My Finance: My Guilty (Expensive) Pleasures

Last week I posted and told you that I am going to start listing what I spend money on each day. Well......I have noticed that I spend money on ridiculous stuff. Stuff I can't even account for now because for the most part, my money goes to guilty pleasures. I am not starting 2009 off on the financial good foot! I am addicted to Frutista Freeze drinks from Taco Bell and Bold Breeze frozen treats from Baskin and Robbins. The problem with this is that the Frutista Freeze drinks are probably about 10 oz or so and they cost about $2.85 a piece. Did I mention I buy 2 at a time at least 2 or 3 times a week? Oh, and the Bold Breeze drinks from Baskin and Robbins cost me a whopping $4.79 (I buy a large one each time)! I probably get one of these at least 1-2 times a week. I am embarrassed! I should really stop with the guilty pleasures, because they do just that---make me guilty that I spend so much money on an unnecessary item. I think I need break my habit! I think I need a 12 step program for addiction to unnecessary frozen treats! Seriously, I am going to challenge myself to cut down. This is money that I could be putting towards my monthly savings goals (I'll talk about my goals later this week). Anyway, I have to get back to work, so I'll blog with you later.

My Life, My Love, My Finance

Love ya,

Ms. HM

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!

I just realized that I have not posted in almost a month!!!! I am at work right now, so I am going to quickly fill you in on the details of my finances and my job in the new year. This month, I am tracking my spending---SERIOUSLY!!! I spend way too much money on stuff and I can't remember what all I bought. I am keeping all of my receipts in an envelope and starting today, I will post a list of things I spent money on. Hopefully, this will keep me in line and more conscious of things I sepnd money on that are not necessary. I already know that I have a few too many guilty pleasures---like my daily cup of coffee and ice cream from Baskin Robbins!

I was off of work from December 24---January 5. I am back and more refreshed than ever! I realize that I don't necessarily dislike my job, I just need to make regular use of my vacation days. I love the career I chose, I'm just not so sure about doing it in the nonprofit realm of things. I have heard that when you are working for a nonprofit agency, you don't get paid much, but there is satisfaction in the work that you do. I feel that way some days, but not often. I will stay prayerful on this and see what the new year holds.

Last, and certainly not least, I plan to change the way my blog looks. I don't do web design well, so I am going to let one of my friends or Mr. HM do that. Anyway, I will post a list of my spending thus far later this afternoon.

My Life, My Love, My Finance

Love ya,
Ms. HM

My Finances: The Holiday Season Is Here

I love Christmas time. I like the cold weather and Christmas songs. I love being off of work (I am off of work this year from 12/24/08--1/05/09), spending time with my family, and going to church. As much as I love this time of year, there are some things that I definately do not like. For one, it puts a damper on my wallet. I love giving gifts to other people, but it takes some of the joy out of it when I don't really have the money to do it. I have some money set aside this year for gifts, but it totally gets me off my savings goals. Since I have not really thought of a list of people I have to get gifts for this year, I am going to take this blogging time to do so now. Yes, I know I only have like 16 more days to buy gifts, decorate my house, etc. but keep in mind, I have a set of 1 year old twins, a busy 10 year old, and a very stressful job. So, here is my list of people I must get gifts for:

1. My husband
2. My children (3)
3. Nieces and Nephew (3)
4. God children (2)
5. Sister in laws (2)
6. Siblings (2)
7. Parents (2)--generally get them a household gift together--this year, my siblings and I are buying one BIG gift and splitting the cost of it
8. In laws
9. My son's teachers (3)
10. Adopted family (3)

I am sure I have left someone off the list. After reviewing the list, I think I am going to do some homemade gifts for some people. I don't know. How are you cutting the cost of Christmas?