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Archive for April, 2008

Lunch Box Budget

April 25th, 2008 at 12:39 am

I'm enjoying my new job. I think that I'll be happy here. I miss my old co-workers, but my new co-workers are friendly as well. I'm excited about all the opportunities.

I'm bringing my lunch everyday. I'm actually enjoying finding different healthy things to bring. I like browsing the deli and picking out different meats and cheeses to try. I also started buying the Ezekiel 4:9 sprouted whole grain bread. It's good. I think bringing my lunch is helping my wallet and waistline!

French Quarter Festival

April 16th, 2008 at 01:15 am

This Sunday my friend and I attended the French Quarter Festival. It was the 25th anniversary. It was such an enjoyable even and free! Even better, they didn't charge ridiculous prices for food. The prices were very reasonable and the food was delicious. I had a bbq shrimp po'boy for lunch and gumbo for dinner. There were even more choices than that, but for dinner they were running out and closing down. My friend had the best shrimp etoufee that I ever tasted! Most everything was $4-6, including alcohol. It was a great day, a little chilly as the day wore on, but still wonderful.

The spillway was open on the way into New Orleans Sunday and on my way back today. It was closed some of last week. The currents looked so strong standing on the riverfront Sunday. The river was higher than I've seen.

April Fool's!

April 2nd, 2008 at 03:49 am

I really don't like April Fool's.

Yesterday I made my extra payment to my Roth for the year. My extra payment is the amount that is left for my to meet the limit after my monthly contributions. I have automatic withdrawals of $400 a month so my extra payment was $200 to meet my annual goal of $5,000. I like to make my extra payment during the first quarter or at the first quarter so that I don't have the think about it the rest of the year. The remaining $3600 to be funded will be taken out automatically.

There's really no way that I would even forget about the extra payment, but it's nice to get it out of the way early. I'm going to keep making these monthly payments through 2009 then start maxing out my Roth with lump sumps at the beginning of the year in 2010. I don't know what I decided on that, I just did. I guess it will be even better to get it done that early. I just always liked making automatic even payments throughout the year.

I was thinking today how blessed I am financially. I will be able to max out or almost max out both my 457(b), 403(b), and my Roth this year. That amazes me. It's not because I make so much. It's just that since I'm changing jobs I will be paid out several hundred hours of leave and I chose to contribute that to my retirment account instead of being aid cash. I'm excited to my account grow.

I've been spending money without leaving home! All these things that I'm getting done cost money. The air conditioning guy came yesterday. I sometimes feel that I get taken advantage of when it comes to repairs and such because I'm a woman and not familiar with those costs, but I can't let it worry me. Tomorrow the carpet cleaners are coming. The home repair guy will come Monday. I spoke to him today and I'm hoping that those repairs don't cost too much either. I hate always asking my dad to do things.

I just had spaghetti. Again. Living by yourself you just eat and eat on leftovers. I'll be happy to eat the last of it tomorrow!