I didn't actually make resolutions this year. I thought about it, but couldn't come up with anything that 1) I thought I could keep and 2) actually described what I want and need to do.
The idea for this year is to use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without until credit card, personal loan and student loan debt is paid off. Now this totals around $25,000 (which is pretty much what I bring home) so this year will be a lean year. I have plenty of yarn, so I don't need to buy more (want isn't allowed to be considered), we do have some gift cards that we got for gifts so we can have a little splurge now and again.
A long while ago, I posted about using my shampoo samples instead of buying new shampoo. Guess what? I'm still using shampoo samples. Mr. Gaia is traveling regularly for work, so I get new bottles every few weeks. I am getting low, I'm down to only 3-4 bottles and will probably have to buy shampoo this year. I've thought about using baking soda and vinegar ala "no-poo" but I'm afraid it will strip the henna from my hair.
I'm having a hard time adjusting to the cold this year. The house stays no cooler than 65 and I'm constantly freezing. We used to keep our house at 62 and I didn't notice being especially cold. This could have a negative effect on our utility bills, so I'm bundling up and wearing blankets. I just wish I could figure out how to keep my hands from being too cold.
Showing posts with label goals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label goals. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Update on Day 3
Previously on Day 3 I set up a time line that included things to be done in the next 3 days. Umm, yeah, I kind of forgot about it, but here's my update:
1) Complete the Texas Master Naturalist course.
In the next 3 days I will confirm that they received my background check form. This is done, I've received my confirmation and even got the class list. It's 27 people - 14 women, 13 men.
In the next week I will find the schedule and get it added to my calendar. This is done as well, although it's Mr. Gaia that added it to the calendar.
Every week I will plan our family schedule to allow me to have the evening free. I've checked for conflicts so far and only have one conflict that will require either hiring a babysitter or taking the kids with me (with their DSs they should be fine)
Next month I will actually start the classes (yay!) Classes start February 6, I can't wait
In the next six months I will complete the classes and figure out the schedule to complete the necessary volunteer hours.
2) Complete Certified Arborist certification.
In the next 3 days I will find gather all of my study materials together. This is done
In the next week I will find a test date that works for me and register. My test date is April 18. I'm not registered yet because they don't have the registration forms available.
Every week I will study planning my time to study and have review before the test. I need to set up a schedule but haven't done it yet. Sigh.
Next month I will evaluate my study plan and make sure that I am studying the material as quickly as necessary to be ready for the exam.
In the next six months I will complete the exam and become certified (yay!)
3) Start a 529 plan for each of the boys.
In the next 3 days I will research the plan that will work for us (with an emphasis on social responsibility investments) and determine how much we will need to save for their education. Mr. Gaia has been researching plans (he's a wonderful man) and has decided that since Texas has no income tax, there's no real benefit to us if we keep the investment in Texas, but since the grandparents all live in Oklahoma, if they choose to contribute, they'd be better off if we set it up in Oklahoma. There's no social responsibility fund, but we can do community bonds.
In the next week I will evaluate the budget to figure out how much we can save. Mr. Gaia and I are working on this, I did get a small raise and his car is paid off next month. The plan is to figure out how much we will want to save for them (he believes strongly that they should have to use some of their own money) and how much we are willing to divert from debt repayment.
Every week I will put aside money to invest.
Next month I will evaluate if we are saving enough to actually cover most of their needs.
In the next six months I will have the plan started and have saved at least $1,000.
4) Continue to eat healthful and organic foods and lose this extra 20 pounds.
In the next 3 days I will list the vegetables and fruits I like. I haven't done this yet.
In the next week I will buy one new vegetable to add to my diet. Nor have I done this. Mr. Gaia has been doing the shopping
Every week I will track my calorie intake and nutritional value of my diet. I'm using fitday.com for this and so far it's going really well.
Next month I will figure out if I've managed to cut enough calories to lose weight.
In the next six months I will lose 10 pounds.
5) Grow a garden to provide at least 50% of our vegetables this year.
In the next 3 days I will make an inventory of my current seeds. Not done at all
In the next week I will clear a small area and plant one variety. Mr. Gaia suggests using containers and he's supposed to help me pick which ones and the potting soil.
Every week I will clear another small area and plant another variety.
Next month I will figure out a plan to grow all year round (yay! subtropics).
In the next 6 months I will supply at least 25% of our vegetables for our table.
Those are the short term goals. And now for the long term goals:
1) To work full time as a naturalist in a state or national park.
In the next week I will explore spanish lessons. I really need to do this. Mr. Gaia and I had talked about buying a program but we didn't and I don't know why we didn't. I'd rather do something at home than a formal class.
In the next month I will start working on my Master Naturalist and Certified Arborist certifications.
Every month I will learn about a new bird, animal, plant or tree and give mini lessons to my kids and any other kids around.
In the next year I will complete my Master Naturalist and Certified Arborist Certifications.
In the next 3 years I will learn spanish and at least be moderately conversant in it.
2) To provide financial and emotional support to my boys as they complete their college education.
In the next week I will work evaluate my budget with an eye to saving for college. We are working on this.
In the next month I will start funding their 529 plans.
Every month I will invest money in their plans.
In the next year I will invest $1,000 for each child.
In the next 3 years, I will make sure that each child has enough money saved to pay for at least one year of college (including books and housing expenses).
3) To find a meaningful and effective organization to work with as a volunteer and donor to work to achieve social justice.
In the next week I will seek to educate myself about the pressing issues in my area. Right now the most pressing issue is the border wall. I've found out that my work is apparently representing one of the landowners so I may have a chance to get involved in the lawsuit.
In the next month I will figure out what skills I can provide.
Every month I will donate at least a token amount to a worthy charity.
In the next year I will begin volunteer work with a worthy charity.
In the next 3 years I will involve my family in volunteering.
4) To maintain and healthy and active lifestyle including hiking and biking regularly.
In the next week I will figure out an exercise routine I can maintain. Other than walking to the school, I haven't figured this out. I'm making a conscious effort to have good posture which pulls in the abdominal muscles and speed walking.
In the next month I will start biking again.
Every month I will bike at least 10 miles.
In the next year I will figure out a way to bike to work.
In the next 3 years I will join a biking group.
5) To be financially independent and only work when and where we want.
In the next week I will make a list of all of our debts and liabilities. This is done
In the next month I will make a "snowball" schedule. Figuring this out - Mr. Gaia suggests we might want to invest while the stock market is low and our only debts are low interest.
Every month I will evaluate our expenditures versus our investment income.
In the next year I will figure out how much money we need to have invested to provide enough income to meet our current needs.
In the next 3 years I will pay off all debts except my mortgage and pay enough on my mortgage to have 75% equity.
1) Complete the Texas Master Naturalist course.
In the next 3 days I will confirm that they received my background check form. This is done, I've received my confirmation and even got the class list. It's 27 people - 14 women, 13 men.
In the next week I will find the schedule and get it added to my calendar. This is done as well, although it's Mr. Gaia that added it to the calendar.
Every week I will plan our family schedule to allow me to have the evening free. I've checked for conflicts so far and only have one conflict that will require either hiring a babysitter or taking the kids with me (with their DSs they should be fine)
Next month I will actually start the classes (yay!) Classes start February 6, I can't wait
In the next six months I will complete the classes and figure out the schedule to complete the necessary volunteer hours.
2) Complete Certified Arborist certification.
In the next 3 days I will find gather all of my study materials together. This is done
In the next week I will find a test date that works for me and register. My test date is April 18. I'm not registered yet because they don't have the registration forms available.
Every week I will study planning my time to study and have review before the test. I need to set up a schedule but haven't done it yet. Sigh.
Next month I will evaluate my study plan and make sure that I am studying the material as quickly as necessary to be ready for the exam.
In the next six months I will complete the exam and become certified (yay!)
3) Start a 529 plan for each of the boys.
In the next 3 days I will research the plan that will work for us (with an emphasis on social responsibility investments) and determine how much we will need to save for their education. Mr. Gaia has been researching plans (he's a wonderful man) and has decided that since Texas has no income tax, there's no real benefit to us if we keep the investment in Texas, but since the grandparents all live in Oklahoma, if they choose to contribute, they'd be better off if we set it up in Oklahoma. There's no social responsibility fund, but we can do community bonds.
In the next week I will evaluate the budget to figure out how much we can save. Mr. Gaia and I are working on this, I did get a small raise and his car is paid off next month. The plan is to figure out how much we will want to save for them (he believes strongly that they should have to use some of their own money) and how much we are willing to divert from debt repayment.
Every week I will put aside money to invest.
Next month I will evaluate if we are saving enough to actually cover most of their needs.
In the next six months I will have the plan started and have saved at least $1,000.
4) Continue to eat healthful and organic foods and lose this extra 20 pounds.
In the next 3 days I will list the vegetables and fruits I like. I haven't done this yet.
In the next week I will buy one new vegetable to add to my diet. Nor have I done this. Mr. Gaia has been doing the shopping
Every week I will track my calorie intake and nutritional value of my diet. I'm using fitday.com for this and so far it's going really well.
Next month I will figure out if I've managed to cut enough calories to lose weight.
In the next six months I will lose 10 pounds.
5) Grow a garden to provide at least 50% of our vegetables this year.
In the next 3 days I will make an inventory of my current seeds. Not done at all
In the next week I will clear a small area and plant one variety. Mr. Gaia suggests using containers and he's supposed to help me pick which ones and the potting soil.
Every week I will clear another small area and plant another variety.
Next month I will figure out a plan to grow all year round (yay! subtropics).
In the next 6 months I will supply at least 25% of our vegetables for our table.
Those are the short term goals. And now for the long term goals:
1) To work full time as a naturalist in a state or national park.
In the next week I will explore spanish lessons. I really need to do this. Mr. Gaia and I had talked about buying a program but we didn't and I don't know why we didn't. I'd rather do something at home than a formal class.
In the next month I will start working on my Master Naturalist and Certified Arborist certifications.
Every month I will learn about a new bird, animal, plant or tree and give mini lessons to my kids and any other kids around.
In the next year I will complete my Master Naturalist and Certified Arborist Certifications.
In the next 3 years I will learn spanish and at least be moderately conversant in it.
2) To provide financial and emotional support to my boys as they complete their college education.
In the next week I will work evaluate my budget with an eye to saving for college. We are working on this.
In the next month I will start funding their 529 plans.
Every month I will invest money in their plans.
In the next year I will invest $1,000 for each child.
In the next 3 years, I will make sure that each child has enough money saved to pay for at least one year of college (including books and housing expenses).
3) To find a meaningful and effective organization to work with as a volunteer and donor to work to achieve social justice.
In the next week I will seek to educate myself about the pressing issues in my area. Right now the most pressing issue is the border wall. I've found out that my work is apparently representing one of the landowners so I may have a chance to get involved in the lawsuit.
In the next month I will figure out what skills I can provide.
Every month I will donate at least a token amount to a worthy charity.
In the next year I will begin volunteer work with a worthy charity.
In the next 3 years I will involve my family in volunteering.
4) To maintain and healthy and active lifestyle including hiking and biking regularly.
In the next week I will figure out an exercise routine I can maintain. Other than walking to the school, I haven't figured this out. I'm making a conscious effort to have good posture which pulls in the abdominal muscles and speed walking.
In the next month I will start biking again.
Every month I will bike at least 10 miles.
In the next year I will figure out a way to bike to work.
In the next 3 years I will join a biking group.
5) To be financially independent and only work when and where we want.
In the next week I will make a list of all of our debts and liabilities. This is done
In the next month I will make a "snowball" schedule. Figuring this out - Mr. Gaia suggests we might want to invest while the stock market is low and our only debts are low interest.
Every month I will evaluate our expenditures versus our investment income.
In the next year I will figure out how much money we need to have invested to provide enough income to meet our current needs.
In the next 3 years I will pay off all debts except my mortgage and pay enough on my mortgage to have 75% equity.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
31 Days To Fix Your Finances, Day 2
31 Days To Fix Your Finances, Day 2: Defining Your Goals From Your Values
Today's exercise is to figure out our goals in life based on our personal values.
Recap of my personal values:
1) The environment
2) Family
3) Social Justice
4) Health
5) Self Sufficiency/Financial Independence
First we are supposed to define our goals for the next twenty-five years.
Longterm Goals:
1) To work full time as a naturalist in a state or national park.
2) To provide financial and emotional support to my boys as they complete their college education.
3) To find a meaningful and effective organization to work with as a volunteer and donor to work to achieve social justice.
4) To maintain and healthy and active lifestyle including hiking and biking regularly.
5) To be financially independent and only work when and where we want.
Then we are supposed to define our goals for the next year.
Shortterm Goals:
1) Complete the Texas Master Naturalist course.
2) Complete Certified Arborist certification.
3) Start a 529 plan for each of the boys.
4) Continue to eat healthful and organic foods and lose this extra 20 pounds.
5) Grow a garden to provide at least 50% of our vegetables this year.
Today's exercise is to figure out our goals in life based on our personal values.
Recap of my personal values:
1) The environment
2) Family
3) Social Justice
4) Health
5) Self Sufficiency/Financial Independence
First we are supposed to define our goals for the next twenty-five years.
Longterm Goals:
1) To work full time as a naturalist in a state or national park.
2) To provide financial and emotional support to my boys as they complete their college education.
3) To find a meaningful and effective organization to work with as a volunteer and donor to work to achieve social justice.
4) To maintain and healthy and active lifestyle including hiking and biking regularly.
5) To be financially independent and only work when and where we want.
Then we are supposed to define our goals for the next year.
Shortterm Goals:
1) Complete the Texas Master Naturalist course.
2) Complete Certified Arborist certification.
3) Start a 529 plan for each of the boys.
4) Continue to eat healthful and organic foods and lose this extra 20 pounds.
5) Grow a garden to provide at least 50% of our vegetables this year.
Monday, January 07, 2008
One week update
I'm happy to say that so far I've flossed every night and have been making the pitcher of tea last 3 days (I suspect Hyperion is drinking some of my tea, so this is an especially big victory).
I've been sucking at getting to sleep by 2am. Saturday night/Sunday morning it was almost 6am (yeah, exactly). Last night, Mr. Gaia woke up whimpering right at 2 - right as I was about to turn the light off. He managed to pull a muscle or something Friday night while sleeping and has had a horrible week. Last night was apparently the worst yet (of course, he refused to take the pain killer like I told him to). So, I got up and found the heating pad and got him set up out in the living room. I finally turned the light out at 3. At 3:20 I thought I smelled smoke and got worried about the heating pad (it's really, really old) so I had to check on him, it wasn't the heating pad, probably somebody burned trash or they're burning the fields or it was just my imagination. I think I probably got to sleep around 3:45.
I've been sucking at getting to sleep by 2am. Saturday night/Sunday morning it was almost 6am (yeah, exactly). Last night, Mr. Gaia woke up whimpering right at 2 - right as I was about to turn the light off. He managed to pull a muscle or something Friday night while sleeping and has had a horrible week. Last night was apparently the worst yet (of course, he refused to take the pain killer like I told him to). So, I got up and found the heating pad and got him set up out in the living room. I finally turned the light out at 3. At 3:20 I thought I smelled smoke and got worried about the heating pad (it's really, really old) so I had to check on him, it wasn't the heating pad, probably somebody burned trash or they're burning the fields or it was just my imagination. I think I probably got to sleep around 3:45.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Happy New Year
Our New Year started with a fight. Sigh.
My new dishwasher got here! Yay! But Mr. Gaia read the directions to say NO plastic at all on the bottom rack and was mad at me for putting them there and refusing to handwash the ones that wouldn't fit in the top rack. I read the directions, read them to him and he still refused to believe me. So I ran it anyway and of course the plastic is fine. Sigh.
New Years Night we walked around the neighborhood watching the fireworks and then decided to have our own countdown (since the only time pieces we had were our cellphones) when we saw the fireworks increase.
So today was a better day. LOL.
So resolutions. I like Sally's take on resolutions. Goals are a much better term. I also like her idea of taking it month by month and just starting a plan. I've combined that with the idea that you should add one good habit and drop one bad habit. The problem is, I long ago gave up the bad habits I am willing to give up. So I'm modifying that one a bit.
January:
Good habit - floss every night. I rarely floss and I should really start doing it. I have to go to the dentist this year (I'm paying for the freakin' insurance, I need to make sure I use it) and I would love to be able to say "Every night" when asked whether I floss or not. Being that this is a big change, I will give myself a break if I'm not perfect. No thinking I already blew it so don't worry about it.
Bad habit - one less glass of sweet tea/day (give or take). Right now my half gallon pitcher lasts me 2 days. I want it to last 3 days. And instead of replacing the tea with juice or milk, I'm replacing it with water.
February:
Good habit - Go to bed earlier
Bad habit - Stop staying up late
So this is the same thing. This is huge for me. I haven't gotten to sleep earlier than midnight in years. The only time I've done it since high school were the months when I was pregnant. I'm going to start slow. I've already set a goal of being in bed, lights out, by 2:00am. I'm going to work on that through January and in February I will work on refiguring my nightly routine to be in bed, lights out by 1:30. I will continue this and by the end of February I will be aiming for 1:00. It's still not enough sleep, but it's a start.
March:
Good habit - At least one vegetarian meal each week
Bad habit - stop eating out because it is convenient.
March is the month when soccer season is in full swing. Plus we have spring break (Mr. Gaia and the boys are talking about traveling to Oklahoma for this time, so it will be very tempting for me to eat out).
The family goal for January is to not eat out. We're recovering financially from traveling and the new dishwasher and presents.
My new dishwasher got here! Yay! But Mr. Gaia read the directions to say NO plastic at all on the bottom rack and was mad at me for putting them there and refusing to handwash the ones that wouldn't fit in the top rack. I read the directions, read them to him and he still refused to believe me. So I ran it anyway and of course the plastic is fine. Sigh.
New Years Night we walked around the neighborhood watching the fireworks and then decided to have our own countdown (since the only time pieces we had were our cellphones) when we saw the fireworks increase.
So today was a better day. LOL.
So resolutions. I like Sally's take on resolutions. Goals are a much better term. I also like her idea of taking it month by month and just starting a plan. I've combined that with the idea that you should add one good habit and drop one bad habit. The problem is, I long ago gave up the bad habits I am willing to give up. So I'm modifying that one a bit.
January:
Good habit - floss every night. I rarely floss and I should really start doing it. I have to go to the dentist this year (I'm paying for the freakin' insurance, I need to make sure I use it) and I would love to be able to say "Every night" when asked whether I floss or not. Being that this is a big change, I will give myself a break if I'm not perfect. No thinking I already blew it so don't worry about it.
Bad habit - one less glass of sweet tea/day (give or take). Right now my half gallon pitcher lasts me 2 days. I want it to last 3 days. And instead of replacing the tea with juice or milk, I'm replacing it with water.
February:
Good habit - Go to bed earlier
Bad habit - Stop staying up late
So this is the same thing. This is huge for me. I haven't gotten to sleep earlier than midnight in years. The only time I've done it since high school were the months when I was pregnant. I'm going to start slow. I've already set a goal of being in bed, lights out, by 2:00am. I'm going to work on that through January and in February I will work on refiguring my nightly routine to be in bed, lights out by 1:30. I will continue this and by the end of February I will be aiming for 1:00. It's still not enough sleep, but it's a start.
March:
Good habit - At least one vegetarian meal each week
Bad habit - stop eating out because it is convenient.
March is the month when soccer season is in full swing. Plus we have spring break (Mr. Gaia and the boys are talking about traveling to Oklahoma for this time, so it will be very tempting for me to eat out).
The family goal for January is to not eat out. We're recovering financially from traveling and the new dishwasher and presents.
Monday, October 01, 2007
Update on Goals
In April I posted that I wanted to become a Certified Arborist and the first step was to get the study guide.
Guess what I got in the mail today? My study guides. Guess what's even better!!! I got them for free. Wonderful Mr. Gaia noticed a little announcement about a research study on the different study guides (CD-ROM and book) and they were giving free guides to participants. You'd better believe I had my name in post-haste.
In April, I also posted a goal to use up my samples. Can you believe I'm still working on using those samples? Granted, Mr. Gaia has traveled for business multiple times and we have traveled as a family so I've gotten more hotel shampoos. But based on current usage plus current additions, I'm good through December, at least.
Unfortunately those are the only goals I can report progress on. I've not maintained the clean house I wanted. It's not bad, but it's not great. MIL comes in 3 weeks, so I need to step it up a little each day so that I'm not going nuts the last week before she gets here. My exercise goals didn't stick after the kids came back home. Soccer isn't helping. But it's my fault. I need to start really getting serious about it.
Guess what I got in the mail today? My study guides. Guess what's even better!!! I got them for free. Wonderful Mr. Gaia noticed a little announcement about a research study on the different study guides (CD-ROM and book) and they were giving free guides to participants. You'd better believe I had my name in post-haste.
In April, I also posted a goal to use up my samples. Can you believe I'm still working on using those samples? Granted, Mr. Gaia has traveled for business multiple times and we have traveled as a family so I've gotten more hotel shampoos. But based on current usage plus current additions, I'm good through December, at least.
Unfortunately those are the only goals I can report progress on. I've not maintained the clean house I wanted. It's not bad, but it's not great. MIL comes in 3 weeks, so I need to step it up a little each day so that I'm not going nuts the last week before she gets here. My exercise goals didn't stick after the kids came back home. Soccer isn't helping. But it's my fault. I need to start really getting serious about it.
Friday, September 28, 2007
Financial Team
One year ago, Mr. Gaia was not my partner in the family finances. He abdicated that responsibility to me prior to our marriage.
I spent the first 11 years of our marriage feeling like the finance cop. Always feeling like I couldn't spend anything, because I knew he was and I felt like I needed to balance him. His constant phrase was "it's only $10/$20 per month".
Finally one day he stumbled upon a blog I had at another site where I was chronicling our financial life. I didn't write anything I hadn't said to him (multiple times), but seeing it written out like that was too much for him. We had a huge blow up fight and then he started getting involved, really involved.
Now I should say, in his defense, he has always been the best shopper I know. He finds the best deals. It was just that he couldn't pass up a good deal, so we often bought things we didn't need or particularly want because they were 90% off. Some of this stuff, I should say, was perfect for gifts for family and friends. It's just that a lot of it became clutter and a reminder to me of where all our money was going.
NOT that I was innocent, you understand. I encouraged him in some of his shopping and I would no sooner give up my high speed internet than I would give up breathing. Same with cable.
All that said, starting just about a year ago, Mr. Gaia came on as my full financial partner, and then some. He turned his skills at finding great deals to finding great bank accounts, great credit card rewards, good investment opportunities, a good refinance rate (at very little cost).
I am now much more relaxed about finances. I no longer check the bank balance every day. In fact, I logged on earlier today and almost couldn't remember my log on. Now, I'm in danger of fully abdicating my financial responsibilities to Mr. Gaia. Sigh.
This came clear to me tonight. We use rewards credit cards (always paying the balance in full each month). This enables us to earn interest on the money we spend for a few days/weeks longer and we get some cash back. It's never much, but it does add up over time. We realized that my credit card available credit isn't as high as it could be without hurting my credit score (and needed to be a bit higher so I'd have a lower utilization ratio), so we (he, remember I abdicated my responsibilities, sigh) decided I needed to apply for some more cards.
He directed me to www.app-o-rama.com. We went through the list of cards they recommend, compared them with bonuses we could get through our current companies and picked 3 cards. Plus one with my credit union.
We're what credit card companies refer to as "deadbeats". We use their cards, pay off the balances and collect our rewards. How are they supposed to make money off of us (you know, besides what they charge the retailers)?
So my goal for October is to take back my partnership interest in our finances.
I spent the first 11 years of our marriage feeling like the finance cop. Always feeling like I couldn't spend anything, because I knew he was and I felt like I needed to balance him. His constant phrase was "it's only $10/$20 per month".
Finally one day he stumbled upon a blog I had at another site where I was chronicling our financial life. I didn't write anything I hadn't said to him (multiple times), but seeing it written out like that was too much for him. We had a huge blow up fight and then he started getting involved, really involved.
Now I should say, in his defense, he has always been the best shopper I know. He finds the best deals. It was just that he couldn't pass up a good deal, so we often bought things we didn't need or particularly want because they were 90% off. Some of this stuff, I should say, was perfect for gifts for family and friends. It's just that a lot of it became clutter and a reminder to me of where all our money was going.
NOT that I was innocent, you understand. I encouraged him in some of his shopping and I would no sooner give up my high speed internet than I would give up breathing. Same with cable.
All that said, starting just about a year ago, Mr. Gaia came on as my full financial partner, and then some. He turned his skills at finding great deals to finding great bank accounts, great credit card rewards, good investment opportunities, a good refinance rate (at very little cost).
I am now much more relaxed about finances. I no longer check the bank balance every day. In fact, I logged on earlier today and almost couldn't remember my log on. Now, I'm in danger of fully abdicating my financial responsibilities to Mr. Gaia. Sigh.
This came clear to me tonight. We use rewards credit cards (always paying the balance in full each month). This enables us to earn interest on the money we spend for a few days/weeks longer and we get some cash back. It's never much, but it does add up over time. We realized that my credit card available credit isn't as high as it could be without hurting my credit score (and needed to be a bit higher so I'd have a lower utilization ratio), so we (he, remember I abdicated my responsibilities, sigh) decided I needed to apply for some more cards.
He directed me to www.app-o-rama.com. We went through the list of cards they recommend, compared them with bonuses we could get through our current companies and picked 3 cards. Plus one with my credit union.
We're what credit card companies refer to as "deadbeats". We use their cards, pay off the balances and collect our rewards. How are they supposed to make money off of us (you know, besides what they charge the retailers)?
So my goal for October is to take back my partnership interest in our finances.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Goals Update
Biking - 2.45 miles. The temp was 84.9F with an 11.5mph ESE wind. Stupid me biked on a completely empty stomach. I couldn't figure out why the biking was so hard tonight. Duh!
Exercise - I've had to give up the "mountain climbing" because it hurts my back too much. I've added reverse crunches instead. So far I'm staying on top of it.
Gardening - things are getting watered and that's about it. The weeds are growing back way too quickly. I think I may have to go see the doc about my back. It hurts too much to do much gardening. I did try some mowing last night and I paid for it today.
Energy - Mr. Gaia switched us to renewable energy today. It will actually start at the end of the month.
Exercise - I've had to give up the "mountain climbing" because it hurts my back too much. I've added reverse crunches instead. So far I'm staying on top of it.
Gardening - things are getting watered and that's about it. The weeds are growing back way too quickly. I think I may have to go see the doc about my back. It hurts too much to do much gardening. I did try some mowing last night and I paid for it today.
Energy - Mr. Gaia switched us to renewable energy today. It will actually start at the end of the month.
Friday, June 01, 2007
It's June! Time for Goals.
School's out for the summer. My kids are on their way to Camp Gaga (aka "the farm") for the month so I'm free (and missing them already).
Having them gone enables me to increase my hours at work to 40/week (normally I work 30 to work around their school schedule) and make a little extra money.
Mr. Gaia and I have talked about our June goals some. We do not plan to eat out unless I have a mystery shop or something wonderful happens. If this June is anything like last June, we'll mainly live on watermelon for our evening meal - which is a pretty inexpensive meal, all things considered.
My other goals are:
1) Stop buying snacks at work (we have a guy who comes in and sells the most delicious mexican wedding cookies),
2) Stay out of stores unless I'm mystery shopping,
3) Expand my mystery shop horizons and add a new type of shop/store. I'm not sure what this will be, but having an actual lunch hour should help,
4) Finally order my study materials for my Certified Arborist test. Mr. Gaia thinks I can pass it without studying, but I think he forgets how long it's been since I did a lot of this stuff and just how much information has been pushed out of my brain in order for me to do well at my current job,
5) Bike at least 4 nights per week, working up to 6 miles per night. We quit biking when soccer started and I can tell the difference in how my clothes fit, so it's time to get back into shape so we can bike with the boys when they come back home,
6) Start my exercise routine again. I slacked off this week because my lower back hurts so bad and I was cleaning,
7) Keep my house in its current "company clean" state and maybe even work it up to "mom clean". Not that she'll be back anytime soon, but my inlaws plan to come in August (and bring us the furniture they are storing, maybe I can finally get some furniture in my front room),
8) Use the clothesline exclusively. I broke down and used it a few times in the last couple of weeks - we had so much rain that it was hard to get anything dry and then I put off finishing the kids' laundry until about 18 hours before they wanted to leave (in my defense, they had originally planned to leave tomorrow morning and changed their minds),
9) Get the oil changed in my car (I know this should be a "to do list" item and not a goal, but I'm a horrible procrastinator).
I hope the end of June finds us healthier and wealthier.
Having them gone enables me to increase my hours at work to 40/week (normally I work 30 to work around their school schedule) and make a little extra money.
Mr. Gaia and I have talked about our June goals some. We do not plan to eat out unless I have a mystery shop or something wonderful happens. If this June is anything like last June, we'll mainly live on watermelon for our evening meal - which is a pretty inexpensive meal, all things considered.
My other goals are:
1) Stop buying snacks at work (we have a guy who comes in and sells the most delicious mexican wedding cookies),
2) Stay out of stores unless I'm mystery shopping,
3) Expand my mystery shop horizons and add a new type of shop/store. I'm not sure what this will be, but having an actual lunch hour should help,
4) Finally order my study materials for my Certified Arborist test. Mr. Gaia thinks I can pass it without studying, but I think he forgets how long it's been since I did a lot of this stuff and just how much information has been pushed out of my brain in order for me to do well at my current job,
5) Bike at least 4 nights per week, working up to 6 miles per night. We quit biking when soccer started and I can tell the difference in how my clothes fit, so it's time to get back into shape so we can bike with the boys when they come back home,
6) Start my exercise routine again. I slacked off this week because my lower back hurts so bad and I was cleaning,
7) Keep my house in its current "company clean" state and maybe even work it up to "mom clean". Not that she'll be back anytime soon, but my inlaws plan to come in August (and bring us the furniture they are storing, maybe I can finally get some furniture in my front room),
8) Use the clothesline exclusively. I broke down and used it a few times in the last couple of weeks - we had so much rain that it was hard to get anything dry and then I put off finishing the kids' laundry until about 18 hours before they wanted to leave (in my defense, they had originally planned to leave tomorrow morning and changed their minds),
9) Get the oil changed in my car (I know this should be a "to do list" item and not a goal, but I'm a horrible procrastinator).
I hope the end of June finds us healthier and wealthier.
Monday, May 07, 2007
Goals update
I'm not going to make my May 15 goal. I'm not terribly short, moneywise, but I am still short. Mr. Gaia is looking into ordering the study materials for his office. I can't push him on it, he wants me to do this, but he can't be pushed. I'm going to move my original goal to June 15.
I should be able to pick up more shops in June because the kids will be staying with their grandparents for that month. Mr. Gaia and I have set a goal of not eating out during the time they're gone, so if a chance comes up, I'll grab a restaurant shop.
My save money for April goals have gone fairly well. I did not use the dryer at all. Mr. Gaia did for his work clothes because they wrinkle so much worse than my work clothes (which are hung up fresh from the washer). I went through the drawers and the cabinets and pulled out all my samples. I have shampoo samples that will last until fall (if not later). I have a ton of lotion samples (and by samples I mean hotel freebies). I don't really use lotion much, so I have no idea what to do with all of this. I didn't, however, get any garden planted.
May is tight because April was expensive. So we're having to watch May as well. June will be much better (with the kids gone, I'll work full time).
I've added some exercise goals (because I now have 2 skirts and 2 pair of slacks I can't wear because they're too tight and I don't have that many clothes). M-W-F I do tricep dips, T-Th-S I do "mountain climbing". Throughout the week I do garden and yard work for about an hour. The next step is to simply stop eating so much. I don't really drink soda any more - just when we eat out, which is rare. I think it's the sweet tea that's doing it. I go through half a gallon of sweet tea every other day. I don't "do" artificial sweeteners (they aren't organic).
I should be able to pick up more shops in June because the kids will be staying with their grandparents for that month. Mr. Gaia and I have set a goal of not eating out during the time they're gone, so if a chance comes up, I'll grab a restaurant shop.
My save money for April goals have gone fairly well. I did not use the dryer at all. Mr. Gaia did for his work clothes because they wrinkle so much worse than my work clothes (which are hung up fresh from the washer). I went through the drawers and the cabinets and pulled out all my samples. I have shampoo samples that will last until fall (if not later). I have a ton of lotion samples (and by samples I mean hotel freebies). I don't really use lotion much, so I have no idea what to do with all of this. I didn't, however, get any garden planted.
May is tight because April was expensive. So we're having to watch May as well. June will be much better (with the kids gone, I'll work full time).
I've added some exercise goals (because I now have 2 skirts and 2 pair of slacks I can't wear because they're too tight and I don't have that many clothes). M-W-F I do tricep dips, T-Th-S I do "mountain climbing". Throughout the week I do garden and yard work for about an hour. The next step is to simply stop eating so much. I don't really drink soda any more - just when we eat out, which is rare. I think it's the sweet tea that's doing it. I go through half a gallon of sweet tea every other day. I don't "do" artificial sweeteners (they aren't organic).
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Mystery Shopping and other goals
I've been shopping for Speedmark Vision. I've done 4 shops so far - which totals $53. I have another 3 scheduled for the next week which will add $41. For a total of $94.
Through Opinion Square, I've ordered a $5 Target gift card (if you want to join, I'd appreciate it if you'd let me refer you, but it's no big deal if you don't).
Through My Points, I've ordered a $25 Target gift card (again, I'd appreciate the referral, but no biggie if you just join on your own).
I received a $15 rebate from paypal - I hesitate to count this, but I will for now.
So for now, I have a total of $98 with a guarantee of $139. It is short of my goal, but it's getting there. I've applied for 4 more mystery shops which (if I get them) would add $48 and I would top my goal. But none of them will happen before May 15.
Mr. Gaia is supposed to look into ordering the study materials to have in his office. There's some local legislation that, if passed, will greatly increase the demands for Certified Arborists. So it's a good time to get started. Of course, the city with the pending legislation is 4o miles away, so it is farther than I want to travel.
Through Opinion Square, I've ordered a $5 Target gift card (if you want to join, I'd appreciate it if you'd let me refer you, but it's no big deal if you don't).
Through My Points, I've ordered a $25 Target gift card (again, I'd appreciate the referral, but no biggie if you just join on your own).
I received a $15 rebate from paypal - I hesitate to count this, but I will for now.
So for now, I have a total of $98 with a guarantee of $139. It is short of my goal, but it's getting there. I've applied for 4 more mystery shops which (if I get them) would add $48 and I would top my goal. But none of them will happen before May 15.
Mr. Gaia is supposed to look into ordering the study materials to have in his office. There's some local legislation that, if passed, will greatly increase the demands for Certified Arborists. So it's a good time to get started. Of course, the city with the pending legislation is 4o miles away, so it is farther than I want to travel.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
April Woes
April financial showers (downturns) bring May financial flowers (upturns)? I hope so.
So this month is expensive. Income taxes, car insurance and now our television died.
I'm actually embarrassed how tied to the TV I am. I mainly use it for background noise while I'm up late. I'm only up late to have my alone time. But, the thought of being without TV bothered me enough that I made Mr. Gaia rig something so that we can watch TV. He rigged our projector (don't ask) to make a HUGE television. He's ordered a new one from Costco so that we can take back our living room from the overpowering television. For right now, we truly have a big screen TV.
Car insurance. Well, I'm actually kind of overstating it. We have Progressive and they allow you to put it on your credit card. So it will actually be due next month. By putting it on the credit card (even though we did actually have the cash) we bought another month interest free and will get some bonus cash. I love rewards cards.
Income tax. First let me say that it is great to not qualify for Earned Income Tax Credit. This is only the second year since Oceanus was born that we haven't qualified. It was nice to have it when we needed it, but it's really nice to make more money now. That said, I don't wanna send them a check that they'll use to wage war. I try to tell myself that *my* taxes go to social programs and environmental tax credits, but I'm not sure I believe it.
April feels expensive, and it is, but we're deferring a good portion of it interest free until next month.
I had to set some financial goals for April so that when the bills come due in May we'll have enough to cover it. My goals:
1) More mystery shops. They only pay about $12, but it's better than nothing.
2) Use my samples. No more buying new until all the samples are used up. I have enough samples and hotel bottles of shampoo to last at least through May.
3) Use the clothesline 100% (which has been difficult because April is proving to truly be rainy)
4) Commit to my garden. I need to go ahead and pull out the bok choy and arugula which have bolted and plant some tomatoes and peppers and okra. Yummm, fried okra - there's nothing better in the world. I have seeds for all of these. They may not be the most viable, but it only takes a few plants of each to have more than I can use.
So this month is expensive. Income taxes, car insurance and now our television died.
I'm actually embarrassed how tied to the TV I am. I mainly use it for background noise while I'm up late. I'm only up late to have my alone time. But, the thought of being without TV bothered me enough that I made Mr. Gaia rig something so that we can watch TV. He rigged our projector (don't ask) to make a HUGE television. He's ordered a new one from Costco so that we can take back our living room from the overpowering television. For right now, we truly have a big screen TV.
Car insurance. Well, I'm actually kind of overstating it. We have Progressive and they allow you to put it on your credit card. So it will actually be due next month. By putting it on the credit card (even though we did actually have the cash) we bought another month interest free and will get some bonus cash. I love rewards cards.
Income tax. First let me say that it is great to not qualify for Earned Income Tax Credit. This is only the second year since Oceanus was born that we haven't qualified. It was nice to have it when we needed it, but it's really nice to make more money now. That said, I don't wanna send them a check that they'll use to wage war. I try to tell myself that *my* taxes go to social programs and environmental tax credits, but I'm not sure I believe it.
April feels expensive, and it is, but we're deferring a good portion of it interest free until next month.
I had to set some financial goals for April so that when the bills come due in May we'll have enough to cover it. My goals:
1) More mystery shops. They only pay about $12, but it's better than nothing.
2) Use my samples. No more buying new until all the samples are used up. I have enough samples and hotel bottles of shampoo to last at least through May.
3) Use the clothesline 100% (which has been difficult because April is proving to truly be rainy)
4) Commit to my garden. I need to go ahead and pull out the bok choy and arugula which have bolted and plant some tomatoes and peppers and okra. Yummm, fried okra - there's nothing better in the world. I have seeds for all of these. They may not be the most viable, but it only takes a few plants of each to have more than I can use.
Monday, April 09, 2007
Gotta Get Goals
I've been asked to think about my Gotta Get Goals by Jenny at Green Mommy (you can check out her goals here).
I've been thinking about this and I think my goals are fairly common.
1) Financial Independence. I read Your Money or Your Life and I really want the life they describe. The idea that I can cut my expenses and increase my income so that at some point my investments are creating enough income that I don't have to work unless I want to? Heaven.
2) Peace. Mr. Gaia and I have always had very different money management styles. He does research carefully and get the best deals, but in the past he would buy things we didn't need because it was a good deal. Something changed in the past year and we are beginning to actually have peace in our home.
3) Travel. I really want to travel. Last year we were blessed and my father in law invited us to join him on a trip to Mexico. He gifted us with a place to stay, meals while there and paid for most of our activities. We only had to pay for airfare for the four of us. We had such a great time together and learned so much. I really want to do this more. I want to get to Europe and Asia. Australia, New Zealand and the Galapagos.
4) Sustainability. I want to make our lifestyle sustainable. We are working towards this by making our home more energy efficient, adjusting to warmer and cooler temps (so that we don't have to run the heater or air conditioner) and buying organic foods. We don't have a large lot, but it is large enough to supply at least a fairly good portion of our vegetables, if I will just do it. Eventually we will have solar panels and perhaps mini-turbines and rain barrels.
5) Giving. I want to be able to set up a foundation that will supply solar panels and/or mini-turbines to (eventually) anyone who wants them, starting with lower-income levels. Many people down here do not have electricity at all and other people pay 25-50% of their monthly income for electricity. The plan will be to supply them with the panels/turbines and then help them use the money they save/make to increase the energy efficiency of their home.
6) A Vocation. I have a career, but it isn't my calling. I'm not sure what my calling is, but I want to find it. I don't want to wake-up at retirement age and realize that I've spent all my time working at something I didn't like because I needed money and didn't have any better ideas.
7) Learn to speak Spanish. It's embarrassing that I don't speak more than a smattering of Spanish. I hate that I'm a typical American in this way (but I do at least have my passport).
If I can accomplish these, I will look back on my life and realize that I lived a great life.
I tag Tanya and any lurkers out there (I see you, but I don't know who you are, come forward and let me know)
I've been thinking about this and I think my goals are fairly common.
1) Financial Independence. I read Your Money or Your Life and I really want the life they describe. The idea that I can cut my expenses and increase my income so that at some point my investments are creating enough income that I don't have to work unless I want to? Heaven.
2) Peace. Mr. Gaia and I have always had very different money management styles. He does research carefully and get the best deals, but in the past he would buy things we didn't need because it was a good deal. Something changed in the past year and we are beginning to actually have peace in our home.
3) Travel. I really want to travel. Last year we were blessed and my father in law invited us to join him on a trip to Mexico. He gifted us with a place to stay, meals while there and paid for most of our activities. We only had to pay for airfare for the four of us. We had such a great time together and learned so much. I really want to do this more. I want to get to Europe and Asia. Australia, New Zealand and the Galapagos.
4) Sustainability. I want to make our lifestyle sustainable. We are working towards this by making our home more energy efficient, adjusting to warmer and cooler temps (so that we don't have to run the heater or air conditioner) and buying organic foods. We don't have a large lot, but it is large enough to supply at least a fairly good portion of our vegetables, if I will just do it. Eventually we will have solar panels and perhaps mini-turbines and rain barrels.
5) Giving. I want to be able to set up a foundation that will supply solar panels and/or mini-turbines to (eventually) anyone who wants them, starting with lower-income levels. Many people down here do not have electricity at all and other people pay 25-50% of their monthly income for electricity. The plan will be to supply them with the panels/turbines and then help them use the money they save/make to increase the energy efficiency of their home.
6) A Vocation. I have a career, but it isn't my calling. I'm not sure what my calling is, but I want to find it. I don't want to wake-up at retirement age and realize that I've spent all my time working at something I didn't like because I needed money and didn't have any better ideas.
7) Learn to speak Spanish. It's embarrassing that I don't speak more than a smattering of Spanish. I hate that I'm a typical American in this way (but I do at least have my passport).
If I can accomplish these, I will look back on my life and realize that I lived a great life.
I tag Tanya and any lurkers out there (I see you, but I don't know who you are, come forward and let me know)
Sunday, April 01, 2007
It's a new month
I never did follow up on my goals post. My plan is to become a Certifed Arborist. I have a degree in forestry and have dabbled in tree care for the last 12 years. Mr. Gaia is still in forestry and works for the government. He insists there is a market for consulting arborists in our area (2 counties making up over a million people).
I've been trying to break this down into a timeline. I looked up the testing dates, but they only go about 6 months out and I think I need more than 6 months to study.
My first step is to lay hands on the study material. It's only about $100, but I'd like to do this on the cheap, or at least as cheap as possible. I've asked Mr. Gaia to look into finding the materials cheaper - either from people who have already passed the test or maybe see if the government agency will pay for them (part of their mission is to train more qualified urban tree workers, having the study materials to become a Certified Arborist dovetails very well with that mission).
So, my first official goal is to lay hands on that by May 15. If I have to order them and pay for them myself, May 15 gives me time to earn the money by mystery shopping and doing surveys.
I've been trying to break this down into a timeline. I looked up the testing dates, but they only go about 6 months out and I think I need more than 6 months to study.
My first step is to lay hands on the study material. It's only about $100, but I'd like to do this on the cheap, or at least as cheap as possible. I've asked Mr. Gaia to look into finding the materials cheaper - either from people who have already passed the test or maybe see if the government agency will pay for them (part of their mission is to train more qualified urban tree workers, having the study materials to become a Certified Arborist dovetails very well with that mission).
So, my first official goal is to lay hands on that by May 15. If I have to order them and pay for them myself, May 15 gives me time to earn the money by mystery shopping and doing surveys.
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Soccer - or the need to be aggressive
So, Hyperion's first game ended up being a forfeit - only 2 people from his team showed up. Sigh. But they went ahead and shared players from the other team and scrimmaged. Watching those kids was a lot of fun. Wherever that ball went, they went.
Oceanus' game had all the players there (one too sick to play, but still there). His team would not cross the half way point if the other team had the ball. They'd hold back by their goal and wait for the other team to bring it to them. No matter how many times we said "go get the ball" they'd hold back.
Consequently they lost. 7-2. Poor Oceanus played goalie and let in 3 goals (one was a penalty shot and his team totally didn't get what was happening to help him out).
I think I could learn a lot watching this. I've been complacent in my life. I've waited for the ball to come to me. My current job is somewhat an example of this. Yes, I did go after it - to the point where I went completely outside of my comfort zone and asked everyone I knew if they knew someone hiring parttime and carrying resumes with me everywhere. But now that I have it, I can't be aggressive. I find myself terrified to make the wrong choice, so I don't make a choice at all.
My job is safe. I don't have to do much - other than put up with a boss who can be an asshole and a coworker who is more than willing to stab everyone else in the back. I'm not doing what I want to do because it's too hard. It's too hard to fight the good ol' boys club. I'm not aggressive enough to take them all on. BUT!! There is a way around them. I can start my own business.
So, it's time to do that. To set some goals and set a timeline to achieve them.
Coming soon - goals and a timeline.
Oceanus' game had all the players there (one too sick to play, but still there). His team would not cross the half way point if the other team had the ball. They'd hold back by their goal and wait for the other team to bring it to them. No matter how many times we said "go get the ball" they'd hold back.
Consequently they lost. 7-2. Poor Oceanus played goalie and let in 3 goals (one was a penalty shot and his team totally didn't get what was happening to help him out).
I think I could learn a lot watching this. I've been complacent in my life. I've waited for the ball to come to me. My current job is somewhat an example of this. Yes, I did go after it - to the point where I went completely outside of my comfort zone and asked everyone I knew if they knew someone hiring parttime and carrying resumes with me everywhere. But now that I have it, I can't be aggressive. I find myself terrified to make the wrong choice, so I don't make a choice at all.
My job is safe. I don't have to do much - other than put up with a boss who can be an asshole and a coworker who is more than willing to stab everyone else in the back. I'm not doing what I want to do because it's too hard. It's too hard to fight the good ol' boys club. I'm not aggressive enough to take them all on. BUT!! There is a way around them. I can start my own business.
So, it's time to do that. To set some goals and set a timeline to achieve them.
Coming soon - goals and a timeline.
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