Well, NBA's new company is quite different from his previous one. His first day in the office was Monday, and he brought home his new phone yesterday. We are still waiting for reimbursement from the other place. NOT!
So, the real benefit of this new arrangement is that we get an extra $80 per month, $960 per year. YES! And, being the committed people we are to reducing our debt load, we promptly went to our cc account and upped our monthly payment by $80. Sweet! It doesn't seem like a big deal, but for us this is big. The fact that we took care of it right away is a great step forward.
Showing posts with label issues with money. Show all posts
Showing posts with label issues with money. Show all posts
Friday, January 19, 2007
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
new habit taking shape
Wow! This focus and timeliness stuff is pretty cool. I have had a really good day today, doing things I have been putting off and getting other ideas thought/planned out.
I realize that part of the reason I procrastinate around the house is that everything feels insurmountable. When I look at all the laundry that needs to be done, all the linens that need changing, the clothes that need to be mended/thrown away/donated, the dishes that need to be washed and put away, I get frustrated and don't do anything. Well beginning today, my new motto is: something is better than nothing. It doesn't matter if I only do one load of laundry, I still did something. It doesn't matter if I don't read all the articles tonight, as long as I read some everyday, I will be ok. I can't let myself get frustrated that after a long day of work, I am still not done with the two main projects I worked on. The projects may not be complete, but they are much closer to completion than they were this morning. That, my friends, is progress.
Successfully changing my behaviors and learning new habits to replace my old friend procrastination is going to be a long, but exciting road. I was so happy today putting away laundry in Leo's room because he and I spent 15 minutes reorganizing and making things more functional. We moved out the impractical piece of furniture and repurposed old storage bins for his uniforms and sports equipment. This was an especially big achievement because I did it without spending money. My excuse had always been that I would buy hooks when we got some extra money. Well, not only are we trying not to spend money, but hooks are not the only acceptable form of storage for his room.
Something else I learned today is that, at least in the beginning, my new lifestyle is going to be less time-efficient than I would like. I need to get things done as I am able/willing, which means that bundling errands and activities is going to have to wait. Maybe that will be 2008's goal. ;)
I realize that part of the reason I procrastinate around the house is that everything feels insurmountable. When I look at all the laundry that needs to be done, all the linens that need changing, the clothes that need to be mended/thrown away/donated, the dishes that need to be washed and put away, I get frustrated and don't do anything. Well beginning today, my new motto is: something is better than nothing. It doesn't matter if I only do one load of laundry, I still did something. It doesn't matter if I don't read all the articles tonight, as long as I read some everyday, I will be ok. I can't let myself get frustrated that after a long day of work, I am still not done with the two main projects I worked on. The projects may not be complete, but they are much closer to completion than they were this morning. That, my friends, is progress.
Successfully changing my behaviors and learning new habits to replace my old friend procrastination is going to be a long, but exciting road. I was so happy today putting away laundry in Leo's room because he and I spent 15 minutes reorganizing and making things more functional. We moved out the impractical piece of furniture and repurposed old storage bins for his uniforms and sports equipment. This was an especially big achievement because I did it without spending money. My excuse had always been that I would buy hooks when we got some extra money. Well, not only are we trying not to spend money, but hooks are not the only acceptable form of storage for his room.
Something else I learned today is that, at least in the beginning, my new lifestyle is going to be less time-efficient than I would like. I need to get things done as I am able/willing, which means that bundling errands and activities is going to have to wait. Maybe that will be 2008's goal. ;)
Monday, December 04, 2006
holiday decorating
Today, because I have a huge school project due tomorrow, I spent all morning putting up holiday decorations. We still don't have a tree, but everything else is in place. The decorations look very cute, if I do say so myself!
I had to buy new lights because I broke our old ones. I did not buy LEDs because 1) I did not like the store's selection and 2) I returned an item for $10 and didn't want to spend more than that on lights.
I am very frustrated with the local teacher's store. I bought $115 worth of art supplies for the kids' Christmas gifts. However, with our new financial situation I decided to return them and use that money to pay for excursions on our trip. Apparently, this store does not keep extra money in the register because they were not able to give me my refund. I have to call each day to find out if they have enough. HOW FRUSTRATING!!! If I am returning Christmas gifts, I obviously need the money; I shouldn't have to wait 3 days to get it! I purchased these items 2 weeks ago, so the check has already cleared. That's not the issue. Arggh! I am so not shopping there anymore.
I had to buy new lights because I broke our old ones. I did not buy LEDs because 1) I did not like the store's selection and 2) I returned an item for $10 and didn't want to spend more than that on lights.
I am very frustrated with the local teacher's store. I bought $115 worth of art supplies for the kids' Christmas gifts. However, with our new financial situation I decided to return them and use that money to pay for excursions on our trip. Apparently, this store does not keep extra money in the register because they were not able to give me my refund. I have to call each day to find out if they have enough. HOW FRUSTRATING!!! If I am returning Christmas gifts, I obviously need the money; I shouldn't have to wait 3 days to get it! I purchased these items 2 weeks ago, so the check has already cleared. That's not the issue. Arggh! I am so not shopping there anymore.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Identification is the first step...
I have not been focused on my 7 things goal for the last three days.
Instead, we have been working on our financial future and making plans to meet our goals. We identified our major flaw when it comes to money management and goal setting. We realized that we are impulsive when making purchasing decisions, overriding our prior goals and plans when something better comes along. Ex. 1: the couch. Originally we were going to buy a new couch with our tax return in the Spring. We would have the money, we wouldn't have to impact our monthly budget at all. Well, I found the perfect couch at the perfect price and we bought it. I shouldn't have even been looking at couches until it was time to buy because I know myself well enough to know that once i start looking, I am going to want to purchase something soon. Ex. 2: our st. thomas vacation. We were not going on a trip this year because we wanted to put the money towards either the house or our debt. Then we get a great deal, which is still way more than nothing, and go ahead and do it.
Let me be clear, I don't regret either of these purchases. What I regret is that I was unable to stick to my goals. I regret not being able to look at the larger picture. Part of my issue is that this seems to be a symbol of ungratefulness, always wanting more, as if what I have isn't good enough. I will continue to think this through and work out how I can change my thought patterns.
Instead, we have been working on our financial future and making plans to meet our goals. We identified our major flaw when it comes to money management and goal setting. We realized that we are impulsive when making purchasing decisions, overriding our prior goals and plans when something better comes along. Ex. 1: the couch. Originally we were going to buy a new couch with our tax return in the Spring. We would have the money, we wouldn't have to impact our monthly budget at all. Well, I found the perfect couch at the perfect price and we bought it. I shouldn't have even been looking at couches until it was time to buy because I know myself well enough to know that once i start looking, I am going to want to purchase something soon. Ex. 2: our st. thomas vacation. We were not going on a trip this year because we wanted to put the money towards either the house or our debt. Then we get a great deal, which is still way more than nothing, and go ahead and do it.
Let me be clear, I don't regret either of these purchases. What I regret is that I was unable to stick to my goals. I regret not being able to look at the larger picture. Part of my issue is that this seems to be a symbol of ungratefulness, always wanting more, as if what I have isn't good enough. I will continue to think this through and work out how I can change my thought patterns.
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