Happy Valentine's Day!

I am going to try to update a couple times a week from now on. Soccer tryouts started this past week, so I've had some long days at my school. ;)

My federal tax refund went into my checking account last night, so I moved it right over to savings. I am so close to having $1,000 saved for summer! My next payday is in two weeks, so I'm going to move another $250 over at that time.

I'm waiting on news ab0ut my 0% balance transfer through my bank. It was a big hassle to find out what my Discover Card account number was, because I got rid of the card a long time ago and they refuse to give out account numbers over the phone. They sent a new one "overnight" which I never got, so I called back and they wound up closing my account so they could tell me what it was. I then called my banker and left her a voice mail with the information, but she has yet to call me back. Too bad Monday is a bank holiday too (for President's Day). I'll have to call on Tuesday and follow up with all this. I'm sick of paying $30/month in finance charges.

At the rate I'm going, I should have plenty in the bank for summer--especially at the end of the season, when I get paid for coaching and also in May when my supplemental bonus comes. Then anything from working over the summer can go straight onto debt.

Like they say, slow but steady wins the race. =)

Weekend Update

My budget is already out of whack for the month of February.

First of all, my hair dryer died so I needed to buy a new one. That was the least of my worries, though. I did my taxes Friday night, and I owe the state $901. I am not pleased! However, my parents are graciously giving me a gift of $901 to send in to cover it. Bullet dodged. I didn't ask them for the money--they offered of their own accord. I am only getting $89 back from the feds, but it beats having to pay them.

Second, those pesky overdraft fees did hit--to the tune of $105. I called my bank, only to speak with the most unhelpful customer service person ever. However, when I went to visit my branch in the afternoon, and talked to my personal banker, she did everything she could to listen to me and e-mailed her supervisor to see about getting some of those fees refunded. Hopefully, that will happen--if not, it's a stupid tax on my part. I really like my bank, so I'll be disappointed if this can't be fixed (even partially).

I explained to my personal banker about wanting to pay off my credit card, and she said that the bank has a credit card with 0% interest for 6 months and then 9.99% after that. It's a way better rate then what I have now, so I applied for the card and will be moving that balance over. Then at least all monies I pay go to the principal.

Finally...she told me that my credit score is 717!!! This is absolutely wonderful, even though I no longer believe in using credit. It will still help me in a few years when I'm ready to get a house. Now...remember, I'm 24 years old so that is an extremely high score for my age. =)

Today I'm on a mission to find a part time job. I'm hoping to either be a server in a restaurant, or to cocktail waitress at a bar or lounge. My good friend Y is coming with me because she's looking for a side gig as well. It would be nice to work somewhere with a friend!

Taxes and Travel

Right now I'm playing the W2 waiting game. I'm a little bit nervous, because three of my four W2's are coming from former employers in another state. I had to contact each with my new address, and I'm not sure if I gave them sufficient enough warning for them to be mailed to the right place. For one of them, I can retrieve it online so it's a non-issue, but I'm still nervous about the other two. I want them as soon as possible so I can go over to H&R Block and do everything ASAP. The fourth one, from my current employer, won't be a problem obviously!

In 2008, I had a full-time job, a part time job on top of it due to sub-standard pay at the full-time gig, and then in the summer I went back to a former job that I had enjoyed. So that is why I have so many W2's that will be coming! I'm looking forward to doing my taxes because in 2008, I made the most money I have ever made in a year so I should be getting a really awesome refund.

I also pulled my Discover Card statements from July and August up today, and added up my deductions for traveling to interview and moving. The total amount I'll be able to write off will be $1,165.04! That will be really nice, and should boost my total refund amount a little.

In other news, C and I are planning a trip for April when I have spring break. We will probably be going to Las Vegas. I have never been there, and after comparing prices we found that it's cheaper to go to Vegas than it would be to go on a cruise (even if we drove down to the port!). I will be able to pay cash for my plane ticket and my part of our hotel, and then C said that he would pick up the tab for everything else when we're there. So even though food, shows, cover charges to clubs and all that are extra, I won't have to budget that in--though I will probably set aside a small amount of money for shopping and gambling! I am so lucky to have a debt free boyfriend who spoils me rotten. ;)

I wish we could book now, but I'm waiting for the above mentioned tax refund to come because otherwise I'd have less than I'm comfortable with in savings. I know that some readers would argue that I shouldn't go on a trip when I'm in debt still, but the way I see it is--I'm paying cash so I will be able to truly enjoy it. I won't have to dread incoming bills from it whatsoever. And it's not a super extravagant expensive trip. It'll basically be a long weekend! I am very excited.

I will be sure to post as my W2's trickle in, and further updates about trip planning as well.