Amber's Personal Finance Blog

When I finally got to bed it was almost 2am then I kept getting up all night/morning. Now it's 6am and I am back up. I did take the advice from Fern and went on the local workforce alliance website and submitted applications to our local courthouse (3 positions) all in all I think I applied to at least 20 jobs yesterday...lol the sad thing is I can't even remember some of them.
I have calls out to friends, 2 are nurses who work in the hospital who'll be checking with their boss' on Monday, 1 is a radiologist tech who's checking with a friend tonight and another is the HR manager of Beds Bath & Beyonds in NY who will check with the HR department here in FL
My goal is to be start work in and or no later than April.
One of my classmates suggested that I contact our department head at the college and let him know I was laid off and if he hears of anything to let me know since he always sends out information regarding possible internships. Which is a great idea so I will do that Monday morning hmmm matter of fact I will do it now no need and waiting because we are on spring break, the early bird always catches the worm.
I tell you as I typed the previous sentence, I thought hmmm send those e-mails now, so guess what I did? Sent those e-mails
I don't know my gut is telling me that I will have something in the next two weeks, boy I hope it's right
I got $3 yesterday from Pinecone so I added that to my checking account. I also transferred the money from my house fund to my checking account for the 12th that way when the bills for mid March roll around I can pay them as soon as I get them
It's tough but God always make away
I forgot to note that I will be talking to my other uncle today about paying the light bill if he does that then my monthly expenses would be about $800 dollars, which with my unemployment and savings I can make it for a while with simply my basic needs

Thanks everyone for all your support, this is going to be a trying time for me. Hopefully I will find a job soon.
As you all know I was let go today and as soon as I got home, I applied for about 7 positions. Then I contacted Plan Parenthood about some volunteer work that I put off and the woman I spoke to has a possible paid internship. She sent me the application right away and of course I filled it out and sent it right back. I then tried calling the gym to cancel my membership and course I was on hold so long I had to hang up because the only phone I have is a cell so I will call back later. Then I called my uncle who owes me $550 and informed him I needed my money, hopefully he will come through. Next I called the dentist to see how long I can keep this post in until it's damaged because I can't afford it right now to pay for the crown and he was nice enough to tell me not to worry about it and once I start back working we can make some arrangements. That was really nice. I went ahead and applied for my unemployment, I figured why wait.
My mom's friend who got me the job 5 years ago called me back and said she was going to check with her boss about any possible openings
Right now I just don't feel like doing a thing but I know I can not let a day go by with out submitting 1 application per day
I am just so happy I did not break down today in front of my boss because I think if I had I would have said somethings that I may have regretted, I'm just praying that I get a job by April
My eyes are so red from crying and I have this headache that just won't leave plus I didn't eat a thing today and yet I am not hungry

I was told today that I would be let go. I am so pissed off. I know that I am a good worker and have no idea why. I was told that the boss wanted to find some one with billing experience but that doesn't fly with me. I believe something happened and it wasn't justifiable for letting me go. I have been there for 5 years and just the other day he told some one that I was one of his best employees
What bothers me is that I don't know the truth. But at least I have a few dollars saved that will hold me over for a few months and that's it. As soon as I got home I submitted a ton of applications all over the place hopefully something will come up. See I am one of those either over qualified or not enough...some where in the middle

Well I got most of my to do list done:
Gas---done
Dentist---done
MD's---done
Grocery shopping----
Study-----
Gym----
Traffic ticket---done
Buy lotto for work----

Only reason why I didn't go to the library to study, the gym and the grocery store is because on Thursdays I give my sister a ride home and on my way back the gym , library and the grocery store are on the same route so I figured I'll save gas and make the trip when I picked her up. Well of course at 5:30 the time that I should pick her up, she called to say there was no need for me to. I was so ticked off because my dentist and doctor are in the same area and my plans were to go after I left the doctor's but because I was cutting it close (as usual the doctor had me waiting) I decided to go home (across town) so that I can pick her up on time and missed my opportunity to do the things that I needed to do

And spending, wow I spent a lot. I anticipated that my crown for the implant would be about $400 close to the last one...nope try $1300. So I used the cc to pay half and won't be going back for the crown until I have the money for the other half. It's my own fault because I should have asked and not make any assumptions.
$25 for gas
$35 MD this went up $5
$650 Dentist

When it comes to money my sister is the worst. Once again she is in trouble with her rent but this time my uncle is the one bailing her out. I notice she called me a few times today but I didn't answer but while I was at the library she called again. It never dawned on me she wanted money; however, once I spoke with her she had already told me that my uncle was lending her the money. Even if I had spoke to her first the answer would have been no
She is in an apartment that she can not afford, she doesn't have a car, I just don't know.
I wish I could sit her down and have a long talk and sort through what ever she's going through financially.

Today was my 3rd NSD so I added $2 to the house fund. I also paid an extra $18.71 on the principal for my car (check written yesterday)...the goal is to pay a extra $50 a month
Tomorrow is a big day (Things to do):
* See the dentist (that will set me back about $400)
*See the Gyn ($30 copay)
* Gas ($30)
* Traffic Ticket ($91 Mom actually gave me $40 towards this)
* Buy lotto for work
* Head to the gym
* Pick up a few items at the grocery store for Sunday's dinner and Friday and Saturday night snacks

Hopefully Saturday and Sunday will be no spend days for me, but we'll see

I met the bulk of my goals today and tomorrow should be a NSD
Today's things to do:
-Schedule dentist appt----done
-Reschedule advising appt----done
-Pick up pants from tailor---done
-Buy lotto ticket for work---done
-Pick up my free VS underwear(VS store close, go to another on Thursday)
-Deposit $15 check----done
-Drop package off at P.O----done
-Head to the library (work on paper/ finance)---done
-Gym---done
-Create grocery list and pick up---done
Not too bad

This is my to do list for tomorrow because I am too lazy to get up and get a pen and paper:

-Schedule dentist appt
-Reschedule advising appt
-Pick up pants from tailor
-Buy lotto ticket for work
-Pick up my free VS underwear
-Deposit $15 check
-Drop package off at P.O
-Head to the library (work on paper/ finance)
-Gym
-Create grocery list and pick up
-Depending on if we are paid or not pay all bills due by the 15th

Two days in a row that I have had a NSD So $2 was added to my house/challenge
That's it for now

Today was the first NSD for the month I didn't even leave the house, so I added $2 to the challenge house fund. I washed and colored my own hair saving me about $45 plus I polished my own toes saving me another $12; grand total saved $57. It's expensive being a gal
I was able to get a little studying in again, so that was a plus, it's hard to study at home with all the distractions. All in all I had a good day without even leaving the house.
March is woman's month so I decided to post a little something about how women have been such a driving force:
Josephine St. Pierre Ruffin, formed The National Association of Colored Women in 1896. Married George Lewis Ruffin, the first African American to graduate from Harvard Law School.
From 1890 to 1897 Ruffin served as the editor and publisher of Woman's Era, the first newspaper published by and for African American women. It was used to highlight the achievements of African American women and to champion black women's rights

I just realized that February the 13th marked my third year here on Savingadvice, wow time sure goes fast. After reading a few blogs, 2007 was my best year financially, I have got to get back on track

Thought I would jump on the bandwagon and add my goals for March
[] Work out 3 times a week
[] Extra $50 on principal for car
[] Pack lunch every day
[] Have breakfast at home (drive less)
[] Fill up once a week
[] Finish paper by March 6th
[] Study at least 1 hour a day
[] $50 to house found
[] Extra $100 on cc
[] Only spend on Tuesdays and Thursdays
We'll see

Overall last month every thing was down except for clothes and dining out. In January I bought no clothes and my dining out expense was about $4 more in February. Oh I forgot my gift expense was up, had a friend to die and sent flowers. In addition,I added two bucks to my cc challenge because I finally made it to the gym. For the month I only had 4 NSD
Well here it is last month's spending:

Income Categories
Other Income $82.84
Wages & Salary $1,249.49
Income - Unassigned $170.35
Total Income $1,502.68

Expense
Automobile $110.01
Bank Charges (interest) $48.68
Bills: internet/ storage $108.54
Clothing $79.77
Dining Out $48.09
Education $0.95
Gifts $116.28
Groceries $175.70
Healthcare $22.26
Hobbies/Leisure $5.00
Household $17.43
Job Expense $14.70
Miscellaneous $109.17
Personal Care $37.81
Services/Memberships $47.91
Taxes $247.33
Utilities $112.36
Total Expense $1,301.99

Difference $200.69

Today was one of those days, went to work and the painter locked the bottom lock which is never locked and only two people have a key. One, I no longer had her number and the other wasn't answering. Finally the painter picked the lock. Next I headed to Wal-mart spent $80, then the post office and didn't have enough cash to mail my nephew his package.
Then I came home and was able to get 2 hours of studying in and decided I haven't been to the gym. So I headed to the gym and did 30 minutes on the elliptical. While there I thought I want to go out haven't been in a while. So I called a friend (even though I was having second thought)and she said ok. Low and behold as soon as I got dressed (keys in hand...really)she called and said she wasn't going arrrghhhh. But I went anyway almost twenty miles and forgot my money so I headed back home. It just wasn't meant for me to spend money to get in a club and buy drinks

Today was a no spend day so $2 was added to my new home challenge
Next week is spring break so I plan on finishing up at least two papers so I'll be busy, no time to relax

I went to the library today and this guy sat at my table, it may not have bothered me as much but he kept staring at me which gave me the creeps. The funny thing is he sat there the entire time staring at me. So after about 45 minutes I decided to leave and look for the security guard to walk me to my car, but of course she was no where to be found. Any how I made sure my keys were in hand and headed to my car constantly looking in back of me. When I got to my car and pulled out I saw this car flash their lights and a hand stick out I thought you have got to be kidding me this can not be this guy. But it was a woman who sat across from me at a different table and said she followed me out because she did not like the way the guy was staring at me. She said it creeped her out. I thought that was so nice of her. She said she thought at first it was my boyfriend but then she notice we were not talking and he kept staring at me. Wow it is so nice to know that there are people out there who really cares
On a different note today was a NSD so $2 was added to the challenge/house fund

I am determined to have at least 4 no spends days by the 28th
So today I bought gas and hit the grocery store as well as buying the office Powerball tickets, that way tomorrow I won't spend a dime. The next time I will spend is Thursday (if I missed something that I need) and that will leave me with Friday and Saturday... wish me luck

Today's spending:
Expense Categories
Automobile $20.00
Dining Out $9.00
Gifts(Cousin's B-day) $10.00
Groceries $23.43
Hobbies/Leisure $1.00
Household $6.68
Taxes $0.77
Total $70.88
Oh and I added .62 to my challenge cc balance

Today was only my second no spend day for the month The only good thing is $2 went to the challenge for not spending. I can't believe the month is almost over and I only had 2 NSD

Ima posted today that she added her one dollar bills to the challenge for Washington's birthday and I decided to do the same, so $12 added to my new home challenge
Thanks Ima you rock

I went to the funeral or what we call a going home service of an old friend today who I have not talked to in years. It is so strange because about a week before she died I said to my self that I have to send her an e-mail and never did. I say that if you have friends or family members that you haven't spoke to in a while pick up the phone go by their homes but stay in touch. Yes I know we get married have children but make a point to call and say hi how you doing? Tomorrow is never promised

Well I spent a lot today. I decided to spend only $120 from now until payday on the 2nd so about $60 a week, wish me luck

Added the following:
$25 IRA
$187 EF
$10 Gift account
$20 personal saving account
Total saved $242

Expense
Internet $60.07
Gifts(flowers for friend who passed away)$75.00
Misc.(Storage fee,delivery fee for flowers and mom's cell phone) $98.42
Taxes $233.01
Utilities(Cable/Water) $112.36
Extra $10 on CC
Total $588.86

I almost forgot my sister asked me to borrow $20 because she didn't have money for the train and I said no. I felt bad but she never pays me back when she say she will, I'm just happy I said no

I have been ironing my clothes and packing my lunch the night before and by doing so knocks off about 10-15 minutes in the morning plus I don't feel rushed. It really makes a difference
Last Thursday was my first test in my finance class and I can tell you finance is nothing like accounting which I prefer and to top things off the instructor isn't that great.
I did some shopping spent about $80. What I find is once in a blue moon (every 6 weeks or so) I have to go shopping it is so tough for me but I'm working through it. There was a time when I went every day so every six weeks is much better than every day

All I can say is wow, a family friend was killed today. We just lost a friend on Sunday and now today a woman that I have known since I was a kid passed away after being in a terrible car accident.
And I am so annoyed I got a ticket today for $91 because my tint was too dark

$18.88 was what I spent today on a large pizza and tip. I took lunch today but the rice I brought was terrible and by 4:30 I was starving. So I ended up buying a large pizza for the office. There is one girl who doesn't eat meat and since I'm paying I bought what I like which was pepperoni. Well she has this bad habit of picking things off and leaving it for some one else eat or simply picking over things. But I told her today; do not do that, take a slice and what ever you don't want trash. I know, we are wasting food but I do not want to eat on what she has touched, it is a peeve of mind. Needless to say she was ticked off and didn't have any, fine with me because now I have some left for lunch tomorrow.
On a different note I got about 45 minutes of studying today, tomorrow I plan on being at the library for a few hours.
I also found out today that my friend who passed away yesterday was going through a possible divorce and having a lot of trouble. They are contributing her death to stress, so sad. I pray for her family

It is so strange because I was on facebook and saw an old friend and thought hmmm, I should send her an email . Well I never did and she died today. It's so sad because she has two small children and I felt bad because I never made an attempt to get in contact with her. I saw her a few months back briefly, all I can say is wow. Death has a a way of making us all want to do right

Well a friend of mine ask me to go over a paper with her today. So I explained yesterday that I would be at the library all day studying for my test on Thursday. Well low and behold she shows up but with her kid. I have nothing against kids but when I am trying to study I do not want any distractions (none). He was spoken to by the librarian twice who later gave us a study room. Then he was in and out constantly fidgeting and once again the librarian had to speak to his mom. He is a nice kid but why bring them to the library when you know you're going to be there for a while, studying. I was there almost 3 hours and still did not complete as much as I wanted to. Finally I had enough and said I was going to get lunch and was planning on returning but I ended up spending at little more than $7 at Firehouse and came home and took a nap. Now tomorrow I will head back but I simply won't answer my phone when she calls, I have got to get some studying in

Today wasn't a bad day, I found my ring, had lunch and breakfast at home, got my $28.34 from DollarInbox and went to class which was just an hour long. But the bad part was I had Mcdonald's on the go for dinner (woke up late for class) spending a little more than $3 so I doubled this amount and added it to my cc challenge. On a different note when I was feeling down about being single (still am ) I met this guy yesterday who I am really not into but it is ok to have some one to talk to once in a while. I guess it's the holidays that drive me into this depressing mode. With V-day approaching I guess I just went down hill

I found my ring, thank goodness. I was on my car seat, I think I took it off to put hand lotion on and forgot to put it back. But I am just happy I found it

I have been down lately mainly because this guy that I was very interested in is simply not interested in me so I decided to stop calling him. Any how normally when I'm down I shop and I have come so close these last 2 days of going shopping but opted not to. Then today I lost my ring at work ($200 ring) and I was so tempted to go and buy another, I'm upset but it's not much I can do about it. In the end I just pray I am able to stay strong against temption

Well I called Macy's regarding the buck they say I owe and received a credit, then I called JC Penney's because I had a $13 credit and a check will be issued. It was just two calls and it took me almost 2 months to take care of