Hello everyone and happy Friday!
September was another great month. It was a great traveling month, a great business month, and St. Louis had great weather all month long.
We spent one week in Colorado at the end of August/beginning of September and it was great. It snowed on us while we were there, but it was still a lot of fun. Wes was able to climb a few 14ers and I was able to do some work for a Colorado client of mine.
We also spent a little less than one week in New Orleans for FinCon. You can read my FinCon recap over on DiversifiedFinances.com. The conference was great and I already bought my ticket for next year. Will you be going to FinCon15?
The weather in St. Louis has been pretty wonderful too. It's been a nice 80 to 85 degrees everyday with low humidity. Loving it!
It was an expensive month though.
The only bad thing about September was that it was an expensive month.
We had a lot of unexpected expenses come up, and one of them was an expensive root canal. Keep in mind that we do not have dental insurance. Insurance is one of the joys you get to deal with when you are self-employed.
I shopped around and went to two dentists. The first dentist was a total scam artist, and the second dentist even laughed at me for going there. I read reviews on the first person and they were NOT good. I didn't notice the very bad review/article (someone DIED while in their dentist chair) until after I already had a consultation. Luckily, I went to Wes's dentist and he was great.
It turned out I had some trauma to my front tooth (I bumped my tooth very hard on a cup) and it made an infection form. It really sucks that something as stupid as bumping my tooth caused this because I am a religious tooth brusher and flosser. The dentist said it had nothing to do with that though and they actually asked if I got hit in the face with something because it was that bad. LOL! Anyway, I got the root canal and didn't even use any anesthesia. Yup, I am that awesome!
No, I did not choose to do it without anesthesia because of cost. The dentist said I wouldn't feel anything and even though I was terrified, he was correct – I didn't feel a thing.
It was also an expensive month because we had to bring our dogs in for their annual check up and shots. Turns out our bigger dog (the one in today's pictures) is overweight by about 10 pounds, and our other dog has really bad allergies.
Home insurance update – Remember how a few weeks ago I talked about how our home insurance had shot up 69%? Well, I shopped around and I couldn't find anything cheaper. In fact, everything I shopped around for at other companies were almost double what we were currently paying. I called up StateFarm and they said if we switched our car policies back to them, then they would be able to give us a good deal for combining our policies. Keep in mind we used to have them grouped together but separated them because it was cheaper for us to shop for car and home separately through two different companies. Turns out StateFarm was able to give us a great deal and we are now able to save around $400 a year. Don't ask me how this works, but I guess they wanted to give us a deal because they knew I was angry and wanted to leave.
September Goals Update
- Make $13,000 in business income. PASS. September was a great income month. It was a very busy month, and I was able to add a few new clients as well. I also had my very first on-air live appearance, and it was through Huffington Post. I am very proud of myself for stepping outside my box!
- Work out 2 times a week. FAIL. I am just embarrassed talking about this now.
- Work on passive income ideas. FAIL. Didn't create an action plan.
- Work ahead on MakingSenseofCents posts. PASS. I have been working ahead and it's been really great. I love having posts scheduled and not having to worry about them. Even though I love blogging, it can sometimes be hard to actually sit down and write something.
- Have fun at FinCon! PASS. FinCon was a blast! I met so many awesome people and reconnected with others that I met last year.
October Goals
- Make $15,000 in business income. I'm upping this goal finally. I have some major business goals, and I hope to reach a lot of them. I'll never get anywhere unless I set goals for myself!
- Work out! I'm going to start going on daily walks and riding my bike more. Wes has been doing around 50 miles a day on the trail and he just seems to crank those out so easily. I hope to be at that point someday.
- Work ahead on MakingSenseofCents posts. I am still working on this goal. I would like to be at least one month ahead. Eventually I would like to be two months ahead of my big posts.
- Eat in 5 days a week. We have been doing bad with this again. We have been eating too much fast food and it's something we need to work on.
How did you do in September? What is your main goal for October?
Was it a cheap or expensive month for you?
P.S. If you want to see more amazing dog pictures, follow me on Instagram where I post too many of them.
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zaby says
October 3, 2014 at 1:57 ami love your dog
Michelle S. says
October 3, 2014 at 10:30 amHaha I do too 🙂
kammi says
October 3, 2014 at 3:34 amThe way you write is really entertaining! Yep, September wasn’t the best for me, either financially, but I should be back on track in October. That dentist (the first one) is pretty scary! I had a bad experience with a dentist one time (he was clearly trying to make money off of me) and I ran away and never came back (thankfully he wasn’t my regular dentist, who is a family dentist for us). Wonderful dog there, too 🙂
Michelle S. says
October 3, 2014 at 10:32 amThanks Kammi! Lets hope for a better October for the both of us 🙂
Yes, that first dentist clearly just wanted to make some money off of me. It was aggravating.
Kemkem says
October 3, 2014 at 3:52 amCongrats on another great month! I’m glad you were able to save on the insurance rates. I bet that would have worked for me too if we were still living in the States and had cars still. $400 savings us nice!!!
Michelle S. says
October 3, 2014 at 10:36 amThanks!
Prudence Debtfree says
October 3, 2014 at 4:35 amWe’re in for a big dental time too – including orthodontics. Yikes! We do have some coverage through my work – but it still adds up. I’m with you on the workout shame : ( Ever since I started to move my blog site to WordPress (it’s done : ) I’ve been unable to tear myself away from tech issues and trying to figure it all out. My goal for October is to get back into a more balanced lifestyle – which includes regular workouts.
Michelle S. says
October 3, 2014 at 10:37 amOh no! Dental work sucks.
Mrs. Frugalwoods says
October 3, 2014 at 6:00 amDog photos!!!! Love the hiking pack with a handle! I’ve always wanted one of those for Frugal Hound, but she’s far too gigantic of a dog. Bummer about the root canal, but glad to hear it’s fixed and done. And congrats on your income this month–wow!
Michelle S. says
October 3, 2014 at 10:40 amHaha Sailor (our bigger dog) is pretty big. She’s 80 pounds so that handle doesn’t do anything.
The dog backpack is pretty sweet though. She can hold all of her stuff and even her leash when we get tired haha!
cherie says
October 3, 2014 at 6:22 amSo much cuteness 🙂
Glad the root canal wasn’t painful, at least to your body, though I’m sure it is to your wallet!
Great job on the insurance – it’s often the case that they’re happiest when they have ALL. THE. MONEY. So they give you a deal – we usually stay bundled for that reason though since Sandy everyone’s homeowner’s has skyrocketed here as well.
What are you going to do for doggie allergies? Just curious 🙂
Michelle S. says
October 3, 2014 at 10:44 amHaha his allergies are so bad that he gets to have Benadryl multiples times a day. We also have to clean the spot above his tail every single day because the vet said the allergies are building up. The last thing we have to do is something we will never do – we’ll let the vet continue to do it. It has to do something with his butt glands that we will not mention here LOL
cherie says
October 3, 2014 at 1:52 pmahhhh – well put LOL – sorry about the benadryl though – hope it starts to clear enough to make it less bothersome for you all
Michelle S. says
October 3, 2014 at 2:00 pmHaha I hope it does. He’s driving me nuts with his allergies right now!
Stefanie @ The Broke and Beautiful Life says
October 3, 2014 at 6:55 amUgh, dental work is so expensive. I had to get an extraction/implant last year. I went to NYU dental school which seriously helped reduce costs, but even so I wound up spending over $1500!
Michelle S. says
October 3, 2014 at 10:46 amAck that stinks!
Charlotte says
October 3, 2014 at 7:37 amGirl, you are a champ re: the root canal. I’d probably have to be sedated for something like that haha!
Congrats on another great business month, love your new goal! I have no doubt you’ll be able to reach it.
it sounds like you and Wes are about ready to head out to Colorado, you sure do love it out there! Is the move happening soon? 😉
Have a great weekend, Michelle!
Michelle S. says
October 3, 2014 at 10:49 amHaha I was definitely nervous about the root canal. I asked the dentist like 10 times if he was sure that I wouldn’t feel it.
The move won’t be happening for around another 18 months. I wish it was sooner though!
Robin says
October 3, 2014 at 7:42 amHoly cow on the live appearance! I couldn’t have done it…I would’ve been way too nervous.
Michelle S. says
October 3, 2014 at 10:50 amHaha yeah I almost had a heart attack!
Amy says
October 3, 2014 at 7:59 amCongrats on your on-air appearance and for achieving so many goals!
My husband had a root canal a few months ago, and he said the same thing. It wasn’t nearly has bad as people make them out to be.
I had a pretty good month for achieving goals in September. My biggest October goal is to make a dent in our credit card debt. I just received my first paycheck in almost five months, so I’m off on the right foot!
Michelle S. says
October 3, 2014 at 10:52 amYeah the root canal wasn’t bad at all. I was so nervous because people act like it’s death!
Brian @ Debt Discipline says
October 3, 2014 at 8:24 amOther then the root canal, sounds like a great month. Even with dental insurance I always feel like I’m getting ripped off at the dentist. I’m hoping to attend FinCon15. When does the location get announced?
Michelle S. says
October 3, 2014 at 10:53 amI hope you can go to FinCon15. I’m not even sure if I can go (my good friend is getting married next September), but I bought the ticket anyways. The location will probably be announced within the next few months.
Natalie @ Financegirl says
October 3, 2014 at 8:35 amDental care is one thing I refuse to shop around for. I’ll pay top dollar for a good dentist. My grandpa and dad were dentists and I value good quality. I had a root canal last year and it was $1,200! Yikes. But thankfully we’re both done with that now! I hope October isn’t as expensive for you 🙂
Michelle S. says
October 3, 2014 at 10:55 amI agree with you about looking for quality. However, I was forced to shop around because the dentist I’ve had since I was 5 years old retired 🙁
Also, the first dentist I found actually killed someone a few years ago by sedating them too much, so I am very happy I shopped around and found someone with better reviews.
Clarisse says
October 3, 2014 at 8:41 amAnother solid month income Michelle! And talking about the root canal, I had a phobia about having a root canal because my friend had it when we were in high school and it was very expensive than I thought!
Michelle S. says
October 3, 2014 at 10:57 amYes, they are very expensive!
Will says
October 3, 2014 at 9:08 amDying in a dentist chair. Holy cow that would not be my favorite way to go. I woke up once when I was getting my wisdom teeth removed. That was bad enough. Sounded like crunching jolly ranchers…
Michelle S. says
October 3, 2014 at 10:59 amYeah the article I read was very bad. The dentist was all over the news because of it. I don’t know how I didn’t stumble across that when I was looking this dentist up before I booked. I guess the dentist sedated the patient too much and they died.
Myles Money says
October 3, 2014 at 9:09 am$15,000 is an amazing goal! It’s great that you step out of your comfort zone and keep pushing yourself with your goals each month. Sounds like your dogs need a bit of a workout too 😉
Michelle S. says
October 3, 2014 at 10:59 amThank you Myles! And yes both me and my dog need to be more active 🙂
Michelle says
October 3, 2014 at 9:19 amBummer about the root canal 🙁 I’m glad that you rocked it this month and there’s nothing like hiking a 14er. Umm, just saying if you end up here IT WILL SNOW. Now it is snowing every other day in the mountains. Happy to see you at FinCon and get the Michelles picture done. Maybe there will be 5 of us next year? By the way, Colorado’s health exchange is pretty good compared to what I’ve read about in other states AND you have a dental option.
Michelle S. says
October 3, 2014 at 11:02 amYes, it was great seeing you at FinCon again this year!
I need to buy some warm clothes for Colorado 🙂
Sarah says
October 3, 2014 at 9:37 amCongrats on a great month! I had to have a root canal done during the third trimester of my last pregnancy, it was terrible. It took a total of four appointments and various calls between my dentist and my OBYGN because the dentist said the infection was so bad it couldn’t wait. My last visit was three days before my baby’s due date! My dentist was afraid I was going to go into labor. 🙂
September was good for me. I started tracking my income sources and what I’m bringing in. Hopefully, someday, it will be enough for me to only have to work from home.
Michelle S. says
October 3, 2014 at 11:04 amOh no that sounds horrible! I don’t know how you did it!
Leslie Beslie says
October 3, 2014 at 12:32 pmHave you been able to determine why you two eat out so much? What keeps you from having dinner at home? Is it because you want to get out of the house? Or a time issue? Figuring out the reason behind your habits is the key to changing them 🙂
Michelle S. says
October 3, 2014 at 12:39 pmIt’s mainly just because I get tired of eating the same thing over and over again. I need to work on creating more fun meal plans.
Grayson @ Debt Roundup says
October 3, 2014 at 1:06 pmI love that pic! Sorry to hear about the root canal.
Michelle S. says
October 3, 2014 at 2:01 pmThanks Grayson!
Tonya@Budget and the Beach says
October 3, 2014 at 2:14 pmRoot canals are the worst. I didn’t have dental insurance either so not only was it painful for my wallet, but my root canal was extremely painful! 🙁 Glad you had a good time at fincon!
Michelle S. says
October 3, 2014 at 2:54 pmOh no! They are no fun. I was extremely nervous to get it done but for some reason I didn’t feel it at all.
Shannon @ Financially Blonde says
October 3, 2014 at 3:04 pmWow! I cannot ever imagine getting one month ahead of myself on blog writing, although, if I was I would have a lot less stress in my life. I do plan an editorial calendar for the month and feel if I am a week ahead of myself then I have succeeded. Good for you!! And awesome numbers too!
Michelle S. says
October 3, 2014 at 3:08 pmOne month ahead would be nice. I am working on that goal and I can’t wait until I’m at that point!
Tanya says
October 3, 2014 at 3:22 pmYa the dental work really stinks for the budget 🙁 I had a crown done last year and it was not very fun at all 🙁
Michelle S. says
October 3, 2014 at 3:51 pmUgh they are just so expensive!
Jason B says
October 3, 2014 at 8:01 pmSeptember was pretty good for me. October will be better. I am working on getting a few post scheduled ahead as well.
Michelle S. says
October 3, 2014 at 11:51 pmGood job!
Lance @ Healthy Wealthy Income says
October 3, 2014 at 9:36 pmMy goal was to start working out again. Work finally slows down, but I failed miserably. Need to just do my two mile 15 minute runs instead of trying to do 3-5 a day. Starting too big. October I’d like to redo all the flower beds. We need to add some rock in them because there is simply too much to maintain and it feels like all we do is weed every weekend. Just trying to do a few things that will open up some time for us.
Michelle S. says
October 3, 2014 at 11:53 pmI hope October is great for you Lance!
DC @ Young Adult Money says
October 3, 2014 at 10:25 pmI’m glad you found a good dentist but I’m practically pleading with you here: get Angie’s List! It’s a lifesaver and I wouldn’t even consider going to a dentist, hiring a contractor, etc. without first checking it. Then again it saved me about $8k a year or so ago when I had a scam company (Roto Rooter…who would have thought big brands literally try to scam new homeowners) try to intimidate me into an expensive and unnecessary repair.
Michelle S. says
October 3, 2014 at 11:56 pmI know, I need to sign up for Angie’s list! I went to Wes’s dentist though and we have a friend who works there too so I don’t know why I just didn’t go there in the first place.
Christine Berry - Wealth Way Online says
October 4, 2014 at 8:03 amSeptember was a crazy month for me, as you know! I am having to completely rebuild my life, but it’s kind of fun. I’ve never been in such a great position to start fresh. Trying to figure out my travel plans, but they keep evolving. I have outsourced HEAPS of my work this month and I’m really enjoying feeling more free.
Amazing you’re ahead in your blog posting. Very very cool! I need to add this to my list of things, especially as I might be going off the grid a little (contemplating visiting Burma)
Michelle S. says
October 4, 2014 at 9:52 amSounds like you have a fun future in front of you Christine 🙂
Erin @ Journey to Saving says
October 4, 2014 at 10:41 amI am so sorry to hear about the root canal! I had to have one done last year (without insurance, and thus, without anesthesia), so I know how painful it can be, both on the wallet and the mouth. I would love to get ahead with my own blog, so that I have more time for freelancing. My boyfriend makes me jealous with all his running, so I need to up my game as well!
Michelle S. says
October 4, 2014 at 11:18 amThankfully the root canal didn’t hurt me. I didn’t feel a thing!
Maria says
October 4, 2014 at 1:13 pmGreat on-air appearance. Been reading through your previous posts, you’re such an insipiration!
Michelle S. says
October 4, 2014 at 1:29 pmAww thank you Maria! 🙂
catherine says
October 4, 2014 at 9:17 pmMichelle, I am SOOOOO glad you went to a different dentist. Email me again, I want to know what DDS #2 said! I forgot to ask. FYI anaestesia is almost non existant with dental work here, there are dentsist that offer it but it’s rare, much more American if I do say. I mean really was the root canal bad? I bet no, once your frozen you have no idea what they’re really doing! SO glad it worked out 🙂
Michelle S. says
October 4, 2014 at 10:24 pmHey!
Dentist #2 said the first one was crazy and that my teeth were great except for the tooth trauma to the front tooth.
The root canal wasn’t bad. I didn’t get a shot, anesthesia, numbed or anything. He just went right in and started the root canal. I was really surprised that I didn’t feel anything.
Poor Student says
October 5, 2014 at 7:58 amI also like to schedule my posts ahead… Although I’m not always successful with it. I like to procrastinate, but then I also realize that I write better if I have posts lined up because I can go back editing them before they’re published.
Good luck with your income goal this month! I really hope you can achieve it 🙂
Michelle S. says
October 5, 2014 at 2:54 pmThank you! I hope October is a great month for you as well 🙂
Allison says
October 5, 2014 at 1:32 pmGreat job on the income!
Wow your tooth, that stinks, but dang girl no anesthesia..you are so hard core!
Michelle S. says
October 5, 2014 at 2:54 pmHaaha thanks!
Don @ Breath of Optimism says
October 7, 2014 at 12:56 pmI love writing ahead of schedule as well. It frees up my time to work on the many other aspects of blogging and gives me flexibility when to schedule posts, etc.
Great to hear you stepped outside the box to do the interview. You have to keep pushing yourself and stepping out of your comfort zone if you want to get better and be better. Keep up the great work!!
Michelle S. says
October 7, 2014 at 1:47 pmThank you Don!
Veronica Lee says
October 19, 2014 at 5:26 amCongrats on another great month!
Glad to know the root canal wasn’t bad at all. Just the mere thought of visiting a dentist sends shudders down my spine!
Michelle S. says
October 19, 2014 at 1:33 pmThank you Veronica! Yes, I was extremely scared but thankfully it was fine.