It's one thing to say I'm going to increase my savings in 2010...it's another thing to have an actual plan of action. Type A me has a plan of action for short term and long term savings growth.
1. Increase my Roth IRA contribution to the maximum (currently $5,000 a year)
As my favorite financial guru, Suze Orman would say, let's do the numbers. Let's say I start investing $5,000 a year in to my Roth IRA, when I am thirty and I make the same $5,000 investment for 30 years. (30 years because at 59 1/2 I can withdraw money from my IRA). That's $5,000 X 30 years for a total of $150,000. But we are not taking in to account compound interest. Let's assume an 8% average annual return on my investment. That will give me about $662,000 after 30 years. If at 59 1/2 or 60 I decide to take all that money out, my tax bill will be zero and I would get all $662,000. Reality Check: I may not be able to invest in a Roth every year for 30 years because there may come a point when my income disqualifies me. That makes it so crucial to sock as much money away as I can in to my Roth IRA.
2. Put more towards my mortgage
You might ask how paying more on my house increases my savings. Do you know that if you were to make one extra payment a year on your mortgage you could shave 5 years off the mortgage? Since it doesn't seem like I'll be able to sell my house any time soon I might as well work towards paying it off sooner.
3. Put side hustle in to savings
I am fortunate to have some additional income from a side hustle. But this is going to be really hard for me to do because I rely on the money I make from my side hustle of teaching to finance my travel plans. I think it is essential to put all the money I make teaching in to my savings account. Where there is a will there is a way and I will ALWAYS find a way to travel.
4. Downgrade to Upgrade
My apartment lease is up for renewal and it's a good time to negotiate for a lower rent. If they won't lower the rent it might be time for me to move. Sometimes you have to downgrade (in this case to a smaller or less expensive apartment) in order to upgrade (and increase my savings).
5. Time for a Raise
The economy has been rough for the last few years but the recession is thawing. I haven't gotten a raise in 2 years...not even a cost of living increase. This might be out of my control. It really depends on if the company decides to do a company-wide salary freeze (no raises in 2010). But I know I have worked my ass off and with the higher cost of insurance in addition to the higher costs of everything it's really time for a raise.
Any other ideas on how to increase my savings? What are you going to do to increase your savings for the short term and long term?
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
Monday, January 04, 2010
30th Birthday Wish List
This past Christmas was the first year in a long time that I didn't make a X-mas wish list. Usually the kid in me (and the Type A in me) can't resist making a good list. But I was just so happy to have survived 2009 I couldn't think of anything to wish for.
But this year I'm turning the big 3-0...I'm so excited and I just can't hide it...I'm about to lose control and I think I like it...OH YEAH!!! Seriously I am geeked about turning 30 and to prove it I will be throwing myself a birthday party (more details to come). So this year I'm going to make a birthday wish list instead of a Xmas wish list.
1. New Car
I don't seriously expect anyone to buy me a new car. But I always thought for my 30th I would get a new (or new used) car. I love my current car. I have a 1997 Mazda 626 who just hit the 200,000 mile mark in late November 2009. I have so many good memories in that car. BUT she is old, in need of a few repairs, and it's not worth it to keep putting money in to fixing her when I can use that same money to get something newer. I hate to admit it but it's time for us to part ways. I have had the car for 10 years (bought it in December of 1999). My relationship with my car is by far the longest and most stable relationship I have ever had. (An Ode to my Beloved Car blog will be coming). My top 5 choices for a new vehicle are: Chevy Tahoe, Lexus LS 10, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry or Nissan Maxima
2. Macbook Pro Notebook or Mac Pro Computer
I have been longing for a Mac for a few years now. But in comparison to a PC they are just not cost effective. A few weeks ago one of my friends got a brand new Macbook Pro with 15 inch monitor and I was drooling...and I also was really jealous. All I know is I need quality computers that can handle serious web production and Macs are the best machines for that purpose.
3. Bedroom Furniture
Just like my car my furniture has been through a lot. I bought my bedroom furniture in 2003 and got the final piece of the set (the nightstand) in 2004. The furniture has moved as much as I have moved. But it's time for some new furniture. All the drawers are sagging on the inside of my dresser and chest of drawers and I don't have that much in them.
4. Digital Camera
I bought my first digital camera in 2007 (right Tim Haynes...it was the year you came to visit me in NYC). In 3 short years that camera has been through A LOT. Y'all know how much I travel and I carry my camera with me everywhere like I carry a cell phone and wallet. I want the upgrade of my camera so either the Sony Cyber-shot® DSC-W290 or the Sony Cyber-shot® DSC-W220 (in Blue of course).
5. Sex and the City: The Complete Series (Collector's Giftset) and Sex and the City Essentials
It's ashame that I am the black Carrie Bradshaw (or she is the white version of me) and I still don't own all the seasons of the show. I have a few seasons and I own the movie but I don't own the complete series and the essentials.
6. Earrings
I'm a girl with extensions in my hair so I need some bamboo earrings...at least 2 pair...LOL. I buy earrings every year but what I really want are some Harry Mason earrings. I haven't owned a pair since my trip to San Francisco back in February 2006. I loved the earrings and I had them for awhile but when you lose one there is no point in wearing the other.
7. Watch
Like most of the world I rely heavily on my cell phone including to tell time. But I would like a really nice time piece....something simple but classic and sophisticated. Of course I would like to be able to tell the time with it so the face has to have some numbers or some roman numerals. No blank faces where I have to guesstimate the time.
8. Fry Daddy
I have seriously wished for a Fry Daddy for over 3 years and I STILL don't have one.
9. Wine
Y'all know I LOVE a good wine...Rosa Regale, any kind of Moscato...but I'm not picky...oh no, this wino will drink anything and everything.
10. Pearls
I don't know what my fascination with pearls are about. An ex-boyfriend once bought me a earning and necklace set and I have no idea how they got lost in my transition from college to the real world. And they just look so good on Michelle Obama. I want to be the girl with the pearl earrings.
11. Nintendo DS
They had me at the commercial for the Personal Trainer: Cooking game. I don't even want to call it a game because anything that makes cooking easier for me to do is more than child's play.
12. Wii games
I only have the game that comes with the Wii, the game that comes with the Wii Fit, Mario Kart and Yoga for Wii...so I'm seriously lacking on gaming options. I tried American Idol karaoke a couple of weeks ago and was amazed. And I KNOW there are more games out there that I would like. You can reference my Wii wish list for last year.
13. Carolina Snuggie
One of my interns actually tried to buy me this but it's not sold in stores...at least not in NYC. I'm sure it's sold everywhere in North Carolina. I would die and go to Snuggie heaven if I got one. But y'all know my theory on this...you can't buy yourself a Snuggie...someone else has to buy it for you.
14. Gift Card
The easiest gift of all when you don't know what to give. Visa has prepaid cards so it can be used towards whatever I want.
15. Airline Miles
Give the gift of travel. I love to travel and I will gladly accept miles from Delta, American Airlines, Continental, Airtran or US Airways.
16. FOOD
Last but definitely not least on my list is FOOD. Take me out to eat...I love to eat...I promise I will enjoy it...it's the gift I never get tired of receiving.
And there you have it...plenty of options to choose from for anyone feeling generous this year ;)
But this year I'm turning the big 3-0...I'm so excited and I just can't hide it...I'm about to lose control and I think I like it...OH YEAH!!! Seriously I am geeked about turning 30 and to prove it I will be throwing myself a birthday party (more details to come). So this year I'm going to make a birthday wish list instead of a Xmas wish list.
1. New Car
I don't seriously expect anyone to buy me a new car. But I always thought for my 30th I would get a new (or new used) car. I love my current car. I have a 1997 Mazda 626 who just hit the 200,000 mile mark in late November 2009. I have so many good memories in that car. BUT she is old, in need of a few repairs, and it's not worth it to keep putting money in to fixing her when I can use that same money to get something newer. I hate to admit it but it's time for us to part ways. I have had the car for 10 years (bought it in December of 1999). My relationship with my car is by far the longest and most stable relationship I have ever had. (An Ode to my Beloved Car blog will be coming). My top 5 choices for a new vehicle are: Chevy Tahoe, Lexus LS 10, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry or Nissan Maxima
2. Macbook Pro Notebook or Mac Pro Computer
I have been longing for a Mac for a few years now. But in comparison to a PC they are just not cost effective. A few weeks ago one of my friends got a brand new Macbook Pro with 15 inch monitor and I was drooling...and I also was really jealous. All I know is I need quality computers that can handle serious web production and Macs are the best machines for that purpose.
3. Bedroom Furniture
Just like my car my furniture has been through a lot. I bought my bedroom furniture in 2003 and got the final piece of the set (the nightstand) in 2004. The furniture has moved as much as I have moved. But it's time for some new furniture. All the drawers are sagging on the inside of my dresser and chest of drawers and I don't have that much in them.
4. Digital Camera
I bought my first digital camera in 2007 (right Tim Haynes...it was the year you came to visit me in NYC). In 3 short years that camera has been through A LOT. Y'all know how much I travel and I carry my camera with me everywhere like I carry a cell phone and wallet. I want the upgrade of my camera so either the Sony Cyber-shot® DSC-W290 or the Sony Cyber-shot® DSC-W220 (in Blue of course).
5. Sex and the City: The Complete Series (Collector's Giftset) and Sex and the City Essentials
It's ashame that I am the black Carrie Bradshaw (or she is the white version of me) and I still don't own all the seasons of the show. I have a few seasons and I own the movie but I don't own the complete series and the essentials.
6. Earrings
I'm a girl with extensions in my hair so I need some bamboo earrings...at least 2 pair...LOL. I buy earrings every year but what I really want are some Harry Mason earrings. I haven't owned a pair since my trip to San Francisco back in February 2006. I loved the earrings and I had them for awhile but when you lose one there is no point in wearing the other.
7. Watch
Like most of the world I rely heavily on my cell phone including to tell time. But I would like a really nice time piece....something simple but classic and sophisticated. Of course I would like to be able to tell the time with it so the face has to have some numbers or some roman numerals. No blank faces where I have to guesstimate the time.
8. Fry Daddy
I have seriously wished for a Fry Daddy for over 3 years and I STILL don't have one.
9. Wine
Y'all know I LOVE a good wine...Rosa Regale, any kind of Moscato...but I'm not picky...oh no, this wino will drink anything and everything.
10. Pearls
I don't know what my fascination with pearls are about. An ex-boyfriend once bought me a earning and necklace set and I have no idea how they got lost in my transition from college to the real world. And they just look so good on Michelle Obama. I want to be the girl with the pearl earrings.
11. Nintendo DS
They had me at the commercial for the Personal Trainer: Cooking game. I don't even want to call it a game because anything that makes cooking easier for me to do is more than child's play.
12. Wii games
I only have the game that comes with the Wii, the game that comes with the Wii Fit, Mario Kart and Yoga for Wii...so I'm seriously lacking on gaming options. I tried American Idol karaoke a couple of weeks ago and was amazed. And I KNOW there are more games out there that I would like. You can reference my Wii wish list for last year.
13. Carolina Snuggie
One of my interns actually tried to buy me this but it's not sold in stores...at least not in NYC. I'm sure it's sold everywhere in North Carolina. I would die and go to Snuggie heaven if I got one. But y'all know my theory on this...you can't buy yourself a Snuggie...someone else has to buy it for you.
14. Gift Card
The easiest gift of all when you don't know what to give. Visa has prepaid cards so it can be used towards whatever I want.
15. Airline Miles
Give the gift of travel. I love to travel and I will gladly accept miles from Delta, American Airlines, Continental, Airtran or US Airways.
16. FOOD
Last but definitely not least on my list is FOOD. Take me out to eat...I love to eat...I promise I will enjoy it...it's the gift I never get tired of receiving.
And there you have it...plenty of options to choose from for anyone feeling generous this year ;)
Friday, January 01, 2010
Goals for 2010
I'm turning the big 3-0 this year. So at first I was going to set 30 goals for myself...but that's a bit much, even for me. My 10 goals for 2010 are:
1. Throw myself a kickass party for my 30th
Consider this advanced notice. I have never thrown myself a big birthday party before and I'm going all out. I'll be having an all white party at a location and date (early March) to be determined. So what that my birthday is in the middle of winter...we'll just have to wear winter white.
2. Pay off another debt
Now that I paid off the debt consolidation loan I want to turn my attention to another major bill and pay that off.
3. Take a new approach on my health
One of my girls goes to a natural health doctor and I want to try it. I'm tired of the asthma medications and allergy shots and weekly chiropractor visits. I've done the standard, traditional medicines. Now I'm ready to try something new.
4. Re-join the gym
I actually enjoyed going to the gym. I miss my anti-gravity yoga classes, urban rebounding classes and my trainer kicking my ass. I remained a member until my company allotment for fitness ran out. New year, new allotment.
5. Go to Vegas as many times as I can
If I could go once a month (12 times this year) I would. But I think 4-6 trips to Vegas will be sufficient and make up for lost time.
6. Increase my savings
After I pay for my birthday party I have to go back to being responsible and putting more in my savings.
7. Try new recipes
I save recipes from magazines all the time and I own several cookbooks. It's time to start trying out some new recipes.
8. Expand professionally
I have been filling in as a project manager at my job and I like the new challenge. So I want to kick ass as a PM and see what it leads too.
9. Go to more Broadway shows
I've been saying for years that I want to see Wicked...it's time I make that happen. There are also a few other shows that I'm interested in seeing.
10. Purge, purge and purge some more
I once read that if you want to have someone in your life you have to make room in your life. For me, I think I need to start by making room in my apartment.
I'm all about setting realistic macro and micro goals for myself. I feel if you aim too high you'll only be disappointed if you don't reach it. So here's to another year of growing personally and professionally.
1. Throw myself a kickass party for my 30th
Consider this advanced notice. I have never thrown myself a big birthday party before and I'm going all out. I'll be having an all white party at a location and date (early March) to be determined. So what that my birthday is in the middle of winter...we'll just have to wear winter white.
2. Pay off another debt
Now that I paid off the debt consolidation loan I want to turn my attention to another major bill and pay that off.
3. Take a new approach on my health
One of my girls goes to a natural health doctor and I want to try it. I'm tired of the asthma medications and allergy shots and weekly chiropractor visits. I've done the standard, traditional medicines. Now I'm ready to try something new.
4. Re-join the gym
I actually enjoyed going to the gym. I miss my anti-gravity yoga classes, urban rebounding classes and my trainer kicking my ass. I remained a member until my company allotment for fitness ran out. New year, new allotment.
5. Go to Vegas as many times as I can
If I could go once a month (12 times this year) I would. But I think 4-6 trips to Vegas will be sufficient and make up for lost time.
6. Increase my savings
After I pay for my birthday party I have to go back to being responsible and putting more in my savings.
7. Try new recipes
I save recipes from magazines all the time and I own several cookbooks. It's time to start trying out some new recipes.
8. Expand professionally
I have been filling in as a project manager at my job and I like the new challenge. So I want to kick ass as a PM and see what it leads too.
9. Go to more Broadway shows
I've been saying for years that I want to see Wicked...it's time I make that happen. There are also a few other shows that I'm interested in seeing.
10. Purge, purge and purge some more
I once read that if you want to have someone in your life you have to make room in your life. For me, I think I need to start by making room in my apartment.
I'm all about setting realistic macro and micro goals for myself. I feel if you aim too high you'll only be disappointed if you don't reach it. So here's to another year of growing personally and professionally.
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