Today I had my meeting with the Merrill Lynch representative whom I met three weeks ago at the Urban League Economic Empowerment Seminar. During the session, I delivered the investment assessment, one month’s worth of receipts, and honesty to her. She said that this was the one of the easiest meetings because of my preparation. Though she complimented me on my diligence, she remarked that I should table my savings and IRA contributions until I was current on all credit cards. Her advice was a bit scary because without my savings there would had not been any BEA Economist interview money; so, I would meet her halfway. Starting next pay, save $100 instead of $200 to expedite my repayment plan. Friday I will request my free credit report, contact the organization regarding my disputed item and implement my budget to ensure that I will be debt-free by December 31st.
Afterward my music professor worked me overtime on Do-Re-Mi. My throat is still dry; however, he proclaimed that it was imperative that I became musically literate so that I could understand anything in front of me; and, I guess that was also the point the Merrill Lynch representative tried to make during our meeting. Regardless of what numbers were in front of me, I needed understand them.
Thursday, March 30, 2006
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
This Tuesday
I am a little under the weather (probably infected by the man who sneezed on the Cleveland Fashion Week material during last week’s Cleveland Film Festival; and, he wiped his nose right in front of me Ew!). Later tonight, I will purchase some NyQuil to beat this thing because it is a monster!
My deferred compensation meeting went well. The representative called me fifteen minutes earlier than expected. He discussed the program and provided me with the material. Having purused through it, some of the small-cap, mid-cap and large-cap funds were familiar; however, this meeting made me want to subscribe to the Wall Street Journal's annual report service. My decision will be made by next pay, but it is imperative to educate myself.
Today I priority mailed the second of three graduate applications to continue my graduate education in case of job relocation. This was the safety school because I really, really wanted to attend the first choice because its staff was more courteous and helpful towards ensuring that my application went to the correct individual. Plus the immediate contact person promised to return my phone call next Monday, the start of summer registration (How cool is that!)
The university on the West Coast is giving the jitters because its staff does not have all of the answers. Plus the deadline is this April 1st, and I wish to submit everything.
Right now I am focusing on studying for the third Intermediate Algebra test occurring this Saturday and the second microeconomics midterm next Tuesday. My goal for the math test is to score over 100 points, and the microeconomics goal is to score 24 which is achievable because I have mapped out one chapter per day to ensure that I accomplish this task.
My deferred compensation meeting went well. The representative called me fifteen minutes earlier than expected. He discussed the program and provided me with the material. Having purused through it, some of the small-cap, mid-cap and large-cap funds were familiar; however, this meeting made me want to subscribe to the Wall Street Journal's annual report service. My decision will be made by next pay, but it is imperative to educate myself.
Today I priority mailed the second of three graduate applications to continue my graduate education in case of job relocation. This was the safety school because I really, really wanted to attend the first choice because its staff was more courteous and helpful towards ensuring that my application went to the correct individual. Plus the immediate contact person promised to return my phone call next Monday, the start of summer registration (How cool is that!)
The university on the West Coast is giving the jitters because its staff does not have all of the answers. Plus the deadline is this April 1st, and I wish to submit everything.
Right now I am focusing on studying for the third Intermediate Algebra test occurring this Saturday and the second microeconomics midterm next Tuesday. My goal for the math test is to score over 100 points, and the microeconomics goal is to score 24 which is achievable because I have mapped out one chapter per day to ensure that I accomplish this task.
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Traveling Woman
Okay I know that I have been away enjoying myself during the Spring Break weekend. I joined and actively participated viewing around 8 films at the Cleveland Film Festival (I purchased 18 tickets!); and, haven’t had to allocate my time towards studying.
Great news! I received a 3.99 out of 4.00 on the first macroeconomic midterm. Personally, I was amazed that I correctly answered all of the value-added questions because I guessed. The value added came in handy because a federal agency wished to interview me (I was so happy! Throughout spring break, I applied for summer admittance into DC and LA universities. Nothing, not even relocation would impede my educational pursuit!) The exam was curved because originally I scored a 21/25 and had I not missed one-half of one point, my grade would had been an A. That just made me focus on studying more to achieve that A!
My microeconomic professor gave us a “welcome-back present” with scheduling our second midterm in two weeks and lecturing on both chapters 10 and 11 (He did not say that in the email!); however, unfazed, I took excellent notes and asked questions because my objective is to score 24 out of 30 (Hey I am a graduate student who should be earning a B without a curve!)
Having finalized my travel arrangements for the trip, I was happy that adhering to my financial action plan paid dividends. Each payday I allocated $200 towards my savings and it came in handy because all I had to do were transfer funds. Tomorrow is payday and though I didn’t reach my initial goal of saving $1000, the $200 will still be transferred to my savings. There are still five more paychecks before my 120-day probation is completed allowing me substantial time to accomplish this goal. Besides this emergency fund will come in handy when I relocate. My goal is to be comfortable regardless of where I resided.
The division chief was cool and he supplied all of the necessary information to ensure that all of my interviews were successful. Even though he mentioned in both the email and over the phone that the interview did not constitute a job offer (of course, not!), this remark motivated me even more. Unfazed, I told him that I took the agency Entry-Level Economist exam and provided my own transportation (Believe I am undaunted in my pursuit of becoming an Economist. And, traveling 500 miles would not deter me one bit!) Because I am a traveling woman! :)
Great news! I received a 3.99 out of 4.00 on the first macroeconomic midterm. Personally, I was amazed that I correctly answered all of the value-added questions because I guessed. The value added came in handy because a federal agency wished to interview me (I was so happy! Throughout spring break, I applied for summer admittance into DC and LA universities. Nothing, not even relocation would impede my educational pursuit!) The exam was curved because originally I scored a 21/25 and had I not missed one-half of one point, my grade would had been an A. That just made me focus on studying more to achieve that A!
My microeconomic professor gave us a “welcome-back present” with scheduling our second midterm in two weeks and lecturing on both chapters 10 and 11 (He did not say that in the email!); however, unfazed, I took excellent notes and asked questions because my objective is to score 24 out of 30 (Hey I am a graduate student who should be earning a B without a curve!)
Having finalized my travel arrangements for the trip, I was happy that adhering to my financial action plan paid dividends. Each payday I allocated $200 towards my savings and it came in handy because all I had to do were transfer funds. Tomorrow is payday and though I didn’t reach my initial goal of saving $1000, the $200 will still be transferred to my savings. There are still five more paychecks before my 120-day probation is completed allowing me substantial time to accomplish this goal. Besides this emergency fund will come in handy when I relocate. My goal is to be comfortable regardless of where I resided.
The division chief was cool and he supplied all of the necessary information to ensure that all of my interviews were successful. Even though he mentioned in both the email and over the phone that the interview did not constitute a job offer (of course, not!), this remark motivated me even more. Unfazed, I told him that I took the agency Entry-Level Economist exam and provided my own transportation (Believe I am undaunted in my pursuit of becoming an Economist. And, traveling 500 miles would not deter me one bit!) Because I am a traveling woman! :)
Saturday, March 11, 2006
Assured
Right after the conclusion of my Intermediate Algebra class, Spring Break has finally arrived and now I can spend my time anyway that I want. No classes for an entire week meaning that I can go home, watch tv and not consciously think about any homework. Also this week is the beginning of the Cleveland Film Festival which I will attend because it has two Cleveland films that peaked my interest! Add the CoolCleveland events and I am in heaven!
This past week has been spectacular professionally and personally. Today a federal HR rep responded to my email about scheduling a phone interview for the Entry-Level Economist position and he included the agency link and position description! :) Combine the other Economist phone interview and I am happy that my career is finally skyrocketing!
Also I received a 92 on my second math an 8-point improvement. To achieve a higher score, I must pace myself and display some patience because I made some silly mistakes that are avoidable! Later today I will purchase another notebook because I ran out of paper. However, I will complete all of chapter 7 homework and formulate any questions regarding the material. Figure that completing the homework today frees up me up to do whatever I want next Saturday.
Personally, I have continued implementing my financial independence plan by opening a Roth IRA. It was the first IRA account that the customer service representative had ever opened (She had always been extremely kind and good natured. ) The assistant office manager informed me that my account would be cash-only until it reaches $500 then it becomes an investment! :) Immediately I scheduled a meeting with he investment representative to cultivate a professional relationship which would allow to devise a plan that ensures that I achieve the $500 milestone. Depositing $50 per week would take ten weeks or by summer.
Next I asked the manager about when my IRA becomes an investment whether I could use these funds to buy mutual funds? She responded that those who invested needed to have 15 years’ worth of financial market tracking experience (Okay, but I refuse to wait until I am 43 to participate in the market! I will just read up on it and ask some professionals from different organizations. I guess she won’t be seeing my money! :)) And, speaking financial professional, yesterday I emailed the representative who spoke at Thursday’s Urban League Economic Empowerment Seminar to schedule a meeting to discuss my current and future financial plan. By my MA Economics graduation in May 2007, I will have paid off all of my credit card debt, saved for my home ownership down payment, and moved into the house of my dreams. Now that’s how I want my third decade on this Earth to start: financially independent and debt-free! :)
This past week has been spectacular professionally and personally. Today a federal HR rep responded to my email about scheduling a phone interview for the Entry-Level Economist position and he included the agency link and position description! :) Combine the other Economist phone interview and I am happy that my career is finally skyrocketing!
Also I received a 92 on my second math an 8-point improvement. To achieve a higher score, I must pace myself and display some patience because I made some silly mistakes that are avoidable! Later today I will purchase another notebook because I ran out of paper. However, I will complete all of chapter 7 homework and formulate any questions regarding the material. Figure that completing the homework today frees up me up to do whatever I want next Saturday.
Personally, I have continued implementing my financial independence plan by opening a Roth IRA. It was the first IRA account that the customer service representative had ever opened (She had always been extremely kind and good natured. ) The assistant office manager informed me that my account would be cash-only until it reaches $500 then it becomes an investment! :) Immediately I scheduled a meeting with he investment representative to cultivate a professional relationship which would allow to devise a plan that ensures that I achieve the $500 milestone. Depositing $50 per week would take ten weeks or by summer.
Next I asked the manager about when my IRA becomes an investment whether I could use these funds to buy mutual funds? She responded that those who invested needed to have 15 years’ worth of financial market tracking experience (Okay, but I refuse to wait until I am 43 to participate in the market! I will just read up on it and ask some professionals from different organizations. I guess she won’t be seeing my money! :)) And, speaking financial professional, yesterday I emailed the representative who spoke at Thursday’s Urban League Economic Empowerment Seminar to schedule a meeting to discuss my current and future financial plan. By my MA Economics graduation in May 2007, I will have paid off all of my credit card debt, saved for my home ownership down payment, and moved into the house of my dreams. Now that’s how I want my third decade on this Earth to start: financially independent and debt-free! :)
Thursday, March 09, 2006
Running on the Inside Track
While attending the Economic Empowerment seminar, my financial assertions of using my income tax refund to pay off Tri-C tuition and open a Roth IRA were correct; however, merely establishing an emergency fund is insufficient to me because during the event, I calculated that by May 2007 I would save over $7500. With that kind of money it should be allocated in high yield interest bearing vehicles. The first speaker was a financial consultant who would accept a phone call free of charge about creating a financial plan. Friday I will contact her to schedule a meeting Thursday, March 23, 2006 to draft a financial plan that would assist me in realizing my financial goals of home ownership and debt-free living by May 2007 graduation (My own home is a nice little graduation present to myself!:) Also during this seminar was a dynamic educational consultant whom I will be contacting because he is extremely helpful and encouraging for young people (His speech almost made my headache disappear. And lastly, I networked with a business consultant who was interested in outsourcing his work to me. Initially I was skeptical upon him mentioning proforma balance sheets; yet, remembered that I had done prior contracting work therefore I should be fine.
Prior to that meeting, a HR rep from Washington left a voice mail regarding a federal Economist vacancy (I am getting really giddy!:) Immediately I emailed him back, and tomorrow will check my email to see if he has responded. If he has then I will send him a thank you letter because I am intent on getting this position. This is my dream job and I am doing everything humanly possible from working job to devising a financial plan to praying to land this job!
Later tonight I will revise my resume for both the contract position and the federal Economist vacancy (I really do want this job), and devise three scenarios to ensure that I hit the ground running wherever I am located!
Prior to that meeting, a HR rep from Washington left a voice mail regarding a federal Economist vacancy (I am getting really giddy!:) Immediately I emailed him back, and tomorrow will check my email to see if he has responded. If he has then I will send him a thank you letter because I am intent on getting this position. This is my dream job and I am doing everything humanly possible from working job to devising a financial plan to praying to land this job!
Later tonight I will revise my resume for both the contract position and the federal Economist vacancy (I really do want this job), and devise three scenarios to ensure that I hit the ground running wherever I am located!
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Self-Actualization Realized
Immediately after work, I ran to my former college employer to ask for a recommendation; and, when she was unable and it fell through (I’m located in Cleveland, Ohio and the scholarship application must be in Cali by the deadline of March 10), I was okay because I knew that I could depend upon myself. Besides if the Economist job came to fruition, this would be sufficient financial aid by my calculations! Still I will apply for federal aid because some aid beats no aid. While sitting in macro, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation scholarship crossed my mind because of its May 2006 deadline giving me ample time to find more recommenders who could vouch for my integrity and thus qualify for additional money.
I credit this new line of thinking to my current job. No it is not in my field but it is full-time employment allowing me to plan and solve problems and to not vex over small things. Since my spring break officially begins Thursday, I will search for scholarships with March 15th deadlines in order to take full advantage of those opportunities.
I credit this new line of thinking to my current job. No it is not in my field but it is full-time employment allowing me to plan and solve problems and to not vex over small things. Since my spring break officially begins Thursday, I will search for scholarships with March 15th deadlines in order to take full advantage of those opportunities.
Monday, March 06, 2006
California Dreaming
The federal HR rep’s call and the easy macro midterm (it was just like the homework!) more than compensated for my day! I really truly believe that I have aced this exam, but will still study the material that I do not feel comfortable with in order to strengthen my overall knowledge. Prior to the exam, the human resources rep from LA called to schedule a phone interview for the Economist position. Sweet! :) He was real cordial and told me that I would complete a survey before the interview. I am so happy because with all the drama I have experienced today with my HR person (what a witch!).
Since I have one week to prepare I will research the potential employer’s projects, culture and infrastructure as well as relocation cost because LA costs a pretty penny! But I am worth it!:)
Since I have one week to prepare I will research the potential employer’s projects, culture and infrastructure as well as relocation cost because LA costs a pretty penny! But I am worth it!:)
Saturday, March 04, 2006
Update
I aced today’s second Intermediate Algebra exam after two nights of insomnia! It was almost too easy to believe. The majority of the questions came from the study guide. I was glad that I coerced the professor to solve the first chapter six problems last week else my score would have been lower; however, I paid for this class and will get my money’s worth! After the test I asked him about completing chapter 7’s homework to which he responded “Of course, you do not have to finish it because it wasn’t covered in this class, but I just do not trust him and will complete it along with the remainder of chapter 6 because I will not be screwed arriving into next week’s class half-cocked!
Tri-C cashed my check thereby freeing me from tuition debt and allowing me to focus my next paycheck on paying down Cleveland State and attending the Cleveland Film Festival. Earlier this morning on the Today Show, a financial consultant mentioned to payoff debts with your tax refund instead of credit card and to save for retirement. The piece helped me refocus on one of my initial goals: opening an IRA account (Imagine how I conveniently disremembered that after my IRS tax windfall!) However, I emailed my bank and have gotten back on track. Monday I will open my account during my lunch break and contribute $25 per paycheck to ensure that my nest egg grows!
Yesterday an old friend showed up with her new church’s first lady at the beauty salon which was wonderful for me because there were rumors flying that she was on crack cocaine. However, she relocated to San Antonio after her son’s bone morrow surgery (he is cancer-free!) and am now preaching at a local church. I was so happy to hear good things from her because I was worried about her. When I asked about San Antonio both ladies remarked that it was really nice and the city’s pace was slower than Cleveland; but, weather was spectacular! There was no hint of uneasiness or hostility that I saw on the news about race riots between blacks and browns which was quite relieving! She positive demeanor made me think about relocating there; but if anything else forced me to think outside of the box regarding my relocation and consider the southwest instead of just the eastern seaboard.
Tri-C cashed my check thereby freeing me from tuition debt and allowing me to focus my next paycheck on paying down Cleveland State and attending the Cleveland Film Festival. Earlier this morning on the Today Show, a financial consultant mentioned to payoff debts with your tax refund instead of credit card and to save for retirement. The piece helped me refocus on one of my initial goals: opening an IRA account (Imagine how I conveniently disremembered that after my IRS tax windfall!) However, I emailed my bank and have gotten back on track. Monday I will open my account during my lunch break and contribute $25 per paycheck to ensure that my nest egg grows!
Yesterday an old friend showed up with her new church’s first lady at the beauty salon which was wonderful for me because there were rumors flying that she was on crack cocaine. However, she relocated to San Antonio after her son’s bone morrow surgery (he is cancer-free!) and am now preaching at a local church. I was so happy to hear good things from her because I was worried about her. When I asked about San Antonio both ladies remarked that it was really nice and the city’s pace was slower than Cleveland; but, weather was spectacular! There was no hint of uneasiness or hostility that I saw on the news about race riots between blacks and browns which was quite relieving! She positive demeanor made me think about relocating there; but if anything else forced me to think outside of the box regarding my relocation and consider the southwest instead of just the eastern seaboard.
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Waht a Difference a Day Makes
Yesterday was so much better: I received an email from a federal agency saying that I was one of the highest qualified candidates for the Economist position! Plus I cleared over one hundred cases!
Wow, what a difference a day makes.
The computer system was down so I was forced to research 461 cases to determine closure (Yuck!) Hopefully, the system will be up and running tomorrow because I cannot fathom doing this two days straight!
At least the remainder to today was so bad. Macro was extremely easy because all of the homework problems will be on the test; and, since he gave us the answers and have gone over them in class I will earn an A!
Wow, what a difference a day makes.
The computer system was down so I was forced to research 461 cases to determine closure (Yuck!) Hopefully, the system will be up and running tomorrow because I cannot fathom doing this two days straight!
At least the remainder to today was so bad. Macro was extremely easy because all of the homework problems will be on the test; and, since he gave us the answers and have gone over them in class I will earn an A!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)