29 and Holding...

My 30th birthday is fast approaching, and while I haven’t been vocal about it like some of my friends (love ‘em for it!), I can’t help but notice that the something inside me is changing. It’s not that my life has evolved significantly in any way, or that I’ve become unhappy with where I am, rather, the thoughts that used to occupy my mind have been replaced with much heavier constructs.

In my early 20’s, I used to spend time fretting about living paycheck to paycheck, how my relationship might be affected by career decisions and where to invest my money. What to wear and where to go were always important decisions, as was how I spent my money in general. But as I grew and learned more about my finances and myself, I felt more and more in control of my future and more relaxed and confident about where I was headed.

Lately, though, I find my thoughts drifting off in other directions, into places where I have less control. I’m anxious about my parents’ finances during their imminent retirement and, though they are still young and relatively healthy, their health care once they retire. I’ve learned how to save my money, but I can’t figure out how to balance my needs for a stable future with the need to invest and take a risk. I worry that I’m putting my career (and B’s journey to find one) ahead of my desire to have a family. Things are going well, but now that I’ve spent so much time working to get “here,” a whole new set of worries has replaced what I thought would be the time when I enjoy the fruits of my labor.

I imagine that many of you have dealt with the same set of worries. Any advice you can share about how you deal with the nagging questions and find balance among your priorities would be much appreciated!
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New Self.com Personal Finance Blog

Good news. Yet another mainstream women's magazine is getting into the PF blogosphere: Self online this month introduced "Save Like Me," written by MP Dunleavy, who writes the the award-winning Women in Red series for MSN Money and the "Cost of Living" column for The New York Times. Her first book, "Money Can Buy Happiness," recently won the "2007 Books for a Better Life Award" for personal finance. Check it out - it's definitely worth a read.

(And as always on the quick hits, ignore this command) --->

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Super Smart Spring Saving Strategies, Part 2

Yesterday I posted the first in a series of tips on how to save smart during spring, the season that calls me to spend, spend, spend every year. Here are a few more strategies.

Tip 2. Put your friends on alert.
If you were trying to lose 10 lbs., you’d tell your girlfriends, right? You’d want them to know why you’ve suddenly gone vegan and are committed to running a 10K in two months. And you’d expect their full support.

Why shouldn’t savings goals be the same? The next time you’re out with friends, try this, “Ladies, I’m trying really hard to hit my savings goals this spring so I need to be extra budget conscious and I wanted you to know.” The point here is that you need them to stop pressuring you to go everywhere and do everything, and be supportive when you can’t. Once they know you're on a budget, you might need to suggest cheap eats or free group activities (lazy day on the beach, anyone?); true friends will glady join you.

And lest you think this tip only applies to single gals – mommies, I’ve seen the admissions fees for amusement parks and they ain’t pretty. Get creative; sometimes a hike at the local state park fuels the imagination as much as a well-engineered roller coaster.

Tip 3. Do it automatically.
If you read my blog regularly, this should be burned into your brain by now: Pay yourself first. Use direct deposit to make sure your savings account and 401k get a portion of your salary before you ever see it. Spring or winter, this is always a smart strategy.

Tip 3. Travel frugally this spring.
Flights are cheap again! Surely that’s reason to celebrate. Unfortunately, many people won’t be able to take advantage of the low fares due to the economy. But if your wanderlust calls (and trust me, mine usually does during the spring), save some extra cash by cashing on a friend’s couch. You can read about my couch-crashing experience here.

Staycations are, of course, another option. But I find those don’t quite quench the thirst to travel. The point is to experience new things in new places, which is hard to do in your own ‘hood.

Tip 4. Coupon it up.
I recently heard that couponing web sites were the #1 fastest growing on the web last quarter. Makes sense, right? But coupons are for more than just groceries. I’ve noticed major retailers like REI, J.Crew and Anne Taylor Loft offering great discounts and incentives through coupons lately. To take advantage, be sure to visit your favorite store’s web site before you shop there, and also sign up for the mailing list and twitter feed.

Tip 5. Read everyone you can.
Let’s say you wanted to start training for a race. Wouldn’t you visit some well-respected running/swimming/biking sites to find a training schedule, information on injuries, nutrition tips and motivation information? Well, think of reaching your savings goals just like you might training your body to get in shape: You need coaching, and you need a lot of it.

I won’t pretend to have all the answers, but I think you can learn a lot during the rainy days this spring by reading some well-respected PF divas and dudes like Jean Chatzky , Suze Orman and Dave Ramsey, as well as financial web sites like Kiplinger.com and Money Magazine . Finally, be sure to check out my “Best PF Bloggers” to find other PF blogs to add to your reading list. Good, sound advice is really lurking around every corner if you know where to look. You can be a savvy saver in no time this spring.

Tip 6. Use your tax refund wisely.
I’m torn here. I know it’s best for the economy if we all go out and spend our tax refunds, but I also know there are some who can afford to spend and others who cannot. So on this topic, I will say: the majority of my readers probably need to save their cash right now. If you have bad debt, don’t have a savings cushion and have an unstable job, you probably shouldn’t spend your tax refund on frivolous things. If you have a savings cushion, though, and a stable job, do the rest of us a favor and buy a refrigerator or a new computer or something. (Just remember to use coupons and get your money’s worth.)

Tip 7. Pick up a hobby.
OK, this is also recycled territory for me. But what better time to pick up a cheap, healthy outdoor hobby than spring? If you’re running every day (or walking or biking or playing volleyball or whatever), you’re not spending money. It’s that simple. Let the warm weather inspire you to a better waistline and bottom line.

Tip 8. Visit America Saves.
Here’s another great resource with zillions of things I haven’t even considered.

Tip 9. Walk everywhere.
It’s nice outside, so save money on gas by walking to pick up your groceries, library books, kids from school and anywhere else within a mile or two.

Tip 10. (For renters…) Move!
Spring is the best time for moving, with a dearth of apartments open and the weather relatively accommodating. If you can’t find wiggle room in your budget, even after making serious changes, you may need to find cheaper rent. Check your local listings to see what apartments are going for now and how much you can save. I’ve heard from a few people that it’s a good time due to so many people trying to downgrade their homes and condos (and in need of renters).

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Super Smart Spring Saving Strategies, Part 1

If you live in a cold weather climate like me, you know how easy it is to save money during the winter; you don’t feel like leaving the couch because the car door is frozen shut, you’re dressed in a down comforter and the ice is too treacherous for anything but Uggs. But as soon as St. Patty’s day passes, we Northerners feel the urge to spend on anything and everything, regardless of whether we want or need it.

Personally, I feel it’s my duty to take advantage of the beautiful weather … that concert I hate? Sure I’ll go! It’s too nice a day to waste in my apartment! Those ugly padded bike shorts? Throw ‘em in the cart! I’m bound to ride every other day in the lovely sun! We’re eating out again tonight? Well, if it’s al fresco, it’s a must! …The cycle enthusiastically goes on and on.

The spring spending cycle is good for business, but for those of us trying to reach our savings goals, a 70-degree day is enough to derail our monthly dining and entertainment budgets completely. So how can a fiscally responsible gal take advantage of the warmer weather without going for broke? Try a few of these smart saving strategies to start spring on the right foot.

Tip 1: Stop and think about it.
Let’s pretend it’s Saturday afternoon and you’re running to Target to pick up supplies and Rubbermaid bins for spring cleaning. While there, you spy you bff browsing cute new summer dresses. She invites you out to day drink and watch the NCAA games. You agree because, hell-o, it’s 65 out and sunny.

Two previously unnecessary dresses and $45 later, you’re off to the watering hole where you spend $50 on lunch and a few rounds of drinks. While there, you notice you’re late to meet a few friends for dinner, so you run home, change and take a $25 cab (it’s too late for a bus) to your $25 dinner, followed by another $40 on evening activities with the girls.

The next day, you know you had a great night, but your spending hangover leaves you feeling guilty and swearing off your friends for the next two weeks. When I was overspending, some variation of this scenario seemed to occur nearly every weekend in the spring and summer.

Sound familiar to you? Well, rest assured, I come bearing good news. While those of us on a budget can’t say yes to everything, it doesn’t mean we can’t have fun. In the scenario above, we could have made the following smart savings moves, had we stopped to think about them:

• Stayed away from shopping Target for cleaning supplies (the clothing racks are always too tempting)

• Stayed away from shopping Target for cleaning supplies (the clothing racks are always too tempting)

• Told that friend at Target to watch the afternoon games at our house over home-made Margaritas

• Or, met that friend at the bar after we had lunch at home

• Looked at our watch often enough to know when we needed to leave in order to take the train to meet our other friends

• Had a glass of water between each drink out to cut down on the total cost of the night

• Done research ahead of time to find specials on dinner and drinks

At any point of the day in the scenario, we had the chance to think about the actions we were taking and make a good decision. But we were too swept up in the moment to notice it.

The next time you find yourself saying yes to unplanned activity just because it’s a nice day, stop and think for a minute. Ask yourself these questions:

1. How will this interfere with what I already planned to do today? Will it make me run late? Will I need to replan my travel or today’s budget?
2. Can I take one simple step to make today cheaper?
3. Do I need to drop everything and do it right now, or can I take 15 minutes to make some adjustments that will save me a few dollars?
4. Do I want to do this? How will I feel after I do this?

Your answer to the above questions will help you determine how quickly you can adapt to the change of plans in a budget-friendly way. Sometimes, the best way to save money is to stop and think about the choices you make to understand how they can affect your bottom line.

More coming on this topic tomorrow!

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Budgeting Babe on CNN.com!

CNN.com
Thrift fashions on the money during recession
By Lisa France

... Nicole Mladic is the "babe" behind the "Budgeting Babe" blog for "young, working women who want to spend like Carrie in a Jimmy Choo store but have a budget closer to Roseanne."

Mladic said she encourages her readers to not only shop thrift, but also to be generous in their giving.

"I make sure to thin out my wardrobe every so often," she said. "Any pieces that I am not wearing, I donate."

That type of generosity is much appreciated, especially in the current economy...

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Budgeting Babe on Twitter (and Many Other PF Bloggers, too!)

For Twitter fans: You can now follow me there (http://twitter.com/budgetingbabe). I'll try to pepper in deals, tips and links along with the more usual updates on where I am and what I'm doing. I'll also occasionally look for stories ideas and sources there.

A ton of PF bloggers are already on Twitter - Bible Money Matters is way ahead and already has compiled a list of 125 people PF junkies should follow on Twitter.

In case you have troubles with BMM's list, I'm republishing it here.
1. http://twitter.com/ptmoney
2. http://twitter.com/remodelthislife
3. http://twitter.com/glblguy
4. http://twitter.com/freefrombroke
5. http://twitter.com/christianpf
6. http://twitter.com/sensetosave
7. http://twitter.com/MoneyNing
8. http://twitter.com/MilkYourMoney
9. http://twitter.com/paidtwice
10. http://twitter.com/SmartyPig
11. http://twitter.com/TheHappyRock
12. http://twitter.com/FourPillars
13. http://twitter.com/jnickles
14. http://twitter.com/ThatOneCaveman
15. http://twitter.com/marubozo
16. http://twitter.com/ifeelgod
17. http://twitter.com/mrsmicah
18. http://twitter.com/hank_MiB
19. http://twitter.com/bripblap
20. http://twitter.com/Miss_Thrifty
21. http://twitter.com/Finc_confluence
22. http://twitter.com/ncheapskate
23. http://twitter.com/moneymender
24. http://twitter.com/RCThinkWealth
25. http://twitter.com/Green_Panda
26. http://twitter.com/nodebtplan
27. http://twitter.com/sforzley
28. http://twitter.com/ebillme
29. http://twitter.com/Shayna
30. http://twitter.com/budgetsaresexy
31. http://twitter.com/Andys2i
32. http://twitter.com/pfhacks
33. http://twitter.com/MoneyWatch
34. http://twitter.com/moneylovechangeb
35. http://twitter.com/frugalbabe
36. http://twitter.com/moneycoach
37. http://twitter.com/PenelopePince
38. http://twitter.com/squawkfox
39. http://twitter.com/nomorespending
40. http://twitter.com/MMarquit
41. http://twitter.com/mytwodollars
42. http://twitter.com/frugalinva
43. http://twitter.com/aroundthesun
44. http://twitter.com/cheapcheapcheap
45. http://twitter.com/Kidscash
46. http://twitter.com/bargainist
47. http://twitter.com/BargainBanana
48. http://twitter.com/mbhunter
49. http://twitter.com/DebtDiva
50. http://twitter.com/FredPeters
51. http://twitter.com/taxtweet
52. http://twitter.com/banker_girl
53. http://twitter.com/elym
54. http://twitter.com/L_buckets
55. http://twitter.com/moneymanagement
56. http://twitter.com/3princessesmomm
57. http://twitter.com/JennFowler
58. http://twitter.com/debtfreerev
59. http://twitter.com/simplemom
60. http://twitter.com/SunFinancial
61. http://twitter.com/moolanomy
62. http://twitter.com/MoneySmart
63. http://twitter.com/GBlogger
64. http://twitter.com/MatthewDP
65. http://twitter.com/wisdomjournal
66. http://twitter.com/moneywatch
67. http://twitter.com/FrugalTrader
68. http://twitter.com/MJTM
69. http://twitter.com/BudgetPulse
70. http://twitter.com/passiveincome
71. http://twitter.com/TheMoneyHawk
72. http://twitter.com/PennyCoach
73. http://twitter.com/MsMoneySavvy
74. http://twitter.com/prosperousfool
75. http://twitter.com/loveGodnotmoney
76. http://twitter.com/BudgetNerd
77. http://twitter.com/framblings
78. http://twitter.com/nickelsndimes
79. http://twitter.com/LazyManAndMoney
80. http://twitter.com/moneymonk
81. http://twitter.com/Frugal_Frank
82. http://twitter.com/brokegrad
83. http://twitter.com/preciouspennies
84. http://twitter.com/FinanceGirl
85. http://twitter.com/debitvscredit
86. http://twitter.com/RichChristian
87. http://twitter.com/SingleGuyMoney
88. http://twitter.com/ToughMoneyLove
89. http://twitter.com/bargainbriana
90. http://twitter.com/MoneySavingGuid
91. http://twitter.com/centsiblesaving
92. http://twitter.com/BoomerinthePew
93. http://twitter.com/MsPennyPincher
94. http://twitter.com/OneFrugalGirl
95. http://twitter.com/WideOpenWallet
96. http://twitter.com/FrugalJulie
97. http://twitter.com/AlmostFrugal
98. http://twitter.com/ChicShoppaChick
99. http://twitter.com/gearedinvestor
100. http://twitter.com/kingdomfirstmom
101. http://twitter.com/FeedTheBull
102. http://twitter.com/marty0518
103. http://twitter.com/breakingeven
104. http://twitter.com/debtrepreneur
105. http://twitter.com/moneybluebook
106. http://twitter.com/mydrblog
107. http://twitter.com/CWRandall
108. http://twitter.com/moneyconfession
109. http://twitter.com/debtkid
110. http://twitter.com/mommieswithcent
111. http://twitter.com/saverqueen
112. http://twitter.com/thewriterscoin
113. http://twitter.com/daylatebuckshrt
114. http://twitter.com/thepennymine
115. http://twitter.com/creditgeek
116. http://twitter.com/creditfreedom
117. http://twitter.com/frugalfreebies
118. http://twitter.com/ThriftyJinxy
119. http://twitter.com/MomsWhoSave
120. http://twitter.com/jasonmitchener (now a contributor to this site!)
121. http://twitter.com/pennypinchingp
122. http://twitter.com/thefrugalmomma
123. http://twitter.com/CommnSenseMoney
124. http://twitter.com/Debtwarriors
125. http://twitter.com/BSimple

As I get more familiar with Twitter, I will go through and highlight those who are good resources for guys and gals in their 20's and 30's. Now I'm off to go update my list of folks to follow... exciting! Read more!

Doing my part to stimulate the economy

I haven't shared a list of recent spends in some time. It's pouring rain in Chicago today so I took to the car and ran some soggy errands. Here's the damage:

Spent $96.84 at Ann Taylor Loft on:
2 brightly colored, office appropriate cardigans
1 floral blouse
1 jersey knit shirt
1 skirt ($10!)
The total would have been $126.84 but I used a $30 gift certificate.
While in the store, I resisted the urge to buy a cute jersey dress and a fabulous but full-priced skirt. The clerk gave me a $25.00 gift certificate for my next purchase when I checked out, so maybe I'll go back when they're on sale.

Spent $136.11 on 39 items at Whole Foods. Yes, I know you hate when I shop there but they have the longest-lasting produce. My Trader Joe's produce goes bad after three days. I was also stocking up on frozen Amy's lunches for the next week to avoid spending $7-$10 per lunch in the office. TJ's doesn't have as many lunch options and all the other stores are more expensive for Amy's lunches and meatless products.

Spent $33.18 on cat food at PetCo. We have to spend a little more on special food for our meow, but it's way better than having to pay for and give her insulin shots. She's now 100 percent off insulin and we've been able to get her blood sugar back to normal through diet alone. It's crazy but true.

Spent $12.22 on a pound of coffee at Blue Max roasters. Clearly more expensive than Folgers, but it's our daily indulgence. Plus, I'm hoping to ween myself off the $2 per cup fare at Au Bon Pain. Brewed a few pots at home last week before dashing out the door and think I can maintain it.

Finally, I need to get a new backpack for work so I'm going to shop for discounts this afternoon online. I'm dreading it though -- why do backpacks have to be so fugly? (Thanks to Bobby Breidholt's Flickr stream for the pic.) Can't we transfer one or two of our best purse designers to the backpack team? Seriously. My laptop is way too heavy to carry every day in handbag that lopsides my posture.

So there you have it, my spendy day. If it sounds like I'm living a little larger than someone called "The Budgeting Babe," (lest you think I should be buying my groceries at Aldi and my clothing at thrift stores) know that it's because I budget for it! Sometimes spending a little more on groceries means spending a little less on expensive lunches, avoiding nights out at the theatre or walking around town to avoid paying for gas. No matter what you plus up or reduce from your bottom line, how you choose to spend is your perogative. Sometimes expensive cheeseballs do the trick for me.

When it comes down to your bottom line, you can live well and still live below your means. Life is all about choices and your wallet is no exception. So, dear readers, run your errands with aplomb this week. Just be sure to budget for it. Read more!

Are 30-somethings screwed?

Loved this article by Boston Gal.

From the article:
I have learned that despite my overall conservative financial tendencies, I can't prevent net worth or income loss. I can't time stock, housing, or job markets. I can't assume medicaid, social security, or even corporate pension plans will be there for me in my old age.

Stop by Boston Gal's blog to see her perspective and remember to add Boston Gal to your reading list. Read more!

Good Find: Jean Chatzky's Blog

I like Jean Chatzky, and not just because last year her publisher sent me a free copy of her book, Make Money, Not Excuses to review (though that was pretty sweet). I like her because she's smart and practical, and I can understand her. But I don't have time in the morning to watch her on TV (true story: I do not wake up one millisecond before I absolutely have to. Most days I hit the snooze button four to five times before getting out of bed). So I rarely get to catch her live.

But today I came across her blog and want to share it with you. Click here to read about Jean's positive outlook and soak in her advice.

The blog is good; her topics are interesting and informative and given that it's her full-time career, she obviously catches a lot of things that us part-timers miss. Plus, I found her blog to be more relevant to this Budgeting Babe than some of her books, which seemed to speak to women of a different life stage than mine.

Thanks for the good work Jean! Your perspective is refreshing for those of us in the trenches. Read more!