So after successes with reducing both my Time Warner and Verizon bills, I decided to apply for a part time job. I don’t have a lot of time as it is, but I need the cash and perhaps filling up my already full schedule with a part time gig will help curb spending and allow me to save a little ish.

Usually I’d apply to a restaurant or a bar for extra cash, but this time I decided to use the wisdom I learned at StreetWise and actually apply to jobs that are relevant to my career and life goals.

So, I applied to JackRabbit and RUN by Foot Locker, both in Union Square. Fortunately they both need part time help, they are stores that focus primarily in race training, AND I could earn cash while simultaneously learning and getting discount garb for myself! Sweet deal, yes? Fingers crossed!

FIN Blaire

Sorry it’s been a while. Wasn’t great with money or words this month. Turns out when you tell yourself it’s “the month of no” and you’re a rebel at heart, chances are it won’t work out.

So this month, dear friends, is the month of HELL YES. Maybe a little reverse psychology will work on this poor, poor, poor soul.

Some success stories for today:

1. Got rid of cable. Switching to wireless on the 15th. So long, DVR. Hello, Hulu. Will save me $30.

2. Got rid of my company Blackberry service. I can expense it at the end of the year, but I am not required to have it, so why should I go through the hassle when I can access it from OWA?? Duh.com. Saving $20 and not stressing out over literal spilled milk on the pantry floor. Oh salesguys. Clean it up yourselves.

Aren’t you proud?? How else can I save? Any tips for me? A serious inquiry. THANKS.

Fin Blaire

PS - I love you.

It’s day three and I already feel refreshed! Yesterday I spent ZERO DOLLARS and spent 30 MINUTES on a treadmill. I’d rather run outside, but it felt pretty damn good. On my way home from the gym I had another NO epiphany: a BOYcott. No dudes for the month of June.

Cue vicious laughter from friends, enemies and frenemies. Yes, I know in the past I’ve toed the line between slightly slutty and just plain slutty - especially in the summer when everyone is hot and yearns to strip down to their birthday suits with sig others (and insig strangers), but this summer shall be different. This summer, I’m saving myself (take that as you will) from all the distractions that the opposite sex offers. I shall avert my eyes from glistening bodies in the park, ridiculously hot coworkers in khakis and soccer player legs. I anticipate long phone conversations with old friends in my futures instead of awkward silences among new love interests. Also, I’m not sure if you’ve checked your bank accounts when you were in the spring of your past relationships, but it’s probably not awesome. Even if your new beau is a baller and insists on paying for everything, there’s still new cute dresses, high phone bills and cruel waxes to charge. Us girls? We never can never catch a break.

Unless you cut them off. That’s the plan. I’ve done this before, and not only does it help you focus on the things that are important - in my case, my financial life is on the line - but holy crap when you’re not into guys, they are sooo into you. Swear. I mean, the second I go on strike, it’s like I’m a modern-day Eve and New York is full of horny Adams lusting after me. When I’m off men, it’s as if they’re dogs (ha! as if) and they’ve suddenly picked up the scent: a challenge.

Whatever, dawgs. Go after another little chickadee. She’s just not that into you in June.*

FIN Blaire

*Holler at me in July.

Ah. Simple words, difficult endeavor. Although Sir Marley was not referring to my inability to say the word “no” to anyone EVER or my pathetic spending habits, I think he’d appreciate the play on words. Because he was crazy awesome like that. But I digress.

During the month of June, my favorite word is “no.” NO NO NO, bitches. I always say “yes” to every request, every favor, every dinner invite (by my lady friends, mom - get over it - he’s not coming any time soon) and every opportunity that arises.

Sure, Jim Carrey’s character in YES MAN and the literal naysayers of the world might need to ease up, say “yes” every once in a while and live a little. But I’ve lived a lot. I’ve danced on tables and kissed someone from almost every continent (I’ve got to get to Antarctica before it melts away). I’ve seen a lot of awesome live shows and eaten at some of the best restaurants in the city. I’ve traveled. So much fun. BIG FUN. THE MOST FUN. But you know the one thing all of these experiences have in common? I charged nearly all of them.

Sad but true. But it’s a greater time than any to curb the card habit. I’ve got to control myself. I’ve got to turn down requests and kick it old school - college style. Yes, I have paychecks coming in, thank goodness, but remember the days when you had nothing to survive on save for half a bag of ramen and whatever you could binge on in the dining hall? I need to live like that again. Learn to make do and work with what I have. At some point, since living in NYC, a little money elf sat up on my shoulder telling me I have money, that I should never say no, that I might miss out. Excuse me, Mr. Elf? I’ve got DVR now. I can’t miss a thing. 

So, dear friends and three random readers (why, hello?!), help me out. Let’s plan free ish like How I Met Your Mother marathons or long walks exploring a particular neighborhood or a Who-Can-Spice-Up-Spam-The-Most night. Let’s live…a little…on nothing at all. Help me, help my credit score.

FIN Blaire