You're probably all aware of the absolute devastation Hurricane Sandy has brought to New Jersey, specifically the island communities. It's heart-wrenching to see photos of the communities I grew up in completely destroyed.
The hubs and I are fortunate that we did not sustain any damage to our home. There are a few tree limbs to drag out to the curb, but our power was restored over night last night and even our food made it through. Unfortunately, some of our neighbors were not so lucky. Our friends have not been allowed back onto the islands to see if their homes have been damaged. I was donating our extra supplies at the local shelter and a woman absolutely broke down in front of me - her home had been completely destroyed. It took everything I had not to cry as well.
I hope all of you are safe & dry tonight. If you have extra supplies; water, snacks, toiletries, etc., please consider donating them to the Red Cross or another local organization assisting with recovery efforts. If you are local and want get your hands dirty you can call 1-800-Jersey-7. You can leave a voice mail and they will contact you with volunteer opportunities in your area.
Be safe all.
Showing posts with label news. Show all posts
Showing posts with label news. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
tricks for treats
Well, Readers, I'm all packed up for our four day Disney excursion. I'll be back Monday to detail if I was able to stick to the budget. I am happy to report that I did not buy any new clothes for this trip, which honestly, might be a first. Actually, I did buy a new pack of socks, but those I can use all the time, so we won't count that ;-)
I'll leave you with a Yahoo article about how stores trick you into spending more money. There's some sneaky stuff going on- like increasing the size of the shopping cart so you spend more money (just another reason to use the handheld basket on smaller trips).
One of the points I could definitely relate to was rasing the price on an items just to mark it down so you feel like you're saving more money. Their example was people are more likely to buy a mixer for $399.00 marked down from $499.00 rather than buy the same mixer which isn't on sale for $349.00. Another trick is the 10 for $10 "deal": I definitely will almost always buy more of something when it's marked 10/$10 (which is what they want!) I can't tell you how many times The Hubs has said something like "You know, you don't have to buy ten of them."
Do you ever fall victim to one of their price tricks? Knowledge is half the battle!
Also, speaking of knowledge, check out my sister's blog for a post about Banned Books Week and see how many of the classics you've read. I've read a paltry 9 out of 46 books. Had I read this morning, I would've gone to the library instead of buying magazines for the plane ride tonight!
I'll leave you with a Yahoo article about how stores trick you into spending more money. There's some sneaky stuff going on- like increasing the size of the shopping cart so you spend more money (just another reason to use the handheld basket on smaller trips).
One of the points I could definitely relate to was rasing the price on an items just to mark it down so you feel like you're saving more money. Their example was people are more likely to buy a mixer for $399.00 marked down from $499.00 rather than buy the same mixer which isn't on sale for $349.00. Another trick is the 10 for $10 "deal": I definitely will almost always buy more of something when it's marked 10/$10 (which is what they want!) I can't tell you how many times The Hubs has said something like "You know, you don't have to buy ten of them."
Do you ever fall victim to one of their price tricks? Knowledge is half the battle!
Also, speaking of knowledge, check out my sister's blog for a post about Banned Books Week and see how many of the classics you've read. I've read a paltry 9 out of 46 books. Had I read this morning, I would've gone to the library instead of buying magazines for the plane ride tonight!
Monday, September 17, 2012
seven minutes in shopper's heaven
This morning, while purusing Yahoo, I came across the article 7 Signs You're a Shopaholic. Immediately, I thought, "Tell me something I don't know." But, just for fun, lets go through their criteria together.
1. You have many tagged or unopened items in your closet.
Hell no. When I buy something new, I immediately wear it as soon as possible. Otherwise, what's the point of buying it?
2. You often purchase things you don't need or didn't plan to buy.
Guilty. For reference, see this post about a trip to Target.
3. An argument or frustration sparks the urge to shop.
Nah. I quell my frustration and anger through drinking.
4. You experience a rush of excitement when you buy.
Most definitely. You know those Kohl's commercials about "shopping to win"? That's me. One time, My savings total was $1,022 at Kohl's and you might as well have shot me up with heroin. I was high on savings.
5. Purchases are followed with feelings of remorse.
Eh. I'll go half-sies on this one. Sometimes, I'll feel guilty about a purchase, especially if it's one we really didn't need, but this doesn't happen too often.
6. You try to conceal your shopping habits.
Again, half-sies. Have I done it in the past? Yes. But it's not something that happens more than once or twice a year. I can't remember the last time I snuck a bag into the house.
7. You feel anxious on the days you don't shop.
No. I don't have the shakes or anything yet.
Okay, so I'm not a full fledged shopaholic, but it looks like I'm well on my way.
Yahoo suggests I "find a new activity" to substitute for shopping, which frankly, is ridiculous. Jogging will never be more fun than shopping, at least in my book. Although, I could get some cute new sneakers (just kidding, don't worry!). Or I could watch more TV, if that's even possible (and thus see commercials for things I want).
Then, I should "identify my triggers" which I think in the course of this blog, we've already done. I know I tend to shop before social events or when I'm feeling sad about something. Whether or not I "avoid shopping at all costs" at those moments is debateable. Next, we "remove temptation", by limiting shopping trips and going when only necessary. Unfortunately for Yahoo (and my wallet), I am the best execuse-maker I know, and I can make every shopping trip a necessary one.
They also advise to carry only the cash you need. There are a few schools of thought that harp on this principal, but I've never tried it. There's something about it I just don't like... I can't quite put my finger on it.
Lastly, "if you're still struggling with compulsive spending, don't be afraid to ask for help." I won't lie to you, my three faithful readers, lately I have thought about seeking some professional counseling on the subject. If for nothing else that some objective thoughts on the matter at hand. Maybe there's some deep-seeded reason for my shopping habits that I've been forcing into the deep recesses of my pysche. Probably not though.
Any thoughts on the article? Is there anything you would to the definition of a shopaholic?
1. You have many tagged or unopened items in your closet.
Hell no. When I buy something new, I immediately wear it as soon as possible. Otherwise, what's the point of buying it?
2. You often purchase things you don't need or didn't plan to buy.
Guilty. For reference, see this post about a trip to Target.
3. An argument or frustration sparks the urge to shop.
Nah. I quell my frustration and anger through drinking.
4. You experience a rush of excitement when you buy.
Most definitely. You know those Kohl's commercials about "shopping to win"? That's me. One time, My savings total was $1,022 at Kohl's and you might as well have shot me up with heroin. I was high on savings.
5. Purchases are followed with feelings of remorse.
Eh. I'll go half-sies on this one. Sometimes, I'll feel guilty about a purchase, especially if it's one we really didn't need, but this doesn't happen too often.
6. You try to conceal your shopping habits.
Again, half-sies. Have I done it in the past? Yes. But it's not something that happens more than once or twice a year. I can't remember the last time I snuck a bag into the house.
7. You feel anxious on the days you don't shop.
No. I don't have the shakes or anything yet.
Okay, so I'm not a full fledged shopaholic, but it looks like I'm well on my way.
Yahoo suggests I "find a new activity" to substitute for shopping, which frankly, is ridiculous. Jogging will never be more fun than shopping, at least in my book. Although, I could get some cute new sneakers (just kidding, don't worry!). Or I could watch more TV, if that's even possible (and thus see commercials for things I want).
Then, I should "identify my triggers" which I think in the course of this blog, we've already done. I know I tend to shop before social events or when I'm feeling sad about something. Whether or not I "avoid shopping at all costs" at those moments is debateable. Next, we "remove temptation", by limiting shopping trips and going when only necessary. Unfortunately for Yahoo (and my wallet), I am the best execuse-maker I know, and I can make every shopping trip a necessary one.
They also advise to carry only the cash you need. There are a few schools of thought that harp on this principal, but I've never tried it. There's something about it I just don't like... I can't quite put my finger on it.
Lastly, "if you're still struggling with compulsive spending, don't be afraid to ask for help." I won't lie to you, my three faithful readers, lately I have thought about seeking some professional counseling on the subject. If for nothing else that some objective thoughts on the matter at hand. Maybe there's some deep-seeded reason for my shopping habits that I've been forcing into the deep recesses of my pysche. Probably not though.
Any thoughts on the article? Is there anything you would to the definition of a shopaholic?
Thursday, May 10, 2012
bundle of joy?
I think since the hubs and I started dating, it was pretty much a given (to everyone else, at least) that we would get married. So by the time we actually got married, five years later, everyone else was ready for us to start popping out kids. I fairly certain I've disappointed my fair share of in-laws with every holiday that goes by and I don't tell them I'm knocked up.
To be honest, I've never been much of a kid person. With the exception of my younger cousin, neice, and nephews, I couldn't stand children for longer than an hour or two. I had one babysitting job as a tween and that barely lasted one summer because I thought I would rip my hair out - never did that again. Ironically, kids l-o-v-e me. More than dogs do (and I l-o-v-e dogs). My mom tells me she was the same way and that I'll feel differently once my close friends start having kids. But after reading this article on Yahoo! yesterday, I'm more skeptical about having kids than ever before:
The article gives a few talking points to go over regarding the first year with baby. The most important that jumps out to me is: Will you both work or will one of you quit to care for the child? I've always said if we had kids, I would want to stay home with them until they went to school or at least work part-time. Unfortunately, at this juncture, if I got pregnant tomorrow, that option would not be on the table. We need both incomes. So then we need to factor in child care costs which averages around $1,000 a month in our area. My mom works full time and the hubs' parents are two hours away, so family help isn't something we can't count on on a daily basis.
Then there are the other obvious expenses: diapers/wipes, clothing, food, etc etc. An economy pack of newborn diapers (236 count) on Amazon costs $48.00 and a newborn can go through between 8-12 diapers per day which means that pack won't even get you through a whole month. Hopefully, you're lucky enough to get a bunch of hand-me-downs, but even buying used clothing can be expensive when compared to how fast kids grow. Lastly, there are the little expenses that you might not think about, but can add up: co-pays for doctor's visits & your health insurance premiums in general, car payments if you'll need a bigger/safer car, and all the fees associated with sports/scouts/clubs as they grow up.
The financial planner in the article recommends paying off all your credit cards and automating your retirment savings before having children. He also recommends living on less and cutting out any extra spending that you can (he suggests 90% of your take home income & stashing the extra 10%).
My bank account is screaming already.
Now I know those of you with children will talk about what a joy it all is and how it's totally worth it - but since I don't have kids, I don't particularly buy that logic. I have frequently asked my mother if all this (picture me gesturing to myself) was worth it, usually after reading an article like this. For some reason, she keeps saying yes. Maybe she's getting senile. Right now, I'm perfectly content to snuggle up with my 35 pound fur baby who, barring any emergency surgeries, will probably cost me less than $10,000 to raise. At that rate, I can adopt a second!
To be honest, I've never been much of a kid person. With the exception of my younger cousin, neice, and nephews, I couldn't stand children for longer than an hour or two. I had one babysitting job as a tween and that barely lasted one summer because I thought I would rip my hair out - never did that again. Ironically, kids l-o-v-e me. More than dogs do (and I l-o-v-e dogs). My mom tells me she was the same way and that I'll feel differently once my close friends start having kids. But after reading this article on Yahoo! yesterday, I'm more skeptical about having kids than ever before:
Now, I understand (and they point out in the article) if you really sat down to tally everything up, you would never have kids and that no one is ever "really" ready. But, since I'm blogging about money, is there really a bigger decision that captures the essence of the word "personal finance"? The choice to have a child(ren) is probably one of the biggest personal and financial decisions a person will ever make, so we should go into it as informed as possible.The government's most recent annual report reveals a middle-income family with a child born in 2010 can expect to spend roughly $227,000 for food, shelter and other expenses necessary to raise that child - $287,000 when you factor in projected inflation...the bill does not include the cost of college or anything related to the pregnancy and delivery.
The article gives a few talking points to go over regarding the first year with baby. The most important that jumps out to me is: Will you both work or will one of you quit to care for the child? I've always said if we had kids, I would want to stay home with them until they went to school or at least work part-time. Unfortunately, at this juncture, if I got pregnant tomorrow, that option would not be on the table. We need both incomes. So then we need to factor in child care costs which averages around $1,000 a month in our area. My mom works full time and the hubs' parents are two hours away, so family help isn't something we can't count on on a daily basis.
Then there are the other obvious expenses: diapers/wipes, clothing, food, etc etc. An economy pack of newborn diapers (236 count) on Amazon costs $48.00 and a newborn can go through between 8-12 diapers per day which means that pack won't even get you through a whole month. Hopefully, you're lucky enough to get a bunch of hand-me-downs, but even buying used clothing can be expensive when compared to how fast kids grow. Lastly, there are the little expenses that you might not think about, but can add up: co-pays for doctor's visits & your health insurance premiums in general, car payments if you'll need a bigger/safer car, and all the fees associated with sports/scouts/clubs as they grow up.
The financial planner in the article recommends paying off all your credit cards and automating your retirment savings before having children. He also recommends living on less and cutting out any extra spending that you can (he suggests 90% of your take home income & stashing the extra 10%).
My bank account is screaming already.
Now I know those of you with children will talk about what a joy it all is and how it's totally worth it - but since I don't have kids, I don't particularly buy that logic. I have frequently asked my mother if all this (picture me gesturing to myself) was worth it, usually after reading an article like this. For some reason, she keeps saying yes. Maybe she's getting senile. Right now, I'm perfectly content to snuggle up with my 35 pound fur baby who, barring any emergency surgeries, will probably cost me less than $10,000 to raise. At that rate, I can adopt a second!
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
writing with a broken pencil
...is pointless. Hah!
I'm sure I'm not the only child of a baby boomer who was told college was non-negotiable. I'm sure I'm not the only person who didn't know what they wanted to study in college but who wanted to "get as far away from home" as possible. I'm also sure I'm not the only person who left only to come back and study at a state school. And I'm 100% sure I'm not the only person with significant student loan debt.
We've talked a lot about credit cards, "bad" debt, and even worse habits. Like many people, I don't think about my student loans as bad, since I got something out of it (although, with a B.A. in Sociology/Anthropology, whether I got the better deal is up for debate). Yesterday, I read an article in my hometown paper about Stockton students having some of the highest student loan debt in the state (read it here). Approximately $30,000 for a state school. Granted, this is about a quarter of the debt you would have if you went to an out of state, private college, but, still, I find that number shockingly high. Let's run & compare my numbers as a Stockton alumnae, shall we?
Year 1: About $15,000 for room & board at Simmons College in Boston, MA after grants & scholarships (half the total price). That's a hefty price tag for the "college experience". My major? Being ridiculous.
Year 2- Fall: I'm only coming up with about $2,000 in loans, which doesn't seem right, but I did obtain some grants, scholarships, and continued in the work-study program. I transferred to the Catholic University of America for fall semester because I decided I wanted to be a theater major.
Year 2- Spring: I leave CUA two weeks into spring semester because I realized I wasn't crazy enough to be a theater major. It's too late for me to transfer into Stockton, so I work & party pretty much everyday. Summer 2006 is still one of the best memories of my life (so far).
Year 3: I start classes at Richard Stockton College. I live at home, since my mom's house is less than five miles from campus. I decide to go for a Sociology degree because it would be the fastest track to graduation. Mom helps me out financially with school and pays for one semester a year. Loan amount: $4,170.77
Year 4: Stockton needs to fund it's expansion projects and tuition is slowly creeping up. Loan amount: $5,440.31
Year 5: Mom has to take a pay freeze, so she can't help me with school this last year. Stockton ups their tuition significantly. I took loans to pay for the whole year to the tune of $12,761.13.
When I graduated in May 2009, my total loan debt was approximately $28,000 and it hasn't decreased much at all. I should also note that unlike Years 1 & 2, I did not receive any scholarships/grants/work-study at Stockton, which definitely contributed to the overall total.
Once I started working, between my low wage (thanks to that Sociology degree) and my bill payments, I couldn't manage the $400 a month Sallie Mae wanted and I signed up for a 5 year interest-only plan. I'm almost into year three of the plan and I still couldn't fathom finding an extra $200 a month to pay for my loans (I pay about $200 per month right now). While it's not something I stress about now, in a year or so, I'm going to have to figure something out!
Do you feel like you got your money's worth out of your degree? If I could do it all again, I would've gone to community college for the first two years, then transferred to a state school. Although I met some great people and got to experience life on my own, I'm not sure it was worth $15,000 (and then some, when you include the other bed debt I got myself into!).
I'm sure I'm not the only child of a baby boomer who was told college was non-negotiable. I'm sure I'm not the only person who didn't know what they wanted to study in college but who wanted to "get as far away from home" as possible. I'm also sure I'm not the only person who left only to come back and study at a state school. And I'm 100% sure I'm not the only person with significant student loan debt.
We've talked a lot about credit cards, "bad" debt, and even worse habits. Like many people, I don't think about my student loans as bad, since I got something out of it (although, with a B.A. in Sociology/Anthropology, whether I got the better deal is up for debate). Yesterday, I read an article in my hometown paper about Stockton students having some of the highest student loan debt in the state (read it here). Approximately $30,000 for a state school. Granted, this is about a quarter of the debt you would have if you went to an out of state, private college, but, still, I find that number shockingly high. Let's run & compare my numbers as a Stockton alumnae, shall we?
Year 1: About $15,000 for room & board at Simmons College in Boston, MA after grants & scholarships (half the total price). That's a hefty price tag for the "college experience". My major? Being ridiculous.
Year 2- Fall: I'm only coming up with about $2,000 in loans, which doesn't seem right, but I did obtain some grants, scholarships, and continued in the work-study program. I transferred to the Catholic University of America for fall semester because I decided I wanted to be a theater major.
Year 2- Spring: I leave CUA two weeks into spring semester because I realized I wasn't crazy enough to be a theater major. It's too late for me to transfer into Stockton, so I work & party pretty much everyday. Summer 2006 is still one of the best memories of my life (so far).
Year 3: I start classes at Richard Stockton College. I live at home, since my mom's house is less than five miles from campus. I decide to go for a Sociology degree because it would be the fastest track to graduation. Mom helps me out financially with school and pays for one semester a year. Loan amount: $4,170.77
Year 4: Stockton needs to fund it's expansion projects and tuition is slowly creeping up. Loan amount: $5,440.31
Year 5: Mom has to take a pay freeze, so she can't help me with school this last year. Stockton ups their tuition significantly. I took loans to pay for the whole year to the tune of $12,761.13.
When I graduated in May 2009, my total loan debt was approximately $28,000 and it hasn't decreased much at all. I should also note that unlike Years 1 & 2, I did not receive any scholarships/grants/work-study at Stockton, which definitely contributed to the overall total.
Once I started working, between my low wage (thanks to that Sociology degree) and my bill payments, I couldn't manage the $400 a month Sallie Mae wanted and I signed up for a 5 year interest-only plan. I'm almost into year three of the plan and I still couldn't fathom finding an extra $200 a month to pay for my loans (I pay about $200 per month right now). While it's not something I stress about now, in a year or so, I'm going to have to figure something out!
Do you feel like you got your money's worth out of your degree? If I could do it all again, I would've gone to community college for the first two years, then transferred to a state school. Although I met some great people and got to experience life on my own, I'm not sure it was worth $15,000 (and then some, when you include the other bed debt I got myself into!).
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