Amber's Personal Finance Blog

Wow I have had such a busy weekend. Today I watched Juno" and " Delores Claiborne which were great. But I had to move my things to another storage, my sister who lost her place told me this week that she was going to move her things to the spare bed room at her new apartment and if I wanted to place my things there I could but once I made it to the storage I decided to place my own things in storage. If she had told me months ago I could have went through those things and got rid of some stuff but oh well. The problem that I had was that I mentioned to her let's just split the bill and she said she would not be able to pay $20 a month well guess what she too has things in the new storage as well as her husband and of course I am footing the bill. The only reason why I am not really complaining is because I did have my things in their garage for some time but I just simply wish she had been honest with me months ago.
Now I did go out this weekend with a few friends which ended up costing me about $30 not too bad but bad enough. Then I gave my uncle $20 for helping move my things at the last minute and I also gave my nephew about $6 . I tell you I can strangle my sister she drive me nuts
Now I have some one who is giving away a queen size bed with box spring on free cycle that I am going to try and pick up tomorrow, since my sister gave my nephew mine and then asked me after she gave it to him.
I also made an attempt to pay my tuition and am having the hardest damn time I am so annoyed because that means I am going to have to make a special trip to the college
Enough with my rant that is it for now

I am proud of my nephew, he just left today to help out with the storm. Last year he graduated from firefighting school but haven't landed a job yet due to budget cut and job freezes; however, he is working as a medic. Anyhow I am a little worried but it will be a great experience for him.
On a different note I decided to volunteer for the Department of Aging since I am scheduled to graduate next year and want to work in the same industry, so this too will be a great experience. Unfortunately I am only taking one class this semester so next semester it is going to be tough so I better enjoy my little break
I also added $3 to my challenge, this was money earned from Pinecone

Sorry long post
Ok I met this classmate a few semesters ago and what I notice with her if you got a 90 she got a 93, if you had 86 she had 90 and so on but she will never tell you her grade first she always ask you. However over the summer we took a marketing course and she asked me again what my grade was and I told her but she never told me and I did not ask. No mind you she says she did not answer the last question on the final which was worth 10 points but yet she got a 100 and there was no extra credit. So over the last few weeks she has mentioned how she needs to register for the marketing class, but of course I did not say anything because I figured if you took the course and passed then there was no need to register...I guess she forgot
Anyhow we have a mutual friend who was register in my Thursday night class that I did not attend tonight because I wanted to watch the DNC (being that history is being made today whether I agree with Obama or not) so she calls me up to see how the class is going and says to me A is dropping the course because the instructor is a jerk (that I already knew) but the point that I am trying to make is that I asked her for A's number to see if she wanted to commute to another campus together and of course she says to me she did not have the number (God forbid if A and I take a course and move closer to graduation with out her) So I am thinking if she just called you on your cell wouldn't the number appear? In addition, in the past when we all have taken courses together she has whipped out her phone and looked up A's number with out any problem and now today you no longer have it hmmmmmmm. I know some may say well maybe she doesn't want to give it to you. Well she has in the past and unfortunately I missed placed it and she was to call me just the other day because A has a book that she was lending me and this so call classmate was going to give me her number to get the book, now she no longer has the number. Yeah right?
The point is, if she thinks that you are doing a little better than she is she is not happy with it and she knows that if I complete this semester I will be graduating in the spring. I am just so annoyed because I have caught her in so many lies, one minute she will say I do not need to take the accounting class because I already have then she'll say oh I registered for that online. blah blah blah I wonder why
But when she calls I am just going to tell her what I think and cut her loose because friends like that who needs enemies

So in the end I am only taking one class but I am meeting with the HR director at the Agency for Aging to do some volunteer work since that is the place that I would like to work after graduation, in addition giving me a little break

On a different note, my uncle called today to borrow $800. I will lend it to him because he has never asked before and it must be serious if he is asking
My beautician called as well she needed to borrow $20 now I have been going to her for about 15 years and she has never asked so I gave it to her and when I went in on Wednesday we called it even

I have had two no spends days (Saturday and Sunday) I have stayed in all weekend not even moving my car
Today I did laundry so $3 will be added to my EF (goal is now to get to $2000) because I line dried 3 loads. In addition, my co-worker on Friday gave me a gift card for Sweet Tomatoes ($10) so I added this to my EF as well.
New total $1554.05
On a different note, I finally got my bridge in on Thursday which cost me another $450. I wasn't expecting this I thought when I paid the dentist $800 the last time that, that was it but I guess not. So $450 was deducted from my EF
So far this year I have spent $3270 on dental work and I have not even started the implant as of yet

I planned on staying in all weekend, so I hit the local library on Thursday and picked up 5 movies to enjoy over the weekend and thus far I have watched two out of the five and finished up a book I was reading. What I have found is that sometimes being single can be tough but if you get out and do things it's not so bad and I am enjoying my "no spending money" weekend
School starts up Monday and can you believe I have not paid my tuition or did any price comparison for books nor picked up any supplies and most importantly informed my boss I have to leave an hour early on Mondays, I guess you can say I am really not into it this semester. I am burned out but I need to get over this, real soon and get the ball rolling
In addition, we have a serious problem with ants, they are even in my bed and I do not eat at all in my room. Where are they coming from? I dropped some ant kill but can't seem to get rid of them. I had to trash a brand new bottle of pancake syrup because of them...arrrgh

We must all give thanks and be happy for what we have. I say prayer every night thanking God for the things I have but I never really considered how Blessed I truly am.
Today I spoke to a long time friend who I have not heard from in a long time (via email) and she has been through Hell and back it seems. First her mom died, then her sister was just killed and prior to that she was diagnosed with HIV leaving 6 small children behind and then her grandfather passed away with pancreatic cancer. I can�t even go into more details because the stories behind these deaths are so traumatic and heart breaking. I just ask that you guys keep B in your prayers because she really needs it and remember when you think things are bad for you there is always someone else with far more troubles than yours
Here is my list of things that I am thankful for (not in any particular order except for number 1) what about you?
1. God watching over me
2. a roof over my head
3. transportation to get to and from
4. a job
5. my family and friends
6. my education
7. my health
8. Clothing on my back
9. food
10. running and drinkable water
11. electricity
12. a nice comfortable bed to sleep in
13. funds saved for a rainy day
14. this forum, which helps me to cope with a lot of things happening in my life
15. my sanity- Lord knows at one point I almost lost my mind
16. making it through yet another storm
17. waking up this morning
18. getting to and from today safely

Yesterday was pay day so I paid the following:
$1512 on cc (this money came out of my challenge much of it dental work)
$192.04 Electric
$20 Tithes
$100 on cc
$51.03 Water
$53.53 Directv
$25 IRA
$170 EF ($40 of this was from not paying a phone bill for the land line I no longer have)
$10 X-mas fund
$20 personal spending account
$40 Challenge
$20 Tuition fund
$20 Car fund
Not bad, I actually saved $260 out of my check and still have about $400 left after pain bills but it goes quickly. Oh I forgot I added the extra $10 saved on the satellite bill for referring my dad so I actually added $180 to EF saving a total of $270
Anyhow Tropical storm Fay just left I am so glad that there was not much damage in our area. My sister lost power for a short while but it came back on. The winds were really picking up and it could have been worst but thank goodness it wasn�t.

Wasn't a bad day today. First I had breakfast at home so $2 went towards my cc then I worked a half day so lunch was also prepared at home (another $2 towards the cc). Took a short nap and then hit the dentist, I can't wait for all this to be over. I had to be fitted for my permenant bridge and the next visit should complete everything.
After the dentist I hit the library, I was unable to locate my library card so it cost me $4 to replace and $2.40 in late fees I am always late on my returns and I do not have a good reason as to why. Be that as it may I rechecked out the book I did not finish reading and two movies for the weekend

I received our electric bill today and it was $197 and my mom had the nerve to say " did you see how much the electric bill was?" I was so annoyed. Because she is the one that falls asleep with the TV on, leaves everything plugged in and is here all day with the a/c on. But what can I do other than pay it
On a different note I had breakfast at home so $2 went towards the CC and then I had McDonald's for lunch so $3.31 went towards CC.
I tried hitting the beach but once again as soon as I pulled up the rain began shortly after
And last butnot least $3 went towards the challenge, earnings from a Pinecone survey

I had planned on hitting the beach early but my plans got all screwed up. The dentist called stated she would see me at 11:15am but when I called back to confirm no answer. So I stuck around for awhile and still no response, her husband called and stated he would meet me if she did not respond. So on my way to Blockbuster's(after no response) to return a movie for my uncle she calls but guess what she did not have a key to the office...hmmm
Anyhow to make a long story short I have to lose an hour from work tomorrow to go to the dentist. I can't understand why this temporary keeps coming off, I don't even eat on that side.
Anyhow I finally made it to the beach only to be there for 30 minutes and have the skies to open up. Then I could not close my beach chair, can you stand it? So now I am carrying all this stuff in this thunder storm along with an open chair that I had trouble getting into my car
arrrrgh!!!!!!

Te dentist finally called me regarding my bridge so I am meeting his wife at 11:15 today. I prefer her but I think she is no longer working any more which sucks. He's a nice guy but I think nice simply deosn't cut it.
Any how I a plan on hitting the beach today and spending my entire day there. Thursday I was there all afternoon and had the best time

I am very nervous, I am having all this dental work done and my bridge is costing me about $2500. It has fallen out three times all on a weekend. Now I know this is a temporary but I have had work done in the past and the temps never fall out. A call was placed to the dentist and if I dont hear from them by noon, I'll call the emergency number. No way am I going all weekend with missing teeth

I have fell off the wagon a number of times since I have not been posting regulary, but I plan on getting back on board.
Any how I returned a pair of $123 jeans that I did not need and a $22 dress that was not needed. In addition, my hair expense sky rocketed so I have got to go back to every other week. Here is what last month totals and I am not happy

Expense Categories
Gasoline $286.54
Cellular $80.52
Charitable Donations $20.00
Clothing - Unassigned $176.63
Clothing : Acessories $59.99
Dining Out $71.31
Education:Supplies $1.49
Gifts $12.75
Groceries $201.90
Dental Care $800.00
Prescriptions$15.00
Hobbies/Leisure $97.00
Household: Supplies $4.84
Job Expense : Non refundable $25.50
Loan - Unassigned $194.31
Miscellaneous $261.88
Personal Care Unassigned $10.87
Personal Care: Dental Hygeine $7.67
Personal Care: Products $34.42
Hair Care $278.97
Snack $0.25
Federal Income Tax $266.74
Medicare Tax $36.30
Sales Tax $31.84
Social Security Tax $155.21
Cable/Satellite $43.53
Electrcity $142.22
Water & Sewage $89.68 (prepaid for August)
Grand Total -$3,407.36

On a different note I got an "B" in my accounting class I was so excited because I could have sworn that I was hanging on my a thread

I live about 5 minutes away from the beach and haven't been since I was about 13 or so. About a month ago I bought a beach sticker and have only been once so I decided to go today and I loved it. I hated to leave. I had my beach umbrella, my cooler with lunch, tons of magazines and a book as well as my iPod, oh I forgot I bought a boogie board so that I can float (since I can't swim) The weather was great and I will be heading back next weekend

Well I have not been blogging much and for that reason have been spending a little more. Anyhow, I returned my Mac so $964 was credited back to my CC. My boss gave me $20 so I added that to my EF.
On a different note I received an email from ING about lost money sitting there waiting to be claimed. Now I check this a few years ago and found money for my BIL and a friend�s sister so I decided to check again for myself and guess what there was $58 available to me from an saving account that I had with Albertson�s when I worked there
Then I started checking out my family members, my uncle�s wife $651, my SIL, my brother and cousin all had unclaimed funds. Can you believe it
Here is the link for any one who wants to check�good luck

First Friday was payday and I was able to sock away the following:
$25 IRA
$400 to EF ($20 was saved on the DirecTV bill for referring a friend)
$50 towards the challenge
On a different note, my mom is not speaking to me because I told my sister what her in-laws said. My mom who asked me not to say anything was very upset but I was compelled to let my sister know, besides anything I tell her she repeats. Anyhow she (my sister) moved into her apartment which I told her to get a two bedroom and she ended up with a 3 so that her loser son can move in, well her and my BIL are now separated and her son is no longer living with her. He cussed her so badly and threaten to kill her (I must say that this is the second time he has done this) He is such a loser; he won't work and is on probation for theft. You would think that she would stop getting him out of trouble but that is definitely not an option. Now she is stuck with this three bedroom apartment that she can not afford and still owes me $40 that I can kiss good bye. I said to her since you haven't been in the place for a week, speak with the leasing office and try to get a smaller place; her response "no I like it here" I know she is holding on just in case my nephew needs a place to stay. I am sorry I love him but he would not be living with me not after threatening me twice. There are too many kids who actually follow through with their threats. Now her second son the one who was diagnosed with schizophrenia is practically living with this girl and her mother who wants him to marry this girl so that she can get her papers (green card or visa, I don't know) he has stopped taking his meds and I have tried as well as my sister to tell him to come from over there, and go home but a hard head makes a soft you know what. He too is no longer working thanks to his loser brother (he actually got him a job where he was working) who cussed out the manager . Unbelievable

I have not been blogging lately, so busy with this accounting class. My first test I failed (60 points out of 100) so I have been really studying. Financial accounting I was told was much harder than managerial but I beg to differ. Anyhow, I decided to return my Mac computer, I really don't like it and it is going to cost me way too much to add windows. Too bad I can't trust my sister to pay me monthly. Maybe when this laptop crash I will be able to buy another Mac and upgrade with windows as well. I paid $1000 on the cc to get it down and once I return the Mac it will be at a zero balance.

I have a crush on one of our patient's. Problem is how do I approach him(guess I am old school). I do know he is single with no kids and self employed, problem is he is about 10 years older than I am but that is about it and really isn't a promble. Oh well I guess the real problem is how do I approach him?
On a diffrerent note, I did not eat out today so $4 went to the cc

I haven't been keeping up with my savings since I did not have a computer but I was able to add $21 to my EF. Friday a patient gave everyone a $10 tip and my dad gave me $11. I haven't been adding to my challenge at all. Hopefully I can sell this computer and get some of my money back in order to pay down my cc. On a different note I am really enjoying my Ipod, I can't believe I haven't saved up for one before it is wonderful

My sister wants to by the Dell from me for a $100 a month (hmmmmm) big mistake I am sure. So I listed my Mac for $100 less than what I purchased it for because I really can't afford it in addition I do not like it. I know it's because I am use to the PC. Every one that I have spoken to have nothing but great things to say but I just don't like
I got this email from a guy who wants to buy it but I am not going for this either pay me cash or pay me through paypal and I will ship, see below and let me know what you think?
Thank you very much for your swift response and for telling me the
item is still available.I am satisfied with the conditions has you
have stated in the ad.

I have a schedule already,for i need to attend an important seminar in
Iowa so i wont be able to come to check it at your place.Since i am ok
with the condition,i will be sending you a business check that will
cover the amount of the item and the moving funds.You are to take your
money for the item from the check after cleared in your bank within
2-3 days and have the rest sent to the mover via western union money transfer.For your
inconvenience,i will add $100 with the payment to be your running
around fee.I'm always a busy man and i will not like to miss this
item.The info of the mover will be sent to you after the check is
received.

Get back to me with your name and address where the check will be addressed to,including your contact phone number.

Have a nice weekend

I had purchased an HP computer from Bestbuy and about 27 days after my purchase I was unable to connect to the Internet (via express card or wi-fi). So I had taken my computer in and was told that if the work would take more than 30 minutes I would have to pay $50. The technician of course worked on it for more than 30 minutes. Prior to me taking in my laptop I spoke with Verizon trying to trouble shoot the issue and was told that the express card was fine (and it worked on other computers, as well ) and to take in the laptop to Bestbuy. After being told that it would be about an hour I went back to Bestbuy (after a number of calls ) and the tech was on the line with Verizon trying to connect and was still unable to. So he asked that I leave it for a few more hours so I went home. I never received a call from the tech so I called him and was informed that there may be a problem with the actual drivers (which I told him before he even started) for the computer and it needed to be sent to HP for repair which would take 3-5 weeks. Next I called them up about two days later requesting my express card so that I can use it on another computer, of course they could not find it about 45 minutes later a tech called and said I could pick up. Now two weeks has passed and I am thinking my computer has been sent out for tech support with HP in the mean time because of my dissappointment I decide to buy a Mac, a friend of mine said to contat Bestbuy and ask for a referrence number so that I can contact HP myself and check the status. So I call Bestbuy and am told your computer never went out. Now I am furious because no one called and said a word. In addition I am being told that it is a software issue and it will cost me $130 for them to restore my computer. After I declined and ask for the tech's boss and his boss as well as his boss and finally getting the district manager's name I am told by the tech he did not have a number. So I say to him I will hold until you get one after about 10 minutes he comes back and offer me another computer at the same price. I just find it strange that if it was a software issue why am I getting a brand new computer. In addition, I forgot to mention when I first took my computer in the tech was advising me to take it home if I had done that my 30 days would have been up for the manufactors warranty. Further more when I went to pick up the exchange the technician could not find the computer (unbelievable) but I was able to get it
In the end I got a new computer which I no longer needed because I ordered a Mac, this should have been taken care by Bestbuy immediately. I am still going to contact the district. Once I get my new express card to use with the Mac I am definately selling this Dell no need in having two laptops

My Mac came in today and I am not liking it. I guess it's because I am so use to my PC and I had no idea that there was not a slot for an air card which means if I wanted to get one that uses an air card I would have to shell out almost $2000 which will not happen. However, I am able to connect and what I do like is the fact that no matter what page I am working on spell check is working I am a terrible speller. Tonight when I get home I will install MSMoney and get all up to date

Life with out my laptop has been tough, I mean I do miss the internet but the problem is I am unable to input my data into my MSMoney software which is a huge set back for me. Right now I am unsure of my balances, I mean I know that there are funds availbale but it is a matter of how much. I have been using the cc recently and am unable to really know what is going on.
Anyhow Bestbuy said it will be up to 5 weeks before I get my new laptop back, which I plan on selling on Ebay since I have since ordered a MAC (too many problems with PC) In the end I could have simply replaced the LCD screen on the one that burned out(about $200+ labor) oh well.
Today was payday and I paid my car payment, $200 on the cc(not nearly as much as I owe) cell phone bill, mom's cell phone, water bill. Atleast I was able to add $130 to my EF and $10 to my vacation accout as well as $25 to my IRA
well just wanted to catch up with every one I do have a ton of other things to post but I need to get some ore studying in (account test)
I forgot a light buld went off and I hooked up my old laptop whose LCD burned out and hooked it up to my old moniter so I am able to check emails and accounts

Ok I called Bestbuy to check the status of my laptop, do you think they would have called me to tell me it would be another 3-5 weeks before I get my laptop back, no. Thank goodness I ordered one from Apple. Anyhow I spoke to a David who said that they ran a hardware test and found that there was a problem (possibly)with my fire wire port in addition to the motherboard (he thought) anyhow because it is still under manufacture warranty they will send it to the manufacture to be worked on. However if it is the software (which I know it's not)then I will have to pay and to allow 2-5 weeks. Unbelievable, you would think they would just simply replace it

Of course Bestbuy's Geeksquad still have not given me back my computer. I went ahead and ordered a MAC. I know I know, I really do not have the money it is coming out of my challenge but I am sick of the PC always acting up and now that I am back in class I need a computer like ASAP. I will try and sell the other one, it is practically new. When I ordered the Mac they also had an offer for a free iPod which I have been dying for.In the mean time I have to check my emails at work which sucks and it is the end the month and I need to balance my checking accounts and I do not have my computer
On a different note I have not eaten out once this week so I added $12 to my EF ($2 x 5 days plus I bought a candy bar for $1 so I doubled this amount and added to the EF) My brother called and said he will be sending me my check for $500 and this will be added to my EF account as well

I just purchased this new laptop and now I can not log onto the internet I have to check all my emails at work which sucks. Took it into to Bestbuy whose Geeksqaud has no clue. I told the guy it was the drivers and I was afraid to delete anything but he wanted to do it his own way cost me $53 and they still have it, he told me to give him 30 minutes (yeah right). Thank goodness it is still under the manufacture's 30 day warranty. Can you believe he wanted me to take it home, what and it is still covered and when I still can't connect pay you $100, I don't think so
I did not eat out today so I added $4 to my EF and another $35 because I washed and colored my own hair. Not sure what the balance is but will double check later
On a different note I added $3 to my challenge from Pinecone
New total $4404.42
Oops I forgot I got a "B" in that marketing class, thank goodness. It was going to be the death of me

Went to the dentist and he recemented the temporary bridge with some packing as well. Then I went to my sister's to help them move some stuff and now I am home relaxing.
I am tired, I wanted to go to the beach but changed my mind
Nothing else to report

Ok I am laying down watching TV and I hear click/pop. Remember the $1250 (total when completed will be $2500) that I spent on my bridge? Well the bridge fell out arrrrrrrrrgh. Thank God it is not broken and I am going to the dentist in the morning and I better not be charged because I told him on Thursday that it felt like a suction when I ate and he was to put in some type of a packing on Saturday which he should have done anyway. I am sure the pulling I was experiencing contributed to it coming out
On a different note, I am sure I have complained about my mom and money before. If you have a nickel she wants half and it drives me crazy. I received $43.91 yesterday from the phone company and my mom and her friend was here when I opened the mail and what does she say to me "you better give me that check" I was so PO'd I simply responded this is gas for my car. I hate when she does things like that it drives me crazy and a another bad habit that she has is constantly eating my lunch or dinner; not because she is hungry which wouldn�t bother me but just because. I can have a half of a sandwich left from lunch that I am having for dinner and starving and she�ll just finish her dinner and still want half of that. It drives me nuts, I finally said something like I would like to eat in peace some times and now she sits and stares at me while I am at the table. I hate the begging of it, especially since she doesn�t need to. I know it may seem selfish but it drives me crazy and she is getting worst or maybe I am because now at times (a lot lately) I would simply stay in my car and eat or go by my dad�s
Speaking of dad I filled out his stimulus paper work with the wrong SSN (first 3 digits) I hope it doesn�t screw up his chances for a refund
In regards to my sister my nephew said he thought she went to the hair salon yesterday. WHAT! You are in the process of losing your house and you are at the hairdressers? Unbelievable. My nephew wasn�t sure but I am almost positive she was. I gave her a $100 yesterday because I had some things in her garage that she took to the storage and I am sure she used this for her trip to the salon, unbelievable
But in the end I added the $43.91 t my challenge

All I could say was wow, I called my sister today and when she called back she said she wa in the processing of moving because her house went into foreclosure. I thought WHAT! but she seemed ok with it. She said her mortgage had adjusted to $4000 (OMG) and I asked why did she get an adjustable mortgage and of course I did not get a real reponse. I feel really bad. I wish I could help them out but I can't. Times are real hard now

Today was not a bad day. I went by my brother�s shop, I have no idea what he is planning but I think he should look for a job. He has all this stuff (junk) that he wants to sell and make money. Grant it some of the stuff he may sell but a lot of it is junk and I have tried telling him that there must be a demand for his stuff to sell. He has really old books, not in good condition, old vinyl albums in pretty good condition but who are buying these items. I know that there are collectors but when I checked EBay to see what some of them was selling for they were going for $2.99. I mean is it worth it after shipping and paying EBay
Anyhow, I did not get a chance to see my dad today but I was able to speak with him, he does not celebrate Father�s Day (he�s Jehovah Witness) but I was finally able to use my $30 beach sticker, I bought with the intentions of hitting the beach every weekend for the summer but now that I am no longer on the part time job I guess I will. The sun was so hot and the water was so cold (to me anyway) but it was still beautiful. I use to live a little north of here and always went to that beach because of the shops but I hit my local beach today and it was beautiful one of the best I have seen. So guess where I am going next week.
Then I came home took and shower and then a nap. I actually saved $45 today because I washed and colored my own hair so I added that to the EF and not one coin spent today