It has been a big news week. D got the OK to be able to work remote from anywhere in Canada! We have been working/waiting on this for a few years. Our heads are spinning with possibilities and we have been busy with pro/con lists as well as searching the mls.
One of the potential big issues with leaving Ontario for me is my career. It would mean retirement. I'm not keen on starting again in a different province doing what I have been doing. So that would mean more "fun" jobs what will likely pay no where close to what I've been accustomed to earning.
We have come up with a couple of "sub- full out" move away plans. I call them our chicken/toe in the water plans as a way to make liquidating assets and moving easier.
D and I have different time lines. He would like the move to happen within 3 - 5 yrs. I'm thinking asap because that is how I tend to be. But I also realize the lifestyle we have been able to enjoy with me working too.
We are planning to spend some time with Realtors found in the east and west Canada (leaning west) before making a firm decision. This is shaping up to be an extra interesting year.
Showing posts with label goals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label goals. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Monday, October 24, 2011
Great Guy!
Meeting the fellow who sold me his tires and rims was a highlight of our weekend. He was younger than I had expected, D thinks between our ages. And so enthusiastic! His energy was contagious.
It was really obvious he was wealthy, happy and non apologetic about his success. A great positive energy to be around. Most people we see who want to be wealthy appear to be trying too had to make others notice them. It didn't hurt that he was naturally really good looking, fit and stylish.
This guy is one of the few people we've met who is joyfully living and enjoying his life and has the means to realize some pretty cool dreams.
When his third child was born, he had to get rid of his vehicle for a larger one, thus the reason he had tires and wheels to sell. We talked about how hard he was hit with depreciation as he bought his vehicle new in 2008. Oh well, he now drives a large Mercedes SUV that seats 7.
He told us about bringing his previous car to the track and how much fun that was. He drove the model up from what I drive which has 100 hp more but recounted with disbelief how there was someone in the group who was driving my model and was constantly on his bumper and passing him.
He remembers exclaiming out loud, "Where is that 100 extra horsepower?!" He figured the other guy had a heavier foot. I suggested maybe he was driving with the sport button pressed.
Told me to take care of the rims as they will still be worth a lot of money when I'm done with my car. That he hoped I'd be driving my car to pick up the tires because he missed his a lot and all the modifications he did on it.
He couldn't believe I had driven a Honda for 14 yrs and made the leap from that or I that had bought my current car used. No more than I could imagine buying his last car new. We were gaping at each other different reasons.
He also apologized many times for being 15 min late. He had emailed me but didn't have my number and worried I left. I like that in a person because it tells me they put a high value on their time and hates when they are wasting someone else's time.
I want to exude his energy and enthusiasm.
It was really obvious he was wealthy, happy and non apologetic about his success. A great positive energy to be around. Most people we see who want to be wealthy appear to be trying too had to make others notice them. It didn't hurt that he was naturally really good looking, fit and stylish.
This guy is one of the few people we've met who is joyfully living and enjoying his life and has the means to realize some pretty cool dreams.
When his third child was born, he had to get rid of his vehicle for a larger one, thus the reason he had tires and wheels to sell. We talked about how hard he was hit with depreciation as he bought his vehicle new in 2008. Oh well, he now drives a large Mercedes SUV that seats 7.
He told us about bringing his previous car to the track and how much fun that was. He drove the model up from what I drive which has 100 hp more but recounted with disbelief how there was someone in the group who was driving my model and was constantly on his bumper and passing him.
He remembers exclaiming out loud, "Where is that 100 extra horsepower?!" He figured the other guy had a heavier foot. I suggested maybe he was driving with the sport button pressed.
Told me to take care of the rims as they will still be worth a lot of money when I'm done with my car. That he hoped I'd be driving my car to pick up the tires because he missed his a lot and all the modifications he did on it.
He couldn't believe I had driven a Honda for 14 yrs and made the leap from that or I that had bought my current car used. No more than I could imagine buying his last car new. We were gaping at each other different reasons.
He also apologized many times for being 15 min late. He had emailed me but didn't have my number and worried I left. I like that in a person because it tells me they put a high value on their time and hates when they are wasting someone else's time.
I want to exude his energy and enthusiasm.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Life and Taxes
D told me his potential yearly bonus to be paid in Jan 2012 will be taxed almost 50% if we choose to accept it straight up. Don't you love Canadian taxes?
He has the option of putting it into his RSP and with his tax bracket will receive a good portion back as a tax refund. We just won't get the money until he files his taxes and the return is processed meaning March. We will go this route.
The plan for the money is still the same. Whatever we get back will go as a lump sum payment to the new consolidated mortgage as if he was still paying for the car separately. Psychologically it helps us remember the true mortgage portion rather than looking at the whole number.
My next trip is approaching fast. Barring any airline and various country strikes I am expecting to arrive on time and have a fabulous time. When I was considering this getaway, I wasn't sure I could afford the time off. Now that it is coming up, I am thankful for it.
Mentally I've made another step forward. To a place where I am believing the pressure to bring in a certain amount of income is almost all gone. I did a fun calculation yesterday to prove to myself just that.
I figured out I need to work one day a month to cover my office expenses. Any more goes to savings and spending money. It was a relief to see it in black and white. On average I am now working between 6 - 8 days a month with 10 weeks off a year.
For the next phase of personal development I want to start taking Arts courses again at the university level. A friend of mine achieved his Bachelor of Arts a couple of years ago having plugged away at it part time for years while working full time in engineering. I was so inspired by his dedication.
Other than a French course I took a few years back, I haven't studied at that level since and am anxious to get back at it. Not sure if I want things too structured meaning the degree route as there are many subjects I'd like to take just for general interest. They may not all add up to a degree.
He has the option of putting it into his RSP and with his tax bracket will receive a good portion back as a tax refund. We just won't get the money until he files his taxes and the return is processed meaning March. We will go this route.
The plan for the money is still the same. Whatever we get back will go as a lump sum payment to the new consolidated mortgage as if he was still paying for the car separately. Psychologically it helps us remember the true mortgage portion rather than looking at the whole number.
My next trip is approaching fast. Barring any airline and various country strikes I am expecting to arrive on time and have a fabulous time. When I was considering this getaway, I wasn't sure I could afford the time off. Now that it is coming up, I am thankful for it.
Mentally I've made another step forward. To a place where I am believing the pressure to bring in a certain amount of income is almost all gone. I did a fun calculation yesterday to prove to myself just that.
I figured out I need to work one day a month to cover my office expenses. Any more goes to savings and spending money. It was a relief to see it in black and white. On average I am now working between 6 - 8 days a month with 10 weeks off a year.
For the next phase of personal development I want to start taking Arts courses again at the university level. A friend of mine achieved his Bachelor of Arts a couple of years ago having plugged away at it part time for years while working full time in engineering. I was so inspired by his dedication.
Other than a French course I took a few years back, I haven't studied at that level since and am anxious to get back at it. Not sure if I want things too structured meaning the degree route as there are many subjects I'd like to take just for general interest. They may not all add up to a degree.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Prudent Decisions
I've decided to delay the start of my dance lesson due to work overload. On one hand, my brain tells me it will help me neutralize the work effects.
My other side of the brain tells me to just allow yourself to recover and catch up instead of always going and doing. It's quite the fight up there.
So the right side of brain won out this round. I'm sticking with the basic exercise and rest and good food. That will mean sushi tonight!
The first long weekend "of the summer" for us Canadians is coming up in another 1 1/2 wks. It will also be the first time D will be using the turbo hub on the Friday, working remote from up north.
We will get to drive up on the Thursday night, hopefully avoiding the crazy summer cottage traffic from now on.
As we tend to go twice a month, I'm taking the Fridays off those weeks throughout the summer cottaging season. Might do that into the fall as well, haven't decided yet.
My other side of the brain tells me to just allow yourself to recover and catch up instead of always going and doing. It's quite the fight up there.
So the right side of brain won out this round. I'm sticking with the basic exercise and rest and good food. That will mean sushi tonight!
The first long weekend "of the summer" for us Canadians is coming up in another 1 1/2 wks. It will also be the first time D will be using the turbo hub on the Friday, working remote from up north.
We will get to drive up on the Thursday night, hopefully avoiding the crazy summer cottage traffic from now on.
As we tend to go twice a month, I'm taking the Fridays off those weeks throughout the summer cottaging season. Might do that into the fall as well, haven't decided yet.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Stream of Consciousness
The month is clipping along. Hoping the roofer will be stopping by to give us a quote today. I'd like to get it done before we leave for France.
We saw The Social Network yesterday. I really liked it. It also brought back some deep desires I had for going to Harvard. Didn't realize I felt so strongly sad about not having an opportunity to go.
I remember sitting with the secretary in admissions at Radcliffe talking about requirements and application procedures. I remember studying for SATs.
Alas, my dream never did materialize and I never got the experience I longed for. I surprised myself and D with the level of disappointment that came out of me.
Something good did come out of that emotion. I started writing my submission for the novel writing month I'm participating in. I figure it is as good a place to start as any and has turned into a stream of consciousness piece.
We saw The Social Network yesterday. I really liked it. It also brought back some deep desires I had for going to Harvard. Didn't realize I felt so strongly sad about not having an opportunity to go.
I remember sitting with the secretary in admissions at Radcliffe talking about requirements and application procedures. I remember studying for SATs.
Alas, my dream never did materialize and I never got the experience I longed for. I surprised myself and D with the level of disappointment that came out of me.
Something good did come out of that emotion. I started writing my submission for the novel writing month I'm participating in. I figure it is as good a place to start as any and has turned into a stream of consciousness piece.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Envious
I know someone who is finishing the last year of a 4 year teaching stint whereby next year, the 5th will be sabbatical year.
How it works is that they chose to live off of 80% of their salary for 4 years and the 20% got banked so that the 5th year is funded 80% as if it was a regular year.
In theory, with some discipline, anyone could do the same. I'm not sure I could. There is debt to pay off, savings that could always need boosting. I'm holding off until I am free from all that.
Come to think of it, my thinking doesn't make me sound very serious about wanting to take a year off when I've been dreaming of it for years! I may have to revisit my thinking on all this.
The family who is taking the sabbatical has 2 children and plan to use the time to do a bit of road tripping. I love the concept and am seriously envious of the time they will have.
How it works is that they chose to live off of 80% of their salary for 4 years and the 20% got banked so that the 5th year is funded 80% as if it was a regular year.
In theory, with some discipline, anyone could do the same. I'm not sure I could. There is debt to pay off, savings that could always need boosting. I'm holding off until I am free from all that.
Come to think of it, my thinking doesn't make me sound very serious about wanting to take a year off when I've been dreaming of it for years! I may have to revisit my thinking on all this.
The family who is taking the sabbatical has 2 children and plan to use the time to do a bit of road tripping. I love the concept and am seriously envious of the time they will have.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Mortgage Update
We are officially done with this year's prepayments on our main mortgage -- to the tune of $23100. We won't be allowed to start again until end of Sept. So, I'll be channelling available monies to our other mortgage in the meantime.
The goal with the other one is to pay it down enough such that the amortization matches the remaining term. Right now it is 2 yrs 9 months and we are at 3 yrs 6 months. We started with a 12 yr amortization 3 yrs ago and it is through prepayments we have been able to knock off the time remaining.
With the main house, it is a much bigger job. We sit at 4 yrs 2 months and aiming for 2 years 1 month. In order to achieve this we have sacrificed any rsp savings this past yr and for the next 2 years.
We will be hitting the maximum allowed on the smaller mortgage by the end of Sept. just in time to start on the bigger one again.
I'm still confident that we ought to be very close or bang on finishing both in time to avoid re-mortgaging. D and I were discussing just how much we've been through this year so far, with both of our jobs changing.
Getting through all that has made us feel stronger and I do not stress as much with the above like I used to. It will all get sorted out.
The goal with the other one is to pay it down enough such that the amortization matches the remaining term. Right now it is 2 yrs 9 months and we are at 3 yrs 6 months. We started with a 12 yr amortization 3 yrs ago and it is through prepayments we have been able to knock off the time remaining.
With the main house, it is a much bigger job. We sit at 4 yrs 2 months and aiming for 2 years 1 month. In order to achieve this we have sacrificed any rsp savings this past yr and for the next 2 years.
We will be hitting the maximum allowed on the smaller mortgage by the end of Sept. just in time to start on the bigger one again.
I'm still confident that we ought to be very close or bang on finishing both in time to avoid re-mortgaging. D and I were discussing just how much we've been through this year so far, with both of our jobs changing.
Getting through all that has made us feel stronger and I do not stress as much with the above like I used to. It will all get sorted out.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Driving Fast
Our four day getaway itself was pretty economical. We stayed in a hotel suite and prepared some of our meals. Originally we were going to fly there and decided last minute to make it into a road trip. So, we have a couple of travel credits to be used later on.
The purpose of the trip? For me to learn how to drive standard better in preparation for a rally driving course. This was the not so economical part. My instructor was a semi professional rally driver and man, can he control the car. I did a lot of drills and patterns over the last 3 days and it was nerve wrecking and tiring.
I did stall and shifted in the wrong gear once but seem to have a knack for hill starts. He was nice enough to tell me I was performing ahead of the pack but I still felt very deficient. This experience has helped me decide not to take more than a 2 day rally course at a time because mentally I think I would lag or shut down.
Other than to participate in the sport, I did not develop the affinity for stick shift in daily driving -- to D's dismay -- I think he was hoping we'd be heading over to the nearest Subaru or JDM dealership after my classes.
For me, it is a lot of work when you cannot drive fast. I think I will stick with an automatic vehicle for everyday and practice the other weekly to keep my skills up.
The purpose of the trip? For me to learn how to drive standard better in preparation for a rally driving course. This was the not so economical part. My instructor was a semi professional rally driver and man, can he control the car. I did a lot of drills and patterns over the last 3 days and it was nerve wrecking and tiring.
I did stall and shifted in the wrong gear once but seem to have a knack for hill starts. He was nice enough to tell me I was performing ahead of the pack but I still felt very deficient. This experience has helped me decide not to take more than a 2 day rally course at a time because mentally I think I would lag or shut down.
Other than to participate in the sport, I did not develop the affinity for stick shift in daily driving -- to D's dismay -- I think he was hoping we'd be heading over to the nearest Subaru or JDM dealership after my classes.
For me, it is a lot of work when you cannot drive fast. I think I will stick with an automatic vehicle for everyday and practice the other weekly to keep my skills up.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Studies
I'm starting to conclude that I am not meant to be ballroom dancing with an instructor right now. Remember how I tried to get private lessons going in the summer and it not working out? There was an ad in the local paper recently and have not yet heard back from the instructor.
The library may be my answer. They just got in a 4 disc set of dance DVDs on the Rumba, Samba, Mambo and Cha Cha. I took a look at them yesterday and I'm going to give them a whirl. I've studied latin ballroom for 1 1/2 and don't wish to lose everything. There is a school in a nearby city where I know I can get lessons from. The only issue is the drive is twice the length as the lesson. Right now I cannot justify it.
Speaking of DVDs, I just got one from my professional licencing board. It is a new program whereby they will be starting to get a bit more picky as to the type and duration of continuing education classes we take each year. To the point where we would not be able to renew our licences unless we submit all the required workshop paperwork prior.
What this will translate to is more money will be spent on more categories of courses each year plus time logging everything. The logging part won't be new as that is part of bookkeeping anyways. I haven't spoken to anyone about these new requirements and really, unless you can afford to retire, what's the use of worrying about it? Just do it!
The library may be my answer. They just got in a 4 disc set of dance DVDs on the Rumba, Samba, Mambo and Cha Cha. I took a look at them yesterday and I'm going to give them a whirl. I've studied latin ballroom for 1 1/2 and don't wish to lose everything. There is a school in a nearby city where I know I can get lessons from. The only issue is the drive is twice the length as the lesson. Right now I cannot justify it.
Speaking of DVDs, I just got one from my professional licencing board. It is a new program whereby they will be starting to get a bit more picky as to the type and duration of continuing education classes we take each year. To the point where we would not be able to renew our licences unless we submit all the required workshop paperwork prior.
What this will translate to is more money will be spent on more categories of courses each year plus time logging everything. The logging part won't be new as that is part of bookkeeping anyways. I haven't spoken to anyone about these new requirements and really, unless you can afford to retire, what's the use of worrying about it? Just do it!
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Canadian Mortgage How To's
In response to a comment question, I decided to modify and re-post my long answer in case anyone else is interested in how mortgages work in Canada.
- When you get a mortgage here, you commit to an overall time frame ie. 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 yr amortization.
- Then you pick the type of mortgage, variable or fixed rate, open or closed.
- Finally you pick your term ie. 1-5yrs. That and your credit rating will determine your rate.
- You are committed for the duration of the term to whatever rules apply to your mortgage. Our banks don't like it when you pay too fast and too soon so they penalize. Open mortgages allows you to pay it off any time you want but the rate is quite high and the term short -- currently 6.55% for a max. 1 year term.
- When the term is up, then you renegotiate for the next block of time, choosing the type of mortgage product you wish and this continues until you reach the end of your amortization.
Thus, you are privy to whatever is happening to the world at the time of renewal. We are just "lucky" that the rates have dropped in our variable mortgage because the economy has tanked. This is the 4th and 5th house I've bought in my lifetime and the first time rates have fallen so dramatically.
Two years ago, we amortized for 12 years, taking a 5 year variable, closed mortgage. Eight months later, we did the same for the ski condo at a slightly higher rate. When both 5 year terms ends in 3 years or so, I don't want to renegotiate as I would likely have to at a much higher rate.
That's why we are doing what we are doing, within the confines of our mortgage rules. Luckily, we can get very close to our goal despite their rules. I have cash and a line of credit that charges prime + 1% I will use to pay out the rest of the mortgage if there is an amount left over in 3 years. I don't want an open mortgage unless my bank makes me offer that beats my line of credit.
Finally, in Canada we are not allowed to write off mortgage interest on our income tax so it is in our best interest to get rid of a mortgage ASAP.
Friday, May 1, 2009
So You Wanna Hike the Grand Canyon?
I Cannot Believe it! I managed to have gotten through on the busiest day of each month to Central Reservations at Xanterra Resorts to get what?
To Get Accommodations At The Bottom Of The Grand Canyon!!!!! Yippeee!!!!
They sell out like concert tickets -- in 1/2 hr!
They open up a new month's worth of accommodations 13 months in advance so our reservations are for May 2010. You cannot just show up down there and those who camp have to apply for permits way in advance too.
D is super pumped as he has not hiked it before. My last hike down was 10 years ago.
This is the first of our 2010 efforts to travel more budget -- to help balance out this year's adventures.
I started re-dialing 5 minutes to and I wasn't alone as I got busy signal after busy signal. There are 30 lines that once open, pretty much wipes out the inventory.
I got through about 2 minutes after 7am mountain time and I told the agent that I feel like I've won a lottery.
Reservations have to be paid fully in advance and you also have to order all your meals at the same time as food is carried down by miles.
As the path is fairly narrow (not much more than 2 ft), without railings at about 10000 ft, with mules getting the right of way, hikers have to squash themselves against the rock wall in order to let them pass. I would not recommend this hike for children.
There are also no active rangers on the route. Hikers are advised to bring a small mirror to reflect light up to the top as there are rangers with binoculars looking down for signs of distress.
Depending on the trail you take, there may not be potable water available so you would need to carry min. 1 litre for each hour you take -- it gets heavy!
Coming up will tend to take much longer than coming down -- think double -- so an early start is a really good idea as temperature skyrocket pretty fast. You would like to make it to a certain elevation (almost 1/2 way) by 9am.
Cell phone reception is unreliable/non existent. Make sure you have adequate travel medical insurance that includes emergency helicopter transport.
To Get Accommodations At The Bottom Of The Grand Canyon!!!!! Yippeee!!!!
They sell out like concert tickets -- in 1/2 hr!
They open up a new month's worth of accommodations 13 months in advance so our reservations are for May 2010. You cannot just show up down there and those who camp have to apply for permits way in advance too.
D is super pumped as he has not hiked it before. My last hike down was 10 years ago.
This is the first of our 2010 efforts to travel more budget -- to help balance out this year's adventures.
I started re-dialing 5 minutes to and I wasn't alone as I got busy signal after busy signal. There are 30 lines that once open, pretty much wipes out the inventory.
I got through about 2 minutes after 7am mountain time and I told the agent that I feel like I've won a lottery.
Reservations have to be paid fully in advance and you also have to order all your meals at the same time as food is carried down by miles.
As the path is fairly narrow (not much more than 2 ft), without railings at about 10000 ft, with mules getting the right of way, hikers have to squash themselves against the rock wall in order to let them pass. I would not recommend this hike for children.
There are also no active rangers on the route. Hikers are advised to bring a small mirror to reflect light up to the top as there are rangers with binoculars looking down for signs of distress.
Depending on the trail you take, there may not be potable water available so you would need to carry min. 1 litre for each hour you take -- it gets heavy!
Coming up will tend to take much longer than coming down -- think double -- so an early start is a really good idea as temperature skyrocket pretty fast. You would like to make it to a certain elevation (almost 1/2 way) by 9am.
Cell phone reception is unreliable/non existent. Make sure you have adequate travel medical insurance that includes emergency helicopter transport.
Friday, April 24, 2009
On Meat
Over the last year or so, our organic butcher was in the process of cutting back hours in our local shop. We got tired of the long Saturday morning line ups and decided to take it as a sign that maybe, this is finally the time to start seriously cutting back our meat consumption.
The benefits are obvious and the timing was right. We had switched to organic meat a few years ago as our effort to move away from antibiotic and other drug tainted meat. Reducing consumption was where I was hoping to go and now it is here.
For the last year or so, we've stopped buying things like Prime Rib, steaks, rump roasts etc. We do still buy bacon, ground beef, chicken, turkey and pork. I cannot remember the last time we grilled a steak. And our portion sizes of meat have decreased dramatically -- 50% less.
Whereas, our previous heavy meat eating lifestyle would include steak/prime rib weekly. For us, it just doesn't make sense anymore, from the pocketbook perspective nor the environmental one.
I cannot say that I will ever become vegan but I would like my food pendulum to move more that way this year.
The benefits are obvious and the timing was right. We had switched to organic meat a few years ago as our effort to move away from antibiotic and other drug tainted meat. Reducing consumption was where I was hoping to go and now it is here.
For the last year or so, we've stopped buying things like Prime Rib, steaks, rump roasts etc. We do still buy bacon, ground beef, chicken, turkey and pork. I cannot remember the last time we grilled a steak. And our portion sizes of meat have decreased dramatically -- 50% less.
Whereas, our previous heavy meat eating lifestyle would include steak/prime rib weekly. For us, it just doesn't make sense anymore, from the pocketbook perspective nor the environmental one.
I cannot say that I will ever become vegan but I would like my food pendulum to move more that way this year.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Newfoundland
I'm back from Newfoundland. It was wonderful. To me, it has that even larger than life feeling. I loved it.
I followed my gut and made no appointments/meetings prior to my departure. My experience with Realtors up to now, via email and phone, left a lot to be desired so I decided I would just feel my way around on my own. (This was a solo journey)
As a believer of releasing things to the universe when faced with situations beyond my control, I was pleased when the proprietor of the Inn I stayed at connected me with a Realtor (they had worked together previously for the government) who he felt was the most honest person he knew.
So off we went, touring various areas and properties. Learned a lot and got a great feel for the different areas. Found out important things like, how far is it reasonable to drive, how nice is the drive, how it is possible to be in an area that is too barren, where the major service areas were and how different the geography can get even in matter of minutes.
Right now I'm in love with a few areas. One of which can get downright scary to drive to...and yup, I like this one the best...
Because of the last minute nature of meeting the right Realtor, we were not able to get access to all the properties that were available. But, we do have a plan in place to screen thoroughly prior to viewing.
Can you believe that ceiling height can be an issue? I never thought that would come to be but we saw a couple of places that were barely higher than 6ft. D is 6' 1''.
Other places were in very dramatic locations but the area around it had an abandoned feeling. I didn't like that.
One thing was consistent though. Any time a local person found out that I was hoping to make Nfld home, they just started beaming. The pride of the people there was contagious.
The search continues. To get what I would like may end up costing more than I had in mind. That may end up changing the timing of it all but what I know for sure is that the price of poker just went up.
I followed my gut and made no appointments/meetings prior to my departure. My experience with Realtors up to now, via email and phone, left a lot to be desired so I decided I would just feel my way around on my own. (This was a solo journey)
As a believer of releasing things to the universe when faced with situations beyond my control, I was pleased when the proprietor of the Inn I stayed at connected me with a Realtor (they had worked together previously for the government) who he felt was the most honest person he knew.
So off we went, touring various areas and properties. Learned a lot and got a great feel for the different areas. Found out important things like, how far is it reasonable to drive, how nice is the drive, how it is possible to be in an area that is too barren, where the major service areas were and how different the geography can get even in matter of minutes.
Right now I'm in love with a few areas. One of which can get downright scary to drive to...and yup, I like this one the best...
Because of the last minute nature of meeting the right Realtor, we were not able to get access to all the properties that were available. But, we do have a plan in place to screen thoroughly prior to viewing.
Can you believe that ceiling height can be an issue? I never thought that would come to be but we saw a couple of places that were barely higher than 6ft. D is 6' 1''.
Other places were in very dramatic locations but the area around it had an abandoned feeling. I didn't like that.
One thing was consistent though. Any time a local person found out that I was hoping to make Nfld home, they just started beaming. The pride of the people there was contagious.
The search continues. To get what I would like may end up costing more than I had in mind. That may end up changing the timing of it all but what I know for sure is that the price of poker just went up.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Sprouting Goals
We've got sprouts!!! A couple of tomatoes, all of the beans, garlic is doing really and a bunch of others that I cannot identify yet...yup, forgot to label this year... The florescent grow lights are doing a great job. This is the first year we are using them. How's everyone's seeds doing?
Talk about temptation. I just found out about a seat sale to South America. I was supposed to have gone a year ago right now as a matter of fact and have since put it on my 2010 places to see list... For the first time I've known D, he is excited about the possibility...what is the universe doing?!
D and I have been discussing the concept of our "lost dreams" -- ideas, concepts, dreams we both had growing up that we've forgotten about or cast aside because we "grew up". Anyone have any of those?
I had an idea of where I felt I ought to be by now personally, professionally, spiritually. I had ideas of how much of the world I ought to have seen by now too. And per usual, I felt that I haven't succeed in everything.
As we got discussing some more, digging out stuff from our cobbed webbed memories, integrating them with (hopefully) some wisdom gained, we concluded that things have turned out really well.
So I haven't retired yet, but semi retirement is a good balance for now. So I haven't bought that around the world ticket and used it, but I've seen on average of 2 new places a year since I graduated and started my career at the age of 26.
I've now replaced that idea with one that makes more sense -- 12 countries in 12 months -- one day! I will likely start smaller with 3 countries in 3 months but something along that line.
New ideas to take me through the next decades of my life.
Talk about temptation. I just found out about a seat sale to South America. I was supposed to have gone a year ago right now as a matter of fact and have since put it on my 2010 places to see list... For the first time I've known D, he is excited about the possibility...what is the universe doing?!
D and I have been discussing the concept of our "lost dreams" -- ideas, concepts, dreams we both had growing up that we've forgotten about or cast aside because we "grew up". Anyone have any of those?
I had an idea of where I felt I ought to be by now personally, professionally, spiritually. I had ideas of how much of the world I ought to have seen by now too. And per usual, I felt that I haven't succeed in everything.
As we got discussing some more, digging out stuff from our cobbed webbed memories, integrating them with (hopefully) some wisdom gained, we concluded that things have turned out really well.
So I haven't retired yet, but semi retirement is a good balance for now. So I haven't bought that around the world ticket and used it, but I've seen on average of 2 new places a year since I graduated and started my career at the age of 26.
I've now replaced that idea with one that makes more sense -- 12 countries in 12 months -- one day! I will likely start smaller with 3 countries in 3 months but something along that line.
New ideas to take me through the next decades of my life.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
A Healthy Change
One of the changes I'm incorporating into my life this year is the concept of working with the seasons. What I mean by that is -- (at least in Canada) -- we have 4 seasons -- and my energy level seems to fluctuate according to the seasons. In the winter, I'm lower energy and motivated than I am from spring to fall. We had a tough winter this year and I really noticed it.
So, I thought -- wouldn't it be nice to have more time off in the darker months than in the lighter, more energetic months?
The change is subtle, in that it will mean I will take more time off from Dec through Feb -- one more week to be exact.
The last time I made a similar change was years ago when I decided that I was more paid work productive during the afternoons than early mornings. Thus I no longer work mornings. My work day starts at 1pm and ends at 5pm or 7pm depending on the day.
As my need for paid income decreased over the years, I have systematically reduced my work week. I haven't worked 5 days a week or weekends (when I was also teaching piano and music history) for at least 8 years now.
Currently I am at 3 days a week with total paid work hours at 16 hrs a week and for 2009, 128 working days a year.
My next move will either be to cut down to 2 days a week (12 hrs) or work it as I am for another 9 yrs (when D will be done the mortgage) move out west if that's what we want to do, retire from my paid career and do something entirely different.
D has a more traditional career and mindset compared to I. He does have a corporate career but what comes with that are paid holidays, benefits, a small pension and the ability to work from anywhere. Should we move, he is hoping that he will be able to work remote full time.
Whereas I am self employed and have to make my own pensions and benefits. Other than him wanting another couple of weeks off a year, he thrives with the structure and set up. I guess I have more of an artist disposition.
I feel it is important that whenever possible, to mold your life, your work, your way of doing things in a way that is in harmony with who you are and how you work best. If it can be done before retirement, even better. I believe that I would see less stress, less stress related illnesses etc. in my practice if we were all able to do that.
So, I thought -- wouldn't it be nice to have more time off in the darker months than in the lighter, more energetic months?
The change is subtle, in that it will mean I will take more time off from Dec through Feb -- one more week to be exact.
The last time I made a similar change was years ago when I decided that I was more paid work productive during the afternoons than early mornings. Thus I no longer work mornings. My work day starts at 1pm and ends at 5pm or 7pm depending on the day.
As my need for paid income decreased over the years, I have systematically reduced my work week. I haven't worked 5 days a week or weekends (when I was also teaching piano and music history) for at least 8 years now.
Currently I am at 3 days a week with total paid work hours at 16 hrs a week and for 2009, 128 working days a year.
My next move will either be to cut down to 2 days a week (12 hrs) or work it as I am for another 9 yrs (when D will be done the mortgage) move out west if that's what we want to do, retire from my paid career and do something entirely different.
D has a more traditional career and mindset compared to I. He does have a corporate career but what comes with that are paid holidays, benefits, a small pension and the ability to work from anywhere. Should we move, he is hoping that he will be able to work remote full time.
Whereas I am self employed and have to make my own pensions and benefits. Other than him wanting another couple of weeks off a year, he thrives with the structure and set up. I guess I have more of an artist disposition.
I feel it is important that whenever possible, to mold your life, your work, your way of doing things in a way that is in harmony with who you are and how you work best. If it can be done before retirement, even better. I believe that I would see less stress, less stress related illnesses etc. in my practice if we were all able to do that.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Magic Numbers
Do you have a Magic retirement number?
Does having to save 1 million dollars in order to retire apply to you?
What do you think of the safe 4% draw a year so that you never deplete you savings?
There is a new spreadsheet in our household designed to answer the above questions. What we would like to know is:
By then, I ought to be skilled enough in other things that I can start a different business or move out west or out east and find something to do there. I think I will be ready for a change.
I've been on the hunt for things to learn/skills that would be marketable almost anywhere we would want to go.
Does having to save 1 million dollars in order to retire apply to you?
What do you think of the safe 4% draw a year so that you never deplete you savings?
There is a new spreadsheet in our household designed to answer the above questions. What we would like to know is:
- Can I cut back my Fridays before the mortgage is done?
- When can we afford to not work at all?
- What difference does another 2-3 years of work really make?
- What if we liquidate 1 or 2 properties, does that make really early retirement (40's) possible?
- Which of us would like to work til mid 50's?
By then, I ought to be skilled enough in other things that I can start a different business or move out west or out east and find something to do there. I think I will be ready for a change.
I've been on the hunt for things to learn/skills that would be marketable almost anywhere we would want to go.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Walls of Fear
Whoops! I've fallen into the same trap again! Reading blogs before writing and then running out of time to write!
Well, new month, new month end results released for January. I managed to beat my budgeted income amount again. This time it will mean that my pay for February will be increased by $2186.56! Yeah!
Where is the extra monies going this time? Savings and extra mortgage payments primarily. I am committed to a charity donation as well as payment for a course that starts tonight.
My ski lesson was hard today. I didn't do very well. I didn't feel like being pushed today so I fought it. But then I got angry that I wasn't doing so well and the anger made me try harder and I ended feeling OK with it all. But not before I mentally dumped my goal to become ski instructor!
On the drive home, I thought about my mental "bratty-ness" and laughed at myself. I might as well have been standing there with my arms crossed and glaring at everybody because that was how I felt!
I didn't particularly like the feeling of coming up to an internal wall of resistance. Whether it is about renting out my vacation properties or trying something new or being disciplined in paying off debt or being told to ski on one leg and do 2 turns!
My awareness that those walls exist, then making the decision to understand why and deciding to overcome them is what I felt today was about. Often for me, it is about fear.
Fear of something being taken away from me, fear of being left out, fear of making the wrong decision, fear of making the right decision, fear of breaking a bone, fear of being so fed up with work that I'd walk out, fear I don't have it in me to make all of my goals a reality, fear of failure, fear of not being accepted. I can go on and on...
There are many times in the past where I would just not show up and coddle myself a bit. Then I would feel bad for missing out afterwards! Talk about hitting yourself twice! Each time I do show up, I feel better and stronger for it. You'd think that would eventually become the default state but man, it is still a struggle some days. I guess I am being tested. How much do you really want this?
The last few years, I've felt that I've become "soft". I have become too "comfortable". I feel that "coasting" time is necessary, especially when you've implemented a big change for example but outside of that, I like to expand my comfort zone. By doing so, I feel like I'm expanding my capacity for life and my ability to handle bigger and better things.
Remember what Joe Vatale asks, "How good can you stand your life?".
Really, Really Good!!!
Well, new month, new month end results released for January. I managed to beat my budgeted income amount again. This time it will mean that my pay for February will be increased by $2186.56! Yeah!
Where is the extra monies going this time? Savings and extra mortgage payments primarily. I am committed to a charity donation as well as payment for a course that starts tonight.
My ski lesson was hard today. I didn't do very well. I didn't feel like being pushed today so I fought it. But then I got angry that I wasn't doing so well and the anger made me try harder and I ended feeling OK with it all. But not before I mentally dumped my goal to become ski instructor!
On the drive home, I thought about my mental "bratty-ness" and laughed at myself. I might as well have been standing there with my arms crossed and glaring at everybody because that was how I felt!
I didn't particularly like the feeling of coming up to an internal wall of resistance. Whether it is about renting out my vacation properties or trying something new or being disciplined in paying off debt or being told to ski on one leg and do 2 turns!
My awareness that those walls exist, then making the decision to understand why and deciding to overcome them is what I felt today was about. Often for me, it is about fear.
Fear of something being taken away from me, fear of being left out, fear of making the wrong decision, fear of making the right decision, fear of breaking a bone, fear of being so fed up with work that I'd walk out, fear I don't have it in me to make all of my goals a reality, fear of failure, fear of not being accepted. I can go on and on...
There are many times in the past where I would just not show up and coddle myself a bit. Then I would feel bad for missing out afterwards! Talk about hitting yourself twice! Each time I do show up, I feel better and stronger for it. You'd think that would eventually become the default state but man, it is still a struggle some days. I guess I am being tested. How much do you really want this?
The last few years, I've felt that I've become "soft". I have become too "comfortable". I feel that "coasting" time is necessary, especially when you've implemented a big change for example but outside of that, I like to expand my comfort zone. By doing so, I feel like I'm expanding my capacity for life and my ability to handle bigger and better things.
Remember what Joe Vatale asks, "How good can you stand your life?".
Really, Really Good!!!
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Dream Jobs
If money was no object, would you be working in where you are now?
Here are some "dream jobs/careers" on my short list:
Here are some "dream jobs/careers" on my short list:
- music history teacher
- part time librarian
- art gallery gift shop attendant
- ski instructor
- short order cook
- driving instructor
- ballroom dance teacher
- art teacher
- receptionist
- local theatre usher
- architectural technologist
- travel agent
What 's on your list?
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Part of the Problem?
The news is out. The Bank of Canada just dropped it's lending rate by 50 points. Of course I am ecstatic and will be even more so if the major banks follow suit. They haven't all done that lately.
As I revel in the prospect of an even lower mortgage rate, it occurred to me that I may be part of the "problem".
You see, I have 2 sub-prime mortgages. They are both variable rate. The main one (for our main home) is at prime minus 0.90 and the tiny one (for the ski condo, taken from the equity of the main house) is at prime minus 0.75.
Right this minute, pre-(hopefully) rate decrease, they are costing us 2.60% and 2.75% respectively. Potentially, they can get as low as 2.10% and 2.25% with 3yrs 3 months and 4 yrs 4 months left on their current terms respectively. My extra bonus goal is to not have to renew either mortgage at all.
So getting back to my realization. Canadians used to (I say used to because times are changing) believe that we were immune to the sub prime mortgage crisis in the States, that our banking system is different, that we are so much more conservative.
We may not have the type of mortgage products where payments double or triple within 3 years but we did start getting into 40 year, 0% down mortgages. Now, they've changed things so that the maximum length of time is 35 years with 5% down. And quietly, people like me have signed up for mortgages at rates below prime not really putting 2 and 2 together.
I realize that I am qualified to take out a mortgage for the amounts I got and that I fit into the banks traditional lending ratios and if I lost my job, D can cover. But, I have to wonder if my mortgages had been packaged up and sold to investors who have gone belly up?
As I revel in the prospect of an even lower mortgage rate, it occurred to me that I may be part of the "problem".
You see, I have 2 sub-prime mortgages. They are both variable rate. The main one (for our main home) is at prime minus 0.90 and the tiny one (for the ski condo, taken from the equity of the main house) is at prime minus 0.75.
Right this minute, pre-(hopefully) rate decrease, they are costing us 2.60% and 2.75% respectively. Potentially, they can get as low as 2.10% and 2.25% with 3yrs 3 months and 4 yrs 4 months left on their current terms respectively. My extra bonus goal is to not have to renew either mortgage at all.
So getting back to my realization. Canadians used to (I say used to because times are changing) believe that we were immune to the sub prime mortgage crisis in the States, that our banking system is different, that we are so much more conservative.
We may not have the type of mortgage products where payments double or triple within 3 years but we did start getting into 40 year, 0% down mortgages. Now, they've changed things so that the maximum length of time is 35 years with 5% down. And quietly, people like me have signed up for mortgages at rates below prime not really putting 2 and 2 together.
I realize that I am qualified to take out a mortgage for the amounts I got and that I fit into the banks traditional lending ratios and if I lost my job, D can cover. But, I have to wonder if my mortgages had been packaged up and sold to investors who have gone belly up?
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Time Off
How many weeks holidays a year do you take?
From a health perspective, I feel North Americans are overworked to the point where I frequently hear comments like "I am not taking all of my 3 weeks off this year because I don't want to be swamped when I get back." !!!
Isn't that terrible?
In Canada, we do not typically get the same amount of paid holiday time as say, our European counterparts do.
Typically, when starting a new job, you do not get any paid holidays in the first year. In the 2nd year, you may get 2 weeks. After 5 years, 3 weeks and after 10 years, 4 weeks.
That's pretty dismal.
Some workplaces will allow non paid leave, some won't.
One of D's biggest wishes is to have more time off. He would take it in lieu of a pay raise.
It has been 2 years since he started working for a large corporation. They started him with 3 weeks off a year and it will not reach 4 weeks until he's worked 10 years. The maximum paid time off available in his company is 5 wks at 20 years of service.
Am I the only one who thinks that's ridiculous?!
He is lucky that he is able to work remote, so that he can be out at the ski condo for a few weeks and still be working. If we get Internet at the cottage, he would benefit that way too. But what about the people who are not able to do this?
Much of the stress I see in my work is due to work. I realize there is no "perfect" job but I feel that the amount of time off given in North America is not enough for people to really detach from their work properly.
Our plan is to have D start taking non paid time off once we finish paying off our mortgages in approx. 5 years.
From a health perspective, I feel North Americans are overworked to the point where I frequently hear comments like "I am not taking all of my 3 weeks off this year because I don't want to be swamped when I get back." !!!
Isn't that terrible?
In Canada, we do not typically get the same amount of paid holiday time as say, our European counterparts do.
Typically, when starting a new job, you do not get any paid holidays in the first year. In the 2nd year, you may get 2 weeks. After 5 years, 3 weeks and after 10 years, 4 weeks.
That's pretty dismal.
Some workplaces will allow non paid leave, some won't.
One of D's biggest wishes is to have more time off. He would take it in lieu of a pay raise.
It has been 2 years since he started working for a large corporation. They started him with 3 weeks off a year and it will not reach 4 weeks until he's worked 10 years. The maximum paid time off available in his company is 5 wks at 20 years of service.
Am I the only one who thinks that's ridiculous?!
He is lucky that he is able to work remote, so that he can be out at the ski condo for a few weeks and still be working. If we get Internet at the cottage, he would benefit that way too. But what about the people who are not able to do this?
Much of the stress I see in my work is due to work. I realize there is no "perfect" job but I feel that the amount of time off given in North America is not enough for people to really detach from their work properly.
Our plan is to have D start taking non paid time off once we finish paying off our mortgages in approx. 5 years.
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