mcreal
Initiate Member
Joined: Jan 2, 2011 10:00:36 GMT -5
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Post by mcreal on Apr 25, 2011 10:49:35 GMT -5
SES -
Mcreal-- my mind must be turning to mush, I don't understand why adding new debt to your BoA CC will help your paydown faster. When I was in that situation all payments, no matter how many per month, were applied to the charges first and only any over the minimum in each payment went to the higher rate charges. I ended up not charging anything new to that card so my lower rate charges would shrink rapidly and the over payment to the higher cost debt grew faster. I don't understand how charging more will reduce the debt faster. - I know it sounds crazy, but if I charge on the card, it goes to new charges, lowest interest. If I take the money that I was to use for that bill and pay on that card, the payment will be applied to the highest interest, because it is above my minimum. As long as I continue making my minimums and more, I will shift the debt load from higher interest to lower. Because this card is linked to my checking, I can transfer money into it frequently and avoid the common internet payment maximums. This cannot be done without strict discipline. But since I owe nearly $15K on this card, the shifting of the debt will reduce my interest by over $100 per month, speeding up the overall paydown. This debt is my primary focus right now.
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ses
Familiar Member
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Post by ses on Apr 25, 2011 12:31:53 GMT -5
Let me get this straight --if you charge $25 and pay$400(mminimum plus) it goes down slower than charging $250 and paying $400 (minimum plus) Wow, keep me away from BofA!!! I see why your phone call took so long to explain that. I understand why that debt would be your primary focus--if only to be done with them. Did you get a chance to call anyone else for a lower rate?
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shanendoah
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Post by shanendoah on Apr 25, 2011 13:14:03 GMT -5
ses: I think what it means is that if mcreal charges $250 and pays $400, her balance will go down quicker than if she didn't charge anything and just paid the $150 (difference between charge and payment). I think it should look something like this Payment | Minimum Payment | 20% APR Balance | Interest Charge | 10% APR Balance | Interest Charge | Total Debt | | - | $10,000.00 | - | $5,000.00 | - | $15,000.00 | $150.00 | $50.00 | $9,900.00 | $165.00 | $5,000.00 | $41.67 | $15,106.67 | $400.00 | $50.00 | $9,650.00 | $160.83 | $5,250.00 | $43.75 | $15,104.58 | |
In the above table, the minimum payment just disappears into the ether, but I think it should show how this is working. Its not a whole lot of savings initially, but a couple dollars here and there adds up over time.
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startsmart
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 12:45:52 GMT -5
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Post by startsmart on Apr 25, 2011 14:45:40 GMT -5
Oh my. Everything blew up today and our team call was infinitely entertaining.
The new assistant quit. Totally flipped out and yelled in a flit of fury.
There's a bunch of change and 100 things going on and it's SO Monday. Time for happy hour yet?
ETA Mom called, she got laid off today - it's so Monday
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Deleted
Joined: Apr 19, 2024 2:03:26 GMT -5
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Post by Deleted on Apr 25, 2011 17:35:44 GMT -5
Want help Startsmart? I could do some hours in the evening and weekends, after I get back from the wedding? Monday May 23 is when I would be getting back. I don't know if you could go for a month without an assistant, though.
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startsmart
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Post by startsmart on Apr 25, 2011 18:10:43 GMT -5
It wasn't my assistant Gin, so that's good. the main problem is that this person was supposed to take some responsibilities off my plate and now she's flaking out. Thanks for the offer though.
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Post by jumpin on Apr 25, 2011 19:15:36 GMT -5
Hi - I used the same name (jumpin) on the old board
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mizbear
Senior Member
Stand back. I have a budget, and I know how to use it.
Joined: Jan 2, 2011 13:12:46 GMT -5
Posts: 3,958
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Post by mizbear on Apr 25, 2011 19:37:48 GMT -5
Definitely Monday- think I am going to open what's left of the vino.... I paid a kid (my niece) $40 to help me move stuff. Whatever happened to the sweet child who offered to help- for FREE!
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moneysquirrel
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Posts: 1,908
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Post by moneysquirrel on Apr 25, 2011 22:38:32 GMT -5
Update: 15 NS and 6 CS days Back to work tomorrow. Days of sleeping a little later are now over. Had several spending days during the break. Nothing that was needed immediately but good deals and items I needed so no regrets. Did manage a few NS days as well. Really helped that I stayed close to the house several days -- prevents temptation if you stay home. MK -- glad the DS is better. SES -- finished the second one but it is too late to begin the 3rd tonight. I did get to a starting point on exams done today so I am beginning to feel that the end of the semester is within sight. Bedtime for me. Goodnight all.
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mcreal
Initiate Member
Joined: Jan 2, 2011 10:00:36 GMT -5
Posts: 74
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Post by mcreal on Apr 26, 2011 7:30:37 GMT -5
So, I called the second credit card in my cross-hairs, my amex at 17.49%. They put me on a plan: don't use the card for a year(OK by me), first six months 0%int, second six months 9.9%. My credit stays intact, my limit may drop. If I can pay this off in 12 mos ($4866 due), I can save over $600 in the next year in interest alone.
If I stick to my plan on this, and drop the BofA interest, my interest alone will decrease by $200 per month in a year. I just need Murphy to stay away.
Next week I tackle Comcast.
Lots of CS slips this last week. I did not plan for easter. But I did not overspend either. I sent my girls each a sweet note instead of chocolates. I did not over-offer to prepare items for brunch and dinner. And it went off just fine.
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shanendoah
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Post by shanendoah on Apr 26, 2011 9:57:01 GMT -5
Update: 13 CS + 9 NS = 22 of 29, 8 of 12 MOANs Had to pick up an Rx for the MIL last night, so since I was at the store, I did the little shopping I needed to - coconut milk for the cornbread and a plant for my admin. However, it does mean that I won't make my NSD goal this month as today will also be a CSD- DH will need to fill up the car on his way to school, meaning I've only got 2 NSDs left this month. Still, I should make my 26 NS/CSDs overall this month, and I'm pretty proud of that.
mcreal: Karma to you! Six months no interest is great. That will really allow you to make a dent. Keep up the good work. (And keep reminding me that we need to deal with Comcast, too. Ugh)
Jumpin: I know its the end of the month, but do you have goals for the rest of April? Or are you just getting yourself ready to jump on the May bandwagon?
May: Ladies, I have no idea how time moves so quickly when the days seem to go so slowly, but it will be May in less than a week. Do we have any ideas for the name of our May thread?
Startsmart: Just saw your edit to yesterday's post. *hugs* to your mom. Is she going to look for a new job? Are you pondering having help you KNOW you can count on? CA is not the best place to be looking for a job right now, but I'll be sending good vibes her way.
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startsmart
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Post by startsmart on Apr 26, 2011 10:33:27 GMT -5
thanks shenan, yesterday was just FUBAR all around. Mom is going to take a few weeks off and not work or look for work. She's earned it after working since 1989 only having time off for vacation and a few surgeries. It's a tough thing though since she's in her mid-50s, has a ton of experience but also makes good money. Mom has thought of working online and if she decides to pursue it I'll definitely help her get into that but her skill set doesn't have good overlap with my work. Plus I'm a tough boss, just ask my minions Depending on how this plays out I'm hoping she can roadtrip with me to the Black Hills this summer. Her main complaint with that job was not enough vacation time so it would be nice to take a trip together. Plus I can work on the road if I need to and she wouldn't worry about me driving 5,000 miles ;D Yesterday was a NSD, apparently having everything from personnel to family to friends in conflict is enough to focus on that I don't spend. However, I'm DETERMINED to shower, get dressed and go out for coffee today. I needs it.
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azmom
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Joined: Dec 21, 2010 12:31:41 GMT -5
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Post by azmom on Apr 26, 2011 11:18:46 GMT -5
FINALLY managed a NSD yesterday. That brings me to a grand total of 4 this month. Watch out ladies this could be contagious!
So very busy around here. I had a fabulous Easter. Now just trying to catch up.
HAPPY NO SPENDING ALL
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ses
Familiar Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 14:18:37 GMT -5
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Post by ses on Apr 26, 2011 12:13:41 GMT -5
So far a very productive week --finished and mailed job application, now wait a month --cleaned garage freezer, a most detested job --ordered medications for the next three months --ordered a FREE jar of Penzey's spices --transfered $1000 to savings(yea) --paid the first half of property taxes --visited with the contractor about no roofing crew due to rain(ahh peace and quiet-if only for a day) --cleaned both litter boxes, under close supervision by both cats --cuddled Onyx for about an hour --rebalanced my portfolio, such that it is, on paper. wait a few days to ponder before acting on my decisions --called for an estimate in replacing my front picture window, I don't want to hear that amount!!!
Why does money walk, or fly, out of my pocket so much faster than it arrives???
Now that all those things are done I can sit down and read my NEW book for a bit while it rains!
Welcome back, Jumpin. I noticed you were back. You did well the last time so I am sure it won't be long before you are back in control.
ETA--rereading this I almost feel like a "Smartstart"
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3catslady
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Posts: 1,122
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Post by 3catslady on Apr 26, 2011 13:41:08 GMT -5
Electrician, plumber, insulation, dry wall, flooring, painter, carpenter? ? Where are all my "friends" who can do this stuff when I am ready for them? ?? All I need are estimates for each of these jobs. Haven't been keeping track of much of anything this month. I haven't even been using the spreadsheets that much. I need help and lots of rest. You'd think after having a week off I would be all caught up on my rest. You'd think. I am not. I am more tired than ever before. For a part-timer, who requested 25 hours a week, I am getting 35-42 hours a week. Yes the money is good but my welfare is going down the tubes and no matter how many times I tell the boss I only want 25 hours, I end up with at least 10-12 more because they are still hanging on to the "male idiot" who never arrives on time, 10-75 minutes late EACH day, doesn't call in when he is not going to be there, and stands around doing nothing after he gets the sandwiches made. His comment last time I worked with him was, "I have 45 minutes left and I don't feel like doing anything" so he takes off for a smoke break. I wish we had people that want to work and work hard. Most people hired think that they only have to stand at the front counter and wait on customers, or just stand at the back counter and make sandwiches.
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Honeylioness
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 14:09:59 GMT -5
Posts: 244
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Post by Honeylioness on Apr 26, 2011 15:11:02 GMT -5
I'M BAAAAACCKKKKKK(I think - honestly, as I get older I hate flying more and more. For those who wish to be envious of all the wonderful things about traveling you can read about it here honeylioness.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=thoughts&action=display&thread=218Shan - Sorry I never even got the chance to drop you a line. Things seemed to go non stop once we arrived and we were drawn into some family drama as well. Fingers crossed for the next trip! Sheila - So sorry your brother is such a PIDA. Mine is as well. There are days I really want to ask my folks from which troll did they get this guy? Or was my mother doing really heavy drugs when she was pregnant with him. Anything to explain why he seems to be from a different planet. SES - Great job on working through your mother's boxes. One of the thoughts I had while staying at my parent's was "Geez, I hope she goes through all this shite before they have to move into assisted living - this would take me YEARS to go through!!!"And yeah, I read your list and thought also you were having a startsmart week! 3cats - Man, I wish I was closer. I could be your general handyman with no problem - though I will confess that drywall is NOT my favorite thing to do. I know I had more comments but frankly they have all leaked out my ears at this point.
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Deleted
Joined: Apr 19, 2024 2:03:26 GMT -5
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Post by Deleted on Apr 26, 2011 18:10:55 GMT -5
Hi Honey, I'm glad you are back. Great job mcreal. SES, that was a startsmart list alright. 3cats, get some rest, I'm sorry work is not cooperating with you. Oh, and I am in SJ doing wedding stuff.... fun and not fun all in one big ball, lol ;D
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azmom
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Joined: Dec 21, 2010 12:31:41 GMT -5
Posts: 256
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Post by azmom on Apr 26, 2011 18:52:53 GMT -5
Have any of you bought g/c from restaurant.com? If so, good idea, bad idea, your thoughts? We have been on an eating out frenzy as of late and we are making efforts to put a stop to it. We ate out on Saturday at a nearby Mexican food restaurant and $55 later DH told everyone this is the last time we are eating out until Summer Vacation (which is still up in the air at this point). Anyhow, I came across this deal and thought it would be a frugal incentive to eat out for every 2weeks we don't (like on pay days only) This is the deal in case anyone else is interested: www.thefrugalgirls.com/2011/04/restaurant-com-gift-certificates.htmlAlso, I have not researched this either but apparently you can get 365 pictures printed for $15. I am seriously considering doing this but I know the pictures will just sit in a box instead of a computer storage thingy Here is the deal for that: www.thefrugalgirls.com/2011/04/snapfish-photo-prints.htmlQuestion of the Week: What are your favorite frugal websites or ways you save money when you do have a spend day?
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mizbear
Senior Member
Stand back. I have a budget, and I know how to use it.
Joined: Jan 2, 2011 13:12:46 GMT -5
Posts: 3,958
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Post by mizbear on Apr 26, 2011 19:16:23 GMT -5
I don't shop via web much- I am mostly a coupon and sale girl. I also like all you can eat and dollar menu.
Here's some ideas for May:
Maaahvalous May (Inspired by the old timey actress and her infamous "Maaaahvalous Dahling") May-We-Not-Spend May-We-Save-More
No word on my reinspect date yet.
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spruby
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Post by spruby on Apr 26, 2011 20:15:05 GMT -5
azmom - Resturant.com - I've used them a number of times. A couple of things to consider.
1) Never pay full price - they are always running sales. I've never paid more than $3 for a $25 gift certificate. I usually buy at $2 for $25 and they do an occasional $1/$25.
2) Even if they don't say it in the screen - these are almost always only good for dinner. Assume that and don't be disappointed. (Of the 2 dozen plus I have purchased/used only 1 place allowed using them for lunch). This may be a DC/NYC thing though.
3) Be prepared to tip on the full check - some will even add in a tip if you use the coupon. It never bothers me - but a friend hates the auto tip .
4) Make sure you are careful when you use them - it is easy to justify trying a more expensive dish, have dessert, etc because it is "free" - that eats (no pun intended!) into the savings.
All that being said - I like them and use them and recommend them regularly.
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moneysquirrel
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Post by moneysquirrel on Apr 26, 2011 22:01:30 GMT -5
Update: 16 NS and 6 CS days
Back to work which really helps with the NS numbers since I go to work before almost everything is open and I am like a robot on the way home. Get the items I need for homework as I leave school and head straight home. Do homework, check mail, glance through morning paper and take a nap before dinner (not always in that order). Then either back to work, check in with email and here, housework, etc.
Not too exciting but I don't do much during the work week -- early hours are beginning to catch up with me. Usually happens toward the end of the school year. Only about 3 more weeks of classes then exams -- then I can sleep later than 5 am.
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ses
Familiar Member
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Post by ses on Apr 26, 2011 22:06:27 GMT -5
Spruby--forgot yo mention earlier. I have an old (80s version) Oster blender that i love. It is old enough to have a heavy glass canister. I also have a newer Oster that I have never taken out of the box. I'm hoping whenever I have to use the new blender that the old canister will fit it. My next lustful want is a vita-mix but I can't justify close to $400-$500 want.
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MittenKitten
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Home of the Circus
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 19:12:58 GMT -5
Posts: 1,070
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Post by MittenKitten on Apr 27, 2011 9:44:15 GMT -5
3cats: That is terrible that they won't let you work what you told them you could. It is so hard working with lazy people.
DS#1 still well. Baseball started although he missed the first day and the second was rained out. Pictures are on Saturday.
I woke up yesterday with aweful pain in my shoulder. It is still there today so I can't do much with that arm. Oy Vey!
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shanendoah
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Post by shanendoah on Apr 27, 2011 9:52:38 GMT -5
QOTW: If you need business cards, Vista Print is the way to go. I'm pretty sure they do other stuff too. Now, I just need to get off my duff, finish designing my "writer" business cards, and get them ordered Other ways to save on a spend day- I had a spend day on Saturday because I bought myself some new clothes. I went to the outlet where they were having a buy one get one free sale, and got 6 things for the price of 3. Of course, I never would have paid as much as I did if I were only getting 3 things, but for 6 items, I'm pretty happy with it. I join the loyalty clubs. Even if I don't shop somewhere often. I won't sign up for their credit card, but if they have a loyalty club, I'm there. We just joined the Red Robin club because it's the MIL's favorite place to eat. We'll enter her info on the card, so when we go for her birhtday, she'll get something free. We also have a Qdoba card and get every 11th burrito free. That means that every 6th time we visit (roughly) we eat for half price.
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singlemomky
Junior Member
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Post by singlemomky on Apr 27, 2011 10:35:21 GMT -5
Shan - Love my Qdoba card and I love that they have Double Point Tuesdays! There is one a block from work so we will go there fairly regularly and I always make sure to have my card & take receipts from other coworkers who refuse to get a card!
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azmom
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Post by azmom on Apr 27, 2011 10:51:17 GMT -5
This message has been deleted.
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azmom
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Post by azmom on Apr 27, 2011 10:55:00 GMT -5
Sorry about that....I have 5 NSD! That is two in a row. Today will be a spend day. I need to go grocery shopping!
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Post by jumpin on Apr 27, 2011 11:41:07 GMT -5
I have no goals for the remainder of April. Getting ready for May!
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dakota4600
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Post by dakota4600 on Apr 27, 2011 11:42:36 GMT -5
We had our major event of the year yesterday. I think it went pretty well. I can't sit in a room and listen to speakers for hours on end so I took my laptop and worked. I'm sure some of you would have enjoyed it. We had Dan Heath (Switch and Made to Stick) and Caroline Adams Miller (Sorry can't remember the name of her book.)
Yesterday was a spend. I bought a bunch of books. I bought one at the conference (we have a local bookseller set up with copies of the speakers books, other biz books and then some just fun reads). I bought a fun read "the Help" it is coming out as a movie soon. Then on my way home I was passing a Borders that was closing and remembered I had a giftcard that I needed to use up. So I spent about 30 mins combing the store and ended up spending $50 ($20 after the GC) and got 4 books and 3 movies so I thought that was pretty good.
I have to buckle down in May no question about though!
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mizbear
Senior Member
Stand back. I have a budget, and I know how to use it.
Joined: Jan 2, 2011 13:12:46 GMT -5
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Post by mizbear on Apr 27, 2011 12:28:51 GMT -5
I am one tired Bear. And my work isn't done. I am restarting schoolwork next week, with the objective of 1-2 tests a week. If I get one done a week, I will be done at pace with the "average student". And still maintain my GPA probably. I am really more concerned about the GPA.
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