Diversifying my 401(k) October 31, 2007

So, I just got my 3rd quarter 401(k) statement. They have a message at the bottom reminding me that I have a “right to diversify [my] investment portfolio”. I’m just wondering how exactly that works.

Let’s start at the begining. I signed up for the 401(k) pretty soon after I started work, and listened to the whole “diversify” thing…but not really. I ended up putting 90% of my contributions in one fund…that had the word “diversified” in it…it took a while for me to try to readjust to something less dangerous (that is, contribute to more funds), but now a bulk of my money is still in one fund. I called my 401(k) people to see what I can do about it…and there is an option to rebalance. But is it really as simple as pressing 1 or whatever on the phone? I’m not sure if I want everything rebalanced all at once.

I guess I’ll have to call them again when I’m more sure of what should happen.

[Edit: It was really easy to do...check out this page to see how it went.]

YEAH RED SOX!!! October 28, 2007

Way to go, Red Sox!  Excellent sweep!   World Series Champs once again!

one question…why were so many Rockies fans wearing their hats inside out?

My Trip to Nicaragua: Day 1: Fort Lauderdale October 27, 2007

So, finally, as promised, I’ll be posting about my vacation in Nicaragua. I’m thinking I’ll end up posting a wrap-up/summary after all these.

So, our trip to Nicaragua actually starts with the best ever layover. We flew out of Boston at the crack of dawn. We landed in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. That’s where we ran into our other two friends that we were traveling with to Nicaragua.
We picked up our rental car and headed to the beach! We grabbed some pizza at a nearby pizza shop and ate it on the beach, under the shade of some palm trees.

Partially because of those new rules about sizes of sunscreen, we ended up skimping on the sunscreen. I had bought some combination bug repellent and sunscreen, but figured that would be silly to wear on the beach…so end result was we all came out pretty burnt! I almost always wear sunscreen (my dad worked at a company that made sunscreen) so I wasn’t used to burns.

The water was so incredibly warm. It was clear, light blue, and really the temperature of bathwater! This was to be our first body of water of the trip.

We got some tasty gelato at a nearby shop. Mixed berry and chocolate….mmmmm! We drove up and down Las Olas Boulevard for a bit trying to find a place that wasn’t too expensive but would have something we’d all like (including decent vegetarian options for one of my friends). We settled on Mangos which was pretty tasty. I got the mango chicken sandwich.

Then off to the nearest bookstore to buy a good beach/travel book (I had bought one before the trip, but it just didn’t seem to be working…so I picked up a collection of O’Henry’s short stories. Short stories really are perfect for traveling. You can read one or two while you’re going somewhere, or right before you fall asleep, and you don’t have to worry about continuity.

Then it was off to the rental car place to return the car, and the shuttle to the airport.

The trip actually was originally suggested by one of our friends (we’ll call her M, I don’t know if I should post full names?) because she gets listings for cheap flights and vacations. We just had to jump on it. So we took Spirit airlines…they get to be cheaper by charging you for everything (checked baggage, drinks or snacks on the plane), but we didn’t mind, since we were just bringing carry-ons and would just sleep through the food and drink services anyway.

We quickly went through customs, paid our $5 entrance fee, and proceeded to the exit, where taxi drivers practically blocked the doorway. They were all standing there, waiting for the oblivious Americans (like us)

Two taxi drivers actually started fighting over us! The figured out who was going to take us, and so we went with the winner!

Now, when I was in middle school and high school, I only ever took French for my foreign language classes. This lack of Spanish language skills would have crippled us on our trip. Luckily, one of my friends, L, knew plenty of Spanish. The taxi driver gave us a tour of Managua (the capital) as he drove us to our hotel, he showed us where a church used to be (before an earthquake), a statue of Sandino, and told us about the protesters we saw camping nearby (they were against a pharmaceutical company, I believe).

Ended our taxi ride at our hotel for the night, Hotel Mansion Teodolinda. It was by far the priciest hotel we stayed in (it cost more than the rest of our our hotels combined!) They originally gave us two rooms, but we pointed out to them that we only needed one (there were two full beds in the room.) M had made the reservation in advance, since she figured we would just be tired and wouldn’t want to be wandering around looking for a place to stay, so overall, it worked pretty well. Plus they had complementary breakfast!
It wasn’t until I was about to hop in the shower that I saw just how burned I was. Standing naked, I saw in the mirror what looked like a red-colored person with a white two-piece!

After a refreshing shower, it was time to head to sleep for my first night in Nicaragua.

Paying bills with credit cards? Checking out Costco, too. October 25, 2007

Before you worry that I’m struggling to get by and paying for everything on credit, let me tell you that this is just a thought about earning points. I recently thought about this idea again because one of my credit card companies sent me a letter telling me that they’ll give me a $10 credit if I pay for utilities or other similar bills with their credit card. Which got me thinking…should I pay my bills with my credit card? I earn points on all the money I spend, and I pay of my credit card bill every month. I think the only thing stopping me is the knowledge that I’d have to change what I’m doing right now. Which really isn’t a very good reason not to switch. Is it worth it to pay for everything with credit cards to earn the extra points? And maybe I should get a cashback credit card, so I’ll get actual money back, instead of points that could add up to some money back….I know why the credit cards want me to do this…they figure if I mess up somewhere, they can gouge me for a lot more than that $10 they would give me.

Thoughts on this? Should I be chasing these rates, points, everything?

I also shopped at Costco the other day with one of my friends (she’s got a membership). I’d been there once or twice before (one of my roommates and I went there on tax-free day to buy mattresses) and I think that store could very easily make you spend way too much money. I can definitely see the use of the store for small businesses (restaurants, daycare centers, etc.). I do think I was tempted quite a bit. And had I not gone there, I would probably not have spent money that day…but I came out of there having spent around $80! I bought laundry detergent, dishwasher detergent, dryer sheets, compact fluorescent bulbs (10 bulbs for $4), a carbon monoxide detector (how did we not have one? I knew we needed one after I got panicky about our furnace). I think all of these items were things that we need (in our apartment of 4 people) and since we all share each other’s supplies like those (detergents, etc.) and I hadn’t bought them in a while, I figured it was my turn. I think this made me wish that we split things evenly on those sorts of things, since I definintely bought a lot of stuff! Oh, and I sucummbed to a display of microplush blankets. They were so soft, I couldn’t resist! So that was my one personal splurge. It definitely helped to shop with someone, bounce off the items as necessary or not necessary, good deals or not good deals. I prevented her from buying what was really overpriced deoderant; they were 3 to a pack for a $9 pack. You can usually get deoderant for less than $3 a piece! So, that was lucky. I may have overspent by a few dollars…I think the laundry detergent might have been cheaper at Target (where we went next), and we will probably not need to buy more dryer sheets for the remainder of our lease, but you live, you learn!

Bought just a $6 full-length mirror at Target, since I’ve been meaning to buy one for a while.  It seems that yet again I save up my spending until all at once.

Still trying to figure out what sort of blog this will become…

Who wants to be on my blog roll? October 19, 2007

So, I realized that my blogroll currently consists of the initial two that worpress gives everyone. I’m thinking I should add some links to blogs I actually read, or that are relevant to my writings. Perhaps a personal finance blogs list, or links to my personal friends’ blogs? I might also start writing about some science or food related topics at a later date, so perhaps some food science or molecular gastronomy blogs might show up there.

I don’t know if I should just put all the blogs I read, or the blogs of people who comment on my blog, or blogs of people who specifically request to be included.

Any Suggestions? or requests for blogroll inclusion?

And don’t worry, the Nicaragua posts are coming. They’re mostly written, I just need to edit them so they’re a little bit easier to understand (and less stream of consciousness-like).

In honor of Blog Action Day October 15, 2007

In honor of Blog Action Day I figured I’d post a little thought or two about environmentalism, going green, the eco-movement, etc.

I’d like to first discuss my stance on being eco-friendly and everything. I’ve always been into recycling. In fact, I was involved with recycling in my college dorm, and was actually recycling chair for a year or so. My friends all knew me as the recycling queen of sorts, grabbing recyclables off the top of trash cans (if it wasn’t too gross). I was always hounding people to do it. It just seemed so easy to recycle, since bins were never far away. Actually, one time a friend of mine threw a recyclable bottle in the trash just to spite me!

For the most part, I’m eco-friendly because it seems like a good idea. We’re polluting, and we don’t have to. Most actions you can take are relatively easy!

I realized that one problem with the green movement (as with almost any movement) is that you can get pretty extreme if you want to, which can sometimes make things worse. Being all militant is crazy! Just have fun with it!

One of the problems with going to extreme with things is that people start ignoring you, which makes your message less effective. Take, for example, the whole issue with global warning. Some people, like my late Grandpa (rest his soul) said he didn’t believe in global warming, that the earth has always been getting hotter and colder. A few days ago, after the announcement about Al Gore winning the Nobel Peace Prize, a friend of mine said the same thing. And this is where my issue lies: who cares what you believe! Even if it’s too late, as some people say, or that it doesn’t change the temperature, you can help the earth! And most of the eco-ideas out there are just helpful on their own! By reducing your gas usage in your car (by driving a more efficient car, driving less often, etc.) you also save money! And if you are driving less by walking or biking, you’re getting exercise! I am always going around our apartment turning off lights and turning down the heat…partially because I’m thinking about the environment, but also partially because I hate wasting money! If you’ve read any of my past posts, you’ll know I’m still nicely in debt from going to dear old MIT, so saving a couple bucks here and there always helps! I walk and take public transportation, too, which also cuts down a lot on my expenses!

Some earth-friendly stuff is just happiness-friendly, too! Planting a tree, keeping a waterway clean, they just make things look (and smell, taste, etc.) better!

And buying locally? You’ll taste the best tasting fruit and vegetables if you get them fresh and in season!

Well, I suppose this can cover me for now for Blog Action Day (seeing as it’s almost over!) but it’s got me all fired up! So hopefully I’ll post again soon about some environmental issues. This blog is still a work in progress!

Another reason to opt-out October 11, 2007

[originally posted Saturday, September 15, 2007 8:50 AM]

I keep hearing about how if you don’t want to get all those useless credit card offers, you should call or go to optoutprescreen.com or call 1-888-5-OPTOUT (which is 1-888-567-8688). I’m thinking I’ve found another good reason: I got someone else’s mail. Basically, within one credit card offer, there were two offers. One for me, and one for someone in my same town. I called them to complain, and the guy said “oh, sometimes our machines can get a bit sticky”. He didn’t want the name of who else’s offer I got. “We send out plenty of mailers, she’ll be sure to get something else”. Yeah, that’s the excuse I heard!

In other news, I got an email from LazyMan in response to a comment I posted on his health blog. He saw that I’m looking to officially start a personal finance blog. He sent me a link to an advice list on how to start a personal finance blog. It references quite a few other blogs, and so it’s something I’m thinking I’ll be referencing a decent amount while working through my blog.

Okay, I swear I’m going to blog about my trip to Nicaragua soon!

Haircuts and budgets October 10, 2007

[originally posted Saturday, September 08, 2007 11:50 PM]

So, I realized that getting your haircut can be a lot cheaper if you don’t care that much. I asked around with friends to see what was good/cheap/nearby and got some good recommendations. I suppose this post will be extra helpful for anyone living in the Davis area, since that’s where some friends were living. So, I think these are probably all good places to go, if you trust my friends! I got recommendations for Salonika and Salon Femia in Davis Square, Salon CU and Amal Niccoli Salon (ask for Julie, according to a friend) in Ball Square, and Supercuts in Porter Square.

I ended up going to Supercuts, believe it or not. I got a pretty darn good haircut! Compared to the $35 or so that most of the salons were charging, I paid $19 (including tip) for a hair washing and a cut. And I desperately needed a hair cut. I was going against all those rules of getting it cut every 3 months or whatever it should be. Oh, and don’t worry, I had gotten a haircut within the past year, it was back near my family’s house. That’s where I had gotten my haircut all through college. I didn’t really trust the place in the student center, and so I’d just get my hair cut whenever I went home for a vacation. I got it cut around shoulder length this time around, which will hopefully make me look and feel a lot less dumpy. The people there were really nice, and, really, I didn’t need anything fancy! So, the moral of this story is, you don’t necessarily need to go to a fancy salon. I might end up going to one of the other places some time, depending on where I’m living, and what I’m looking for with my hair. I probably would have gotten more attention, and a thorough blow drying (you pay extra to get your hair washed and/or blow dried at Supercuts) had I gone to one of the other places listed. And I’m guessing people have horror stories of both the really cheap places as well as the really expensive places. So, if you’re on a budget, and you’re not willing to spend more than you have to to get just a basic cut, go for the cheaper locations! If you have difficult hair to work with, or you’ve found a place you like, I’m not saying you shouldn’t go!

Well, hopefully that came through with enough of the “go for cheap if you want” without hurting anyone’s feelings (hair stylists, big spenders).

I do want to update soon about my recent trip to Nicaragua (quick preview: That place is AMAZING!) I really appreciate the comments I’ve received, by the way, and hopefully you’ll keep reading my site (and letting me know what you think)! Thanks! And thanks also to those of you who have emailed me about getting an ING savings account or ING electric orange checking account referrals. I hope you are enjoying your new account! (and your $25 bonuses!) Anyone interested, please do shoot me an email!

Wow, too many exclamation points! This is what happens when you’re writing a post after midnight.

[Edit: I also saved money by signing up for their email program. Yes, it's another email clogging up your inbox, but I got a $2 coupon, and they're going to send me coupons every few months, along with a reminder that I might need another haircut]

The Infinite Mind: Money and the Mind October 10, 2007

[originally posted Sunday, August 26, 2007 6:06 PM]

I tuned in to NPR yesterday and caught a majority of this week’s installment of The Infinite Mind. The topic of the broadcast was Money and the Mind. Have a listen, it’s pretty interesting stuff!

I figured since I’ve been treating this blog as a bit of a personal finance blog, it made sense to mention this to you all.

In other news, I’ve been contacted regarding sign up bonuses for ING Direct. So far I’ve only heard from one person about Electric Orange (the checking account) but I have referrals for both the checking and savings accounts. So, do email me! Thanks to the woman who contacted me with a referral request! Hopefully you’re enjoying your new account, and your $25!
Not much else to report, really. I’ve still been tracking my expenses on Walletproof. I think the one problem is that I pretty much just spend and then track, but I don’t know if this is curbing my spending habits. I’ve still been ordering lunches at work a few times a week, and some things I’m buying for the long term (clothes, beauty supplies), but I think I end up bottling up lots of my spending until all at once. I went to the mall last weekend because I had to buy bathing suits for a trip I was going on. I hadn’t bought bathing suits in a year or two, so I was due to get one. The good part was that because it was the end of season, and I had a $10 off coupon, I got 2 bathing suits for less than $20 at The Gap. I’ve decided that my Gap credit card is actually worthwhile for me, since I opened it when I bought some nice pants before (yes, it should have been a bigger purchase) I’ve been getting percent off and $ off coupons from them, and I pay the whole balance off every time. I think I only go there for biggish purchases (maybe I save up my spending for those, too?) like when I desperately needed new bras, or this time for bathing suits. I don’t go without a coupon. Of course, getting me into the store was the need for bathing suits, but I walked away after also buying a pair of khakis. I think I treat dressy pants as a necessity, since I have barely any khakis, but lots of jeans (and I feel like a slob when I wear jeans to work).

I think that the whole don’t spend-spend a lot problem partially arises because I don’t have a car. My roommates were driving somewhere, so I asked for a ride to the mall so I could shop. So while I was there for the bathing suit, I ended up buying two bathing suits, and khakis from The Gap (like I mentioned), then picked up some tank tops and headbands from H&M (I always buy tank tops there, I’m into layering, at least in a kind of non-crazy way). Then to the CVS to pick up random things I needed. I spent almost $100 total today! Well, at least I wont have to buy some of those things for a while.

Phew, this post was meant to just mention the Infinite Mind show. Well, there’s my money confession for the day.

I opened an ING Direct Electric Orange account! October 10, 2007

[originally posted Friday, August 17, 2007 5:20 PM]

So I opened an ING Direct Electric Orange checking account. I had been thinking about doing this for a while, but I didn’t like having to change over any of my direct deposit/auto-pay accounts or anything. But I now HAVE to do it, because Bank of America apparently lied to me recently. I originally opened my Bank of America checking account with my mom as custodian (I guess I started young…or needed a place to put birthday checks). I never took her off of it. I’ve called and also “chatted” with a representative (they have pop-up chats when you’re on the website too long, it seems) and while I got two different answers (you have to close this one and open a new one vs. here’s paperwork to fill out), when my mom tried to go to Bank of America to have the paperwork notarized and dealt with, they completely shot her down. So, if in fact it is possible to merely remove her from my account, the people she talked to wouldn’t let her do it. So now I have to open a new account and close the first one, so I might as well switch some auto-pay accounts. So, I’m thinking I’ll pay my utilities as well as my rarely used credit cards (I’ll keep my more often used cards on my BoA account) and put the average utilities cost in my Electric Orange, so I’ll earn interest on that. I figure this is just a way to increase my savings, since I probably won’t touch it too much. It’s just a more easily accessible savings account that the regular ING Direct Savings Account.

I do still have ING referrals if anyone is interested. If you open an account with at least $250, you get an extra $25, and I get an extra $10. Not too shabby! Leave me a comment or shoot me an email if you want one!