Thursday, July 27, 2006

July Recap...


Snapshot:

  • Positive change in net worth primarily due to less spending and tuition reimbursement
  • 401k bounced back a little
  • Everyday CC use was paid in full and paid down HELOC/CC by $200
  • Student loan interest is capitalizing and building fast

Looking Forward:

  • Pay off my everyday CC use in full including the vacation I had to cancel
  • Continue to contribute to my 401k
  • Open a Sharebuilder account to take advantage of $50 bonus - Are there any out there?
  • Contribute at least $50/month to Sharebuilder account
  • Open an ING account to take advantage of a referral bonus – Are there any out there?
  • Contribute at least $50/month to ING account.
  • Spend less, smile more, and GET A NEW JOB FOR NEXT YEAR!!!

Monday, July 24, 2006

I’m Free…

Final exams are over!!!

Now I have to get ready for the August job fair. Through the bidding process, I got 3 interviews and I am really excited. I hope everything goes well and that I get an offer! I know that I am a really hard worker and that I will do a good job for whoever hires me. Most of the time, the hardest part is getting your foot in the door. I will also be attending 2 other job fairs in the next few months so hopefully something good will come my way.

Needless to say, a job at a firm would substantially increase my income. If I am fortunate enough to receive an offer and work for a firm, I will have to go into serious debt reduction. The question will be…Should I invest simultaneously with debt reduction or should I try to pay off as much as possible in the first few years. No matter what, I am committed to saving for my retirement so this question pertains solely to outside investments.

What do you think?

Monday, July 17, 2006

Update and Final Exams...

I am currently finishing my take home final exam that is due Wednesday evening. I cannot wait to turn in the exam and have that monkey off my back. I’m already at 10 pages but I don’t feel confident about what I wrote which sucks!!! LOL. The class is Remedies and I have to say that despite this being a BAR class, we didn’t learn very much and then our professor gave us a 10 page policy question regarding software as if I know anything about computer software. (Sigh!)

Oh yeah...Can’t wait for this class to be over.

It is supposedly gorgeously hot today here in Chicago but I doubt that I will venture out into the heat. I hardly ever complain about the hot weather especially since you know the cold freeze of the Windy City will return with a vengeance. LOL. I love this city.

Finances are looking up. I returned a lot of the interview stuff that I bought for a few upcoming job fairs and decided on two skirt suits, black and gray, for a conservative look. I really hope that I get an offer from these Job Fairs because it is so hard for an Evening Student to get legal experience and that can work against us.

I booked a vacation with Apple Vacations but then someone told me that it was not a wise decision to be out of the country just in case I do receive a callback. So I called today to cancel the trip and hopefully everything will work out. Push come to shove, I will at the least get a travel voucher that will be good for one year.

Other than that, my mom is finally home from the physical rehabilitation facility and her knee is doing really well. My Uncle is supposed to come home from the hospital this week but will still continue his chemo treatments for several weeks to come.

My Best Friend is getting married in less than 3 weeks and her bachelorette party has yet to be planned but I am putting that expense and event on the other bridesmaids since they did not help with the Engagement Party or the Bridal Shower. No major expense for me there and luckily, my dress doesn’t need to be altered so that is one less expense I have to worry about.

Oh yeah!!!

Wednesday, July 12, 2006

June Recap…


Snapshot:

  • Falling down a slippery slope with my spending.
  • Not much change in Assets.
  • 401k performed poorly again - Total $450 contribution and only a $41 increase.
  • Liabilities increased dramatically by $7M primarily due to new Summer School Loan.
  • Paid down HELOC CC balance by $3k - 1.9% CC balance transfer offer until January 2007.
  • $6,634 decline in net worth – summer school class and payoff of regular CC in full

Lack of Posts…

I am so sorry for the lack of posts. I am actually going postal at the moment. LOL

Finances are struggling a bit but that is somewhat expected with all that is going on. I am making a splurge and going away on a vacation in August. I shouldn’t but I feel like if I don’t take some time away from home, work, school, family, etc…You get the point. LOL I am not going overboard at all and it will actually be a cheap vacation compared to most.

My mother is still in the rehabilitation facility getting stronger after her knee replacement surgery so I have been trying to visit with her as much as possible so she doesn't get lonely up there.

My Uncle was just diagnosed with a very treatable type of throat cancer and was admitted into the hospital on the 4th of July. We almost lost him after complications from surgery but he is stabilized and getting stronger so I have been visiting him in the hospital as well.

My sister got engaged yesterday while vacationing in Jamaica so she will begin wedding planning once she returns. I will be the Maid of Honor, which means of course…Cha Ching!

I have a June financial update and will post it later this afternoon. Thank you for those who have stayed with me despite the lack of posts but there is just too much going on for words. Including Summer Law School Finals. Oh Boy!