Monthly Archives: May 2010

05.29.10
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“Thank you very much Target for the excellent customer service!”

How many times do you get to say THOSE WORDS OUT LOUD in this day and age?

Um, never?

I just got off the phone with a wonderful, helpful, patient customer service representative from Target.com.

I ordered two new dresses (which I had hoped to wear to two upcoming events this week—Thursday and Friday) and a new bedside lamp. And a bra. Target sent me a notice that they shipped almost immediately, but I just never received the package. Finally it’s been a week and I look online to see…my packages were delivered and left on the front porch of my OLD HOUSE.

Oops.

I called UPS this morning who confirmed that yes the package was delivered and I would have to call up the store. I was hoping they had the package returned to them and then returned it to the store, but…

The woman at Target was more than helpful. My package was returned through UPS because no one was at home to pick it up, they were so sorry for the error (which was mine since my old address was the one on the account…even though they had my old address still listed as the billing address as well and I didn’t think they would process it since the billing address is clearly wrong and was changed with my credit union sometime ago.) AND they would send me out the package again, express shipping, to make sure I can have the dresses in time. She even complimented the one sundress and told me it was very pretty, which it IS….see!

Product Image Juniors' Plus-Size Pure Energy® Orange Sleeveless Empire Dress - 2

YAY! GOOD CUSTOMER SERVICE! THANK YOU TARGET!

When I ended the phone call (which I hope was recorded) I said “thank you VERY MUCH for the excellent customer service.”

And to think I momentarily freaked out last night and put a status update on Facebook that anticipated the worse. Of course a few minutes later I deleted because I didn’t want to tempt the universe, power of positive thinking of course. Also because the one dress I bought without it being on sale which I never do…and even if it is only $33 it is still a splurge for me.

But look how pretty!

Product Image Women's Plus-Size Merona® Red/White V-Neck Sleeveless Sun Dress

I’m happy as can be. And will be looking darn pretty if I do say so myself. :)

05.28.10
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Ride for Roswell- Give a little bit?

“The human contribution is the essential ingredient. It is only in the giving of oneself to others that we truly live.”

Thank you to all who have helped me get to the halfway point of my $1000 goal for the Ride For Roswell. If you haven’t yet given, please consider giving a little bit for an amazing cause close to my heart.

giving.roswellpark.org

05.26.10
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Poverty Challenge Day #2

Day 2 – Wednesday, May 26th

Yikes. (Oh and to answer your question Dawn? I have NO IDEA HOW ANYONE CAN DO THIS EVEN LIVING IN BUFFALO…let alone NYC.)

The Federal Poverty Guideline Level for a single individual is $902.50 per month.

The Fair Market Rent for a 1‐bedroom apartment as determined by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development for the greater Buffalo region is $606 per month. This covers cost of rent, utilities, and repairs.

This leaves you with $296.50 per month.

When divided by 30 days, this leaves you with $9.88 per day.

The average cost of apparel, which amounts to $4.93, a day is also taken out.

This leaves you with a starting daily allotment of: $4.95

And this doesn’t include any of the following expenses…not to mention food.

Standard Expenses:
If you choose to use Private Transportation, subtract $22.18
**If you choose to use Public Transportation, subtract $2.57
If you choose to get Single Health Care Coverage, subtract $15.45
If you choose to take three classes at Erie Community College, subtract $7.49
If you choose to watch Cable TV and use the Internet at home, subtract $2.33
**If you choose to use a Cell Phone, subtract $1.65
If you choose to have a Dog, subtract $1.59
**If you choose to have a Cat, subtract $1.84

My EXPENSES without FOOD equals $6.06 per day.

Starting daily allotment…$4.95

So I’m starting out on -$1.11 per day…

Income Supports:
**If you choose to access Food Stamps, add $3.37
**If you choose to access the Home Energy Assistance Program, add $1.63
If you choose to choose to access the Earned Income Tax Credit, add $.53

I can add $5 with Food Stamps and HEAP.

Remaining Budget: $3.89 PER DAY

Ok, actually I’m walking to work so I can add back in $2.57 from public transportation.

I have $6.46 to spend for the rest of the day.

So far for Breakfast?

I’ve had THREE FREE CUPS OF COFFEE FROM WORK.  And water.

Lunch?

Dinner?

05.25.10
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Poverty Challenge

My friend Bill O’Connell, Executive Director of the Homeless Alliance of WNY asked if I would take part in the 2010 Poverty Challenge. Of course I said yes.

The Buffalo Poverty Challenge is a three-day event designed to give people first-hand knowledge about what it’s like to live in poverty. Each day, participants will attempt to stick to a specific, poverty-level budget and record their spending. Participants will have to make tough choices about how they spend their limited budget.

    I’ve selected the Poverty Level Budget for my participation.

    The Federal Poverty Guideline Level for a single individual is $902.50 per month.

    As much as I kid about being *poor* non-profit Jen from time to time and realize I actually AM a paycheck to paycheck kind of woman, I also realize this is because my never-ending student loans costs per month, God Bless America…turns out to be seriously close to that $902.50 per month.

    Gulp.

    I live a modest lifestyle. I’ve chosen to work for non-profits after graduating from a private college where I took out loans to attend. And I never looked back. I love what I do and am very blessed. I have the help of many friends and family members when times have been tight. (Um, which is all the time it seems.) My apartment is furnished with hand me downs. My computer, my laptop…my van-which is no longer on the road. All hand me downs. My entire wardrobe for the most part, I bought on sale and clearance. And I still wear clothes I had 10 years ago. I’m thrifty. I’ve never been able to afford a *real* vacation that didn’t involve staying in a city with a friend. (Lord, I barely was able to afford my passport to get to my cousins wedding in Canada last year!)

    But none of this matters. Because the fact is. I can still pay my rent.  I pay a huge chunk of my paycheck to student loans and value every second of my education. I enjoy time out with friends.

    Life is good.

    I come from modest means.

    My mom was a stay at home mom who raised her children and took care of my grandparents who we lived with…and my dad supported the family by working in an aluminum factory.  All of our vehicles were beaters. We grew tons and tons and tons of veggies in the gardens on our land. I never felt poor. But we we’re. Looking back now, I have no idea how my parents could have afforded to raise us without living with my grandparents.

    I grew up surrounded by family and friends and a loving community. I was taught I could do ANYTHING I wanted in life…I went away to college, I went to law school. I have a career I love and a full life. And yet…

    I’ve been on the end of scrounging for bus money to get to a temp job while unemployed.

    I’ve made poor man pasta noodles for many, many lunches and dinners.

    I’ve had threatening letters from the gas company and electric company.

    I borrow money from friends in order to take a trip to see each other for a weekend, or to help with my next apartments first month/last month rent.

    I’m not that far removed from understanding this lifestyle.

    And yet, reading the guidelines for the Poverty Level Budget I started to REALLY realize just how blessed I am while being painfully reminded just how terrifying the world can be for those without…

    I start the challenge tomorrow. Stay tuned.

    For more information check out the Poverty Challenge blog.

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