Financial Planning Day 2: Managing Credit Card Debt

Welcome to Day 2 of my financial planning mini-series.  Again, I am not a financial advisor.  I am just offering what has worked for me in hopes that it will help someone else achieve financial goals.  

"The average American household with at least one credit card has nearly $15,950 in credit-card debt (in 2012), according to CreditCards.com"

Want to pay off your credit card debt?  You must chart your debts first... Just like with yesterday's mini-series post on charting your income and outcome.  That's why in my FREE Budget download there is a tab at the bottom of the spreadsheet that says "Debt."  Document all of your credit cards and student loan debt on this page.  You will need to know how much you still owe on each account and what your APR is for each account.  What many sources have advised is to pay the minimum balance on all of your accounts, EXCEPT for the account with the lowest balance.  Do you often pay more than the minimum on your accounts to feel like you are doing some good? Go ahead and pay more than the minimum, but on only one of your cards.  The idea behind paying off your smallest account first is that you are creating an attainable goal for yourself.  In a shorter amount of time, you will have a credit card balance of $0, if you pick one card to pay off at a time.

Financial Planning Day 1: Know Your Stuff and FREE Budgeting Download

Over the holidays, I realized that I was being teased by my family for constantly wanting to talk finances and give advice to others so that they can live a little more comfortably.  My family was right;  I wanted to share my knowledge with others and once I started, I couldn't slow down.  I have been monitoring my expenses since always, but after reading some books, I have been following a little system for about a year which must be effective since I was able to buy my home.  Not only was I able to buy my home, but I am still living comfortably!  I am not claiming to be a financial advisor, but I can offer you the tricks I have used for myself on a really tight budget.  Keep reading for a FREE blank budget spreadsheet  download that I use for my own finances. 

My first tip is that you need to educate yourself on your own finances.  You MUST know what you make every month and you MUST know what you spend your money on every month.  It's pretty simple; you need to make sure you bring in more than you spend.  

In my spreadsheet, I have a column that says Week 1, Week 3, and Week 5.  I get paid bi-weekly.  Sometimes there is a 5th week in the month where I get paid.  This happens twice a year (usually May and October).  I don't include that money in my total monthly income since I just put that money towards my savings account or a bigger purchase when I get it.  Essentially, I budget for living on 24 out of 26 paychecks.  If you don't want to do that though and get paid bi-weekly as well, you could divide that 5th check by 6 and add that number in the Week 5 column.  But since that is not how you receive your money, it might be best if you just don't add Week 5 at all.  When week 5 happens, it could be a gift to yourself, spending money for the holidays, or a repair to a car.  If you get paid weekly, go ahead and change the week numbers in the spreadsheet to fit your pay schedule. 

ZipGrade Giveaway Winner

About a month ago, I announced ZipGrade and I teamed up to have a giveaway for their Zipgrade product for 5 lucky readers.  Unfortunately, we only have one winner as of now - and the codes expire December 29th!  

The winner is San Peterson from Unmuddlemath!  I will be e-mailing the code privately.

I will extend the giveaway right up until the 29th.  The next 4 to comment on this post or the original post about how this grade scanning app will change the way you teach and save you time, will win the ZipGrade product! (See original post) Don't let these codes go to waste!

Half-Bath Update for Free

I own 2 functioning toilets as of today! I'm having 2 girlfriends over tomorrow, so not only did I want my bathroom functioning, I wanted it to look a little less "under construction." Don't get me wrong, there's still more to do including re-painting the walls and spray painting the electrical plates white, but this'll do for now.

House Update and Living Room Reveal

I own a home!! I'm forever grateful that I have been blessed with achieving one of my top goals at such a young age! I always wanted to do it earlier in life, but it just didn't pan out that way.  It's ok though; I'm still excited about it.

(I made the sign myself!)

PROS: My colonial style home was built in 1900.  It has wood floors, details in the molding, a nice floor plan, just overall nice charm.  3 bedrooms, walk up attic, 1.5 baths, a flat backyard.
CONS: I already knew copper was stolen from the basement. It has quite a few issues (more like every pipe in the damn house needs to be replaced) to fix, but I'm ready for it. I know this old home is going to be perfect when I am through with it. 

Here is a glimpse of the good, bad, and ugly:

For a foreclosed home, it's in really great shape. But do you see what I see? Projects galore! Especially that bathroom!

One of the biggest projects is the unseen: plumbing. Lookie what my plumber came across 

Issue #1

Issue #2

Yuck! Rotted iron. I was 5 minutes away from having my basement dug up, but luckily it was fixable and I have running cold water. Hot water is another issue.

Have you ever taken a Kuerig shower? It's when you use the hot water from a Kuerig to bath your body. Not kidding. Between that and showering at my parents, I'm managing to keep up with myself. A few more tweaks to the gas line and I should have hot water and fuel for my stove for me to cook with. I can't wait. 

While the dirty work has been taking place, I've been busy painting the living room: 

Before

After: (for now)

Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter

Rug from Rugs USA w/ cat bed

All of the items (other than the rug) I already had. I'll buy decor I really want once I know the plumbing, electrical, roof, etc are all taken care of. As you can see from this last picture, I still have lots to do. Yes that's a bathroom vanity in my living room. It's just so nice to have at least one functioning room. 

Stay tuned to see how long I will have to live like this.  So far, it's been a little over a week and I have to admit, it's very hard to live in a house that is under construction.  I cry some nights.  Other nights I thank god for granting me what I wanted.  It'll be worth it, but right now it's definitely a struggle.  

ZipGrade Giveaway!!!

I've posted about ZipGrade twice before: Benefits of Using ZipGrade and Step by Step Guide to Using ZipGrade.

            

In a nutshell, ZipGrade is a grading tool app to assist teachers with the tedious and lengthy process of grading papers.  This app eliminates the tedious and lengthy part of grading by doing the work for you! Teachers can print the answer sheets from zipgrade.com and can scan each sheet using the camera's phone and receive a score in seconds.  

When I first learned about ZipGrade, I downloaded it and used the first 100 trial scans and was hooked.  The product, for a year's worth of use, costs $6.99 for one year for an individual teacher's use.  I am a couponer, and a deal seeker, and don't often buy apps, but this app was so helpful that I splurged.  It's been extremely helpful with freeing up some of my time.  And I know districts are moving away from multiple choice assessments, but this app can still be used for quick formative assessment: exit tickets, pre-tests, etc.  

The good people over at ZipGrade have been kind enough to offer the readers of I go by Miss FIVE FREE copies of ZipGrade so you too can work smarter, not harder.

 &

GIVEAWAY

All you have to do is: 

• subscribe to my blog
• comment below with how ZipGrade will help you with your classes (make sure you are logged in so I can contact you)
• have an itunes account

I will be using a random number generator to determine who the 5 lucky winners are.  The drawing will close on December 20th at 11:59 p.m. as codes will expire December 29th.  This is your opportunity to enhance the way you've been teaching. Good luck and drop a comment!

Are you a Droid user?  Download ZipGrade here!

Jackpot at Marshalls - Olivia Pope Inspired Items

It's really getting chilly where I am and I crave long, comfy sweaters to get me through my days of teaching, coaching, and trying to maintain order at home.  If you read my last post, I don't own my own washing machine yet so I can't wash my clothes often which leaves me one choice: re-wear the dirty clothes over and over BUY NEW ONES #yay  I headed to Marshalls after Cheerleading practice and scored!

1. Calvin Klein Structured Tweed Jacket with leather hems $49.99

This jacket screamed Olivia Pope and was affordable at the same time!  I don't know if you've seen the Olivia Pope inspired clothing line at The Limited, but those items are a little too pricey for my liking.  And if I remember correctly, coupon codes didn't work on the Scandal items so no dice for me.  BUT THIS is gorge.  I plan to wear with straight leg work pants and flats (as always) but I would love to wear with a nice fitting pair of jeans and heels on a date night.  Not gonna happen. 

Speaking of Olivia Pope, could we please figure out who makes this jacket from Season 3, Episode 7? I know I probably can't afford it, but it would bring me great pleasure to be that much closer to owning it.  Who's going to mess with you in a jacket like that? No one, that's who. 

2. Cynthia Rowley Navy Thick Knit Cardigan $39.99

What I love about this sweater cardigan is that it is not dainty.  I hate wearing cardigans that are thin and have tiny baby buttons.  Those just don't look right on me.  I love the color of this cardigan which will complement a few blouses and button downs that I have in my wardrobe already. I'm thinking I can layer this on top of my chambray top. 

3. Jeanine Chunky Knit Long Grey Sweater Tunic $29.99

Again I love the thick knit of this sweater and the pattern is kind of unique as well.  This sweater extends well below my butt which makes it a great option to wear with leggings!  Most of my leggings are thick and not see through any way... but if I wanted to, I could definitely get away with wearing the thin leggings with this sweater... with socks I bought as well (pictured above) $8 peeking out of my tall black boots.  I'm very excited to wear this sweater. 

4. Drapey Assymetrical Grey Sweater $29.99

Doesn't this sweater convey Olivia Pope too?  I can picture her wearing this sweater real casually in her apartment after a long day of work, sipping on her deep red wine.  I intend to actually wear this out of my apartment though with some skinny jeans and probably tall black boots.  Tall boots for me is kind of my uniform in the winter.

5.  Max Studio Lace Blouse

Earlier today I was complimenting my co-worker on her lacey cardigan and then I was lucky enough to find this blouse later on for myself.  I can pair this blouse with a pencil skirt, jeans, a blazer, etc. It's kind of a sexy look with the nude underlay... we'll see if I turn any heads lol. 

6. Calvin Klein Light Grey Sheets $39.99

I didn't initially want grey sheets for my bedroom, but this grey is a light grey and will match the grey in the carpet I bought.  I think it will also go nicely with the comforter I bought from Home Shopping Network for about $120 shipped (with coupon and ebates). Join ebates and get cash back for online purchases you make.  Before I shop, I check if ebates participates with the site I am going to use.  Love saving money.  

Marshalls is either hit or miss.  So glad they had some nice, warm, winter items that fit and complimented my body.  Can't wait to wear them.  Stay tuned for photos of my actual OOTD wearing these items.  

My Christmas List 2014

In my opinion, I am getting too old for receiving Christmas presents from my parents, but they disagree and requested a Christmas List from me.  They said when I have kids is when I can expect to stop receiving gifts... How can I deny them of their wishes?  I am the good daughter after all...  Last year I posted my list online because I think it is convenient for shopping, so this year I am doing the same.  Hopefully I don't buy something on the list for myself.

Here are my top two BIG BOYS:

1. TV  - My cat ran into my tv so many times and messed up the sound so I will be needing a replacement.  I may buy one on Black Friday from Target, but I will keep you posted.  I do want the TV to be bigger than the one I currently own (32").  Please don't buy if it's not bigger.  If this is too expensive - DON'T WORRY lol I will buy it myself eventually... plus I don't have cable anyway...
This is the one I might buy on Black Friday for $328.



OR

2. Dyson Vacuum - Target will also have a Dyson Vacuum on sale for Black Friday for $280, but I have been eyeing this one on clearance at Walmart for $380.

OR neither one of those things because they are expensive.

3. BBW Wall Flowers - Please no spicy or fall scents! Ick lol  Anything fruity or clean will be great.  If you can get them at under $3, it's a great price.  Otherwise, don't worry about it, because who wants to pay more than $3 for a pod of scented fluid?

4. White Sheet Set/Ivory Sheet Set/White or Ivory with a grey pattern will be fine too.

5. Down Feather Blanket in White, Ivory, or Cream.

6.Cleaning Supplies:
 -Laundry Supplies - I will hopefully be owning a washer and dryer very soon, and even though I do have lots of detergent and bounce dryer sheets, I don't have any of those scented beads for the softener.  Oh and Oxi Clean would be nice too. 

-Dishwasher Soap Things - I will also be owning a dishwasher very soon! And even though I have lots of Dawn liquid dish soap, I have no dishwasher soap or pods or whatever they are called.

7. Gatorade & Mac N Cheese - I am constantly taking Gatorades from my dad's stash and Kraft Mac N Cheese from their pantry on the low.  I guess I should ask for these for myself.

8. Gift Cards to:
Lowes so I can shop for home stuff.
TJ Maxx/Home Goods/Marshalls so I can shop for home stuff and get my style on.
CVS so I can coupon and stockpile.
H&M so I can look profesh.

Queen's Nails
Panera & Chipotle work too.

9. Home - Most of all I just really want to know I have somewhere to live come December 1st.  And I won't lie, I really, deeply, truly will be disappointed if I'm not living in the most perfect house for me that I am desperately trying to buy right now.  I am so busy and I need comforts of a home.  It is such a chore to have to do laundry somewhere other than your own home... so as a result, laundry doesn't get done as frequently as I'd like.  I just want to be clean!! lol and do projects, and have more space, and have people over for dinner, and make a good investment, and pretend I am Phoebe from Charmed and make spells in my walk up attic.

Oh as long as I get approved and close on this house, I would like things for the home that I might not have thought of like a rake, and shovel, maybe a power sander tool?  This has Danny and Timmy, my brothers, written all over it... except for they probably don't read my blog...

Even though I have 9 items listed, pretty much as long as I buy this house, I will be a happy little lady this holiday season.

At what age did your parents cut you off for submitting a Christmas list?

Stage 1: How to Decorate your Home

How many of you have gone through the tedious process of begging the mortgage gods for money? That is what I am currently doing. The past couple of weeks have been treacherous, but hopefully the third closing date is a charm. I have been at CHFA's mercy for weeks, but if once they say OK, buying my first home will be a great deal.

To occupy my time, and plan for my new baby, I have created inspiration boards for three of the main rooms in the house.  The first one is for my dining room.  I bought the rug from RUGS USA for 75% off with a Black Friday Coupon Code ($106.75).  They have a 14 day return policy if, god forbid, I get declined for the mortgage.

I also purchased this farmhouse style table from a local consignment shop.  Prior to purchasing this table, I saw styles like this table on Pinterest.  The table was $135 (no chairs).  I will either do what you see in the Pinterest Inspiration Photo, or I will grey wash the entire table.

Next up is my living room board.  I am still unsure of this room, but I did purchase the rug from RUGS USA again for 75% off.  About a month ago, I saw a rug for over $300 for an 8x10.  After checking around, I realized that was an average price for the rugs I was looking for.  I am glad I waited though, because after this 75% off code, I got this 8x10 rug for $148.  The couch in my inspiration board is the KIVIK from Ikea.  My brother and I tested it out a month ago and it was rather comfy for less than $1,000.  This room can't clash with my dining room, so I am thinking I am going to keep colors like Navy and white and work in natural textures.

Finally, I am planning my master retreat.  I know it's a lot of white, but I will have my very own washer and dryer, and I am childless, so I think it can work.  Like the other rooms, I already purchased this diamond shag rug from RUGS USA ($144.00).  I guess I am working from the floor, up.  Next up, I am in search of a comforter... nice, fluffy, and white!

That's it for now! Stay tuned to my new and updated blog as I will have MANY projects coming your way!  Quick recap on how to decorate your home from the beginning:

• Make inspiration boards using the PicStitch app
• (include items you already own)
• Give yourself time to scout deals
• Don't be afraid to DIY
• Search second hand stores
• Use pinterest (follow me)
• Shop for home items on BLACK FRIDAY (Check in advance if you are getting a deal)

Haircut Reveal

Prior to my cut, most days, I would put my hair into a bun.  To be honest, I went days without even brushing it, because no one saw it anyway and having knotty hair helped it stay in the bun better.  The bun wasn't even intricate.  I would just swirl my hair tight and place an elastic around it.  One of my students told me last school year that I "wasted my hair" because I never did it.  She was right.  When I went in for my haircut appointment, I had two options.  The first I had been getting the past few times I got my hair cut.  And the second was an option I have been tempted to do for about a year.

The hairdresser asked me "What are we doing today?"  I replied I really wasn't sure and showed her my options.  I talked it out loud and said that I really want to look polished and presentable and with long hair I had a proven record of just not doing it.  Decision made. The only thing that has stopped me from chopping before was I still wanted to appear attractive and I know men love long hair.  Considering I am not in the business of impressing anyone at the moment, (think wife chop, but different) I went with my gut.  CHOPPED.

Before

During

My pony tail after.  I initially took it to donate it, but I really may try to sell it.  I am in the process of trying to buy a house, so any extra income helps.  Plus I haven't heard great things about Locks of Love.  If it's too much work to sell it, then I will donate it.  

This is the photo I used to surprise people that initially told me not to cut it lol.  I have to say, being a virgo, I like pleasing others, but going against their judgement was pretty exciting and adventurous for me.  

As of now, this pic got 79 likes on my FB page! Wow - I am lucky if I usually get 12 likes on a photo.

My kitten cat even agrees that this is a good cut for mama.  All-in-all I feel great about the cut.  I feel feminine and in charge.  I feel 100% presentable instead of 90% like before.  I am glad I listened to my own inner voice and followed what I thought would be a good decision for me.  I may be complaining next week, but I doubt it.  And if I am, I can go get extensions put in, or I can wait for it to grow back.  It's just hair, after all!  But now mine matches my personality better than before.  

 I also may have went out to get a few new pieces to match my profesh cut. I didn't initially plan on posting these photos or else I would have been more conscious of how the finished photo looked.

Army Green Max Jacket $49.99; Beige Cardigan $24.99; White blouse with black embroidery $24.99 all from TJ Maxx.  They were all more expensive than I would usually be willing to spend, but considering these are outfit completers and I was specifically looking for these items, it was worth the money.  See my post on Back to School Shopping and my post on Planned Pencil Skirt Outfits where I can use these items to enhance/complete those looks. The shoes (below) are Lucky Brand Nude Sandals with a slight wedge for $18.00 (clearance) at Marshalls.  Total: $118.00