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Archive for March, 2012

It doesn't matter how much you make. Really?

March 31st, 2012 at 08:48 pm

I used to think it doesn't matter how much you make. What matters is how much you save.

Well, it is true to certain extent. Now I know, it is SO MUCH easier to save when making more money.

When I started working for current employer, I was a temp making $14 per hour. Then, I was offered an Executive Assistant job, making $18.5.

I followed all the good finance advice. I packed my lunch and ate at my desk every day. I contributed 20% of my salary to 401K. I cut coupons and looked for deals. I mailed rebates to get free stuff, and get free samples. But our saving didn't grow that much.

I realized I need college degree to be promoted to manager position, I went back to school and got my degree in Business Administration while working full time. It took me 8 years to finish my school work but I received a couple of promotions during those years, one to become a financial analyst when I got my Associates degree, and a manager position when I got my Business degree.

Then, I was offered a director position in Bay Area. Now, my base salary is above 100K and I also receive 15% bonus (this depends on company performance). I still contribute maximum amount to 401K, clip coupons and look for deals.

But what a difference between making 40K a year and 100K plus a year. It is so much more easier to save money and have a nice cushion in cash account.

So, yes, how much you save matters. And, how much you make also matters A LOT - which I didn't know when I wasn't making anything. Now I know.


Cashed in

March 27th, 2012 at 02:36 am

I received a statement from Citi card and there it was! 50,000 points.

I ordered Best Buy gift card. I'm planning to buy iPad with the GC.

Thanks, Citi!

Getting back to routine

March 24th, 2012 at 03:47 am

I was traveling overseas for almost 2 weeks. First few days was my vacation, going back to my home country, then, off to another country for business.

Since those 2 destinations are so close (only 2 hours flight), I normally combine my business trip with vacation. I only pay for the fare difference to stop by my home country. Great deal for me.

Even it was nice to see my old friends and co-workers, being home is the best thing. Actually, I caught cold and wasn't feeling well during my trip. Oh well....

Now I'm back to work and it is nice to be back to my normal routine.

Another nice thing about going on a business trip is expense is paid by my employer. I was on per diem, so free meal, or my co-worker took me out for dinner. Cannot beat that.

Antenna works just fine!

March 3rd, 2012 at 08:06 pm

I wrote before that we cancelled our cable TV. We were paying $95 a month for not much to watch.

My hubby ordered an antenna and installed it. He is no "handy man" for sure, but he managed to install it and connected to our 2 TVs.

Voilą! We are now watching all kinds of channels and the antenna catches some TV stations in Bay Area which is about 100 miles away.

We were like... what were we paying thousands of dollars for???