For two months now I have been lifting weights and jogging on a regular basis. I love what strength training has done for my body, it has certainly toned my arms and helped flatten my stomach. And I can jog five miles without stopping! My work-out buddy and I are making excellent progress.
Yet last week I was ready to throw in the towel for a totally unexpected reason: my pants were getting too tight. I gained about three pounds. That's on top of the usual five-pound fluctuations that women go through during the month. And yes, fat converts to muscle, which is heavier than fat, but usually not so much that one must go up a pant size.
Then I found John Cloud's article in Time magazine: Why Exercise Won't Make You Thin.
The basis behind the article is that many Americans who regularly engage in strenuous exercise eat and rest more to compensate. After an hour weight training, which burns fewer than 400 calories, it's easy to spend the rest of the afternoon snacking in front of the television as opposed to cleaning the house, gardening, and cooking a healthy dinner. Many of us follow our work-outs with tasty treats (often disguised as sports drinks and energy bars) which can easily negate the effects of our exercise. Cloud calls this compensatory eating.
A couple of days after reading this article a friend and I went jogging. We then enjoyed our customary post-exercise snack: a powerbar. I consumed the protein-infused candy before reading the nutrition label. 200 calories? One snack replaced half the calories I'd just burned! Since then I've been extra-careful to make my calories count and avoid snacks that don't meet my real nutritional needs. Sure enough, I've lost the gained weight and feel better than ever.
Because I see many parallels between financial and physical fitness, this experience has led me to wonder if some of us don't practice compensatory spending. Just like the body attempts to increase calorie intake to maintain fat content after a work-out, do we suconsciously increase spending to keep financial pace with every pay raise? Is that why every windfall seems to melt into nothingness within weeks of recieving it, and the easiest way to save money is to invest it, thereby making it practically inaccessible?
Are humans programmed to maintain a balance, even when that balance makes us unhappy or unhealthy? If so, why? And what upsets the balance, what sort of experience is required to enable us to make real, permanent lifestyle improvements? What is the difference between the one who keeps the weight off and the many who don't? Why is it so hard for people to budget when the benefits are phenomenal?
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Those pennies add up
Woohoo!
Three more cents of my weekly $20 debt payment went towards the principal this week than last week!
When I decided to make weekly automatic withdrawals to pay back my student loans, I was hoping to bank on the "out of sight, out of mind" theory. Instead, I have become obsessed with the slow and steady deterioration of the balance. Paying weekly makes me realize how quickly the interest adds up. I am actually really excited to see how each payment affects not only the principal, but the daily interest charge.
Unfortunately, this month we won't have the cash to make a big payment on top of the tiny ones. We still owe our old landlord a bill (kinda like he still owes us our deposit...), which drained what would have been a surplus. Darling also needs some school supplies. So I'm just going to be happy adding adding $60 to our savings account and know we're making progress, however incremental.
Three more cents of my weekly $20 debt payment went towards the principal this week than last week!
When I decided to make weekly automatic withdrawals to pay back my student loans, I was hoping to bank on the "out of sight, out of mind" theory. Instead, I have become obsessed with the slow and steady deterioration of the balance. Paying weekly makes me realize how quickly the interest adds up. I am actually really excited to see how each payment affects not only the principal, but the daily interest charge.
Unfortunately, this month we won't have the cash to make a big payment on top of the tiny ones. We still owe our old landlord a bill (kinda like he still owes us our deposit...), which drained what would have been a surplus. Darling also needs some school supplies. So I'm just going to be happy adding adding $60 to our savings account and know we're making progress, however incremental.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Questions Answered
Liz asked me some more great questions :)
Guests are welcome. I wouldn't necessarily throw any private dinner parties here, but there is no issue with making my workout buddies sandwiches after our jog or anything like that.
After only a month, I can't imagine choosing to live any other way!
As for the bakery, I'm definitely learning a lot about the trials and tribulations of running a small business. Because it is a tiny, family owned establishment, I'm very involved in nearly every task and basically fill a management role. I'm baking, producing my own soon-to-be-released line of gf product, managing inventory, and running the register. Lately a lot of people have asked if I plan to own a bakery myself someday, and the answer (at this point) is a resounding "no." I enjoy what I'm doing, but it's not my life's calling. It would be cool if my bread became popular, but I'd be just as satisfied working any other job.
How do you like the co-op- do you miss having your own place - it must be so nice to have someone cook dinner and clean up etc. is it O.k. to entertain friends etc. or have people to stay over.Darling and I are having a great time at the co-op. We live with 8 other people in a well-established household. The food has been healthy, organic, plentiful, and delicious. The houses are kept clean and tidy. There is usually someone hanging out to chat with, but privacy has yet to be any sort of issue. Despite my low noise tolerance, I've never had trouble napping during the day or sleeping at night.
It sounds like its a great break from the responsibilities of housekeeping. How long can you see yourselves living that lifestyle.
Are you learning more about the bakery business - maybe there will be some management positions in the future - have you thought of going to school for bakery, pastry chef etc.
Guests are welcome. I wouldn't necessarily throw any private dinner parties here, but there is no issue with making my workout buddies sandwiches after our jog or anything like that.
After only a month, I can't imagine choosing to live any other way!
As for the bakery, I'm definitely learning a lot about the trials and tribulations of running a small business. Because it is a tiny, family owned establishment, I'm very involved in nearly every task and basically fill a management role. I'm baking, producing my own soon-to-be-released line of gf product, managing inventory, and running the register. Lately a lot of people have asked if I plan to own a bakery myself someday, and the answer (at this point) is a resounding "no." I enjoy what I'm doing, but it's not my life's calling. It would be cool if my bread became popular, but I'd be just as satisfied working any other job.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Update and Plans
Sorry for the infrequent posting. I'm suffering a pretty maddening case of writer's block and have stared at several posts for 4-5 hours at at time before giving up on them. Maybe, like my career at the Alamo Drafthouse, that has come to an end this weekend.
I had a lot of little financial "oopsies" this month. I started by letting our rent check overdraft even though we had the money. Later, I managed to not cancel one of my Greenling orders, which cost $30. Last Friday I couldn't find any confirmation or evidence that my $20 automatic debit was going through with the loan company, and in my attempts to rectify this apparant mistake I ended up sending them double their usual payment. Due to a little confusion at the Alamo my last weekend of shifts were given away, for which I probably would have earned at least $200. Darling's boss made an accounting error and we recieved only half his paycheck, which he thankfully noticed as I wouldn't have known the difference.
The realities of paycheck-to-paycheck living are setting in. In the past I could make up for small indiscretions with a work-binge at the end of the month. Now I have forty hours to work a week, maximum, and opportunities to pick up extra shifts are limited. There is certainly more cash to be made, but these opportunities have yet to be cultivated. In the meantime, I want to take full advantage of what we do have.
It just so happens that my weekly part-time pay barely covers our co-op payment. The entirety of that is automatically debited from our account every week, leaving us with Darling's paychecks and other income to pay for my Mom's phone, our cell minutes, and our debt payments. When those payments have been made at the end of every month from our regular bank account, we'll transfer just enough money from our Ing account to make rent. Any surplus will be left earning interest in the savings account.
And there will be surplus. I'll be working as much as 12 more hours a week at the bakery and picking up side jobs (already been asked to childcare and pick up hours at a friend's store - jobs I've done in the past), and Darling will probably be picking up more shifts at his workplace now that he's taking fewer credit hours. My plan is to steadily increase automatic deductions to absorb increased income: this month we'll be paying $5 more a week towards student loans. We'll also be be building both long and short term savings: the majority of our surplus will go into a savings account for a trip to Scotland next April, but whenever our savings account balance exceeds that of our 401(k) we'll transfer 10% into the latter. This worked well last year when we were saving for our last big trip.
I had a lot of little financial "oopsies" this month. I started by letting our rent check overdraft even though we had the money. Later, I managed to not cancel one of my Greenling orders, which cost $30. Last Friday I couldn't find any confirmation or evidence that my $20 automatic debit was going through with the loan company, and in my attempts to rectify this apparant mistake I ended up sending them double their usual payment. Due to a little confusion at the Alamo my last weekend of shifts were given away, for which I probably would have earned at least $200. Darling's boss made an accounting error and we recieved only half his paycheck, which he thankfully noticed as I wouldn't have known the difference.
The realities of paycheck-to-paycheck living are setting in. In the past I could make up for small indiscretions with a work-binge at the end of the month. Now I have forty hours to work a week, maximum, and opportunities to pick up extra shifts are limited. There is certainly more cash to be made, but these opportunities have yet to be cultivated. In the meantime, I want to take full advantage of what we do have.
It just so happens that my weekly part-time pay barely covers our co-op payment. The entirety of that is automatically debited from our account every week, leaving us with Darling's paychecks and other income to pay for my Mom's phone, our cell minutes, and our debt payments. When those payments have been made at the end of every month from our regular bank account, we'll transfer just enough money from our Ing account to make rent. Any surplus will be left earning interest in the savings account.
And there will be surplus. I'll be working as much as 12 more hours a week at the bakery and picking up side jobs (already been asked to childcare and pick up hours at a friend's store - jobs I've done in the past), and Darling will probably be picking up more shifts at his workplace now that he's taking fewer credit hours. My plan is to steadily increase automatic deductions to absorb increased income: this month we'll be paying $5 more a week towards student loans. We'll also be be building both long and short term savings: the majority of our surplus will go into a savings account for a trip to Scotland next April, but whenever our savings account balance exceeds that of our 401(k) we'll transfer 10% into the latter. This worked well last year when we were saving for our last big trip.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Posting is Hard
I actually stole this from Beany, whose blog I am reading from the start.
From the merry arduous, a cheery meme: Bold the things you've done, italicize the things you want to do
1. Started my own blog
2. Slept under the stars - I have tried and failed repeatedly.From the merry arduous, a cheery meme: Bold the things you've done, italicize the things you want to do
1. Started my own blog
3. Played in a band- if singing counts, I have the tapes to prove it.
4. Visited Hawaii - I have an obsession with being pregnant in Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower - I've seen shooting stars, but never made a night of it
6. Given more than I can afford to charity- I gave a check to Greenpeace once. I didn't know they would turn it into monthly automatic deductions.
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis - Why? Why would anyone want to do this?
10. Sung a solo - Yes. In public. In a leotard. On stage.
11. Bungee jumped- Vegas, Summer of 2002, I think
12. Visited Paris - Summer of 2007
13. Watched lightning at sea - I've seen it from a beach. Do I have to be on a boat for it to count?
14. Taught myself an art from scratch - I taught myself to write, if that counts. And bake.
15. Adopted a child - In the next couple of years.
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty - I should visit New York
18. Grown my own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitchhiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill- In school. Never for work.
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of my ancestors - I wouldn't have any idea where to start.
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught myself a new language - I'm not a self-teacher. I'd like to take classes
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied - I don't correlate money with satisfaction.
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had my portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris- Darling and I visited, but did not want to stand in line to go to the top
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job - I was fired for quitting
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had my picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible - I've read a version of the Bible. There doesn't seem to be a The Bible.
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating - we did this as a family when I was growing up. I killed fish, plucked chickens, grilled cow meat I raised myself. But I never did it all at once on my own.
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life - hard to say
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous - I probably wouldn't know.
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone - as of last week.
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Ridden an elephant
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Cell Phone Response
I think my last post about cell phones might have been a little confusing because I forgot to mention that our new technological parasite is not a primary form of communication. It will mostly operate in the same way as a beeper: friends and family will be able to call, and leave a message, and know we will get it as soon as possible - but under no circumstances will Darling and I let it interrupt our current social or professional lives. Unless the message is frantic and involves the word "hospital," we'll wait until we're back to the land line to return the call. And even then, panicked conversations tend to be short. If it turns out we need more minutes for any reason, we can buy them. If it turns out we need more minutes every month, we can look at upgrading to a monthly plan - or ask ourselves if we're abusing the luxury of instant communication and need to cut back.
We purchased a tracphone from Office Depot on sale for $10. We received a $10 coupon with the phone, making it theoretically free. That coupon will come in handy when Darling needs to buy his scientific calculator.
We purchased a tracphone from Office Depot on sale for $10. We received a $10 coupon with the phone, making it theoretically free. That coupon will come in handy when Darling needs to buy his scientific calculator.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Phone Decision
Darling and I have decided to bite the bullet and buy a "phone in a box," as he puts it. Even though our rent pays for a house line and Internet, it's proven a little disruptive to the house to be totally dependent on it. Too many of our buddies work weird hours and don't have a concept of when would be "appropriate" to call, not to mention my Dad who has a personal penchant for calling between midnight and 1 a.m. "just to check up." In this house, we can't hear the ringing in the bedroom, we don't bother to check messages, and we've basically made it impossible for people to get in touch with us.
Which, frankly, is perfectly fine with me. But that is irresponsible and unfair to my friends and family. And Darling is about to be hunting for internships, so his professional life will be at stake.
Our plan? One phone, no more than 20 minutes a month, no contract, and no frills. Hopefully we'll avoid catching that bizarre social disease that causes victims to answer the technological parasites on buses, in movie theaters, and in the middle of personal conversations.
Which, frankly, is perfectly fine with me. But that is irresponsible and unfair to my friends and family. And Darling is about to be hunting for internships, so his professional life will be at stake.
Our plan? One phone, no more than 20 minutes a month, no contract, and no frills. Hopefully we'll avoid catching that bizarre social disease that causes victims to answer the technological parasites on buses, in movie theaters, and in the middle of personal conversations.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
A Break
The Austin heat has been overwhelming. Any day that has dipped below a hundred degrees has been a great relief. All of the gardens have died, only the most chemical of lawns are green, and there is talk of closing down the iconic Barton Creek Pool. Yesterday it was 104 degrees during the day, 94 degrees when I woke up at 4:00 a.m.
A few hours ago lightning streaked across the sky, thunder rumbled, and the rain began to fall. The thermometer mercilessly plummeted to a chill 80!
Just in time for me to catch my bus :)
A few hours ago lightning streaked across the sky, thunder rumbled, and the rain began to fall. The thermometer mercilessly plummeted to a chill 80!
Just in time for me to catch my bus :)
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Big Step Back, Incremental Step forward
I got hit with over-draft charges this weekend. Why? Because I couldn't be bothered to go to the bank Friday afternoon, let the money sit in the drawer for two days, and forgot about the three checks written a few days before. NEVER AGAIN. I'm so freaking angry with myself. This happens so often, and it doesn't need to!!!
From now on, I'm going to have the majority of my paycheck transferred to my savings account every Monday. This cuts out the question of whether or not I have spare cash in my account (I won't) and if I really need to make the trip to the bank (I will). Now the money saved for rent will earn interest, every purchase will require at least two days forethought, and any monthly surplus will already be in savings. I will leave a small cushion in the account that will be depleted every Friday when my student loan payments are automatically deducted.
On the brighter side of life, of last week's $20 payment, $7.20 was applied to the principle. Three weeks ago I was only chipping away a weekly $7.07. I am making some progress :)
From now on, I'm going to have the majority of my paycheck transferred to my savings account every Monday. This cuts out the question of whether or not I have spare cash in my account (I won't) and if I really need to make the trip to the bank (I will). Now the money saved for rent will earn interest, every purchase will require at least two days forethought, and any monthly surplus will already be in savings. I will leave a small cushion in the account that will be depleted every Friday when my student loan payments are automatically deducted.
On the brighter side of life, of last week's $20 payment, $7.20 was applied to the principle. Three weeks ago I was only chipping away a weekly $7.07. I am making some progress :)
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Two-Week Notice
I turned in my two-week notice for the job I have worked for 2 1/2 years, the job that has funded two trips to the UK, several visits to Virginia, one weekend on the gulf coast, Darling's NABCEP certification, an immigration nightmare, my first semester studying CAD, and Darling's renewable energy courses. A job that I applied for because a local paper listed it among the coolest jobs in Austin, a job in which I could earn in a weekend twice what I can earn in a week at the bakery. A job in which I have seniority, a job I can do with my eyes closed.
Right now I am really, really enjoying my life. I am exercising two or three days a week (jogged five miles yesterday!), I love my job at the bakery, living at the co-op is phenomenal, and my diet has never been better. Darling is finishing up one semester, preparing for the next, and facing a promotion and more hours at his job. Quitting this job means more than lost income; it means giving up the one thing in life I dread doing every week.
But still, it's scary.
Right now I am really, really enjoying my life. I am exercising two or three days a week (jogged five miles yesterday!), I love my job at the bakery, living at the co-op is phenomenal, and my diet has never been better. Darling is finishing up one semester, preparing for the next, and facing a promotion and more hours at his job. Quitting this job means more than lost income; it means giving up the one thing in life I dread doing every week.
But still, it's scary.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
FAQS
My last post received two comments, both questions. The first question is anonymous, the next several questions were from Lizzie.
First an anonymous:
What are your long term hopes income-wise?
I'm hoping to earn enough to support myself, my husband, and my loved ones while preparing for an uncertain future. I'd like to do this in a passive manner. I think that once our debt is paid off Darling and I could live quite happily on $20,000 a year (adjusting for both inflation and currency exchange, of course).
What can you realistically see yourselves earning eventually to live a life where you can have some freedom from debt, have kids, buy a house etc.
I imagine that if Darling and I both got fairly decent jobs, we could probably earn at least $40,000 to $60,000 a year. By earning $40,000 a year for 15 years, we could most definitely save enough money to buy nice land and build a small house. However, I don't see income - or lack thereof - as a huge obstacle to achieving the other goals. Freedom from debt is a matter of continuing to pay off that which we have; we have no credit addiction to break at this point and aren't likely to develop one. Darling and I are not waiting to have kids; if our family doesn't expand on its own accord in the next few years we intend to look into foster care.
What career paths are you both hoping to following eventually?
Darling and I would like to be sustainable home builders and renovators.
How far did you get with college and what would it take to go back and finish up?
I completed two years of college in a communication degree at an expensive private college. I have the first semester of a CAD degree under my belt. To finish my original degree at a college or university would probably cost about $20,000, finishing my CAD program would cost about $2,000. I'm not terribly interested in completing a degree, as nothing I've wanted to do career-wise has actually required one, but I'm eager to be back in class. I'd really like to get CAD certification, but can't find the time as I'm currently learning the trials and tribulations of opening and running a small bakery :) I love learning and I love college, so "finishing up" is pretty much on the bottom of my list of things to do in life.
Will the AutoCad lead to a career?
I wanted to learn AutoCad because it is a very mobile skill; have laptop will travel. Drafting may or may not someday be a full-time job, but it will definitely enhance our home renovation plans.
What are Darlings hopes in the job market when he finishes colleges - and if he is in his forties what careers has had in his life and could he use skills that he already has acquired?
After Darling graduates from ACC we're thinking of heading west where Darling and I can both work in sustainable home construction, possibly with the Earthship communities in New Mexico, or we might head to a developing country where the renewable energy market is supposedly booming. Darling spent most of his life in administration working with international companies, so he has a good grounding cultural exchange which might help us. He also has a degree in psychology, has worked on farms, done a little construction, worked in retail, and fixed computers. I doubt any of his acquired skills will go to waste.
First an anonymous:
What are your long term hopes income-wise?
I'm hoping to earn enough to support myself, my husband, and my loved ones while preparing for an uncertain future. I'd like to do this in a passive manner. I think that once our debt is paid off Darling and I could live quite happily on $20,000 a year (adjusting for both inflation and currency exchange, of course).
What can you realistically see yourselves earning eventually to live a life where you can have some freedom from debt, have kids, buy a house etc.
I imagine that if Darling and I both got fairly decent jobs, we could probably earn at least $40,000 to $60,000 a year. By earning $40,000 a year for 15 years, we could most definitely save enough money to buy nice land and build a small house. However, I don't see income - or lack thereof - as a huge obstacle to achieving the other goals. Freedom from debt is a matter of continuing to pay off that which we have; we have no credit addiction to break at this point and aren't likely to develop one. Darling and I are not waiting to have kids; if our family doesn't expand on its own accord in the next few years we intend to look into foster care.
What career paths are you both hoping to following eventually?
Darling and I would like to be sustainable home builders and renovators.
How far did you get with college and what would it take to go back and finish up?
I completed two years of college in a communication degree at an expensive private college. I have the first semester of a CAD degree under my belt. To finish my original degree at a college or university would probably cost about $20,000, finishing my CAD program would cost about $2,000. I'm not terribly interested in completing a degree, as nothing I've wanted to do career-wise has actually required one, but I'm eager to be back in class. I'd really like to get CAD certification, but can't find the time as I'm currently learning the trials and tribulations of opening and running a small bakery :) I love learning and I love college, so "finishing up" is pretty much on the bottom of my list of things to do in life.
Will the AutoCad lead to a career?
I wanted to learn AutoCad because it is a very mobile skill; have laptop will travel. Drafting may or may not someday be a full-time job, but it will definitely enhance our home renovation plans.
What are Darlings hopes in the job market when he finishes colleges - and if he is in his forties what careers has had in his life and could he use skills that he already has acquired?
After Darling graduates from ACC we're thinking of heading west where Darling and I can both work in sustainable home construction, possibly with the Earthship communities in New Mexico, or we might head to a developing country where the renewable energy market is supposedly booming. Darling spent most of his life in administration working with international companies, so he has a good grounding cultural exchange which might help us. He also has a degree in psychology, has worked on farms, done a little construction, worked in retail, and fixed computers. I doubt any of his acquired skills will go to waste.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
No Time To Stop or Shop
Lizzie and an anonymous friend asked me a couple of questions on my last post that I will answer, they just require a little thought and more time than I have on hand lately :) Sorry for the wait.
Last weekend my family celebrated my Mom's birthday, which was hectic but enjoyable. I went to work still exhausted on Monday morning and took a short nap before the house meeting. Tuesday night I came home from work at 6 pm, settled in for a nap, and woke up at 6 am already late for work. That afternoon I skipped my nap and that evening I lifted weights. Today I came home from work, took a five hour nap, and then walked and jogged with a friend for three hours. Lately it feels like I'm either just waking up, napping, or exercising.
I'm enjoying the co-op more every day. The little things that once fell through the cracks when Darling and I get busy are dealt with by the household: not only are groceries purchased, but meals are prepped in the fridge and the dishes aren't piling up. Things run smoothly regardless of how busy we are.
On the financial side of life, who has time to spend money these days? I'm realizing how much money we were spending snacks, treats, and meals on the go. Now that there is always plenty of food at home, it is almost impossible to justify paying money for food at all. I've practically fallen into "no spend" mode, it's too much of a hassle to even go to a store, much less browse and waste even $2 on something that won't be as nice as whatever we have at home.
Last weekend my family celebrated my Mom's birthday, which was hectic but enjoyable. I went to work still exhausted on Monday morning and took a short nap before the house meeting. Tuesday night I came home from work at 6 pm, settled in for a nap, and woke up at 6 am already late for work. That afternoon I skipped my nap and that evening I lifted weights. Today I came home from work, took a five hour nap, and then walked and jogged with a friend for three hours. Lately it feels like I'm either just waking up, napping, or exercising.
I'm enjoying the co-op more every day. The little things that once fell through the cracks when Darling and I get busy are dealt with by the household: not only are groceries purchased, but meals are prepped in the fridge and the dishes aren't piling up. Things run smoothly regardless of how busy we are.
On the financial side of life, who has time to spend money these days? I'm realizing how much money we were spending snacks, treats, and meals on the go. Now that there is always plenty of food at home, it is almost impossible to justify paying money for food at all. I've practically fallen into "no spend" mode, it's too much of a hassle to even go to a store, much less browse and waste even $2 on something that won't be as nice as whatever we have at home.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
August Net Worth
Debt: $13,275.56, down $210.25 from last month. I think this was largely the result of my $20 weekly deductions. I'll be continuing those through August, but I also need to write a check to my brother and sister-in-law to start paying back what I owe them.
Available Assets: $461.70, a $516.31 drop from last month. I'll be starting August, as I have so many months before it, hoping to earn rent before the checks have been deposited.
Net Worth: -12,813.86, down $306.06.
My goals this month include writing a $100 check cover some family debt, continue to send a weekly $20 to my student loan company, automatically deposit $10 into a savings account every Friday, and take Darling to Schlitterahn for his birthday. I'd really like to see our debt dip below $13,000.
Available Assets: $461.70, a $516.31 drop from last month. I'll be starting August, as I have so many months before it, hoping to earn rent before the checks have been deposited.
Net Worth: -12,813.86, down $306.06.
My goals this month include writing a $100 check cover some family debt, continue to send a weekly $20 to my student loan company, automatically deposit $10 into a savings account every Friday, and take Darling to Schlitterahn for his birthday. I'd really like to see our debt dip below $13,000.
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When do you think you'll have a positive net worth, and what will it take to get there?