https://abundance.savingadvice.com One Bill At A Time info@savingadvice.com I'm Bent Not Broke! en-us https://abundance.savingadvice.com/2008/07/22/65thanks-ets_41383/ I took the GRE last year and applied for a fee waiver. I didn't get it but I was able to take the test at a reduced rate. I am just now getting the refund check! WOO-HOO! So into my account it goes and back out to pay a bill! Tue, 22 Jul 2008 03:06:25 PST I'm Bent Not Broke! https://abundance.savingadvice.com/2008/07/20/met-a-july-goal_41304/ One of my goals this month was to create a filing system for all important personal and financial documents.<br /> <br /> I'm proud to say I FINALLY did it. I got an expandable folder and labeled each section with each bill or type of information. It feels so good to have a system and some organization... Sun, 20 Jul 2008 01:26:44 PST I'm Bent Not Broke! https://abundance.savingadvice.com/2008/07/19/the-joy-of-the-dollar-store_41289/ There is a dollar store within walking distance of my house and for some reason I would always go to Walgreen's instead. Could be pure laziness but now I've changed my mind! Granted there are things at Walgreen's that aren't at the dollar store (mainly meds) but this particular store... Sat, 19 Jul 2008 16:05:27 PST I'm Bent Not Broke! https://abundance.savingadvice.com/2008/07/18/kudos-to-me_41280/ I am proud to announce that I brought my lunch everyday this week.<br /> <br /> I paid all my bills first thing this morning.<br /> <br /> I've been keeping a running tab of money spent. I have to find my balance book to enter the items in there.<br /> <br /> I spend time looking for coupons prior to buying something.<br /> <br /> :-)<br /> Fri, 18 Jul 2008 20:33:17 PST I'm Bent Not Broke! https://abundance.savingadvice.com/2008/07/17/cheap-organicoxymoron_41241/ I like to buy organic products, mainly for my son because I worry about him going through puberty at the age of 8 or having any other health issues associated with the ridiculous amounts of chemicals in our food. But in today's economy I find it increasing difficult to do so. I buy... Thu, 17 Jul 2008 20:20:48 PST I'm Bent Not Broke! https://abundance.savingadvice.com/2008/07/17/debt-avalanche-vs-debt-snowball_41215/ I have read Dave Ramsey's book and really enjoyed it. I've also listened to his show and got some wonderful advice and ideas.<br /> <br /> I just stumbled across this new method called the Debt Avalanche<div style="display:none;">Text is http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/08/01/paying-off-debt-6-steps-to-building-a-better-snowball/... Thu, 17 Jul 2008 02:11:15 PST I'm Bent Not Broke! https://abundance.savingadvice.com/2008/07/15/household-notebook_41142/ I have been playing around with the idea of creating one for a while. I like the idea of having a central location for these documents because I do find myself stumbling around. And if there was ever an emergency what would I do?<br /> <br /> So I came across this wonderful blog to help me get... Tue, 15 Jul 2008 01:30:23 PST I'm Bent Not Broke! https://abundance.savingadvice.com/2008/07/14/repairing-clothes-vs-buying-new_41107/ I have this shirt that I got via freecycle that I love. It's a great color and it fits with my style. Only recently I notice a rip in the back. I don't know how to sew otherwise I'd just repair it myself. And since I got the shirt for free I figure it would be cost effective to just... Mon, 14 Jul 2008 01:40:58 PST I'm Bent Not Broke! https://abundance.savingadvice.com/2008/07/11/new-job_41047/ After many months of going back and for. I have FINALLY found a job on campus. I know will be working part-time but that will allow me to focus on school. I'll also be able to work from home in the morning to make up for the reduced income. <br /> <br /> I'm excited but I know this will force... Fri, 11 Jul 2008 15:29:59 PST I'm Bent Not Broke! https://abundance.savingadvice.com/2008/05/27/back-from-the-desert_39420/ I had a great time in Arizona although it wasn't as hot as I wanted it to be! It was great seeing my family and watching my son run around.<br /> <br /> I spent entirely too much money in those 5 days. *le sigh* We went to the mall, I gave my neice $100 for graduation which I know was spent... Tue, 27 May 2008 14:08:26 PST I'm Bent Not Broke! https://abundance.savingadvice.com/2008/05/21/the-color-of-poverty_39236/ I've become deeply disturbed by some of the comments left in the money forums re: a young single mom who says she has a difficult time feeding herself and her child on what she receives in food stamps each month.<br /> <br /> Granted, I am currently working towards my masters in Sociology so... Wed, 21 May 2008 20:55:47 PST I'm Bent Not Broke! https://abundance.savingadvice.com/2008/05/21/post-it-note-lightbulb_39219/ I am going to tape a post it note to my debit card that says "I want to be debt free by 2010". <br /> <br /> We'll see if this helps curb my misc. spending? Wed, 21 May 2008 13:56:50 PST I'm Bent Not Broke! https://abundance.savingadvice.com/2008/05/21/dont-ask-me-for-advice_39205/ I have a dear friend who stresses me out.<br /> <br /> She's in a lot of debt but isn't actively trying to pay it off. She works 2 jobs, one that I KNOW pays decently and another that is more of a part-time gig. But she never seems to have money to cover any of her payments. She has the mentality... Wed, 21 May 2008 02:41:52 PST I'm Bent Not Broke! https://abundance.savingadvice.com/2008/05/20/100-red-light_39196/ I got a ticket in the mail. Apparently I ran a red light on 3/29, I didn't get the ticket til yesterday and owe them $100 by 5/31. There's no way for me to contest it because they have me on camera AND video,lol.<br /> <br /> Am I wrong to think that they should at least give you 30days notice... Tue, 20 May 2008 20:34:49 PST I'm Bent Not Broke! https://abundance.savingadvice.com/2008/05/19/graduation-gifts_39127/ My neice is graduating from high school on Wednesday. Unfortunately I wont be able to make the ceremony but will be traveling to Arizona on Thursday to spend time with her and my family. I've gone back and forth about what to get her in celebration of this event. She will be attending... Mon, 19 May 2008 00:02:42 PST I'm Bent Not Broke! https://abundance.savingadvice.com/2008/05/16/no-money-weekend_39046/ I'm going to try and not spend any money this weekend. Other than buying food for lunch next week...<br /> <br /> So far I am thinking of taking my son to the the zoo. I'm lucky to live in a city that has a FREE Zoo. I should be able to find street parking.<br /> <br /> One of the suburbs near me is having... Fri, 16 May 2008 18:26:55 PST I'm Bent Not Broke! https://abundance.savingadvice.com/2008/05/16/settling-vs-paying-full-balance_39019/ I owe Sprint $250.47. I discontinued my services because I lost my job and didn't have a way to keep up the monthly payments. I received a notice in the mail today saying I could settle the account for $125.24, 50% of the balance. And they say they will consider the balance settled... Fri, 16 May 2008 00:54:58 PST I'm Bent Not Broke! https://abundance.savingadvice.com/2008/05/15/so-long-wells-fargo_38993/ I checked my balance on one of my student loans today. <br /> <br /> $261.00<br /> <br /> I will admit, I make the payments every (or every other month)month and never paid attention to the declining balance. I am PLEASANTLY surprised at the fact that I actually have enough money to <b>PAY THIS OFF!!</b> <br /> <br /> *throws... Thu, 15 May 2008 13:20:07 PST I'm Bent Not Broke! https://abundance.savingadvice.com/2008/05/14/life-on-5000_38967/ I received an email from the director of my program stating that she is taking applications for next year's graduate assistantships.<br /> <br /> Free tuition. Yipee!<br /> <br /> The stipend is only $5,000.<br /> <br /> Who can live off of 5grand?<br /> <br /> *edited update*<br /> <br /> I didn't get the assistantship but I am going... Wed, 14 May 2008 17:00:02 PST I'm Bent Not Broke! https://abundance.savingadvice.com/2008/05/14/carecom-is-a-rip-off_38944/ I signed up for this service to find a sitter for my son. <br /> <br /> 1. They charged me the $40 enrollment fee two times. I emailed customer service and was told that the $40 would be returned to my account. <br /> <br /> 2. They charged me a renewal fee on Monday of $25 two times. <br /> <br /> When I check... Wed, 14 May 2008 00:44:37 PST I'm Bent Not Broke!