We've moved!

holler here:
http://shesavesshescores.tumblr.com

FREEky Fridays

Not everything in life is free, but for now, at least most of the interweb is. I give you, FREEky Fridays, a weekly post finding awesome, free things around the web. Whether it's a printable coupon, a funny video or a financial cleanse resource you have to know about - I will post it and you will enjoy. Send stuff over if you have something cool to share!

Today's entry is video-based. Comes from Improv Everywhere, a hilarious guerrilla improv troupe started by fellow Carolina alum, Charlie Todd. They create scenes all over New York and consequently, make a few people smile. Here is there latest "mission," with a cameo by The Today Show's Ann Curry, who's so awesome.

Watch and laugh. For free. Happy Friday!

http://improveverywhere.com/2009/11/05/i-love-lunch-the-musical/



FIN

Minimum Payments. Ugh.

Just typing those three words made my eyes bleed.

I know all of my balling out of control banker friends will shake their heads at me, but look, I don't make as much money as you, and my credit card has been faithful to me when I needed her most, okay? She did cheat on me with finance charges and annual fees, but I keep coming back because sometimes she's all I got and because sometimes I'll charge Chipotle. Don't judge.

Anyway, not sure if you recall, but one of my major goals was to do the debt reduction plan from CNN Money. Three years and out of debt, based on these numbers that tell you exactly what you should pay each month on each balance. Pretty rad, eh?

I hate drama but unfortunately it loves me and an unexpected move jacked up all my plans. I'm now settled, but it'll be a while until I can do the plan again - perhaps after the holidays? I plan on getting my parents nicer presents this year. Like a sweet card with three paragraphs of life-long overdue thanks, rather than last year's two paragraphs. I'm on a budget.

But I'm trying not to use the cards while I pay these smaller amounts and not add on to the balances like I used to. The purpose of this blog is to document my saving and spending habits but mostly it's about getting out of debt. How can I do this without paying more than the minimums? I know it's only a three month hiatus, but I want to rock this bitch. Is anyone else in a similar boat? That is, you currently (or used to) pay down, then use, pay down, then use your card(s)? How did you remedy this situation? Did you work two jobs? Did you cut things out of your life? HOW DID YOU GET OUT OF DEBT? TELL ME. FEED ME SEYMOUR.

Hey New Yorkers: know of any part-time gigs? I can cocktail like nobody's business.

Cheap costume ideas?

Who's got them? When I say cheap, I mean I could affix household item A to household item B, attach it to my body, throw on flasies and BAM! I'm Latika from Slumdog Millionaire. Remember, this blog is about maximizing my life for less but I still need to be a smokeshow so I can flirt appropriately. Is this achievable?

Tips? Tricks? Trick or Treat?

Help me.

For my buddies in Midtown - lucky! Gosh.

http://www.8coupons.com/discounts/pop-burger-midtown-new-york-10022#11704

It's nearing Halloween! Let's talk about my SpOoKy bank balances.

Boo, dude. It's scary. So broke.

Oh how I love my little studio and how cozy and charming she's becoming, but sweet baby Jesus she's expensive. I know I've posted about waiting for certain large purchases, but honestly how is a girl supposed to host hot suitors without a couch?

So I bought a couch. She's not HGTV-worthy. In fact, she's more of the BEFORE picture pedigree, but she's mine (why I am personifying everything lately?). Anyhow, got the khaki colored sofa at Jennifer Convertibles for $300, well under my original budget and quite comfy despite it being from...Jennifer Convertibles.

Alas those 300 bones were a sacrifice. The couch set me back a few and I have less than Sir MC Hammer in the bank at the moment. Paying for the usual necessities may be tough until payday (and sadly after as well). But I'm optimistic. Bills? All included in my budget, so that's cool. I got that part down at least. Groceries? Don't need 'em. I'm surprisingly well-stocked thanks to a recent care package from le parental unit and a five-for-$5 sale at CVS.

So though I could take you to a digital haunted house via my Chase checking account, things could be worse. See Perspective. I do wish, however, the previously mentioned Jesus would make it rain dollar bills on/near/around East Third Street. Geez.

MUST get a part time job. Or sell things.

FIN.

Just wanted to mention...

I HAVE NOT SPENT ONE CENT TODAY!

This might not seem like a big deal to you, but I live in New York. Also known as, "The City that Never Sleeps and Never Stops Spending." Or so I've heard.

Think of the obstacles I have triumphed over/avoided today:

830AM - Fruit cart on the way to work: usually buy a banana. Today? DENIED, Mohammed!

1045AM - Browsed J. Crew and ShopBop. Can you read?? I browsed!

1230PM - Lunchtime. I brownbagged and watched instantly on Netflix as per usual. Bliss.

330PM - Afternoon snack? Green tea and chocolate on the company dime, stocked in the kitchen. Pure bliss.

7PM - Reheated the chicken tacos I made last night. Muy bueno y sin dinero.

9PM - Took a bath and read Essence while listening to depressing, yet romantic, old school Feist. Totally free and freeing.

1125PM - Realized that I have yet to pay my Time Warner bill that is due today. Paying that ish tomorrow online just to save face. I'm on a roll, alright?

So proud and I didn't even plan this! Let's see how tomorrow goes, shall we?

FIN

Perspective

Sometimes things happen in life, like say, a rushed move to a new apartment, bills, a tough time at work or a break up with a soulless human being. But it could be worse. I made it into said apartment, I'm working on my finances, I'm trying harder at work and I wasn't attracted to the douchebag anyway - his smile was the only thing going for him and that was manufactured. It's all worked out or is working out and I've already moved on. C'est la vie.

Terrible things are happening all over the world, most recently the disasters in Southeast Asia, but everyday people are dying of hunger and AIDS and things I could never ever fathom.

People are being laid off every second.

My brother's in Iraq right now. It's by choice, but he's in IRAQ. I mean geez, I can moan all day long about the increasing Metrocard costs and evil boys with Napeleon complexes, but I'm not fighting for my country in 120 degree weather, 6000 miles away.

Have you read The Diving Bell and the Butterfly?!

I'm not saying my problems are insignificant or not worth talking about, it's just that in the big scheme of things, I have a roof over my head. In the big scheme of things, I'll work through my debt and figure out what I want to do career wise. Apparently, eventually a good guy will come along when I least expect it (or that's what everyone tells me). Putting things in perspective and realizing that you are fortunate can really bring your life back into focus.

In the meantime, I'm going to put all the energy I have into being a better person, a better daughter, sister and friend. Change starts with you (and more than likely ends with you) and nothing can come from being stagnant, right? There are so many things that I want to do and I can't be all talk anymore. Steve Jobs tore out a page from a magazine about 25 years ago and I have the scan of it posted on my desk. STAY HUNGRY, STAY FOOLISH. We should all attempt to follow this mantra everyday.

Just so you know, the good things outnumber the bad in my life by an exponential amount.

FIN

PS - Nothing good comes out of Duke except for basketball losses.

Busy, but making a little time for my arch enemy, DEBT

I have been unbelievably busy. Like every hour of everyday carved out for me kind of busy.

But I'm still fighting to beat down my debt, a number that cannot be named. Going forward, said debt will be called VOLDEMORT. Voldermort is a bitch.

An aside: I hate mixing my pop culture references, but has anyone starting watching Heroes: Season 4, yet? They're introducing all these new characters with crazy cool powers. A deaf woman has the power to "visually hear" things she sees through spurts of color! Another character has enhanced speed - that is, he can rip you to shreds with knives in 10 seconds. Those writers have great imaginations. I guess that's what they're paid for, but how about introducing a super hot black girl? She can be a sort of modern day Robin hood whose ability is taking loot out of banker's bonuses and paying off poor folks debt! What do you think?! Her first save? Herself.

Back to the busy, I just moved into a new studio last week (HURRAH!) and though living single has benefits galore, the start up stuff is costly. But I am not using my credit cards to make any purchases! I've been working hard and cutting back! I think I'm also taking the advice of friends and saving up for the big purchases. Sure, I could buy a nice couch tomorrow, but then I'd struggle a bit until the end of the month. Instead I'm going to save little by little until I'm ready to buy the couch and all guests will have spoon with me until I get it. Cool?

If you guys know of where to find cheap sofabeds, please let me know! I'm also looking for some cute curtains to replace the black garbage bags presently covering my windows. Mucho feo, señors.

FIN

Taxis vs. public transportation vs. jet packs

I was looking at my bank statement today and noticed that the word "TAXI" appeared like 312 times. Not really, but geez Louise I take a lot of cabs. OR I DID.

My excuses?

• "It's too late to take the train"
  
• "It's raining"
• "It's too hot"
• "I have on heels"

No more excuses, chief!

I am now going to make a valiant effort to either take the subway or bus or just walk my chubby ass home. I wanted more exercise, right? The whole city is what? Thirteen miles long? Washington Heights to Williamsburg, I should be walking with my income. I fortunately live, work and play downtown, so I walk. And when I do take cabs they rarely run over 10 bones. But still! It adds up.

One trick that has helped me through the years when I'm debating between the cost of anything is what I like to call, "Manhattan Math." Three cab rides is one week's worth of groceries. Or three loads of laundry. Or three drinks at the bar. The last one is dear to my heart.

It's really not worth it unless you're sharing a cab with friends. So I'm saving my cash and paying $2.25/per ride on the subway (I don't get a monthly card since my commute is pedi one, so I buy a few rides at a time). Plus that $2.25 gets you to your destination AND offers panhandler entertainment and Missed Connection sideways glances! Can't get that added value in a taxi.

And yes, jet packs will soon be an option. The future is near! You can count on it!


FIN

Way better blog than mine.

This post has nothing to do with money or saving, but just the pure awesomeness that is Tavi.

Tavi is 13. She is also amazing. She knows more about fashion than most folks I know. She styles shoots and is currently in NYC for Fashion Week, blogging away. What a big (little) life! Check her out. Oh! Thought of how I can her blog is related: had I been an ingenious and clever thirteen-year-old and started my blog then, perhaps I'd be stuffing my duvet cover with dollar bills by now. Tis all.

http://tavi-thenewgirlintown.blogspot.com/

FIN

"It may be years until the day...

...my dreams will match up with my pay."



That is all.

Check out old school Feist (above) while I work on post number 8!

I'm fit, mate.

Okay well, "fit" might be a stretch, but I'm relatively healthy. I eat alright (see previous post - i'm working on it), I try to drink like 64 ounces of water a day and I have the great advantage of being able to walk to work. It's about fifteen minutes each way, so I get my thirty minutes/day in just by showing up to my job in Battery Park.

I used to pay $85/month to go to New York Sports Club, but canceled my membership last July to save cash. I now run the Brooklyn Bridge or East River Esplanade to get in cardio and I play soccer for a Sunday league in Astoria.*

But I miss the machines of the gym. I don't want to get all Madonna or The Man Whose Arms Exploded or anything, but a nice tone all-around would be nice. Also, running and the running around in soccer burns a lot of fat, but I have no muscle. I can barely replace the water cooler at work without hyperventilating. And that's only 40lbs.

Any tips on getting buff sans Bally's? I mean, I can do curls with cans of green beans, but there's gotta be other ways to get toned without the help of gym machines. What are ways to stay strong without spending a ton on a gym membership? What do you folks do??

*Rereading this, I sound sooo athletic and active! Ha ha. If only I didn't compound all that activity with booze and brie.

bad news, good news: lunches

Bad news: I bought lunch today at Flavors.
Good news: I cut that ish in half and will eat the rest tomorrow.
Spent: ~$10
Paid: via Debit Card

My mother taught me to do that years ago, but since living in NYC and even back in college years, I never wanted to take stuff home because I was rarely going home. I was always going to straight to the bar after dinner or to a friend's house or something - and I never wanted to carry my foil duck around the club. Tres tacky, no?

But now we exclaim, "We're in a recession! Wrap it up!" at dinner tables the world over. I've been in a personal recession since I signed my soul over to the College Foundation circa fall 2000, but in typical (and former) Blaire style, I never took left overs home. The next day at work, I would charge a soup and salad at Pret instead. Pathetic.

Thoughts? What are your tricks and tips on getting by for cheap when it comes to lunches, dinner, etc? Do you buy in bulk on Sunday to last all week? How can you buy healthy but cheap options? That is my biggest concern.


*Would also like to mention that I will NOT be documenting my spending like this. Not this often, not daily. I think I'll just write about topics where I can save or where I have made mistakes - in this case, both somehow.

day 1 (for reals).

Alas, I did not win the Mega Millions, so I couldn't pay off all my debt in an instant or buy a one-way ticket to Cadiz as anticipated. C'est la vie, mon amies.

But (and please forgive the cheesiness) I won in other areas.

I've been volunteering with StreetWise Partners for quite some time now and this past Saturday not only solidified why I started volunteering in the first place, but made me remember (cue aforementioned cheese) that though I owe a shit ton to Visa and my student loan creditor, I am also indebted to my community. Public service is so important. Seeing people grow and actualize their dreams is exciting. Makes you realize how fortunate you are to have had people push you and guide you all these years. It also motivates me to get my act together. Plus it's fun! I've met cool (and cute) people. I constantly have a warm and fuzzy feeling in my upper abdomen area.

I can't give a lot financially speaking, but I can give time, support and guidance to people who need it. Money isn't everything. But one day when I'm rolling in it I plan to give even more. Where do you volunteer? Do you feel the same way? Oprah, the light and the life inside me, once said, "Ladyfriends, serve your community and they will in turn serve you!" I would have rephrased it so it wouldn't sound so pervy, but I think I get the gist of it. Karma?

Meanwhile, what will I do with my free time outside of volunteering? A part-time job. BLERGH. Thoughts?

--

FYI: StreetWise is a non-profit social enterprise that provides low-income adults with career mentoring and access to employment networks so they are able to secure sustainable jobs and achieve lifelong employability. It's awesome. Believe the hype. Join up.

day one (technically).

Today is payday! HURRAH!

So I just paid my bills online based on my three year plan calculated from the CNN Money Debt Reduction Planner. It's awesome. It shows you exactly what to pay on each card each month to get out of debt in whatever time frame you like. I'm doing the three-year plan, but obviously I hope I get out of it sooner. I also just bought like 10 MEGA MILLONS tickets for tonight's $325 million drawing.

Who knows? I could be out of debt this time tomorrow morning. A girl can dream!

apropos

from someecards.

Escape from the debts of hell.

The first step is admitting there’s a problem. Alcoholics use it and I think it fits my case as well. My problem: I’m broke.


How’d I get in this situation, you ask? The three major factors:

1. Living beyond my means: buying things I can’t afford and going places I shouldn’t without anything in the bank. I live in NYC where one can literally spend money in their sleep. And yes, I’ve done that before.

2. Comparing myself to others: “I’m not in nearly as much debt as Katie!” Tsk. Tsk.

3. Saying yes. To everything. Since I was little, I’ve always been afraid I was going to miss out on something. Everything in my mind was an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. These one-time opportunities have come and gone, but my credit card debt is still there, lingering, whispering, “You’re a dumbass, Blaire. That shirt at Marc Jacobs was not going anywhere and you look sort of fat in it.”


But things can (and will) change.

Aside, from running more often to look good in that shirt, I am embarking on a financial cleanse, retiring my old habits and learning to “make do” with what I got. Officially beginning September 1, 2009, I am a new woman. I’m cutting up two of three of my cards and changing my lifestyle. Any tips are welcome. Any cash you’d like to offer is better.

Why am I doing this? For a lot of reasons, but mainly because I’m better than this. I want to feel like a responsible, 26-year-old. I want to be able to buy a goddamn ticket home to see my brother when he’s on his two-week leave from Iraq. I don’t want to get stomach pains every time I write my rent check. I want to travel. I’d like to not worry about the guy of my dreams running scared when he sees my bank statement. Money isn’t everything, but it sure does help if you have a little for the important things.


Things I’m going to do here:

1. Write about my progress with le credit card debt (you’re going down, bitches)

2. Document my spending (every Metrocard, every Pinot Noir)

3. Document my saving

4. Research better ways to save, invest and cut back on things


Get ready friends. The first day of the next three years (or less!) of my life is near. September 2012, Visa will no longer own me. Assholes.


Check back on September 1 for official updates. Until then, I will be posting random things I find on the net relating to money, saving and mean credit cards.


Disclaimer: I may never reveal the grand total to you – for fear that my mother and father suffer heart failure - but know this, dear reader: it’s not a pretty number. I am not proud of my past frivolous spending. I know some creditor reps by first name. I’ve charged a single avocado. But you gotta start somewhere. To see results, I think I’m going to put things in terms of percent change, and perhaps when this great endeavor comes to an end (already feels good to say!), I’ll let you in on the total debt. Until then, stay on the edge of your seat. And to all moneybags out there, feel free to donate via the PayPal link. I'll smother you with kisses for life.