10.50 corn on the cob
$10 beer
$30 group photo
$8 candy apple
Plus the to-go food that I didn't get a cost of.

Just seem like a ton of money to me for about 2 hours

Yep, dad gave me a $100 today and I transferred it to my savings, I'm at $2182.29, can't wait to get paid to hit the $2200 mark.

Also added $9 to the CC, have to stop eating out, this is adding up.

Tomorrow, I plan on making chicken and stuffing in the crockpot.

On our way to the fair, haven't been there in years.

I know when I blog I stay on track, I hate when things throw me off, when that happens I stop blogging and start spending. Have to stay focus.

With that said, I'm trucking right along. The BF took care of my car's oil change and filled me up. I didn't ask how much he paid, but I estimated about $60 for everything. So I added the $60 to my $20/52 Week challenge. New total $2,082.26. I'm so happy.

Dad and I will be running errands and he usually give me a $100 on the days we do this. Even though I tell him he don't have to he always do. He says he'll rather give it to his kids than other people who will sure enough take it.

I splurged and had McDonalds for breakfast $3.60 so I paid $3.60 on the BoA credit card, I figured if I have extra to eat out then I have money to pay down debt.

Lastly, we are getting our security cameras installed. It saddens me that we are in an age where Big Brother always have to be watching. Awful

So I'm at the bank and found someone's debit Visa card. For some strange reason I was scared to touch it let alone pick it up. Strange I know, but you never know.

Needless to say, I picked it up and called the bank to let them know I had found it. After our break in, I'm just paranoid about everything.

Tomorrow we get the security cameras put in and I think once those are installed I'll feel a little better.

Went out to lunch with an colleague and spent $20 so I decided to pay $20 on CC1, how I see it if I can eat out I can pay extra on the CC.

New total $1000

I've been using the Cash app now for quite sometime, and when ever I refer someone, that person and I get $5 when they use the app. The great thing about it is that it's free and instant, unless you link a credit card, that's 3%. What I love about it is that the person that you're sending or receiving funds from do not have your account info.

So with that my neice sent me cash, for some items I'm selling and I got $5. I added this to my $20/52 week challenge, new total $1,973.26. 😄

Here's my code if you're interested.

Try the Cash app using my code and we’ll each get $5! FGHTDRQ
cash.me/app/FGHTDRQ

So I go to dad's and he has a ton of ones for me, $44 worth. Apparently he hates ones and throws them to the side. So today he decided to give them to me, I told him yes, I'll take that, thank you very much.

Added $44 to my $20/52 week challenge, new balance $1,968.26
Friday is payday and I'll be adding week 49 ($49) deposit, and that my dear will put me at $2,000 before February. I'm so excited. I'm hoing to hit 5k by June.

Last year I became a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. I knew that there were going to be a number of events that I would want to participate in and decided to open a second account, for this purpose. I must say, I am so glad I did this. I was able to save about $300 since December and just recently I had to order somethings. What I'm so proud about is that I paid for those items without feeling stressed, and that it was easy as 123. It's just nice to have the funds available at the ready to do what I need to do.

On the saving side of things, I received $15 from the Cash app for three referrals. I decided to deposit $8 to the house fund and $7 to the new home fund. Since this wasn't money earned, I thought why not use it to pay down debt and beef up the savings.

Yesterday I did not workout so I paid $2 on BoA CC.

That's it for now, I'll check back in shortly.

So we had a break in, 80% of my items were stolen and the BF is moping. Now I'm upset that the house was broken into but I'm also thankful that much more wasn't taken or damaged. It's like get over it.

My BF on the other hand has been in the dumps all night and day. He can't sleep, keeps walking up and down the street for the canister that the thief stole that belonged to his dad. I understand that the can belonged to his dad, but I'm just like really? The world is not going to stop now. It was a Heineken can, I'm just thankful that the jerk didn't damage the photos. I'm also thankful that no one was hurt during this break in. I really just want to order another one. The can itself is about $20, and yes I understand that it belonged to your dad, but good grief. I'm missing a $1500 bracelet plus two karat diamond earrings.

I'm sorry I know death is hard, we know it's unavoidable but his dad has been dead four years and we're still dealing with mourning. Next month it's his birthday and I'll have to tip toe around feelings all month.
I'm sorry

So our home was broken into today. Though I'm thankful that no one was hurt and not much was stolen, it still annoys me.

The day started out here raining cats and dogs, heading to work I had my lunch bag, purse and breakfast in hand. Something said to me, lock gate, in my rush I thought I did but didn't check. That was around 8:07 am.

Around 1:30 the boyfriend called to say, the house was broken into and you need to come home.

Low and behold the glass slider was smashed ($275).
Thank God, all the TVs, tablets, digital camera and computer was still in place. The jerk stole every piece of jewelry I had, four of my watches, and the change I've been putting off cashing in. He stole my BF change, his watch I just bought him for Christmas. What bothers me the most, is that the change that was my BF was in his dad's canister, he just want the canister back since his dad is no longer with us. Fir me, my pandora bracelet is missing. It's five years of collecting charms of our story. Though the bracelet is valued over a $1000 it's sentimental value is worth more.

The jerk cut himself breaking in so the officer has his DNA and the neighbors have him on their surveillance camera. The officer said he knew who he was, so hopefully he'll be arrested.

That was my day in a nutshell

H

Though I had said that any extra money received that I Woolf put towards the house, but I find the need to add funds to my CC debt as well.
Last night I received an extra $30 from dad, so I added half to the $20/52 week challenge and the other half to CC1

New totals
Challenge $1906,26
CC1 $1053.00

It's a struggle but I'm trying. Hopefully today will also be my first no spend day if the year and I can add $5.00 to my challenge.

Well today was a day. I decided at 4:30 am that I will forgo Facebook for one week. I realize I spend way too much time surfing, reading and rereading the same posts. I almost went on during work and decided to delete the app.

I couldn't believe that I woke up this morning, grab my phone and the first thing I did was check Facebook. It's sad. I'll say it was tough, not wanting to see what everybody was doing but I got through the day.

Dad ask me to pay a bill for him, he gave me a $100 and told me to keep the change, about $34. I'm struggling with adding this to my challenge, I've done so good thus far adding all extra cash but I realized I have $294 left in my checking to last me until next Friday. Ugh. I'll play it by ear, I guess.

I also came home and made chili for dinner, this is my second time making it and I must say, it was delicious. The first time I made it, used the crockpot and it was so-so. This time, I used Morcormick chili mix, chopped onions, celery, green peeper, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder and the rest of the items for chili. I couldn't believe how good it was, plus there's left overs for tomorrow.

That's it in a nutshell, nothing else to report.

Yesterday dad gave me $100, so I added it my $20/52 week challenge. I thought my balance was 1,791.26, but I was surprised to learn that it was actually $1,891.26. I have my fingers crossed that I will hit my goal of $2000 before February.

I have some change that I need to cash in, I think that's about $80. I've been putting it off because the credit union has moved, normally I would go there and they'll feed the change through a machine. Now with my local bank, I have to roll the coins. I know it's no excuse, I just really don't want to do that .😡

My mom gave me $25 today for my birthday. I almost fell out of my chair, the woman never gives away anything, particularly money.
So rather than spending it, I added to my $20/52 Week Challenge, new balance is 1,751.26.

I read my vision board every day so that I stay on track and I'm blogging to do the same. Our landlord wants to sale this place and she's giving us first dibs so we really need to make sure that our funds are in place. Even if we end up not buying this place, at least have money available for a possible move.

My birthday was yesterday and very low key, usually we're heading out of town but not this year. We had happy hour at the house with friends and that was actually nice.

That's it in a nutshell.

So dad gave me an extra $40 and I'm adding it to my house/challenge fund.

New total $1,676.26. I'm pretty certain by February I'll hit $2,000.

This weekend I'll be entering in more receipts, I can't wait until this is done. But hey, at least I'm trying.

Trying to stay on track for 2016.

Dad gave me $200 today so I deposit the entire amount I ton my house challenge fund. If I said it once I said it a 1000x so long as I'm blogging, i, on track.

I also, started to enter in receipts that I haven't entered in months, so that I can finalize my 2016 spending and create a new budget. I also cleared out my closet getting rid of four items I also got rid of two items out of the kitchen cabinet that were expired. It's a slow process but I'm trying to finally declutter.

Tomorrow, I'll buy a bin yo house all my Valentine's Day Decorations so that things are easy to find. Next month I'll get one for the St. Patrick Day stuff.

That's it in a nutshell I'll update my sidebar tomorrow.

Happy New Year to my entire SA family, wishing you all a prosperous and healthy 2016.

I started the year off with my first ever vision board. Items still on the list, save money, debt reduction and owning my own home. I need to go back and add blogging, when I don't blog I always get side tracked.

To be honest with you, I'm glad I did this.

So I started the new job, and live it. Everyone was so nice, and helpful.

Not sure if you all know, but I'm in HR and on boarding is very important to me. Well let's just say my new company did an amazing job, flowers, lunch etc. it was really nice.

My old boss didn't speak to me the last two weeks I was there, even when she took me to lunch, that only validated my decision to leave.

On the financial front I've slacked a little but nothing over board. Now back on track

So I go in for my third interview, and guess what? I got the job, $10k more than what I'm making. The goal is to sick at least 5k away for the year. I'll start on the 24th and give my resignation on Monday. The funny thing is my boss as been extremely nice.

On a different note the BF younger sister passed away the same day I received the offer. He's torn, holding it in but I've been in tears pretty much all day.

That's it so far

Okie dokie we are back from PA. We had my BF family reunion and of course I ended up spending money I should not have.

I asked the BF to move out. Prior to us going on this trip he still owed $120.00 for the airfare, now he owes me $200+ for cable, $75 for luggage and $281 for the rental car. I told him prior to going that I did not want to be responsible for anything concerning this trip. I foot the bill for the Derby because that was something that I always wanted to do, this was his trip. He wants to talk things out, but I'm done, financially, we are not on the same page, and I am tired.

On a different note I am tackling CC4, I caught the devil trying to set up automatic payments of $10 per week but I was able to do it.

I've managed to bump my IRA to $396.71, and still able to add $15 a week to that. Not to mention I signed up for the company's 401(k) at 3% that averages about $33 per pay period.

I was also able to bump my $20/52 Week challenge to $2211.30; I would love to hit the 5k mark by December, but it doesn't look like it unless I get a job paying more.

Lastly, I have been on two interviews with the same company and will be going in for my third on Wednesday. I am pretty confident that I have the job, but I won't post anything until I receive my offer letter.

That's in in a nutshell

Found this article on Twitter and thought I would share

I'm broke but all my bills are paid. I have about $200 to last until the next pay day that is the 22nd.

I'm proud of myself, any and every bill that was due from the 7th until the 22nd was paid. This last pay period I started my 401(k) contribution. I could only contribute 2%, wish I could do more but something is better than nothing. The funds chosen were two target funds 80% to the 2040 (my target date) and 20% to the 2035. I appreciate everyone's help with this as well, thank you. I'm still depositing (auto) $15 a week to my IRA account, I figured why stop. Once CC4 is paid off I can up it to $20.

On a different note, I had a phone interview yesterday. I'm super excited, please keep your fingers crossed and candles lit. The hiring manager wants to bring me in to meet with the team next week. What's great about this is, my boss is on vacation so I can leave early or come in late.

Side bar- Yesterday we had an incident at the office. A office manager did not show up to work. Her staff was nervous about it but too afraid to notify anyone because "they did not want to get her in trouble." Apparently her sister hadn't heard from her and called the cops who found her car at a bar. Long story short, she was missing for over 24 hours, found but things do not look good. I say to my boss who is the HR director, that this is a serious problem Andy That the company should be looking at its culture and speaking with staff to reassure them that if there is a concern, it's okay to speak with regionals, HR, exec team etc. Her response, " you are correct, apparently the staff is afraid of the regional, I'm not going to deal with this, let X deal with it he's the VP of Ops, this is a operations issue." All I could do was say, oh and think to myself, I have got to get out of here before the crap hits the fan and she tries to blame someone else for a mistake/stupidity she made.

Once before she held an employee's check, I informed her it was against the law to do so, a clear FLSA violation and she did it anyway. Another time she wanted staff to work a company picnic and not pay them. Unbelievable.