To contact us Click HERE
My husband often makes fun of me because I'm constantly cataloging events of the past and infusing them with meaning. Case in point: jobs I didn't get. There are several jobs in my career history that I applied for and really felt I should have gotten, but did not. In each case "not getting the job" paved the way for a bigger, better, or more interesting opportunities. Coincidence? You decide...
The first time around, I was a 22 year old promotion assistant at a TV station in Boston. After about a year on the job, I saw a listing for a position in the station's LA branch writing descriptions of TV for the blind. As a creative writing major and TV lover, I instantly thought it was the perfect job for me. Plus, I was dying to leave Boston. I interofficed my resume to HR and gave my boss a heads-up that I might be leaving soon (cocky, right?). A few weeks passed and nothing. Then, the job's no longer posted. Then, I found out someone else in my department got the job. So, I stayed in Boston and a mere two months later met my future husband at a birthday party (hey, it would have been impossible to attend if I was living in LA).
Next time around, I was a 25 year old cultural arts publicist looking for a new job (preferably one that did not mandate grueling weekend & night performance duty in addition to 9-5 office hours). I applied for a PR position at a local hospital. Made it past two rounds of interviews and felt primed to go all the way. Sent endearing, perfect thank-you cards to all involved. Two weeks later I found out they picked the other finalist. Darn. But then four weeks later, I was offered a PR job at another TV station. where I really wanted to be.
And finally there was last year, I was a 29 year old laid off mom pining over a position at a national broadcast agency. The job description felt like I had written it myself, that's how closely aligned it was with my goals and experience, but what I didn't realize (what I couldn't have known) was that the job was specific for a reason: they had an internal candidate. I didn't even make it past the first interview. The afternoon I got the email was one of my lowest in the job hunt. But (as mentioned in a previous post) a mere five hours later I was offered an invitation to apply for a position as COO of a multimedia non-profit. And you know where that got me...
In short, the universe acts in mysterious ways. Sometimes you just have to accept that what seems like the right fit, is not. There's something else in store for you.
31 Aralık 2012 Pazartesi
What I'm Giving Up
To contact us Click HERE
Unemployment is a time to consider what's essential. Last year when I was laid off, I had a really generous severance package and with lots of job prospects, I felt pretty secure with moderate adjustments. I reduced my gym membership to a restricted hours plan. I cut my allowance in half. We ate out less.
This time around, I'm not quite as confident. For starters, it's possible I'll be out of work longer than the 3 months it took me last time. And without severance, things get real pretty fast. I'm erring on the side of caution and giving up as many non-essentials as I can stomach. In particular, my entire allowance and entire gym membership. If you read my entry about working out for less then you know giving up the gym is not a big deal. I'll run and lift weights at my house for free.
Allowance is the real sacrifice. When my husband and I first got married, we opened a joint checking & savings account, but also opted to each keep a private checking account. All individual purchases come out of this account: clothes, shoes, haircuts, makeup, dining out, classes, entertainment, gum, magazines, books, music, etc.
Luckily, I had a bit of reserve saved up before becoming unemployed, which should get me through the next couple of months if I'm frugal. In the meantime, it's a fascinating study in what is and isn't essential to spend money on in the short run.
This time around, I'm not quite as confident. For starters, it's possible I'll be out of work longer than the 3 months it took me last time. And without severance, things get real pretty fast. I'm erring on the side of caution and giving up as many non-essentials as I can stomach. In particular, my entire allowance and entire gym membership. If you read my entry about working out for less then you know giving up the gym is not a big deal. I'll run and lift weights at my house for free.
Allowance is the real sacrifice. When my husband and I first got married, we opened a joint checking & savings account, but also opted to each keep a private checking account. All individual purchases come out of this account: clothes, shoes, haircuts, makeup, dining out, classes, entertainment, gum, magazines, books, music, etc.
Luckily, I had a bit of reserve saved up before becoming unemployed, which should get me through the next couple of months if I'm frugal. In the meantime, it's a fascinating study in what is and isn't essential to spend money on in the short run.
- Clothes: I shouldn't need to buy new clothes. I have enough suits for interviews and jeans and t-shirts to wear around the house. Nonessential
- Hair: My hair is really short right now, but no job = no bob. I'll need one last trip to the salon to get things evened out and ready to grow. Semi-essential
- Makeup: I don't wear very much, but I stockpiled the expensive stuff at a Christmas sale. All the rest, I buy at the beauty bodega down the street for less than $6 a piece. Semi-essential
- Entertainment: First, DC's full of free museums and many lovely parks. Second, my bedside drawer is stacked with books I haven't read. Third, we've got NetFlix, TiVo and various online viewing options. Nonessential
- Eating out: This is both an easy & hard one. It's extremely easy for me to eat what's in the house. On the other hand, one expense that's always worth it (especially in unemployment) is connecting with people over lunch and drinks. Essential
Mortgage Update (August '12)
To contact us Click HERE
Mortgage Update:
Principle paid down: $163.38
Interest: $487.26
Additional Principle: $6.54
New Balance: $111,209.04
The pay off date is December 2038 which is 9 months ahead of the initial schedule. If I continue to pay the minimum on my loan, I will pay $111,623.75 in interest instead of the original $116,404.23. The extra $1,457.95 I've tossed at the mortgage over the life of the loan has saved us $4,780.48 in interest.
All in all, it took me $7,057.08 to get the keys to my condo... and another $17,672.29 to remodel and repair it...
In short, I was -$24,729.37 in the hole on day one...
But thankfully the hole is getting filled in a little bit each and every year.
We also assume our monthly mortgage payments are a wash since its cheaper to OWN our home then to RENT an apartment. Check out Housing Comps 2012 for how we figured that one out.
Thus far for 2012 we have spent $8,671.93 to live in our condo (Instead of $11,150.80 for the apartment).
As of today, we have saved $2,478.87 by not renting.
If I sold the condo tomorrow, I'd have to sell the property for $131,766.56 to break even.
Mortgage Update:Principle paid down: $163.38
Interest: $487.26
Additional Principle: $6.54
New Balance: $111,209.04
The pay off date is December 2038 which is 9 months ahead of the initial schedule. If I continue to pay the minimum on my loan, I will pay $111,623.75 in interest instead of the original $116,404.23. The extra $1,457.95 I've tossed at the mortgage over the life of the loan has saved us $4,780.48 in interest.
All in all, it took me $7,057.08 to get the keys to my condo... and another $17,672.29 to remodel and repair it...
In short, I was -$24,729.37 in the hole on day one...
But thankfully the hole is getting filled in a little bit each and every year.
- In 2009 I got the First Time Home buyer's Credit giving us $8,000.00. I also got to write off some of the property tax I paid in addition to taking the standard deduction. This gave us an extra $90.10... but then I had to pay an Electrician $95.00 to fix an outlet... We ended 2009 with a refund from my botched tile job that gave us another $1,265.00.
- In 2010 I saved $1,087.00 on my federal taxes and $461.00 on my State taxes from itemizing my homeowners expenses. (This is what I received ABOVE what I would have with just the standard deduction).
- In 2011 I spent $12.97 at home depot, and $72.29 on a kitchen door, but I received a small $70 refund check from over paid closing costs. We also saved $494.04 by living in our condo instead of renting (See Mortgage Update + Condo Costs December '11 for that break down.) Since we tied the knot in 2011 we won't be able to itemize our housing costs so there's no savings there for us.
- If we assume our home is worth at least what we paid for it (which in this market you never really know...), then we have $8,790.96 in equity...
We also assume our monthly mortgage payments are a wash since its cheaper to OWN our home then to RENT an apartment. Check out Housing Comps 2012 for how we figured that one out.
Thus far for 2012 we have spent $8,671.93 to live in our condo (Instead of $11,150.80 for the apartment).
- All Mortgage Payments (including principle, interest, property taxes, MIP, and additional principle:) $6,468.69
- HOA: $2,100 ($262.50 a month)
- Home Repairs/Improvements: $103.24
- Earthquake Insurance: $0
- Homeowners Insurance: $0
As of today, we have saved $2,478.87 by not renting.
If I sold the condo tomorrow, I'd have to sell the property for $131,766.56 to break even.
- This assumes a 6% total commission ($7,905.99)
- Enough money to refund the amount i'm in the hole for ($4,651.53)
- and enough money to cover the first time homeowners tax credit i'd have to repay for not living in the property for 3 years. ($8,000.00)
- This assumes a 6% total commission ($7,340.21)
- and enough money to refund the amount I would be in the hole for 3 months down the line assuming I make just the minimum payments till then ($4,157.07)
Farmer's Market Overview
To contact us Click HERE
While it wasn't our best showing (its hard to get people to browse in 90-100 degree weather), we ended up walking away with $100 in profit after all our fees from the market last week.
I ended up selling about $16 in crochet flower hair pins, we sold one custom letter opener (which SCB will make and ship out by Friday), 5 key chains (2 to our friends and 3 to the lady that buys something every time we are there), and 5 pens.
We collected $141.16 and paid $20.00 for the stall, $2.30 in Square credit card fees, and we will need to remit $10.16 to the state for sales taxes, so we netted $108.70 for the day.
But the great news is the feedback we got from the community.
We had a lot of requests for matching pencils and a few that would like to see matching pen pencil and letter opener sets!
Since we had a custom order to fulfill, we decided to reorder and expand the inventory again and reinvest our profits. While SCB's dad was in town he also paid him $50 for making a variety of decorative push pins that his mom's lace guild needs for an event next year. SCB still has to make 300 of these by next year, so that's more income for the business down the line.
We ordered the standard items we wanted to replace, things SCB has been dying to make that came back in stock, and are working on making some pen and pencil matching sets.
We also are going to have another venue to sell out up in Buena Park. There's a lace makers guild craft workshop and SCB's dad was offered a stall space to sell. Since the stall is only $10 and his parents just left California and want to be at home, we are going to go up and sell for them (15% commission on anything sold for our time) and we can sell SCB's pens too!
We also found a good home for some of the woodworking items that haven't gone over so well. In a few weeks we will be volunteering for Child Share at their annual gala and donating the last of our long neck bottle openers and a cork screw bottle stopper combos to their "Wall of Wine" displays. It will be good advertising for us to help get the word out there, was something we were going to to anyway, and this way it helps clear out the bottle openers that haven't been selling much (we will be keeping one of each-- Bottle opener and corkscrew stopper to display at the farmers market for our custom order table.)
So, after ordering our last bit, here's where we stand for the year thus far:
Expenses: $1033.83
Income: $575.48
Money left in the account: $55.86
Current standings: -$402.49
While we are still under for the year, we have a lot of inventory slowly building up (which means we can think about paying for a different venue and trying our luck elsewhere), I think were doing really good in terms of figuring out what we should stock.
After we get an idea for how much the letter opener will cost to ship, we will be able to work on setting up that ETSY account (I'm really behind on that...) and start to expand :)
While it wasn't our best showing (its hard to get people to browse in 90-100 degree weather), we ended up walking away with $100 in profit after all our fees from the market last week.I ended up selling about $16 in crochet flower hair pins, we sold one custom letter opener (which SCB will make and ship out by Friday), 5 key chains (2 to our friends and 3 to the lady that buys something every time we are there), and 5 pens.
We collected $141.16 and paid $20.00 for the stall, $2.30 in Square credit card fees, and we will need to remit $10.16 to the state for sales taxes, so we netted $108.70 for the day.
But the great news is the feedback we got from the community.
We had a lot of requests for matching pencils and a few that would like to see matching pen pencil and letter opener sets!
Since we had a custom order to fulfill, we decided to reorder and expand the inventory again and reinvest our profits. While SCB's dad was in town he also paid him $50 for making a variety of decorative push pins that his mom's lace guild needs for an event next year. SCB still has to make 300 of these by next year, so that's more income for the business down the line.
We ordered the standard items we wanted to replace, things SCB has been dying to make that came back in stock, and are working on making some pen and pencil matching sets.
We also are going to have another venue to sell out up in Buena Park. There's a lace makers guild craft workshop and SCB's dad was offered a stall space to sell. Since the stall is only $10 and his parents just left California and want to be at home, we are going to go up and sell for them (15% commission on anything sold for our time) and we can sell SCB's pens too!
We also found a good home for some of the woodworking items that haven't gone over so well. In a few weeks we will be volunteering for Child Share at their annual gala and donating the last of our long neck bottle openers and a cork screw bottle stopper combos to their "Wall of Wine" displays. It will be good advertising for us to help get the word out there, was something we were going to to anyway, and this way it helps clear out the bottle openers that haven't been selling much (we will be keeping one of each-- Bottle opener and corkscrew stopper to display at the farmers market for our custom order table.)
So, after ordering our last bit, here's where we stand for the year thus far:
Expenses: $1033.83
Income: $575.48
Money left in the account: $55.86
Current standings: -$402.49
While we are still under for the year, we have a lot of inventory slowly building up (which means we can think about paying for a different venue and trying our luck elsewhere), I think were doing really good in terms of figuring out what we should stock.
After we get an idea for how much the letter opener will cost to ship, we will be able to work on setting up that ETSY account (I'm really behind on that...) and start to expand :)
27 Aralık 2012 Perşembe
Library of the Future--Maker Spaces
To contact us Click HERE
Some libraries are providing more customer friendly services which are accessible to low level readers. The following summarizes a new trend --where libraries are moving from knowledge preserving to knowledge creation. These places are meant to be fun--even for adults, and since they foster making things--many adult learners may find the library a friendlier place for them to learn. Maker Spaces can also be centers for family literacy activities providing opportunities for Parent and Child Together Time.
The public library in Orlando is putting together a maker space. If your library is doing this, let us know. Or, you may want to talk with library staff to express your interest in partnering with the library as a volunteer literacy program. These spaces are very dependent on partnerships and volunteers. Library of the FutureTHE MAKINGS OF MAKER SPACES. By: Britton, Lauren, Library Journal, 03630277,10/1/2012, Vol. 137, Issue 16A Maker space refers to peoplecoming together to create and share resources, knowledge, and"stuff." It fosters a creationculture. The equipment and programming required is based on the purpose of themakerspace. The ideal maker space is meant to be fun!
"The biggest impediment topersonal fabrication is not technical; it's already possible to effectively doit," Gershenfeld writes. "And it's not training; the just-in-timepeer-to-peer model works as well in the field as at MIT. Rather, the biggestlimitation is simply the lack of knowledge that this is even possible."
Bleiweis says that, in true Makerfashion, the librarydoesn't know where it's going next with its Maker space. They are allowing thespace to evolve naturally. Bleiweis saysthe library is there to provide theframework, not to be in charge. She says there is a shift from a librarianbeing the person who had all of the answers to the person who has questions andthe ability to find the answers.
Susan Hildreth, director of IMLS."We need to leverage what we know about learning and our trusted role aslearning places to help prepare our visitors for success in today's digitalworld. Maker culture is one way for libraries to support innovation andcreativity, using library spacein ways that people both want and need. The IMLS stands ready to supportlibraries in this way."
R. David Lankes, professor anddean's scholar for New Librarianship at Syracuse University, writes in TheAtlas of New Leadership, "Librarianship is not about artifacts, it is aboutknowledge and facilitating knowledge creation. So what should we be spendingour precious resources on? Knowledge creation tools, not the results ofknowledge creation."
Some libraries are providing more customer friendly services which are accessible to low level readers. The following summarizes a new trend --where libraries are moving from knowledge preserving to knowledge creation. These places are meant to be fun--even for adults, and since they foster making things--many adult learners may find the library a friendlier place for them to learn. Maker Spaces can also be centers for family literacy activities providing opportunities for Parent and Child Together Time.
The public library in Orlando is putting together a maker space. If your library is doing this, let us know. Or, you may want to talk with library staff to express your interest in partnering with the library as a volunteer literacy program. These spaces are very dependent on partnerships and volunteers. Library of the FutureTHE MAKINGS OF MAKER SPACES. By: Britton, Lauren, Library Journal, 03630277,10/1/2012, Vol. 137, Issue 16A Maker space refers to peoplecoming together to create and share resources, knowledge, and"stuff." It fosters a creationculture. The equipment and programming required is based on the purpose of themakerspace. The ideal maker space is meant to be fun!
"The biggest impediment topersonal fabrication is not technical; it's already possible to effectively doit," Gershenfeld writes. "And it's not training; the just-in-timepeer-to-peer model works as well in the field as at MIT. Rather, the biggestlimitation is simply the lack of knowledge that this is even possible."
Bleiweis says that, in true Makerfashion, the librarydoesn't know where it's going next with its Maker space. They are allowing thespace to evolve naturally. Bleiweis saysthe library is there to provide theframework, not to be in charge. She says there is a shift from a librarianbeing the person who had all of the answers to the person who has questions andthe ability to find the answers.
Susan Hildreth, director of IMLS."We need to leverage what we know about learning and our trusted role aslearning places to help prepare our visitors for success in today's digitalworld. Maker culture is one way for libraries to support innovation andcreativity, using library spacein ways that people both want and need. The IMLS stands ready to supportlibraries in this way."
R. David Lankes, professor anddean's scholar for New Librarianship at Syracuse University, writes in TheAtlas of New Leadership, "Librarianship is not about artifacts, it is aboutknowledge and facilitating knowledge creation. So what should we be spendingour precious resources on? Knowledge creation tools, not the results ofknowledge creation."
Center for Adult Learning: Expanding Horizons Adult Literacy Project
To contact us Click HERE
This isthe 4th year for Jacksonville Public Library's project"Expanding Horizons Adult Literacy Project" which is implemented bythe Center for Adult Literacy (CAL) by Sharon Jaskula (in photo on the right), longtime manager of CAL.Last year this project served 964 adults, a 7% increase over the previous year.This project provides solutions to a local literacy crisis and continues toincrease learning opportunities for adults with limited reading and functioningskills. During FY 2012-2013, the Center for Adult Learning is continuingto provide Adult Basic Education and English as a Second Language instruction.They are projecting to serve a minimum of 1,000 adult learners. TheCenter is continuing to reach out to a growing refugee population and providehealth, financial, and family-oriented seminars/activities to enhance literacyand English language instruction to the community. The staff is also providingliteracy services to two county jails in the area.
Background:
Thelibrary’s award winning adult literacy program started through a LibraryServices and Construction Act (LSCA) grant in the mid-1980 as a computer basedprogram serving students 5th grade and up. Once the grant ended, theprogram was picked up and is fully funded by local funds.
Thelibrary was one of two in the state that received a Reader’s Digest fundedgrant administered through the American Library Association. The state capital inTallahassee (Leon County) was the other library. With help from this grant,Jacksonville expanded their program by adding small group instruction aimed atlow level learners who were not succeeding in the computer program. The newprogram used paid staff to provide instruction accessible to adults withlearning differences. According to Jaskula, they had found a model that workedwith learners who had previously dropped out. CAL then decided to add volunteers to the program and developed materialwhich they could use --but in a format consistent for learners. About the same time they began usingvolunteers to provide small group conversational sessions in branch libraries.
Becauseof the popularity and effectiveness of the program, the downtown library dedicated6,000 square feet of space to the literacy program when the new building openedand continues to do so. CAL is located in the library basement with a publicentrance. Last year, the local volunteer program, Learn to Read, got intotrouble financially and almost closed. The library reached out to the programand offered space. The program continues to be housed in the library, a naturalpartnership.
Once thelibrary moved into the new facility, they applied for an adult literacy focusedproject called, Volunteers As Special Educators (VASE) for $56,789 in LSTA funds. The program wasselected as exemplary in 2007.
TheJacksonville Public Library sustained and expanded adult literacy services bysupporting and training volunteer tutors to work with English for Speakers ofOther Languages (ESOL) and special needs learners. Library staff streamlined instructionbased on strategies proven to work with learning disabled students so that volunteerscould provide the instruction. a productof this initiative. Two partners (Learn to Read, Inc. of Jacksonville and Learnto Read of St. Johns County, Inc.) will assist the Jacksonville Public Libraryin piloting and refining the curriculum prior
TheDivision chose this project from the 2009 grants cycle as an exemplary project.The Jacksonville Public Library System’s “Expanding Horizons Adult LiteracyProject” is a positive approach to library services that meet patron needs. Theproject has developed many partnerships, both formal and informal, and is ableto use them to expand the services the library provides. Learn to Read ofJacksonville relocated to the Jacksonville Public Library, where the library isable to offer a one-stop shop for one-on-one literacy and math instruction, andprovide basic computer training, online instruction, and walk-in clinics forin-depth instruction on resume building and help filling out job applications.Partnerships with Catholic Charities, Lutheran Social Services and World Reliefopened these resources to refugees from Nepal, Burma and other countries. TheCenter for Adult Literacy at Jacksonville Public Library uses the Fast TrackReading System, a system they developed with previous LSTA grant funding that isavailable for free to tutors trained in its use. The Jacksonville LiteracyCoordinator trains volunteers from other agencies, both in and outside of DuvalCounty, in the Fast Track Reading System. These include Learn to Read from St.Lucie County, the Literacy Volunteers of Lee County, the Women’s Center ofJacksonville, and the Lake County Library System. The Center for Adult Literacyalso has several web-based programs for distance learning that can be used fromhome or from the Jacksonville Library’s computer lab.
This isthe 4th year for Jacksonville Public Library's project"Expanding Horizons Adult Literacy Project" which is implemented bythe Center for Adult Literacy (CAL) by Sharon Jaskula (in photo on the right), longtime manager of CAL.Last year this project served 964 adults, a 7% increase over the previous year.This project provides solutions to a local literacy crisis and continues toincrease learning opportunities for adults with limited reading and functioningskills. During FY 2012-2013, the Center for Adult Learning is continuingto provide Adult Basic Education and English as a Second Language instruction.They are projecting to serve a minimum of 1,000 adult learners. TheCenter is continuing to reach out to a growing refugee population and providehealth, financial, and family-oriented seminars/activities to enhance literacyand English language instruction to the community. The staff is also providingliteracy services to two county jails in the area.Background:
Thelibrary’s award winning adult literacy program started through a LibraryServices and Construction Act (LSCA) grant in the mid-1980 as a computer basedprogram serving students 5th grade and up. Once the grant ended, theprogram was picked up and is fully funded by local funds.
Thelibrary was one of two in the state that received a Reader’s Digest fundedgrant administered through the American Library Association. The state capital inTallahassee (Leon County) was the other library. With help from this grant,Jacksonville expanded their program by adding small group instruction aimed atlow level learners who were not succeeding in the computer program. The newprogram used paid staff to provide instruction accessible to adults withlearning differences. According to Jaskula, they had found a model that workedwith learners who had previously dropped out. CAL then decided to add volunteers to the program and developed materialwhich they could use --but in a format consistent for learners. About the same time they began usingvolunteers to provide small group conversational sessions in branch libraries.
Becauseof the popularity and effectiveness of the program, the downtown library dedicated6,000 square feet of space to the literacy program when the new building openedand continues to do so. CAL is located in the library basement with a publicentrance. Last year, the local volunteer program, Learn to Read, got intotrouble financially and almost closed. The library reached out to the programand offered space. The program continues to be housed in the library, a naturalpartnership.
Once thelibrary moved into the new facility, they applied for an adult literacy focusedproject called, Volunteers As Special Educators (VASE) for $56,789 in LSTA funds. The program wasselected as exemplary in 2007.
TheJacksonville Public Library sustained and expanded adult literacy services bysupporting and training volunteer tutors to work with English for Speakers ofOther Languages (ESOL) and special needs learners. Library staff streamlined instructionbased on strategies proven to work with learning disabled students so that volunteerscould provide the instruction. a productof this initiative. Two partners (Learn to Read, Inc. of Jacksonville and Learnto Read of St. Johns County, Inc.) will assist the Jacksonville Public Libraryin piloting and refining the curriculum prior
TheDivision chose this project from the 2009 grants cycle as an exemplary project.The Jacksonville Public Library System’s “Expanding Horizons Adult LiteracyProject” is a positive approach to library services that meet patron needs. Theproject has developed many partnerships, both formal and informal, and is ableto use them to expand the services the library provides. Learn to Read ofJacksonville relocated to the Jacksonville Public Library, where the library isable to offer a one-stop shop for one-on-one literacy and math instruction, andprovide basic computer training, online instruction, and walk-in clinics forin-depth instruction on resume building and help filling out job applications.Partnerships with Catholic Charities, Lutheran Social Services and World Reliefopened these resources to refugees from Nepal, Burma and other countries. TheCenter for Adult Literacy at Jacksonville Public Library uses the Fast TrackReading System, a system they developed with previous LSTA grant funding that isavailable for free to tutors trained in its use. The Jacksonville LiteracyCoordinator trains volunteers from other agencies, both in and outside of DuvalCounty, in the Fast Track Reading System. These include Learn to Read from St.Lucie County, the Literacy Volunteers of Lee County, the Women’s Center ofJacksonville, and the Lake County Library System. The Center for Adult Literacyalso has several web-based programs for distance learning that can be used fromhome or from the Jacksonville Library’s computer lab.
Tuition Increase Drops Enrollment
To contact us Click HERE
Beginning July 2011, adults have to pay $90 for a year’s tuition if considered instate in Florida. Out of statetuition costs $240 for a year. In Jacksonville Inmates now have to pay outof state tuition to take adult education classes funded by the school system.The state does not recognize inmates as state residents there. This tuition has increased thedemand for the library program while school systems across the state areseeing a 30% to 70% drop depending on the county reported Greg Smith, Executive Director of the Florida Literacy Coalition.
Beginning July 2011, adults have to pay $90 for a year’s tuition if considered instate in Florida. Out of statetuition costs $240 for a year. In Jacksonville Inmates now have to pay outof state tuition to take adult education classes funded by the school system.The state does not recognize inmates as state residents there. This tuition has increased thedemand for the library program while school systems across the state areseeing a 30% to 70% drop depending on the county reported Greg Smith, Executive Director of the Florida Literacy Coalition.
Mortgage Update (August '12)
To contact us Click HERE
Mortgage Update:
Principle paid down: $163.38
Interest: $487.26
Additional Principle: $6.54
New Balance: $111,209.04
The pay off date is December 2038 which is 9 months ahead of the initial schedule. If I continue to pay the minimum on my loan, I will pay $111,623.75 in interest instead of the original $116,404.23. The extra $1,457.95 I've tossed at the mortgage over the life of the loan has saved us $4,780.48 in interest.
All in all, it took me $7,057.08 to get the keys to my condo... and another $17,672.29 to remodel and repair it...
In short, I was -$24,729.37 in the hole on day one...
But thankfully the hole is getting filled in a little bit each and every year.
We also assume our monthly mortgage payments are a wash since its cheaper to OWN our home then to RENT an apartment. Check out Housing Comps 2012 for how we figured that one out.
Thus far for 2012 we have spent $8,671.93 to live in our condo (Instead of $11,150.80 for the apartment).
As of today, we have saved $2,478.87 by not renting.
If I sold the condo tomorrow, I'd have to sell the property for $131,766.56 to break even.
Mortgage Update:Principle paid down: $163.38
Interest: $487.26
Additional Principle: $6.54
New Balance: $111,209.04
The pay off date is December 2038 which is 9 months ahead of the initial schedule. If I continue to pay the minimum on my loan, I will pay $111,623.75 in interest instead of the original $116,404.23. The extra $1,457.95 I've tossed at the mortgage over the life of the loan has saved us $4,780.48 in interest.
All in all, it took me $7,057.08 to get the keys to my condo... and another $17,672.29 to remodel and repair it...
In short, I was -$24,729.37 in the hole on day one...
But thankfully the hole is getting filled in a little bit each and every year.
- In 2009 I got the First Time Home buyer's Credit giving us $8,000.00. I also got to write off some of the property tax I paid in addition to taking the standard deduction. This gave us an extra $90.10... but then I had to pay an Electrician $95.00 to fix an outlet... We ended 2009 with a refund from my botched tile job that gave us another $1,265.00.
- In 2010 I saved $1,087.00 on my federal taxes and $461.00 on my State taxes from itemizing my homeowners expenses. (This is what I received ABOVE what I would have with just the standard deduction).
- In 2011 I spent $12.97 at home depot, and $72.29 on a kitchen door, but I received a small $70 refund check from over paid closing costs. We also saved $494.04 by living in our condo instead of renting (See Mortgage Update + Condo Costs December '11 for that break down.) Since we tied the knot in 2011 we won't be able to itemize our housing costs so there's no savings there for us.
- If we assume our home is worth at least what we paid for it (which in this market you never really know...), then we have $8,790.96 in equity...
We also assume our monthly mortgage payments are a wash since its cheaper to OWN our home then to RENT an apartment. Check out Housing Comps 2012 for how we figured that one out.
Thus far for 2012 we have spent $8,671.93 to live in our condo (Instead of $11,150.80 for the apartment).
- All Mortgage Payments (including principle, interest, property taxes, MIP, and additional principle:) $6,468.69
- HOA: $2,100 ($262.50 a month)
- Home Repairs/Improvements: $103.24
- Earthquake Insurance: $0
- Homeowners Insurance: $0
As of today, we have saved $2,478.87 by not renting.
If I sold the condo tomorrow, I'd have to sell the property for $131,766.56 to break even.
- This assumes a 6% total commission ($7,905.99)
- Enough money to refund the amount i'm in the hole for ($4,651.53)
- and enough money to cover the first time homeowners tax credit i'd have to repay for not living in the property for 3 years. ($8,000.00)
- This assumes a 6% total commission ($7,340.21)
- and enough money to refund the amount I would be in the hole for 3 months down the line assuming I make just the minimum payments till then ($4,157.07)
Farmer's Market Overview
To contact us Click HERE
While it wasn't our best showing (its hard to get people to browse in 90-100 degree weather), we ended up walking away with $100 in profit after all our fees from the market last week.
I ended up selling about $16 in crochet flower hair pins, we sold one custom letter opener (which SCB will make and ship out by Friday), 5 key chains (2 to our friends and 3 to the lady that buys something every time we are there), and 5 pens.
We collected $141.16 and paid $20.00 for the stall, $2.30 in Square credit card fees, and we will need to remit $10.16 to the state for sales taxes, so we netted $108.70 for the day.
But the great news is the feedback we got from the community.
We had a lot of requests for matching pencils and a few that would like to see matching pen pencil and letter opener sets!
Since we had a custom order to fulfill, we decided to reorder and expand the inventory again and reinvest our profits. While SCB's dad was in town he also paid him $50 for making a variety of decorative push pins that his mom's lace guild needs for an event next year. SCB still has to make 300 of these by next year, so that's more income for the business down the line.
We ordered the standard items we wanted to replace, things SCB has been dying to make that came back in stock, and are working on making some pen and pencil matching sets.
We also are going to have another venue to sell out up in Buena Park. There's a lace makers guild craft workshop and SCB's dad was offered a stall space to sell. Since the stall is only $10 and his parents just left California and want to be at home, we are going to go up and sell for them (15% commission on anything sold for our time) and we can sell SCB's pens too!
We also found a good home for some of the woodworking items that haven't gone over so well. In a few weeks we will be volunteering for Child Share at their annual gala and donating the last of our long neck bottle openers and a cork screw bottle stopper combos to their "Wall of Wine" displays. It will be good advertising for us to help get the word out there, was something we were going to to anyway, and this way it helps clear out the bottle openers that haven't been selling much (we will be keeping one of each-- Bottle opener and corkscrew stopper to display at the farmers market for our custom order table.)
So, after ordering our last bit, here's where we stand for the year thus far:
Expenses: $1033.83
Income: $575.48
Money left in the account: $55.86
Current standings: -$402.49
While we are still under for the year, we have a lot of inventory slowly building up (which means we can think about paying for a different venue and trying our luck elsewhere), I think were doing really good in terms of figuring out what we should stock.
After we get an idea for how much the letter opener will cost to ship, we will be able to work on setting up that ETSY account (I'm really behind on that...) and start to expand :)
While it wasn't our best showing (its hard to get people to browse in 90-100 degree weather), we ended up walking away with $100 in profit after all our fees from the market last week.I ended up selling about $16 in crochet flower hair pins, we sold one custom letter opener (which SCB will make and ship out by Friday), 5 key chains (2 to our friends and 3 to the lady that buys something every time we are there), and 5 pens.
We collected $141.16 and paid $20.00 for the stall, $2.30 in Square credit card fees, and we will need to remit $10.16 to the state for sales taxes, so we netted $108.70 for the day.
But the great news is the feedback we got from the community.
We had a lot of requests for matching pencils and a few that would like to see matching pen pencil and letter opener sets!
Since we had a custom order to fulfill, we decided to reorder and expand the inventory again and reinvest our profits. While SCB's dad was in town he also paid him $50 for making a variety of decorative push pins that his mom's lace guild needs for an event next year. SCB still has to make 300 of these by next year, so that's more income for the business down the line.
We ordered the standard items we wanted to replace, things SCB has been dying to make that came back in stock, and are working on making some pen and pencil matching sets.
We also are going to have another venue to sell out up in Buena Park. There's a lace makers guild craft workshop and SCB's dad was offered a stall space to sell. Since the stall is only $10 and his parents just left California and want to be at home, we are going to go up and sell for them (15% commission on anything sold for our time) and we can sell SCB's pens too!
We also found a good home for some of the woodworking items that haven't gone over so well. In a few weeks we will be volunteering for Child Share at their annual gala and donating the last of our long neck bottle openers and a cork screw bottle stopper combos to their "Wall of Wine" displays. It will be good advertising for us to help get the word out there, was something we were going to to anyway, and this way it helps clear out the bottle openers that haven't been selling much (we will be keeping one of each-- Bottle opener and corkscrew stopper to display at the farmers market for our custom order table.)
So, after ordering our last bit, here's where we stand for the year thus far:
Expenses: $1033.83
Income: $575.48
Money left in the account: $55.86
Current standings: -$402.49
While we are still under for the year, we have a lot of inventory slowly building up (which means we can think about paying for a different venue and trying our luck elsewhere), I think were doing really good in terms of figuring out what we should stock.
After we get an idea for how much the letter opener will cost to ship, we will be able to work on setting up that ETSY account (I'm really behind on that...) and start to expand :)
20 Aralık 2012 Perşembe
Mortgage Update (August '12)
To contact us Click HERE
Mortgage Update:
Principle paid down: $163.38
Interest: $487.26
Additional Principle: $6.54
New Balance: $111,209.04
The pay off date is December 2038 which is 9 months ahead of the initial schedule. If I continue to pay the minimum on my loan, I will pay $111,623.75 in interest instead of the original $116,404.23. The extra $1,457.95 I've tossed at the mortgage over the life of the loan has saved us $4,780.48 in interest.
All in all, it took me $7,057.08 to get the keys to my condo... and another $17,672.29 to remodel and repair it...
In short, I was -$24,729.37 in the hole on day one...
But thankfully the hole is getting filled in a little bit each and every year.
We also assume our monthly mortgage payments are a wash since its cheaper to OWN our home then to RENT an apartment. Check out Housing Comps 2012 for how we figured that one out.
Thus far for 2012 we have spent $8,671.93 to live in our condo (Instead of $11,150.80 for the apartment).
As of today, we have saved $2,478.87 by not renting.
If I sold the condo tomorrow, I'd have to sell the property for $131,766.56 to break even.
Mortgage Update:Principle paid down: $163.38
Interest: $487.26
Additional Principle: $6.54
New Balance: $111,209.04
The pay off date is December 2038 which is 9 months ahead of the initial schedule. If I continue to pay the minimum on my loan, I will pay $111,623.75 in interest instead of the original $116,404.23. The extra $1,457.95 I've tossed at the mortgage over the life of the loan has saved us $4,780.48 in interest.
All in all, it took me $7,057.08 to get the keys to my condo... and another $17,672.29 to remodel and repair it...
In short, I was -$24,729.37 in the hole on day one...
But thankfully the hole is getting filled in a little bit each and every year.
- In 2009 I got the First Time Home buyer's Credit giving us $8,000.00. I also got to write off some of the property tax I paid in addition to taking the standard deduction. This gave us an extra $90.10... but then I had to pay an Electrician $95.00 to fix an outlet... We ended 2009 with a refund from my botched tile job that gave us another $1,265.00.
- In 2010 I saved $1,087.00 on my federal taxes and $461.00 on my State taxes from itemizing my homeowners expenses. (This is what I received ABOVE what I would have with just the standard deduction).
- In 2011 I spent $12.97 at home depot, and $72.29 on a kitchen door, but I received a small $70 refund check from over paid closing costs. We also saved $494.04 by living in our condo instead of renting (See Mortgage Update + Condo Costs December '11 for that break down.) Since we tied the knot in 2011 we won't be able to itemize our housing costs so there's no savings there for us.
- If we assume our home is worth at least what we paid for it (which in this market you never really know...), then we have $8,790.96 in equity...
We also assume our monthly mortgage payments are a wash since its cheaper to OWN our home then to RENT an apartment. Check out Housing Comps 2012 for how we figured that one out.
Thus far for 2012 we have spent $8,671.93 to live in our condo (Instead of $11,150.80 for the apartment).
- All Mortgage Payments (including principle, interest, property taxes, MIP, and additional principle:) $6,468.69
- HOA: $2,100 ($262.50 a month)
- Home Repairs/Improvements: $103.24
- Earthquake Insurance: $0
- Homeowners Insurance: $0
As of today, we have saved $2,478.87 by not renting.
If I sold the condo tomorrow, I'd have to sell the property for $131,766.56 to break even.
- This assumes a 6% total commission ($7,905.99)
- Enough money to refund the amount i'm in the hole for ($4,651.53)
- and enough money to cover the first time homeowners tax credit i'd have to repay for not living in the property for 3 years. ($8,000.00)
- This assumes a 6% total commission ($7,340.21)
- and enough money to refund the amount I would be in the hole for 3 months down the line assuming I make just the minimum payments till then ($4,157.07)
Farmer's Market Overview
To contact us Click HERE
While it wasn't our best showing (its hard to get people to browse in 90-100 degree weather), we ended up walking away with $100 in profit after all our fees from the market last week.
I ended up selling about $16 in crochet flower hair pins, we sold one custom letter opener (which SCB will make and ship out by Friday), 5 key chains (2 to our friends and 3 to the lady that buys something every time we are there), and 5 pens.
We collected $141.16 and paid $20.00 for the stall, $2.30 in Square credit card fees, and we will need to remit $10.16 to the state for sales taxes, so we netted $108.70 for the day.
But the great news is the feedback we got from the community.
We had a lot of requests for matching pencils and a few that would like to see matching pen pencil and letter opener sets!
Since we had a custom order to fulfill, we decided to reorder and expand the inventory again and reinvest our profits. While SCB's dad was in town he also paid him $50 for making a variety of decorative push pins that his mom's lace guild needs for an event next year. SCB still has to make 300 of these by next year, so that's more income for the business down the line.
We ordered the standard items we wanted to replace, things SCB has been dying to make that came back in stock, and are working on making some pen and pencil matching sets.
We also are going to have another venue to sell out up in Buena Park. There's a lace makers guild craft workshop and SCB's dad was offered a stall space to sell. Since the stall is only $10 and his parents just left California and want to be at home, we are going to go up and sell for them (15% commission on anything sold for our time) and we can sell SCB's pens too!
We also found a good home for some of the woodworking items that haven't gone over so well. In a few weeks we will be volunteering for Child Share at their annual gala and donating the last of our long neck bottle openers and a cork screw bottle stopper combos to their "Wall of Wine" displays. It will be good advertising for us to help get the word out there, was something we were going to to anyway, and this way it helps clear out the bottle openers that haven't been selling much (we will be keeping one of each-- Bottle opener and corkscrew stopper to display at the farmers market for our custom order table.)
So, after ordering our last bit, here's where we stand for the year thus far:
Expenses: $1033.83
Income: $575.48
Money left in the account: $55.86
Current standings: -$402.49
While we are still under for the year, we have a lot of inventory slowly building up (which means we can think about paying for a different venue and trying our luck elsewhere), I think were doing really good in terms of figuring out what we should stock.
After we get an idea for how much the letter opener will cost to ship, we will be able to work on setting up that ETSY account (I'm really behind on that...) and start to expand :)
While it wasn't our best showing (its hard to get people to browse in 90-100 degree weather), we ended up walking away with $100 in profit after all our fees from the market last week.I ended up selling about $16 in crochet flower hair pins, we sold one custom letter opener (which SCB will make and ship out by Friday), 5 key chains (2 to our friends and 3 to the lady that buys something every time we are there), and 5 pens.
We collected $141.16 and paid $20.00 for the stall, $2.30 in Square credit card fees, and we will need to remit $10.16 to the state for sales taxes, so we netted $108.70 for the day.
But the great news is the feedback we got from the community.
We had a lot of requests for matching pencils and a few that would like to see matching pen pencil and letter opener sets!
Since we had a custom order to fulfill, we decided to reorder and expand the inventory again and reinvest our profits. While SCB's dad was in town he also paid him $50 for making a variety of decorative push pins that his mom's lace guild needs for an event next year. SCB still has to make 300 of these by next year, so that's more income for the business down the line.
We ordered the standard items we wanted to replace, things SCB has been dying to make that came back in stock, and are working on making some pen and pencil matching sets.
We also are going to have another venue to sell out up in Buena Park. There's a lace makers guild craft workshop and SCB's dad was offered a stall space to sell. Since the stall is only $10 and his parents just left California and want to be at home, we are going to go up and sell for them (15% commission on anything sold for our time) and we can sell SCB's pens too!
We also found a good home for some of the woodworking items that haven't gone over so well. In a few weeks we will be volunteering for Child Share at their annual gala and donating the last of our long neck bottle openers and a cork screw bottle stopper combos to their "Wall of Wine" displays. It will be good advertising for us to help get the word out there, was something we were going to to anyway, and this way it helps clear out the bottle openers that haven't been selling much (we will be keeping one of each-- Bottle opener and corkscrew stopper to display at the farmers market for our custom order table.)
So, after ordering our last bit, here's where we stand for the year thus far:
Expenses: $1033.83
Income: $575.48
Money left in the account: $55.86
Current standings: -$402.49
While we are still under for the year, we have a lot of inventory slowly building up (which means we can think about paying for a different venue and trying our luck elsewhere), I think were doing really good in terms of figuring out what we should stock.
After we get an idea for how much the letter opener will cost to ship, we will be able to work on setting up that ETSY account (I'm really behind on that...) and start to expand :)
The jobs I didn't get
To contact us Click HERE
My husband often makes fun of me because I'm constantly cataloging events of the past and infusing them with meaning. Case in point: jobs I didn't get. There are several jobs in my career history that I applied for and really felt I should have gotten, but did not. In each case "not getting the job" paved the way for a bigger, better, or more interesting opportunities. Coincidence? You decide...
The first time around, I was a 22 year old promotion assistant at a TV station in Boston. After about a year on the job, I saw a listing for a position in the station's LA branch writing descriptions of TV for the blind. As a creative writing major and TV lover, I instantly thought it was the perfect job for me. Plus, I was dying to leave Boston. I interofficed my resume to HR and gave my boss a heads-up that I might be leaving soon (cocky, right?). A few weeks passed and nothing. Then, the job's no longer posted. Then, I found out someone else in my department got the job. So, I stayed in Boston and a mere two months later met my future husband at a birthday party (hey, it would have been impossible to attend if I was living in LA).
Next time around, I was a 25 year old cultural arts publicist looking for a new job (preferably one that did not mandate grueling weekend & night performance duty in addition to 9-5 office hours). I applied for a PR position at a local hospital. Made it past two rounds of interviews and felt primed to go all the way. Sent endearing, perfect thank-you cards to all involved. Two weeks later I found out they picked the other finalist. Darn. But then four weeks later, I was offered a PR job at another TV station. where I really wanted to be.
And finally there was last year, I was a 29 year old laid off mom pining over a position at a national broadcast agency. The job description felt like I had written it myself, that's how closely aligned it was with my goals and experience, but what I didn't realize (what I couldn't have known) was that the job was specific for a reason: they had an internal candidate. I didn't even make it past the first interview. The afternoon I got the email was one of my lowest in the job hunt. But (as mentioned in a previous post) a mere five hours later I was offered an invitation to apply for a position as COO of a multimedia non-profit. And you know where that got me...
In short, the universe acts in mysterious ways. Sometimes you just have to accept that what seems like the right fit, is not. There's something else in store for you.
The first time around, I was a 22 year old promotion assistant at a TV station in Boston. After about a year on the job, I saw a listing for a position in the station's LA branch writing descriptions of TV for the blind. As a creative writing major and TV lover, I instantly thought it was the perfect job for me. Plus, I was dying to leave Boston. I interofficed my resume to HR and gave my boss a heads-up that I might be leaving soon (cocky, right?). A few weeks passed and nothing. Then, the job's no longer posted. Then, I found out someone else in my department got the job. So, I stayed in Boston and a mere two months later met my future husband at a birthday party (hey, it would have been impossible to attend if I was living in LA).
Next time around, I was a 25 year old cultural arts publicist looking for a new job (preferably one that did not mandate grueling weekend & night performance duty in addition to 9-5 office hours). I applied for a PR position at a local hospital. Made it past two rounds of interviews and felt primed to go all the way. Sent endearing, perfect thank-you cards to all involved. Two weeks later I found out they picked the other finalist. Darn. But then four weeks later, I was offered a PR job at another TV station. where I really wanted to be.
And finally there was last year, I was a 29 year old laid off mom pining over a position at a national broadcast agency. The job description felt like I had written it myself, that's how closely aligned it was with my goals and experience, but what I didn't realize (what I couldn't have known) was that the job was specific for a reason: they had an internal candidate. I didn't even make it past the first interview. The afternoon I got the email was one of my lowest in the job hunt. But (as mentioned in a previous post) a mere five hours later I was offered an invitation to apply for a position as COO of a multimedia non-profit. And you know where that got me...
In short, the universe acts in mysterious ways. Sometimes you just have to accept that what seems like the right fit, is not. There's something else in store for you.
What I'm Giving Up
To contact us Click HERE
Unemployment is a time to consider what's essential. Last year when I was laid off, I had a really generous severance package and with lots of job prospects, I felt pretty secure with moderate adjustments. I reduced my gym membership to a restricted hours plan. I cut my allowance in half. We ate out less.
This time around, I'm not quite as confident. For starters, it's possible I'll be out of work longer than the 3 months it took me last time. And without severance, things get real pretty fast. I'm erring on the side of caution and giving up as many non-essentials as I can stomach. In particular, my entire allowance and entire gym membership. If you read my entry about working out for less then you know giving up the gym is not a big deal. I'll run and lift weights at my house for free.
Allowance is the real sacrifice. When my husband and I first got married, we opened a joint checking & savings account, but also opted to each keep a private checking account. All individual purchases come out of this account: clothes, shoes, haircuts, makeup, dining out, classes, entertainment, gum, magazines, books, music, etc.
Luckily, I had a bit of reserve saved up before becoming unemployed, which should get me through the next couple of months if I'm frugal. In the meantime, it's a fascinating study in what is and isn't essential to spend money on in the short run.
This time around, I'm not quite as confident. For starters, it's possible I'll be out of work longer than the 3 months it took me last time. And without severance, things get real pretty fast. I'm erring on the side of caution and giving up as many non-essentials as I can stomach. In particular, my entire allowance and entire gym membership. If you read my entry about working out for less then you know giving up the gym is not a big deal. I'll run and lift weights at my house for free.
Allowance is the real sacrifice. When my husband and I first got married, we opened a joint checking & savings account, but also opted to each keep a private checking account. All individual purchases come out of this account: clothes, shoes, haircuts, makeup, dining out, classes, entertainment, gum, magazines, books, music, etc.
Luckily, I had a bit of reserve saved up before becoming unemployed, which should get me through the next couple of months if I'm frugal. In the meantime, it's a fascinating study in what is and isn't essential to spend money on in the short run.
- Clothes: I shouldn't need to buy new clothes. I have enough suits for interviews and jeans and t-shirts to wear around the house. Nonessential
- Hair: My hair is really short right now, but no job = no bob. I'll need one last trip to the salon to get things evened out and ready to grow. Semi-essential
- Makeup: I don't wear very much, but I stockpiled the expensive stuff at a Christmas sale. All the rest, I buy at the beauty bodega down the street for less than $6 a piece. Semi-essential
- Entertainment: First, DC's full of free museums and many lovely parks. Second, my bedside drawer is stacked with books I haven't read. Third, we've got NetFlix, TiVo and various online viewing options. Nonessential
- Eating out: This is both an easy & hard one. It's extremely easy for me to eat what's in the house. On the other hand, one expense that's always worth it (especially in unemployment) is connecting with people over lunch and drinks. Essential
16 Aralık 2012 Pazar
Mortgage Update (August '12)
To contact us Click HERE
Mortgage Update:
Principle paid down: $163.38
Interest: $487.26
Additional Principle: $6.54
New Balance: $111,209.04
The pay off date is December 2038 which is 9 months ahead of the initial schedule. If I continue to pay the minimum on my loan, I will pay $111,623.75 in interest instead of the original $116,404.23. The extra $1,457.95 I've tossed at the mortgage over the life of the loan has saved us $4,780.48 in interest.
All in all, it took me $7,057.08 to get the keys to my condo... and another $17,672.29 to remodel and repair it...
In short, I was -$24,729.37 in the hole on day one...
But thankfully the hole is getting filled in a little bit each and every year.
We also assume our monthly mortgage payments are a wash since its cheaper to OWN our home then to RENT an apartment. Check out Housing Comps 2012 for how we figured that one out.
Thus far for 2012 we have spent $8,671.93 to live in our condo (Instead of $11,150.80 for the apartment).
As of today, we have saved $2,478.87 by not renting.
If I sold the condo tomorrow, I'd have to sell the property for $131,766.56 to break even.
Mortgage Update:Principle paid down: $163.38
Interest: $487.26
Additional Principle: $6.54
New Balance: $111,209.04
The pay off date is December 2038 which is 9 months ahead of the initial schedule. If I continue to pay the minimum on my loan, I will pay $111,623.75 in interest instead of the original $116,404.23. The extra $1,457.95 I've tossed at the mortgage over the life of the loan has saved us $4,780.48 in interest.
All in all, it took me $7,057.08 to get the keys to my condo... and another $17,672.29 to remodel and repair it...
In short, I was -$24,729.37 in the hole on day one...
But thankfully the hole is getting filled in a little bit each and every year.
- In 2009 I got the First Time Home buyer's Credit giving us $8,000.00. I also got to write off some of the property tax I paid in addition to taking the standard deduction. This gave us an extra $90.10... but then I had to pay an Electrician $95.00 to fix an outlet... We ended 2009 with a refund from my botched tile job that gave us another $1,265.00.
- In 2010 I saved $1,087.00 on my federal taxes and $461.00 on my State taxes from itemizing my homeowners expenses. (This is what I received ABOVE what I would have with just the standard deduction).
- In 2011 I spent $12.97 at home depot, and $72.29 on a kitchen door, but I received a small $70 refund check from over paid closing costs. We also saved $494.04 by living in our condo instead of renting (See Mortgage Update + Condo Costs December '11 for that break down.) Since we tied the knot in 2011 we won't be able to itemize our housing costs so there's no savings there for us.
- If we assume our home is worth at least what we paid for it (which in this market you never really know...), then we have $8,790.96 in equity...
We also assume our monthly mortgage payments are a wash since its cheaper to OWN our home then to RENT an apartment. Check out Housing Comps 2012 for how we figured that one out.
Thus far for 2012 we have spent $8,671.93 to live in our condo (Instead of $11,150.80 for the apartment).
- All Mortgage Payments (including principle, interest, property taxes, MIP, and additional principle:) $6,468.69
- HOA: $2,100 ($262.50 a month)
- Home Repairs/Improvements: $103.24
- Earthquake Insurance: $0
- Homeowners Insurance: $0
As of today, we have saved $2,478.87 by not renting.
If I sold the condo tomorrow, I'd have to sell the property for $131,766.56 to break even.
- This assumes a 6% total commission ($7,905.99)
- Enough money to refund the amount i'm in the hole for ($4,651.53)
- and enough money to cover the first time homeowners tax credit i'd have to repay for not living in the property for 3 years. ($8,000.00)
- This assumes a 6% total commission ($7,340.21)
- and enough money to refund the amount I would be in the hole for 3 months down the line assuming I make just the minimum payments till then ($4,157.07)
Farmer's Market Overview
To contact us Click HERE
While it wasn't our best showing (its hard to get people to browse in 90-100 degree weather), we ended up walking away with $100 in profit after all our fees from the market last week.
I ended up selling about $16 in crochet flower hair pins, we sold one custom letter opener (which SCB will make and ship out by Friday), 5 key chains (2 to our friends and 3 to the lady that buys something every time we are there), and 5 pens.
We collected $141.16 and paid $20.00 for the stall, $2.30 in Square credit card fees, and we will need to remit $10.16 to the state for sales taxes, so we netted $108.70 for the day.
But the great news is the feedback we got from the community.
We had a lot of requests for matching pencils and a few that would like to see matching pen pencil and letter opener sets!
Since we had a custom order to fulfill, we decided to reorder and expand the inventory again and reinvest our profits. While SCB's dad was in town he also paid him $50 for making a variety of decorative push pins that his mom's lace guild needs for an event next year. SCB still has to make 300 of these by next year, so that's more income for the business down the line.
We ordered the standard items we wanted to replace, things SCB has been dying to make that came back in stock, and are working on making some pen and pencil matching sets.
We also are going to have another venue to sell out up in Buena Park. There's a lace makers guild craft workshop and SCB's dad was offered a stall space to sell. Since the stall is only $10 and his parents just left California and want to be at home, we are going to go up and sell for them (15% commission on anything sold for our time) and we can sell SCB's pens too!
We also found a good home for some of the woodworking items that haven't gone over so well. In a few weeks we will be volunteering for Child Share at their annual gala and donating the last of our long neck bottle openers and a cork screw bottle stopper combos to their "Wall of Wine" displays. It will be good advertising for us to help get the word out there, was something we were going to to anyway, and this way it helps clear out the bottle openers that haven't been selling much (we will be keeping one of each-- Bottle opener and corkscrew stopper to display at the farmers market for our custom order table.)
So, after ordering our last bit, here's where we stand for the year thus far:
Expenses: $1033.83
Income: $575.48
Money left in the account: $55.86
Current standings: -$402.49
While we are still under for the year, we have a lot of inventory slowly building up (which means we can think about paying for a different venue and trying our luck elsewhere), I think were doing really good in terms of figuring out what we should stock.
After we get an idea for how much the letter opener will cost to ship, we will be able to work on setting up that ETSY account (I'm really behind on that...) and start to expand :)
While it wasn't our best showing (its hard to get people to browse in 90-100 degree weather), we ended up walking away with $100 in profit after all our fees from the market last week.I ended up selling about $16 in crochet flower hair pins, we sold one custom letter opener (which SCB will make and ship out by Friday), 5 key chains (2 to our friends and 3 to the lady that buys something every time we are there), and 5 pens.
We collected $141.16 and paid $20.00 for the stall, $2.30 in Square credit card fees, and we will need to remit $10.16 to the state for sales taxes, so we netted $108.70 for the day.
But the great news is the feedback we got from the community.
We had a lot of requests for matching pencils and a few that would like to see matching pen pencil and letter opener sets!
Since we had a custom order to fulfill, we decided to reorder and expand the inventory again and reinvest our profits. While SCB's dad was in town he also paid him $50 for making a variety of decorative push pins that his mom's lace guild needs for an event next year. SCB still has to make 300 of these by next year, so that's more income for the business down the line.
We ordered the standard items we wanted to replace, things SCB has been dying to make that came back in stock, and are working on making some pen and pencil matching sets.
We also are going to have another venue to sell out up in Buena Park. There's a lace makers guild craft workshop and SCB's dad was offered a stall space to sell. Since the stall is only $10 and his parents just left California and want to be at home, we are going to go up and sell for them (15% commission on anything sold for our time) and we can sell SCB's pens too!
We also found a good home for some of the woodworking items that haven't gone over so well. In a few weeks we will be volunteering for Child Share at their annual gala and donating the last of our long neck bottle openers and a cork screw bottle stopper combos to their "Wall of Wine" displays. It will be good advertising for us to help get the word out there, was something we were going to to anyway, and this way it helps clear out the bottle openers that haven't been selling much (we will be keeping one of each-- Bottle opener and corkscrew stopper to display at the farmers market for our custom order table.)
So, after ordering our last bit, here's where we stand for the year thus far:
Expenses: $1033.83
Income: $575.48
Money left in the account: $55.86
Current standings: -$402.49
While we are still under for the year, we have a lot of inventory slowly building up (which means we can think about paying for a different venue and trying our luck elsewhere), I think were doing really good in terms of figuring out what we should stock.
After we get an idea for how much the letter opener will cost to ship, we will be able to work on setting up that ETSY account (I'm really behind on that...) and start to expand :)
The jobs I didn't get
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My husband often makes fun of me because I'm constantly cataloging events of the past and infusing them with meaning. Case in point: jobs I didn't get. There are several jobs in my career history that I applied for and really felt I should have gotten, but did not. In each case "not getting the job" paved the way for a bigger, better, or more interesting opportunities. Coincidence? You decide...
The first time around, I was a 22 year old promotion assistant at a TV station in Boston. After about a year on the job, I saw a listing for a position in the station's LA branch writing descriptions of TV for the blind. As a creative writing major and TV lover, I instantly thought it was the perfect job for me. Plus, I was dying to leave Boston. I interofficed my resume to HR and gave my boss a heads-up that I might be leaving soon (cocky, right?). A few weeks passed and nothing. Then, the job's no longer posted. Then, I found out someone else in my department got the job. So, I stayed in Boston and a mere two months later met my future husband at a birthday party (hey, it would have been impossible to attend if I was living in LA).
Next time around, I was a 25 year old cultural arts publicist looking for a new job (preferably one that did not mandate grueling weekend & night performance duty in addition to 9-5 office hours). I applied for a PR position at a local hospital. Made it past two rounds of interviews and felt primed to go all the way. Sent endearing, perfect thank-you cards to all involved. Two weeks later I found out they picked the other finalist. Darn. But then four weeks later, I was offered a PR job at another TV station. where I really wanted to be.
And finally there was last year, I was a 29 year old laid off mom pining over a position at a national broadcast agency. The job description felt like I had written it myself, that's how closely aligned it was with my goals and experience, but what I didn't realize (what I couldn't have known) was that the job was specific for a reason: they had an internal candidate. I didn't even make it past the first interview. The afternoon I got the email was one of my lowest in the job hunt. But (as mentioned in a previous post) a mere five hours later I was offered an invitation to apply for a position as COO of a multimedia non-profit. And you know where that got me...
In short, the universe acts in mysterious ways. Sometimes you just have to accept that what seems like the right fit, is not. There's something else in store for you.
The first time around, I was a 22 year old promotion assistant at a TV station in Boston. After about a year on the job, I saw a listing for a position in the station's LA branch writing descriptions of TV for the blind. As a creative writing major and TV lover, I instantly thought it was the perfect job for me. Plus, I was dying to leave Boston. I interofficed my resume to HR and gave my boss a heads-up that I might be leaving soon (cocky, right?). A few weeks passed and nothing. Then, the job's no longer posted. Then, I found out someone else in my department got the job. So, I stayed in Boston and a mere two months later met my future husband at a birthday party (hey, it would have been impossible to attend if I was living in LA).
Next time around, I was a 25 year old cultural arts publicist looking for a new job (preferably one that did not mandate grueling weekend & night performance duty in addition to 9-5 office hours). I applied for a PR position at a local hospital. Made it past two rounds of interviews and felt primed to go all the way. Sent endearing, perfect thank-you cards to all involved. Two weeks later I found out they picked the other finalist. Darn. But then four weeks later, I was offered a PR job at another TV station. where I really wanted to be.
And finally there was last year, I was a 29 year old laid off mom pining over a position at a national broadcast agency. The job description felt like I had written it myself, that's how closely aligned it was with my goals and experience, but what I didn't realize (what I couldn't have known) was that the job was specific for a reason: they had an internal candidate. I didn't even make it past the first interview. The afternoon I got the email was one of my lowest in the job hunt. But (as mentioned in a previous post) a mere five hours later I was offered an invitation to apply for a position as COO of a multimedia non-profit. And you know where that got me...
In short, the universe acts in mysterious ways. Sometimes you just have to accept that what seems like the right fit, is not. There's something else in store for you.
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