This article the NYT tries to understand why Americans keep getting into so much debt.
Being from a foreign country, I didn't really understand the actual nature of American consumerism. America was 10000 miles away and all I knew was Americans wanted and always got bigger things- cars, houses, property. You name it, they had it and more!
Five years ago when I came to grad school on a instate tuition and an assistantship, I was making enough to qualify myself in a 'low income' tax bracket. I was so sure of making it on my own, that I didn't allow my parents (who are gloriously wealthy, even by really wealthy American standards) to pay for any of my expenses. I remember borrowing $8 to pay for winter shoes from Payless (being from a tropical country, I never thought I would need those). I even remember a low point of having only $30 in my pocket to tide me over a month after having paid off the rent, utilities etc.
Then I got sucked into credit cards. Back home, my cards were being paid off by daddy. I didn't know anything about rates, APR or what have you. Any expenses were automatically charged to my dad's account, no questions asked. I applied for and got 3 credit cards- a visa, a master card and an student amex. The limits were modest- 2k on the visa and MC and a 1500 limit on the amex.
Naturally, that helped me become more upworldly. It felt like I could with a bit of planning, be used to the lifestyle I was accustomed to back home. I used my credit card to plan a week long trip to NYC for Christmas, to plan eating out several nights a week with friends, to go shopping whenever I wanted, I was grocery shopping once a week, buying perishables I didn't eat and consequently throwing them away. I got rid of a roommate, decided I couldnt live with strangers and lived alone in an on campus apartment paying 650 a month in rent. My dad wired me money on 'special' occasions like birthdays, summer holidays etc. I would pay off some of my credit card debt by paying the minimum monthly (listening to bad advice from a friend who was having debt problems herself) and thought I was in a good situation financially.
Till I graduated and then calculated my earnings and expenses- I owed my father (from whom I was trying desperately to be independant) about $25,000 from all the times he lovingly and unquestioningly bailed me out. I owed more than $8000 on credit cards. And I had no job yet!
Luckily I met the man of my dreams, with whose help, I was able to pay off almost all of my credit card debt. We now rent an apartment and have paid fully for a second hand car. I have paid for all of the furniture I own and I pay for all the utilities I use. And I have some savings and CD's. My dad still tries to give me cash for gifts although I have made it clear it is not a necessity. Of course, I do still like to enjoy my life. My parents planned a family vacation in W.Europe last fall and every dime of the trip was paid for by them( I could have never afforded it on my current salary). My dad and I talked about my finances and I guess he is proud that I am trying to live modestly, instead of becoming like one of those 'poor little rich girls'.
In a way, I am secure, because I know my sister and I have a large safety net. But does it make me want to go out and buy an expensive house in an expensive neighborhood and drive an expensive car ?? I am glad I have enough sense to say NO.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Monday, June 9, 2008
iPhone
Now that the iPhone has gotten cheaper, I am seriously considering getting one.
Its hard to convince el hombre since he is all about spending wisely and not being a slave to gimmicks. I promised him that before I make an impulse purchase (as I am apt to do), I will try to do a bit of research on whether I need the iPhone or not.
Q. Why do I need a new phone?
My 2 year contract with Verizon ends in July. I am not a cell phone person. You won't find me rapidly texting away in abbreviated lingos or getting calls at all hours of the day or night. I can sustain a phone conversation for 10 mins max. before my mind starts to wander. I am also deathly afraid of carrying on a conversation on a cell, while driving. With that in mind, I decided to use the cheapest plan possible from Verizon and of course the cheapest phone. I also decided against adding insurance to the plan, reasoning that, well why should I pay $5 a month for something I would never need. The phone was the simplest one on the Verizon block with no added accessories like GPS, internet or a camera. The only thing i diligently used it for, was to tell time ( I hate wristwatches). And then one unlucky day, it fell down a storm drain. And the drama started. Verizon refused to send me a replacement, because I didn't have insurance. They also insisted I buy a phone at retail value! A kind customer service rep suggested I get a cheap phone off Ebay. So, I go and diligently select a phone, only to discover that that particular phone was now not available in the list of phones that Verizon services! Being bound by a contract, the only way I could walk out would be by paying a $150 fee.
Luckily, a colleague who was also a Verizon customer gave me his hunky old phone for free (after he got an upgrade). Throughout all this, I was still expected to pay the $44.50 monthly. phone charge (inspite of being without a phone for more than 2-3 weeks)!
The 'new' phone that I had didn't do so well either. It fell down a couple of times and somehow the earpiece within it got badly damaged. It meant I could not hear what the other person was saying, unless there was a pin drop silence. And I could not listen to any voice mails. Which meant, I started to use it to tell time. This had been going on for almost a year.
So, when a friend bought an iPhone, I could only look back in envy. For I was still bound by a contract and I was paying almost 50 bucks a month for nothing!
Q. What will I use the iPhone for?
Good question! El hombre first asked me, and I stupidly replied 'watch movies' at work. Here's where I am stumped. Since the iPhone is mac-based and I have always been a PC user, it might be difficult to get the hang of it. Although I am an obsessive email checker, I do it on a company provided computer and doubt if I will buy the phone to read emails. Maybe read a book? or Use it to study? In which case, I could lug my laptop around to work? What about music? No, I am not a music listener. I have a barely used iPod and its a shame to see it lying there. Maybe I want it for attention or because its super cheap? I don't do big commutes on public transportation. So, there is no need for me to kill time. And I am not a business traveler. So really, I guess if I have to use an iPhone (besides its phone options), it would be a) surf, b) study and c) read an e-book.
Q. Why not a Blackberry?
Hmmm! I thought about using a Blackberry because then I could keep my own phone number (by sticking to the devil- Verizon) instead of changing to AT&T. I am not sure if I can keep my own number. But doesn't tbe blackberry give you only 250MB space? What good is that??????????
Q. What about the other fancy iPhone clones?
Well, maybe they could be an option. But I want an iPhone (tantrum).
While I want to be a smart and unemotional iPhone user, I don't want to succumb to mania. I want it to be something I will use a lot.
ETA- My friend purchased her iPhone a few months ago for over $600 (lol)!
Its hard to convince el hombre since he is all about spending wisely and not being a slave to gimmicks. I promised him that before I make an impulse purchase (as I am apt to do), I will try to do a bit of research on whether I need the iPhone or not.
Q. Why do I need a new phone?
My 2 year contract with Verizon ends in July. I am not a cell phone person. You won't find me rapidly texting away in abbreviated lingos or getting calls at all hours of the day or night. I can sustain a phone conversation for 10 mins max. before my mind starts to wander. I am also deathly afraid of carrying on a conversation on a cell, while driving. With that in mind, I decided to use the cheapest plan possible from Verizon and of course the cheapest phone. I also decided against adding insurance to the plan, reasoning that, well why should I pay $5 a month for something I would never need. The phone was the simplest one on the Verizon block with no added accessories like GPS, internet or a camera. The only thing i diligently used it for, was to tell time ( I hate wristwatches). And then one unlucky day, it fell down a storm drain. And the drama started. Verizon refused to send me a replacement, because I didn't have insurance. They also insisted I buy a phone at retail value! A kind customer service rep suggested I get a cheap phone off Ebay. So, I go and diligently select a phone, only to discover that that particular phone was now not available in the list of phones that Verizon services! Being bound by a contract, the only way I could walk out would be by paying a $150 fee.
Luckily, a colleague who was also a Verizon customer gave me his hunky old phone for free (after he got an upgrade). Throughout all this, I was still expected to pay the $44.50 monthly. phone charge (inspite of being without a phone for more than 2-3 weeks)!
The 'new' phone that I had didn't do so well either. It fell down a couple of times and somehow the earpiece within it got badly damaged. It meant I could not hear what the other person was saying, unless there was a pin drop silence. And I could not listen to any voice mails. Which meant, I started to use it to tell time. This had been going on for almost a year.
So, when a friend bought an iPhone, I could only look back in envy. For I was still bound by a contract and I was paying almost 50 bucks a month for nothing!
Q. What will I use the iPhone for?
Good question! El hombre first asked me, and I stupidly replied 'watch movies' at work. Here's where I am stumped. Since the iPhone is mac-based and I have always been a PC user, it might be difficult to get the hang of it. Although I am an obsessive email checker, I do it on a company provided computer and doubt if I will buy the phone to read emails. Maybe read a book? or Use it to study? In which case, I could lug my laptop around to work? What about music? No, I am not a music listener. I have a barely used iPod and its a shame to see it lying there. Maybe I want it for attention or because its super cheap? I don't do big commutes on public transportation. So, there is no need for me to kill time. And I am not a business traveler. So really, I guess if I have to use an iPhone (besides its phone options), it would be a) surf, b) study and c) read an e-book.
Q. Why not a Blackberry?
Hmmm! I thought about using a Blackberry because then I could keep my own phone number (by sticking to the devil- Verizon) instead of changing to AT&T. I am not sure if I can keep my own number. But doesn't tbe blackberry give you only 250MB space? What good is that??????????
Q. What about the other fancy iPhone clones?
Well, maybe they could be an option. But I want an iPhone (tantrum).
While I want to be a smart and unemotional iPhone user, I don't want to succumb to mania. I want it to be something I will use a lot.
ETA- My friend purchased her iPhone a few months ago for over $600 (lol)!
Friday, June 6, 2008
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Yeah I know I missed a day!
I was all caught up in the hype, it just got too late to blog. I will turn 29 in a few days and have been thinking of my life, where I was and where I can go. Its hard to feel optimistic especially in these days and times. Its hard to stay positive while I work in a science field that is extremely disillusioning. Its hard to be 'Ms Sunshine' when there is no stability or security at home or at work.
However hard things are, which if you were living my life, you could be sprouting grey hairs and staying on anti-depressants, I am thankful for lots of things...............
However hard things are, which if you were living my life, you could be sprouting grey hairs and staying on anti-depressants, I am thankful for lots of things...............
- El hombre (for the sacrifice he made to come live with me, even though it meant we turned into a one income family).
- My parents (for everything)
- My sister (likewise)
- My extended family (for always being around)
- My friends
- My health
- My sanity
- My education
- My love of books (its a nice rock to crawl under)
- My awesome childhood
I wish I had everything ( I know I have a lot more than most people do). I wish I had it easy. I wish I didn't have to struggle so hard. Or wake up to a job that is frustrating and depressing. I wish I had more options (that just fell in my lap). I wish El Hombre could work. I wish my family lived around the corner. I wish I could win the lottery.
I know its a lot to wish for. And many people share the same kind of wishes and the same kind of struggles. And some are not so lucky to have many things they can be thankful for. And some are not lucky to see tomorrow. Or to see the sun rise and set again. So yes, I guess I do lead a charmed life after all.
And so HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Monday, June 2, 2008
Another day gone
Today seemed to be a real 'pokey' day as I had to repeat some bloodwork. Three weeks ago, my doctor prescribed some tests including a 3hr GTT. Anyone who has taken that knows what a pain in the butt it can be. Especially since there is a 12 hr fasting rule and having to drink a syrupy orangy drink. After drinking that 'juice' I immediately felt a wave of nausea and was feeling out of sorts for about 20 mins or so. Being a thinker (ha,ha) that I am, I immediately started surfing the net for what could possibly make me this nauseous. Was it an early effect of pregnancy (I wish!). After a bit of googling, I came up with this. So I am one of the 10-15% of women who have this symptom (which may be indicative of a normal GI?). Whew!!!!!
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Ok, so as I said before
I have decided to start writing a post a day.
Being Sunday, doesn't mean it's a day of rest (atleast not for me). After a quick run to the lab (and noticing one of the post-doc hard at work ), I made my way home to my stuffy apartment (temps in the mid 80's at home). I got my spouse (we shall name him- el hombre) to open some windows and I plonked myself on the floor and promptly started surfing. And waiting for my parents (who I think are mad at me, for an event that happened last week, but I am in no mood to share) to come online (which they didn't), I went into the study and picked up on my cramming.
For the uninitiated, I have a veterinary degree from a non AVMA accredited vet school (of which there are several thousand worldwide) and am hopelessly trying to get my veterinary licence in the US. It is a long and drawn out process made of 6 steps- from getting all your credentials verified to making sure you can speak English (by taking one of those g******** ETS tests) to getting quizzed on veterinary theory and clinics. I assume I should be done in 2012, by which time my hair will be grey and I will be hobbling on a stick.
Working 8-10hrs a day and then coming home to study for 4-6hrs is extremely painful. More so, when I have el hombre to make out with ;-)
The pressures of work and study have resulted in me running away from reality by burying myself in novels borrowed from a neighboring library and I just finished reading 'Unaccustomed Earth' in 1.5 days. An easy read thankfully, with complex Indian characters that don't go the caricaturist (sp?) way.
I have just started on Kate Summerscale's Queen of Whale Cay that is only 200 pages, but promises to be fun.
I managed to drag myself and el hombre last night to watch 'Babymama' because Tina Fey is the big sister I never had. I was disappointed. Tina is a wonderful writer and a good actress when she plays herself (or something close to herself like her 30 Rock character-Liz Lemon). When she tries to play a complicated organic foods bizniz woman, its just like drinking papaya with coffee (watch the movie to get the metaphor, bitches!). Amy Poehler needs to stick to SNL sketches only. And use Tina as a crutch. If I was a lesb, I would love to do a threesome with Tina and Amy or fantasize about it. I got the idea from the crazy shower scene (again, watch the movie, you c***).
El hombre and I have a thing for foreign movies we watch on Netflix. We saw a crazy spanish movie called Fausto 5.0 that was effing brilliant.
El hombre ( who was one of the reasons why I shut down my first blog) is getting suspicious of my online activity, so I will bid adieu for now.
Don't worry, it ain't over yet.
Being Sunday, doesn't mean it's a day of rest (atleast not for me). After a quick run to the lab (and noticing one of the post-doc hard at work ), I made my way home to my stuffy apartment (temps in the mid 80's at home). I got my spouse (we shall name him- el hombre) to open some windows and I plonked myself on the floor and promptly started surfing. And waiting for my parents (who I think are mad at me, for an event that happened last week, but I am in no mood to share) to come online (which they didn't), I went into the study and picked up on my cramming.
For the uninitiated, I have a veterinary degree from a non AVMA accredited vet school (of which there are several thousand worldwide) and am hopelessly trying to get my veterinary licence in the US. It is a long and drawn out process made of 6 steps- from getting all your credentials verified to making sure you can speak English (by taking one of those g******** ETS tests) to getting quizzed on veterinary theory and clinics. I assume I should be done in 2012, by which time my hair will be grey and I will be hobbling on a stick.
Working 8-10hrs a day and then coming home to study for 4-6hrs is extremely painful. More so, when I have el hombre to make out with ;-)
The pressures of work and study have resulted in me running away from reality by burying myself in novels borrowed from a neighboring library and I just finished reading 'Unaccustomed Earth' in 1.5 days. An easy read thankfully, with complex Indian characters that don't go the caricaturist (sp?) way.
I have just started on Kate Summerscale's Queen of Whale Cay that is only 200 pages, but promises to be fun.
I managed to drag myself and el hombre last night to watch 'Babymama' because Tina Fey is the big sister I never had. I was disappointed. Tina is a wonderful writer and a good actress when she plays herself (or something close to herself like her 30 Rock character-Liz Lemon). When she tries to play a complicated organic foods bizniz woman, its just like drinking papaya with coffee (watch the movie to get the metaphor, bitches!). Amy Poehler needs to stick to SNL sketches only. And use Tina as a crutch. If I was a lesb, I would love to do a threesome with Tina and Amy or fantasize about it. I got the idea from the crazy shower scene (again, watch the movie, you c***).
El hombre and I have a thing for foreign movies we watch on Netflix. We saw a crazy spanish movie called Fausto 5.0 that was effing brilliant.
El hombre ( who was one of the reasons why I shut down my first blog) is getting suspicious of my online activity, so I will bid adieu for now.
Don't worry, it ain't over yet.
And it starts again
In Sept 2004, I started a blog with the best of intentions. It was just enough to make me leave some mark on the 'interweb'. I had a modest amount of hits and tried to stay current. I wrote about general things, being anonymous made it harder to write about personal events. Occassionally, I put in some endearing comments made by my spouse or a friend. My blog lived for about 2.5 years and died quickly and swiftly, when some of my harsher posts hurt people I loved. In anger, I pulled the plug on my online journey and since then have kept a low profile web-wise for about a year.
As I approach my 29th year, I feel obligated to maintain an online diary of sorts. In the past, I was less disciplined in my blogging efforts, viewing it as a chore than a pleasurable hobby. As this second effort begins, I still plan on staying anonymous, but being more opinionated and worldly. And I will plan on updating it atleast once a day.
As I approach my 29th year, I feel obligated to maintain an online diary of sorts. In the past, I was less disciplined in my blogging efforts, viewing it as a chore than a pleasurable hobby. As this second effort begins, I still plan on staying anonymous, but being more opinionated and worldly. And I will plan on updating it atleast once a day.
What will my blog be made of? Sugar and spice and all girly things. Probably not. Mostly things that interest me. Animals, my work, my friends, my family, books I read, movies I watch -in no particular order. It will include anything and everything from my professed love for Mr Obama to the dish on perez hilton. You can accompany me on my journey or not. Its your call. I am ready to begin!
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