Trimming the Fat

Yes I know it's been a while. But I'm back...again! LOL. I guess you can say I haven't had much to blog about, or rather nothing I wanted to share publicly, that is until now.

So recently I've been on my big health kick! I've been "trimming the fat" around my waistline and in my social circle. Now, its time to do the same with my finances. Now, anyone who knows me, knows that I'm what you call an "el cheap-o" and with this craptastic economy who could blame me! Unfortunately, even this el cheap-o has some debt to trim. So, here are some tips i live by and I want to share to help all my bros and sistas out:

1. Car note- Banks have some great APR rates on refinancing your vehicle. The way I see it, this is what I call "dumb" dept. If you can refinance to a lower rate and pay it off sooner...great! If not at least try to refi for a lower APR rate

2. Credit cards- Well I'm sure most of you have this debt. In my opinion this is the worst because most of the time you can ONLY afford to pay the minimum payment. Trust and believe when I say paying that will get you NO WHERE! The best thing to do is debt stack. Debt stacking is when you take the lowest bill and pay that off first. While your focus is on that particular bill you can pay the minimum on the other cards.

Also, I've started trying to use cash when I can and avoid using my debit card. You will tend to spend less when you have cash...at least I will. Plus, the cash is gone immediately from your account whereas using your debit card, the bank may reserve the funds you spend, but not directly take them from your account and the next thing you know, your account is in the negative....take it from someone who's been there! stupid Wachovia...humpf

3. Partying and BS'n- Yes we all like to go out and eat with our friends, and then go to the movies, etc., etc. But we're your broke and still trying to go out...yea not a good look. Personally my peoples know what the deal is. IF I even show up to hang out, I will not be paying for any kind of entrance fee, I will not be eating anything, and IF I drink something it will be water all night with a lemon! Holla! Now, I'm not saying one should deprive themselves, but there's nothing wrong with limiting yourself for a little while.

4. Coupons/Sales- My mom's is a coupon clipping somebody! LOL I love her for it though! Try to Google online coupons for various stores and merchandise. And of course you can always do it the old fashion way like my mom's...clip those coupons and save! Oh and always shop sales w/ coupons...double the savings! I NEVER go shopping unless there is some kind of sale, I have a coupon, or I have a giftcard.

5. BUDGET- This obviously is the most important. Personally, I write out all my bills every month and add them all up. I then subtract that from my monthly income and ta-da! I now see what I have left over and depending on what it is will determine how much I will contribute towards groceries, whether or not I'll get a mani, pedi, facial, shop, etc. It's ok to be a Diva on a budget!

So, those are my tips. Love or leave em, but its what helps/helped me. Please feel free to share whatever tips you may have. I would love to learn more about how you trim your fat.

The Age of Old

Morn-ting! I know I've been away! And might I say it was a happy and drama-free "away." But all things (good and bad) must come to and end and so here I am folks!

So, today I wanted to share my thoughts of impending old age...the BIG 3-0! Now I know what you must be thinking, why does she think 30 is old? Well because to me it is. Then again, you're reading the thoughts of someone who thought 25 was old and subsequently had a mild early life crisis! LOL. I know I'm a bit of a DQ, but hey, these are my thoughts and my blog so don't judge me! :p

Anyway, my hubby just turned 30 and I'm two years behind him and as of late I've been thinking to myself...you know maybe 30 isn't as bad as I think it is. I would be entitled to my 30 and over club card...LOL! Naw but seriously, I think my big hang up with 25 and here again with the 30 is not really being in a place where I thought I would be.

Don't get me wrong, I have a good life and I truly feel blessed, but there are certain areas in my life where I am not satisfied. Some things are beyond my control and I constantly remind myself that its just not time. However, other things are definitely in my control and as such, I have made the following goals for myself for the next two years:

1. Get it Tight and Get it RIGHT- YES! I'm taking my health in my own hands and making sure that by the time I'm 30, I'll look 21! :) I've already started to eat better and cut some things out of my diet. Now once I incorporate the exercise piece to this, there is NO stopping the kid!

2. Set Us FREE!- YES! By the time I'm 30, I will be debt free! Now don't get me wrong, the student loans will be here for a while, but my goal is to have my car and credit cards paid completely off! Yup, it's time to tighten that belt.

3. Vogue- YES! I gotta get a new look...now I'm not sure what this will be yet. I've already hacked away at my locs but I'm trying to decide if I want them completely gone, or if I want to let them grow out again, or if I want a new color....who knows! All I can say is that by 30, my hair and my style will be taking a turn and hopefully for the better! I don't want to wind up on one of those my friend can't dress for nothing and her hair is a mess shows! Yikes!

Those are my three goals and more will probably come into play, but for now those are my top three! See, this time around instead of complaining about how I'm not where I want to be, well I'm going to do something that I couldn't do when I was 25....take responsibility! These three goals I can control. Therefore, I will do everything I can to make sure I succeed. All the other stuff I leave to God. And you know what, if I don't accomplish these goals I can either rest in the fact that I tried my best or I can be disappointed knowing that I could have down better.

And if you know this reformed DQ, you know that the latter is not even an option! :)