Ramblings

I've been busy and feeling introverted and doing some self-evaluation and I've decided I want to pursue a Ph.D. Random sentence and I'm gonna have to string my words together better than that if I want to call myself a Dr. but,yup. It's gonna be back to school for me...full-time, completely in it to win it. I want to teach for real--like tenured professor status, not fledgling librarian (y'all still dope though). Still working out the important details--like when, what, how--but will certainly keep you updated.

I recently got a credit card--I've been credit card wary because I know I have a spending problem...Kanye West style, and limiting myself to cash has been good for me. But...being a grown adult without a credit card was hugely inconvenient and I think I'm responsible enough to handle a card like a lady.

Who was I kidding? As soon as I got that joint I went out and bought a new TV...BlueRay player...and soundbar. Target was having a sale on electronics, I got caught up. I have a plan though. It's an interest free account until May so I'll get a couple of big ticket items purchased and paid for by then and no, I will not get caught up buying a bunch of stuff I can't pay for. Because I listened to a Suze Orman audiobook and she warned me about that and all the other tricks and I have the powers of Knowledge and Self-Control. Personal Finance Superwoman in the making here, giving credit card companies the business. Muahahahaha.

Kidding. Practically speaking, I've been making bi-monthly payments and have only purchased those big ticket items. I'm not allowing myself to get anything new until I get down to using 10% of my limit.

My next item of interest...a bar table. It'll be another month or so before I get that treat though. The last few things I need to complete my apartment furnishings are a vanity/desk combo--probably one long desk creatively divided up with accessories, and maybe an iMac. I've been sacrificing for an iMac...I really want one.

I'll probably get it. That's how I do. Kidding, again. But, seriously, I probably will get it.

I had no idea how long it would take, from a financial standpoint, to furnish an apartment--it's been two years and I still don't have a real place to sit and eat. Partly because I lived my first six months flat broke, partly because the next six months saw my student loans start, partly because of my aforementioned refusal to use credit to pay for stuff, partly because a dining room table was at the bottom of my list of furniture, and partly because I had  a very specific idea of what I wanted and wouldn't consider other options. Still, with the exception of my sofa and mattress (two of the most expensive things I own outside my MacBook), everything from my place is practically priced stuff from Ikea. I have a good income, equal to or more than most of my friends my age. No kids or pets or boyfriend(s). I'm not sure how people do it--roommates and credit cards, maybe? Or boyfriend(s)? lol. kidding again :)

**Update: I realize that a lot of my money is tied up in savings--retirement, a mutual fund for my future house and another one for 'Wrangler Planning', a Roth IRA, a monthly allotment to emergency savings and another to general savings. I tithe 10%. Money I never actually see, but gets taken from my check. I'm only 26...maybe I save too much. Suze Orman made me do it...I blame her and Andre 3000 :)

Speaking of finances, I want to purchase a car in a couple of years--I'm calling that mission 'Wrangler Planning' because, well, I really want a Wrangler. Yellow or Steel Blue, preferably (if you're a regular reader you know me and know I change my mind about stuff...smile). I've been saving for the past year and a half. Savings that have been hindered due to the astronomical costs I pay for public transportation--$250 a month. Yikes! OK, I exaggerate a bit because $125 of that is taken out as a pre-tax benefit, but the point still stands that I spend a lot of money on the MARC and Metro. But, am I willing to sacrifice my monthly MARC ticket for a car payment and actually drive to DC every morning. Heck no! I want both, which means I'll have to do a little more waiting. OK, fine. But my Wrangler is gonna be so dope when I get it...Squeal!

***Another Update: Will I even still want a Wrangler in 2 years? I'm not even sure. 3-series Beamers are pretty dope too and a lot safer. Different ends of the spectrum...guess I'll decide when I get there.

Speaking of dopeness, I went fall boot shopping this weekend. I know I should've done that at the end of last season, but I didn't. I need a new pair of boots, my low wedge ones from last year are worn to the soles  and my other pair have a heel that isn't quite comfortable enough for all day wear. Anyway, I stopped by Aldo and the only pair of boots I actually even liked a little were $270. They were bad but that didn't happen. I'm super tempted by these omg amazing boots from Zara. These might just have to happen.

Typing all this out makes me realize I need a side gig. Nothing sketchy, nothing too time consuming, nothing too risky. But I like nice things and I like saving money, and the two aren't playing well together with my current budget. Maybe take freelance grant writing more seriously, time consuming but well paid. Things to think about.

Still thinking about Disney World and Dominica and Barbados and Brazil and domestic travel and other trips as planned.

That's it for me.

Hugs and kisses peeps!

Bethany