organizational fees
When I was in college, I joined a sorority. I really am proud of my choice, and I had some very fun, enriching, heartwarming, character building experiences in my sorority. But I have not been active with my sorority for the past few years. One of the main reasons is because when I made the decision to take control of my debt and my finances, I cut all unnecessary expenses out of my budget, and that included sorority dues, sorority functions, outfits for sorority events, expenses for sorority trips - everything. The last time I paid annual sorority dues, I used a credit card because I didn’t have the money to write a check. I decided that I would not do so again. With my income up in the air, I haven’t yet found my way back into the fold.
The only other organizational membership fees I pay are for professional associations that are related directly to my career. I find that dues paid to these organizations which help me with networking and staying current on trends in my field are an investment in my future income. I pay these dues without hesitation and without using credit.
I am thinking about joining a gym again. My dance lessons experiment hasn’t quite worked out, but I still need exercise. Even though I’m cheap, it’s still not enough motivation for me to do free things, like jog around my block in the wee hours of the morning or at twilight, or take a bike and ride the local trails on Saturday mornings. It’s cold out there. I don’t do running, and I don’t do cold.
Of course, with my income unstable, I hesitate to add any other commitment expenses to my budget. But one of these days, I hope to start contributing financially to my sorority involvement and to working out regularly.
Sistah Ant… not sure if you are into organized workouts by the gym in my area offers nonmembers $30 punch cards for 12 classes (i.e aerobics, yoga, spinning, etc). I love it because I’m not stuck in a membership that I KNOW I won’t fully utilize. In addition, there is a community center type place (similar to the YMCA) that charges $100 a year and I get an indoor track, treadmills and access to weights if I want to bulk up a little;-). I completely understand the lack of motivation for the free exercise. I’m not committed enough for a gym membership so I had to get creative.
Organized workouts are exactly what I’m interested in trying… I haven’t committed yet, though. 12 for $30 sounds great - good for you!
Comment by Ms. Money Chat — November 12, 2008 @ 8:22 pm
I bought a Wii and the Wii Fit. and every other day, when I come home I immediately start working out (after i change) No excuse. There is the option to either run or step while I watch TV. I mix the step’n with free wieghts so i get aerobic and strength exercise in the mix. There is a high up front cost, but i save the gym fees. I also clean up while i run. Crazy but the wii remote works when i’m even in my room.
Actually, I already have a Wii, so more than half the work is done there. I’ll look into Wii Fit.
Comment by Constance — November 12, 2008 @ 9:08 pm