Movie Pass Review

So, I heard through the online grapevine about Movie Pass. I thought why not give the free 2-week trial a whirl? It is summertime, blockbusters are showing! I signed up with all my information and within a week (exactly 7 days due to USPS delays..) I received my card in the mail. When you receive it, the trial/your subscription begins right away. I had an issue using it my first day.. it was not letting me select the movie time so I was asking the movie clerk what to do and she did not know. So I emailed and called support the next day to let them know what was going on and to confirm my activation. My trial officially began on Monday June 29th. Here are the movies I saw. My favorite out of them all was of course... MAGIC MIKE and INSIDE OUT. Actually they were ALL great except The Overnight was kinda of weird....

Monday June 29th  Dope
Tuesday June 30th  Ted 2
Wednesday July 1st Magic Mike
Thursday July 2nd Entourage
Friday July 3rd (took a day off)
Saturday July 4th  Max
Sunday July 5th San Andreas
Monday July 6th Spy
Tuesday July 7th Inside Out
Wednesday July 8th The Overnight
Thursday July 9th  Minions
Friday July 10th  Avengers: Rise of Ultron
Saturday July 11th (took a day off)
Sunday July 12th Terminator: Genysis

I saw a total of 12 movies within my trial. Also make sure you confirm with MoviePass support what day your trial ends because I was thinking it was Monday to Monday but it is actually the day before your trial date ends that you can see your last movie and then the next day you are charged for the subscription, unless  you would like to continue. You get your MoviePass mastercard with your actual name on it, reminds me of a health plan benefits card, the theater charges MoviePass, not really your bank account. So, you pick the movie through the app and then you still have to go up to box office to purchase that ticket with your MoviePass card.

The theater selection was very convenient and easy. You go through the app and you can see a movie every 24 hours so plan accordingly. I was tempted to buy movie popcorn but I did not. So I brought my water and coffee (depending on what movie time was) and my snacks (carrots, watermelon, chipotle and chick fil a). So I literally just paid for parking ($1.50) for some days. You cannot see 3-D movie so please do not hope on that for the free trial, once you suscribe you can select a couple options that include 3-D movies.

Again, this is great for movie goers that like to go 3+ times a month and to different theaters. I give this 5 stars and I think Moviepass would also make a great gift. I went alone to 10 out of the 12 movies I saw but I am a freak so I did not mind. I am sure people would like to have a movie pass together, you cannot SHARE the movie pass either so do not plan on trying, the good theater clerks will that your id matches the name on your movie pass card.

SIGN UP TODAY! https://www.moviepass.com/c60

Ok, hope this is helpful! Cheers!

LBMM Challenge Day 5

Sunday July 5, 2015

A nice easy going day, going to see another free movie, San Andreas at 2:20pm. I am bringing my snacks and eating at home as usual.

Played house bitch, cleaned my room and house. That always keeps me busy and my mind off spending....

$0 spent today.

LBMM Challenge Day 4

Saturday July 4, 2015

So... I planned on seeing another free movie at 11:30am, I saw MAX (first 15 minutes are very sad) but overall a great movie.

Free parking due to holiday. I needed to go to Sephora for an eyelash curler and a new beauty blender... hopefully not anything more! I bought a beauty blender for my sister, she is always so thoughtful so I thought I should return the favor.

After the movie, I wanted to bake some cornbread jalepeno muffins and stopped by the grocery store, it had to be Whole Foods right? (a.k.a Whole Paycheck lol). Anyways, I got only what I needed, jalepenos, bran flakes, some hot & spicy peanuts and some white corn to bring to our 4th of July BBQ. I actually got the peanuts for free since the barcode would not scan, thank you! saved $5.

$64.05 spent at Sephora
$12.57 spent at Whole Foods

Total spent today: $76.62

Ah... I am getting nervous as I spent a lot today and will keep next weeks spending to a bare minimum, I can do it! See how easy stuff adds up.

LBMM Challenge Day 3

Friday July 3rd, 2015

It was payday. Feeling good and ready for the holiday weekend. I woke up early to drive to a bakery to purchase some really good pastries for the family and I to enjoy. Treat yourself, I limit myself daily so when I do this occasionally, it keeps me balanced.

I brought my lunch and ate dinner at ballpark (my friend covered food). Saw some fireworks and it was a great Friday being on a budget.

$19.00 for a couple sticky buns, 2 coffees and a lemon pound cake (worth it all though!)
$1.49 for a pack of gum

Total spent today: $20.49

LBMM Challenge Day 2

Thursday July 2, 2015

Day 2, not so hard right?

Day 2

I wanted to eat out today for lunch, had my mind, heart and soul depending on it today. Spicy fried rice with extra chicken and brown rice substituted ($4 extra for the extra's). I hardly ever eat out so this is a treat. $17.94

Regular work day, worked out, had dinner (leftover fried rice) at home and then went to see the movie Entourage for free! (will create a separate post to let you know how.. here is a hint- MoviePass. I brought my own food and coffee inside. 
I did spent $1.50 on parking in the nearby garage.

Total spent today: $19.44

6 Month LBMM Challenge *2nd Attempt*

OK!

July 1, 2015

Back in action.

I am going to try the 6 month money challenge, living below my means (LBMM). Now, usually this is the opposite of what people do. We like to "live" and "enjoy" life without the feeling of being restricted and deprived of this good life California or wherever you live has to offer. YOLO! (you only live once).

So, after tireless years of living beyond my means, I finally understand and can appreciate the sacrifices and hard work it takes to live within my own means and creating and reaching my future goals.

So, here is my beginning financial forecast:

Simple bank account: $1,000
Paid 6 months in advance for nails and therapy:
Fixed expenses are phone: $25 (which I may switch carriers this month- stay tuned)

Yes, I am going to try to live off of $1K for the rest of the year.

Background: I live with my parents, can save my full amount of paycheck in my WF account and I live a structured life that I have created for myself. My next goal is to purchase my first place, I want to build a modular home on a piece of land (the most difficult thing to do especially where I live).

Day 1

I needed to purchase an AUX cord because I ripped mine out of the outlet in my car. I went to Target before work to buy one and some false eyelashes (beauty staple).

I packed my own lunch, had dinner at home and went to see Magic Mike XXL for free! (will create a separate post to let you know how.. here is a hint- MoviePass.

Total spent today: $20.53

LBMM Challenge Day 32

Sunday February 1, 2015

Superbowl Sunday!

$140 is my February allowance.

Please see my January reconciliation (I have some money left over!)

January Obligations

Starting Balance: $150.00
Total expenses: $134.73
Balance left: (+15.27)

$26.52- Kohls (personal)
$.54- redbox (entertainment)
$8.69- TJ Maxx (personal)
$.03- Paypal (gift)
$15.62- Emily's Kitchen (dining out)
$26.00- Jackson's (dining out)
$9.39- Craigs Party Store (gift)
$3.99- Freedom Pop (phone-data plan)
$25.00- AT&T (phone)
$7.00- Roxy (entertainment)
$11.95- Oliver's Market (food)

Categories:
Entertainment: $7.54
Phone: $28.99
Personal: $35.21
Dining Out: $41.62
Food: $11.95
Gift: $9.42

Total: $134.73

LBMM Challenge Day 31

Saturday January 31, 2015

Wow, today is going to be a fun relaxed day with family. I am headed to the Bay to celebrate two of our cousins birthdays! Not much to report other than that.

$0 Spent today.

LBMM Challenge Day 30

Friday January 30, 2015

Yay, I made it. (I have a feeling I am going to be starting with that line on Fridays a lot this year)

Payday and I am not touching it.

WF Acct: $3,690.90

I will update the account total every 2 weeks so stay tuned and watch my money grow with me.

Fidelity Roth IRA: $948.46 (+40.46)

Remember I invested the Roth IRA in a stock. I chose Sprint (S).
I bought it at $4.08 and since then it is now $4.30. (Yay, made some chump change!) 

My nail broke last night so after work I headed to my nail technicians place to get it repaired (free repairs thanks to the best nail tech ever!)
$0 spent today.

LBBM Challenge Day 29

Thursday January 29, 2015

Bosses are back and this week is going by just fine. I am looking forward to February now. I am doing great with my challenge so far that is not a challenge, it is a sacrifice and the life I enjoy living. I went to cardio boxing, watched a basketball game then went to bed.

$0 spent today.

LBMM Challenge Day 28

Wednesday January 28, 2015

Northern California had a curve ball on rain this week, thank god! January has been so good to us with the weather, my routine of eating lunch in the courtyard needs to continue with this sunny weather.

$0 spent today.

LBMM Challenge Day 27

Tuesday January 27, 2015

Another day to get things done at work, staying focused! This week is payroll week so I am looking forward to that, I still cannot believe I have not touched my direct deposit yet this year. Willpower at its finest. I went to cardio boxing at YMCA and then watched Warriors Basketball and fell asleep. All meals this week will be home made.

$0 spent today.

LBMM Challenge Day 26

Monday January 26, 2015

Bosses are out on a business meeting for 3 days so this is time to catch up! Not much going on, still eating lunch outside until I can retreat to my car again (February 4th!). I watched basketball and The Bachelor and went to bed.

$0 spent today.

LBMM Challenge Day 25

Sunday January 25, 2015

It was a great day to do nothing!

Me and my sister had plans to see the new J.Lo movie (Boy Next Door). My sister used her giftcard and I bought the popcorn for $7. We brought our own drinks, tea and water from home. The movie was suspenseful and good! (Love the girl and guy actor/actress). Then we went to Oliver's Market and saw a pizza come out of their brick oven that called for our dinner tonight. $11.95 it was.

Watched basketball and Total Divas, then did some things around the house.

$18.95 spent today.

LBMM Challenge Day 24

Saturday January 24, 2015

I stayed home all day except for an evening Baskin Robbins ice cream trip with Dad (his dime). I got my room all organized and listed new items on poshmark and depop (selling/buying apparel app). That is very time consuming. I read and cleaned around the house.

$0 spent today.

LBMM Challenge Day 23

Friday January 23, 2015

T.G.I.F

I almost gave in and bought dinner tonight, I was craving a NY style pizza but mom had ground turkey she wanted to cook. On Sunday, me and sis are going to the movies so I will spend some cheddar then (woo hoo). Watched Warriors break records then read and off to la la land.

$0 Spent today.

LBMM Challenge Day 22

Thursday January 22, 2015

No spending to report. I am starting to receive tax documents that I am compiling when I start to process them next month. I will probably used Turbo Tax again (never fails me).

$0 spent today.

LBMM Challenge Day 21

Wednesday January 21, 2015

So.. Wednesday was another normal day. I had no intentions of spending any money. I did buy a product from Sephora and used my $25 gift card so no "actual" budget money was spent.

I have pretty good will-power when it comes to making money choices, thank goodness I have no boyfriend or I probably would be spending more $ (see how unhealthy I take it as).

$0 Spent today.

LBMM Challenge Day 20

Tuesday January 20, 2015

Ah, I am feeling better. Not much to report, the boring routine of homemade breakfast, lunch and dinner (not boring to me) and cardio boxing class. I am still getting rides to and from work.

$0 Spent today.

LBMM Challenge Day 19

Monday January 19, 2015

Ah another work week in January. So far, so good. Today is an MLK holiday so no mail, no banks or stocks were open. No money spent and I am still sick... (have had a cold for 2 weeks already!) I did not do much after work besides eat soup, lay down and listen to music, then watch The Bachelor (my guilty pleasure). 

$0 spent today.

LBMM Challenge Day 18

Sunday January 18, 2014

Another gloomy day. Me and family are going to the Bay Area to visit some family that we did not see over the holidays. I already know that my direct debit from AT&T came out today since they sent me a confirmation text. My phone service bill is $25 every month which includes 200 minutes and unlimited text/photo messaging. (I survive!)  i-message is a great saver since I use that a lot since I am almost on w-fi like 90% of my day.

I have tried other phone carrier companies like Air Voice Wireless which I was able to pay $10 a month on an iphone 5! It was extreme (levels that I like to test within myself) and I made it for 2 months. I had a BF at the time and he hated it. My current wireless plan works with my lifestyle and if I pay only $300 annually on phone service, I am perfectly fine. I used to be an internet addict so it also limits me to be on the internet only when I am on wi-fi, during car rides I do not have a data plan so I am more restricted but it just calls for planning, if I know I am going on a trip and need directions, instead of burning my freedom Pop data hotspot (500 MB for $3.99/month) I just print them out at home before leaving. The hotspot that I have from Freedom Pop is on an emergency basis only (I try to limit it to that but sometimes I want to check email or snapchats on my lunch so I use it, but I do not stream videos with it)

So, all in all an easy Sunday!

$25 spent today.

LBMM Challenge Day 17

Saturday January 17, 2015

A gloomy Saturday it was.... ugh.

Let's see, I did my normal cleaning around the house, listed some items on Poshmark (will do another post on that) and ran some errands with parents.

I got my Ally check in the mail today! So, I go to Wells Fargo to deposit my Ally check (official check) and they place it on a hold (ugh.. really?) so it will be available by the 24th and 29th.

Then, went home to make dinner and watch good old television.

$0 spent today.

Ally Bank CD Review

I have never opened a CD before January 3, 2014. I made it one of my tasks to do for the year and I did it, took $10k of my hard earned money and parked it for a whole year, 365 days. My, time does go fast.

So, my grand total of the check was $10,095.00. Wow. I had a .95% APR for leaving my money in a 12 month CD. I had the option to roll it over for the current rate plus .5% but I passed since I want to try something new with my money. The point of a CD is long-term growth over time... right now with the funds I am saving, I am looking to purchase a home (next goal).

I am thinking I will start slowly with a CD and add $1,000 each year? We will see.

I was a bit bummed that I only made $95 when I ticket flip for more than $100 at a time... but leaving money untouched and secured was a good challenge and feeling knowing it was safe. I almost forgot about it (almost... lol).

What am I going to do with my $10,095.00? I have to pay a couple items off first... will put in next week's post and then I will keep in my contingency fund (everyone needs to have a safe fund at least up to 6 months living expenses).

I recommend giving Ally Bank a try with your money, again they are an online only bank which helps lower fees and bring up interest rates since they have not as much overhead as BofA or Wells Fargo.

http://www.ally.com/bank/savings/

LBMM Challenge Day 16

Friday January 16, 2015

Wooo hoo! I made it another week, minimal spending and I am doing just great.

Payday and I am not touching it.

WF Acct: $2,458.61

I will update the account total every 2 weeks so stay tuned and watch my money grow with me. I do have a reoccurring debit of $450 taken out every month on the 26th. That amount goes straight to my Roth IRA that I opened this year. Fidelity is who I chose to fund my Roth IRA with.

Fidelity Roth IRA: $908

Today, I decided to invest the Roth IRA in a stock. I chose Sprint (S). I have an order placed to buy 200 shares at closing. I will keep you updated on that. I have been following the company since December, tracking their figures daily and I found out that Sprint may be taking over some of Radio Shack's leases.
Yesterday and today it was $4.08. I made the leap... buy lower which is what I am doing. I have no personal ties with Sprint, it is just a stock I felt like purchasing today. I like to take risks so I am confident that I made a good choice. I will choose a stock each month to invest my $450 in. This month, I skipped the $450 deduction because in January it took out $908 (double) instead of the $450 so I technically have already funded for January and February.

Back to the rest of my day....

All went well, had a nail appointment after work (already paid for 6 months in advance). Then I had a home made dinner, watched Warriors lose.. read and off to bed.

$0 spent today.

LBMM Challenge Day 15

Thursday January 15, 2015

Terrific Thursday at work. Not much to report in spending today (boring with my spending).
I went to cardio-boxing again at the YMCA and then after my parents treated me to dinner at Chick Fil A (so good). I watched the second episode of Celebrity Apprentice and then went to bed.

$0 spent today.

LBMM Challenge Day 14

Wednesday January 15, 2015

Another wild Wednesday. I worked all day and went to run errands with my Mom after work, she spent an hour in Chase bank getting some investment advice for some $ she is inheriting from her deceased father. She keeps asking me, what would you do if I gave you $5k? Ah, the things I should not do with $5k is where I should start (that is funny because I am a money addict) LOL.

I have been reading financial books which I will review, so I will soon have an answer for her.

I watched basketball (Golden State Warriors) and The Celebrity Apprentice (good season so far!) before I went to sleep.

$0 spent today.

LBMM Challenge Day 13

Tuesday January 13, 2015

Today I worked, ate my homemade food and went to my cardio boxing class at the YMCA (parents pay for annual membership).

$3.99 was debited from my account from Freedompop.com

I have a high speed Data hotspot of 500MB a month. I pay $3.99 for it. Now, I only pay $25 a month on my AT&T cell phone bill which does not have data (I have an Iphone 5).I will create another post about freedompop.com because I really enjoy it.

I am still waiting for my ALLY Bank Check (from my closed CD) to arrive, the USPS is so slow due to mailing center closures... ugh. As soon as I receive that, I will do a review.

$3.99 spent today.

LBMM Challenge Day 12

Monday January 12, 2015

Another Monday, another dollar. Work was good, eating lunch outside instead of my car (because I do not have it) but it feels good to be outside to enjoy my half hour of freedom. I ate my homemade lunch. Came home to spend some time with my family then read my book. Ended my night with the 2nd episode of The Bachelor (hopeless romantic).

$0 spent today.

LBMM Challenge Day 11

Sunday January 11, 2015

So today was a good day, made breakfast, read my book and took lucky on a bike ride. I did household chores and dishes which kept me busy. 

We had a surprise birthday for my sisters boyfriend later that evening so I pitched in with getting the balloons. (No big deal since parents were covering the dinner)

Overall it was a good day.

$9.39 spent today.

LBMM Challenge Day 10

Saturday January 10, 2015

I went to bed last night at 12am so I was a bit more tired than usual. I volunteer every 2nd Saturday of the month, I deliver cat and dog food to those who cannot afford it. My dad drove me on my route this time, I love donating my time to organizations who provide a service like this, it really warms my soul.

I came home to clean my room and then I future planned for a bit. Future planning to me is making goals and creating a list of my future hopes and dreams. I am not a homeowner yet but already know that I would like to become one some day. I want to buy a piece of land and build a custom modular home on it (bluhomes.com). I was online looking at land prices in my area and then modular home companies, it helps me put estimates together of how much I will need to save to actually be serious about it. When $45,000 is saved, that will be the time I can start getting serious. I hope this will happen in a year, 2016 at age 26.

So, after I snapped out of my future dreaming I went to walk lucky which cleared my mind and relaxed me. I watched the rest of The Bachelor (since the premiere was like 3 hours long!!) I went to church and then came home to eat a home cooked dinner.

$0 spent today.

LBMM Challenge Day 9

Friday January 9, 2015

I made it a full week! It went by fast which is good, next week is payroll week (love those).

I work in a Shopping Center and one of our newest restaurants is doing really well, I went on their face book page yesterday and saw their breakfast sandwich (food photos do justice) and made a mental note to get it soon. Well, today was that day, I packed my lunch that morning but already had in my mind that I was going to get the breakfast sandwich with egg whites and spicy sausage on a fresh homemade english muffin (drool). I picked the sandwich up along with a piece of  flour less chocolate cake I saw in the display case ($7!!!!). I was definitely treating myself but it felt good to not restrict myself. My total was $15.62.

So remember that dinner I took a rain check on? Well I rescheduled for tonight. I already knew I was going to spend $20+ on my meal (checked out menu and price online). I am not drinking alcohol at this time so I knew I would save some money there. I get a margherita pizza which cost $15 (worth it and good size) and then a ginger lime spritzer (I could have just stuck with water..) for $4. They split the checks and my drink ran up on her tab so to cover it I left tip for both of us... My total was $25.00

Overall it was a good day and looking forward to the weekend!

$40.62 spent today.

LBMM Challenge Day 8

Thursday January 8, 2015

Wow.. I am so ready for the weekend. I worked but went on the internet more than I wanted to and I checked my phone.. (I fell back into old habits). Other than that, I had to attend a meeting after work, mom drove me and we had Papa Murphy's pizza for dinner (parent's treat). I almost did not spend any moo-lah ($$$) today but my mother has been wanting a black vest and I wanted to get her a gift to say thank you for driving me around (picking me up from work) for the last two weeks. I found an Eddie Bauer one on Ebay in her size and color she requested. I had $19.98 in Ebay Bucks and I haggled the vest price for free shipping (she was asking $13.99 for shipping!!) so the total came to $20.01 and I had to pay $.03 out of pocket. Not bad I say...

$.03 spend today. (taken from gift category)

LBMM Challenge Day 7

Wednesday January 7, 2015

Hump Day Wednesday. Today was another productive day at work. I had therapy at 6pm today which I had already paid for 6 months in advance so this expense will not be included in my financial forecast. The two fixed expenses I have and cannot live without (according to me at this time) are nails and therapy.

I pay $87.50 once a month for my nail appointment (gel acrylic manicure and gel pedicure).

I pay $95 every two weeks for therapy (been going for 3 years strong now).

So, I figured since those are my biggest expenses that I might as well pay them in advance so I have a smaller budget to work with. I did it because I could (used my x-mas bonus) or otherwise I would include that in my LBMM budget. I will eventually explain why I use therapy sessions but my nails are part of my personal care that I cannot get rid of (very important to me). I remember 2 years ago, I hated myself (physically and mentally) and I would spend so much money in the beauty category it was crazy, tons of money blown at Ulta, Sephora, Hair salons, drugstores, etc. My bottom line is when I spent $179 at Walgreen's on beauty products (WTF!) and I could not even remember what I bought. I now just purchase necessities and do not feel I have to overcompensate in the beauty department because I am accepting myself as I am and happy with who I am becoming. Once you get to that stage (hopefully by 25), nothing will matter as much as did before because you are content (at least that is how I feel). 

Be yourself and live within (or below) your means.

$0 Spent today.

LBMM Challenge Day 6

Tuesday January 6, 2015

Going up in the club on a Tuesday.. (It is a rap song ya'll) if you are going out to the club on a Tuesday you probably need to get a job lol. JK, I used to go. 

So, kept busy at work. Went on the Internet a couple times but left my phone in my purse which is a good habit I would like to keep.

 

Packed my lunch again today and I ate a homemade dinner. I cleaned my sheets today after work since I found a worm on my silk pillowcase and freaked out (could of been from the New Year clean out I had this past weekend) So that ate up most of my evening, although I did go for a joy ride to Baskin Robbins for an ice cream with my mom and dad.

$0 spent today.

LBMM Challenge Day 5

Monday January 5, 2015

Back to work, first of the month, first of the year.. bring it on! Today was a productive day, I am trying to stay focused as I get sucked into browsing, surfing, retreating to the world wide web. I only went on 3x today to check different things. Other than that I kept on steady working, my weakness is the internet. Ever since I was introduced to it in I think 99 or 2000, I was hooked and got addicted to it. My mother would put on a kitchen timer to ensure I did not spend too much time and I always went over my allowed time, I am sure you could assume it always ended up in a struggled argument. I have gotten much better from those times on the computer but the internet (as you may know) is endless and I believe that is why I cannot get off at times. I will tell you online shopping is so convenient and dangerous. I just got a Victoria's Secret and Athleta catelog today in the mail and did not want to look but I browsed page by page resisting the urge to like anything. I will use the catelogs for outfit inspiration, that is a freebie.

I work 8:30am-4:30pm. I went home, cleaned my room up a bit, now blogging about my finances, will eat home cooked meal (soup tonight!), then watch the Warriors basketball game and then my favorite The Bachelor (season ??) premiere! Whooo... I do not pay for cable yet and have an idea of what I might do when I start my service (trials anyone?).

$0 spent today.

LBMM Challenge Day 4

Sunday January 4, 2015

What a productive Sunday I had, I cleaned my room and got rid of unnecessary clutter. I loaded three banker boxes with old files, memorabilia and photos to be stored in the garage until I move. I even had unnecessary things like training manuals and pay stubs from my Extended Stay America and Bank of America career days, garbage. I did save all my financial documents and relative items, I will keep for 7 years and then review once again to see if I will shred or still keep.

I did not leave the house today, I wanted to walk Lucky but also really wanted to get all the reorganizing done. Glad I did, My room feels refreshed and renewed. I like that feeling since I do spend a lot of time in my room (blogging, reading and isolation time). So, I accomplished a lot today and I am ready for the first week back to work.

Going through old files was a bit of a relief as well as a reminder where I do not want to be ever again. Beginning in 2008 is when my financial crisis began (I just did not know it until 2009 and 2010). I was steady neutral in 2011, 2012 and 2013. 2014 is when I really began to make a positive financial turn for the rest of my life. 2015 will be my best year yet, I will do what it takes to accomplish this 6-month challenge!

$0 spent today.

E-Rewards review

            

E-Rewards is the easiest way to get rewarded for your time and opinions plus earning some extra bucks. It has been a year since I have signed up and my first reward was Southwest Rapid Rewards points that I used towards a flight which saved me $50 out of pocket. Also, I am close to being able to get a gift card to Macy's or maybe a Money magazine subscription (not sure yet).

If you are able to do surveys on a desktop computer, cell phone or tablet then sign up for e-rewards.

E-Rewards gets information from you on what type of surveys you will be eligible for and then email you when there is a survey available. This will also be a good test of patience because there will be a day or week that not much will come through and then days or weeks where you get like 3-6. I usually do them right away or at work (I know I should not use work related time but time is money).

There are long ones and there are short ones, surveys that pay $1.25-10.95 depending on the time length. Some are tedious and boring but thinking of the credit keeps you going :). The radio and tv network surveys really want you to engage your opinion and feedback. I enjoy the shopping ones that actually are fun. Your reward points turn into gift cards or subscriptions (NO hard cash or check payouts here).

www.e-rewards.com

It is worth checking out and if it is not for you then cancel but hey who does not want extra freebies? The Rapid Reward points that I redeemed came just in time when I wanted to apply them to a flight to Las Vegas this February (whooooo!).

I am sure there are other survey sites that reward you for your time and opinion but I will stick to this one that is working and fun for me now.

LBMM Challenge Day 3

Saturday January 3, 2015

So, no money was spent today. Today was a freebie day and get used to that since that is how some days will go. I am a young adult who still gets treated by my parents and do not have to pay for the actual "bills" yet. I am bittersweet about the days when I finally get those obligations.

To start off the morning, I cooked my breakfast, read a little bit, re-looked over my financial planner and took our family dog Lucky on a walk.
I needed to go pick up a book that was on hold for me at the local library so my parents and the boys (family dogs) went along for the ride since I am not able to drive. They also treated me to In n Out for lunch (Thank You!).
Went to church later that afternoon and stayed in for a home cooked dinner and a Lifetime movie called Destroyed (Blah!- Swimfan like movie where student falls in love with teacher).

I do remember last year on this exact date I opened my very first CD (Certificate of Deposit). It was one of my goals to accomplish last year and I had $10K finally saved that I could do anything with. After much researching and reviewing I chose Ally Bank that had a CD rate of 95% (highest at the time). Ally is an "on-line" only bank so fees are minimum if any. I chose to withdraw the funds and will be receiving a check soon (will review that when I receive my check).
www.ally.com

$0 spent today.

LBMM Challenge Day 2

Friday January 2, 2015

T.G.I.F! I did not have to work today and it was AWESOME! I was preparing my January calendar for all the stocks that I will track this month and goals I need to accomplish (will share soon).

I did spend some money today, not too much damage.. kept it under $40.

My first stop was actually Kohl's department store to bring my receipt in from my holiday shopping to see if I can price match any items (it was exactly 2 weeks which is the time frame given to take advantage of price differences). I lucked out and was able to save $4.20 but the way she did was different, she refunded my actual purchase price of $12.60 to my CC and then re-rung up the new price $8.40 plus the Contigo water bottle that I had to have since my other one broke (will send the broken one in soon under the company's lifetime limited warranty). So my new adjusted total for 2 items were $26.52 (inlcluding tax).

We continued on to TJ Maxx since my mother and sister said they saw the Contigo water bottle there for way less! (Uh huh, I think they just wanted a reason to go to TJ Maxx). So we go and no luck with the water bottle but I saw a mini Blender Ball that I had been wanting to try (New Year New Me Trying New Things). My second purchase came to $8.69.

Then went to the library to pick up my book on hold (Freebie). 

Note: My mom drove us today and I actually cannot drive for 30-days anyway (will explain why eventually).

Me and mom walked the dogs to take back the redbox dvd rental to the kiosk in Safeway (less than a mile away one-way, It was a one day rental and no reason to incur a late fee of $4.50!

I actually had a plan to go to dinner with my best friend tonight but she fell asleep and did not text me until later-later when I already had dinner at home assuming something had come up. That saved me about $25 but will rain check that dinner later this month I am sure!

So my total spending today was $35.21.

LBMM Challenge Day 1

Thursday January 1, 2015

Happy New Year!
I was anxious NOT to spend any money the first day but I did. I wanted to see The Expendables 3 so I signed up for a Redbox subscription. Boy, am I glad I did because I got my first movie free (had to pay a measly sales tax of $.54).

I like the idea and convenience of Redbox since it is nuts to rent a new-release movie for $5.99 (blu-ray). Anyone remember good ole' Block Buster? 3 rentals for $9.99 or I think $1.99-2.99 2 day rentals. So, Redbox is like a mini-stand Blockbuster, you can sign up via website and download their App and purchase a rental directly on site/app and then pick it up at the kiosk usually located conveniently inside grocery stores, gas stations and convenience stores. You must bring your CC as they do not accept cash or other payment methods.

 If you have other emails you may take advantage of the first free movie (-tax) and then just cancel after the first rental. (I always think outside the box and how to extend your freebies so please get used to this as I do think of it as taking advantage in a good way).

Check their website out if you would like to save a couple bucks.
/http://www.redbox.com/

So, as I mentioned there was little spending activity my first day. A sales tax on a free movie for $.54.

I like and enjoy Netflix and Amazon Prime (Sister added me on her account) (Dad gave me log-in info for his Amazon prime subscription). All in all another freebie.