Budget – Page 5

New Year, New Bills

January 6, 2015 katemcgate3 Comments

Hey Boo-

I have to say, this year is going to be one hell of a year. I am looking to buy a house, move to a different area, and finally get married! There’s way too much going on, and it’s all happening in nine months! September can’t come soon enough, but the year already needs to slow it’s roll. It’s already the 6th, and I feel like I’m behind.

I feel like throughout my process of getting married, I have thought about some unexpected bills that brides-to-be (or grooms-to-be) may not have thought of. This is a doozy. In my own experience, I am going to have to get weened off of a couple things– aka, a gas credit card, an ezpass, my car payment, my insurance payment, and my medical insurance…just to name a few. I’ve already written down most of these “life” expenses…and damn. On top of being throw to the wolves, (in terms of paying my own bills…lol) I am also discovering a bunch of hidden fees along with this whole…marriage contract.

Changing Your Phone Service This is one of the most painful processes known to man. For me, I am currently on my parent’s plan. In the next couple of months, I will be changing over to my fiancé‘s plan. After doing research, I get to pay a cancellation fee and then pay an activation fee plus buy a new phone! That last part was partially my fault…and partially my driveway’s fault.
Moving Costs Get your friends ready…because unless you have money trees in your backyard, good luck! Moving services can cost upwards of 2 grand…with a coupon. I know I’ll be moving my stuff in my little Mazda 3…with a little help from my parents!
Insurance, Insurance, and More Insurance Auto insurance, home owner’s insurance, your face insurance, dental insurance, medical insurance, mortgage insurance, flood insurance…do you get it? I honestly don’t understand why I’m not an insurance agent. I would be making bank. Anyway, make sure to budget in all your insurance needs when you’re starting your new life.

There are so many more expenses…and I can’t wait to share them all with you! For now, start saving your pennies.

xoxo -Kate

ps– don’t forget to pay your enormous credit card bill from the holiday season…unless you listened to me, and budgeted yourself!

Holiday Shopping Etiquette

December 5, 2014 katemcgateLeave a comment

Ah, the season of grumpy parents and bratty children has begun! I’m so excited! Partially because I am neither…but because of Caramel Brulée Lattes at Starbies. But, that’s another post…for another time. However, if you don’t know what it is…click that link, educate yourself, and get back to me…pledge.

Cool- we’re all caught up? Great. Let’s get started. Last year, I blogged about budgeting and making sure you all knew the tips and tricks to stick to your budget. This year, I’m talking about etiquette. Someone has to– might as well be me.

Who To Buy For:

Your direct family. This means parents, siblings, and yes…your in-laws too. Get a “couple gift” if need be, but don’t be a rude sister/brother-in-law. It leaves a bad taste in a person’s mouth.
A significant other. Depending on the seriousness of your relationship, gifts may have to be purchased for his or her family members as well. If engaged, get it together.
Your BFF. Talk to her/him. Determine a budget and stick to it. No one wants to be embarrassed when exchanging gifts.
Your Close Friends. If they are all in the same close knit group, do a Secret Santa sort of deal. If they aren’t, work it out individually. Some friends don’t want to give gifts, and would rather just have a fun night together. I get it, and I’ve done it.

Who Not To Buy For:

That crazy coworker who bought you a candy cane.
Your Dunkin’ lady…your Starbies barista may be another story: She just gets you..and I get that.
Your “friend” who you see once a year to “exchange gifts.” Please, let that end…sooner rather than later.
Your customer at work who knows what kind of car you drive, and the type of coffee you drink. My advice? Don’t drink the coffee she brings you when she comes in to buy stuff. Just saying…
Your coworker’s child. Unless you are close, which I doubt, refrain from this practice. You’ll be broke by the time that kid graduates from kindergarten.
Your boss. We know, it’s important to suck up. Write a card with meaningful thank you. If they wanted a gift, they would have given you a raise.

That’s it. Don’t buy petty, nonsense gifts. This time of year, it is so easy to go crazy and shop for anyone you’ve ever had a conversation with. Don’t do it. It’s not cute. As always, stick to a budget, and always remember to avoid a credit card charge!

xoxo- Kate

The Latest and Greatest in Dupes: Fashion Edition

November 27, 2014November 27, 2014 katemcgate4 Comments

We all can’t have the closet filled with names like Alexander McQueen and Betsy Johnson like Carrie Bradshaw, and we definitely can’t have a closet filled with tweed, fabulous Burberry dresses, and preppy headbands like Blair Waldorf. What’s a girl on a budget to do? Let’s take a look at the latest in winter fashion.

Take a look underneath my reg sendoff..

xoxo -Kate

Outerwear

Capes: I LOVE capes. I love everything about them. There’s something so…American Horror Story: Coven about them. They put an outfit together and make your presence say, “Uh, it’s me..bow down.” Loves it. Don’t love the prices. Some capes can go for a couple hundred. Obvi, they’re the cute ones. So, I found one that is simply to die for, and under $50.00. Who loves me?

Boohoo.com: Dora Aztec Wool Look Cape: $44.00

Holiday Parties

K, so who loves tartan? Just me? Whatever..I’m obsessed. The awesome thing about tartan is that the pattern can be found in pants, cardis, skirts, and dresses. Below are some phenom “party” pants. Go crazy, just don’t break the bank.

Holiday Tartan Cocktail Ankle Pants: $148.00

New Year’s Eve Dresses

Everyone knows you need a flashy little number that everyone will be too drunk to remember what it looks like. Whatevs..I see why you want it. So, here are two almost identical dresses.

Vineyard Vines, Sequin Rope Dress: $398.00

H&M: Sequined Dress: $34.95 — H&M Sequined Dress: $34.95

Bow Tie Shirts

These are amaz. They remind me so much of Blair Waldorf. Jeez, throw a cape on and an adorbs midi skirt, and you’re ready for anything!

Bring It to the Boardroom Top, ModCloth: $39.99

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN Bow-tie cotton shirt: $845.00

Cozy Flannels

Flannels are in and better than ever. We love flannels. They can surprisingly be dressed up, and obvi dressed down. Anyway you look at it, flannels are here for the long haul! (And we are super excited!)

Boots

Le SIGH. Love these things. I would live in riding boots if I was able to. Whether it’s an over the knee boot, or just hitting mid-calf, boots are an essential when it comes to colder weather. Let’s take a look at a price difference. Now, if you’re a complainer and can’t see that they look PRACTICALLY the same, you have set yourself up for failure. Do you know who notices brands on shoes? People with foot fetishes.

Some Advice Before Buying Full Price

November 22, 2014November 22, 2014 katemcgateLeave a comment

Hey Boos-

Ok, so let’s talk about this whole instant gratification thing. I’m guilty. Who isn’t? …put your hand down, bitch. Anyway, I want to talk about buying full price in a store or online. Stawp it. You know it’s going on sale in like, a week. Let me tell you, stores pull items off the floor almost weekly. Stores also almost ALWAYS mark that stuff down come the next two or three weeks. If they don’t, whatevs. Hate me, I saved you some money.

Here’s some advice to you when something is on the market that you just can’t get your eyes off of. (I’ve been there,after all… I am human.)

Stalk the crap out of it. Visit that website every day if you have to. Sign up for promo e-mails, then unsubscribe after you’ve gotten what you need from them. (Ugh, that’s so terrible.)
Make sure you do price comparisons. Go on direct online sites that maybe selling the same item for cheaper.
Although I used to stick my nose in the air about this, check Amazon and Ebay. No jokes..well the one joke would be if you bought something and it was fake…but seriously, there are a lot of people out there who have what you want and are selling it because of a break-up, divorce, or they too are broke!
You want it? Work for it. Go on every website you can think of. RueLaLa, Hautelook, Nordstrom, Bloomies, Macy’s, Neiman, Lord and Taylor, do I need to go on? I mean, you found me because you’re trying to get off the drug, you already know what it looks like 😉
Just know how terrible you’ll feel when you’ve already bought it, and it goes on sale the next day.

(On another note, trying to stop shopping is like trying to stop smoking the first, second, and third time. Harder than hard. But, once you get over the first hump, it’s so good…in reference to both things.)

Anyway, happy hunting!

xoxo- Kate

Penny Pinching is the Way to Go

November 11, 2014 katemcgateLeave a comment

With Christmas just over a month away, I have already started a list of people I need to purchase a gift for and the amount I expect the gift to cost. This is a great way to stick to my budget. I have to congratulate myself, not for my low paying job, but because I am almost positive I am nearing the end of what I call my obsession for designer brands. I could easily charge a Michael Kors bag on my credit card and slowly pay it off over the upcoming months, but I don’t. I instead have come to realize that this isn’t going to make me Instagram famous. No matter how hard I try.

I realize there is a bigger picture: there are bigger things you have to worry about than spending frivolously… No matter how much I think a new handbag would bring in a new season or a new necklace would accent my new outfit, in the long run it isn’t the right choice.

It makes more sense to watch your pennies and only indulge in the smaller things such as my cup of Starbucks iced coffee, a milkshake, or a bite to eat once a week with the person I love when we have the same days off. I am learning my lessons about what I preach about impulse buying, and instant gratification. It’s not ideal and not where I see myself in five years. For now, my wedding planning and purchasing a house are more important than that new handbag I want, or that Tiffany’s necklace I hope my fiance gets me for Christmas. 🙂

Happy planning and happy savings.

xoxo- Kate

For Real Though, What To Do When You’re A Broke Bitch

October 27, 2014October 30, 2014 katemcgateLeave a comment

So, I seriously am loving my Sassy Sarcastic Sunday concept.

In all seriousness… I do owe you all an actual post…with actual advice.

What to do with less than $50 to spend

Go see a movie
Rent a movie from redbox and make popcorn at home.
Check with your local pubs and taverns for a “trivia night” or “board game night.” Monopoly is even more fun with a couple (don’t go overboard!) drinks in you!
Do a scavenger hunt with friends. Winner buys milkshakes. Make sure to lose 😉
Go on Living Social: Right now, they are featuring a 3 Day Admission to a Halloween Pub Crawl in Philadelphia for $10!!
Go to an arcade
Take a train ride into the city and do a DIY photoshoot with friends. (Thanks Nikki)
Karaoke: Maybe someone will buy you a drink, you sweet songbird, you.
Visit museums and zoos on free or discounted days. (You have to check the websites of your local attractions to see their specific days!)
Update your photo albums. Websites like Snapfish or Walgreens give you a great deal on printing your pictures
Craft something for your house.
Go to a winery and have a tasting. Most flights can be as cheap as $5.

I always find that most people think that it is easier to find something to do when you spend a ton of money. Unfortunately, there are more options with the more money you have. I feel that this situation is a lot like when you sit I front of a tv and have over a thousand channels, yet nothing sparks your interest.
Here’s a little tip: be stimulated by a book, conversation, or the outdoors. I would tell you this even if you had all the money in the world. The best times come from being with people you love (or love to hate!)

Peace out bitties!

Xoxo- Kate

Broke Ain’t No Joke

October 26, 2014October 29, 2014 katemcgateLeave a comment

Let’s talk about this hiatus, huh?

Anywho, I’m trying my friends. I really am. Life catches you and throws you around like a piece of meat. Ugh, whatevs. Let’s just say,

I’m sorry. Okay, now that we have that out of the way, we have some new confessions. We can call them the good, the bad, and the really terrible.

For the good: I started making my own lunch, I thankfully have a job, and I’m paying off my credit card debt…$20 each week to be exact. I have to say, it’s a good balance. I’ve trained myself to look at my paycheck with $40 less every two weeks.

For the bad: I work in a clothing store. A really cute one. I get a fairly awesome discount, and I wear the clothes anyway. We all can see where this is going.

The really terrible: EEK! Okay, I’m getting married next year, and PINTEREST is making things so hard on me (typical first world problem) Ok, but seriously. Everything I see on there, I want in my wedding. I had to talk myself out of buying ANOTHER engagement photo shoot outfit because while shopping, my creative wheels were turning. On another note, let’s hear it for all the fabulous bitties living paycheck to paycheck! (Do I hear a…cricket?) Is it just me? Well, in that case: let me break it down. I barely make enough to afford gas, food, and a student loan. (Thanks Sallie Mae)

This is where my wonderous post comes in:

What To Expect When Broke:

Ha. The first thing you have to expect is probably a major cramp in your social life. Sure, I gave up going out every weekend once I graduated from college, but let’s get real, a girl’s got to get her drank on. Right?
On top of that major cramp in social life, you’ll probably experience some sort of desperate search for coins; quarters, pennies, nickels, dimes OH MY.
Coffee is a luxury: well, I didn’t give this up..because I’d be a much meaner person if that was taken away.
You find new and exciting ways to revamp your clothing style: In other words: You can’t buy a new outfit every weekend…sorry, Blair Waldorf.
Lastly, (and this is just the tip of the iceberg) you will tend to think you have more money than you actually do. I am so guilty of this. I love giving presents, and I really do have to learn that I cannot afford it!

A word from the wise, it’s hard. This is a hard, stupid concept to wrap your head around. It comes with petty fights with loved ones (don’t give in to fighting about money) and a lot of lonely nights while your friends go out without you.

Next post? What do to on a limited budget.

xoxo- Kate

Payday! Payday!

June 21, 2014June 29, 2014 katemcgateLeave a comment

As your weekend plans start to come together, and Friday night is closer than ever, it is imperative that you keep a conscious eye out for frivolous spending. As my loyal followers, I feel I have a duty to let you know, payday is just a day that is there to tempt you. “But, Katie, I just got paid! I have so much expendable money! It’s Friday!”

….No, no you don’t. Sit back and read…this could help you out of the poor house.

1) Let’s cut to the chase, every single time that you are planning on going out for an night on the town, you believe that you need a complete new outfit. Whether it be Thursday after work or Friday after work, your pump yourself up and lead yourself to believe that you had enough cash to go out to get cute new pair of pants or a new dress. If you’re an instant gratification gal or guy like I am, you have tunnel vision all the way to the store.

Fight the urge, my saving beauties!

Am I being unfair? Probably a little bit. But the fact of the matter is that you do have something to wear and quite honestly no one will actually notice your outfit!

2) How many credit cards do you have? One? Two? Six? Go in your wallet and take them all out. NEVER pay for a night out on your credit card. Don’t open a tab with a debit card either…imagine waking up with $27 left in your account! (It’s happened) Before you go out on the town, stop at your bank…NOT a random ATM. This way, you don’t have a surcharge on your account. Estimate how much money you will be spending and take out $20 extra. I like to call this “God forbid” money. With my anxiety, I like to cook up situations that may happen. I.E- my friends leave me, I get kidnapped…you know, the logical stuff.

3) How do you get to your destination? Walk? Taxi? Car? If you’re walking, good for you! Just don’t wear heels. Anything else is going to cost you $10-$25. In your allotted cash. That’s right! No credit or debit cards can be used!

Make sure that you have a definite area which in which you will be staying the entire night. If you were hitting up multiple places, be smart about it. Shop around different taxi companies. A word of advice: don’t appear drunk, many cab drivers will assume you do not know where you are, and take a long cut! Don’t be afraid to speak up if you know a shorter way!

4) Have the munchies? Cut it out! You will end up wasting more money and if you’re on a diet, well… You get what I mean.

5) Lastly, make sure to collect loose money in your purse or pocket and put it back into the bank! If you were under budget, congrats! If you went over budget, go through and reevaluate your night. I’m sure there were some purchases that you shouldn’t have made!

Happy Weekend, saving beauties!

Bargain Warriors

June 19, 2014June 19, 2014 katemcgateLeave a comment

I’ve decided to share my super secret list of fantastic websites that are sure to get you great deals for amazing items!

These are just a few, well-known sites that I use on a regular basis!

Happy bargain hunting!

Eating Out is Eating Away at my Bank Account…

June 19, 2014 katemcgateLeave a comment

Let’s just say I’m convinced I am a lost cause. However, I have been cooking more! And no…not “tomato soup” or heated up V8 juice. Whatever! Pinterest has been a phenomenal help when you are trying to learn how to cook.

My boyfriend still laughs at my attempts, but he says I do have my moments of cooking correctly. Wahoo!Anywho, my biggest vice IS eating out. This is probably due to: (1) Laziness (2) Incompetence (3) None of my friends cook either. Oops on our part? My friends and I are definitely “eclectic” eaters. We enjoy trying different foods and different restaurants. Is that not an excuse?

Basically, my laziness extends to my lack of excitement for packing my own lunch for work as well. This means, I will stop off somewhere before work for breakfast, then leave the office to get something for lunch…and unfortunately, if my parents are working late…I get dinner with a friend. Let’s do that math: Breakfast: $7, Lunch: $8-15 depending on where I go, Dinner: $20 or more.

Look away. I’m blushing and embarrassed. I know I’ve said it before, but I promise I’ll be better!