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Spring is "springing" and it makes me want to clean and get organized. I'm ready to start new and fresh!! I'm finally feeling financially organized thanks to CommunityAmerica Credit Union's on-line banking. I am sending my income straight from my paycheck to my savings, and now, I'm even paying my bills on line with no hidden fees or additional postage costs.
Plus, now with my hours at work back to normal, I can count on my paycheck being the same amount each week AND I'm no longer trying to guess what bills I can pay . . . or can't pay, with each check.
I met with Tim and Erin this past Friday, and went over my financial plan for the next few months and the goals they want me to reach. I was saying OMW, (that's OH MY WORD..similar to OMG...but for use by us older folks) under my breath . . . but after talking to them some more I know I can do it. First, I have to start working on building my saving skills and paying my bills as soon as I receive them - with a goal of always having them paid two weeks in advance - while still leaving a cushion in my checking. It is going to be a challenge but I know I can do it.
This month and next will also be a challenge with three birthdays, a first communion and two baby showers. Ouch! I love buying gifts for them all, however, I do wish they would not have come all at the same time! So I'm looking forward to challenging myself to shop for sales, making myself a limit and sticking with it while using coupons at local retailers.
To end the week my car went in the shop for brakes and I was advised that it needed an additional $1600.00 in repairs and maintenance. So next week I will be shopping around for the lowest rate. I was reminded by my Community America coaches that this is why savings are so important . . . for handling unexpected expenditures such as car repairs.
I wish you all a great week and I'll fill you in further on the progress of my Makeover next time!!
Rhonda
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by Rhonda Piatchek, March 8, 2010 at 7:13 AM | Add a Comment |
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Hey Everyone! Me again!!
This week has been a time to reflect upon the financial knowledge I have gained thus far during my Makeover, and to put those ideas to work during my daily routine. I remained successful in limiting my "wants" by continuing to reduce my stops to Quik Trip. I did go shopping today at Oak Park Mall and oh my, what wonderful sales were before my very eyes, tempting me into returning to financial ruin! But my CommunityAmerica coaches, Erin and Tim, were in my subconcsious telling me "run Rhonda run". So after an hour of enjoying the view of the nice Spring fashions, I walked home empty handed and feeling very good about myself!!!
I'm adhering to my grocery budget well. My baking skills are one of my greatest strengths, (or so I'm told) so I've been asked to bake this week for a raffle at work. One of my colleagues' little boy is having open heart surgery so we are all pitching in to assist with his medical expenses. It is always important to stop and reflect on what you have. There are always others whose situations can be far worse than yours.
I did find a great deal on my pet medicine and supplies by visiting the Pet Connection, a low cost source for my "Stella" and "James" pet needs. This was a good savings, as I normally buy such products at the larger pet supply stores.
My tax refund came this week! Hooray for Rhonda!! I will be opening my new savings account at CommunityAmerica during the upcoming week and will be depositing a nice sum of money into it.
For next week, my goals are to continue to exercise my newly developed savings habits, becoming more financially sound by the day. This has been such an incredible experience for me so far and I cannot wait to see how much further I can grow. I am looking so forward to meeting with Erin an Tim again next week to measure my financial progress to date. I also have some ideas on making minor repairs to my basement and renting it to a local college student as I live right next to the Johnson County Community College campus. It would make a GREAT studio apartment.
As promised, I am including a picture of Mary at her WPA/Women Pay All dance a couple of weeks ago. She went as a "Devil" and her friend Nick went as an "Angel". I hope you enjoy her photo!
Talk to you next week!
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by Rhonda Piatchek, February 27, 2010 at 7:43 PM | Add a Comment |
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| LEFT . . RIGHT . . . LEFT |
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Every step counts! I have made awesome strides this week, and I am so proud of myself. It has been a fun challenge this week. Here are some of the things I made happen:
• I paid myself this week, which means I took a portion of my paycheck and set it aside to put in my emergency fund. Alright!
• Met my budget with groceries and all the extra's, finding some awesome deals on chicken breast and a chuck roast to provide four meals for this week alone. Stuck to my meal plan and price-matched with coupons.
• Cut back on dog's treats and QT soda. I feel better and the dog looks skinnier!
• Sold a few older clothing items that I never wear to a re-sale shop for $25.00. I used that for extra gas money this week.
• Paid all my bills due this week and didn't even have to play the game of Spin the Bills!
• Called and asked my dentist for a deal on my dental work and he offered 13% off my total costs.
• Mary helped by asking her friends to carpool more this weekend with all her social events, saving us money and time.
• Spent the weekend cooking and baking in bulk to avoid any unplanned stops at the grocery store this week.
Now that I am getting things more organized financially due to CommunityAmerica, I'm feeling a sense of freedom I have not had in a long time. I am controlling my money. It's not controlling me.
I want to finish this entry by saying how much fun it is to read the blogs of my fellow Makeover families. We're all working toward the same goal and sharing any new ideas and tips make it even more fun.
Thanks to everyone for their support, and don't forget to listen to my broadcast this week on Q104.3 FM. |
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by Rhonda Piatchek, February 22, 2010 at 8:45 PM | Add a Comment | Read Comments (1) |
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| Dancing shoes and blisters... |
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Wow what a week of challenges!! I would love to say it was easy, but this week was full of financial obstacles.
First, my cold and allergies hit full force and my presciptions were not kind to my pocketbook, as I was not able to have the option of taking a generic prescription. This led to me paying more than I had bargained for out of my weekly budget. Ouch... Then Miss Mary had her first big WPA dance, (women PAY all) and the expenses for the outfit, dinner, and the entrance to the dance added up quickly. We were very successful in bargain shopping. Her lovely red dress of $11.00 was a steal and turned out perfectly. It was a wonderful night for Mary and her date, and I hope to get some pictures downloaded on the blog to share.
The weekend brought all of the Makeover families together on Saturday for classes on “Budget Leaks” and WOW what an eye opener. After reviewing my bank statements, my CommunityAmerica Financial Advisors, Tim and Erin developed some amazing graphs and statistics detailing my spending patterns, which allowed me to visualize where most of my funds have been going. I was able to see many pitfalls in my budgeting, including the fact that I am spending more on pet food and QT fountain drinks than I should! So this week, and for the next few weeks, the dogs will receive fewer treats and I will drink less soda and we will all probably lose a little winter weight as a result!!! Mary will be taking her lunch to school a few more times per week as well. She is very willing to participate and adhere to our budget. This week my homework assignment is to find a way to save $50.00 in expenses for the month. I’m feeling competitive and have challenged myself to find a way to save $60.00 just to beat the goal. I know I can do it.
My surprise is I am paying my car off this week using some equity from my house. No more car payments. Thanks Tim and Erin!!
I’m so excited to be moving onward with my financial success!!!!! I am learning SO MUCH and am looking forward to meeting with Erin and Tim to solidify my financial future.
Have a great week!
Rhonda
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by Rhonda Piatchek, February 15, 2010 at 7:42 PM | Add a Comment | Read Comments (1) |
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