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Archive for January, 2014

Money Vultures....aka heirs

January 28th, 2014 at 12:59 am

I paid $3874 towards the last CC today, leaving a balance of $20126. I am so excited to have that puppy PAID IN FULL. But we are still many paydays away from that goal.

My son is visiting and getting some repairs done at the country house. He and his family rented that house a few years ago and when they left, they left some things in dis-repair. He is here to fix them, which I really, really appreciate.

My ex's mother (grandmother to my 3 older kids) is very sick. She recently had surgery and the doctor slipped during the cauterization and burned a couple of deep holes internally. She is 81 and it's not looking look good for her. It is sad to see how quickly the family vultures started circling both her and her bank accounts. She has always been a VERY frugal woman and I am sure has amassed a sizeable nest egg. Unfortunately, her son (my ex) and her brother are both trying to gain control of her finances- neither with her best intentions in mind. It breaks my heart to see her being hurt by those who supposedly 'love' her, focusing on her money instead of her health and wellbeing. I know this is all too common when it comes to money and heirs. I hope all works out for her. My kids are planning to go visit their gramma once things settle down a little. It sounds like its a pretty hostile situation right now. Frown



Eval and Yellow Belt

January 25th, 2014 at 05:23 pm

Happy MLK Day! (Started this post earlier this week)

I am enjoying the day off. I got up early and made a to-do list. I needed to catch up on work, but my work laptop does not play well with my internet here, so I have crossed that item off my list and will just go in to the office early tomorrow. Movin on.

I made a beef roast in the crockpot. It is a good sized roast that should last a few days- I will enjoy roast and potatoes, tacos and beef dip sandwiches the next couple of days. Smile

Today- 1-25-14
I am struggling to finish my posts lately. So much going on- and not enough time to get it all done!

Today DD1, DD3 and I are going to High Tea at my friends tea room. The food is always excellent, we get to try some new teas and there will be a guitarist there playing live music. A couple of hours of relaxing girl time.

Yesterday was payday- my increase in my 401k was included. It is pre-tax, the addition to my 401k was about $70, the hit to my paycheck, $40. My raise will be 4.75%...so I will increase the contributions from 10% to 12%.

I spent most of this past week moving into my new work space. Our department will work at this location for the next year. The location is great, the workspaces are less than desirable. But I am being paid to work where they need me to work, so I am fine with it.

I received my evaluation yesterday and got a very good one. I wasn't sure how the eval would be since I was promoted mid year. Even in the new position, I received good marks. Very nice surprise!

We managed to use our entire annual FSA funds already with the hubs and DD3s dentist expenses- I contribute 1200 a year, and it usually lasts most of the year. Oh well, at least it was there to use!

My oldest grandson (9) started Karate last month and got his yellow belt last night. He did so good during his testing. He asked to spend the night last night, so he is here this morning. I sure enjoy the time with him. I know someday he will have other 'more important' things to do..but for now, it is wonderful that coming to grammas is still a big treat.

2014 off to an expensive start!

January 19th, 2014 at 05:22 am

While the hub was home, he went to the dentist with a lost filling and ended up needing a root canal and crown. Then, this past week, DD3 started having tooth pain and ended up getting all 4 wisdom teeth pulled. Dentist expenses YTD so far $3800.

Then, long story, but DS and DIL had a major bump in the road and we helped them out with a loan to catch up.

Aside from the dental expenses, I am staying within our budget. At the beginning of next month, we get our annual bonus. This will go straight to the emergency fund.

Z turned 3 this week. It is comforting to see that he is adjusting well in his new home. His bio-dad is still doing all he can to bring him home, but that is totally up to the courts now. I miss him terribly, but am so grateful he is adjusting and happy.

Next week I will be relocating for work. We are moving about two miles from our current offices to an older building and I will move into a cubicle- which is fine- Ive never worked in a cubicle, so I am looking at this as a new experience. We will be there for about a year. I get paid well and will work where-ever they want me to. I am going to look for organizing options for the smaller space. And will focus on downsizing my paper files all week next week as I pack to move.

All in all, life is good. I am enjoying this three day weekend.

Spent Saturday with DD2

January 12th, 2014 at 05:02 pm

I had such a wonderful day yesterday.

DD2 and I went to the spa and enjoyed a foot soak, 1 hour massage and the sauna this morning. Ahhhh.. DD2 used her gift certificate that we gave her last September for her birthday and I just splurged to go with her. I try to be nice that way... Big Grin My back needed it, lots of knots worked out.

Then, we went to the store so that I could look for a new pair of tennis shoes. I had a $50 gift card and found a pair of Sketchers "Go Walk 2". OMG. I have never tried these on before, but I am a F*A*N now! They are so comfy! There was a $10 coupon, so after my gift card I ended up paying $5. Seriously worth it. They honestly feel like an old comfy pair of slippers.

DD2 and I then went to lunch at Applebee's and enjoyed a 2 for $20 late lunch and then went back to her house where I finished my laundry. Its raining here today and I really appreciated not having to walk back and forth to the big house to do the laundry.

Today will most likely be a stay home day. Nothing on the horizon.

2014 is off to a good start!

January 9th, 2014 at 05:34 am

2014 is off to a great start!

We received the log-in info for the hubs new 401k and the contributions have started! Right now, he is contributing 5% and his employer is matching the 5% (the max match). Whatever we save in this account will augment his pension nicely when he retires.

The hub headed back to Alaska today. We got quite a bit done before he left- primarily moving furniture so that we could deep clean the little house. It is incredible how quickly animal hair accumulates, so I really appreciated the help getting it all cleaned up. We also spent time planning projects here on the country property.

DD1 and her hub have decided they would like to try to buy the city house. They have lived in it the past 8.5 months and have decided it is a good place to raise their kids. The question is, will they be able to buy it. They are looking into their options, and I will wait to see what they come up with.

I learned today that I am getting a $2 an hour raise! This is an annual increase..which amounts to about $350 month or just a little over $4000 this year! I plan to increase my 401k to 10% to absorb it. (One step closer to retirement!!) I made that change to my scheduled contributions tonight!

So all in all, I am pleased so far with the first week of the new year and am hopeful for a wonderful year ahead!