The Tax Man Cameth

I know it was my money already, but that doesn't make the day I receive my tax refund check any less exciting. Due to decent planning, my check was only a few hundred dollars. You may ask why that's a good thing, but it means that I didn't loan the government much interest free money.

My first stop was to make a 2nd payment on a Visa card. The second stop was to a department store to pay off a card. Yes, I agree that store cards are high interest, but this one is a rewards card and I pay it off quickly if not monthly. Felt good!

I did the shift this weekend, but didn't work as many hours as I hoped. At least I was able to put $5 towards my emergency fund and fill up the tank of my car. Tomorrow I have a taste test that will bring in another $20 for my emergency fund.

Lastly, I received an email from a local college asking me if I was still interested in participating in a mock jury. If I fit the criteria I will earn $100 for 5 hours of work. That will be a nice addition to the pot.

Every Bit Helps

I picked up three hours of work tonight, which unfortunately is a lot less than I thought I was going to work. Oh well, at least its something. I was also able to pick up some bakery product at a discount so my Easter baskets are finished, I picked up the rolls for Sunday's dinner, and I picked up a poppy seed loaf for a fundraiser where I am providing the refreshments. So I'm still ahead.

Do Over!

Paying off debt is a lot like weight loss. It takes years to put it on and its going to take time to get rid of it. Knowing that fact doesn't make it any easier. Instead, I tend to get frustrated, do something really stupid, beat myself up about it, and then get back on the wagon. Its a vicious cycle, but when I'm done, I know I'm good for awhile.

To readjust my thinking, I officially published my full debt load and replaced my previous pie chart from No Credit Needed. (For the record, I really appreciate NCN for everything he does, but I felt I needed to be brutally honest with myself.) I pulled all of my hidden cash and made an extra payment on a credit card to get a jump start. The hidden cash came in the form of:

• $5.50 from returning pop cans for their deposit - I also return the cans from work
• $28.67 from my loose change jar - I save all of my loose change in a glass which I turn in when it reaches a certain point
• $20.00 from my dollar coin stash - When I have a few extra dollars and find myself making a deposit at the bank, I swap them for dollar coins and save them as an emergency fund for end of the month gas in the tank or other surprise expense

The next step in my "recovery" is to look for ways to make extra money. This week I am putting up Easter orders at a bakery I used to work at. That will be an extra $50 for the evening. Next week, I'm participating in a taste test which will earn me an $20. Its a start for the snowflakes.

Finally, I get to have an honest look at my spending habits. I was lucky enough to have a very nice gentleman buy me lunch today, which was a complete shock because I didn't know him. He apparently won on Keno and appreciated the fact that I talked to him. I still feel guilty about it. My kitchen is not set up for cooking right now. I somehow have lost my can opener. Don't ask me how. I have NO idea. The fridge is looking like a bad bachelor commercial. Its time to get real and time to put the plan together.

And In One Moment Everything Can Change...

In the last few weeks there have been some pretty heavy issues that I've been dealing with. First, my grandmother passed away. While we become more accepting of death as we get older, it can still take us by surprise. I can thank my grandma for being one of the people that taught me the value of being frugal. She didn't have much money to raise a family with 5 kids and things were tough. After the funeral I heard many stories of my grandma taking care of not only her family, but others that were struggling as well. She was known to stretch a frugal meal to feed an extra family. The most important thing to her was family.

On the flip side, this morning I found out that my brokerage closed its doors Monday at 5:00pm. The first thing that springs to mind is the Bear Sterns fiasco and the investors that have lost millions. Luckily (or unfortunately,) my savings is no where near that. I did a bit of research and have been assured that my money is in safekeeping with the brokerage's backer. I can transfer it to a new brokerage at any time.

Tomorrow is inevitable and there is no excuse for poor planning today. The things I've learned from both of these events are:

• Make sure retirement accounts are protected with reputable companies.
• Don't be afraid to ask questions when the market is getting weird.
• Diversify! If all the eggs are in one basket there is a ton more risk. Ask the investors in Enron, PanAm, and Bear Sterns.
• Start early, but its never too late to start.
• You can always stretch a meal help someone in need.
• Resourcefulness is the basis of frugality.

If Writers Have Blocks Can Reformed Debtors Have Them Too?

I have been struggling big time. I have had back pain that has kept me from wanting to sit in front of a computer and there has been the creep and crud going around the office keeping everyone in bed.

Last weekend I got some help with my taxes. They were sent in on Monday and I'm happy to say that I am getting a small refund. Unlike a lot of people, I feel very unsuccessful if I get a big refund back because that means the government has had a loan from me that they don't have to pay me interest on. My plan for my refund is to pay down my highest interest rate credit card. I'll be adding my kicker check to that same debt repayment.

This weekend, I've been looking around my apartment thinking that I really could get rid of a lot of things and be very happy. I have been going through the stress that most people trying to get out of debt go through. I feel really frustrated with my situation and am really working on not loosing focus. I have my LASIK surgury scheduled for April 2nd, but the added expense is stressing me out. So why don't I wait? Honestly, I've put it off for three years already and I may reschedule it, but I'm really trying not to.

Weekend earnings:
I made $3 from taking back pop cans which I promptly spent on kitty litter. Something I really needed.

Don't Miss the 140th Carnival of Personal Finance

Well, it's official. I have now participated in my second carnival. The Finanacial Blogger has created a great Prison Break themed Carnival of Personal Finance. My post on calculating debt to income ratio was accepted and can be found in the "Other" section. Unfortunately, spell check keeps changing ratio to ration.

Weekly Review

Wise Bread - How Haggling Taught Me About Life Haggling is an artform that most Americans have lost sight of. In many countries its considered an insult if you don't participate. What we don't realize is that successful haggling is a way to get ahead in both our careers and our personal lives.

Being Frugal - My Clutter Is Making Me Fat Maybe its the great desire for spring to arrive and maybe its going stir crazy from all of the holiday clutter, but the idea of purging clutter is heaven.
Mapgirl's Fiscal Challenge - Laser Eye Surgery: Summary of Costs and Other Thoughts I admit that I have my surgery scheduled and while this post may not be for everyone, I found it incredibly helpful.

The Simple Dollar - The Value of Investing in Yourself Before we build an investment portfolio, before we make any major purchases, the first investment we need to make is in ourselves.

Frugal For Life - Save Money with Organization I admit it. Alot of my debt was caused by poor organization which cost money in NSF fees, late charges and overlimit charges. When I feel myself slipping, I organize.