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Home > Archive: April, 2017

Archive for April, 2017

More car expenses

April 29th, 2017 at 02:01 am

Last week my check engine light came on. Over 700 dollars later ($722.81 to be exact), it is fixed. I have put over $2000 into my car the last few months. However, a lot of that was regular maintenance. I have replaced two tires, the rear brakes, a control arm, two sensors, a coil, had an oil change and a tune up. I am going to get the transmission fluid flushed before I hit the road, and I hope that is the last of it for awhile. My car is a 2010 Santa Fe, and I hope to have it last at least two more years. I will need to replace the other two tires before winter, but that "should" be it for the year other than oil changes.

This month every little bit extra is going in savings for the move. I have the money for the rent, deposit, truck, gas and one night in a hotel. However, I know I will need to fill my fridge from scratch. I also know other things will likely pop up. I am working extra admin hours this month, so that will help.

Other than that, not much new here. I hope everyone has a great weekend.

Happy Easter

April 16th, 2017 at 04:25 pm

Happy Easter! Not much happening here. I am working. We were allowed to take the day off, but I saw no reason to do so. I have no plans, and I do not get paid for being off. My son was invited to a cookout at a friend's house. Since our time here is winding down and I had nothing special planned, I encouraged him to go. It is a beautiful day, so I may go for a walk on the beach when he gets home with the car.

My Easter spending was about $30, although $21.98 was Amazon credit. Once again, I dipped into the credit I saved up, but it made more sense than sending gifts to the grandkids from a brick and mortar store. I would have spent cash and had shipping costs. I have Prime, so shipping was free. I also took the slower shipping so I would get $5 credit toward Prime Pantry shipping (usually $5.99). The rest of the cash was candy/Cheezits for my son's Easter bucket. He will be 18 this summer, so I wanted to do one last Easter gift before he is an adult. I also saved money by not getting Easter themed candy. I got him a regular Lindt white chocolate bar and Reese's.

I hope you all enjoy your day.


A Day in the Life of Mystery Shopping

April 13th, 2017 at 05:53 pm

Some of you have noted interest in the past, so I thought I would share a day of mystery shopping. This isn't everyday, but I could do this type of day at least three times a week. The times include the shop and the report. This is my agenda for tomorrow:

1.) Breakfast at Sonic:

Pay: $10 (Originally $5, Bonus $5)

Reimbursement: Up to $7.80 (It's enough for a complete meal. I will probably take my son to school, and he can eat it beforehand. I am trying to avoid fast food.)

Report Easy, no narrative

Total time for this shop: 30 mins

Time for payment: 30 days

2.) Local Credit Union for a typical transaction:

Pay: $10 (This is low pay for a bank shop, but I need to go there anyhow.)

Report: Easy, one section of narrative

Total time for this shop (Assuming no long lines): 15 minutes

Time for payment: 6 weeks

3.) Ross (Clothing store)

Pay: $24 (Originally $14, Bonus $10)

No reimbursement (purchase and return-I will go to Fed Ex. which is near Ross and then return the item.)

Report: Easy, no narrative

Total time for this shop: 45 minutes

Time for payment: 30 days

4.) Fed Ex

Pay: $25 for a package pick up (No idea if there is actually anything of value in the package. The tracking says it weighs 1 lb.)

Report: Moderate, some narrative

Total time for this shop: 30 minutes

Time for payment: 2 weeks

5.) Hot Head Burritos

Pay: $0

Reimbursement: $15 (It will be enough to cover two burritos and two drinks.)

Report: Moderate, some narrative

Total time for this shop: 45 minutes

Time for payment: 5 weeks

I took this shop because it is my son's favorite place. I rarely do reimbursement only shops.

These shops are all local (5 mile radius).

I will make $69 cash and up to $22.80 in reimbursements. With the shops and driving, I am expecting 4 hours of work at most. I can't do the burrito shop until 5 PM, so I will go home and do the other reports and go back out for that shop.

Sidebar Update

April 1st, 2017 at 04:38 pm

Since my son isn't getting a car right away, we took part of the check from the accident and fully funded the moving fund.

As far as Amazon savings for the laptop fund, it is down from $127 at the last update. I bought a few needs. I needed printer ink, a new screen protector for my phone and an AP Physics book for my son. I was down to $97 and some change at one point, but have built it back up a bit and now back up to $113.

The weight loss is on track. I was down 11 pounds last check (early this week). I have just under two months to lose another 14, so it can be done.