Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving, whether you are with family, friends or both! I am thankful for so many things...

• My amazing family! They are so encouraging, supportive and loving. My grandmother died last Friday, and my parents put me on an earlier-than-expected flight home so I could spend time with them just when I needed it the most.
  
• My friends! They are so much fun, they keep me laughing and treat me so well! :)
  
• My health. I rarely get sick, I eat well and I stay in shape.
  
• Personal finance. Without that knowledge, I wouldn't have an emergency fund ($11K!) for peace of mind or already be saving towards my retirement! I'm on the path towards financial security.
  
• My job. I am so glad to be employed! My company has been nothing but fantastic and they continue to impress me and treat me well. Case-in-point, it was announced last week that all employees will be receiving a mini "holiday gift" based on tenure (for me, that means ~$500 pre-tax) and an annual bonus for 2009! Yeah, unexpected income!! :)

What are you thankful for today?

Retail Credit Card

When I went on my shopping spree recently, I did something I never imagined I would do: I opened a retail credit card!

My new Nordstrom card gives me reward points (2 points for each $1 spent with a $20 gift certificate when I reach 2,000 points) and there is no annual fee. The card has increased my credit limit, too! This has been a good way to increase help my lackluster credit since I only have one other credit card with a low limit.

Good thing I know myself well enough that this store credit card will not be dangerous. No debt for me! (But lots of shoes...) :)

Do you have a retail card? Do you actually use it?

Updates!

In bullet point form!

• Studying, studying, studying... I've been doing practice exams and problems. My scores aren't quite where they need to be to pass, but I'm not giving up. 3 weeks to go, I'm hitting it hard!
  
• My finances are still doing good. I have almost invested $4,000 into my Roth IRA for 2009! I might even be able to make it to the fully-funded $5K mark. I also treated myself to some much-needed shopping (retail therapy, anyone?!) recently... $280 on 2 new pairs of high heels and 1 pair of rain boots plus $23 on a new sweater. (And I opened a store credit card in the process - but it's where I do 80% of my shopping, no annual fee, rewards and of course I'll pay it off in full each month!)
  
• I have a few Christmas presents done... Mom, Dad and roommates. Still need to buy for friends and brother.
  
• I had a few car expenses this month for tab renewal and new insurance. Thank goodness for my car fund!
  
• The guy I was recently dating for a month pulled the disappearing act on me out of nowhere, just after Halloween. I was really falling for him, so it was (is!) both confusing and depressing. I'm just glad I have my studying and great friends to lean on when my heart is hurting. Sigh. :(
  
• I'm going home for Thanksgiving and Christmas! I can't wait to see my parents and my brother soon for extended periods of time. Both breaks will be much needed, though Thanksgiving will mostly be devoted to studying.