Amber's Personal Finance Blog

As you all know I was unemployed for quite some time, but I'm back to work and am extremely happy. I have vowed, not to take work home(e.g emails, voicemails), always smile no matter what, stay positive, and to do the best I can.

I think if I stick with this frame of thought, work will be fun, and I won't become anxious or consumed with things that only brings me anxiety.

I've decorated my workspace so that it is fun and positive. I hung some amazing qoutes, purchased a daily devotional/stay positive calendar, a pink lamp and scissors, and I made polka dot letter trays. I think, if my work environment appears to be fun, then work should be fun. In the past I never decorated my workspace because I always went in with the thought of, if I got fired. But for some reason, I feel at home in my new job, and I feel like I will be there for awhile, so why not make it my own.

Now for the 52 week challenge. Since I was out of work for awhile, I was unable to contribute to my challenges, so I'm trying hard to catch up. And to do this I started backwards with the 52 week challenge.
This week I'm on week 51 so I deposited $51 to my saving. I'm also going to work this thing starting from week 1. Therefore I added $2 since I'm on week two

Total deposited for week 2/51: $53

YTD $106

Not too bad

Hope everyone had a great fourth.

I can say I had a wonderful fourth until we were leaving the fire work display and some idiot decides to set off fireworks into a crowd and guess who got hit with one. Me, ugh.

I couldn't hear for about 2-5 seconds, that was the longest few seconds ever, not to mention I also had particles in my eyes. Ugh!

Made it home and was dizzy as heck, my equilibrium was thrown off. Only good thing was we live close, so I made it home safely very quickly, I didn't have any burns, and it could have been much worst.

All in all that was my fourth.

I have been unemployed for the last 8 months and now I can't believe that I have been offered employment by at least three companies in the last week. I have already accepted a position with a dental practice and for some reason I really like it there and thing that that is where I belong, so I am staying. Even though there is a possibility to make a lot more elsewhere, I just feel like this company is where I need to be so I am staying.

On a different note, my brother gave me an extra $20.00 so I added this to my challenge bring my YTD to $80.00 just in the last week, since I have started things back up. I am super excited to be saving finally again.

That's it in a nutshell

Sorry this is a long post dealing with nothing financial

Once again my mother strikes. For those of you who have been following my blogs, you are aware of my relationship with my mother, that is not great at all.

For those of you who aren't aware, my mother is a woman who is a very angry and for the life of us, her kids and grand children we can't seem to figure out why.

A few years ago she told me to get the F out of her house because of a stupid disagreement over clothes I had left in a washing machine. We didn't speak for some time after that and I now pretty much still keep my distance.

Long story short she's just hateful.

Now fast forward, I still stay away and so does my nieces and nephews as well as my siblings with the exception of one, her favorite.

Almost a year and half ago, my sister moved in with my mother to try and save some money. I told her at the time that if I was her, I would make sure that I stick with the plan and save money, possibly looking for a full time job. Low and behold a few months after my sister moved in she started, my mother that is. My sister has called me crying about the same things I had issues with:
- Mom constantly complaining
-Mom begging for money , even though you pay her rent
- Mom not talking to you because you won't share what happened over at dad's when you visit him
- Mom yelling

As far as the money goes my mom has a nice little chunk of change, her house is paid for her car is paid for, and she has no credit card bills. She's the type of woman that if you have $3 you should give her $1

So my sister calls me today in tears because she attempted to talk to my mother to explain how mom makes her feel ( e.g low self- esteem, afraid to speak to her). Long story short ,
Mom told her what she old me a few years ago, right before she told me to get out and that was " as long a you live don't talk to me." Why she says those things I can't understand. Does she not realize that telling your kids those things are hurtful. Or does she not care?

I told my sister she could come here for a few days if she'd liked until things cooled off but if I was her, I'd make sure my ducks are in a row because knowing my mother it's just a matter of time before she tells her to get out.

I told my sister that maybe something happened to my mother as a kid and that's why she treats us, especially the girls, the way she does. Or maybe her mother treated her the way she treats us.

I was always afraid to have kids because I am afraid that I will treat them the way my mother treated us. I remember once I wrote a letter, I was about ten, talking about how my mother treated and talked to us, how she treated my brother totally different and she found it. Rather than talking to me telling me she loved me, she beat me for writing the letter. I'll never forget that, I thought what type of woman does that? There was also a time I was about 6, she beat me for something, I can't remember but it could have been I didn't eat my dinner or something stupid like that. I remember after the beating/spanking taking a bunch of pills to go to sleep and praying that I not wake up. But obviously I did.

As I got older I still battle with depression, thoughts of suicide when feeling down. But I will say this, and that is I've gotten much better at controlling those thoughts, not allowing them to control

Glad to be back on track. Even though I haven't officially started the new job, I'm able to start back building my EF and make contributions to my challenge.

Dad gave me $40 today so I'm depositing that the my $20 challenge, within just two days I was able to deposit a total of $60

Dad told me something, that made a whole lot of sense. He said when he came to this country he was making about $1 and some change an hour but he managed to set aside $10 a week and that that $10 grew from $10 to $100, to a few thousands and so on. It makes me so proud to see a man who started out with little of nothing build so much wealth. A great retirement, rental properties and so forth. It can be done.

Time to start back funding the EF. I was unemployed for about eight months and pretty much depleted my savings. Now it's time to get things back to what they were.

So with that, I received my first check from Target and deposited 10% of that to my EF. It wasn't much but hopefully I can get back to where things were before my lay off.

EF Replenishment
$33

$20 Challenge
$20

52 week challenge (starting backwards to catch up)
$52

Received $20 cash gift from my brother and now that I'm back working I'm ready to get back to adding to my challenge, without it when I loss my job I would have been out of luck. So here we go

$20 Challenge
YTD $20

Its been a a long time, I hope everyone is well.

Here is what's been happening with me:

* August 2013 I received my masters degree
* October 2013 I was let go
* October 2013 started a HR consulting firm (not doing too well)
*January 2014 I became PHR certified
* Thank goodness for the $20 challenge and the 52 week challenge, because I have been living off my savings every since I was let go. I did have to withdraw a little from my IRA as well
*Found a job at Target in their HR department ($10.50/hr) three weeks ago, had to do what I had to do, no benefits but I do like the job
* Was offered a HR position with a growing company paying me a lot more and benefits on Tuesday, starting this coming Monday. I have no idea how I am going to break the news to Target
* Due to my lay off I wasn't able to make deposits for the 52 week challenge or my IRA and I have since started this back up
* Credit cards are still low, I have managed not to rack up any charges on the cards that are paid off.

That's it in a nutshell, I am just thankful to be back working

Getting organized is essential to almost any and everything.

I would say that I have been lackadaisical with keeping up with my spending and my desk looked a mess.

So today I cleaned off my desk, purchased a few stack-able letter holders, pen/pencil holder, paper clip holder and a magazine holder. I also cleaned out a few files to shred some items and honestly, I feel great. Even though I am not done yet it really feels good.

I balanced my accounts too

I now feel like I can get things done. I have an area so that when I receive a call regarding my business I can jot down things without having to run around looking for a pen and paper.

I completed the appeal form for the bank finally, I was charged $39 for three months for a service that I cancelled four months ago.

I also closed my BB&T account, the bank stated charging me $10.00 a month because I do not have direct deposit of $500 or more a month. This account was for miscellaneous items, such as shopping, vacation etc. No way was I going to pay $10.00 a month.

All in all it was a great day

I passed! I'm officially a certified professional in human resources(PHR). I've been studying for the PHR exam for weeks, finally took it and passed. This test is like a newly graduated lawyer passing the bar, , at least me any way.

In the meantime I haven't been blogging but I've been keeping up with the 52 week challenge.
I started backwards and forward, so I'm on week 48 for saving and week 4 for paying down CC 3

Unfortunately I haven't found a job, I've been told at least 4x that I'm over qualified. However, I refuse not show my credentials on my resume, I worked too hard for it. I was told to remove my masters and change my position titles. Smh, before I was under qualified and a year later I'm over qualified.

Besides over qualified is an unprofessional term used by employers who really want to say, I'd like to hire you but refuse to pay you what you're worth. I'm cool with making less, if I wasn't I wouldn't apply.

The business is up and running, haven't gotten a client yet but I'm still in start up mode and have to remind myself that successful men and woman such as Bill Gates, Steve Jobs and Oprah all stumbled a few times before becoming successful. Patience.

I'll be rapping up this month's expenses and I spent a ton I turned 40 this month and had a little get together at the house plus it was my turn to host this book club, that ended up being canceled the day before so money wasted. No complaints though.

That's it in a nut shell, if you all have a moment, please review my revamped website and let me know what you think. Please make any suggestions, negative or positive, I've always valued your opinions.

www.KellyHRServices.com

It's my turn to host the monthly book lib meeting, and in doing so I realized I do not have enough items, like plates, glasses and placemats. Thank goodness I have been purchasing certain items throughout the year, last year preparing for this event.

Well I decided to do something different and made my very own wine glass charms. I made this far 40 charms, saving me a ton of money. Supplies cost me about $7 vs. the $10 it would cost for 4 charms.

Take a look.

New year so I'm going to attempt the 52 week challenge, even though I'm unemployed I'll at least try.

I decided to work the challenge two ways, one, starting with week 1 and week two at the same time.

Here we go
Week 1 : $1 paid off to CC3
Week 52: $52 deposited to saving account

Balances:
CC3: $1
Saving: $52

Hello all!

Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy New Year and fill you all in.

This year I graduated with a Masters in Human Resource Management, I was let go in October Right after that I started Kelly's HR Services and enough I haven't gotten my first client, things are moving along. I was able to keep up with the 52 week challenge until November, only because I was let go.

I've applied for a ton of jobs and have been told I am over qualified or haven't gotten a call back. Long story short this was a great year, I can't complain.

I paid off a few credit cards, and only have 3 left hopefully I will land a job or a few clients.

nothing else to report, hope everyone's holiday season was a joyous one.

Well so much has happened.
I've officially launched/opened Kelly's HR Services. I had my first client and I made $200 but I had to put everything back into the business. Which by the way is fine.
I also had to fire my trainer due to her lack of professionalism with my first client and now I believe I have lost referrals due to it.

Running a business is not easy and it takes a lot of determination. I find myself at times somewhat overwhelmed but I just need to slow down. The official website is www.KellyHRServices.com, I actually designed it myself. Didn't have any funds to pay someone. Check it out and let me know what you all think.

In financial news, I just paid off CC # 5 and have three left to go. I'm super excited because I believe by the time February rolls around I would have them all paid off.

Things are trucking along slowly.

Great news, did a little marketing and a gentleman I met with stated he has two small businesses he could refer me to.

Furthermore, I've decided to start my diet again. For every soda I drink, whether it is diet or not, I'm paying $5 on the CC. For every workout on the elliptical $3 is deposited to the $20 challenge and for every day missed $5 to the CC debt.

Also, I received an email that my diploma should be arriving shortly, I'm excited about that.

Well that's it in a nutshell.

Great day, opened my small business
checking account.
Things seem to be picking up very quickly. I met with another small business company with about 15,000 clients and the owner will be adding my logo and number to all his mailings which is about 500 a week.
Also brought on my trainer who will feature the business in her monthly newsletter. Next month I'll be a judge for the Miss Florida Teen USA and my company will be featured there as well.
I'm super excited.
Please like us on Facebook KHRServices

Paid off CC #5 today, super excited. I can't believe I went from debt to debt free back to debt and now working on becoming debt free again.

On a side note, went by my mom and my sister was there with her grandson, my great nephew. She moved back home. Anyhow I gave my nephew a dollar and my sister says to me, "don't give him any bills only coins because I use the bills given to him." I thought are you kidding me? The kid has a piggy bank, and you're taking the paper money out. I was so disgusted. Reminded me of the time she opened a bank account for us as kids and cleaned it out.
So I hid the piggy bank in my mom's room and told my nephew not to tell his grandma. Poor kid is only three so he might

Hi all!
I am officially back, if I'm not mistaken my last post was the start of my summer classes in May , which by the way was super tough.

In the midst of all that I manage to add a little funds to CC, I had previously paid off but it's under control and should be paid off again in September

A lot has happened, first I graduated! Yay I'm so excited. I now have a masters degree, the first and only in my family. Was it tough? Absolutely. Am I glad I stuck it out? Yes
The day of graduation I received a $15,000 raise, sweet. Unfortunately the money now must be paid on student loans.

Also some more great news, I've started a Human Resource firm. Basically the company is geared toward small businesses. I'd like to the point of contact for these businesses as their human resource department but out sourced. I have my first company, a construction business started by the owner of the company I am currently employed. I'll be drafting up the contract Wednesday for her to sign. It's great for me because construction is a tad bit different with all the OSHA requirements so this will help with me gaining more experience and knowledge

Please like my page on Facebook if you can, and share a few of my posts. The goal is to hit 100 likes by the end of the month and get a little traffic on the page. Name of the company is KHRServices

Now that school is out of the way and I've started the new business I can start focusing on paying down the rest of my debt.

I have been keeping up with my 52 week challenge. One thing though I have about $7000 in my savings which is about 6 months worth of expenses. I wonder if I should stop socking away the $25 a week and start paying that on the CC? Any thoughts on this?

Glad to be officially back and don't forget to like my new business ( and share) on Facebook

KHRServices

As you all know so much is happening in August:
- Graduatiom
-$20k pay increase
-Moving out

I am so excited because its a few months away but I do not know how much longer I can deal with the BF.

Every month he is short, I'm sick of walking on egg shells because every Christ thing reminds him of his dad. I'm sorry he lost his dad, but it doesn't mean that I should be tip toeing around feelings every day.

For example today is Mother's Day; I too have a mom (not the best relationship) but I'd like to run by her house and not spend hours at his mom's. Also, ripping the house apart at 11pm at night looking for a pair of shoes that you already have another pair exactly like but refuse to wear because you wore them to your dad's funeral and getting upset because I asked the question why not just wear those is absolutely ridiculous just like burying the $100.

I'm just simply trying to make sure that the CC debt I have is paid off as much as possible and my raise kicks in before I move

For those of you who wear glasses, I wasn't aware until today but Wal*Mart provides free refills on their brand of lens cleaning.

Okie dokie, I paid off CC4, CC5 and CC6 today. Yay just a little over $2000.

Unfortunately CC3 that I had paid off in January and the BF used for a rental car (and never gave me the money)I had to pay off again ($228.00) so I did not count this one. I am not going to complain about this because it was a birthday trip I wanted and we agreed I would pay for the hotel and he would pay for the car. However, I ended up paying for everything, oh well you live a learn.

But I am super excited, I have paid off a total of 6 CCs since January and it feels good, not mention I have freed up about an extra $180 a month in minimum payments. The plan is to sock $100 away week to the EF and to pay about $40.00 a week to CC 7 and CC8 hopefully cutting these balances on these cards to half by the end of the year.

Once my raise kicks in, in August I can probably double the amounts saved a week and paid to the CC

Hi all!

I know I am not blogging as much but just know I haven't charged anything on the CCs.

Even though, I am not blogging I am somewhat hanging in there with my finances.

I am on week 23, of the 52 week challenge, trying to stay ahead. I also made a $5.00 contribution to my IRA. I usually contribute anywhere between $20-35 a week but last week was the first of the month and so many bills are due; however, I wanted to make sure I deposited something vs. nothing.

I am hoping with the extra money, from my most recent raise that I can pay off CC4. My student loan disbursement should be received and if it is what I am thinking of I will pay off CC4, 5 and 6 socking away the remainder to my EF. Starting next month even though I am not schedule to start repayment of my loan until September, after graduation, I will make $25 a week payments to my student loan. I figured that would be about $250 paid on the principal. My employer mention paying off my student loan or a portion of that, so keep your fingers crossed.

Other good news I have managed to sock away $6000 to my EF, I'm hoping to have this up by $2000 in June

In addition, I love my new job. There is just one-person who drives me crazy, but I think he means well, I just have to figure out how to deal with him.

I think by the end of the month I should have CC 5,6,and 7 paid off only leaving 8,9 and 10. Yes I know, I have way too many credit cards. I was once debt free about 4 years ago but then I was laid off and depressed and spent spent spent.

Because I've done it before I know I can do it again. It feels good to have paid off 4 CCs and its only April and now I will be paying off a few more.

The goal is to be debt free (less the student loans) by time I'm ready to move. That's another reason why I'm working so hard. My boss had also mentioned paying off my student loans. I'll bring it up again when it's close to graduation. Honestly instead of bumping me to $60k+ a year I'd rather he pay my loans and I work for him a year.

I've also manage to sock away $6000 in the EF account too

So even though I'm not blogging I'm still on track and that's actually a challenge for me.

From $932.95 on 04/01/2013 to $486.95 as of today on CC 4. I'm very excited.

I know I haven't been blogging but I've been upto date on my finances, usually when I do not blog I fall short. So I'm very proud.

Also, I love my new job. I'm learning so much I can just scream because I never really had a job that I loved.

I asked my boss for a raise and he gave it to me after 3 weeks, a $2000 a year increase. He said I really hit the ground running. So I'm excited. By time I graduate I'll get another $10-15k year raise as well so long as I keep trucking forward.

Not sure how spiritual you all are but I know that God has opened these doors for me.
Grad school, more money, paying down debt, and a job I love. I'm feeling very thankful.

And if anyone has family or is in the Boston area know that my heart goes out to you and your family and friends. Glad it's over.

Hi all!

I know I haven't been blogging lately but I have been keeping up with my finances.

First, I'm still battling with the numbness of my tongue and a slight ear pain from my wisdom tooth extraction. I see the oral surgeon next month and if things aren't better I'm seeking legal counsel. I do not want any money for pain and suffering all I want is my attorney fees paid and the medical expenses that will incur when I see the neurologist and any other expenses, God forbid if I have to gave surgery.

Next, long story short I never received any money from the BF for our trip in January so I ended up paying for the entire trip. Cost $600 ( car rental and hotel). This cost doesn't include gas. Oh well lesson learned, we're in April and I'm done reminding him that the CC bill is due. The good thing is the CC I used only for the car ($288) because he was to pay for the car. Plus the CC zero interest.

Lastly, I've been keeping up with my challenges. As far as the 52 week challenge goes I'm on week 20, ahead of the game

For the $20 challenge I'm still adding $6 for the days I do not eat out and I just paid $300 on CC4 knocking the balance down to $550

So things are still trucking along, I can't wait until I'm debt free

Saw the oral surgeon today and was told I had a dry socket, that's what was causing the pain. So he packed it with something and I'm suppose to go back tomorrow. Feeling a little better.

He also told me he may have hit a nerve, that's where the numbness and the feeling of swelling is coming from in my tongue. The good thing is I have some tingling and haven't lost my taste buds so in a few months I should be fine.

Prior to my visit I had already researched the tongue situation and this is very common, the only problem is healing can take anywhere from 6 months to two years.

I've been in so much pain I haven't been keeping up with anything, hope I feel better by the weekend.

Saw the oral surgeon today and was told I had a dry socket, that's what was causing the pain. So he packed it with something and I'm suppose to go back tomorrow. Feeling a little better.

He also told me he may have hit a nerve, that's where the numbness and the feeling of swelling is coming from in my tongue. The good thing is I have some tingling and haven't lost my taste buds so in a few months I should be fine.

Prior to my visit I had already researched the tongue situation and this is very common, the only problem is healing can take anywhere from 6 months to two years.

I've been in so much pain I haven't been keeping up with anything, hope I feel better by the weekend.

Okay before I start my new job tomorrow I took a week off to have my car repaired and my wisdom tooth extracted.

Now I'm thinking I should have left the tooth alone. It wasn't really bothering but when ever the temperature dropped I felt a slight discomfort. Long story short I'm still in pain and swollen. The pain has decreased someone, no need for a pain pill, but the swelling is driving me crazy. Tomorrow would make one week and I'm scheduled to start work. Ugh! How long should this last?

Calling the oral surgeon tomorrow

Just had my wisdom tooth extracted for $275, thank goodness for Aflac.

I'm not feeling too good but I heard the procedure itself could be very painful, I consider myself lucky.

I start the new job next week, so I am trying to get get things done while I'm off. I'll be dropping my car off to the body shop to be repaired and then the the mechanic to take care of the motor mount issue and then she's all done.

Yay! today was my last day. I start my new position as HR director on the 25th, I am truly excited

Monday, I will have a wisdom tooth extracted and then I will place my car in the shop to be repaired/painted.

2013 has really started off to a great start. Four CC paid off plus a new job and next graduation with my Masters degree.