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Archive for March, 2017

I Officially Have a Place!

March 27th, 2017 at 08:36 pm

I ended up with a different apartment than the first I mentioned. This one had more bang for my buck. For $745, the complex has a business center, fitness center, outdoor and indoor pool. The indoor pool was a HUGE draw for me because I like aquacise so much. It is within a few miles of the first place, and it is a good area.

I am so close to so much shopping which is a plus. I hate spending money, but I sure love earning it via mystery shopping! I also figured now that my son is without a car for awhile, it is nice this is on the bus line.

My anxiety level is a lot lower now. I hated the feeling of not knowing where in the heck I was going to live. Now I can relax a bit.

Bad News/Good News

March 22nd, 2017 at 01:10 am

First the bad, my son totaled his car this morning on the way to school. It appears his brake line had some kind of leak. He did not get ticketed although he hit the car in front of him. Since the car is 20 years old they opted to total it already. He is not hurt, and he only took the bumper off the other car. That was odd because he drove a huge Chrysler and the other car was a small Toyota. My son is pretty upset. He loved his car. I reminded him cars can be replaced but people cannot.

Onto the "Good" news....Geico worked fast. They already looked at it and told me they appraised it at $2200 which is more than double what he originally paid for it. However, we put work in it. In the end he just about evened out. I am pleased with the amount. I just wish it never happened.

It is going to be serious pain, but we are going to try and keep one car for the next two months. I will drive him to and from school. He works within walking distance. DH works late afternoons so it can be done. After we get to Michigan we can decide on a car.

Michigan Trip Recap

March 18th, 2017 at 12:27 pm

The Michigan trip was a success. My grandson got to see snow for the first time (He's four) and LOVED it. Watching him play in it was worth the trip. He was so good on the trip. I miss him terribly already.

I went to the Lansing area with my friend and her husband on Tuesday. We looked in a few areas, and in the end I decided on an apartment in a quaint town just west of Lansing. They had the cutest little main street type of downtown within walking distance. Also within a mile in the other direction was Meijer (in my opinion a better quality Walmart with groceries in the Midwest) and the typical chain fast foods, gas stations, etc. I need to do my taxes since I am self-employed and then officially apply for the apartment. I am going to take care of it all this week. Best of all the rent is $710 with gas, water/trash and sewer all included. The apartment is 2 bedrooms/1 bath.

As I mentioned previously, this was originally my daughter's trip and I tagged along. I gave her $150 from an overpayment for the cable/internet (A long story and hours of calls, but I finally got it) for gas/car wear and tear and the hotel. Other than that, I spent the following:

$12-A cake for my daughter's half birthday (Her card on her real birthday never arrived)

$10-Cracker Barrel for my dinner on the way home

$3-Toy for my grandson on clearance at Kmart going out of business

$3-Wendy's for my grandson

$ 32 gas for my friend for the Lansing trip, and I used my card once on the road for gas ($1.92 in Northern Tennessee!)

$5 Tip at lunch when out one day

$5 (approximate can't find receipt) for coffee on the way to Lansing. I also picked up a soda for friend's hubby.

$15-Arby's for 6 of us before we got on the road. My son gets half off, so it was pretty cheap considering.

Total =$85


Our meals were all covered for the most part with the hotel breakfast and my family members. My dad took us out twice. My uncle was also up from Florida and took care of a meal. Another uncle bought us lunch another day. My grandma also bought lunch one day. My parents also cooked a lasagna one night.

On a side note, my son's trip with his dad got canceled. His dad was supposed to fly in from CT and they were going to drive my son's car to the Gainesville area to see his dads father. The Nor' Easter ruined that. His dad couldn't get another flight out until Friday and they were due back on Sunday anyhow, so he just got a refund instead.

Non financial brain dump...

March 8th, 2017 at 01:17 pm

I am incredibly anxious this week. It's not like I haven't been aware for many months I am going through nearly every major life change this year. However, with the trip to MI This week, it really is hitting me hard.

I don't want any regrets. I know when I moved here, it wasn't the best decision. Overall, it worked out but in retrospect it wasn't a great decision.

I KNOW moving to MI is good for us. For one, after research my moving there will get my son in-state tuition this year. This is going to save thousands! I also know it is never a bad thing to be near friends and family.

Part of my anxiety is driving in March. The weather can be a factor. Luckily, I don't see any major storms on the horizon. Please pray and/or keep us in your thoughts the weather is decent for us on the trip there and back.

When I get to MI, I am going out with my cousin house/apt hunting to see if us sharing a place is viable. That may not work because of where she needs to live. It is further from Lansing than I prefer. I am also going to Lansing for a full day to look at places there.

In the end, it isn't like I would ever be homeless if I don't find something before the move. I can put my stuff in storage and stay with my parents for a month or two. However, I would have much more peace of mind if I have a place of my own to move to on June 1st.

On the marriage front, DH is freaking out that he will be homeless. However, he has made no effort or progress. It seems he expects me to take him in if nothing falls in his lap. I can't do it anymore.

Savings Update

March 4th, 2017 at 12:39 pm

Moving fund is up to $700. It would be more, but I needed to put over $400 into the car for a control arm.


The laptop fund is up to $127 (Amazon). I recently cashed out for $25 on Swagbucks.

Class Action Lawsuit-New car or parts in last 20 years

March 3rd, 2017 at 12:44 pm

You might be eligible to get in on this if your car or part qualifies. You must have proof of purchase. The deadline is March 16th.

https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/351624-automotive-parts-price-fixing-class-action-settlements/

My car qualifies!