Finally, payday!

After working for almost a full month, I finally got my first work-study paycheck!

I worked 29.5 hours in two weeks, and got paid $295, or $286 after taxes.

I also got my second freelance payment for the month of September, for $330. This money plus the money I made during September, pays for my monthly bills and my credit card bill, which has gotten kind of high because of so many additional expenses I had at the start of school.

Now that I will have my credit card paid in full, I shouldn't have any additional charges, which leaves my monthly income free for saving and bills!

This week I worked 10 hours lifeguarding, helped run the timing system at a swim meet ($50 cash) and coached one hour ($30). I think I've been doing pretty well with budgeting, spending only $50 per week on groceries at Trader Joe's. BF agreed to have two "eat out" nights where I don't have to cook dinner. I had to call in one of those two nights yesterday, because I had an exam this morning and an exam last night. I was going crazy studying for both of them.

So far I think I've been doing well with my time management skills. My other students are shocked at "how much" I work, but in reality, I am not overextending myself. School is very challenging, and I don't think I'd be able to do it if I was working full time, but working 10-15 hours a week pays my bills and also helps me structure my days so I stay on top of all my assignments and studying goals.

I'm hoping October will be a "good month" for me and I'm able to do well on my all exams and stay motivated. I always considered Columbus Day the first marker for how far into the semester I am, so I can't believe Columbus Day is already here!

I got a $50 gift certificate from my brother and his girlfriend for my birthday in September, so this weekend I am using it to buy my "all white" shoes for my clinical assignment. I've been pretty good with holding back on shopping and eating out, and adjusting to my new "lower income" lifestyle pretty well. We'll see if October continues the trend!