Today, I only spent 2 dollars.
It’s been awhile since I posted any sort of update, and I wasn’t really planning on it until something big happened. And it just so happened that today was the day. Something bizarre happened. Today, I spent less than 20…less than 10…less than 5 dollars! In fact, I only spent $2!
(Using the word “happened” three times in a five-sentence paragraph…is that allowed? I’ll have to have (have 2x!) my editorial staff check that.)
All I bought today was a 16 oz. cup of Starbucks Mexican Organic Blend coffee.
And really, if you take into consideration the hole-punch I got on my coffee-card, I actually only spent $1.50 because after four coffees I’ll get my fifth free. And if the fifth one is worth 2 dollars, well, that’s like I’m paying an extra 50 cents ($1.50 + .50 extra to go towards my Friday coffee) each time I buy coffee the four times prior.
Anyway, the point is that I kept my spending down. The point is I saved money. I brought my lunch from home (a turkey and cheddar sandwich with mayo and grey poupon, strawberry yogurt, salsa tortilla chips, and a fuji apple, to be exact) and I ate leftovers for dinner. Ironically, this came on the same day that I had my New Hire Orientation and learned about all the company’s benefits. I learned that if I save now, it will truly help me later. I also learned that there are ways to save your salary from getting taxed to hell, like a flexible spending account, transportation account and 401k. Surprisingly, I’m excited to save.
However, I’m also excited to spend my hard-earned money on an iPhone - which is why I’ve come up with a brilliant formula for successfully saving AND spending at the same time. It’s called spaving.
First, you calculate what you’re going to bring in each paycheck (bi-weekly in my case).
Next, estimate your monthly purchases like groceries, phone and internet bills. Oh, and dry cleaning.
Next, choose which paycheck will cover your rent (paycheck A). NYC-rent takes a big chunk of my paycheck, so this is important to figure out and plan for. Subtract your rent cost from the paycheck.
Then, take your estimated monthly purchases and subtract them from the paycheck you’re not going to pay rent with (paycheck B).
Add the remaining dollars up from A and B.
Cut in half.
Save the first half - and divvy it accordingly to all your different means of saving.
Have fun with the other half, or buy an old iPhone off eBay. Unfortunatly, you won’t be able to afford an iPhone once you save half of your disposable income. Let it be.
(Unless of course, you want to go on the $2-a-day-diet like I am. I will get that brand new iPhone.)
See? Doesn’t that sound painless? I can’t believe no one has ever thought of spaving before. This brilliant idea could really help Obama with his campaign.
Alright, that’s all for now. Really though, life is good. All is well on the isle and work is keeping me on my toes…constantly learning/training/guessing. Just the way I like it.
More details to follow.
Goodnight Moon.
