http://www.mapgirl.net/mfc Just tidbits about money and finance. Fri, 03 Jul 2009 21:58:28 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Surprisingly, my net worth had positive movement in June. I wasn't expecting that but I got lucky since the last of my condo renovation costs won't be charged till July. Strictly speaking, I should book the liability in June, but even so, I would have netted a positive outcome for ... http://www.mapgirl.net/mfc/2009/07/03/june-2009-net-worth-update/ 2009 Goal #1 Pay down credit card debt by December 31 My balances are artificially high right now. I got hit with some late construction charges in June, so I didn't have a chance to pay it down with my latest bonus. I should still be on track at the end of ... http://www.mapgirl.net/mfc/2009/07/02/june-2009-goal-update/ I can't tell yet what it will look like but I think it will be bad. At the last minute, I decided to spring for a new closet set up for my condo. My renter's mother works for California Closets and can offer me a small discount. Since it's $2000.00 ... http://www.mapgirl.net/mfc/2009/07/01/june-2009-net-worth-outlook/ When my sibling asked me for a bridge loan last week, the only way for me to help was to take out a balance transfer for a low APR. But then my sibling emails me and lets me know it's not needed anymore. Well I'm now wigging out about a large ... http://www.mapgirl.net/mfc/2009/06/30/flushing-a-balance-transfer-offer/ Many years ago when I was underemployed and living hand to mouth, a fairy godmother dropped $2K into my lap. I had missed a car insurance payment and been dropped by the insurer like a stone. I had to buy into Maryland's state auto insurance for bad brownies, but it ... http://www.mapgirl.net/mfc/2009/06/29/glad-to-be-of-assistance/ There's only one more thing to add to my Craigslist Rental Scam post. The realtor with whom I spoke was very nice. The next morning I got an email back from the scam artist about being in Africa on mission, etc. I contacted the realtor once more and let her know that ... http://www.mapgirl.net/mfc/2009/06/26/follow-up-on-the-craigslist-scam-post/ Mrs Micah was our lovely hostess for the evening. She had on her jaunty cap and met us in the basement of The Brickskeller. It's an institution in DC that holds the record for the most beers available. In attendance: Brian of Building Wealth Together J. Savings from Budgets are Sexy Craig from BudgetPulse Mike ... http://www.mapgirl.net/mfc/2009/06/25/happy-hour-recap-2/ Don't get me wrong. I love Craigslist. One of my cousin's was on Craig Newmark's original list in San Francisco a great many years ago. Craig got me a job in 10 days upon my return from a backpacking trip to Europe. I got a new mixer and a buffet ... http://www.mapgirl.net/mfc/2009/06/24/i-got-scammed-by-craiglist/ If you were following me on Twitter, you'd know that I got some more good news last week. My boss held a call for her far-flung team and announced the annual raise strategy for the company. Not surprisingly, there's not going to be any COLA increase for people this year. ... http://www.mapgirl.net/mfc/2009/06/22/making-progress/ I floated out an advertisement on Craigslist and to a private social mailing list. I got some good responses and next thing I know, I'm showing the place in a right state on Saturday afternoon to a friend of an acquaintance who lives in the neighborhood. I cleaned up the fridge, ... http://www.mapgirl.net/mfc/2009/06/19/my-first-adventure-in-landlording/ I need a clue into Ben Bernanke's brain or be a fly on the wall of an FOMC meeting. In Virginia, I have to pay out simple interest on a security deposit if my tenant stays more than 13 months in my rental unit. The renter I have selected wants to ... http://www.mapgirl.net/mfc/2009/06/18/where-are-interest-rates-headed/ I got a happy call today from my boss. I was nominated for an award at work for being a stellar brownie. It was approved by upper management and I'll be receiving $1500.00 on my next paycheck. After taxes and 401k deductions, I should end up with about $800-900. The question ... http://www.mapgirl.net/mfc/2009/06/17/quick-question-snowflake-or-car-downpayment/ I am a worry wart. I've always been this way. I embrace it because I'm not changing. I've *tried* to change and the best thing I can do is accept it and deal with it in a positive way. Now David at MoneyNing has a great post about How Not to ... http://www.mapgirl.net/mfc/2009/06/16/worrying-about-money/ One of my friends fixed the car. I gave him $250 for his labors. That included: Four hours of labor A hour driving to pick up a part for me $20 of gas because I had less than a 1/4 tank Verizon FIOS connection so I could work while the car was fixed I ordered ... http://www.mapgirl.net/mfc/2009/06/15/car-repair-brief-dc-area-nissan-dealer-review/ Some comments: TJ wrote: I love how people justify buying new cars over used (how much can a car get “beaten to hell” in a year, for example). The biggest drop in value over the life of a car comes as soon as you drive it off the lot, and that’s a ... http://www.mapgirl.net/mfc/2009/06/12/gentle-reader-why-i-am-interested-in-a-new-car/