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2009 has been way better than expected so far for me. In terms of my finances, I couldn’t be happier; given the fact that I don’t have a job haha. I recently paid off all of my credit card debt, leaving me with only a small student loan with a low interest rate.
My emergency fund is currently at a 3 month buffer level, although I would like to double that to a 6 month cushion.
My monthly bills are ridiculously low, as I only have rent, health insurance, cell phone, gym, utilities, etc. All of those bills are well below the average for most people.
There are a few trips that I have planned, and I have enough money for those as well. I was even able to minimalize my apartment even more, selling off the “excess” furniture/crap that I had.
I am getting close to the point where money is not a problem. I mean sure money is nice to have, but I am not driven by money anymore. I have enough to live comfortably (in my own right), and I can spend money when I damn well please.
Since I have been laid off, I have been evaluating my quarter-life goals and ambitions, at both the personal and professional levels. My mentor from my old job once told me, “When you get to my age, you can’t look forward to the weekend anymore. You have to look forward to every single day, or life will just pass you by.”
To me that means doing as much as possible, having as much fun as you can; and eventually finding a job that you do everyday with a smile, regardless of how much or little you make.
Back to reality. The problem I have is that every time I feel like I am in the clear, I start spending like crazy. My habits have changed tremendously in the past two years or so, so I am feeling quite confident that I won’t plummet into debt hell.
The key for me is to plan for my big purchases, instead of just charging it on plastic. My mentality used to be well, I get 3% cashback if I use my card; but what is 3% when your APR is 9.89%? Fuzzy math.
Yeah, just to show you that I am still frugal, I rewarded myself with a new wallet. Cheap, efficient, lightweight, durable, and free; since I already had one lying around.
I’ve had my fair share of flats while riding almost everyday over the past year. I usually throw on a new tube while I’m out on a ride, just because it can be hard to locate pinch or small hole on the fly. Which means that I had a gigantic pile of rubber sitting at home. It would be a waste to just throw them away, especially since most of them only had minor defects.
I had some free time yesterday, so I just sat down with a bowl of water and started patching up my tubes. Some people don’t trust using patched tubes for anything more than a temporary fix, but in my experience, they work just as well as a brand new one if sealed properly. I tried using the rubber cement patches, but I didn’t think the seal would hold for too long. So I went back to the quick and easy pre-glued patches, which I have never had a problem with.
The key to patching up a tire is keep the contact area clean and clear. I like using a Sharpie to mark the actual leak, so you don’t lose the spot. Using water I clean the surrounding area and then wipe it down. Make sure the tube is dry, because it is hard to rough up a wet surface. Sand the area once it’s dry and then apply the patch, and press hard. Be sure to check the tube for multiple leaks, your tube will be worthless if you only patch up on hole on a swiss cheesed tube.
Since tubes are about $4-$5 a pop, you can save quite a bit of money re-using the same tubes. Not only that, but you would be keeping them out of landfills as well. I also found some tubes that were unrepairable, so I’m thinking of ways to re-use or recycle those.
I officially have no car. Yeah I finally did it, got rid of my car, now let’s just see how long I can last with out a vehicular automobile driving machine.
It all happened last week, and I’ve been getting around just fine with my bike and good ol’ public transportation.
My goal is to last all the way through next winter, so we’ll see what happens. So why no car?
Here are just a few reasons:
- Great way to be green
- Save money (gas, insurance, maintenance)
- Don’t have to worry about parking
- Challenge myself
By the way the picture up there is supposed to represent one less car. Hence the empty space in between the two cars.
A whole slew of ways to save a few bucks around the home. And life in general.
Ripped directly from Reader’s Digest. Link
Erin Burt from Kiplinger Personal Finance wrote a really good article about well, finances.
I think you should read it. The message really hits home because it’s about her very own financial life. Article
It’s been a while since I’ve posted any real minimalist design photos.
Pictured above is my little computer(slash)everything desk. I got the white table at ikea on sale for less than $38. The ikea chair was a sweet find on craigslist for $10. And the toy on the table, well let’s not get into that (although I was able to snag a student discount).
Is it too white? Eh, I like it because it forces me to keep the surface area uber-clean.
One of my superiors called me into her office and said, “You need to dress more like a professional.”
So I went to the mall to buy some nice looking pants. There was a sale on some nice pants for $39.99, down from $49.99. Only $10 off, I know, but I was in desperate need of some decent looking pants. So I bought two pairs for $80.
Lo and behold, the very next day there was a coupon floating around for $20 off $60 at the same store. I went back to the store and returned the pants, and then bought them again using the coupon. Needless to say, I feel better about the pants now.
Even after purchasing an item, continue looking for better deals, because chances are you will still be able to cash in on them.
I am a huge fan of the movies. Arthouse, indie, Hollywood blockbusters, you name it.
I am, however, not a fan of the absurd ticket prices.
That’s where the discount admit cards come in handy. At my local theater complex, they offer a deal of 10 movie passes for only $50!
That comes out to uhh, 3, 7, carry the 1, 6cm… a whopping $5 per ticket! So check with your local cineplex for some mind-numbingly cheap deals on movies!
