CB in the City

Retirement account -- and a big trip!

elizwith@yahoo.com (CB in the City) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 05:48:40 PST

Had my session with the TIAA-CREF counselor yesterday. No penalty if I cash out my CREF account after age 60 (though I will pay taxes -- must pay taxes either way). So I decided not to take systematic withdrawals and just let the pot grow there.

Got paid today, so I'm updating...

Bills and retirement and all that

elizwith@yahoo.com (CB in the City) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 04:29:49 PST

A couple of finance-related things....

I got a bill from the oral surgeon who did some minor surgery this summer -- it was for a little more than $300 after insurance. I called the office because it was my understanding the procedure would be totally covered. They said they are...

Pepe le Pew

elizwith@yahoo.com (CB in the City) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 05:58:00 PST

Pepe le Pew visited last night.

I've been setting out food for stray cats who tug at my heartstrings. Last night I heard the bowl scrape on my patio and checked it out. Came face to face with a skunk!

I quickly backed away and gave him his space. But I watched through the...

Working on my sideline business

elizwith@yahoo.com (CB in the City) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 06:17:03 PST

My intention this weekend was to label and package all the stuff I bought for my antiques booth this summer. I'm going to the Carolinas next week, so this is my chance to get that stuff on the shelves. What I DIDN'T intend to do was buy more -- but the weather was beautiful and people...

Insurance, FSA, and ice on the windshield

elizwith@yahoo.com (CB in the City) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:06:39 PST

Got a letter from Allstate telling me my car insurance premium has been reduced by $33 every six months. I recently had to file a claim (not my fault -- my parked car was back-swiped) so I am pleased to get reduction, however small.

It is coming toward the end of the year and I...

Rule of Three

elizwith@yahoo.com (CB in the City) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:55:02 PST

Yesterday I got a call telling me I had won a prize from the raffle at the Health Fair. It was a small travel thermos, very nice. Then I went to a supervisors' meeting and won a bag of candy.

Well, don't things always happen in threes? I bought a lottery ticket on the way home...

Free Lunch

elizwith@yahoo.com (CB in the City) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 04:23:14 PST

Yesterday I got a free lunch, which I almost declined!

Some of my co-workers were heading out the door and asked me if I was going to the health fair.

Health fair -- nah. I didn't think I was interested.

Then they said the magic words -- "free lunch."

The fair did indeed...

A Shoe Story

elizwith@yahoo.com (CB in the City) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 04:39:45 PST

I did my monthly recap of my spending last month, and it was a very expensive one -- not that I'm surprised. I had a car repair, had company, bought a mattress and box spring, went downtown for a day (which cost $45 in parking alone)... oh, the list goes on. Here's to a more frugal...

I boo'd!

elizwith@yahoo.com (CB in the City) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 06:01:28 PST

Yesterday I bought 6 $2 candy bars to put in my boo bags. They were being sold by a sorority who was fundraising for school supplies in Africa. That satisfied my philanthropic streak. Along with some hot chocolate packets and a few hard candies they made a nice presentation. Left...

Halloween treat

elizwith@yahoo.com (CB in the City) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 05:56:22 PST

First of all, I want to thank you for your warm welcome back! I had no idea I would be missed, and I'm grateful for your kind comments.

Last night I arrived home from work to find a bowl of candy and a note at my doorstep. It turned out it was one of those "Secret Santa" type...

Here's the deal

elizwith@yahoo.com (CB in the City) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:47:01 PST

I just updated my sidebar with a few un-fun facts.

I have debt from my move (after becoming debt-free! oh! painful!) I put it on a card that was charging 0% interest, but I think that rate will expire soon. I expect to get whopped with interest on my next bill.

My emergency...

It's been a long time....

elizwith@yahoo.com (CB in the City) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 04:44:36 PST

And so much has happened!

I un-retired, found a job in the Chicago metro area, and moved cross country. I am near my kids again (about 40 minutes away), and pretty happy in my employment -- it's not a lot of money, and more than a little stress, but the people are all great. And...

Good news all round.

elizwith@yahoo.com (CB in the City) — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 10:24:36 PST

Feelin' good today! I was called back after a mammogram so they could "take a better picture." Although they told me not to worry, I worried. Today the radiologist gave me an all clear. Getting that good news helped me refocus on what's really important.

Today I sent off a claim...

Dentist visit sucks away more money

elizwith@yahoo.com (CB in the City) — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 15:07:28 PST

I had to take $145 out of my emergency fund today to pay the dentist for x-rays, periodontal check and cleaning. Interestingly enough, that makes my emergency fund $491, exactly what my credit card debt is.

I am paying 0% interest on my credit card for the rest of the year, so...

Carolina Unbound?

elizwith@yahoo.com (CB in the City) — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 16:51:34 PST

It's been a long time -- and I even considered just fading away from here -- but I thought I ought to let you know what's happening.

I may be moving back to the Midwest.

I won't go into detail, but I had a big, long, ongoing discussion with my cousin, and because of the way the...

Too Clean?

elizwith@yahoo.com (CB in the City) — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 05:28:20 PST

I gather from hints from my cousin and sister that I am considered "too clean." That is, they think I shower too often and wash clothes too often. There have been some comments about the water bill. Of course, that hits me where it hurts, because I am trying so hard to encourage...

Eight garage sales, and still standing

elizwith@yahoo.com (CB in the City) — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 07:23:23 PST

My sister and I went to eight garage sales yesterday. Between us we spent about $60. Our haul:

Windowpane wall mirror with shutters
Espresso coffee set for 4, made in Poland
Banana Republic knit top
Full set of Lemony Snicket books
4 old children's schoolbooks
1 old casserole...

More good news!

elizwith@yahoo.com (CB in the City) — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 13:20:52 PST

I can hardly believe this, but a friend of mine was poking around on an unclaimed property site and found insurance policies taken out by my (deceased) parents, with a total value nearing $7,000! I had no idea!

I am now in the process of collecting proofs -- they need death certificates,...

Coins, watches, jewels, shoes and ????

elizwith@yahoo.com (CB in the City) — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 05:29:59 PST

Yesterday my sister and I took an old coin/currency collection to an appraiser/buyer. On the way we stopped at my uncle's house to ask if he wanted us to take his stamp collection. He didn't, but he had a bunch of old watches and jewelry handed down from an uncle of his.

Well....

Here I am in Florida

elizwith@yahoo.com (CB in the City) — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 08:28:26 PST

I made the trip down for less than $50 in gas. Once I arrived, my refund appeared in my bank account, so I paid $1900 to my credit card debt. I kept out some cash to pay for an oil change, a haircut, one meal out and $20 for garage sales.

I feel much better, but will be better...