Windy City Blues to Bliss

January Update...

2012-01-23T16:47:00.000-06:00

Howdy!!!

January has been fun and interesting. In 2011, I got baptized for the first time and I started going to Church regularly in September. When you go through all the things I went through in the past few years, there comes a time in your life when you realize you just can't go about it alone. So, I had to rely on faith because I swear there were times when I felt there was only something or someone Supernatural keeping me on my feet...especially when I wanted to fall to my knees and couldn't get out of bed. Today, I smile! Today, I feel joy! That my friends, is progress and love!

Despite all the trials in 2011, I scored by first ever Distinguished Rating at work. Only about 2% of of employees score this rating so you know I worked my tush off in 2011!!! I volunteered for special projects and really focused on doing an exceptional job in the office. It paid off!!! I got a 4% raise effective at the end of this month. My salary is now $82k and I got a $16k bonus that also pays out at the end of the month. I have a credit card I've been using that I need to pay off and then I will be able to breathe a little easier!!!

Budgeting for 2012 has been a challenge! It seems like all of my expenses are jumping up including my student loans going up another $250 in June and my train pass going up 30%. Budget issues are being passed along to the consumer big time but I am hanging in there. I am going to look into refinancing my home with Obama's new plan which will allow me to take advantage of a lower interest rate without having to ruin my credit or miss a payment. The closing costs are less than $2k so in one year, I will break even if I can reduce my rate from 5.8% to low 4%.

My boss asked me on Wednesday of last week to fly out on the drop of a dime for business. I was on a flight the very same night. Fun! I couldn't get back on Friday because my flight was cancelled due to Chicago's snow storm so I made it back on Saturday. Since I let my corporate card expire, I had to use my personal credit card so I will be putting in for reimbursement this week.

That's about it my friends. How did you guys do with your finances in 2011? What are your goals for 2012?

2011 Recap and Update…

2012-01-06T12:00:00.000-06:00

I know it’s been a while people but I am alive and well!!!2011 was an interesting year for Chitown. I had some ups and some downs but inthe end…I am still standing!!! I suffered a break up, I got serious foodpoisoning, my grandmother passed away, my father had emergency quintuple bypasssurgery and I got the news that I will need another surgery next year. Is thatsome craziness or what?!?!?!

I started out the year very focused following Dave Ramsey’sprogram and starting my goal of running a 13.1 Mile Half Marathon. I did wellfinancially for about 9 months and then I went on a mental lapse and put backon some credit card debt. I shouldn’t have but I did. I also put back on about10 of the 18 pounds that I lost as well.

I ended the year with a $12k improvement in my net worth anddown 8 pounds. I finished one half-marathon with a time of 2:33 but got seriousfood poisoning the day before the second half marathon. I landed myself inUrgent Care for 2 IV’s and a few shots the day before the race. Needless tosay, that trip to Urgent Care dashed my exercise program and put me in a funk.I also incurred about $750 in medical bills. So September 11^th, Icheered on my brother-in-law and he finished the race for both of us.

The following month of October on a Wednesday, myGrandmother finally succumbed to Alzheimers and within a few days, my Fatherlanded himself in the ER with chest pains. My world and my mind were spinning!!!We spent the next two weeks in the hospital with him as he went throughangioplasty and then emergency quintuple bypass. He is now home and goingthrough cardiac rehab.

So the last four months, I didn’t have the focus forbudgeting and I whipped out the credit card and just went with the flow. That’sabout it folks. I updated my Networthiq profile so you can see mymonth-to-month progress through 2011. Just click on the blue chart and it will take you to the site. I also updated my little progress charts on the right bar.

I have to sit down and set some new goals for 2012!!! I amreally excited about this year and I hope to come on here a little more oftenand give some updates. =)

Update...

2011-06-10T11:03:00.002-05:00

Struggling a bit and I have to hit the reset button!

All is really well. I haven't gone into any more debt, my $1,000 eFund is still in tact and I lost 17 lbs since April 1st. Not bad. However, my spending has been a bit out of control this month and my eating has been just awful this week. I have to reel myself back in before I start looking at the credit card again and hiding from the scale.

Some of the things I have found difficult are rebounding emotionally from the $1,500 in car repairs and balancing the grocery/food budget while trying to eat better, cook healthier recipes and train for the Chicago Half Marathon. I needed running hear, I registered for races, groceries are expensive, recipes are expensive to make, and quite frankly I am getting really tired of tracking every single dollar and every single WW point but I still do it religiously.

What do I want? To continue losing weight, to be emotionally okay with gradual progress with my finances and weight loss, to keep a smile on my face and to feel good more than I feel bad. That's what I want. I want to be able to have the time, money and ability to focus on what matters most to me and continue to achieve higher levels of happiness.

I still enjoy my job even though it's non legal. I really love the people that I work with and the organization so I am in no rush to leave any time soon. I have been picking up more complex assignments/files and getting opportunities to work on special projects and that will bode well with my annual review and hopefully reflect positively with next year's bonus and raise.

I am down from 180-163 lbs and I am up to running 6 miles. My goal is 140 lbs and to complete the Chicago 13 Mile Half Marathon in September. My debt has declined, my net worth continues to improve and I update my net worth iq chart and the charts in the right column every month.

So...all is well and I am sorry about the lack of posting. It just hasn't been in my heart to analyze every day and week but I am tracking everything and keeping afloat. How have you been readers?

Car and Wed Weigh In...

2011-04-20T12:06:00.002-05:00

Today was weigh in day and I weighed in at 171 and reached my 5% goal. Yeah!

I got my car out of the shop yesterday and it is running like a gem!!! =)

I'm Alive....

2011-04-19T10:31:00.002-05:00

Hi Everyone!!!

Well it's quarterly reporting month at the job so I am swamped with reporting and two projects. I am trying to keep my head above water.

Exercise and Weight Loss...

I am down from 180-172 lbs...Go Chitown!!! Weight Watchers has been eye opening and I am putting the online program to very good use. As you know, I signed up for the Chicago Half Marathon on September 11th this year. I am moving up to 3 miles on Saturday and I am doing better than expected. My brother-in-law is running with me and we joined a running group that runs every Saturday. It's actually been pretty fun and I am also finally putting my treadmill that I purchased in December 2007 for over $1,000 to good use. I ran on it this morning before work since it's raining today in Chicago.

So....Finances....All is good!!!

I received a Tax Return of $2,100 two weeks ago but unfortunately, I will be shelling out $1,400 today for four new tires and car repairs. First, I am so THANKFUL that I have the money to pay for the repairs. Even if I didn't have the tax return, I would have been able to pay for the repairs with my Emergency Fund and the leftover savings from my bonus in February. I was only saving or accruing in a separate ING account $20/month for auto maintenance and repair. What have I learned?!?! My car is a 2002 and in May of last year, I also shelled out $1,500 for repairs which included new brakes and getting the air conditioner fixed. I have an aging car with ~ 95k miles and no plans to replace it anytime soon. I will need to figure out a way that I can start saving $100/month for car maintenance because the last two years have shown me that there will be maintenance needed but $1,500 for repairs is better than a car note any day.

I haven't been able to stick to the $200/week challenge. For one, $200 is too much for the budget so I had to scale it back. I am going to have to continue making some adjustments to the budget and financial plan but I am happy to report that I have NOT added any new debt, my debt is going down, my eFund is still in tact with a little room to spare and I am 4 months through 2011.

Not bad!!!

March 2011 Recap

2011-04-05T10:08:00.005-05:00

Hello All!

Below is the recap for March. I added my comments into the Chart. It was a long month to say the least. I don't have much to add by the way of excuses. I'll let the numbers speak for themselves. Have a great day!!! =)

I'm Alive...

2011-04-04T15:07:00.002-05:00

Hi All!!! I am alive and well. I took some time to reevaluate some things and try to get my mind right. I fell off the financial wagon so to speak in March and I wasn't pleased with a lot of things including my health. So, I made a few adjustments but mostly to my mental.

March was a particularly hard month financially because I finally got through all of the birthdays and there was 35 days between pay cycles. It just got harder to budget with birthdays and large expenses to pay. I was transferring money here, there and everywhere and eventually just gave up control. I will post March's recap soon as well as my weekly results for the past couple of weeks.

I've been an athlete my entire life. I played softball since age 8 and earned a full ride scholarship to a Big Ten school. Since graduating in 2000, I joined Corporate America, got used to my sedentary and lazy lifestyle and my muscles slowly but surely got mushy. Now, if I hadn't been an athlete my entire life, I would be at least 250 lbs by now with the way that I eat.

So after feeling a bit down and having zero energy to get through the day, I made a decision to join Weight Watchers, run the Chicago Half Marathon in September and continue playing coed slow pitch softball every Saturday. With running and softball, I am sure to get back in tip top shape.

I joined Weight Watchers Online last week to help me get a grasp of my eating. Jennifer Hudson was a huge inspiration. I have always been a size 12 thinking I could never be an 8 or 6. But Jennifer did it and surely I can do it too. I started at 180lbs and a size 12 and I have a goal of losing 40 lbs. (I know...that's a lot right?!?!?) Even in my most tip top shape as a collegiate athlete, I never weighed less than 160...just solid muscle but my body composition has changed over the years and I believe the goal can be accomplished. Week one is hardly over and I have already lost 6 lbs and my energy level is much higher.

The transition from need vs want and getting more bang for my points has translated a little into my finances. All week long I have been asking myself, is this a need or a want? If I don't spend money on this trip through some fast food line, then I can more bang for my buck buying workout clothes that I need. It seems to be working. We'll see.

More to come...

The Sun...

2011-03-16T15:35:00.002-05:00

My goodness!!! It is a beautiful day in Chicago!!! My BFF called me and asked me out to lunch and we walked over to Macy's. I didn't even think about ducking into any buildings or taking the underground pedway. It was just gorgeous outside and I didn't want to come back. Spring is around the corner and I couldn't be happier. =)

On the purchase list soon is a new pair of running shoes so that I can hit the outdoor trails. I have a goal of running a 5k soon and perhaps a half marathon in September but training begins next month.

Playing Attorney...

2011-03-15T16:45:00.002-05:00

I got to kind of play attorney today. What do I mean by play when I AM a lawyer?!?!...Well, I got to sit in a room to negotiate a deal with my client, 4 of his attorneys, and 3 on my side. Fun! Not only was I the only female in the room, I was the only black person, the other side didn't know I am an attorney and get this...I held ALL the cards...even more FUN!!! lol

Anyway, the firm I hired on the deal is a firm I would very much like to join one day so as always, I made sure I looked professional and even got several compliments. I held all the cards and I got compliments....Fun, Fun Fun!!! =)

Anyway...it was a good day in the office and since I have to stop by my parent's house to sign off on my taxes, my Mom is cooking me dinner. Yeah Baby!!!

((Chitown is doing the cabbage patch dance at her desk!!!))

Budgeting...

2011-03-15T09:41:00.002-05:00

Well I am halfway through March and my first month of knowing what my monthly income will be for 2011 and budgeting. I will say, I am almost over budget already for the month. Actually, I will be for sure today when I pay the fee for my taxes.

My observations are that I need to increase a few budget categories and cut my food & dining budget. I just have to bring my lunch 2-3 times a week. My budget just won't allow for me to eat out that much...period. I hoped that my increase would net a $300 monthly increase but it was just ~$180. With the monthly accruals I set up, I will just have to bite the bullet.

Also, I should have realized that this monthly pay period had 5 instead of 4 weeks. Since I only get paid once a month, I should have changed the weekly challenge to $160/week instead of $200/week. Last but not least, I had to max out my prescription deductible, go to the doctor and go to the dentist this month. I am still waiting to be reimbursed from the insurance company for my teeth cleaning and exam. This is precisely why I like to keep a little extra cash in my bill account.

I went to bed around 11:00 last night and woke up this morning around 5:00. Since I was up, I took the opportunity to straighten my hair which I haven't done since December. Wowza....my hair is long and I can tell it could use a trim which my hair dresser suggested every 8-12 weeks. I am right at ~ 10 weeks now since my last appointment. Maybe I will go the first week in April.

My Mom started talking to me last night about working out which probably means my cheeks are a little too puffy. I really need to get back to working out but I don't feel like doing anything it seems these days. I had to drag my butt off the couch this weekend just to finally fold the clean clothes I let build up in baskets from the past 2 weeks. Spring needs to come quick so I can get outside and run.

Last note...Did anyone watch the Bachelor last night? I did not follow all season but I was over visiting my parents and my Dad does watch the show. So, I got sucked into the final show and finale and felt kind of bad for Brad. You can tell he's not perfect but he looked like he loved Emily a lot so I hope they can pull together. The lesson that I got from last night and it's one we can all learn is that we cannot worry about what other people think of us. What matters is what we think of ourselves.

Have a great day!!!

$200 Weekly Challenge...

2011-03-11T09:51:00.002-06:00

First off....I am sending prayers to the people in Japan!!! Please do the same.

Today is Friday and a new $200/week challenge begins.

Here is last week's recap....Total Spent: $176.76!!!

I didn't cook or do much of anything this week. I was in a funk and just making it day by day. I'm not sure what it was but it may have something to do with Chicago's gloomy weather. It's been rainy and dark and I cannot wait for Spring to arrive.

I also think I am just plain tired. Every weekend for the past three weeks, I had plans to celebrate birthdays -- My Dad, Nephew and Mother. I love them so much so of course I enjoyed myself but having plans every weekend when you want and need to relax is tough. I am looking forward to sleeping in tomorrow and cleaning up my condo.

I transferred the remaining money for the week into my personal savings account. If ever the account is over $100, then I will snowball the extra on to debt. Today, it's just shy of $100 at $93.

I also think I am going to start posting some other things on the blog other than finance stuff...just day to day stuff to keep myself interested and hopefully you too. (wink) Have a great and safe weekend. =)

Birthday Survival...

2011-03-07T11:08:00.002-06:00

The mass birthday celebrations at the beginning of the year are almost over. We celebrated my Mom's 62nd Birthday on Saturday, yesterday was my Assistant's birthday and housewarming and my Best Friend's birthday is on March 25th. Then I am DONE for a while!

I am passing up on a baby shower on March 26th and I don't want to be invited to another birthday, baby, wedding, house, whatever celebration for a while. lol My gift fund is depleted!

I am feeling a bit anxious about attacking Group D and at the same time, I am feeling uneasy about giving away any more cash. I am toying with the idea of trying to devote $25 of my $200 weekly allowance towards debt repayment. That would mean an additional $100/month towards repayment of Group D.

$200 Weekly Challenge...

2011-03-04T14:54:00.002-06:00

Today is Friday and a new $200/week challenge begins.

Here is last week's recap....Total Spent: $254.10!!!

I knew I was going slightly over the $200 threshold but then I needed to get a prescription filled and that took me way over the $200 mark. After this month, I should have hit the $100 prescription deductible so my prescriptions should be $10 for the rest of the year.

I use Bank of America's keep the change program with my personal checking and savings account. I started with about $100 in the savings account and it fluctuates depending on the week. The $100 somewhat acts as an overdraft. Today it's at $68. Every time I use my debit card, the amount is rounded to the nearest dollar and deposited into savings.

I got some good news at the doctor today. I don't need surgery right now or more meds!!! That made my day and I needed some good news. =)

I am going to workout tonight and that will make 3 workouts for the week. I admit that I didn't eat so great this week but hopefully next week is better. One thing is for sure, I didn't eat any worse than any other week and I added in some exercise so that is a step in the right direction.

BTW...I went to see the movie Hall Pass on Tuesday night. Hilarious!!! Have a great weekend. =)

February 2011 Recap...

2011-03-02T09:39:00.005-06:00

Well, I am two months into the year and I am still doing well. This was my annual bonus month so I was able to pay off a few debts and put a small amount of cash to the side. It was a good month overall.

There were 4 - $200/week challenges in the month and I blew it one month after wandering in the grocery store. Won't happen again. I also bought some much needed toiletry items and put away a little cash so that I can pay for some upcoming expenses. I have annual doctor and dentist appointments coming up which require co-pays and upfront payment. My insurance company will then reimburse me at the "reasonable rate" for services. What that means is that I don't get all of my money back. I also have to pay the fee for my taxes. That's about it for now.

It was a good month. My net worth is moving in the right direction and I expect it to move in a positive direction every month from here on out. I am also going to begin putting any excess cash from the $200/week challenge towards debt so Group D's balance should start going down.

$200 Weekly Challenge...

2011-02-25T11:19:00.002-06:00

Today is Friday and a new $200/week challenge begins.

Here is last week's recap....Total Spent: $176.97!!!

I put all those groceries from last week to use and didn't eat out much at all. I did need a few toiletries but that was it for the week. I just started accruing for auto maintenance so I didn't have enough in savings. Therefore, it came out of my weekly allowance. No biggie. I am glad I had the additional funds and that I was able to refocus and bounce back from last week. =)

Fresh Start...

2011-02-24T10:41:00.002-06:00

I need a fresh start. I am feeling a bit restless. I need to get some things together so I can really make some progress in all areas of my life...not just my finances.

The last two days have been tough. I haven't been feeling well so I finally made the doctor appointment that I have been putting off for a few months. Why? Well, I have a condition that will require either 6 months of medication (which happens to send me into temporary menopause) or surgery. I will find out next Friday what the doctor will suggest. Since I want to have children one day, I am leaning more towards the aggressive side. I already had the surgery once in the summer of 2005 so I am not afraid but all surgery is not only dangerous but costly. I will keep you guys posted.

I spoke briefly before about getting into shape. Well, I am going to start back on my exercise program that I did in late 2009 before I hurt my knee. It's a 90-day at home workout program that I loved called P90x from Beach Body. It was fun, I could do it at home and it worked. If I need to have surgery probably this summer, then I will want to get into the best physical condition possible.

Here's my plan:

- Drink 64oz of water daily
- Limit soda to one can a day (yesterday I had 3 -- don't judge me!!! lol)
- No dieting but eat more protein and fiber
- Complete the workout plan with a minimum of 3 workouts per week
- Eat breakfast - lately my breakfast is coca cola and a granola bar (maybe)
- Take my multivitamins with a good dose of Vitamin D

My finances are not in bad shape and they're getting better. Today is pay day so I closed the books on February. I landed in the Black again which is not surprise since it was bonus month. I messed up one week but I paid off three debts and I have a little left over which is good because I have to pay the fee to file my taxes and I have to pay upfront for my dental appointment which gets reimbursed at the approved amount.

I will finally be able to breathe after today. I will finally finish these quarterly reports at the office. My nephew turns two this weekend so I know I will be making my way to Toys R Us tonight or tomorrow to get the little guy something. So, that's about it for now.

How is everyone else doing? Let me know. =)

$200 Weekly Challenge...

2011-02-18T10:20:00.003-06:00

Today is Friday and a new $200/week challenge begins. Thank goodness because I blew it last week.

Here is last week's recap....Total Spent: $467.74!!!

There isn't a lot of commentary to add other than what I learned last week.

I am an emotional shopper. This isn't a big news flash but I was sick last week and I just didn't care enough when I should always care more.
I didn't plan to be away from home and I was for a few days which means I didn't make or take my lunch with all of groceries that I purchased.
I have to slow down and remember the framework I put in place. I have savings set aside for clothing and gifts. So, I have to remain present in the moment, transfer the funds on my phone, and pay with the right debit card.
I need to only purchase what I NEED at the grocery store. I need to make a list for the week and stick to the list. I got into the store and it was the first time I was out of the house for days and I just wandered around and picked up stuff that I probably won't use for weeks to come. Since I am a single gal, I only need to buy what I need for the week and that's it. It should hardly ever amount to more than $25-$50/week and the high end only if I need toiletries.

I was reading this month's O Magazine issue and it deals with De-Cluttering your life. The particular article was called "The Buying Diet" and it mentioned the grocery store Gruen Transfer where the store creates a quasi hypnotic state and you end up buying more than you intended. Check out the article. It was good and eye opening. The Buying Diet.

Crazy Weekend...

2011-02-14T09:13:00.003-06:00

I went bananas this weekend and spent a ton of money!!! I blew the $200 challenge out of the water and not in a good way.

I spent $217 just on groceries. I looked in my fridge and I had my Brita water container, butter, cheese and 2 bottles of almost expired salad dressing. That's it. I even ran out of staples.

So, I went grocery shopping and I got some staples like frozen chicken and fish and little odds and ends to make bringing my lunch and making dinner possible and a little more appealing.

$200 Weekly Challenge...

2011-02-11T10:07:00.002-06:00

Today is Friday and a new $200/week challenge begins.

Here is last week's recap....Total Spent: $202.92!!! =)

I admit that I did not go grocery shopping at all this week. With the day ski trip last Saturday, the Superbowl in Sunday and working late nights this week, it didn't happen. On the flip side, I don't think it made a huge deal in the overall numbers for the week. Last week's food and groceries totaled $64 and the week before that it was $80.

I really came in at $175.81 for the week. The gloves that I bought to go skiing should have come out of my clothing/shopping fund but I was rushing and forgot to transfer funds on my iPhone with ING so I just used my regular debit card. I could of transferred the $28 dollars back into my account but I just bit the cost out of my weekly budget and kept it moving.

Another good week!!!

Chitown Down...

2011-02-10T11:41:00.002-06:00

I caught a cold. Darn!!! The sniffling, the blowing, the sneezing and the coughing...Arghh!!!! Thank goodness this work week is almost over.

Gifts and Snowball...

2011-02-09T09:46:00.005-06:00

Just a random thought...I am looking at my budget and trying to figure out how I can put an extra $50 towards debt repayment. I already have an extra $50 snowball budgeted. The first six months out of the year are filled with birthdays and holidays. Not to mention little things that come up like showers and house warmings.

February - BFF Son, BFF, Dad, Godfather, Nephew
March - Mom, BFF, Assistant
May - Cousin, Mother's Day
June - BFF, Father's Day

After June, I think I will be able to adjust my gift budget to $50/month and put an additional $50 towards debt.

*** Side Note: I adjusted the starting balances on the graphs to the right to show my progress since I began this journey last year.

Getting Fit...

2011-02-08T15:08:00.002-06:00

So, I am going to try to get fit and trim this year once and for all. I am going to try to be as zealous with my health as I am with my finances.

How do you guys feel if I incorporate a little of my GET FIT journey into this financial journey? I think it would be fun to see how it ties together with my expenses. =)

Who wants to join me?

Grocery Shopping...

2011-02-07T14:32:00.002-06:00

I am going to the grocery store this evening. I spent $10 on lunch today and I keep thinking that $10-$15 in simple groceries would last me few days. So...going to Aldi this evening. =)

Ski Trip...

2011-02-07T09:36:00.002-06:00

I had a really fun time on the ski trip to Lake Geneva on Saturday. I spent about $22 for the entire day which wasn't bad at all. We stopped at an outlet mall and I just didn't feel like shopping even though I had about $150 in savings for clothing and $60 in gift cards. I just didn't feel like spending any money. The money I spend was just for lunch and dinner. That's it.

I did have to run to Sports Authority the night before and get some hand sleeves to go under my ski gloves. I was rushing so I forgot to get on my phone and make an online transfer with ING to pay for it out of my accrual account for clothing/shopping so it came out of my $200 for the week. The sleeves were only $28 so it wasn't a budget buster but I definitely needed to keep my hands warm and dry out on the slopes.

I left the house around 7:30 am Saturday morning and I arrived home around 1:00 am Sunday morning so I was super tired to say the least but I had a great time. I didn't grocery shop or anything this weekend so I am winging it. I have $70 remaining to last me though Thursday and it shouldn't be a problem.

$200 Weekly Challenge...

2011-02-04T09:40:00.004-06:00

Today is Friday and a new $200/week challenge begins.

Here is last week's recap....Total Spent: $201.95!!! =)

I use an iPhone app called iReconcile to track my expenses and I love it!!! I figured out how to snap this photo of the report it gives me each week. =)

I went over just slightly. I had a couple of bucks in my wallet and I gave them to two homeless people this week. It's hard to see people standing out on the street in this crazy freezing Chicago weather. That just tipped me over the threshold but overall it didn't break the budget.

For personal care, I got my first pedicure since November and my feet said THANK YOU!

For entertainment, I purchased Groupons for paint ball to be used at a later date. My brother in law got two as well so we are going to get a group of 4 together for 3 hours of unlimited play. Different, Cheap and Fun!!!

Not bad for a week of spending. =)

Credit Scores & Snowball...

2011-02-03T10:00:00.002-06:00

If you look to the right, you will notice that I changed the order of my debt repayment. Going back to Dave Ramsey's book, he said you can change the order if there is a difference in the interest rate but a small difference in the amount owed. I have three Private student loans all within a $1,000 of my Federal student loan. So, I moved those before my federal loan. The Federal loan has a fixed interest rate and it is very important to me that I tackle as much Private variable loan debt before interest rates trend back up.

While I am on this debt repayment journey, my credit scores are a good indication of how I am performing. One of these days, my score will be virtually zero because I will be debt free and I won't have a need for debt.

My scores are awesome!!!

798 - Grade C - TransUnion
810 - Grade B - Equifax
920 - Grade A - Experian

Snow Day...

2011-02-02T14:58:00.002-06:00

I am snowed in today so I get to work from home. Yeah Chitown!

I've never seen so much snow in my life. They let us go a little early yesterday and by the time I got home at 6pm, I almost got stuck in my driveway trying to pull into the garage. I knew the Weather Folks got it right this time.

There was an SUV stuck in the snow on the street outside my bedroom window last night for over 2 hours. I don't own a shovel since I live in a condo and we have snow removal service so I was useless to him. All I kept hearing is him going back and forth with spinning wheels. I did call the non emergency number to try to get him some help but I am sure they were busy with a lot of calls last night. The blizzard dropped over 18 inches of snow overnight.

Finally, I woke up to more noise outside my window and there was the same SUV and a construction truck, not a snowplow, moving the snow on the street. All I could think was WOW!!! If an SUV can get stuck, my car doesn't stand a chance. I emailed my Boss this morning to tell him I would be working from home and he replied back "Smart Move, I am leaning towards the same thing!"

So, here I am at home. I am thankful that I have a home, heat, job, money in the bank to pay my bills and food in my fridge. I am thankful that I am safe.

Mixed Chicks Hair Products...

2011-02-02T11:19:00.005-06:00

In May of last year I stopped going to get my hair done on a regular basis. Prior to May, I was down to every other week or $100/month. The previous year, I was going every week for $200/month. The heat was starting to damage my hair and my stylist had to chop it to my shoulders. It's probably halfway down my back when I wear it straight now.

I went natural in May and I have been able to save a lot of money. Part of the decision to go natural was that I FINALLY found a product that I could use on my hair that worked. What do I mean by work? Well, I have very curly hair and I would have to use a shampoo, conditioner, curly product, gel and maybe a hairspray to keep my hair from frizzing. Then came my Sister's suggestion that I try Mixed Chicks and well, it changed my life. I finally have that wash and go hair and I don't have to spend all day in the mirror styling and I don't have to buy a million products to keep my hair from frizzing. Just a shampoo, deep conditioner and leave-in conditioner does the trick. I go to my stylist about every 8-12 weeks to get my ends trimmed and the last time I went she was very pleased with the condition of my hair.

Thing is...the products are fairly expensive and you can only really get them online unless you can search and find a salon that carries it. The best thing about the company is that they offer free shipping on orders over $100 and they are super quick with getting the product from California to Chicago. With standard shipping, I can get my product in a week. I love that!

$50 - Leave-In Conditioner (1L)
$45 - Deep Conditioner (1L)
$40 - Shampoo (1L)

So, I ran out of product and finally made a purchase. The total cost was $165.50. I used some of the leftover money from my Bonus. I purchased two bottles of the leave-in conditioner and one large bottle each of the shampoo and deep conditioner.

After trying a sample first, I purchased the Liter of the shampoo and deep conditioner in June of last year so it lasted me 7-8 months. I purchased two Liters of the leave-in-conditioner which I use daily in August so those lasted roughly 5-6 months. So while the products are a bit expensive they last a long time. I was able to get the free shipping and I found a coupon code online for 10% off. By going natural with my hair, I have been able to save over $2,000 per year. Well worth it!

January 2011 Recap...

2011-02-01T09:30:00.006-06:00

Bare with me guys and gals. This is my first attempt at zero budgeting and I am sure I got a lot of it wrong. This is also my first time using this budget worksheet that I found online. I tweaked it a bit and it's kind of cool. If you see italics, these are the categories I have deemed "ACCRUAL" meaning that I save the money in separate ING Accounts whether I spend the money this month or not. This was suggested by Dave Ramsey for expenses that are irregular in nature but can blow your budget wide open.

A lot of money flowed through my accounts this month. I added a comment column to the right to add some additional explanation. Please let me know if you have trouble viewing the image of the spreadsheet. It's rather large and I may need to figure out another way. I am open to suggestions so just inbox me or comment. Thanks a lot.

I guess the important things to note is that I stayed within budget for the month and I paid off my Capital One Personal Credit Card. When you only get paid once a month, it is hard to budget variable expenses throughout the month so I came up with a $200/week challenge. I ration to myself every Friday, $200 to budget through the weekend and the following week. The challenge gives me something to look forward to because I really get excited when Friday comes around again. The challenge also gives me something to focus on to see if I am making any measurable progress towards spending within my means. I did pretty good with the challenge in January.

* I added in my Capital One Business Card to my credit card balance.

Long-Term Plan...

2011-01-31T11:08:00.002-06:00

Realistically, it is going to take me about 10 years to repay my student loan debt with all things remaining the same. Meaning, I am single and I remain in the Banking field.

I listen to the Dave Ramsey podcasts and hardly any of the callers have as much unsecured debt as I do and they tend to be married couples with dual income. I have a quarter of a million dollars in student loan and credit card debt and I am currently single so I can tell you that I don't plan to wait 10 years before I start on any of the other Baby Steps. I don't think it's a wise move on my part. So, I am open to suggestions but this is what I am thinking.

Beginning next year:

Apply all bonuses to debt repayment.
Increase my 401k contributions 1% each year so that by the time I repay the loans, I am also already contributing 10% to my 401k.
Begin saving $200/month so that I can contribute towards my 6 month eFund.

Thoughts?

Suzy Orman...

2011-01-30T16:11:00.003-06:00

I have been working at home and watching episodes of Suzy Orman today and Suzy had a guest on who refinanced her home to pay off unsecured debt. Suzy just had to come back and say this is BAD and DON'T DO IT!!!

Some of you know that I did exactly the same thing in 2008 and it was the WRONG move. If you are thinking about doing this...think again!!! It's not the best or right move. I wish I would have seen this episode 3 years ago before I refinanced my home.

Lesson: Do not turn unsecured debt into secured debt.

$200 Weekly Challenge...

2011-01-28T21:23:00.002-06:00

Today is a new Friday and $200 was deposited into my Checking Account to begin the new $200/week challenge.

Here is last week's recap....Total Spent: $175.68!!! =)

$59.89 – Personal Care
$42.78 – Food & Dining
$37.01 – Grocery & Household
$21.00 – Transportation
$15.00 – Entertainment

I saw that I had a little extra in the account for the week so I hedged the timing on my proactiv. I signed up again for the club membership online and it is actually cheaper even with shipping than buying it at a kiosk. I just have to make sure I order it in time to allow for standard shipping.

I got a massage using a Groupon on Sunday so I did have to tip the therapist. The place has a massage membership where $59/month entitles you to a one hour massage and an unlimited amount of additional one hour massages during the month for $39. I have a weakness for massages and well, I refused the 12 month contract but I agreed to a six month contract. The sales girl was good. I knew when I was doing it that it was WRONG, WRONG, WRONG! I had just worked on my vision board where one of my goals for 2011 was to embrace the word NO!!!

So, I was driving to the grocery store thinking...CHITOWN WHAT DID YOU JUST DO SIGNING THAT CONTRACT!!! It went against everything that I am trying to do and I should have said NO but I didn't....I totally didn't. I wanted a massage, more massages...heck I don't know what that woman did to my neck but it didn't even feel like mine by the time she was finished. It felt like someone gave me a new one...without all the knots!!! I wanted more relaxation, more treats, I wanted, wanted wanted.

I pulled into the grocery store lot, pulled out the contract and prayed I would find a cancellation provision even though the woman said it was a six month term. Sure enough, at the very bottom, it said I had 3 business days to cancel in writing. Do you know I still grappled with this decision for about 24 hours when I finally typed out the notice of cancellation, signed it and drove my UNHAPPY BROKE butt to the massage clinic the next day and did what?!?!?.......CANCEL!!!!

Yes, I did. No more adding to the monthly bills. If I want a massage then I have to save and pay for it. If I had saved the $360 for the 6 month contract and could purchase it in full then that is one thing but to create a monthly bill because I didn't have it all saved, that just felt like more debt since I would have been contractually obligated for the six months or $360.

That aside, everything else was pretty good. My Mom primarily fed me this week so the grocery bill was literally mostly paper towels and Advil sinus meds from the pharmacy. That stuff can be expensive.

Overall, I did okay. I stumbled a bit in my resolve with the massages but thankfully, I was able to undo the damage. Thankfully. ;-)

Debt Paydown...

2011-01-28T14:14:00.003-06:00

I did it!!! I paid off the following:

$800 - Capital One Business Card
$2,300 - Perkins Loan
$5,300 - Private Student Loan (T)

$8,400 - Total Payoff

After I got through paying all of my bills, I realized that I could pay off the three debts and still have $900 leftover. Now, some folks will say I am not being "gazelle" because I am not putting the $900 towards my next debt but OH WELL!!! I feel pretty gazelle by paying off all that debt!!!

Since the $900 is extra money I didn't budget for anything, I am going to sit on the $900 and continue my $200/week challenge. I will decide what I WANT to do with the $900 later. In the meantime, I have three, three, three debts paid off that will NEVER come back again!!! Thank you God!!! With the debt repayment, I still plan to snowball the extra freed up cash flow.

Thanks for all of the encouragement to keep with my plan to pay these three debts off. I started off with $257,500 in debt and since I began this journey last year, I have paid off a total of $16,550!!! I am on my way!!!

Payday, Bonus and HELP!!!

2011-01-27T13:25:00.003-06:00

I feel like I am being tramatized. I received my paycheck and bonus today and I DON'T want to send it all to bills and debt!!! HELP!!!

Help me pull the trigger and schedule the payments. I have an extra $8,500 in my account to pay off my Cap One Business Card ($800), the Perkins Loan ($2,300) and my smallest private student loan ($5,300).

Please encourage me so that I know I am not making a mistake. That is a lot of money to go out the door all at once!!! Oh God....Breathe!!!

Home Today...

2011-01-26T15:11:00.003-06:00

I stayed home today so I could actually get some work done. I know that sounds weird but there are less distractions at home and I really want to make better progress on my quarterly reports. The deadline is coming up...Feb. 4th.

I am going to make the $200/week challenge. I have $23 left for today and tomorrow. I ate lunch at home today and my Mom just called and invited me over for dinner later. I have leftover Chili for lunch tomorrow and if I don't eat again over my parent's house like I usually do on Thursdays (when she has my nephew), then I will make dinner which isn't a problem.

I also get paid tomorrow and it will carry my annual bonus and increase. I won't know what my actual paycheck amount will be until the end of the next month but the check tomorrow is....Love!!! I would cry tears of joy if all of my monthly paychecks netted $14K!!!

Go Chitown! =)

Credit Cards...

2011-01-24T16:42:00.002-06:00

I cut up all but one of my credit cards on Saturday. I am trying to build up the courage to cut up the last one. =)

Massage Groupon...

2011-01-23T09:48:00.001-06:00

I purchased a massage groupon a few months ago and I am going in today for my massage!!! Yeah Me!!! I love that this place is open on Sundays. I will finish just in time to get home and watch the Bears upset the Packers!!! =)

$200 Weekly Challenge...

2011-01-21T10:26:00.001-06:00

Today is a new Friday and $200 has been deposited into my Checking Account to begin the new $200/week challenge.

Here is last week's recap....Total Spent: $211.71!!! =)

$80.00 – Entertainment
$53.95 – Food & Dining
$41.45 – Grocery & Household
$36.31 – Transportation

Like I mentioned in my last post, my biggest expense for the week was $80 for a charity ski trip to Lake Geneva next month. I knew I could go over just slightly but I thought I made it under $200 until last night. I attended another benefit for my assistant’s sister-in-law who passed away suddenly. I thought she said the event was downtown and the ticket included light hors d'oeuvres but neither was the case. So, I ended up buying something for dinner at the benefit and drove down to work where I had to pay for parking. Luckily, I was able to drive up North after work for the benefit and find free street parking because valet would have been another $15. So, all in all it was a very good week. Since I was already under ~$85 for the month, I just pulled the extra out of my personal savings where I swept what was leftover the previous 2 weeks.

Overall, it was another great week of spending. =)

Checking In...

2011-01-19T10:54:00.004-06:00

The week is going good. Work is busy but I am managing to remain productive. I enjoyed the long weekend for MLK Day. =)

I did some serious cleaning up this weekend. I threw out soooo much stuff in my office and it's finally clean. Yeah!!! I am in this purging mood so I am throwing away and giving away a lot of stuff. Nothing is really of value to sell so it's good to clear the clutter and bless someone with gently used items. It just makes you feel good.

I am doing well this week with the challenge. I may go over $10 but that's no biggie considering I am under $85 for the month. The biggest expense for the week has been the $80 I decided to spend for a day trip to Lake Geneva next month to ski with my sister, best friend, and brother-in-law. His fraternity puts on this trip every year with the proceeds going to benefit the charity of their choice. I went once about 3 years ago and it's a lot of fun. I already have ski gear so I don't need to purchase anything but the ticket.

Early in the morning, we board buses and head from Chicago to Lake Geneva. We stop off at Gurnee Mills (discount mall) where Great America is also located and shop for about 2 hours. Then we make our way to the slopes for a day of skiing, hot cider and fun. Yeah!!! Looking forward to it because the next day is the Super Bowl and the Chicago Bears may very well be on the field battling for the Championship!!! =)

$200/Week Challenge...

2011-01-14T14:34:00.004-06:00

Today is a new Friday and $200 has been deposited into my Personal Account to begin a new $200/week challenge.

Here is last week's recap....Total Spent: $167.39!!! =)

$67.00 - Grocery & Household
$35.79 - Transportation
$25.65 - Food & Dining
$19.90 - Personal Care
$19.05 - Entertainment

Not bad at all for the week especially since $40 of my grocery/household expense was just my annual Sams Club renewal fee.

Bringing my lunch and cooking dinner is making a world of difference. Thankfully I was already getting tired of fast food.

Overall, it was another great week of spending. =)

January Progress - Baby Step #1 Complete...

2011-01-12T09:37:00.005-06:00

Well guys and gals, I am making progress. Yes, I am. =)

I fully funded my $1,000 eFund with ING so Baby Step #1 is COMPLETE!!!

I started on Baby Step #2 which is the debt snowball and repaid my $1,300 Capital One Personal Credit Card.

In February, the plan is to repay the following with my bonus.

$800 - Capital One Business Card
$2,300 - Federal Perkins Student Loan
$5,300 - Private Group T Student Loan

Expensive Weekend...

2011-01-10T09:37:00.002-06:00

Well it was an expensive but good weekend. On Friday, I made my $200 deposit for the week and as of Monday, I have $65/$200 remaining to last me through Thursday.

The largest expenses were gas and groceries. My Sams Club membership expired so I had to renew it for $40 for the year. Although I still had a half tank of gas remaining, something told me to fill up on Friday instead of wait until my tank ran low. That way, I start off the $200 week with my fuel expense out of the way. Good thing I did, gas prices in Chicago are pretty high right now and it cost me $36 to fill up just half my tank. Wowza!!!

$200 Weekly Challenge...

2011-01-07T09:52:00.002-06:00

Today is a new Friday and $200 has been deposited into my BofA Checking Account to begin the new $200/week challenge. I decided to continue on this plan of $200/week but I am also including my gas/fuel expense since that is a variable figure but I still budget $40/week.

Here is last week's recap....Total Spent: $177.57!!! =)

$80.02 - Transportation
$60.00 - Food & Dining
$26.55 - Grocery & Household
$11.00 - Entertainment

Not bad at all for the week. Gas/fuel expense was a bit higher than anticipated. I completely filled up my 15 gallon gas tank last Friday (New Year's Eve) and it cost a whopping $55.02. Ouch! I was thinking it would cost around $45 to fill up but it just made me tighten my belt a little more which was fine. I brought my lunch on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. I made dinner on Wednesday night and ate dinner at my parent's house on Thursday night. Overall, it was a great week of spending.

My 2010 Goal Recap…

2011-01-05T10:50:00.003-06:00

Goals for 2010:

Use only cash and debit cards.
I did well with this goal until about September of 2010 when I decided that I was going to begin using my credit card for transportation expenses. It was all downhill from there once I put the card back into my wallet. I started charging other items and because I was determined not to incur additional credit card debt, I began depleting my savings account every month to pay off the balance in full. By the end of 2010, I went from $12,000 in savings to just $2,000.
Live below my means and within my budget.
I only made met this goal 2 out of 12 months in 2010. Coincidentally, those were also the months I picked up extra income from my part-time retail position.
No more debt and no credit card use.
My debt in 2010 decreased from $377,310 (including my mortgage) to $369,859. Total decrease was $7,451.
Mortgage decreased $1,381.
Credit Card Debt decreased $4,060.
Student Loan Debt decreased $2,010.
Continue networking to land law position.
I did a lot of networking in 2010 including traveling to Milwaukee for a charity golf outing which resulted in an interview. I am on the radar at two law firms in Chicago but the real networking that I am doing now is within the Bank.
Work to find avenues to increase my income.
I took on a part-time retail position from June to September.
Use savings and not credit for emergencies.
I depleted my eFund for car repairs in 2010. Overall, for the first time since I can remember, my credit card debt actually decreased instead of increased for the year.

Happy New Year!!!...

2011-01-03T11:33:00.002-06:00

Happy New Year!!!

I am back in the office after taking two weeks for vacation and enjoying every second. I didn't do much but relax and spend time with family and friends. Perfect!!!

I am feeling good about 2011. I believe it's going to be a great year for me and that you are going to see some good improvement in my financial condition. It's time to set some goals!!!

2011 Goals

Use only cash and debit.
Follow Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover plan.
Create and stick to a zero based budget each month.
Keep checkbook properly recorded and balanced.
Read six personal finance books.
Blog at least three times a week.
Stay focused on what I want -- Freedom!!!

What are your goals and resolutions for 2011?

Update, 2011 Framework & Experiment...

2010-12-27T17:40:00.005-06:00

I hope everyone is having a Happy Holiday Season!!!

I am really enjoying my two weeks of vacation. I don't go back until after the new year and it's been totally awesome. I even got the chance to meet my blog buddy Aaren last week at Navy Pier. Fun!!! I am so glad that we finally got to meet and she is such a sweetie. Come to find out, we even know some of the same people here in the Chi. Go figure!!! I will have to fill you in on that funny story later this week. =)

I have updates!!!

Christmas: I did ALL of my Christmas shopping for $335 this year!!! This has never happened before. Last year I spent $680. Go Chitown!!!

Bonus and Raise: I got a 19% bonus and a 5% raise!!! My salary will increase to $79,400 and my bonus will be approximately $8,500 after taxes.

Snowball: I am still stuck on paying down my credit card first which I know is against Dave Ramsey's plan. Someone talk me off the ledge!!!! This is my reasoning....

First, I am on a graduated repayment plan with my student loans which means that some of my loans are on interest only and eventually will move to principal and interest. I really need to pay off off the credit card balance to free up that cash flow so that I can handle any increases in payment, including increases in the interest rates on the private loans.

Second, I think if I am able to pay off the credit card debt, that will feel like a really BIG no HUGE win for me in Dave Ramsey's meaning. The way that I am feeling about credit of any kind let alone credit card debt is enough to make sure I won't go back into it ever again.

Third, if I don't pay off the credit card debt within the next 14 months, I will have to pay yet another balance transfer fee once the promotional rate on my BofA card runs out. This will be another increase in debt and that feels so upstream.

Fourth and Final point, the balance is currently at $19,240 thanks to the $740 in balance transfer fees added to the balance. If I put the entire $8,500 towards the balance, then I would be left with $10,740. Assuming that I at least pay $2,400 towards the balance in 2011, then the remaining balance at year end would be $8,340. I have been with the bank since 2000 and I have always received a bonus and and increase. Assuming I receive the same thing next year, then I can pay off the balance in full and begin a complete snowball of my student loans.

I would love to know your thoughts!!! Thanks in advance!!!

2011 Framework: The budget and debt repayment framework is coming along. I have my ING checking account and savings accounts set up. I did that last week and I am just waiting on the new debit card to arrive.

The sub-accounts for savings that I set up are as follows:

Auto Fund - For annual state and city registration.
Christmas Fund - For Christmas 2011.
Clothing Fund - For purchases and dry cleaning.
Gift Fund - For regular monthly gifting for birthdays, showers, etc.
Home Fund - For regular furnace and air conditioning maintenace.
Home Insurance - Annual premium is due in mid 2011.
Vacation Fund - I decided to build this into the budget -- nothing major.
Water Bill - This is for my quarterly water bill.

I know it may seem like a lot of sub accounts but these irregular expenses almost always bust the budget. Therefore, I am going to try to build them into my zero based budget monthly so that I can accrue for them ahead of time. Am I missing anything? Do you think this is overkill?

I am going to continue using my Bank Account for my bills and I will used my Bank of America Keep the Change Checking Account for personal spending for dining out, groceries, entertainment and any personal care.

Experiment: I've been doing this fun little experiment with the envelope system this month where I have $800/month or $200 per week for spending. What I've been doing this last month is withdrawing $200 in cash on Friday and using the envelope system with my Dave Ramsey wallet. The wallet which I purchased for $10 and absolutely LOVE is currently replacing my $100+ Coach wallet and has six envelope slots for gas, restaurants, food/groceries, entertainment, miscellaneous and receipts.

Since I pay for my gas and fuel expense with my debit card, I divide the $200 as follows: $100 for restaurants/dining out, $20 for groceries, $40 for entertainment, $20 for miscellaneous and $20 for personal care. This has actually worked out pretty well because I find that I do the majority of my spending on the weekend. So, I withdraw the money on Friday and then I have to make it on whatever is left the rest of the week until Friday rolls around again. No trips to the ATM!!!

At the end of the week, I have allowed myself to allot any remaining cash towards whatever category I want the next week. Then, when Friday rolls around again, I start the process all over again with a $200 cash withdrawal and divide it among the categories. It's actually been pretty fun!!! I am still working on it but it looks like the way my actual 2011 budget will work, is that I won't have $800/month or $200/week but rather $640 or $160/week. This experiment is still a nice way to get my spending under wraps before February rolls around and I am in the true thick of things with my zero based budget.

Okay...this was long. I guess I am making up for my lack of posting. Bless you if you made it this far. =)

Checking In...

2010-12-14T14:32:00.002-06:00

Hi Everyone!!!

I am just checking in. I've been budgeting my butt off but there are still too many variables to lock down on a secure plan yet. Zero budgeting is tougher than I thought but putting in the framework is also difficult. I believe I will be able to fully implement the plan by February 1st.

Here's what I've got so far for the framework:

Open a money market Efund account here at the Bank with $2,000.
Continue direct deposit and auto bill pay for all monthly bills here from my Bank checking.
Reestablish ING saving escrow accounts for known irregular expenses: home insurance, quarterly water bill, car registration and licenses, etc.
Open an ING Electric Orange Checking Account to help facilitate payment of irregular expenses.
Use BofA Keep the Change Account for personal spending.

Variables in the air:

Whether I will need to help with my grandmother's funeral arrangements. We are doing a simple direct cremation so the cost will max out at $2,500.
Christmas shopping. I am doing very small gifts this year and my family is on board.
Annual bonus and increase figures. I should get this information this week and it goes into effect at the end of January to begin the 2011 plan.

What I hope for:

Minimum 4% increase which is what I got last year.
Minimum bonus of 15% of my salary. I received 14.8% last year for $10,773 and ~ $6,900 after taxes.
Pay off $800 Capital One Business Card in February.
Pay off $1,200 Capital One Credit Card in February.
Pay off $2,300 Perkins Loan in February.
Begin tacking the debt snowball with Private Loan - Group T - Pay off 1/2 of the $5,300.

How is everyone doing? How are you planning your Holiday Shopping? What are you budgeting this year?

Financial Software...

2010-12-08T15:41:00.006-06:00

Dave Ramsey's financial software arrived last night and...OMG this budget stuff is hard. I brought my laptop to work so I could start on it during lunch and I am like...WOWZA!!! Okay Chitown...get it together!!!

It's going to take me a little while to get the plan in order but I am working on it. I finished Total Money Makeover last night while sitting with my grandmother in the hospital. I thought about her life and how she wanted more for me and my sister. We both have to do better.

Since I do have $5,000 remaining in savings. After I put aside $2,000 for an eFund and before I start debt repayment, I have a few irregular expenses below that need to be paid and I am also thinking about pre-funding seperate ING accounts for my home insurance due in June and a small $500 fund for car repairs.

$120 Annual Vehicle Sticker
$300 Annual Attorney Registration

* Scratch that $500 for car repairs. That's the purpose of the eFund right?!?!?!

Budgeting Software...

2010-12-07T10:33:00.005-06:00

Dave Ramsey has a $10 sale going on over at his website on his books, cd's and software. I purchased the financial planning software because I have a really hard time with budgeting and his plan calls for a zero based budget. He says it usually takes a few months to get used to budgeting.

It is probably going to take me a while to get the handle on it, but knowing that I can't use my credit cards and I only have $1,000 in emergency funds should help.

Unemployment Information...

2010-12-06T11:19:00.004-06:00

At a salary of $75,600, gross monthly income of $6,300 and take home pay of $4,575. Do you guys know how much my unemployment might be should I get laid off or where I can go to look for information on how to calculate?

A $1,000 eFund is clearly not going to cover a month of expenses so I am just trying to get a handle on everything before I implement my "plan" in January.

Total Money Makeover...

2010-12-05T14:03:00.001-06:00

Hi Readers!!!

So I just finished reading Baby Step #2 in Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover.

Step #1: Save $1,000 Emergency Fund

I can do this with the money I have in savings. I like the idea of of framing the $1,000 in a cheap glass frame and writing on the front, "In Case of Emergency, Break Glass."

Step #2: The Debt Snowball

I've been up in the air about Dave's plan because of my Credit Card and the desire to pay if off sooner rather than later. The problem with "my desire" is that I don't have the cash to pay off the entire balance so I don't get the momentum that the snowball plan offers. So...
The rate on my credit card with a $18,500 balance is Prime + 6.99% or 10.24% today. The promotional rate on some of the balance has already expired. The remaining promotional rates expire in 1/2011 and 3/2011 and then the entire balance will be at Prime + 6.99%.
I called around and the balance transfer offers weren't great. I transferred the balance from Chase to Bank of America at 1.99% through my statement cycle ending in 1/2012. Unfortunately, I could not get the 4% transfer fee waived or lowered. Trust me...I really tried. In the end, I am still saving with the balance transfer at 1.99% for 14 billing cycles.
So, the issue with whether to use my savings and bonus to pay down my credit card is null at this point. If I use Ramsey's plan which I am betting 100% I will, I will be paying off the balances smallest to largest. That means, I will be knocking out a couple of student loans in full in January.
The pain of having the credit card debt is probably still good for me. I know when it's paid off, it will be paid off for good.

On a side note, my grandmother has a severe case of alzheimers and we moved her into hospice care on Thursday. So, I will be coordinating with my Mom to get her services and arrangements in order. I will post more on that experience later but for now, we are just spending as much time with her as we can. Tell someone close to you today that you love them. =)

It's My Birthday!!!

2010-12-02T15:50:00.003-06:00

Today is my 33rd Birthday!!! I am so blessed!!!

My co-worker took me to lunch, my team lead took me to coffee and another co-worker bought me a lemon bar from Corner Bakery since I love them so much!!! Abundance flows.

I am on page 87/210 of Dave Ramsey's book and it's good so far. I am looking forward to pizza, cake and ice cream at my parent's house tonight. You're never too old for that. =)

Total Money Makeover...

2010-11-30T13:03:00.002-06:00

Okay everyone...sorry for the lack of posting. I hope you had a wonderful holiday. =)

I got Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover and I started reading it today. I just got to a point where he said he convinced millions of people to change their lives - to have a total money makeover. Then he asked, "Are you Next?"

Yes I am!!!...Be back soon. =)

Personal Finance Resources...

2010-11-15T15:47:00.002-06:00

So what if your favorite personal finance book that you recommend I read?

Over the next month, I will commit to reading 2-3 personal finance books, reviewing the works and developing a debt repayment plan.

Raise and Bonus...

2010-11-10T10:52:00.002-06:00

We had a team meeting yesterday and we will be receiving raises and bonuses this year. I've been with the Bank since 2000 and I have always received a nice bonus. Come to think of it, I have also received some kind of increase each year too. I should get the numbers in December before I go on vacation for the last 2 weeks. I am really looking forward to the time off.

I have a new blog post over at Windy City Bliss. I am going through the 22 Law of Attraction Processes outlined in Ask and It Is Given by Esther and Jerry Hicks. This process is unique because it's supposed to help improve your finances. I am going begin using the process on Monday and report on my progress. Fun!

Have a great day!!! =)

New Blog and 2011

2010-11-09T10:45:00.004-06:00

I am loving my new blog Windy City Bliss. Check me out. =)

I will be posting a new financial plan for 2011 soon. =)

October 2010 Recap...

2010-11-03T10:21:00.013-05:00

I am back to posting regularly here and over at Windy City Bliss. I am really enjoying the new blog and I have some exciting posts (at least I think they are) over there and I hope you enjoy them. =)

Here is my recap for October 2010. I am still doing my counseling sessions and I am happy to say that I am making a lot of progress. We are no longer exploring what happened in the past but we're moving on to what I want in the future and that includes dealing with my finances. We branched into that discussion last week and I am going to finally come up with a plan to get financially free. Fun and Exciting right?!?!

Here is the thing...what you're going to see in October, November and December is my savings account drop. Trust me...that is not the end of Chitown's world. Next year is going to be GREAT!!! I am so excited. Just read and watch. You will see improvement in every area of my life. =)

This chart is a lot to take in but it basically how I've done this year. This is the first time I really tracked in so much detail and I think it's helpful to get a glimpse of the 2010 picture. Basically, there hasn't been a lot of change in my net worth but my debt has gone down each month.

Here is the budget breakdown for October along with more detail below.

Part-time Job: It's gone. No more part-time job going forward.
Transportation: This will decreased going forward since I am no longer driving downtown for work.
Food & Dining/ Grocery: I did really good in this category for October. Only $15 over budget for both categories. (thumbs up)
Personal Care: I ordered more mixed chicks for my hair and bought a $40 Groupon for an hour long massage.
Clothing and Shopping: I purchased a few purses from Coach during the Labor Day sale, got some clothes dry cleaned instead of shopping for more clothes and purchased a phone charger and car accessory my iPhone.
Health & Medical: I got reimbursed $97 for my dental which will show up next month.

My credit scores are still improving as I continue to pay down debt. This new scoring system blows my mind when I think that an 802 credit score can actually be considered B credit when it used to be considered A credit. I am still really pleased that I have very high credit scores and that I am maintaining my commitment to pay everyone on time.

I'm Alive...

2010-10-28T10:26:00.004-05:00

Hi Everyone!!!

Sorry for the lack of posts. This is a quarterly reporting month on the job and I am super busy these days. I will be posting a recap for October soon. I hope everyone is doing well. =)

Tuesdays With Morrie...

2010-10-14T21:43:00.003-05:00

My Sister gave me a book called "Tuesdays With Morrie" today so I am going to start reading it tonight. It's supposed to be inspirational. Have you read this book?

Also, don't forget to check out my new blog Windy City Bliss @ http://windycitybliss.blogspot.com/. I post there almost daily. =)

Law Firm Job Update...

2010-10-14T20:47:00.004-05:00

Okay, I spoke to the Firm yesterday. The head of the Creditor's Rights Group called me and said Everyone Loved Me and they DO want me but they don't have enough work at the Firm to keep me busy right now. Additionally, they have a first-year associate that was hired and deferred for 6-months and he starts in January.

So, the Partner said they would love to have me when their workload picks up and hopefully I will still be at the Bank when that happens so they can bring me on board. I was certainly disappointed but at the same time, it wasn't exactly a NO. She personally said she would love to have me join the Firm but said I would just be twiddling my thumbs and unhappy, which isn't good for me or them and that I can agree with wholeheartedly.

So, I will remain with the Bank for the time being and as always, I remain truly appreciative that I actually really enjoy the work that I do and the people that I work with now. I am still so very blessed and that door to my law firm career opened up a little wider. Pretty soon, I will be walking straight through that door. Thanks so much for all of the support and encouragement. =)

Long Weekend

2010-10-11T19:51:00.002-05:00

I really enjoyed the long weekend. After too many sleepless nights, I decided not to return to the part-time job so I enjoyed having time this weekend to relax and hang with family and friends.

I spoke to the head HR person on Friday and she personally apologized on behalf the store and that is enough for me. I am just ready to move in an entirely new direction -- the new law position. I should hear some news (good news) this week. I am going to definitely shoot the head recruiter an email tomorrow when I get back into the office to follow up.

I found a kiosk that sold a larger size of the Proactiv instead of a 30-day supply so I purchased that this month and it should last much longer. I also placed an order today for Mixed Chicks which is my hair product that you can only buy online. The hair products should last me until December so that's also good news. I won't need any major personal care purchases for a while.

All in all, I am hoping that I will end the year with a minimum of $7,500 in my savings account. Of course all that changes when/if I get the job offer to start this year. Cheers!!! =)

September 2010 Recap...

2010-10-05T21:05:00.007-05:00

Please check out my new blog... http://windycitybliss.blogspot.com/.

Going forward, I will probably post there more often on a daily basis and use this blog strictly for my financial reporting and personal finance tid bits. My other blog is more of a journal format and will be a mixture of everything going on in my life including my finances. It will be just me trying to create a better life one moment at a time.

So check me out and watch me go from Singing the Blues to absolute Bliss. =)

Here is my financial recap for September 2010. I will be honest...I did not track my spending in September. I had so much going on in my personal life that I just didn't quite give a crap and a lot of cash went through my little fingers. I don't know where it all went and the madness did not stop right away so October won't be pretty either. I used my credit card and I am committed to paying it off in full each month and pulling whatever is necessary out of savings.

I will reiterate...The madness HAS stopped BUT...it only stopped last week.

So...here goes.

One word for the month...overspent!!! I don't have too much else to say. No word yet from the law firm and my last day at the part-time job will be October 16th if not sooner...I am thinking maybe Saturday...or Thursday...I am just done with the part-time job.

My New Blog...

2010-10-04T14:36:00.002-05:00

I have a new blog titled " Windy City Blues to Windy City Bliss" and it is about using the law of attraction to make my life better in every way imaginable. It is an evolving process just like it was here at Windy City Blues but it's more of a journal format. I will concentrate just on my finances here and everything including my finances over there. Fun!!!

So check me out, read a little, leave a comment and visit often. Cheers!!!

http://windycitybliss.blogspot.com/

The Vortex

2010-10-04T12:10:00.002-05:00

I am currently reading a book from Jerry and Esther Hicks called "The Vortex: Where the Law of Attraction Assembles All Cooperative Relationships" and it is very powerful. I highly recommend it. The book is helping me unravel the mystery behind my most recent relationship.

The Best Day...

2010-10-02T22:05:00.003-05:00

I just had the best day hanging out with my Mom!!! I am so blessed. =)

We went grocery shopping, stopped at the mall, had lunch, dropped by the nursing home to visit my Granny and take her some pie (which she crushed) and then finally made it to the movies this evening to see The Town.

Perfect!!!

Leaving the Part-Time Job...

2010-10-01T12:48:00.003-05:00

I made the decision to leave my part-time job. I gave my two weeks notice yesterday and my last day will be October 16th. I am so excited!!!

Why you ask? Well, I had a very unfortunate incident at work on Thursday night that left me very uncomfortable and angry. Simply put, I will always be treated with dignity and respect at all times. No exceptions. It's time to go.

Dating can be expensive. My last relationship was very expensive but you do a lot of things when you are in love. He paid and I paid but over the last year...I paid more. Additionally, staying in the city with him and then taking on this part-time job increased my transportation expenses $150-$200/month with gas and parking. When I am able to use my monthly train pass each month which is $130/month and just buy gas for my normal running around, I can cut my transportation expenses down to about $250/month. In September alone, my transportation expense was $400 and that was without the extra I would of paid if I was still dating. The money I will save will offset the loss income a bit.

With a law firm position, I won't need the extra job. I hope to hear from them next week.

Second Interview...

2010-09-30T13:11:00.003-05:00

Hi All!!!

I just wanted to let you know that the second interview at the law firm last Friday went very well. I hope to hear something by next week. Work is moving along. We are coming up on quarterly reporting but I believe this will be my last reporting cycle here at the Bank so it's all good.

I have a completely free weekend and I am so excited!!! =)

A New Day...

2010-09-29T09:43:00.002-05:00

Today is a new day. I am feeling much better today. Thank you all for your kind words, for sharing your own stories and for your support and encouragement.

Please know that I appreciative every single time someone takes a moment to leave a comment or just to come here and check on how things are going.

The monthly reporting cycle is now over. I got paid today from the Bank so I will be compiling the monthly recap for posting soon.

Have a terrific day. =)

Broken...

2010-09-26T10:19:00.003-05:00

I feel so broken. There are NO words to describe just how hard it is for me to get out of bed this morning. My Heart is broken and what's worse, my spirit feels broken too. I take 2 steps forward and 5 steps back. I am so tired of being alone. I am so tired of feeling like I don't matter and that I was thrown away like trash. I want love. I want companionship. I want to be happy again. I don't know why it all went away and so quickly. I can barely catch my breath.

I can't stop the tears from falling...

My Finances...

2010-09-22T11:38:00.003-05:00

Ya'll...I cannot tell you where I am with my finances. For a few weeks in there...I just didn't care. I will regroup this weekend and see where I am. I even used my credit card which I know is a NO-NO!!!

I have a second interview on Friday with the Firm. They invited me back to meet with two more attorneys. That should be it in terms of interviews. I will keep you posted. =)

Lastly...my new Blog "Windy City Blues to Windy City Bliss" is under construction and coming along. I already have a few posts over there. I will post a link to it soon.

With Gratitude -- Chitown =)

Another Weekend...

2010-09-17T14:22:00.002-05:00

Hello All!!! Sorry for the lack of posting. I've been on vacation and trying to catch up at work.

I am also starting a new blog called Windy City Blues to Windy City Bliss. I am a believer in the law of attraction so I am going to have more of a journal type of format over there and try to keep this blog just about my finances. I will post a link to the new blog as soon as I get it up and running. Eventually, I hope to bring this blog to a close once I achieve a positive new worth and focus on the other blog which will be a mix of everything going on in my life.

No news yet from the the law firm. I did email the Chairman and the Head of Diversity last week. I also emailed the Head Recruiter for the Chicago Office today. What I understand is that law firms move slow and I already filled out my background check papers. They very well could be completing their due diligence. I will let you know as soon as I hear something. I feel good about it.

Prior to my last post and realizing some destructive behaviors, I went on a bit of a shopping spree but I got it back under control. I also stopped tracking my expenses for the first two weeks in September but I think I was able to back into everything. We'll see.

Have a great weekend. =)

More Truth and Update...

2010-09-10T09:42:00.005-05:00

They found my Uncle. He's in the hospital with blood pressure over 200 and trouble breathing. He has fluid in his lungs so they are still running tests. Hopefully, he will get better soon. I am just glad they found him and now my Dad can finally relax a little. Thank you for all of the prayers. =)

Other than working tonight, I have the entire weekend off. Plus, I took Monday and Tuesday off next week. That's 4 days without any work whatsoever. Yes!!!

Counseling is going very well. I have another appointment on Monday. The primary issue that I am working on is that I contracted an STD from my ex boyfriend in March of last year and that caused a whole host of emotional damage and self-esteem issues. It's nothing fatal and I am generally in very good health. In the end, my ex felt I was too insecure and had issues with communication. He wasn't the easiest person to talk to and I am working on the self-esteem and emotional issues that I believe and my therapist believes are the result of the STD. I couldn't even hardly say the words out loud a few weeks ago let alone come here and actually tell you what happened. So, I know the therapy is working to help shed some of the shame surrounding everything that happened. I also finally told my Sister and she finally understood everything including my actions and why I still wanted the relationship after two breakups.

How does this relate to this blog? Well, I do believe I compensated for a lot of the emotional hurt with spending money. Booking a trip to Vegas for the me and the ex solely on credit and paying for numerous dinners and outings also on credit, all because I just wanted to act like nothing ever happened. Who knew the cost of loving my ex would be so great?!?!

Anyway, I still feel somewhat abandoned. It wasn't until my ex told me he thought I was insecure that I realized how much everything was bothering me. Generally speaking, I have always been a very confident woman. I have so much going for myself and I have always, always done what I was supposed to do. I've only had 2 serious relationships (including this one) in my entire life. With the family issues, financial issues, I just didn't take care of myself and deal with my own emotional and phyicial needs. Even after I told him I was going to get some help, he still wanted out and while he said he would support me, he hasn't.

All this time, I've been texting and calling the ex trying to get back together. Finally, I just really realized that I want someone to love me unconditionally and a relationship where we stick together through good and tough times. I felt abandoned because the emotional and self-esteem issues were caused by an STD that I contracted from HIM and yet he can just dump me and move on like it never happened. In the end, it just makes me feel like I didn't ever matter, that I don't matter and that he never really cared for me as much as I cared for him or loved me at all.

So, no more phone calls, no more text messages and no more facebook. I still love him but I don't think he really knows what he wants and I don't like games. I cherish true love and commitment.

This blog is obviously anonymous so you guys don't know what I look like or who I am but I am a Pretty Fly Chick!!! I am very attractive, intelligent, kind, loving, generous, honest, outgoing, loyal and a genuinely good person. I really believe that someone is going to truly see me and love me for who I am and what I have to offer. I don't have to settle in any area of my life because I know I am deserving of happiness and joy. I really want someone that is handsome, intelligent, kind, outgoing, thoughtful, and affectionate to love me through and through and want to share his heart and life with me. So, I will have all of that and more. =)

I really try to be honest with my readers on this blog. There are a lot of things that can cause financial issues and it's important to drill down and try to realize why you continue destructive behaviors so that you can really move forward.

Have a great weekend. =)

Family Issues...

2010-09-08T12:19:00.002-05:00

My Uncle is missing.

He was in an accident on Monday night and taken to the hospital. The hospital released him but he hasn't been in contact with anyone since Monday night, hasn't returned home and is not answering his cell phone. Please say a prayer for him that he's okay. My parents filed a missing person report this morning.

Thank you.

August 2010 Recap...

2010-09-07T10:16:00.004-05:00

Here is my recap for August 2010. It was another decent month. Below is a more detailed breakdown. Budget categories I did better in were food & dining as well and groceries. I forsee entertainment going up a bit in the next few months as I deal with the breakup. I am out and about staying busy and spending more time with friends so I am not home feeling lonely.

My credit scores are still pretty good and strong. I will be happier once they are all over 800. That should be soon.

Day Off...

2010-09-05T11:19:00.001-05:00

I got the day off!!! Yeah!!! Now, what to do with myself?!?!?! =)

Weekend...

2010-09-03T14:20:00.002-05:00

Hello All!!!

Have a terrific holiday weekend. The Bank is letting us go early today at 3pm.

All my bills for September are already paid. =)

Interview Update and More…

2010-09-02T12:37:00.002-05:00

The interviews yesterday went very well and I feel great about them. I interviewed with three partners and one associate. I believe I have now met everyone in the practice group especially since I have been networking with this firm for a while now. I hope to hear something within the next 2-3 weeks if not sooner.

I went right in there yesterday with confidence and was simply ME. They drilled me and I held my composure and didn’t break a sweat. It was actually kind of fun.

I have my first counseling session this afternoon through the EAP. I am really looking forward to getting some objective help on some of the issues I’ve been dealing with from someone who doesn’t know me. I am going to be brutally honest, let the walls come down and put it all on the table.

I already feel a lot better than I did a month ago. I am hoping that the sessions will reinforce that feeling so I can continue to move forward and not even think about looking back.

Lastly, I did send my BF (well I guess ex-boyfriend) a letter last week and I didn’t quite get the response I was hoping for. I was hoping for a call but got a text instead saying thank you. So, I give thanks as well because I put out there what I wanted and now I release it to be what it will be. I guess I was hoping that he would call and say… “yes Chitown, let’s really have that fresh start. Not let’s make things better, but let’s start over and create something new and something better.” That’s what I wanted. Now, I move forward. If he comes into my life then I think that's great but I will move forward with my heart and mind open to also meet someone new who wants me just as much as I want him….actually more. =)

With gratitude, Chitown. =)

Interview....

2010-08-30T10:59:00.002-05:00

Happy Monday Everyone!!!

I have an interview at a firm on Wednesday. Please wish me well and keep me in your thoughts. The job means a nice six-figure salary and I will no longer have to work two jobs. I put off posting it here because I wanted to tell my family and friends first but I couldn't wait to share the news. I already have employment forms to fill out and my Mom is picking up my suit from the dry cleaners today.

This is also the firm where I decided to travel out of town for the charity networking event a few weeks ago. I hope the investment pans out.

I have to work tonight at Macys. I really appreciate the job but I look forward to having just one job that is both challenging and fulfilling. The schedule got posted on Friday that I was working not just the 4th Saturday in a row but also Saturday and Sunday next weekend, which is the second holiday in a row. I called the counter manager on Sunday and asked her about the rotation and also told her I was getting burned out. In 33 days, I would of only had 2 days off from working in some capacity at the Bank or at the Part-time job...it is too much. Plus, some weeks they have me on for more than 12 hours...more like 20. While I appreciate the extra money, it comes with its own cost. I am finding that I am not willing to pay that cost for too much longer.

So, please keep me in your prayers that I get this position. It's a great firm and I already met some really nice people there just through networking. Plus, the firm is still downtown so I can keep up with my Bank colleagues that I will surely miss.

P.S. I ended up in the Black again for August!!! More to come soon. =)

Weekend...

2010-08-27T16:04:00.002-05:00

Wishing you all a very good weekend.

I have some wonderful things on the horizon. Can't wait to share with you. In the meantime, I only have to work on Saturday so I will definitely find something to get into this weekend.

Cheers!!! =)

Credit Card...

2010-08-24T10:44:00.002-05:00

My CC balance will be under $20,000 next month. I am so excited!!! =)

Weekend and Weekly Status Report...

2010-08-23T11:00:00.002-05:00

I had a good weekend. My friend came down with the stomach flu so we didn't get a chance to go out for drinks on Friday night. I think it was for the best since I had to be back at work by 8:30 the next morning. I was supposed to go to a birthday party on Saturday night but I ended up visiting my parents, playing with my nephew and watching the Chicago Bears game. It was perfect in my eyes. =)

Sunday was also cool. I was going to get up and hit the gym but my best friend needed someone to lean on and I was right there. We hung out and I hope I lifted her spirits a bit. She’ll be okay. She is a wonderful person. I took her over to my parent’s house and my fmaily just has a way of making any day just a little brighter. After we drove back to her house, I got my car and then went to visit my Grandmother in the nursing home. She even let my Mom take her outside after eating dinner. I was glad that she also decided to go to the cafeteria with all of the other residents when we were leaving so she wasn’t left alone in her room.

My Mom cooked dinner and my entire family came over and it was just…LOVE. I am so thankful. =)

Here is my progress report and I am still in the black. One more week in the reporting period and I get paid on Friday from the part-time job. I worked a little over 20 hours last week so it should be a decent payday.

Wishing you a wonderful day!!! In gratitude – Chitown

My Truth Today...

2010-08-19T09:56:00.001-05:00

Well, I put off coming here to tell you guys because I wanted a different outcome. However, it is my truth today so here it is...Chitown is Single once again. Yes, the BF and I broke up again a few weeks ago. The dust is still settling from his hasty departure from my life.

I choose not to have anything but love in my heart for him because I wish him the very best. I also choose to be thankful for every single moment I got to spend with him. He was my friend, my heart and companion. I do miss him but every day is better than the day before.

I have the uncanny ability to love unconditionally. I have found that I go out of my way for people and I love them with all of my heart and I am extremely loyal. I will go through the fire for the people I care about and I am used to being the "go to" person who takes care of everyone and everything.

Unfortunately, the people who claim to love me fall short in reciprocating that love, patience and attention to taking care of me in the same regard. So, I am taking care of me now and putting me first. I pray that I will one day have unconditional love and the kind of love that sticks, commits and shows up in good and tough times...A partner in this journey we call life.

Unconditional Love: Once upon a time, there was a person who said they would love you forever. Their love moved on, but your love stayed in the same place. Consider the opportunity to love the greatest of all blessings, even when love doesn't go your way. The love you give is the love you get, and it is all good no matter where love takes you. Let the ability to love another belong to you forever and ever because real love stories never end. - Philosophy

Financial Update...

2010-08-18T09:38:00.002-05:00

My mortgage payment is going up $100 starting next month for property taxes so it's back to the drawing board with the budget.

I found a discounted parking garage directly across from the part-time job for $12.00/day. It's just like the garage I park in now and will be a much safer option at night. Great!!! I wish I had someone willing to pick me up once or twice a week and bring me home. Then I wouldn't need to drive downtown or pay for parking. Maybe soon.

I get paid $139 on Friday from the part-time job, bringing my total part-time income for the month to $486. I will earn about ~ $200 this week and get paid the last Friday of the month on the 27th. Since I get paid from my banking position on the 30th, I will probably put the entire $200 into savings or split it and put $100 towards my credit card and $100 into savings.

I have to work tonight, Friday night and Saturday. No biggie. I may go out for drinks with a friend on Friday night and then I am done on Saturday at 4:30pm. Weather permitting, I may walk over to Navy Pier and the Lake to hang out. I haven't been there in a couple of years.

I may try to get in a round of golf on Sunday and see if my Sister wants to take my 17-month old nephew to the Acquarium. I really can't wait to have a husband and start a family of my own. I stopped by my parent's house last night on a whim and ended up playing with my nephew for about 2 hours. The little guy just brings so much joy and love into my life. I have so much love to give so I look forward to when my day will come. In the meantime, I will hug, kiss and tickle my nephew and watch him grow into a wonderful person.

Have a great day!!! With gratitude - Chitown =)

Philosophy: Amazing Grace

2010-08-17T09:49:00.003-05:00

All is better in my world. I am enjoying falling in love with ME all over again. I feel stronger, more confident and proud. I am so thankful for God's Grace and the Grace that my family and friends show me every day to push me to be the best woman I can possibly be. =)

Life is a classroom and we are both student and teacher. Each day is a test and each day we receive a passing or a failing grade in one particular subject: Grace. Grace is compassion, gratitude, surrender, faith, forgiveness, good manners, tolerance, and the list goes on and on. It’s something money can’t buy and credentials rarely produce. Being the smartest, the prettiest, the most talented, the richest, or even the poorest, can’t help. Being a humble person can and being a helpful person can guide you through your days with grace and gratitude. - Philosophy

With Love…Chitown. =)

Weekly Status Report...

2010-08-16T10:11:00.003-05:00

Not much to say. Halfway through the month and so far so good. =)

Networking Trip...

2010-08-13T15:55:00.001-05:00

I am having a great time in Wisconsin for this networking event. I played my best round of golf yet and had so much fun in the sun. After the golf luncheon, I went to thank the Chairman and he asked if I was able to meet the Partner in his firm that was in my foursome. Come to find out, this Partner is on the hiring and executive committee. I got along well with him and all of my team. I was probably the second best golfer too in our foursome. Thumbs up!!!

I feel like a lightbulb started to go off in my head when I took the day off on Tuesday. It really went off on Wednesday morning after I had a long and serious talk with a friend. I am going to be just fine, I have so much to offer and I am can add so much to this world and my relationships than any shortcomings I can perceive that I have. I mean come on....I'm Chitown. I am one bad chick!!! =)

Just Me...

2010-08-11T11:32:00.003-05:00

Hi Everyone!!!

I took off from work yesterday because I felt like my world was crumbling down around me. For a little over a year, things have been spiraling out of control for me and I am having issues with my family, my relationship, my health, my employment situation and of course my finances. I decided to get some help and counseling to figure it all out and I am finally excited about my future and what lies ahead. I have a pretty good support group around me and of course it can only get bigger if I allow my walls to come down, relax and open up a bit. Strange that I can come here and put my finances on blast but I don't do that anywhere else in my life. Of course this blog is anonymous so there is some sense of security and privacy.

I am going through the Employee Assistance Program here at work and the help and everything is confidential. I am bit of a late bloomer but I know that I am going to be stronger, more successful and even more beautiful on the inside and out very soon. So watch out...Chitown is turning a corner and moving in a better direction. =)

Weekly Status Report...

2010-08-09T09:45:00.004-05:00

I had a good weekend. I met up with some friends on Friday night for drinks. I played two softball games on Saturday and took a pretty hard hit during the game. Somehow, I managed to peel myself off the ground and keep going. I did however develop a massive headache later that night which made the comedy show pretty unbearable. My friend and I left early and I got to bed just before midnight.

Sunday was cool. I got some sleep. My sister and brother in law passed on the water park since it looked like it was going to rain. So, I went with my Mom to see my Grandmother in the nursing home instead. She isn't doing so great. She is very combative and can barely stand on her own anymore. A couple of weeks ago, she was rushed to the hospital when she fell and hit her head. So, the nursing home is taking some extra precautions to keep her from falling again. Alzheimers is just a very sad disease and while I know my Mom wishes she could care for her, she needs 24-hour care. After dinner, my Dad and I got in 9 holes of golf last night which was pretty fun and a great way to wrap up the weekend.

I have to work late tonight and Wednesday. I also have to work all weekend. I need to find the discounted parking garage closer to the part-time job because it's getting dark earlier here in Chicago. It will be safer for me to find a closer parking garage so that I am not walking across downtown late at night by myself.

Here is my progress report for August. Have a wonderful day. =)

July Recap and Weekend Plans...

2010-08-06T10:21:00.003-05:00

My July recap is below. Sorry I haven't been blogging much lately...been going through some stuff. Finally finished my quarterly reporting at work on Tuesday so I feel like I can breathe a little easier.

I am a little ticked off with my part-time job. I got there yesterday thinking I had the weekend off to find out I may have to work on Sunday. The counter manager said that the official schedule didn't make sense because it had too much overlap. I should have stood up right then and there and told her I couldn't work on Sunday. I was already fine with the schedule for the week. I called the top manager and told her I needed Thursday and Friday off a couple of weeks ago since I am traveling out of state for a networking opportunity. She put me on for Monday and Wednesday evening and Saturday which was just fine by me. I was actually planning to go to Indiana with my sister, brother-in-law and nephew to a water park I've been wanting to go to for years. They said this wouldn't happen again so I think I am going to call her and tell her that I already had family plans that can't be broken. The schedule I already had gave me 11 hours and that is just fine with me. They can work on the overlap issues going forward. Yes...I am going to call as soon as I finish this post. Gotta start standing up for myself more!!!

Anyway....What are your weekend plans?

I already mentioned the water park on Sunday. Tonight I am supposed to meet up with two of my friends for drinks after work. I have a softball game on Saturday and then I am going to a comedy show on Saturday night with another friend. Should be a fun weekend...provided I don't have to work on Sunday.

Be safe and have a wonderful weekend. Don't forget...July's recap is below. =)

*** Update: I called and I don't have to work on Sunday!!! Yeah!!!

July 2010 Recap...

2010-08-05T15:45:00.009-05:00

See the change in my cash balance? Well I realized that I inflated my cash balances by including my monthly paycheck. Since pretty much the entire thing goes to pay bills, I decided not to include it going forward.

Debt levels are slowly but surely going down. Everything was paid and paid on time. I cannot wait to see the credit card balance gone...maybe early next year. Chase asks me for $425 but I make sure that I pay the accrued interest and $400 towards principal each month. I am going to try to make it $500 in August. Wish me luck!!!

***A further budget breakdown is below.

This is the first month I stayed within budget....probably since I started working 10 years ago. The part-time helped out a lot. I made a few adjustments in July. For starters, I decided to pay for my transporation costs including parking, train and gas with my credit card so I can better budget that category each month. Secondly, beginning in August, I started to save each month for my quarterly water bill and my annual home insurance so that I don't have to pay the lump sums I had to pay in July. Those expenses can be budget busters for sure (see below).

My credit scores are great and steadily improving. They have never been this high before so I know I am moving in the right direction. My goal is to continue to pay everything and everyone on time, to keep improving my credit ratios, to improve my spending habits, pay down debt and learn to balance living and financial responsibility.

Not a bad month Chitown!!! =)

Weekend Plans...

2010-07-30T10:12:00.002-05:00

The weekend is here again. What are your plans?

I have to work late today since I am working both jobs. I have to work the part-time job tomorrow and then I am traveling to Indiana on Sunday with my parents and sister for our annual family reunion. It's going to be a busy weekend. =)

I got paid yesterday from my full-time job and $104 today from the part-time job. All my bills for August are already paid. =)

No Spend Month...

2010-07-28T14:48:00.001-05:00

What is a no spend month? I will already tell you...I won't make it a month without spending any money so I just want to clarify. Thanks.

Weekly Status Report....

2010-07-26T13:56:00.004-05:00

Here is my last weekly status report for the July reporting period which ends on Wednesday. I think I will end the month $100 in the black.

I did go grocery shopping on Friday to get items like soap, toothbrushes, ramen noodles, frozen tilapia, water and dishwashing solution. I buy most things in bulk from Sam's Club so I won't need these staple items again for many months.

I WANT TO BE DEBT FREE!!!!

2010-07-23T15:51:00.000-05:00

THAT IS ALL...=)

Weekend Plans...

2010-07-22T09:45:00.002-05:00

This week flew by and I am looking forward to another weekend off.

I get paid $104 tomorrow from the part-time job so that will bring my part-time income for the month to a total of $451. Not shabby. =)

I don't have any plans yet for Friday night. I have a softball game early Saturday afternoon and we are golfing 9 holes on Sunday morning. My Dad paid for the golf outing a month ago but we got rained out so we got a 30-day raincheck. I am hoping to go and see the movie "SALT" on Saturday. It looks like it's going to be pretty good. Hopefully we can catch a matinee. I also have a Groupon worth $35 at a Columbian Steakhouse so the BF and I will probably do dinner and a movie on Saturday. I am hoping to have at least one date night each month if possible. I think my Mom is going to cook on Sunday so we'll probably join my parents for Sunday dinner.

I am going to an out of state charity networking event next month. I can drive but I will have to pay for fuel and a hotel room for two nights. I was invited by the head of a firm that I would like to join so I think it's a terrific opportunity. I think I found a hotel today for $59/night so it is going to cost me ~ $200 max with taxes, fuel and any meals.

No Spend Day...

2010-07-20T09:14:00.002-05:00

Yesterday was a No Spend Day!!!

I have to work just Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday this week at the part-time job. I have another weekend off. =)

Weekly Status Report...

2010-07-19T09:58:00.006-05:00

I had a great weekend.

I went to visit my grandmother on Friday at the nursing home and then I went home and watched the season finale of Grey's Anatomy on my DVR...OMG...great episode!!!

I played two softball games on Saturday and then went to a picnic for the BF's family reunion weekend. Sunday was Church service and a brunch with his family as well. The brunch was at a relative's home in Kenwood which is a rather mixed cutural upper crust area of the South Side. Obama's house was only a few blocks away. Anyway, the house actually had a banquet area in the back of it...amazing!!! The art on the walls was just beautiful. I had a great time. I finished Sunday up with a pedicure and a visit and dinner with my parents. =)

Here is my progress report for the month so far. The monthly reporting period ends next Wednesday on July 28th since I finally get paid again on the 29th from my full-time job. I also get paid one more time this reporting month on Friday for my part-time job. That should be another $100 and it's looking pretty good for the budget this month.

I don't anticipate or plan any additional personal care but I do have a doctor's appointment next week so that will be a $30 copay added to miscellaneous.

You will notice that transportation costs are low this month. I decided to have them charged monthly to my credit card along with my utilities so I know each month the exact expense for budgeting.

Weekend Plans...

2010-07-16T09:45:00.004-05:00

What are your weekend plans?

I don't have any plans for Friday evening. I may have to stay home and do some work for the Bank along with a little laundry and cleaning up. I have two softball games on Saturday so I should be nice and tired by the evening. I wouldn't mind picking up 9 holes of golf on Sunday morning. We can golf just 9 holes relatively cheap for $20 with a cart in some places. Then the BF has a dinner for his family reunion going on this weekend on Sunday night. That's about it.

I got paid today from the part-time job....$190...Yeah!!! I got holiday pay for the 4th of July. Since I am a VP, I only get paid once a month at my Banking job. I like getting paid once a week from the part-time gig and having some income come through during the month. I think this will be the first month since I probably started working that I will actually stay within budget. This will be no small feat.

I took out $40 for the weekend and I am hoping to make it last. =)

Happy Wednesday…

2010-07-14T10:08:00.001-05:00

We are halfway through the work week. Yeah!!! I know I should feel the same way I do about Monday that I do about Friday, but these days I live for the weekends and some time to breathe. What’s so special about this weekend you might ask?!?! I don’t have to work!!! Yes, it is my first weekend off since I started working my part-time job about a month ago. I did ask the manager and she said she tries to give everyone at least one weekend off each month. I am actually off next weekend too. I think my schedule was just crazy for those two weeks because they really needed the help. A wonderful trade off is that they actually gave me time and a half for working the July 4th holiday so my paycheck on Friday is going to be higher than expected. Go Chitown!!!

I took a family friend out for lunch yesterday. She is 24 and moved here to Chicago to take the IL bar exam. She is such a sweet girl. My Dad asked me to reach out to her and make sure she’s okay and if she needs anything. She actually found me on Facebook. She is also still looking for a law job post taking the bar and a lot of her classmates are as well. It’s a tough market right now but I hope it loosens up soon. I think we’ll be good friends down the line. The lunch cost me more than I hoped at $60 including tip but I took the CTA train instead of jumping in a taxi and that saved me about $15. I work in the South Loop and the restaurant was in the North Loop on the Magnificent Mile. It cost about $10 each way with tip for a taxi ride depending on the time of day and traffic. Lunch time and rush hour are always a mess.

Needless to say, I am going to be over budget on Food & Dining but I am still doing pretty good for the most part this month. My hours are down with the part-time job over the two weeks. I just work 9 hours this week and next week but then I am back to 12 hours the last week in July.

So far, So good. =)

Status Report & Interview Update…

2010-07-12T13:33:00.002-05:00

Happy Monday!!!

I am exhausted right now and I don’t know why at all. I got a decent amount of sleep last night too. It must be my diet which has consisted a lot of McDonalds over the past few weeks. The dollar menu is my friend.

The interview this morning went pretty good. I spoke to the recruiter afterwards and he said I was up against some pretty tough competition for the job with gentlemen that have 10+ years of experience in Loan Workout. I only have 2 years but he felt like my law degree and 10 years of Banking experience were a plus on my side so we’ll see.

He and I also spoke briefly about being more proactive in terms of looking for other workout positions. His company works with a lot of mid to large banks so he said he would be more than willing to help me in my efforts to find another position elsewhere if this particular position failed to work out. I should know something by the end of the week or early next week.

Below is my status report for July. I decided to use my budget for the rest of 2010 instead of adjusting it for one-off expenses like my annual home insurance premium and quarterly water bill that were due this month. I plan to save/accrue monthly going forward for these committed expenses.

Utilities: Going forward I will accrue $40/month for my quarterly water bill. It usually ranges between $100-$110/quarter although it was low at $92 this time around.

Transportation: This committed expense will now be charged to my rewards credit card monthly along with utilities.

Miscellaneous: My annual premium this year for my home insurance was $220. Going forward, I will save/accrue $20/month in a savings account to pay this annual expense. It is lumped in miscellaneous this month. I also have to pay $50 this month for my annual family reunion dues. I will write that check out this week and mail it off.

I worked a lot last week with the holiday so I expect to earn another ~$150 direct deposit this week from my part-time job. So far, so good.