September Update

Quick update for the week. I am heading to a Christian camp tomorrow morning with our client. They are taking close to 300 people camping to reflect where our project is going. Tensions are high, they've spent close to a billion dollars so far, and we don't have any solid results. Personally I think this project will fail. The good news is that all meals will be provided by the client and they will also pay for gas. hopefully I won't have to spend any money this week. I bought the wife some groceries to make it through the week.

The spending is getting better, I was a little frustrated and had to vent, life can be a little stressful at times. The Citi Forward balance still around $4,000. I'm slowly paying it back, my goal right now is to save cash. Our cash savings are close to $15,000! Something is telling me to save money.

All other credit cards still have a $0 balance, including Discover! The wife might have a small balance on her Macy's, probably around $50. As soon as I get the bill I will pay that off.

No other updates for now, hope everyone is having a good week.

HS

Spending Still Out of Control

No matter what we do we still can't seem to control our spending! Golf is my new hobby and it is very expensive, on average I spend $60 to tee off with friends. Add beer and lunch and I'm easily spending $100 per weekend. The wife had a birthday last week and that came close to $1200! Our dog is also spending close to $120 per month on food. Our jobs are also costing us money, I have to entertain clients and go to happy hours. Some of it is free but I always tend to charge a few things. My wife has to buy school supplies and teaching aids, this past weekend she spent close to $100.

Most of my spending goes on the Citi Forward credit card. I continue to pay down the card but the balance continues to go up. The balance right now is close to $3,000. I will be making a $1000 payment next week, hopefully it will be paid off soon.

We have no desire to change. I think we enjoy our lifestyle. I think it will take a drastic like event like a job loss to put an end to this spending. Many times I wonder why I even have this blog. Seems like the debt will never go away. I continue to spend money I don't have. I see something, I just buy it. I never stop and think about debt or the future.

Like the old saying goes, Champagne Taste on a Beer Budget...

HS

No Raise This Year

I talked to my supervisor this morning and he gave me the news. Total salary increase amount for 2009 to 2010 is $0.00. My performance was good and I met all my objectives but since the economy is in a recession, they don't have to give me a raise. He said I should be lucky I have a job and to just ride it out until next year. I wonder if that means next September I get a double raise.

On a positive note, our health insurance premiums will not increase this year and our 401k match will remain the same, 6% dollar per dollar. We also get 5 weeks of paid vacation per year and my client will continue to pay for transportation to their site ($145 per month).

The wife will probably get $1200 pay increase and an additional $800 that was approved by the Texas legislature for all teachers.

Did you get a pay increase this year?

HS