Tigerstar's Personal Finance Blog

I was planning on doing some private tutoring during the Spring Break. One woman called me, and I was tutoring her this week. (I would've started last week, but my whole family came down with a stomach virus) The only down side... she asked me to lower my fee. I offered a little less, and she asked for an even lower rate. I agreed, figuring a reduced rate is better than nothing at all, and she agreed to give me a ride to & from our meeting place. Also, she needed more than the usual 2-3 hours...I'm giving her about 8 hours worth of tutoring. SO, 8 hours at a reduced rate is better than nothing at all.

I thought she was going to be the only one this week, but I did get another call today, and I'm meeting that student tomorrow (at full price). Two other people took my number, but they never called at all. I'm just happy that I made some extra cash this week!

A while back, I was worried about how I was going to pay for my graduate study. I applied to three different grad programs, one a long shot, one a good chance, and one a sure thing. Well, I got the long shot! Even after that horrible interview! My tuition will be paid in full, and I will receive a stipend on top of that! The stipend the first year is $28,000 so I'll be living off of that. The program starts in June, so now my energies will be spent trying to find an apartment in NYC by then! THen I have to worry about how to (frugally) furnish my apartment...

Actually, I got the bonus last week, but I just saw that it was finally credited to my account. I signed up for an account with HSBC through a "smart bonus" link (which ended 2/28). I signed up on 2/23, and the bonus was posted on 3/20.

In other Tigerstar savings news, I was able to add to my savings most of the money I got from subbing 3 classes last month (I covered 6 classes, but just received my payment for 3 of them).

Right now, I teach one class at the local college 3 days/week and tutor (same place) 4 days/week. However, since I only teach one class, I am available to substitute teach without worrying about going over the maximum number of hours. Last month, I subbed for 5 classes (2 hrs each...4 hours would be a full week for one class). I was just marking in my calendar the next 2 classes I'll be subbing. I don't think there was ever a class that I wasn't willing to cover. Maybe that's why I'm one of the first ones they call when they need someone!

I'm also trying to tutor on the side, but I don't have too much time. I'll only tutor students that I know from the tutoring center on campus...I don't drive, so it's better for me to meet them at the college, since it's within walking distance from my house. I've given my number to 3 people so far, but why should they pay when they can get my services for free at the tutoring center? Then again, when I'm on duty, I have to help a bunch of people at a time, so I guess they'll have to pay if they want me one-on-one.

Well, the last of my applications are out! I applied for two specialized training/scholarship programs. Both pay for my Master's degree in full, both offer special training (these are programs for HS Mathematics teachers) and one even offers cash stipends as well, over several years (as long as you commit to teaching in their partner zones). I was accepted as a finalist for the first one, and I went on an interview. I don't think I did so well, though. Although they seemed pretty easy-going, I was SO nervous, and stumbled over my words a lot. Still, it could have gone a lot worse, so I'm happy that it wasn't that bad! I just mailed out the second application yesterday. There'll be an interview for that one as well (in April, I think) I'm hoping to get one of these two scholarships... if not, I'll have to fall back on my last choice, with NO financial aid. the third choice is a City University, though... so it won't be that bad on my wallet. Plus, I can try to take some extra courses to speed things up along and get the most bang for my buck! We'll just have to see how things go (and keep thinking positive thoughts!)

I had recently bought a new bed. I couldn't take my old, worn-out, full o' holes mattress any longer. (Boxspring wasn't much better... there were a few holes in that, too!) I was going to try to hold out for a few years, but my back was more important than saving the cash now. The bed I got was reasonably priced, and I needed it NOW. So, I purchased it, and my back is happy.

My sister decided that she needed a bed, too. (well, she did, but she has zero savings to help her out) Anyway, by the time she decides that she's going to get it, the bed is $50 cheaper! We went to Sleepy's, by the way, where they have their price-match guarantee. So, when we went to purchase her bed, I asked them to adjust my purchase price as well. They said they would, but all they did was write my invoice # on a pad of paper. I received nothing in writing. That was Sunday. By the end of the week, I was worried that nothing was going to come to me. However, I just checked my CC online, and saw that I received my credit.

I'm also happy to say that my federal tax refund paid for my bed, with some to spare. It wasn't planned that way, since I bought the bed before I even knew I was getting a refund, but it was nice that it worked out the way it did... although I would've preferred to put ALL of the money right into savings. I guess putting the difference away (plus $50!) is better than none at all!

Well, welcome to my first entry! I'm currently teaching and tutoring at a nearby college, but I'll be enrolling in a Master's program in Education next fall, with the intention of eventually teaching high school Mathematics. Which program I enroll in depends upon which (if any) scholarships I receive. I made it to the interview stage of one of 'em. Actually, that interview is this Saturday. Nervous? OH YEAH!! In fact, I should be preparing for that. I need to review their materials, and see what questions I have for them about the program. There's also supposed to be some math questions that they're going to throw at me. As if I'm not nervous enough!

I'm still working on the application for the second program. The first one is more of a long shot. The second one seems to be more in my league. If either of those don't work out, I'll apply to the program at my local college, paying my own way. (I wonder if there's any discounts for alumni??)

Well, we'll see what happens... one step at a time!