Bills, bills, bills.

I pay all my bills online. I still get paper statements because I like to see something physical each month. When I pay my bill online, I write “Paid” on the paper statement and file it away.

Recently, I paid my cell phone bill directly from my phone, which I had never done before but it was easy and convenient so I tried it. I guess I never realized I didn’t get a confirmation email and the next month I had a past due balance. Last month, I paid my electric bill online and again, I guess I didn’t realize I didn’t get a confirmation email and now I have a past due balance. (I even went back and checked both bills, which were filed, and they both said “Paid” on them, so I know I paid them online).

I don’t know if it’s me and I am losing it, something is going on with my checking account or technology has been failing me over the last couple of months, but I am irritated. I always pay my bills on time and in full (except for one mix up with a credit card I used for work that got maxed out at a tradeshow and charges kept showing up after I paid the bill, but was taken care of by AmEx customer service…Tweet them if you ever have an issue, they are awesome). Hopefully, these late charges and payment issues are over now. I just need to be more mindful of receiving confirmation emails when I pay bills online.

I’m in need of a shoe overhaul.

Earlier this week, I took out my favorite Nine West wedges, that I have had for a few years now and have only worn once this year when it first started warming up, and the right shoe was destroyed. Basically falling apart. I don’t know how I didn’t break my neck (or face) when I wore them a few weeks ago.

I have lots of cute flats, but I have no spring/summer shoes. I know I am trying to save money, but I see shoes in my near future.

A letter to my friends.

Dear friends,

I wanted to thank you all for your support, advice and humor over the last seven weeks or so. Losing my job has been the most difficult time in my life so far and without you all, it would have been much, much worse. I have enjoyed catching up with people I haven’t seen in a while and spending much more time with my close friends over lunches, dinners and drinks. Sometimes, lots of drinks.

That stops on Sunday, March 27. I am officially cutting myself off from going out and spending so much money on food and drinks (and mindless shopping just to kill time, but that is a whole other issue…). I have to seriously start watching how much I spend each week so I am putting myself on a budget. Money doesn’t grow on the tree of an unemployed PR professional, ya know.

So until I land a new job, which I am hoping will be very, very soon, we will have to do things that cost little or no money. I am still up for the occasional lunch or happy hour, occasional being the keyword.

Thank you in advance for your understanding. And when I get a job, we will celebrate like crazy with dinner and drinks. You can count on that.

Love you all. Happy saving.

Tracy

Today’s horoscope.

If you’re feeling like you really want to have a little more fun today, just be careful that you don’t end up getting too carried away with things. (This would have been good to know LAST night!) You could end up wasting a lot of money if you don’t remember to exercise a little caution. You also ought to take the time to reorganize a few things around the house today (How about I lay on the couch all day and be lazy?).

You should really take advantage of any opportunities to cut costs that you possibly can. You should soon be encountering some new career opportunities, and you may decide that a different position could be a better fit for you (That sounds positive.). Just remember not to take any chances where your finances are concerned (Money is mentioned quite a bit…hmm, maybe that’s a sign I should stop shopping and going out to eat so much.).

Mantra: Confidence.

(via California Psychics)

I found a bag in Las Vegas that I love. It’s from Michael Kors. It’s not as expensive as I thought it would be either. I was 95% sure I was going to buy it while I was there, but I figured I would just come back to Dallas and get it.

I have been looking on the MK website and I can’t find it! This is the closest thing I can find and I am not sure I like it as much. I think I am going to have to make a trip to North Park Mall in the very near future.

Tax return!

Score!

Now I can buy some things I have been meaning to get for a while - new iPod, some new books and possibly some new shoes and the bag I saw at Urban Outfitters. Oh and all the stuff I need to redo my patio - pavers, dirt, plants, etc.

Prescription costs.

In the last year, the cost for my prescription has changed three times, a generic brand came out, now the generic is more expensive than the brand name.

I got a letter in the mail this week that said my prescription is moving to a different tier beginning September 1. I did some research on United Healthcare’s Web site and found out that means I will be paying $40 a month. I did some additional research on other comparable prescriptions and now I have a long list of stuff to talk to my doctor about.

She works hard for the money.

I am so close to making an offer on a condo. It’s been months of searching, making appointments for showings, attending open houses and being so frustrated that I didn’t think I would find “the one” and now I am days away from making an offer.

I think I might puke.

I just looked at my finances for the billionth time and I seriously can’t believe I spend so much money on food, both restaurants and grocery stores, and going to bars. I am officially cutting myself off from going out to eat so much and I am drinking the wine sitting on my wine rack and the leftover beer from 4th of July until it is gone. I will eat my refrigerator, freezer and pantry clean and try to only purchase things that go bad (i.e. milk, fruit, veggies) and necessities (i.e. toilet paper, shampoo, soap).

I have been waiting so long for the day I would own my first home and it could be sooner than later. It’s time I start getting my shit together and take my finances seriously.