Wednesday, March 27, 2013

respite

Hello Friends,

I've decided to take a break from blogging. Obviously, I haven't had much, or anything, really, to write to you about since my last post was at the beginning of the month. Truth be told, I feel like I'm just talking about things, but not really doing them, which defeats the whole purpose of why I started this blog.

I'm obviously not ready for change. I know that I should change, and I have, in little ways, but not in big ones. Someday, something drastic will happen and I'll have to change the way I do things.

If you need something to tide you over, Financial Literacy Month starts on April 1st - sign up to thake there pledge here.

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

supercharged

A year ago, I wrote this post about our electric bill(s). In February 2012, we paid $289 for electric which inspired me to make the leap to Constellation Energy as our energy supplier. They gave us a fixed rate of 9.55 cents for twelve months. My, how time flies! I was in denial when I received the renewal notice in January, thinking I had until April, at least.

In January 2013, our bill was $289 - a little higher than I expected, but it was pretty cold all month and we had the heat on in more rooms than normal (like the downstairs half bath & kitchen). But early on Saturday morning, I got my monthly e-bill from Atlantic City Electric and you'll never guess how much it was for.

Seriously, it's crazy. You'll never guess. Unless I've already told you, of course. Just pick a number in your head.


just a friendly reminder from Homer

It was $400!!!!!! $408.15 to be exact. What. The. Fudge. Shut the front door. Expletive after expletive after expletive. The real kicker is we're still using less electric as compared to other homes in our neighborhood!

Yesterday, I went online to see why on earth it was so high. AC Electric charged us about $170 to deliver the electric. Then Constellation charged us almost $240 in supply fees for the month. It boiled down to about 10.22 cents per kilowatt of electricity use. This means we're out of our fixed rate contract and now in the variable rate period. Yesterday, I was ready to cancel my service with Constellation, but after calming down and doing a little more research today, I found they were still about a cent cheaper than AC Electric's current rate of 11.77 cents per kilowatt of use.

I'm going to call Constellation this afternoon to see what kind of rate they'll give us if we renew our contract  for another year. Hopefully, we'll be able to get our original 9.55 rate back, but if not, I guess we'll stick with the current rate.

After all, a penny saved is a penny earned, right?

Friday, March 1, 2013

the pits

Ugh, Readers, it has not been a good week. It started out promising, but quickly went downhill.

I officially fell into the bottom of the hole yesterday, when I checked my PNC balance only to find there was negative $38.00  in it. Double Ugh.

Apparently this week was when everyone decided to cash every check I had ever written them. Seriously, people, get to the bank on time. I budgeted that money during the pay period that check is dated, not the one four weeks later. You can deposit checks using your smart phone now-a-days, there's no excuse for that.

Then, since I was in a bad mood, I fell off my no soda wagon and drowned my sorrows in a 20 ounce Coke and half a bag of Sun Chips. Then I wanted to throw up for the rest of the afternoon.

At least today is payday and it's a three paycheck month.

Anyone else encountering road blocks lately?