Thursday, February 19, 2009

Frustrated

For some reason, my lack of money is getting to me today. There are so many things I would like to do...but they all cost money. Not a lot mind you. Nonetheless, it's too much for my budget.

Bikram yoga @ $200 for 3 months? Can't afford it.
Dance classes @ $10 a class? Not in my budget.
writing class for $300? Not happening.
update my wardrobe? Not if I want to eat.
A digital SLR camera for $1400? Haha, that's a joke right?

You get the picture. I want to be debt free but I want to live too. The thing is, I don't really like my job. It pays well but I don't enjoy what I do. I like writing and would love to improve my writing so I can get paid for it. I like taking pictures and I would love to invest in a camera and some lessons so I can make money on the side. That way, even though I don't like my current job I have something to fall back on that brings me happiness. Why does everything that can bring in money involve making an investment first?

Bottom line.
I need more money.

I decided that since I've already brought my budget down to the minimum level I can live with I need to focus my energy on how to increase my income. I just started working so I don't expect a raise. Especially in the current economy. All the side activities I would consider doing require me to spend money first. I can't get a 2nd job b/c my 1st job is erratic when it comes to my schedule (i get out anytime between 6pm and 11pm).

What's left?
I am so frustrated that I am going to go home and inventory every single thing in my house. I will sell the $450 prada bag i bought when I must have lost my mind and never used. There has to be other things. I need to do some research on ebay though b/c I am not sure how it works. I know they take a percentage, but what about returns and stuff. I don't want to sell something and have the money only to find out that the person wants to send it back. Is ebay the best way to sell stuff? How straightforward is it?

My company also pays for referrals. I am going to actively recruit people to come work here (even though i hate it, lol) and try and get as many referrals as possible. After that, I'm stuck... what else have you guys done to make extra money? I am definitely moving out of my apartment when the lease is up. $1675 every month is ridiculous.

Sorry about the complaining guys.
I.Am.Just.Frustrated


Oh and by the way, I updated my debt bars. You'll notice that BOA is almost paid off :) (waiting on state refund) and my EF has dipped significantly :(

5 comments:

  1. I am in the doldrums now, too, so I understand. Last of the windfalls has come through and now the rubber hits the road. I'm not sure how much traction we'll be able to get. But I'll try, anyway. I'm sort of fearful that we'll just tread water.

    You're the only other person who tallies up the interest paid at the end of each month. If it makes you feel better (boost yourself up with my misfortune, LOL) I pay more interest than you on less debt. That just tells you what kind of crappy loans I have.

    You are on the right track to sell the Prada bag. There are Ebay stores in some towns where they will handle the listing and shipping for you. Probably worth whatever fee they charge so you can save yourself the hassle.

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  2. hello!

    i'm a newbie reader (catching a glimpse at work, naughty me, so it'll have to be quick), but i'm with you guys. i'm just starting and will have to dip into the EF this week just to cover my bills. ug. anything i can think of to make me feel a bit better requires moolah. dammit!

    anywho...i've ebayed on occasion in the past, and it's super easy. just make sure you look over the fee parts (there's a listing fee plus a final value fee. reserves and buy-it-now are also extra, i believe. also a fee if you decide to take paypal for payment). but...most sellers on ebay don't accept returns. just mention in your listing that returns are NOT accepted or that "all sales are final". just make sure you include in the description EXACTLY what you are selling and in what condition. i'd also recommend that shipping insurance (paid by the buyer/winner) is required.

    hope that made sense. and congrats on boa. you're doing great!

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  3. I gave up ninjutsu for now. I would rather have the cash to save or pay off debt with. That was $110/month and a hard decision to make. I decided when I'm debt free, I'll join back up and hopefully sensei won't flip out, haha.

    Next month, I'm trimming my budget to absolute bare bones. It's been tight, but I still overspend in my categories a little. No more!

    Also, I picked up the soccer coaching job at my school. I hate staying so late every night now, but at the end of the season I'll get paid for it. So it's worth it if I just think of the money.

    Once that's over, I'm going to try to pick up a summer job waiting tables or something...I want my CC dead by August no matter what! =\

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  4. Ugh, I completely understand where you're coming from.

    For example, I want to learn how to hike and be outdoor-sy. However, it is so expensive to buy all the gear (especially for a hobby I don't even know if I like).

    My suggestion - all of the things you like to do can be done for less, especially when you are first starting out at them. I get it, you like photography...but a camera that's over 1K?! There must be more reasonable options out there for someone who is just starting out?

    Also, with writing classes, look into MediaBistro - they have lots of free articles and classes they offer that aren't all that expensive. And - think about cultivating your writing through your blog! It's a great way to keep your skills sharpened.

    I have sold a few Louis Vuitton bags on eBay before, it's easy and they don't take that much of a cut. A good thing to keep in mind is possibly setting a "no returns/refunds" rule so you don't have to deal with wishy-washy buyers.

    -GIB

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  5. I'm in the same boat. I am seeing SO many crazy sales at stores that normally don't do crazy sales. I'm so tempted to go out and spend what I don't have. It's kind of sad knowing that this should be the time to spend (when prices are insanely low & bad economy), but I don't have the funds... Sad.. And I also want to try bikram yoga. it sounds really cleansing.

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Hit me with some tough love