About Me

Denise

"Develop a plan that is so amazing, so glowing, that you are willing to walk blurry-eyed to work everyday to make the money necessary to reach the light." Sparky

I'm a freelance journalist and crafter who dreams of starting my own business-- a hometown Tiki bar. I am a former New Orleans Bourbon Street bartender.

The tiki challenge: I must find creative new revenue streams, apart from my career.

**Five year tiki goal: $40,000**
**2009 Tiki fund goal: $2,500**
$2427.43 to go

**Total tiki money: $3,032.74**

***Savings Goals for 2009***
$10,000 into savings/ EF
$2,000 into 529 plan
$2,000 to Roth IRA
$2,620 extra college fund
$600 into new car fund
Total: $17,200

Pay $3,000 extra on student loan. Balance: $0. PAID OFF
As much as possible to IRA

***Progress Report***
$7343 savings, $2657 to go
$2200 to 529 plan, GOAL MET
$100 to Roth, $1900 to go
$400 to new car fund, $200 to go
$175 to IRA
$2,620 to extra college fund, GOAL MET

Student loan extra: PAID OFF

**Non- financial goals**
Write a novel in a month
Lose 10 pounds
Grow 100 pounds of veggies

**Progress**
0 pounds lost-- pregnant!
4 pages written
53.54 lbs. veggies grown

My Pages

Time for an expensive indulgence

January 18th, 2009 at 11:11 am

As you know, I spent a good portion of my adult life in New Orleans, and moved to Ohio due to Hurricane Katrina. Well, my best friend's b day party is this week. I have wanted to go for months. All my friends will be there, in one spot, so it'd be great to catch up. Well, the in-laws backed out on babysitting so we can't spend a week down there like w had originally planned. At first I was upset. Our trip was officially cancelled for lack of a babysitter. (Taking Bean isn't an option, trust me, at least not on this trip).

So, this morning, I made an executive decision. We are going on a whirlwind 24 hour trip to New Orleans, by plane, no matter how much it costs. I spent $1300 on the plane tickets, $112 on one night in a nice hotel in the Quarter. I was a little shaky when I hit "book travel", but now I am happy.

We have the money. We really need a break from our everyday life, and my best friend is turning 40. I couldn't resist. I know it is frivolous, but I don't care.

2009 is the year hubby and I start to live the life we want. I don't want to be so frugal all the time that we miss out on life. His parents were like that, and they never once went on a vacation. And now, they are too sick to travel.

We need some adventure, and I have decided we are starting right now.

My mom is going to watch him so we can go. But we have to be back so she can go to work Monday.

Posted in Uncategorized | 13 Comments »

13 Responses to “Time for an expensive indulgence”

Amber Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 11:15 am

I am sorry you in-law backed out, and you will have a wonderful time
Enjoy your trip
Koppur Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 11:20 am

I think it is a great idea. Yes, it is expensive, but it is an important occasion, and you deserve a splurge. Have a great time!
frugaltexan75 Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 11:37 am

The whole point of being frugal (for me at least) is saving money in areas that don't matter so much to you so that you can spend money on the areas that DO matter to you. Have a wonderful trip!
dmontngrey Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 12:00 pm

Wow, sounds like FUN and well worth it! Go for it - you deserve it!
swimgirl Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 12:02 pm

Good for you! It's your money, and you can do what you want with it! I hope you have a great time!

And I know what you mean about the "book travel" button. I just got tickets for a Spring Break escape! Yikes!
thriftorama Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 12:34 pm

texan you are right. Spending is about priorities. I save on things that aren't important so we can do the things that are. Sometimes it's easy to forget that.
my english castle Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 12:44 pm

Landmark Friend's birthdays are important events and only happen once. I always remember a friend's birthday spent in SF,another in Paris, and another in Chicago. It's significant bonding time. Enjoy!
Ima saver Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 12:47 pm

Have a great time!!
Blue Eyes Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 01:28 pm

Have a great time! Enjoy!
mom-sense Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 02:20 pm

Good for you for just doing it!
mooshocker Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 05:00 pm

Bring the beaner to Rochester, NY and my wife and three daughters will watch the little guy for a week. Have safe trip and God bless.
Petunia Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 07:54 pm

Have a good time!
whitestripe Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 11:12 pm

well, if it makes you feel any better BF and I possibly just spent over $1k on our weekend just gone, on a music festival. it's important to live a little. otherwise, what are you working towards?

Thrift-o-rama and the quest for a Tiki Bar

One girl's quest to shore up her personal finances and save for her own business

Time for an expensive indulgence

13 Responses to “Time for an expensive indulgence”

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