Why I love Mint

Mint chocolate chip ice cream is the best flavor out there.  This is a non disputed fact.  However this post is not about all the reasons it is superior to other flavors, rather it is about the web tool that can be found at mint.com.

I can admit that I have hedonistic tendencies.  I am an early adopter and have no qualms with splurging on items that are instantly gratifying.  This trait is something I have struggled with to find balance with being a responsible adult and prudent planner.  Mint has helped me tremendously to curtail my spending and make progress on my financial goals.

Essentially the website is a self populating budget.  To set it up you link any financial website that pertains to you through mint: banks, credit cards, investments, property addresses and so on.  After that you don't have to do anything.  Mint will automatically import your transactions of spending, deposits, gains, losses, interest... everything.  It organizes this data so that at a glance you can see where your money is going.

I've been using this site for just shy of six months now, and merely by being able to recognize my patterns of spending and implementing the budgeting tools I have seen my debts decrease and my savings increase without noticing any disruption to enjoying the things I like.  That's why I love mint and know you will too if you give it a try.

Gonna be a Daddy!

I realize it has been a while since I posted anything here and for the lapse I apologize.  I have very exciting news.  I've submitted the final paperwork to an adoption agency and will be getting my very own son within the next few weeks!

I love my nieces and nephews so much and have wanted a child for a while now.  My single status has made the natural process for a child difficult so a while back I looked into adoption.  I recall all sorts of horror stories from people I've met who adopted with how grueling and difficult the process is, but I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was for me.  After an initial questionnaire about my lifestyle and income, I was contacted for a phone interview.  It only took about a week to be approved.  I couldn't believe it!

I sent copies of my paperwork, drivers licence, SS card, and a cashiers check to the adoption agency via priority service with UPS and should be told within the next few days the details for getting my boy home.  I'm so excited!

2012 Calendar

I finally finished the family calendar for next year and got them ordered.  For anyone that wants a digital version the images are as follows:

Cover

January

February

March

April

 May  

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

This has been so much fun to make and I appreciate all the help with pictures from everyone.  I ordered enough so that every family member may have a physical copy.  For those who feel like donating to offset my cost they were roughly $10 apiece.

Wishlist

As Christmas has been getting closer I have been thinking of gifts to get for everyone.  I love giving gifts, especially when it's the perfect gift.  Since I've had a few questions from people about what I would like (and I realize I'm a difficult person to shop for) I've thrown up some items that I would really enjoy and am not planning on purchasing for myself in the next few months.  There are selections to fit any budget and while I wouldn't expect the larger ticket items from any single person, feel free to team up if you like.   

Music

Kaleidoscope Heart - Sara Bareilles

lovestrong - Christina Perry

Movies

Body of Lies

Lucky Number Slevin

Ocean's Trilogy

Bourne Trilogy

Games

Batman: Arkham City (XBOX 360)

Star Wars: The Old Republic

Miscelaneous

Ruger LCP (.380 cal)

Leatherman Charge TTI

Ruger LCR (.357 mag)

I should also mention that it is impossible to go wrong with gift cards to Best Buy or Newegg.com with me.  

Planning Ahead

In my traditional fashion I will be making a family calendar for Grandma's Christmas present.  After last year's calendar I know there were a few people who would have liked to have one as well.  So I've decided to get a jump on it this year to make sure it's extra good and as personalized as possible.  

Typically I pull photos from Facebook and blogs but am worried that these images may be either: a. copyright protected, or b. incomplete records of the past year.  Any photos you wish to be included in the calendar please email them to me.  

I would like to customize dates (birthdays, anniversaries, etc.) this year and would ask that you email me dates to include.  Even if you think I should know or remember a particular date send a reminder anyway just so I'm sure not to forget any.

Lastly, I would like to let everyone who would like a copy get one.  I will be making it available after it is compiled electronically but if you would like a printed version give me a heads up so I know how many to order.

Thank you all in advance for your help with this project.