http://sallyr70.savingadvice.com Charting my journey to financial independence info@savingadvice.com Sallyr70 en-us http://sallyr70.savingadvice.com/2008/02/25/kauai_35962/ I am going to Kauai in 23 days! Hawaii is my favorite place to travel. I go nearly every year. This will only be my second time on Kauai and it's been several years since I've been there. My BF and I will be staying at a renovated sugar plantation, consisting of individual cottages.... Mon, 25 Feb 2008 10:54:50 PST sallyjreese@hotmail.com (Sallyr70) http://sallyr70.savingadvice.com/2008/02/18/big-spend-day_35726/ I spent $1300.00 this weekend on window treatments! Ack! <br /> <br /> One good thing is, this was a planned purchase and I have been saving money in my ING account for Home Decor projects.<br /> <br /> Another good thing: I used a coupon for 30% off- (everything except the curtain hardware)<br /> <br /> I bought... Mon, 18 Feb 2008 11:54:06 PST sallyjreese@hotmail.com (Sallyr70) http://sallyr70.savingadvice.com/2008/02/15/recession-wont-get-me-down_35605/ Here is my new, improved outlook on the economy: A downturn in the economy will benefit me in the long run, so I happily accept it and am using it to my advantage.<br /> <br /> We all know, by looking at the history of the stock market, that there are ups and downs, but over several years/decades,... Fri, 15 Feb 2008 12:21:59 PST sallyjreese@hotmail.com (Sallyr70) http://sallyr70.savingadvice.com/2008/02/15/i-got-my-refund_35595/ I'm glad that is over! Happy Friday! Fri, 15 Feb 2008 08:22:38 PST sallyjreese@hotmail.com (Sallyr70) http://sallyr70.savingadvice.com/2008/02/14/where-is-my-tax-rebate_35564/ I did everything right.... filed electronically, having direct deposit... it's been 11 days! What is going on? It seemed like everyone else got theirs within a week or so. It's just annoying!<br /> <br /> Anyway, Happy Valentines day to all! Thu, 14 Feb 2008 11:30:04 PST sallyjreese@hotmail.com (Sallyr70) http://sallyr70.savingadvice.com/2008/02/11/my-valentines-day-plan_35465/ Dinner will be a steak from the freezer, steamed broccoli and baked potatoes. Dessert was GOING to be cupcakes with chocolate whipped frosting, but we are going to Hawaii in 5 weeks and trying to slim down.... I might still make them, eat a couple and take the rest to work. Flowers:... Mon, 11 Feb 2008 21:01:20 PST sallyjreese@hotmail.com (Sallyr70) http://sallyr70.savingadvice.com/2008/02/04/taxes-filed_35144/ I did my taxes yesterday. I'm getting $686 back. I e-filed using H&R. I'm putting most of this into my Home Decor fund. In addition to wanting to purchase an armoire and some window treatments for my home, I am going to help my Mom pay for laminate flooring in her condo. Her carpet... Mon, 04 Feb 2008 11:21:15 PST sallyjreese@hotmail.com (Sallyr70) http://sallyr70.savingadvice.com/2008/01/31/work-anniversary_34941/ Today is my 13th anniversary at the company. I don't get anything special this year. At 10 years, I received a nice watch and my own parking space. I also get an extra week of vacation. At 15 years, I will get 2 airline tickets for anywhere in the US so I am looking forward to... Thu, 31 Jan 2008 09:11:21 PST sallyjreese@hotmail.com (Sallyr70) http://sallyr70.savingadvice.com/2008/01/28/useless-financial-advice_34811/ Lil Monday Rant!<br /> <br /> I don't consider myself to be a genius or anything, but I'm so tired of the watered down financial tips that are abundant on the internet, news, magazines, etc. these days. I suppose it could be helpful to someone who doesn't have much common sense or is seriously... Mon, 28 Jan 2008 11:26:08 PST sallyjreese@hotmail.com (Sallyr70) http://sallyr70.savingadvice.com/2008/01/27/sewing-class_34783/ Today I learned how to make lined curtains. There were 7 ladies in the class and it took us two hours to measure and cut the drape and lining material (one at a time as there was only one cutting mat). The actual sewing was pretty quick. We were only using 1 yard of fabric so it's... Sun, 27 Jan 2008 18:00:53 PST sallyjreese@hotmail.com (Sallyr70) http://sallyr70.savingadvice.com/2008/01/25/i-dont-heart-ing_34696/ Wo! I can't believe they lowered their rate to 3.65.... from 4.10 !!! I'm glad that I don't have my long term savings there. I would pull all my money out but it's only $4000 so I doubt they would care.<br /> <br /> I have decided to up my 2008 savings goal $500 to $7500 since I'm doing so good already! Fri, 25 Jan 2008 15:41:27 PST sallyjreese@hotmail.com (Sallyr70) http://sallyr70.savingadvice.com/2008/01/21/went-running-today_34492/ I started running last July using a program called "couch to 5k". After about 10 weeks, I was able to run 30 minutes straight! (not fast but steady). I was doing one long run a week, trying to work up to an hour. I was up over 40 minutes when I got a cold in December, and just... Mon, 21 Jan 2008 15:38:31 PST sallyjreese@hotmail.com (Sallyr70) http://sallyr70.savingadvice.com/2008/01/17/rewards-for-spending_34306/ Yesterday, I received my new AMEX Blue Cash card. Since I have no consumer debt and very disciplined in keeping a budget and paying on time, I decided to maximize my rewards! Here is a run down on this card's benefits:<br /> <br /> Spend up to $6500 in a year, and receive:<br /> - 1% back on grocery,... Thu, 17 Jan 2008 10:38:07 PST sallyjreese@hotmail.com (Sallyr70) http://sallyr70.savingadvice.com/2008/01/14/grocery-budget-and-dieting_34156/ For the last two months, I've been tracking all my expenses. I won't do it forever, but it does help me to keep my spending in check. Groceries is one category that can vary a lot. I've worked hard to plan my meals according to what is on sale and what I have on hand, and to make... Mon, 14 Jan 2008 10:10:25 PST sallyjreese@hotmail.com (Sallyr70) http://sallyr70.savingadvice.com/2008/01/11/introduction_34021/ I'm so excited to start my first ever blog! I have been lurking on this site for at least a year and have received a lot of helpful advice. <br /> <br /> My brief story: I'm 37, single but live with the boyfriend I met when I was 16. We do not have children and don't plan to. Getting married... Fri, 11 Jan 2008 13:45:27 PST sallyjreese@hotmail.com (Sallyr70)