Sooo, I haven't done these for a while, and I figure, why not?
Milestones
I don't like talking about milestones anymore because I think after a certain point, well, I feel like I would only be bragging a whole lot about very little.
Still, I did reach an important one recently. You see, when I first came on board on SA, I was in the hole for nearly -$40k. As of this point, my net worth has now flip-flopped to nearly $40k up!
Of course, most of it is in retirement, and I've still got a long way to go, but it just feels so great to be able to get out of that stinkin' hole and see the light for once!
Stimulus
On a slightly bummer kind of a note, my stimulus check money finally ran out.
Some readers may or may not remember that I converted my entire 2008 stimulus check to grocery gift cards, and in return, the grocery chain offered to add an additional 10% to the total! 10% extra free money for something that I needed to begin with was simply too good to pass up.
I kinda liked having "free money" for groceries, but sadly, now I have to go back to using my regular pool of money, which is a bummer.
Dummy
Ok, you guys will think I'm crazy, and I won't blame you at all. In fact, even *I* think I am crazy. But you know, I've always wanted a punching dummy. Hehe, yeah... a punching dummy. But not just any dummy! (Why are you looking at me like that?) It's one of those really fancy kinds that's actually shaped like a real guy. The brochure calls it a "manikin" and it allows you to train for more accurate strikes.
In fact, this thing normally costs a premium price of $249.99, but I found it on sale at a local sporting goods store that is selling it for $99.99! HIYA! Chop!
Yes, it's crazy, and yes, $100 is still $100. In fact, this is the part where I would really feel guilty coming home with this giant thing standing in the middle of the living room, and I guess I should be glad that there is not a woman there with her arms crossed looking very... cross. Like she's going to use ME as a "manikin".
But so long as I am still single, and even though I'm on the 401(k) challenge, I thought the discount was too good to pass up. In fact, they had to hold me up at the register for nearly 15 minutes just to double check the price because they couldn't believe the discount either.
But anyways, I admit it's a guilty pleasure, and ultimately, I don't have a good excuse for spending that kind of money. Please forgive me! ;-)
Tuesday quickies
January 27th, 2009 at 02:49 pm
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January 27th, 2009 at 06:31 pm 1233081104
Hahahahaha.
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But at some point, I think it's bragging. Maybe think of using ratios? X times income or SCFR uses that saver ratio.
As for the dummy, you have to find a balance between life and being frugal.
January 27th, 2009 at 09:31 pm 1233091914
Your milestones are huge! Just don't ever forget how you were feeling s when you while you were in debts by 40k. Dreams may have seemed a lot bigger then compared to today but you are now living the dream you had wished for and moving on up to bigger achievements . Now you know it’s possible to overcome obstacles so dreams no longer seem so far-fetched.
And besides, brag away you are at the right place to do so.
January 27th, 2009 at 09:34 pm 1233092055
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January 28th, 2009 at 12:56 am 1233104183
We do the same thing you did with your stimulus money each Christmas. My DH's business gives out "bonuses" of a local grocery store cards that are bought at a 10% discount. Last year we managed to make them last until June. We'll see how we do this year. We do shop at Costco along with Winco though, so it is not our total cost.
January 28th, 2009 at 01:28 am 1233106085
I've thought about a punching bag of some sort for myself - there's just some days that it would be really nice to have one around.
Now you can practice at home, and maybe help out at the martial arts school. (Didn't you say something once about a former teacher of yours wanting you to teach??)
January 28th, 2009 at 04:40 am 1233117615
Great work on your net worth and very inspiring, too. Funneling $80,000 to debt and savings in just a few years is amazing, especially since half of it was debt that no doubt accrued interest charges while you paid it off. You have every right to be proud... it's not bragging.
Good job on making your stimulus $$ stretch!
January 28th, 2009 at 01:03 pm 1233147835
whitestripe:
You take Aikido? That's terrific! It's a beautiful and very healthy type of martial arts that I wouldn't mind recommending to just about anyone. The founder of Aikido was very wise and ahead of his time. To this day, I still follow many of his principles.
frugaltexan:
Yeah, that was a long time ago. I'm sure he would be glad to have me back, but at the very least, I need to get back into shape and stay there first. Baby steps. Hehe.
Analise:
For those who are curious, Here is a picture of the manikin.
January 28th, 2009 at 02:26 pm 1233152777
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January 30th, 2009 at 04:17 pm 1233332229
As for the doll, it reminds me of people down here in South Florida that buy the similiar dolls to put in the front seat of the car so they can go drive through lanes that are designated for 2 people and over.