Back!

My life is finally back to normal! Last Saturday, I took my big exam. Now I have to wait a few months until I get the results. I feel okay about it, but am very glad for the experience and I definitely learned a lot!

Now I am getting back into a non-studying routine! It feels so nice to come home, be able to watch as much TV as I want, go out with friends, and go to the gym more often! Luckily, my finances did not get out of hand while I was studying, though I will admit I spent a lot more than usual on quick-to-eat frozen food and ate out more often than usual. But it was worth it when I spent almost all of my non-work time studying! ;)

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.

Three Paycheck Month!

October is the other three paycheck month of the year! Below is my breakdown of what I am going to do with my extra $1,000.

$375 Emergency Fund
$375 Roth IRA
$50 Gift Fund (trying to boost it up in time for Christmas!)
$50 Travel Fund
$150 Self (new clothes/shoes, books, other splurges!)

What are you doing with your extra paycheck for October?

Getting Closer to the CFA Exam

I have 2 months to go until my CFA Level I exam. I am on track to complete my first review of all the material by end of October, especially if I really get myself into gear on the weekends. Then I'll use November and the few days prior to December 5th for review review review until I can't see straight.

I didn't do October goals because I only really have one goal: STUDYING. It is basically going to be my life for the next 2 months, but I'm okay with that. My savings are all automatic, I always spend less than I earn, my E-fund is at a great place... so I feel fantastic in terms of my finances!

Don't worry, I won't be disappearing completely and I'll still blog when I need a studying break because I do love it! :) I'll just be focusing on my exam - but you can always follow me on Twitter.

Happy October!

Officially Autumn (or, it's October!)

And another month goes by! I had $250 leftover from my September budget. I am putting $100 into my E-fund, $100 into my Roth IRA and $50 into my Gift Fund, since the holiday season is getting closer! Here's my re-cap of my September goals:

1. CFA studying. Pass! I feel like I am doing okay... there is just SO MUCH material! :(
2. Finish my book. Fail. But I'm really close!!
3. Try some new recipes. Pass! As usual, some worked and some didn't. Haha.
4. Renew passport. Pass! I actually received it back today, hooray! Cruise, here I come!!
5. Finish knitting my first scarf! Fail. Studying has been my priority, so my other hobbies get pushed aside :(
6. Spend no more than $400 on vacation. Pass! Well, technically, because even though I did spend over $500, it was mostly from the surprise money my parents gave me! :) I have no idea if I would've spent that much of my own money...maybe.