Finding Odd Jobs…

Posted by Beks on July 28, 2010 at 10:30 PM
in Making Money | 4 Comments » |

I’ve had a few readers ask how my husband and I find odd jobs.

I’m fortunate to still be connected to previous employers and do work for them when the owners are unable to complete the projects themselves. When I’m not busy with that (which is almost never. I work A LOT for them), I take writing jobs off Craigslist, work as a car shows greeter, and help as an ‘ambassador’ at large gatherings like ComicCon and sporting events with security companies. You can look for these kinds of jobs on Craigslist (be very, very careful on Craigslist) or by approaching employers who host mobile type events that require large amounts of temporary staff. If you are willing to invest the time, these temporary or part time jobs are very easy to find. I make anywhere from $100 to $150 a day with temporary jobs.

My husband is incredibly handy. When he’s not working his 8 to 5 job or going to school, he helps others with construction and plumbing projects. He does exceptional work and has never had to advertise his services. Word of mouth has been his greatest ally. Make sure to follow the laws of your state. California is very strict – no projects over $500 are permitted for unlicensed contractors.

I also heard about a website called 48days.net. On the left side of the website, there is a Post-It labeled “Take a Look at Dan’s 48 Low Cost Business Ideas”. He lists some great ideas for making extra money.

If you have any other ideas – SHARE! ; )

The Eight Day Challenge…

Posted by Beks on July 27, 2010 at 5:00 AM
in Reducing Debt, work | 19 Comments » |

The August payment to Toyota is due in precisely eight days. Our usual monthly payment is $1,000.

Our remaining balance is $1,500.

Oh that annoying extra $500. It’s the itch I can’t scratch. I could wait until September to be done with Toyota or… I could take every odd job under the sun and finish it now.

I’ve never been a patient person.

My husband and I have been taking random jobs this month and so far, we have $380 extra dollars. We are on an eight day challenge to earn the last $120.

We can do this.

VACATION!!!…

Posted by Beks on July 26, 2010 at 5:00 AM
in Living Frugal | 12 Comments » |

Where am I today? Not in San Diego!! I’m beach camping near Los Angeles with some of my family and a few friends that might as well be family. It may not be the most ‘comfortable’ way to spend a few days off, but lying in a sleeping bag with the ocean lulling you to sleep is a good place to start.

Our share of the beach front vacation is $12 per night. It’s a deal that can’t be beat!

Week Three of No Dining Out…

Posted by Beks on July 23, 2010 at 5:00 AM
in Ways I Save Money | 11 Comments » |

I didn’t plan on doing a weekly update about the ‘No Dining Out’ policy but this week was too weird to keep to myself.

I drove past Taco Bell last night, my ‘go to’ fast food joint, and thought, “I can’t wait to make spicy enchiladas for dinner tonight!!”

A few minutes later as I sat at a red light, it hit me…

I wasn’t tempted to stop and was actually *gasp* excited to make my own meal.

What is happening to my brain!?!?

Some nice perks of the no dining out policy:

Clothes fit VERY nicely and…
I’m UNDER budget!!

YES!!

Dealing with theft…

Posted by Beks on July 21, 2010 at 8:30 PM
in emergency fund | 29 Comments » |

Some horrid person decided to break in to my car last night while we slept. It was parked in my driveway but apparently, that doesn’t stop some folks from strolling up and taking what isn’t theirs.

Fortunately, I’m a tidy person and keep nothing but essentials in my car. They got away with $20 in emergency cash, the change drawer in its entirety, and my sense of security.

As my husband was helping me clean up the mess – because it wasn’t enough to steal from me, so they had to destroy my car – at 5:30 in the morning, he smiled and said, “At least your music taste is so bad, thieves don’t even want to steal it!” while holding up my CD case.

“Thanks” I said.

“Not one CD is missing” He said while flipping through the case.

“I noticed” I replied.

“Look! They clearly went through it and decided it sucked.”

“OK hon. I get it!” I yelled.

“Can’t imagine why no one would want Mama Mia, Michael Jackson, or Katherine McPhee. What kind of world are we living in??” he laughed sarcastically.

I’m not sure which is worse. Discovering you have been robbed or having a lowlife thief validate your husband’s assertion that you have awful taste in music.

We’re pulling some cash from our emergency fund and installing floodlights above our cars because…

You never know. He might come back for my totally awesome cd collection.

Take a financial break today…

Posted by Beks on July 21, 2010 at 5:00 AM
in Life Experiences | 15 Comments » |

I have been a bit disappointed this week thanks to year three of the salary freeze and have been spending quite a bit of time re-working my budget to see what I can cut. Unless I decide to sell my dogs, I’ve got nothing left to reduce (and no, I’m not planning to get rid of them). I’m stuck on this slow moving truck for 6 more months.

I went up to my parents’ house on Sunday to visit with my family. It was noisy, crowded, crazy, and…

Utterly relaxing.

We had smoked pork, bbq corn, scalloped potatoes, and grandma’s delicious green salad. Mom topped it off with homemade ice cream, berry cobbler, and oven fresh cookies.

At the end of the night, we donned huge sombreros and danced in the kitchen to the ‘Mexican Hat Dance’.

I couldn’t stop laughing.

When you focus all your energy on finances, you miss some truly valuable moments.

Stop. Breathe. Then dance in your kitchen while blaring the Mexican Hat Dance. Suddenly a salary freeze isn’t such a big deal.