I've been putting off a post on this topic, but it's so relevant to personal finance and is behind everything finance-related I am going through right now. So I might as well get it over with!
The S.O. and I have decided to break up. We were not legally married, but we were married in every other sense of the word. The reasons behind our decision are not as important, but it came after a lot of talking and crying together. I think we each have our different reasons, but the fact that it is best for us is one thing we agree on. I will say, though, that we are not very compatible from a personal finance point of view. Being my S.O. is very expensive. He has expensive tastes, enjoys several cocktails and wine with dinner, and needs the latest gadgets and best equipment available, even for a new hobby that (probably) won't stick. That part of our relationship gave me ulcers.
So we sent out an email to our mutual friends. An email is a little impersonal, but we wanted everyone to hear it from both of us, and directly from us (not through the grapevine). So, with everyone spread out across the country, it was the best we could do. Some friends emailed us back right away showing their support, and others are still digesting it and probably trying to let it settle in.
So now we begin the process of dividing and liquidating assets. Not the best market for the real estate side, but relationships don't necessarily follow economic cycles.
We now have two condos and a car on the market. Once they sell, I will move into the one I purchased on my own, before I met my S.O. I am actually pretty excited about calling my own shots again and getting to have the only opinion about paint colors, home improvement projects, furniture selections, how money is spent, etc. And I already have some healthy, frugal things that I hope to start implementing!
I'm looking forward to going back to a simpler life. It will not always be easy, but for the long run, it's the right thing for both of us. I am thankful that we are agreeing to stay a team on this. Of course, going back to being 12 years old would be even easier.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Additional incentives for using cloth bags
In the trunk of my car, I have been carrying around 3 cloth bags for my groceries. And I NEVER remember to actually take them into the grocery store with me. Until now! And I'm glad that I did. There were several benefits to doing it. First, when the basket I picked up at the entrance got full (they always do), I was able to start putting things in the bag on my shoulder. This move saved my arms from having too much weight on them and distributed the weight to my shoulder, like a purse. Everything I purchased fit into the bags, and I was walking out, scanning my receipt, I noticed that I had received 5 cents off for each bag! 10 cents may not seem like a lot, but I happen to be in the same camp as Madame X over at My Open Wallet in this post. It adds up over time!
But it also got me thinking about the plastic bags themselves at the grocery store. Do they really cost the store 5 cents each? If that's the case, I have about $2 in bags stuffed under the sink in my kitchen. And it costs me 10 cents everytime I clean the litter box, outside of the obvious costs of the litter, the liner, and the scooper. That seems really high, considering the grocery store probably pays for them in bulk. Maybe they wanted something more substantial than the fraction of a cent that the bags actually cost as a reimbursement? Or maybe it's their "donation" for the environment, by offering an incentive that actually dips into the store's pockets. I wonder how the accounting on that looks on their financial statements.
In any case, I may start remembering to actually pull the cloth bags out of the trunk of my car and take them into the store with me, now that there's a financial incentive in addition to the environmental incentive!
But it also got me thinking about the plastic bags themselves at the grocery store. Do they really cost the store 5 cents each? If that's the case, I have about $2 in bags stuffed under the sink in my kitchen. And it costs me 10 cents everytime I clean the litter box, outside of the obvious costs of the litter, the liner, and the scooper. That seems really high, considering the grocery store probably pays for them in bulk. Maybe they wanted something more substantial than the fraction of a cent that the bags actually cost as a reimbursement? Or maybe it's their "donation" for the environment, by offering an incentive that actually dips into the store's pockets. I wonder how the accounting on that looks on their financial statements.
In any case, I may start remembering to actually pull the cloth bags out of the trunk of my car and take them into the store with me, now that there's a financial incentive in addition to the environmental incentive!
Monday, December 01, 2008
OMG-- I'm laughing out loud!
HAHA! This post over at Punny Money actually has me giggling out loud. If you're in a public place like I am, you have been forewarned! But it's worth it....
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Jumping on the Band Wagon
After a lot of discussion, the S.O. and I have decided to jump on the bandwagon and rent out our place for the inauguration. Our 1 bedroom + den is in downtown DC. But we would definitely have to be reimbursed for giving up our home to strangers for the long weekend! So it may not work out.
There seems to be lot of controversy on the subject. This article in the NY Times shows both sides of the story. Apparently, those who would like to come to DC for the inauguration are upset that homeowners are asking for so much money to rent their homes. I have to say, though, it's a pretty scary proposition! So we'll only do it if we feel like we are getting paid for taking that risk and for giving up our home during such a historic time. Another article in the NY Times, Big Day, Big Crowds, Big Price Tag further clenches my desire to make money off this inauguration. It looks like DC picks up a big part of the tab for the inaugurations; no wonder my taxes are so high!! Of course, that could be easier to swallow if DC residents were to get representation in Congress (someone who can vote, that is)....
There seems to be lot of controversy on the subject. This article in the NY Times shows both sides of the story. Apparently, those who would like to come to DC for the inauguration are upset that homeowners are asking for so much money to rent their homes. I have to say, though, it's a pretty scary proposition! So we'll only do it if we feel like we are getting paid for taking that risk and for giving up our home during such a historic time. Another article in the NY Times, Big Day, Big Crowds, Big Price Tag further clenches my desire to make money off this inauguration. It looks like DC picks up a big part of the tab for the inaugurations; no wonder my taxes are so high!! Of course, that could be easier to swallow if DC residents were to get representation in Congress (someone who can vote, that is)....
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Financial Dilemma
Last night I used a free pass to try out a pilates class. My dilemma isn't as obvious as it may seem between the title and first sentence of this post. I enjoyed the class, but realize that I'm probably going to need more in order to learn the basics and get the most out of the class. So after the class, I lined up with other participants with questions to ask the instructor how much class passes are. The woman in front of me was asking about a refund. She had just found out about a job transfer to another city, and had five classes left on her pass. Overhearing this, I offered to the instructor and the woman to simply buy her out of her remaining classes.
The instructor agreed to this suggestion, but here's where I'm not so sure. The woman who is moving told me that a 5-class pass costs $75, so I could simply give her $75 for the five remaining classes on her pass. However, after she left, it was my turn to inquire about the costs of passes, and I was told that a 5-class pass is $75, and a 10-class pass is $140.
So I'm wondering-- do I owe this woman $75 or $70 (half the price of a 10-class pass)? The way I see it, I'm doing her a favor and it would already be generous of me to simply reimburse her for what she can't use. But now she seems to want $75, giving her a $5 profit. I know that it's only $5, and I'm trying to just let it go. I haven't given her any money and plan on meeting with her on Monday.
As much as I try to let it go, I can't seem to think about what $5 could buy me. I could buy 2 gallons of gas, or lunch out during the week (instead of bringing my lunch).
I think that, for my own peace of mind, on Monday I need to offer her half of what she paid for half of the classes she purchased. If she doesn't like it, I could buy my own 10-class pass and leave her unreimbursed.
WWYD?
The instructor agreed to this suggestion, but here's where I'm not so sure. The woman who is moving told me that a 5-class pass costs $75, so I could simply give her $75 for the five remaining classes on her pass. However, after she left, it was my turn to inquire about the costs of passes, and I was told that a 5-class pass is $75, and a 10-class pass is $140.
So I'm wondering-- do I owe this woman $75 or $70 (half the price of a 10-class pass)? The way I see it, I'm doing her a favor and it would already be generous of me to simply reimburse her for what she can't use. But now she seems to want $75, giving her a $5 profit. I know that it's only $5, and I'm trying to just let it go. I haven't given her any money and plan on meeting with her on Monday.
As much as I try to let it go, I can't seem to think about what $5 could buy me. I could buy 2 gallons of gas, or lunch out during the week (instead of bringing my lunch).
I think that, for my own peace of mind, on Monday I need to offer her half of what she paid for half of the classes she purchased. If she doesn't like it, I could buy my own 10-class pass and leave her unreimbursed.
WWYD?
Sunday, November 02, 2008
Greed and fear in the marketplace
"We simply attempt to be fearful when others are greedy and to be greedy only when others are fearful."
--Warren Buffett
This is a quote that I discovered about 10 years ago. It rang very true with me and follows my beliefs on investing. When times are tough, it is a tough rule to follow. Of course, I often wonder what people thought "deals" on investments, whether it's with the stock market or real estate, would look and feel like when they claim that is what they are waiting on. Instead, they seem to wait until an environment feels "good" or "comfortable" before they act. The result is often closer to "buying high" and "selling low", when the strategy should be the other way around.
Seeing all the fear in the market right now, I have been pumping as much money as I can into my retirement and other investments. They continue to go down, but I am very well diversified and know that all this "buying low" will pay off in the long run. I am at least 25 years away from being able to tap those investments anyway, so I am in it for the long term.
I received an email from ING direct promoting a sharebuilder account. By opening an account with $100, they would add another $50. I know that this must mean they are not seeing many people investing right now. Another example of being "greedy" when others are fearful, I promptly opened an investment account with Sharebuilder and expect to see $50 added to my account in another month. Sounds like I good return to me!
If you are interested in taking advantage of the fear in the marketplace, and the above quote by Warren Buffett rings true for you, the code is ORANGE50CASH when you are opening the account. You have to place a trade before 12/31/2008. I don't get paid for promoting this program; I am just putting it out there, in case there are others who share my philosophy on investing.
--Warren Buffett
This is a quote that I discovered about 10 years ago. It rang very true with me and follows my beliefs on investing. When times are tough, it is a tough rule to follow. Of course, I often wonder what people thought "deals" on investments, whether it's with the stock market or real estate, would look and feel like when they claim that is what they are waiting on. Instead, they seem to wait until an environment feels "good" or "comfortable" before they act. The result is often closer to "buying high" and "selling low", when the strategy should be the other way around.
Seeing all the fear in the market right now, I have been pumping as much money as I can into my retirement and other investments. They continue to go down, but I am very well diversified and know that all this "buying low" will pay off in the long run. I am at least 25 years away from being able to tap those investments anyway, so I am in it for the long term.
I received an email from ING direct promoting a sharebuilder account. By opening an account with $100, they would add another $50. I know that this must mean they are not seeing many people investing right now. Another example of being "greedy" when others are fearful, I promptly opened an investment account with Sharebuilder and expect to see $50 added to my account in another month. Sounds like I good return to me!
If you are interested in taking advantage of the fear in the marketplace, and the above quote by Warren Buffett rings true for you, the code is ORANGE50CASH when you are opening the account. You have to place a trade before 12/31/2008. I don't get paid for promoting this program; I am just putting it out there, in case there are others who share my philosophy on investing.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
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