Eking out a Life from a Living

MBTI?

ekingout@gmail.com (eking out) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:12:00 +0000

I've been doing some sniffing around online about Myers-Briggs personality typing. I took a quick test yesterday through my school's alumni center, and it typed me as INTJ. IN, ok, but TJ?

Let's rewind. For those of you who need a reintroduction to the new-age personality typing that was all the rage with high school guidance counselors of yesteryear, here's the wikipedia entry.

Anyway, it's no secret that I'm constantly angsting about what I should be doing with my life, so I was hoping for a little insight via 10 minute online quizzie. Unless my powers of recall have lessened considerably with age, I believe I've always tested as INFP. What's this TJ business? Was I feeling particularly thoughtful, judgemental yesterday? Reading more about the INTJ type description, it sounded even less like me than I expected, which leads me to believe that the quiz was rigged and possibly put there to confuse people (like me) dumb enough to take it. As you can probably deduce from my snark, I'm sceptical.

Do I even buy into this personality typing stuff? Is it possible to type yourself through your own perceptions? I don't know. What I do know is that I'm no closer to a potential career in anything.

November 2009 Net Worth

ekingout@gmail.com (eking out) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Emergency Fund: $901.41
Checking: $39.00
ING Funds (total): $162.71
Roth IRA: $6,368.78 (out of the $6,900 I've invested so far)
401k: $4,021.10 (from the $3,686.40 invested so far)
Sharebuilder: $35.88 (out of $50 initial investment)
____________
Total Positive: $11,528.88

Rent: $PAID
Phone: $35.00
Bus Pass: $59.00
Credit cards: $700.00
Student Loan I: $8,696.87 (from over $19k)
Student Loan II: $0
____________
Total Negative: $9,490.87

______________________
Total Net Worth: +$2,038.01

I took a beating this month due (mostly) to a dear friend's wedding (bach party, my dress, gift, etc.). If only all beatings were so pleasant. Next month I will redeem myself!

October 2009 Net Worth

ekingout@gmail.com (eking out) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 13:27:00 +0000

Emergency Fund: $800.87
Checking: $45.14
ING Funds (total): $562.70
Roth IRA: $6,142.01 (out of the $6,500 I've invested so far)
401k: $3,896.50 (from the $3,478.72 invested so far)
Sharebuilder: $36.26 (out of $50 initial investment)
____________
Total Positive: $11,483.48

Rent: PAID
Phone: $35.00
Bus Pass: $59.00
Credit cards: $574.37
Student Loan I: $8,772.73 (from over $19k)
Student Loan II: $0
____________
Total Negative: $9,441.10

______________________
Total Net Worth: +$2,042.38

I think I'll start doing percentage changes for each category, because it's hard to tell at a glance where I'm improving. Retirement accounts are clearly up big this month, though.

It wasn't too difficult to stay on track the first month, but now the little voice in my head is telling me that it would be ok to buy a few (or 10) QVC items on clearance. Not only would it NOT be ok, but if I return one more thing, they're going to start refusing my business - no joke.

September 2009 Net Worth

ekingout@gmail.com (eking out) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 11:49:00 +0000

Emergency Fund: $400.65
Checking: $37.76
ING Funds (total): $176.35
Roth IRA: $5,730.07 (out of the $6,300 I've invested so far)
401k: $3,632.28 (from the $3,374.88 invested so far)
Sharebuilder: $35.19 (out of $50 initial investment)
Pending ebay sale: $30.00
____________
Total Positive: $10,042.30

Rent: PAID
Credit card: $58.75
Student Loan I: $8,977.50
Student Loan II: $0
____________
Total Negative: $9,036.25

______________________
Total Net Worth: +$1,006.05

No. Effing. Way.

Are you getting this? For the first time in the history of EVER, I have a positive net worth. All it took was 2 months of self-flagellation... and abstaining from my most damaging hobby.

I've also accrued $150 in ebay sales this month. That, along with the nearly $200 from last month's sales, and I'm practically rolling in it. Not really. I am, however, recouping some my expenditures over the past year, and because I never pay retail, I'm not selling at too much of a loss.

AND I have a $5 Amazon gift card that I got from using SwagBucks, which I can toward my boyfriend's (er, fiance's) birthday present!

Yay!!!!

Itchy trigger finger

ekingout@gmail.com (eking out) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 14:23:00 +0000

My favorite jewelry designer, Temple St. Clair, has written a book. I bought said book, read it, and am now insane (keep reading).

If I could distill my dreams, desires, and principles into a single, wearable object, it would look something like this, but with either (i) a round, faceted, vibrant blue-violet sapphire or tourmaline with bezel-set diamonds in place of the gold granulation, (ii) an east-west set oval cabochon - peridot or citrine, or (iii) a scrumtrulescent sugarloaf emerald (see book for example):

And yes, such beasts do exist.

If ever a time comes where it is appropriate for me to spend money in this fashion, I will forego all other jewelry except for my engagement ring and wear this treasure until it becomes a part of me, and some of me is part of it. (See what I mean?)

Until that time comes, a girl can dream...

and dream...

(btw, all pictures taken from the book and the TSC website - they're not mine, and I so don't have permission to use them.)

Confessional

ekingout@gmail.com (eking out) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 11:02:00 +0000

I've done so well this past month, and it feels great. I'm being tested, however, as today is Klondike Gold Rush day on QVC, and they have new designs in 14k gold on sale. Luckily, most of it looks cheap or doesn't speak to me, but the fact that I keep checking back is not good.

Yesterday I was wrestling with whether or not to buy a refill of my favorite AHAVA hand cream. Winter will start nipping at my knuckles before I know it, so I want to be prepared (seriously, my hands get WRECKED during these New England winters. One day without gloves, and you're red and chapped for a week). BUT I do have an abundance of other, less expensive body lotions that will work almost as well, but somehow fall short. I decided to go in for a tube of my favorite stuff, and while I was there, I picked up some Serious Skin Care olive oil moisturizer. I used to use this stuff in college, and I liked it, so with a 30% off coupon, I decided to try it again. I dropped about $35 on stuff I could probably do without, but will probably use. All in all, I could've done worse.

In other news, a stranger complimented my jewelry today. Stay strong, self!

New Budget

ekingout@gmail.com (eking out) — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 18:06:00 +0000

I did some budget tinkering, and this is what I'd like to shoot for:

Housing: $850
Medicine: $200 (cc)
Food: $200 (cc)
Internet: $25 (cc)
Misc: $150 (cc)
Loan: $200
Total Expenses: $1625

Clothing purchases: $40
Doctor/Dentist: $75
Future Fund: $100
Emergency Fund: $400
Checking Cushion: $100
Roth IRA: $200
Total Savings: $915

Total/mo: $2540

cc= Charged to credit card. The point being that I'm trying to keep my credit card bill under $600 a month, if at all possible, and these are the items I charge.

Any amount left in my checking cushion at the end of the month will be divided and saved as I see fit. Same with any ebay sales. Although I imagine that the majority will go into the Future Fund, as I now have a wedding to plan... ... ... because I got engaged this past weekend!!!

August 2009 Net Worth

ekingout@gmail.com (eking out) — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 12:45:00 +0000

Emergency Fund: $0.06
Checking: $361.00
ING Funds (total): $1,767.76
Roth IRA: $5,382.46 (out of the $6,200 I've invested so far)
401k: $3,327.65 (approx. $1350 employer match just hit!)
Sharebuilder: $33.85 (out of $50 initial investment)
____________
Total Positive: $10,872.78

Rent: PAID
Credit card: $2,295.94
Student Loan I: $9,197.55
Student Loan II: $0
____________
Total Negative: $11,493.49

______________________
Total Net Worth: -$620.71

Is that right? If it is, this is the closest I've been to a $0 net worth ever. It feels incredible.

Things that have contributed to the positive: Employer 401k match!; ebay sales (almost $200 worth); returns... and most importantly, only 1 QVC purchase in the past 3 weeks or so (!).

Things that have contributed to the negative: Last month's QVC purchases; overpriced dental appointment, expensive medications; airplane ticket.

I have a note in my planner for today, "START FROM SCRATCH". I'm at a turning point right now. After I pay my credit card bill for the month, I'll have only about $100 (liquid) to my name. From there, I have the option of falling into consumer debt, or doing what I set out to do and fighting tooth and nail to overcome this. There are no other options.

Credit Score

ekingout@gmail.com (eking out) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 12:41:00 +0000

At the suggestion of another blogger (sorry, I forget which one), I signed up with CreditKarma, which is a free service that estimates your credit score. I check my credit report about quarterly, but I've never paid to see my actual score. Anyway, the results were apalling, or at least, mildly uncomfortable.

Don't get me wrong, my payment history is completely flawless. Among the negatives was the fact that I utilize too large a percentage of my available credit. 35% is too much? Fine, I'm working on that as I type. I've also applied for a new credit card (since I only have the one) to increase my total available credit and in case of emergencies. Check. Second, my credit history, though perfect, is relatively short. On average, a few years. Ok, that's another thing I am working on, but I can't age any faster. I think there were a few more issues, but those were the main things.

I'm bitter, basically. Three years of perfectly on-time, in-full (EARLY) payments on my credit cards and student loans, and my score is only "fair"? Not fair!

Spending update

ekingout@gmail.com (eking out) — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 20:27:00 +0000

Ok, we are half-way through the new credit card cycle, and so far so...fine.

I've made a couple purchases, including a closet organizer for about $40 (which I desperately needed), a plane ticket for $200, some groceries and miscellaneous items, a piece of jewelry from ebay for $18 (I had to use up the rest of my ebay bucks), and...here's the "fine" part....a ring from QVC for $99. And I was doing so well.

Under the guidance of To Shop or Not to Shop and Your Money or Your Life, I spent weeks (WEEKS!) convincing myself that all extraneous purchases were bad and would only lead to more extraneous purchases. This, sadly, is completely true. Even the process of cleaning out my jewelry box and closet of things I don't absolutely love led to less want. However, I made this purchase under a loophole. I had been pining for this ring for months, and while it has not been reduced in price at all, it is now available again in my size. It was grandfathered in, basically.

Now, the question is, will this be my undoing? Will this ring tip the balance I had so tediously maintained for the past 2 weeks? This is difficult for me, because an all-out moratorium on all "fun" spending doesn't seem sustainable, but is this ring WORTH it for me to break my streak? Until now, the answer had always been "no", but now, no matter how many times I reconsider this purchase, I just can't say no.

I should say that, despite this purchase, I'm still doing much, MUCH better than I've done in a long time, and that's cause for a little pat on the back.

PF Mad Libs

ekingout@gmail.com (eking out) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 16:28:00 +0000

Hosted by Punch Debt in the Face. Taken from FB.

Hi my name is Sarah.
I currently have 0.82 dollars in my wallet. When I started managing my finances I was worth approximately -$19k, and now have a net worth of approximately -$3.6k.
I currently work for a law firm and have been doing it for almost 3 years. I make roughly $45k per year.
I want to have enough + a little extra waiting for me when it comes time to retire.
Aside from learning about finances, I really enjoy reading re: decorative arts, architecture, fashion, and jewelry; contemplating doing other things.
I think the world would be a better place if Snickers ice cream bars didn’t exist.
I had 4 Snickers ice cream bars for dinner last night and it was a moment of weakness/a bad idea.
I have had 5 significant others over the course of my lifetime (counting awkward middle school relationships).
One thing that makes me different is I always laugh at my own jokes. Now that I’m done with this mad lib, I think I’m going to eat lunch (...a Lean Cuisine, not a Snickers bar).

THE BLANK VERSION

Hi my name is (blank) . I currently have (blank) dollars in my wallet. When I started managing my finances I was worth (blank), and now have a net worth of (blank). I currently work (blank) and have been doing it for (blank) years. I make roughly (blank) per year. I want to have (blank) waiting for me when it comes time to retire. Aside from learning about finances, I really enjoy (blank). I think the world would be a better place if (blank) didn’t exist. I had (blank) for dinner last night and it was (blank). I have had (blank) significant others over the course of my lifetime (counting awkward middle school relationships). One thing that makes me different is (blank). Now that I’m done with this mad lib, I think I’m going to (blank).

Enough.

ekingout@gmail.com (eking out) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 15:16:00 +0000

Without realizing it (or should I say, through very effective denial), I have fully and properly screwed myself.

As I write this, my credit card bill, representing the last $2k to my name (that's including my next paycheck, btw) is in the mail to me. Unless I start doing something differently, next month I will begin to carry a balance, which will mark the first time I've ever had consumer debt. Choice timing, too. I've got a September vacation to plan, an out-of-state wedding to attend (as the MOH) in October, and another plane ticket home for Thanksgiving to buy.

I am starting to flesh out a plan to implement in order to gain back some control. I'll post more specifics later. It doesn't involve anything fancy, but I will be rolling up my sleeves.

It's time to take back my life so I can start making choices again, instead of being enslaved by the bad choices I made last month, or the bad habits that always choose for me.

July 2009 Net Worth

ekingout@gmail.com (eking out) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:00:00 +0000

You know you're essentially living paycheck to paycheck when you get excited about a 3-paycheck month. And boy, am I.

Emergency Fund: $2,319.66
Checking: $1154.40
ING Funds (total): $5.00 (oopsies)
Roth IRA: $4,831.92 (out of the $6,000 I've invested so far)
401k: $1,711.34 (out of $1,765.28 invested)
Sharebuilder: $31.38 (out of $50 initial investment)
____________
Total Positive: $10,054.20

Rent: $850.00
Credit card: $3,338.32
Student Loan I: $9,330.50
Student Loan II: $0
Ebay purchases: $30.00
____________
Total Negative: $13,548.82

______________________
Total Net Worth: -$3,494.62

Let's debrief.

I'm becoming more Zen about my spending habits. I buy less frantically. That's good. What's not good is that I spend just as much time eying the goods as I did before. I'd also like to increase the cash flow to gain an edge over this issue, and if nothing else, eat up some time I would otherwise spend spending (or eating). I've posted a few of my horrid impulse-buys on ebay. If I manage to sell anything, all proceeds will go to the E-fund. Which brings me to my next issue:

The restaurant LITERALLY right next door to my apartment is hiring. Should I apply for a part-time gig?

Pros: It's next door. The commute is about 10 steps. The food is GREAT.
Cons: It's next door! What if someone decides to stalk me? I'm practically sending out an invitation. And if I work there, could I ever be a patron again? Would it ruin a good spot to eat?

June 2009 Net Worth

ekingout@gmail.com (eking out) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 11:01:00 +0000

Emergency Fund: $700.55
Checking: $65.00
ING Funds (total): $1,401.00
Roth IRA: $4,562.95 (out of the $5,800 I've invested so far)
401k: $1,601.27 (out of $1,661.44 invested)
Sharebuilder: $30.99 (out of $50 initial investment)
____________
Total Positive: $8,361.76

Rent: PAID
Credit card: $3,087.40
Student Loan I: $9,721.91
Student Loan II: $0
____________
Total Negative: $12,809.31

______________________
Total Net Worth: -$4,447.55

Labor of Love

ekingout@gmail.com (eking out) — Sun, 24 May 2009 13:37:00 +0000

Even though I've been treading water for the past year financially, there are a few things to celebrate:

One of my student loans has been paid off;
My total student loan debt is now under 10k!;
I've lost weight like I set out to do, and even though I've gained some of it back, I will never give up;
B has successfully completed law school and has earned a spot at a prestigious firm, although his start date has been deferred to October 2010 because of the economy; and
In the meantime, they're paying him to work for a non-profit, which means more us-time than we expected.

I'm excited for the future. I want to continue taking care of myself and make a habit of being forgiving of myself and others. I know it isn't new years, but it's never too soon for some new goals.

May 2009 Net Worth

ekingout@gmail.com (eking out) — Mon, 04 May 2009 18:51:00 +0000

Emergency Fund: $1,800.55
Checking: $919.00
ING Funds (total): $1,669.53
Roth IRA: $4,173.58 (out of the $5,400 I've invested so far)
401k: $1,378.62 (out of $1,557.60 invested)
Sharebuilder: $30.61 (out of $50 initial investment)
____________
Total Positive: $9,971.89

Rent: $825
Credit card: $3,293.58
Student Loan I: $10,394.15
Student Loan II: $0
____________
Total Negative: $14,512.73

Net Worth: -$4,540.84

Internet-blocking software, where are you when I need you most?

Net worth Checkup

ekingout@gmail.com (eking out) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 13:47:00 +0000

Emergency Fund: $2,051.10
Checking: $1,039.48
ING Funds (total): $1,529.26
Roth IRA: $3,917.46 (out of the $5,400 I've invested so far)
401k: $1,384.59 (out of $1,557.60 invested)
Sharebuilder: $29.20 (out of $50 initial investment)
____________
Total Positive: $9,951.09

Rent: $825
Credit card: $2,358.11
Student Loan I: $10,379.18
Student Loan II: $0
____________
Total Negative: $13,562.29

Net Worth: -$3,611.20

I just wanted to do an end-of-month checkup to see how my tax return has impacted my finances. Since I'm supposedly renewing my efforts, I really need to put a freeze on that revolving line of credit. I pay it off every month, but it just leaves me treading water. I watched Suze Orman's special again on PBS yesterday, and it helped me to cancel some of the things I ordered that I know I don't need. Though that silicone bakeware had me at "non-stick."

Prospective Budget

ekingout@gmail.com (eking out) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 15:35:00 +0000

I'm sure I don't have to say it, but I haven't even attempted to adhere to or even rework my budget in a long time. So here's my tentative reworked budged:

$2,540.00/month after taxes.

Rent: $825 (up to $850 in June)
Loan: $500 (the required monthly payment is actually $90, but if I keep paying this much, it'll be paid off by the end of 2010, instead of the suggested date of 2026. After payoff, sweep to E-Fund. OR, maybe I should contribute $400 here, and $500 to my E-fund. URGH.)
E-Fund: $400 (after it hits $8,000, decrease to $300 and sweep extra to F-fund)
Utilities: approx. $45
Food: approx. $100
Checking cushion: $200 (this includes incidentals, going out)
F-Fund: $100
Medical/Dental: $100 (after it hits $500, sweep to F-fund)
Clothes: $40
Investing: $100
Vacation/Airfare: $60
Tiffany necklace: $35
Gifts: $35

And I'll say it now before I convince myself that it's not true: I DO NOT NEED ANOTHER PIECE OF JEWELRY (...except for one of those Tiffany key necklaces (oy) -- I can't decide whether to get the vintage oval key in silver or the trefoil key in gold).

I will go home tonight and return as much as I can. I can't even say it outloud, but I'll try to believe it when I write that except for on my birthday on Thursday, I will not visit QVC.com or HSN.com at all. Seeing that in writing reminds me that I am my mother's daughter. Please God, never let me succumb to Quacker Factory...

2009 taxes

ekingout@gmail.com (eking out) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 02:20:00 +0000

I did my taxes last night, and I should be getting a little over 1k back on or around April 17th. I think I'll put all of it in savings and be done with it.

April 2009 Net Worth

ekingout@gmail.com (eking out) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 13:28:00 +0000

Emergency Fund: $3,189.43
Checking: $51.99
ING Funds (total): $484.77
Roth IRA: $3,663.12 (out of the $5,400 I've invested so far)
401k: $1,286.05 (out of $1,349.92 invested)
Sharebuilder: $27.50 (out of $50 initial investment)
____________
Total Positive: $8,702.86

Rent: Paid
Phone: $20.00
Credit card: $2,782.61
Student Loan I: $11,079.74
Student Loan II: $0
____________
Total Negative: $13,882.35

Net Worth: -$5,179.49

Aaand I've got a little over $100 to pay for recent ebay purchases through paypal, which is entirely separate from my credit card debt. Wow. I cannot afford to keep spending like this. How many times have I said that now? I've got to return as much crap as possible tomorrow before my statement period ends around the April 11th. How desperate does that sound? Well, it feels pretty gross. Luckily, I believe I can make a moderate impact on that credit card balance, as long as I stay away from the home shopping networks. And no more ebay.

March 2009 Net Worth

ekingout@gmail.com (eking out) — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 14:23:00 +0000

Emergency Fund: $2,952.43
Checking: $100
ING Funds (total): $20.07
Roth IRA: $3,159.67 (out of the $5,400 I've invested so far)
401k: $985.78 (out of $1,349.92 invested)
Sharebuilder: $23.61 (out of $50 initial investment)
____________
Total Positive: $7,241.56

Rent: Paid
Phone: Paid
Credit card: $534.45
Student Loan I: $11,557.29
Student Loan II: $0
____________
Total Negative: $12,091.74

Net Worth: -$4,850.18

I've been hit pretty hard in my investments (as I'm sure we all have), so at the suggestion of another blogger, I've revised my goals. So here they are in the order of importance:

-Reduce extraneous spending. Namely, no more online purchases.

-Build my emergency fund back up to $6k as soon as possible. Put aside at least $500 a month toward this goal.

-Put at least $500 a month toward my remaining student loan until it's under 10k.

-Start putting money into ING funds again.

-Reduce Roth IRA contributions until the above goals are satisfied.

-Do taxes ASAP for refund. Use refund toward balancing grocery, electric and gas bills with boyfriend, and put the rest in savings. Create a grocery budget for the two of us.

February 2009 Net Worth

ekingout@gmail.com (eking out) — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 19:17:00 +0000

Emergency Fund: $3,479.66
Checking: $100.50
ING Funds (total): $234.03
Roth IRA: $3,463.04 (out of the $5,200 I've invested so far)
401k: $940.66 (out of $1,090.32 invested)
Sharebuilder: $27.64 (out of $50 initial investment)
____________
Total Positive: $8,245.53

Rent: Paid
Phone: Paid
Credit card: $1,685.79
Student Loan I: $11,914.26
Student Loan II: $0
____________
Total Negative: $12,816.94

Net Worth: -$4571.41

January 2009 Net Worth

ekingout@gmail.com (eking out) — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 14:49:00 +0000

Emergency Fund: $2,258.57
Checking: $150.50
ING Funds (total): $149.98
Roth IRA: $3,634.04 (out of the $5,000 I've invested so far)
401k: $813.04 (out of $986.48 invested)
Sharebuilder: $31.30 (out of $50 initial investment)
____________
Total Positive: $7,037.43

Rent: Paid
Phone: Paid
Credit card: $650.00
Student Loan I: $12,166.94
Student Loan II: $0
____________
Total Negative: $12,816.94

Net Worth: -$5,779.51

Luckily, January is a 3-paycheck month. I'm doing better, but I need all the help I can get.

Things aren't going great at work, and I'm pretty sure somebody's going to get axed. I definitely need this health insurance policy, so it would be horrible timing if it's me.

I've signed up for a silver-smithing class at my local adult-ed, and even though it costs a couple hundred dollars, I think it'll keep me from spending more in the long run, at the very least because it will take up 3 hours a week. Plus, I spend so much on jewelry, I should probably know what goes into making it, right? I should also take a cooking class and a pilates class, but baby steps, right?

Take it to the limit

ekingout@gmail.com (eking out) — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 16:50:00 +0000

Today has been sort of a big day. Even though I'm at a record monetary low, I paid off my smaller student loan, and I made my final 2008 Roth IRA contribution.

I will welcome any bonus money that may come to me, as well as the "extra" check in January (it's a 3-check month). Both will go directly into savings. I've already "treated" myself enough this year.

December 2008 Net Worth

ekingout@gmail.com (eking out) — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 14:40:00 +0000

Emergency Fund: $918.83
Checking: $380.77
ING Funds (total): $254.00
Roth IRA: $3,390.94 (out of the $4,900 I've invested so far)
401k: $668.96 (out of $882.64 invested)
Prosper: $60.83 (out of $100 in loans)
Sharebuilder: $30.41 (out of $50 initial investment)
____________
Total Positive: $5,704.74

Rent: Paid
Phone: Paid
Credit card: $458.28
Student Loan I: $12,555.22
Student Loan II: $121.02
____________
Total Negative: $13,134.52

Net Worth: -$7,429.78

Clearly, almost everything that could've gone wrong has. I'm desperately trying to pull myself together. I'm returning nearly all of it, but for every package I return, two more show up in my mailbox. I still don't know how this happened.