Bitches Get Stuff Done!

I was reminded of this Tina Fey quote by my sister last weekend, when I had to get a little bitchy to get stuff done. If you want to see the original context (and you do), check out this video (the part I'm referring to starts at about 1:20). (Also, Hillary 2016!)

First, I had to go to CVS to return a recalled prescription. (Yes, the one in the news). (No, I'm not.) I called to see if they'd have the replacement, and the woman on the phone basically said that mine wasn't recalled. Ummm, yeah it was. I got the letter, checked the lot numbers. It was. She said most people got those letters two weeks ago. Well, I got mine three days ago, and that doesn't make me feel better. She said to just come in and the pharmacist could, "check to see if it was recalled." When I got there I showed the pharmacist my pill packs (one of which I had already taken...yikes) and she casually said that I was right and that they could have the medication the next day. I pushed back, telling her I was unsatisfied with their service and how I was treated on the phone. I also said that I wanted to medication that day, since I'd already taken a months worth of recalled medication. She got on the phone and found a local pharmacy where I could pick it up that night.

Bitches get stuff done.

Then I had to do a return at Victoria's Secret for an online order I received as a gift, and to make a long story short, after one very helpful phone rep explained how I could return the gift and order the new item in store, the women at the counter said I couldn't. I pushed back, saying I was told I could. After a few tries, I specifically asked if there was a form I could use (since I didn't have the packing slip...it was a gift). And suddenly, after I pushed back, they "remembered" that they had the form.

Bitches get stuff done.

I didn't yell at anyone, or use harsh language, or throw a fit. But I didn't back down either. I pushed back and asked for what I want. I let them know when I was unhappy, and though I couldn't see my facial expression, I probably made it clear how I felt by the look on my face. When I got good service at the second CVS and on the phone at Victoria's Secret, I thanked people sincerely and told them I appreciated their help. I was quite nice, in fact. But I think sometimes as women we're a little too worried about being nice. I'm sure those women I didn't back down from don't think I'm nice. But I made them do their jobs. I demanded good service. And if they don't think I'm nice...I don't really care.

Oh, and my students would know the capital of Vermont too. I'm no nun, but I get stuff done!

Don't Be Shy

Around holidays or birthdays, most of us will get asked this question: "What do you want?"

For some reason, the polite answer is, "You don't have to get me anything." or "I don't know, I don't need anything."

Now, there are genuinely some people who I really feel shouldn't get me anything. So, I have said that. But there are others who I KNOW are going to get me something: my mom, grandma, etc. I would include BF, but we have a policy of not asking what the other wants and just surprising each other. I do hint though. :) And give positive reinforcement for the gifts I really like.

But for those of us who are striving to pay off debt or build a savings, this is an opportunity to allow someone to help you in your goals. So when one of the people who is definitely going to get me something asks, I try to come up with something that I need or have been wanting to buy anyway. For example, around Christmas my mom asked me and I told her that I wanted new wine glasses, since I had managed to break most of mine. This gave her something to get, and I am pleased to have new wine glasses (in fact, I am using one right now to drink a bottle of wine that BF's dad got for me for Christmas). My grandma mostly does gift cards, so I made sure to tell her that I really liked my gift card to Marshalls that I got last year (and used the one she got this year to get new knives and sheets...both things we really needed). A friend asked what I wanted for my birthday, and I mentioned that I missed getting the magazine Real Simple, and she got me a subscription.

Of course any gift I receive is great...and I've gotten some great things that I didn't ask for. Obviously I'm not advocating running around and announcing demands when they're unsolicited. But, if someone asks what you'd like, TELL THEM. It makes everyone happier, and it can definitely help you reach your financial goals faster.

Do you tell people what you want as gifts, or do you prefer the surprise?

Feeling Gassy?

The other day I heard a report on NPR that said that in more expensive states (like California) gas prices could get to $5 per gallon this year.

I said, out loud, alone, in my car: "WHAT?!?!"

Are you freaking kidding me? I immediately texted a co-worker to see if she wanted to try to start carpooling a few days a week again. I also decided to do some research on how to get better gas mileage. I knew a lot of these, but it was good to remind myself of these simple tips:

1. Get rid of extra weight: no, I don't mean go on a diet (though it couldn't hurt). Carrying around 100 pounds of extra junk in your car (which could add up fast) can reduce your MPG by 2%. So, today I cleaned out my car. I don't think I had 100 pounds in there, but it's a good reminder to keep it cleaned out.

2. No aggressive driving: Avoiding speeding, rapid acceleration, and braking can improve MPG by up to 33%! I wouldn't say I'm incredibly aggressive on the road, but I'm going to try to remember to RELAX behind the wheel.

3. Obey the speed limit. Sigh. This is a weakness. The article I read said that for every 5mph you go above 60 is like paying $0.28 more per gallon. Yikes! I confess that I am a speeder, but I'm going to remind myself of this and try to save some moolah.

4. DON'T IDLE: This means that I need to plug in my cell phone before I start the car. I need to put on my seatbelt before I start the car. I read that idling can use up a half gallon of gas per hour, so it's important not to sit and idle. This seems like something I can work on right away.

5. Leave earlier for work: by cutting down commute time, you can definitely improve your MPG. For me, that means not hitting snooze so many freaking times, and getting out the door a little earlier.

How do you save on gas?

Thanks, Insurance!

I hadn't gone to get my eyes checked for over a year, so yesterday I headed over to Lens Crafters and got my eye exam. My goal was to get any services that were covered by my insurance, but not to pay for any extras. I got out the door for $15, so I'm pretty happy.

I got my regular exam and discovered that my left eye is 20/20. My right eye...not so much. But, my prescription hasn't changed in the past year and half, so I'm fine with the free glasses I got from Coastal Contacts about six months ago. Since I am due for new frames (up to $100 is free), they suggested I get a pair of prescription sunglasses.

I found a pair of Ralph Lauren glasses that I liked and got them done. The tinting cost $15 (includes UV protection). I like the pair I ended up with...though when I tried them on for BF he said (in a perfectly conversational tone), "those look like older lady glasses." Thanks honey. :/

Giving for Free

Andrea posted a link to this post about donating without spending money. I've posted about this topic before, but since the post inspired me, I want to give credit where credit is due.

Yesterday, I went and donated blood at the Red Cross. It's free, it only took me about half an hour (make an appointment), and it can save up to three lives. I am type O Negative, so they are always on me to give (universal donor). Afterward, I got free snacks, and I also got a coupon for a free appetizer at Mimi's Cafe.

I used to be super terrified of needles. It got a little better as I got older, and while I still don't want to watch the needle go in my arm, I am able to give blood without getting panicky. I also make myself do it because I believe in it. It can't be made any other way, and it's free to give.

So, if you are able, I challenge you to give blood this week. The need is constant, and how often can you say you saved someone's life? If you give blood, you can say it every 56 days. If you do give, please comment and let me know! I'll give you a shout-out in a future post!

I Never Thought I'd Say This...

But I love SoCal Edison. That's my electric company. A while back, I posted that I started using their budget assistant to track my electricity usage. You set a goal for the month and they send you a weekly email saying how you're doing and what your projected bill is, based on your usage so far. You can also log in at any time and see where your at, how much electricity was used each day at different times. It's great, for a nerd like me.

I tracked it this month and made a few changes to keep my electric bill down. I primarily charged my phone in my car, and also started charging my computer at work and letting it run on battery power at night. I was also aware of turning off the lights and using natural light whenever possible. I set a goal for $20 for the month.

Piece of good news number one: I came in under budget at $16.31! That's my cheapest electric bill ever, I'm happy to say. Whoo-hoo!

Good news item number two: I got a coupon in the mail saying that if I sign up for the Budget Assistant, I can get a free $10 gift card. I tried it, and even though I'm already signed up, it looks like it worked, and I'll get a gift card sometime in April. You could choose from Amazon, Fandango, or Mastercard gift cards. I went with Mastercard, since that gives me the option to use it almost anywhere. Score!

So, even though I never thought I'd be singing the praises of my electric company...tonight I am. That puts me under my utility budget by $12...which will go straight into my Europe fund at the end of the month!

Am I the Only One?

Am I the only one who likes Valentine's Day?

First, I am just a holiday person. I like decorations and cards and all sorts of seasonal stuff. As a teacher, even when I'm single I was able to have fun with the holiday in my classroom.

And I was single on Valentine's Day for a LOT of years. In fact, this is only the second year EVER that I've had a boyfriend. And that, of course, makes it even more fun. I like picking out a card for him, wrapping presents in heart patterned tissue paper. And of course, I like getting a card from him, and this year the box of chocolates (heart shaped, even) he left for me this morning. He closes tonight, so we're not doing anything, but we're exchanging gifts and he's making dinner on Thursday.

We were talking about Valentine's Day and he was going on a little rant about how it's silly to buy gifts six weeks after Christmas, and he shows me he loves me all the time, and blah blah blah. I reminded him that in my 29 years, this is only my SECOND Valentine's Day. I'm not ready to be over it. I told him that in the years to come, I'll probably be cool with just a card, but for now, I still want to enjoy having a real Valentine's Day.

So I'm not going to be cool and cynical and say how Valentine's Day is lame. I'm going to say that it's sweet and fun. And having a boyfriend helps that, but I also sent cards to my mom, sister, and grandma. And really, I hope I'm never cynical about it. I like holidays and chances to focus on showing love to people. And eating candy.