Rain Rain Go Away

shirt & trench- gap, skirt-"have" via Coastal Karma, shoes-Aldo 

Yesterday was one of those days where it seemed like I couldn't look the camera in the eye or when I did I made a silly face. It happen's from time to time. I guess that's what I get for dating SSBF instead of a professional photographer. I should have known I would have started a blog. I need to start planning ahead better. Jk SSBF, jk. My outfit was partly inspired by this picture from "The Sartorialist". I'm obsessed with silhoutte of this look and I love me a floating belt.

Speaking of planning ahead I am sure glad SSBF is the diligent saver he is because over the weekend we were hit with a $1300 repair bill for his 2008 Honda Civic. It's a nice feeling to know that we already had enough money set aside to pay for the bill (a concept relatively new to me). However, having to actually use the money was not as good of a feeling. We are both still frustrated with the situation given the car is only two years old. Let this be a lesson to us all, Honda is the next Toyota, save your money! You'll never know when your next big expense will be. Unless you are psychic. If so, the next mega millions drawing is on Friday, I promise I will give you 1% when I win, ok 5. Seriously though, consider it, the saving that is. To get myself in the habit of savings I set-up automatic withdraws for the day I get paid. The money goes straight from my checking account to my ING savings. It took me some time to get used to but I finally resigned myself to how awesome it was to save and continued on with my life, less $50 bi-weekly.

On another note you will all probably be happy to know that I caved and washed my hair. Usually 5 days without is just about average for me. In my opinion my hair always looks better dirty ( it has zero texture after shampooing) so I let it go until SSBF starts complaining. Or if I start to smell it-- I promise that it doesn't happen this way very often, only every 10 days or so.

PS. We are getting 6 inches of rain today! If you don't hear from me for awhile it's because I was washed away.

Money Smart Fashion Giveaway!

I swear I'm about to unleash a beast of a giveaway on you, but first the back story. Way back in August when Coach Poppy was leaving it's mark all over the blogosphere, I was innocently working on a post for my blog. I hit the preview button at the bottom to make sure everything looked good and that's when it happened. I found Poppy, on my own blog, resulting in not one, but two gift cards. One because I found Poppy and the second because someone, aka me, found Poppy on my blog. I read the rules of the contest about 1000 times to see if that was even possible. I even e-mailed Coach Poppy with a guilt ridden conscious, and had all but convinced myself that they were not going to send me two gift cards. Then last week, sure enough, I received them in the mail. I had told SSBF after it happened that there was no way I could keep both for myself, it just wasn't right. Now that they are here, I stand by that.

So if you haven't figured it out yet, although I'm certain you have... 

 I am giving away a $100 Coach Gift card to one verry lucky reader.

To enter:

1. Be a follower of Money Smart Fashion through Google, Bloglovin' of a reader and leave a comment below with a way to contact you.

For more chances to win:

1. Tweet about this giveaway and be sure to leave an additional comment with you twitter feed.

or

2. Re-post this giveaway on your blog and leave me a comment with a link to your blog!

Thsi giveaway is open to all of my readers and will close Tuesday October 5th at 10 PM.

Good Luck!

Dirty Laundry

Hoodie-Gap, Leggings Target, Tank-Urban Outfitters

This is what Sunday looks like.

 I didn't think it was fair for me to masquerade around this blog as someone who is always put together, because I'm not. I wear sweatshirts on plenty of occasions, and I don't usually go to the grocery story in "blog-worthy" apparel (Please don't call "What Not to Wear" on me). SSBF and I spend our Sunday's holed up in the house doing homework (me) and watching football (him).
My outfits on these days often resemble the above.

As of recently (since Friday) this hoodie has been my go-to lounge piece. It's from Gap's new active wear line GapBodyFit. I'm slightly obsessed. What's great about a hoodie like this is that it can be worn to and from the gym or over a pair of jeans to run errands. I live for pieces like this. I'm so excited about the evolution of "gym" clothes that has been taking place to allow fashion and fitness to coexist.

While we're on the topic of dirty laundry I thought I should share, I haven't washed my hair in 5 days. Gross or Chic? discuss.

Legen... wait for it..dary

Blazer-J.Crew, Shirt-Target, Jeans-Gap, Boots-Aldo

 

Did you ever have one of those days where you get dressed in the morning and just go "yessssss"?. That was exactly the morning I had yesterday. My outfit came together so easily and it just felt like, well, me.  I like to think I have a good grasp on my personal style but in all honesty, I'm indecisive. A trait the severely hampers my ability to commit to a style. Sometimes I try to force a look that just isn't very grace-like and end up all fidgety and uncomfortable for the rest of the day. But this outfit, it was just right.

On another note, it's Friday, and you know what that means... it's Chick-fil-a night! A wonderful night once a week when I allow SSBF to enjoy some of his precious fast food (mmm... waffle fries). Episodes of "Say Yes to the Dress" optional. I'm also looking forward to this weekend because  tomorrow we are going up to Pennsylvanis to see my sister, the new baby, and my nephew's football game! Hopefully it will start feeling a little more like fall by then, clearly I'm ready for it.

PS. Who is excited the How I Met Your Mother is back!

Janeys Jewels Giveaway Winner!

According to Random.org the winner of the Janeys Jewels giveaway is Amber!

Congratulations!

Thank you to everyone that entered.

Currently Coveting

Last week I told you one of my secrets to shopping smarter was creating (and editing) a wish list. Well I recently updated mine to reflect the changing of the season and wanted to give you guys a peak at what's at the top of my list:

 Wrap Sweaters

shopbop

Think the DKNY Cozy, but hopefully a little cheaper. A versatile piece that can be worn more than one way.

Over the Knee Boots

Lucky Brand

This is a carry over from last fall's wish list. I love the look of tights and shorts and would like to finish it off with a pair of these, in leather or suede.

(Faux) Fur Accents

J.Crew

I already have a bag, but would love to add a vest to my wardrobe. I don't wear a lot of colors so I like to play with texture to add interest to my outfits.

 Suede Nails

Matte Nails by GraceECro on Polyvore.com

Maybe I'm a year late on this considering OPI launched their "suede" line in 2009  but.. I want I want I want.

Pretty Linens




anthropologie

A consequence of the Ikea trip, all of a sudden our bedding is not nearly good enough. At least it's something SSBF can enjoy also.

What's on your wish list right now?

Janey's Jewels Giveaway:Last Day to Enter! *Closed*

* the large picture and bottom left are of my ring which is 12MM size, however the color of the contest ring is the same. Click the graphic above to see more detail shots of the 11MM ring.

Today is the last day to enter the Janey's Jewels giveaway for the beautiful custom cut ring pictured above.

To enter:

1. Follow Money Smart Fashion through Google, Bloglovin', or a reader and leave a comment with a way to contact you. (All comments from the original giveaway post and this post will be considered. (Please do leave duplicate comments unless it's for additional entries)

2. Include you favorite item from Janey's Shop in your comment.

For additional entries:

1. Tweet or re-post this giveaway to and leave me an separate comment below with your blog and/or Twitter feed.

This giveaway is open to U.S. and Canadian Readers only.

Entries will be accepted until Tuesday September 21st at 10 PM.

Answer: This is Twice Now

t-shirt-Gap, jeans-Old Navy, flats-Gap, bag-L.A.M.B

Question: What is a really (really) good Lydia song

or

How many times I've gone monochromatic this week

After my much needed haircut on Saturday SSBF and I decided to head down to the College Park area of Maryland to enjoy dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings (an old favorite from Michigan) and wander around Ikea.

I love Ikea, but it's a landmine. It just sucks you in and makes you want everything. Despite leaving there with just some kitchen utensils and a desk lamp, I now have a growing wishlist of items for the house including: new bed linens, window coverings, a sofa table, and a new shelving system for our office. If I were alone I probably would have left with all of it. Luckily I always have SSBF to look at me and shake his head disdainfully until I put whatever it is I'm holding back. Seriously, best deterrent to spending ever. If you ever need someone like that he is available for a modest fee:)

I'm so in love with this shirt and a lot of the other basic shirts Gap has launched this fall. They are so soft and perfect for a casual Saturday. Plus they have interesting details, the one above has dolman sleeves while this one has a longer length and pocket detailing. Not to mention they are practically a steal (even for a girl on a budget).

Necessity or Luxury?

Slacks & Tank-Old Navy, Shirt & Scarf- J.Crew, Shoes-Aldo

It's not often I wear giant scarfs on my head so you can imagine SSBF's surprise when I came home from work on Friday with this sucker on. I really wish I could have had a camera ready, his face was that good.

The reason for the scarf, my friends, was simply because I was totally over my hair. It's been four months since my last cut and color and it is just gross you know? They layers are laying right, the color is faded, it's just gross. Therefore, I decided to cover it up. I kind of like the scarf, it's kitschy. Plus, it served a purpose, at work I could ignore people by pretending I just didn't hear them. haha. I'm very fortunate that my job comes with a very casual dress code. This is not a look that would have went over well at my former employer. Luckily, as we speak, or I guess as you read this, I am getting a (much needed) fresh cut and color.

A good haircut and color is a basic necessity for me. To my hairdresser's dismay though I try to delay our appointments as much as possible. Spending $90-$100 every 3 months is not exactly appealing to me, but in the end totally worth it. I try and treat my quartely hair appointment like my car insurance. I estimate what the cost over the year will be and start saving early. This helps me eliminate begging and  borrowing from other categories when the time comes for my appointment. The money is already there!

What about you? Is a haircut a necessity or luxury?
Do you have any items that are a necessity to you but may be a luxury to others?

Weekly Money Check-up

Yes Another "Weekly Money-Check-up" courtesy of My Pretty Pennies. Why you ask? Because after spending 2.5 hours last night on a return/risk analysis for the 3 different asset classes over the last 5,10,15 years I am wayy to exhausted to be creative.

1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on The water bill, $85.59, I hate utilities.

2. Today I feel optimistic towards money. SSBF is in a pick 'em league for football with his dad. Each week everyone picks winners for all the games and whoever gets the most right at the end of the weeks wins the $500-$600 pot. SSBF won the first week! Yes we have to split the proceeds but I will take $250 any day.

3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free/inexpensive thing I did last week that made me happy was Laughed at a book in the book store called "Awkward Family Photos" .

4. I will consider this week a success if I don't buy any more gym clothes.

5. One of my most memorable birthdays was in 2007, when I turned 23. SSBF took me up to Philly for a Phillies game with my sister, best friend and her now fiance. The trip up was annoying thanks to loads of traffic along the way however SSBF made the night unforgettable by catching a Jimmy Rollins homerun ball with his left hand! We ended up on the local news and I got to run around Philly that night telling everyone on the street that "my boyfriend caught a Jimmy Rollins homerun ball!"

Enjoy the weekend!
Oh yeah, and don't forget to enter my giveaway for a beautiful custom ring , it closes Tuesday at 10 pm.

TGIT, TGIT to quit.

Dress-Fossil, Top-Ann Taylor Loft, Blazer-J.Crew, Shoes-Steve Madden

TGIT, Thank Goodness its Thursday anyone? Let's just say I am over this week, and just about my whole fall semester and I am only 1 week in. I am excited that it is starting to feel more like fall. I love the chilly mornings and the perfectly warm afternoons. It is my kind of weather- layering weather.

I was so excited when my sister bought my this dress from Fossil. I saw it in their fall catalogue back in August and fell completely in love with it. The top is actually a mustard yellow but I liked the idea of layering this sequin shirt from Loft over it and make it monochromatic. It kind of matches how I've been feeling lately.. blah.

I hope you all are having a better week. Anyone have good plans for the weekend that I could live vicariously through as I do my homework?

Snowflaking Update

For those of you that don't remember or are new to the blog each month I attempt a new personal finance "method" in an effort to pay off my debt, add to my savings, or just control my spending, whatever strikes my fancy. This month I am giving a go at "Snowflaking". A derivative of the debt snowball, snowflaking is taking the small sums of money that are left over from your budget at the end of the month and applying them to debt.

Here is where I stand as of end of day Tuesday (pardon the crappy graphic):

Some thoughts:

1. Eek! Over on clothing already?! I'm not surprised. After taking a free group personal training class this summer I decided to join the gym at work (so I could take it again, for free). I kind of went a little crazy buying some new items to prepare for impending fall temperatures (it's outside). A majority of this budget was spent at Under Armour, I love employee discounts.

2. I've had a lot of miscellaneous spending this month. One third of the budget went to buying a books both for me and SSBF so I could get a could start on my birthday goal of reading 6 books this year. I realize that we could have just gone to the library but I just love cracking open a brand new book to read.

3. I came under on textbooks! Thank you jesus. However I am still peeved that $60 went towards a freaking financial calculator that I will never use again!

4. Gas is on track to be $30 under for the month. I typically fill my tank every 7-10 days, at $35 a fill, even if I have to have to fill up twice before October that is $120.

5. Food has turned into "food and utilities".  Typically I give SSBF $90 towards groceries each month however we received our quarterly water and sewage bill this week which was fr $85 (normally $60) so I am paying that instead of paying for groceries. Anyway even with that I can see $15-$20 dollars under.

Overall I am feeling pretty good. At this point anything I can put towards my debt is helpful because the interest I am paying makes me cringe. It's sounds dorky, but keeping tracking of my spending this way has made me want to come in under budget, more then I ever have before. I think it's my competitive nature, I must win! I must beat this!

Shake Your Booties

Shirt-J.Crew, Shorts-DIY'ed from Gap Jeans, Boots-Aldo, Ring-Juicy Couture (gift from bff/soulmate)

Funny story, SSBF took off his sweatshirt and put it on the back of the car prior to taking these pictures. After the pictures we got in the car and drove off... with the sweatshirt still on the back! Haha, we drove basically all the way to our next destination, which was going to be dinner in Ellicott City before realizing what happened. After driving all the way back we were able to recover it from the parking lot. Luckily it had fallen off there and not in the middle of a busy road, or worse, the highway.

Otherwise it was a routine weekend for me and the mister. We did some yard work, ran some errands, and of course SSBF subjected me to plenty of football.

This outfit I chose for Saturday was comprised of things I either can't enough of (the ring from my bestie, love you Jennifer) or items I've been dying to wear (the tunic and the Aldo booties). I told you guys about how I impulsively bought the boots a few weeks ago. It was the best decision I've ever made. I love these things, the wedge heel is the perfect height, they comfy to walk around in, and they make my feet look itty bitty. I seeing myself living in these things. Totally worth $60.

ps. I am an Aunt (for the third time) but this time it's a girl! Welcome to the world Amelia Elizabeth.

Shop Smarter: Stop Over-Spending

I was flipping through the October issue of Glamour when I came across the above Piperlime ad and was completely overcome with the urge to shop. The ad is simple, yet compelling. The OTK boots, the knit, the tank, I want, nay, need them all right now. Maybe I am just being dramatic. Did you ever feel like that? Lately those emotions come few and far between, but old Grace, she used to be rife with them.  Once I would see an ad like this I would run out to the mall with just an idea of what I wanted and come home with a lot less money and a lot more clothes with not one item resembling anything in the ad that sparked the frenzy. That's some magic those advertisers work. But I'm on to you advertisers...

Here are some tips to help you shop smarter, and stop over-spending:

1. Make a wish list. Seriously. Write down the things you want, prioritize, and edit it often.
2. Make a "I don't need anymore of this list". Honestly, do you really need a fifth white tee-shirt? Make sure you know what's already in your closet so you are not constantly buying the same items over and over and over. It's ok to replace, not duplicate ten times.
3. Do your research. Check online to see what stores carry what you are looking for before even stepping foot in one but don't buy online unless you are absolutely sure of your size or if its a silhouette you've worn before, or if it's what you want at a better price (don't forget to factor in s&h)
4. Set a spending limit: Number three above factors into this as well, searching online helps you feel out a price range for items you want to buy so you can set an estimated budget.
5. Never settle. Sometimes the item you want isn't always the cheapest, and that's ok. You should never buy anything because its the cheapest. But keep in mind if you are spending a little extra on say that pair of ankle boots, you may have to wait a little longer for the leather leggings.
6. Don't force it. Kind of on the same line as "never settle", if you have an item on your wish list that you try on in store and it just doesn't fit the way you imagined, move on-- sequined drape cardigans aren't for everyone.
7. Bring someone who hates shopping. It sounds counter-productive but having someone with you that is less enthused about wandering around the mall for hours (ahem, SSBF) means you will have focus your time on what's important, making you less susceptible to impulse buys.

Finally, if you find yourself in the heat of the moment, with the impulse buy to top all impulse buys in your hands, ask yourself "Do I really need this?" A total buzz kill yes, but also a wallet saver. Coming home empty handed does not mean you failed, it means you are just waiting for the right shirt/cardigan/boots/pair of jeans/whatever it is you are looking for, to come along.

Happy Shopping!

Weekly Money Check-Up

In an all too perfect follow up to yesterday's post, I decided to participate in My Pretty Pennies' "Weekly Money Check-up"! It was previously referred to as the "Monday Money Check-up" which made me hesitant to repost because I always ended up doing it on a Friday, and by then it just seemed silly to post something called a Monday Money Check-up, but I digress. I love that she does this because it's a great way to reflect on your spending for the week. If you want to meet a girl that has her stuff together definitely check out her out.  

1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on my credit card payment, $400. Does that count? If not then it was the blazer I bought at J.Crew on my birthday. It is pure perfection.

2. Today I feel eh towards money.-- only because we can't seem to get into the black on our investment account, and I paid my credit card bill.

3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free/inexpensive thing I did last week that made me happy was Armour Day! It was a team building day at work and we did it amazing race style, resulting in 40 UA employees sprinting through the streets of Baltimore. It was awesome.

 

4. I will consider this week a success if I can cross off a majority of my to do list at work before Friday.

5. My first job was as a camp counselor at the summer camp of my Lutheran grade school.

Repost with your own answers if you dare, and make sure you let My Pretty Pennies know, or just wait a few days until she posts again!

an end, a beginning

shirt-Gap, shorts-J.Crew, shoes-Old Navy

Can't you just smell the end of summer? It's awful. I know I know, I have waviered back on this issue a little. The last couple weeks I couldn't wait for summer to be over but as the days creep on I keep immediately regretting that decision. I only have one week left of freedom before classes resume. I am 100% not looking forward to that.

I also realized after working on a little project over the weekend that I have never really told you guys how I got started on this whole affordable fashion smart finance crusade anyway. I mean you all know the basics, I have (had) at least $7,000 in credit card debt and SSBF was on the verge of killing, or worse, leaving me. But what about the nitty gritty?

The whole story is, at least how I see it is that I was nothing short of a shopping addict. Clothes were a way for me to feel good about myself, but not in a healthy way. I associated clothes with my self worth meaning that I needed them to have any. I'll try not to go too deep psychologically, but I was the the girl at private school that didn't have as much money as everyone else. Once I started working I felt like I could make it appear that I did, even though my days of private school were long gone. My parents never really taught me how to deal with my money because, honestly, they weren't even good with their own money. Once I got my own credit card things began to spiral. I was away at college and free to do what I wished. The shopping trips became more extravagant because thanks to credit cards and revolving accounts I only needed to pay a mere $15/month on my debt to stay current. I had no vision for the future and just continued to shop as often as I felt the need. This continued for 4 years. I managed to rack up at least $12,000 in consumer debt. Some of my friends knew, I never disclosed the exact number though because I was ashamed. But I was so addicted to the way a new pair of shoes, or shirt made me feel that I just couldn't stop.

Going on my fifth year in college is when I met SSBF. I always teased him about being cheap, even early on, but he always wore it proudly. It wasn't until we started talking about moving in together did I discuss my debt with him. I could tell it was really unsettling for him to know I had that much debt. It made me feel guilty, but I still couldn't stop shopping. Even after we made the move to Maryland I was over extending myself. I would come home from a day of shopping and see the look on SSBF's face. It was like a mixture of frustration and disappointment. He was paying for basically everything while I shopped to my hearts content.

I'm not 100% sure when it happened, but it finally hit me. It was like one day I woke up and said. Oh sh*t. What the f*ck am I doing. Seriously. I would put money on that being my exact words.

At that point I knew I had to change. I knew it was going to be easy either. It was a slow start, with lots of bumps. I had to teach myself how to save money, how to set budgets, and how to not constantly shop. Most importantly though I had to teach myself to respect me for who I am, not the clothes I wear. It's sounds a little after school specialish, but I say it because I'm not the only person out there to ever feel that way. That's wear Money Smart Fashion comes from. I wanted fashion to be a hobby that I could have fun with. I wanted everyone to know that you should wear your fashion not let it wear you. Mostly though I wanted people like me, who live(d) beyond thier means, to know that they aren't the only ones and it's never too late to start over.

It's still hard for me to talk about my debt but it feels a lot better to get that out in the open. It's actually laughable to think how much of a spendaholic I was given the coupon-cuttin', deal huntin', crazy meticulous saver I am now. I'm starting to resemble SSBF more and more each day. hehe. Soon I might have to change the name of my blog to "Miser Smart Fashion"-- haha ok let me not get ahead of myself.

If you stuck around to read all that, my attempts to lure you in with photo's worked haha! Really though, thank you. It's readers like you that keep me motivated each and everyday.

Janeys Jewels Giveaway! *Closed*

* the large picture and bottom left are of my ring which is 12MM size, however the color of the contest ring is the same. Click the graphic above to see more detail shots of the 11MM ring.

Janey, from Janey's Jewels was sweet enough to not only send me the ring I wore in yesterday's post but  also custom cut this beautiful prasiolite ring for one lucky Money Smart Fashion Reader.

To enter:

1. Follow Money Smart Fashion through Google, Bloglovin', or a reader and leave a comment below with a way to contact you.

2. Include you favorite item from Janey's Shop in your comment.

Want more chances to win?

1. Tweet or re-post this giveaway to and leave me an additional comment below with your blog and/or Twitter feed.

This giveawy is open to U.S. and Canadian Readers only.

Entries will be accepted until Tuesday September 21st at 10 PM.

Risk Taker

jacket-Gap circa 03, dress-Old Navy, sandals-Old Navy, ring c/o Janeys Jewels

For my 26th birthday I decided to live on the wild side: I let SSBF pick out my outfit. Ok, well-- he picked out the dress, I picked out the jacket, the sandals were basically a given since they seem to be super glued to my feet as of late (I love them), and the ring is my new favorite accessory. Janey, from Janey's Jewels was nice enough to custom make this ring for me and it is amazing. The "rose petal" cut makes it glimmer in the light. I couldn't stop admiring it all day. Other things I love include shopping, food, and slots. Some how, SSBF managed to squeeze all three of them into one day of birthday goodness. God I love him.

Food:
The day started with a lovely french toast breakfast, lunch at California Pizza Kitchen, and dinner at our new favorite restaurant: The Diamondback Tavern.

Shopping:
In between french toast and pizza SSBF took me shopping at what is now my new favorite shopping destination. I went there mainly to pick up some new workout gear at the Under Armour store but picked up a few other goodies along the way. (Without so much as a disdainful peep from SSBF) I also (finally) got to check out a Zara, and to be honest, I wasn't that impressed (I realize I may have just committed blogger suicide by saying that). It reminded me of a more expensive H&M. SSBF did find some shoes he liked, which is an amazing feat because he is picky.

Slots:
Then between lunch and dinner we drove out to the casino in Charles Town, WV. The last time I was there it was only slots, but now they have table games galore. I freaking love casino's. Maybe because I am a sucker that falls for the "maybe I'll hit big" allure, whatever it is, it's fun. SSBF had all the luck, he walked away with $100!

Mother Nature was even cooperating by bestowing on us 70 degree temperatures after it was 90 degrees the entire week before. Despite what appears to be a grimace in the first picture it was a great day. The rest of 26 has a lot to live up to.

ps. yes, I am wearing silly bands.
In response to that, it's my birthday, I'll do what I want :)

Everyone Has Goals

Yesterday I turned 26. I'm not going to lie, it's a little strange being closer to 30 than 21. But instead of dwelling on the fact that I'm another year older I thought instead I would share with you all some of the goals I hope to accomplish in the next year, both financial and other.

1. Read 6 books.

This may seem silly but between working full time, school, and the blog I don't feel like I read as much as I used to, or ever.

2. Take a vacation with SSBF.

Next summer will be the first year in three that SSBF won't have the option of freeloading off my parents for a vacation, but I would still like some time to travel. We are thinking somewhere out west. We're open to suggestions.

3. Be consumer debt free.

Well, kind of. I will still have my car loan but I am hoping once I pay off my credit card to put together an aggressive plan to pay that off also.

4. Get a raise and/or promotion.

It's hard to say what will happen in a year. Since I changed job recently I have to wait until at least May until I apply for any promotions, but my review should come before then so fingers crossed.

5. Get Engaged

Take on more financial responsibility around the house.

SSBF is not keen on the idea of having a monthly payment for an wedding or a ring so I know the only way I can make something happen is to take on more of the financial responsibility around the house. This pretty vague right now but I am working on a plan to make sure that happens, I will share later.