I have not been great at succeeding in making stock (veg, chicken, beef) of any sort yet. I end up buying the canned stuff and it adds up.
Recently, D talked me into using the powdered variety and it has worked pretty well. Our costs dropped by over 50% and it tastes mostly the same even though it is from the same company -- Knorr.
I received a couple of compliments from one of my friends the other day. When I told them that I track the Bank of Canada rate like a hawk, they exclaimed "If you are worried about mortgage rates going up, then 99.9% of Canadians are going to lose their homes!".
Later in the week, they asked who we use for car insurance and when they called to get a quote, they couldn't believe how much lower it was. They told me that they will just turn over all their finances for me to handle.
For the record the person saying this is very responsible financially and far far ahead than most their age. They will be mortgage debt free in 3 years and are only in their very early 30's. They do not need any financial help. I find their determination inspiring.
D is considering moving some of his non registered money into registered, like what I did in the fall. What that will mean is it will be considered an RSP contribution and he will get a tax refund in the mid $1000.
Most financial planners will have you reinvest your refund or use it to pay down debt etc. What does D want to do with it? He wants to come on the next trip with me.
We had to sit down and calculate just how much we have in non reg. assets and if we are comfortable with that number. Once monies are shifted in RSPs, it is not supposed to moved or used until we are retired as there are fees for withdrawal etc. My earlier move and this potential move affects our liquidity.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Monday, February 1, 2010
Complacent
Our Costco membership expired at the end of Nov/09. From a reader tip, we bought a cash card that will allow us to shop there without a membership. We have not used our card yet. Surprisingly, we have been getting good deals from our local grocers and have not really missed Costco.
In fact, we have found that some items we had been buying (ie. brown sugar) are more expensive than our local bulk food store. It's too soon to tell if we will not bother ever renewing our membership.
There are a couple of people I know who are entertaining the thought of working in Europe. Funny enough, after hearing their stories, I stumbled on an ad for a position I would be suitable for overseas. D is encouraging me to look into it. After all, we aren't tied down here.
I don't have any real details but my guess would be they are looking for someone to run the whole division and the hours of work per week would be like I was starting at the beginning again. So would a new location, higher pay (with higher cost of living) and new challenge outweigh the amount of work I would like to do at this point of my career?
I would love to live in Europe and we have sufficient assets to be able to buy a place to live if it turns out to be a permanent thing. It's neat to mentally consider the ins and outs of it. I'm not sure though if I will pursue this any further. Some days I'm itching to start new elsewhere. Some days I like my routine. I just hope I'm not getting complacent.
In fact, we have found that some items we had been buying (ie. brown sugar) are more expensive than our local bulk food store. It's too soon to tell if we will not bother ever renewing our membership.
There are a couple of people I know who are entertaining the thought of working in Europe. Funny enough, after hearing their stories, I stumbled on an ad for a position I would be suitable for overseas. D is encouraging me to look into it. After all, we aren't tied down here.
I don't have any real details but my guess would be they are looking for someone to run the whole division and the hours of work per week would be like I was starting at the beginning again. So would a new location, higher pay (with higher cost of living) and new challenge outweigh the amount of work I would like to do at this point of my career?
I would love to live in Europe and we have sufficient assets to be able to buy a place to live if it turns out to be a permanent thing. It's neat to mentally consider the ins and outs of it. I'm not sure though if I will pursue this any further. Some days I'm itching to start new elsewhere. Some days I like my routine. I just hope I'm not getting complacent.
Friday, January 29, 2010
A Sweet Life
D and I have both known how it feels to live on or very close to the financial edge. We grew up in relatively poor conditions and D has had some tough times as a young adult. I've been quite blessed that since I graduated, everything has looked up.
As my work week and work hours have slowly dropped over the last 6 years, I find myself suddenly feeling like I'm too close to the this invisible "edge" where in reality has more to do with what I've been used to rather than the real edge where I am virtually unable to make payments.
I have talked with a few people lately who have been unable to get necessary health care, make ends meet at home or are fighting to prevent their car from being repossessed. All of them shared a common trait. They were all surprised that this was happening.
What?! How could it have been a surprise when nothing major ie. death, divorce, disease has happened?
I like to operate my life with a certain margin of safety. I don't assume things will stay the same. I don't even assume there will always be 2 incomes. Even if your current life is the perfect fairy tale, I believe it is still smart to plan for the days/months/years where life isn't as sweet for one reason or another.
As my work week and work hours have slowly dropped over the last 6 years, I find myself suddenly feeling like I'm too close to the this invisible "edge" where in reality has more to do with what I've been used to rather than the real edge where I am virtually unable to make payments.
I have talked with a few people lately who have been unable to get necessary health care, make ends meet at home or are fighting to prevent their car from being repossessed. All of them shared a common trait. They were all surprised that this was happening.
What?! How could it have been a surprise when nothing major ie. death, divorce, disease has happened?
I like to operate my life with a certain margin of safety. I don't assume things will stay the same. I don't even assume there will always be 2 incomes. Even if your current life is the perfect fairy tale, I believe it is still smart to plan for the days/months/years where life isn't as sweet for one reason or another.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Other Peoples' Money
D and I know someone who recently declared that they felt retirement savings and emergency funds are a waste of time and effort. They plan to circumvent the need for that by putting all their resources into income generating real estate. That will be their extra cash flow as well as what will fund them for the rest of their life.
As we are live pretty much the exact opposite of this person's ideal, their comment made me stop and wonder if I could do that and if holding a bunch of non income generating real estate was a bad idea after all. Maybe that was their way of bringing that to our attention. After all, why pay for something yourself when you can get someone else to do it for you?
Assuming that what people say is a product of where and what they've been through, I can say that this person's views have largely been shaped by their financial situation. They do not have any savings and owe at least $300000. So I can understand that the idea of savings may be so far away, it may not seem possible in this lifetime.
They are also in their late 30's. Two thirds of the debt is a mortgage and the property is a duplex that is income generating. Their plan is to keep buying more to the point where basic living expenses are covered.
What is difficult for me personally is the sheer timeline of it all. I think it would be neat to have some other people pay for my yearly living expenses but I do not believe I could handle how long it would take to accumulate a decent amount of money in the bank.
I can understanding the ego boost one can get from owning a bunch of real estate and having it paid for by people who are "working for you". Unfortunately I only seem to be able to see it from the "how little equity there is for a very long time" point of view.
I forget that savings isn't what they would like to have. They do not wish to bother with it. They live for today and am enjoying life to the fullest. What a different way of thinking. Living this way assumes a few things. That they will be able to get continued funding from the bank. That their job is stable and they will want to do it for long time. That they will continue to have tenants and be willing to manage all of their needs.
Even thinking of this scenario has challenged my requirement for financial security. I would like to get to a point where I do not need to worry about banks, mortgage rates or income. It is important to me to own real estate or other stuff outright. I also get a kick out of doing it with my own 2 hands. It gives me a real sense of accomplishment. That's probably both a control thing and a result of my upbringing.
As we are live pretty much the exact opposite of this person's ideal, their comment made me stop and wonder if I could do that and if holding a bunch of non income generating real estate was a bad idea after all. Maybe that was their way of bringing that to our attention. After all, why pay for something yourself when you can get someone else to do it for you?
Assuming that what people say is a product of where and what they've been through, I can say that this person's views have largely been shaped by their financial situation. They do not have any savings and owe at least $300000. So I can understand that the idea of savings may be so far away, it may not seem possible in this lifetime.
They are also in their late 30's. Two thirds of the debt is a mortgage and the property is a duplex that is income generating. Their plan is to keep buying more to the point where basic living expenses are covered.
What is difficult for me personally is the sheer timeline of it all. I think it would be neat to have some other people pay for my yearly living expenses but I do not believe I could handle how long it would take to accumulate a decent amount of money in the bank.
I can understanding the ego boost one can get from owning a bunch of real estate and having it paid for by people who are "working for you". Unfortunately I only seem to be able to see it from the "how little equity there is for a very long time" point of view.
I forget that savings isn't what they would like to have. They do not wish to bother with it. They live for today and am enjoying life to the fullest. What a different way of thinking. Living this way assumes a few things. That they will be able to get continued funding from the bank. That their job is stable and they will want to do it for long time. That they will continue to have tenants and be willing to manage all of their needs.
Even thinking of this scenario has challenged my requirement for financial security. I would like to get to a point where I do not need to worry about banks, mortgage rates or income. It is important to me to own real estate or other stuff outright. I also get a kick out of doing it with my own 2 hands. It gives me a real sense of accomplishment. That's probably both a control thing and a result of my upbringing.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Free Money
Great news. I found out the store I bought my laptop and laptop bag from has a promotion where you get 25% off the laptop bag if you buy a laptop as well. I wanted to know if I am eligible for the discount as it was announced with 2 weeks of my purchase.
So 3 phone calls and lots of time on hold, I found that I was. All I have to do is bring my receipt in and they will credit me the difference back onto my Visa. Fabulous. We went after work last night. The amount I got back was $ 15.54.
Not an earth shaking amount but I was perfectly willing to take it. I asked D if he thought I was being cheap and he thought that not getting the money would be silly when it didn't take much effort.
That brought back memories of my behaviour when we were in Las Vegas years ago. I am not a gambler. Because of that, I would freak out in joy if I were to get $5 in quarter slots and if I were to have ended the trip with the $20 I started with at the casino, I would be one happy girl. Nope, I'm not at all big time when it comes to gambling.
I've always thought that lotteries ought to split up the prize money to more manageable amounts (like $250000) and have many winners instead of one person winning 28 million. They would be able to change many peoples' lives without going over the top. I know I'd be pretty pleased if I won $250000 right now.
I would pay off the mortgage, put the remaining $100000 in retirement funds, cut back on work and start spending some of my pay to dust off a few ambitions.
Once in a blue moon, I would buy one of those scratch and win tickets with some extra change. I like the instant gratification of it. The one I tend to chose is where you could win $1000 or $2000 a week for life. Personally I think this is the perfect type of win for me. Not too much but enough to retire on.
So 3 phone calls and lots of time on hold, I found that I was. All I have to do is bring my receipt in and they will credit me the difference back onto my Visa. Fabulous. We went after work last night. The amount I got back was $ 15.54.
Not an earth shaking amount but I was perfectly willing to take it. I asked D if he thought I was being cheap and he thought that not getting the money would be silly when it didn't take much effort.
That brought back memories of my behaviour when we were in Las Vegas years ago. I am not a gambler. Because of that, I would freak out in joy if I were to get $5 in quarter slots and if I were to have ended the trip with the $20 I started with at the casino, I would be one happy girl. Nope, I'm not at all big time when it comes to gambling.
I've always thought that lotteries ought to split up the prize money to more manageable amounts (like $250000) and have many winners instead of one person winning 28 million. They would be able to change many peoples' lives without going over the top. I know I'd be pretty pleased if I won $250000 right now.
I would pay off the mortgage, put the remaining $100000 in retirement funds, cut back on work and start spending some of my pay to dust off a few ambitions.
Once in a blue moon, I would buy one of those scratch and win tickets with some extra change. I like the instant gratification of it. The one I tend to chose is where you could win $1000 or $2000 a week for life. Personally I think this is the perfect type of win for me. Not too much but enough to retire on.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Cell Phone Mistake
I did it this time. Yesterday, D was checking when his cell phone service expires and I decided to check mine as well. It turns out I missed my payment and my number has been disconnected.
So I got on the phone and 3 numbers and 2 people and 1 hr later, I get an answer.
Yes, your number has been cancelled and you will have to pay a $50 reconnection fee and there is no guarantee that my old number will still be available. OK.
The fellow I spoke with gave me another option. He said that I could get a new phone for $75 which would include a time card valued at $50. Interesting. He also went on to say that because my phone is 6 years old, the battery is probably not charging well anymore etc. etc.
Well, my phone is still fully charged since August '09 and I really like my phone. The thought of having yet another phone doesn't make sense to me as I do not even recall the last time I actually used my cell phone. It is there for car emergencies and is never turned on.
I have a pay as you go service which means I buy time cards -- usually the cheapest one -- 30 mins for $15 with a 1 month expiry date. I have 120 days after the time card expires before they cancel my number. So, what I've been doing for the last 6 yrs is putting in time cards around the 120 day mark.
That was supposed to have been last Friday.
So now I get to re-evaluate the whole cell phone idea in my mind. Because I don't drive often now, it may not be as big an issue to just go without. D still has his phone and we have a world phone (for travelling, whose time never expires) that I'm sure can be used in an emergency.
I think I'm covered.
So I got on the phone and 3 numbers and 2 people and 1 hr later, I get an answer.
Yes, your number has been cancelled and you will have to pay a $50 reconnection fee and there is no guarantee that my old number will still be available. OK.
The fellow I spoke with gave me another option. He said that I could get a new phone for $75 which would include a time card valued at $50. Interesting. He also went on to say that because my phone is 6 years old, the battery is probably not charging well anymore etc. etc.
Well, my phone is still fully charged since August '09 and I really like my phone. The thought of having yet another phone doesn't make sense to me as I do not even recall the last time I actually used my cell phone. It is there for car emergencies and is never turned on.
I have a pay as you go service which means I buy time cards -- usually the cheapest one -- 30 mins for $15 with a 1 month expiry date. I have 120 days after the time card expires before they cancel my number. So, what I've been doing for the last 6 yrs is putting in time cards around the 120 day mark.
That was supposed to have been last Friday.
So now I get to re-evaluate the whole cell phone idea in my mind. Because I don't drive often now, it may not be as big an issue to just go without. D still has his phone and we have a world phone (for travelling, whose time never expires) that I'm sure can be used in an emergency.
I think I'm covered.
Monday, January 25, 2010
New Pants
Recently I found out that our local library has a slew of travel DVDs, of the Globe Trekker and Rick Steves variety. I remember growing up with them. We took a bunch out and spent a few hours being armchair travellers.
I would highly recommend these programs. Even if you have zero desire to ever darken the doorstep of a particular country, you will have learned some history, seen some cool landscapes and heard a different language or two.
On my list of things to do today is some sewing -- not the make your own clothing type but the shorten the hem of my newly acquired pants type. I would love to go to at stitch it place and have someone do it for me but I'm too cheap to pay for it and therefore suffer the consequences of a bad job.
Seriously, I've been hemming pants for decades. It is one of the first skills my mother taught me. Saves a few bucks and most times, I find the activity therapeutic. Plus it gets me off the computer as I've been overdoing it on the travel planning front. The bonus -- I get to finally wear my new pants!
I would highly recommend these programs. Even if you have zero desire to ever darken the doorstep of a particular country, you will have learned some history, seen some cool landscapes and heard a different language or two.
On my list of things to do today is some sewing -- not the make your own clothing type but the shorten the hem of my newly acquired pants type. I would love to go to at stitch it place and have someone do it for me but I'm too cheap to pay for it and therefore suffer the consequences of a bad job.
Seriously, I've been hemming pants for decades. It is one of the first skills my mother taught me. Saves a few bucks and most times, I find the activity therapeutic. Plus it gets me off the computer as I've been overdoing it on the travel planning front. The bonus -- I get to finally wear my new pants!
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Laugh At Me
D has had a couple of good laughs at my expense this morning already. I'm taking a break from my Icelandic training to do some other travel research and came up with some new to me destinations that sounded interesting.
I have never been to Washington DC. And for some reason, I never did mentally place The Smithsonian, The National Cherry Blossom Festival and The White House all in the same place. That was why D thought I was being deliberately ridiculously funny.
For those who are in the market, you can currently see an exhibition of Terra Cotta warriors at the National Geographic Museum (they are amazing to behold!), a Turner to Cezanne exhibition at the Corcoran Gallery and the Auto Show.
The second locale was Manchester England. Like most of my travel leads, this too started from a seat sale. The only thing I know about Manchester is their football team Manchester United because we have some English friends who are big fans.
What made D laugh this time was my declaration that if I were to go, I'm going to try and get tickets to see a match -- made sense to me. I like taking in the local sites and sounds. He asked me if I knew how hard it would be to get a ticket? I said, no -- but how hard could it be?
After all, I've gotten a semi final ticket to the men's match on center court at Wimbledon and have been to see tennis matches at the French and US Open, I know how those ballots work. And, really, it is just a local soccer match, right? More laughing.
He said that is like saying The Louvre is just the local art gallery in Paris. OK, point taken.
I have never been to Washington DC. And for some reason, I never did mentally place The Smithsonian, The National Cherry Blossom Festival and The White House all in the same place. That was why D thought I was being deliberately ridiculously funny.
For those who are in the market, you can currently see an exhibition of Terra Cotta warriors at the National Geographic Museum (they are amazing to behold!), a Turner to Cezanne exhibition at the Corcoran Gallery and the Auto Show.
The second locale was Manchester England. Like most of my travel leads, this too started from a seat sale. The only thing I know about Manchester is their football team Manchester United because we have some English friends who are big fans.
What made D laugh this time was my declaration that if I were to go, I'm going to try and get tickets to see a match -- made sense to me. I like taking in the local sites and sounds. He asked me if I knew how hard it would be to get a ticket? I said, no -- but how hard could it be?
After all, I've gotten a semi final ticket to the men's match on center court at Wimbledon and have been to see tennis matches at the French and US Open, I know how those ballots work. And, really, it is just a local soccer match, right? More laughing.
He said that is like saying The Louvre is just the local art gallery in Paris. OK, point taken.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Food and Supplements
D and I have come up with a couple of new frugal initiatives this year -- relating to food stuffs. He was decided to drink less expensive coffee. That is a big one for him as he has been a bit of a stickler. He will be saving the "expensive" stuff ($17 a pound) for special occasions.
For me, it is less expensive chocolate. I would spend $8 for 1/2 pound and I have found just eating dark chocolate bars or chips to be good enough that I don't miss the other.
The other category that we are considering is vitamins. We take a number of different kinds and I'm going to seriously look at cheaper over the counter substitutes and see if it is worth making the change or make the change and see if I notice a difference. This costs $500/yr right now for supplements that are ordered through a health professional.
For me, it is less expensive chocolate. I would spend $8 for 1/2 pound and I have found just eating dark chocolate bars or chips to be good enough that I don't miss the other.
The other category that we are considering is vitamins. We take a number of different kinds and I'm going to seriously look at cheaper over the counter substitutes and see if it is worth making the change or make the change and see if I notice a difference. This costs $500/yr right now for supplements that are ordered through a health professional.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Friday!
Well, I cannot believe it. Guess what I got handed to me yesterday? A thank you note with a gift certificate and an apology for the late delivery!
So, they didn't exclude anyone after all. Am I surprised? Absolutely. Am I relieved? Somewhat as it makes the institution less cut throat in my eyes. The note means more to me than the gift. I'm sending a thank you note back today.
We are planning something fun tonight. After work and dinner (maybe out), I'm returning the one laptop bag that is too big (not the fun part) and then going to look at more up to date travel books. The one I'm reading is 3 years old so I want to see if enough has changed to warrant getting a new one.
Yes, I find bookstores fun. A large part because I rarely buy books anymore but I love them. (I'm not sure I'll jump on the whole digital readers as you would have to still buy books...) I'll likely get a hot chocolate too afterwards.
Have a great Friday everyone!
So, they didn't exclude anyone after all. Am I surprised? Absolutely. Am I relieved? Somewhat as it makes the institution less cut throat in my eyes. The note means more to me than the gift. I'm sending a thank you note back today.
We are planning something fun tonight. After work and dinner (maybe out), I'm returning the one laptop bag that is too big (not the fun part) and then going to look at more up to date travel books. The one I'm reading is 3 years old so I want to see if enough has changed to warrant getting a new one.
Yes, I find bookstores fun. A large part because I rarely buy books anymore but I love them. (I'm not sure I'll jump on the whole digital readers as you would have to still buy books...) I'll likely get a hot chocolate too afterwards.
Have a great Friday everyone!
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Interesting Stuff
I jumped the gun the the whole tax submission thing yesterday. I forgot all about those year end statements from the brokerage firms and investment companies that I will need to submit. Whoops!
So in reality, I won't have all the paperwork until early March and what I owe may change depending on capital gains and dividend income.
Our mortgage payment days and my pay are off kilter until May -- just the way the calendar falls. It rights itself once we get our first 3 payment month out of the way.
I played around with the amortization calendar yesterday and we will have around a $30000 balance after our mortgage term expires on the main house. The ski condo will be done by the time its mortgage term expires 8 months later so it is on autopilot.
Other than that, we are pretty much on autopilot with work as well. I did find some cool life stuff though -- such as a great surfing instructor in San Juan Puerto Rico and a great diving package in Santorini Greece.
Some things to file away for another day. Gotta keep things interesting! I'm not great enough in anything to be whisked away to do cool things in cool places like Sue here, so I will just have to dream up stuff on my own!
So in reality, I won't have all the paperwork until early March and what I owe may change depending on capital gains and dividend income.
Our mortgage payment days and my pay are off kilter until May -- just the way the calendar falls. It rights itself once we get our first 3 payment month out of the way.
I played around with the amortization calendar yesterday and we will have around a $30000 balance after our mortgage term expires on the main house. The ski condo will be done by the time its mortgage term expires 8 months later so it is on autopilot.
Other than that, we are pretty much on autopilot with work as well. I did find some cool life stuff though -- such as a great surfing instructor in San Juan Puerto Rico and a great diving package in Santorini Greece.
Some things to file away for another day. Gotta keep things interesting! I'm not great enough in anything to be whisked away to do cool things in cool places like Sue here, so I will just have to dream up stuff on my own!
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Taxes 2009
I found out this morning that my online tax program I use was up and running for the 2009 tax year. You cannot file until mid Feb but am able to input all numbers and get a result.
I had been using last year's template to get a rough idea and it turns out this year's template makes a difference of $22 on what I will owe -- less as our basic personal exemption has increased.
So I can officially say my taxes are "done" and I will be filing them online as soon as I am allowed. I owe around $800.
On a neat note, I received an email from another member of livemocha asking if I would look over an assignment for him. He is from Brazil and is learning english. This is a way you can help each other out and give back as the courses are free.
Craziest word yet? Try this -- Voruflutningabillinn -- which means tractor trailer in 7 syllables. I thought for about 2 mins yesterday I was pronouncing it correctly. Today? Lost it! I hope I will not need to use this word, especially not in the context of being hit by one!
I had been using last year's template to get a rough idea and it turns out this year's template makes a difference of $22 on what I will owe -- less as our basic personal exemption has increased.
So I can officially say my taxes are "done" and I will be filing them online as soon as I am allowed. I owe around $800.
On a neat note, I received an email from another member of livemocha asking if I would look over an assignment for him. He is from Brazil and is learning english. This is a way you can help each other out and give back as the courses are free.
Craziest word yet? Try this -- Voruflutningabillinn -- which means tractor trailer in 7 syllables. I thought for about 2 mins yesterday I was pronouncing it correctly. Today? Lost it! I hope I will not need to use this word, especially not in the context of being hit by one!
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Getting With It
There was no change in the first Bank of Canada rate announcement just a few minutes ago. That's good news to us and our mortgage. I do not believe we will escape is rising before our term is over but it is nice to have it hold as long as we can get it.
It turns out it wasn't my over thinking and overdoing it on the weekend that led to my headache. It was a virus and I was actually coming down with a head cold. I'm better today but feeling weak so going to take it easy.
We found another laptop bag and bought it to compare with the one I had originally purchased when I got my computer. This new one is larger and is frankly too large. I am going to stick with the one I've got even though it is a bit too small.
If someone told me even 5 years ago, that I would be travelling with thousands of dollars worth of electronics as a "normal", I would have thought they were crazy. Now I will be travelling with a laptop, noise cancelling headphones, chargers, plug converters, Bluetooth earpiece, ipod, world phone and camera.
By the way, I love love love my new Bluetooth headset. It is so easy to use even for the cheapest unit. We paid $24 for ours. I would like to say "why have I waited so long?" but in reality, it wouldn't have worked with my other laptop because the technology didn't exist then and we didn't have a need for it from a cell phone perspective. I still think they look silly but I don't plan to be walking around in public with it.
It turns out it wasn't my over thinking and overdoing it on the weekend that led to my headache. It was a virus and I was actually coming down with a head cold. I'm better today but feeling weak so going to take it easy.
We found another laptop bag and bought it to compare with the one I had originally purchased when I got my computer. This new one is larger and is frankly too large. I am going to stick with the one I've got even though it is a bit too small.
If someone told me even 5 years ago, that I would be travelling with thousands of dollars worth of electronics as a "normal", I would have thought they were crazy. Now I will be travelling with a laptop, noise cancelling headphones, chargers, plug converters, Bluetooth earpiece, ipod, world phone and camera.
By the way, I love love love my new Bluetooth headset. It is so easy to use even for the cheapest unit. We paid $24 for ours. I would like to say "why have I waited so long?" but in reality, it wouldn't have worked with my other laptop because the technology didn't exist then and we didn't have a need for it from a cell phone perspective. I still think they look silly but I don't plan to be walking around in public with it.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Finance Stuff
We broke down yesterday and dipped into our fun money to buy eggs, bread and other staples as we had run out. The next installment of grocery money won't be coming until Friday. Thank goodness for fun money! Now we'll know, if we continue to ship once every 2 weeks, we'll need more staples.
I have a nasty habit of thinking too far as well as too detailed in advance. If I really go at it, like I had this weekend, it will often give me a headache -- something I don't need. I'm going to make myself back away from too much travel planning and too much spreadsheet work. I remind myself it is all within my control! Why suffer needlessly?
One of the financial initiatives I am trying out this year is the concept of paying everything off in real time rather than going with the statement date of the Visa company. I find it simpler. It is also easier to keep everything belonging to that month in that month spreadsheet wise. I still get the benefits of travel miles without the waiting until the statement comes out to reconcile the account.
If possible, I would also like to have my non tax savings ready by the end of this year for the next year vs. saving during the year it is meant for. I am negotiable on this. Deep down, it is likely better I do this so that I am not tempted to spend it on another fabulous trip!
I have a nasty habit of thinking too far as well as too detailed in advance. If I really go at it, like I had this weekend, it will often give me a headache -- something I don't need. I'm going to make myself back away from too much travel planning and too much spreadsheet work. I remind myself it is all within my control! Why suffer needlessly?
One of the financial initiatives I am trying out this year is the concept of paying everything off in real time rather than going with the statement date of the Visa company. I find it simpler. It is also easier to keep everything belonging to that month in that month spreadsheet wise. I still get the benefits of travel miles without the waiting until the statement comes out to reconcile the account.
If possible, I would also like to have my non tax savings ready by the end of this year for the next year vs. saving during the year it is meant for. I am negotiable on this. Deep down, it is likely better I do this so that I am not tempted to spend it on another fabulous trip!
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Breathing Room
Finished my first Icelandic lesson on Livemocha, a great tip courtesy of a reader -- Thanks again! I have my work cut out for me... I'll have just enough time to get through the beginner course before my trip.
D baked dark chocolate pecan and mint chocolate chip cookies yesterday and the house smelled wonderful.
I have been playing around with my spreadsheet again in hopes of simplifying things. Instead to taking the approach of hording every dollar, I went about it from the other way -- from the what is the absolute minimum I need and lets save that first.
What I was left with was the leftover monies. Much simpler to know that vs. putting everything into an account and drawing from it not really knowing if the account will hold enough.
This year I won't need to be saving for my working accounts. I ended 2009 with that done so there isn't really any ambitious savings goals for 2010 and I've found my spreadsheet a bit chaotic without direction.
I haven't decided if I will allocate anything towards retirement. My 2010 tax free account has been maxed out already. In my master retirement spreadsheet, I have essentially written off the next few years for large savings because of the amount I'm putting aside for extra mortgage prepayments.
In the end, I feel it will depend on how my business does this year. If D's extra work is steady, then we will discuss options. Right now, a bit of breathing room is nice.
D baked dark chocolate pecan and mint chocolate chip cookies yesterday and the house smelled wonderful.
I have been playing around with my spreadsheet again in hopes of simplifying things. Instead to taking the approach of hording every dollar, I went about it from the other way -- from the what is the absolute minimum I need and lets save that first.
What I was left with was the leftover monies. Much simpler to know that vs. putting everything into an account and drawing from it not really knowing if the account will hold enough.
This year I won't need to be saving for my working accounts. I ended 2009 with that done so there isn't really any ambitious savings goals for 2010 and I've found my spreadsheet a bit chaotic without direction.
I haven't decided if I will allocate anything towards retirement. My 2010 tax free account has been maxed out already. In my master retirement spreadsheet, I have essentially written off the next few years for large savings because of the amount I'm putting aside for extra mortgage prepayments.
In the end, I feel it will depend on how my business does this year. If D's extra work is steady, then we will discuss options. Right now, a bit of breathing room is nice.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Bunch of News
A bunch of disjointed news today.
- My car passed its emissions test yesterday with flying colours!
- D got an email about some contract work starting hopefully soon. Potentially 200 hrs of it.
- I got confirmation that my associates are getting more and more cheap. Apparently only people who were working right up to Christmas got a gift certificate ($50) and a thank you letter. Those of us who were away early or didn't work that day, got nothing. This is the first year in 12 that I have not gotten a card or anything. And it was another staff member who handed it out -- not the owners. I am glad I did not have high expectations of them.
- I've decided to do my best to see as many new places I can during my time off this year. Enough lazing around!
- My new computer battery is averaging 4hrs on each charge. Not the 6hrs I was looking for but I have a sneaking suspicion it will require some power setting changes I am not willing to make. I like having a brightly lit screen.
- D likes not having to shop for groceries weekly. I still went about my flyer reading just to see if there is any phenomenal deals out there anyway.
- The new laptop bag I got is much smaller and I am still trying to fit everything I would like in it as it is also substituting for my purse.
- D amused me with a story of someone he works with who is up to their armpits in debt but is currently trying to figure out how to afford a $14000 watch. This story helped to shake me out of my tough day at work and made me just howl with laughter.
- I cannot believe I am even considering this but we are going to learn more about Bluetooth technology this weekend as a substitute for my clunky headset I currently use to make calls on Skype.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Car & Work
Yesterday afternoon, I felt the urge to reduce my work load and thought my time off was not enough. It didn't take long for that place to start getting to me again. It's a shame a place meant for helping people get healthy can be so unhealthy for its workers.
I know enough nurses to know that they don't have it easy in a hospital setting either. In many ways, much worst than I. I think I am just too idealist some days. I will continue to plod along. Two years eight months til the end of our main house mortgage term.
My car is in today to get its Drive Clean test. Every couple of years, the emission of our cars gets tested and if it spews out too much nasty stuff, you will not be allowed to renew your licence until you get it fixed.
My car's numbers have continued to be way below allowable. I'm expecting it be the case again today. And yes, the test costs money, around $35. Licencing for the year costs $74.
My book club selections have been extra great this year. I just finished "The Book of Negroes" by Lawrence Hill --Highly recommend it. Some other book stand outs are listed on my sidebar.
Today is a bit gray but we've recently had a string of bright sunny days, no wind, a few degrees below 0 Celsius -- just perfect for walking to work with sunglasses on.
This is my second winter walking and have finally caught on that leaving work socks and shoes at work is so much more convenient. That way, I can wear my really warm socks walking on those - 25 degree days.
Yes, this girl can learn -- it may take a while but eventually it does come through!
I know enough nurses to know that they don't have it easy in a hospital setting either. In many ways, much worst than I. I think I am just too idealist some days. I will continue to plod along. Two years eight months til the end of our main house mortgage term.
My car is in today to get its Drive Clean test. Every couple of years, the emission of our cars gets tested and if it spews out too much nasty stuff, you will not be allowed to renew your licence until you get it fixed.
My car's numbers have continued to be way below allowable. I'm expecting it be the case again today. And yes, the test costs money, around $35. Licencing for the year costs $74.
My book club selections have been extra great this year. I just finished "The Book of Negroes" by Lawrence Hill --Highly recommend it. Some other book stand outs are listed on my sidebar.
Today is a bit gray but we've recently had a string of bright sunny days, no wind, a few degrees below 0 Celsius -- just perfect for walking to work with sunglasses on.
This is my second winter walking and have finally caught on that leaving work socks and shoes at work is so much more convenient. That way, I can wear my really warm socks walking on those - 25 degree days.
Yes, this girl can learn -- it may take a while but eventually it does come through!
Thursday, January 14, 2010
I Bought It
I'm happily typing this on my new HP dm3. And yes, it already has a little scratch on it (self inflicted -- I was comparing the weight of it with D's and his memory stick grazed the side of mine). So now I don't have to tip toe around it and just use it.
I love the lightness, look and quietness of it. It is nice to be able to type away from my favorite room in the house again. I came home with a new bag for it and am still debating whether it will work. More comparison shopping this weekend.
It is loaded with IE 8 and Windows 7 so am getting used to it. Plus the left shift key is in a slightly different position and it takes to download mail and bookmarks. I'll know soon enough if the battery will last 6 hrs or not. Total cost -- $799.
And no, the Icelandic language book did not work. Too much in depth linguistic. I'm going to look for something online. Hearing it will make things easier.
I love the lightness, look and quietness of it. It is nice to be able to type away from my favorite room in the house again. I came home with a new bag for it and am still debating whether it will work. More comparison shopping this weekend.
It is loaded with IE 8 and Windows 7 so am getting used to it. Plus the left shift key is in a slightly different position and it takes to download mail and bookmarks. I'll know soon enough if the battery will last 6 hrs or not. Total cost -- $799.
And no, the Icelandic language book did not work. Too much in depth linguistic. I'm going to look for something online. Hearing it will make things easier.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Haiti
I have been fortunate to not yet have to deal with any massive emergency relating to housing, finances or health, unlike the people of Haiti.
When one is uprooted with barely anything reasonable for basic survival, nothing else is really that important anymore.
When one is uprooted with barely anything reasonable for basic survival, nothing else is really that important anymore.
Bonuses
My December month end is in and I start 2010 with good news. I managed to beat my projections and it will translate to an extra $220.86 take home. What we are doing with any bonus monies is splitting it 50:50 as extra pocket money. Mine gets transferred to my dream account.
It's going to be no go for a birthday trip this year. I cannot get it together in time so we are going to move to a birthday bonus instead -- probably $500 each to do with as we wish. Pretty sure on the laptop right now but cannot seem to quite pull the trigger yet. It will cost my birthday bonus plus another couple hundred dollars.
From now til I depart for Iceland, I will be learning all sorts of things like which restaurants I would like to try, where are they on the map, what walking routes would I like to do, where the supermarkets are etc. etc. Others like when I am going out hunting for the northern lights will be decided once there because it is very weather dependent.
I have been looking around for Icelandic language DVDs without any luck from our local library. However, they do have a course in book form. Not sure how that will work. I'll know soon as it will be picked up today.
The airlines have changed travel requirements to the US again and now the laptop bag I thought worked last week doesn't. Hopefully things will change again before the spring. If not, I do have a back up plan involving the case I bring to work.
It's going to be no go for a birthday trip this year. I cannot get it together in time so we are going to move to a birthday bonus instead -- probably $500 each to do with as we wish. Pretty sure on the laptop right now but cannot seem to quite pull the trigger yet. It will cost my birthday bonus plus another couple hundred dollars.
From now til I depart for Iceland, I will be learning all sorts of things like which restaurants I would like to try, where are they on the map, what walking routes would I like to do, where the supermarkets are etc. etc. Others like when I am going out hunting for the northern lights will be decided once there because it is very weather dependent.
I have been looking around for Icelandic language DVDs without any luck from our local library. However, they do have a course in book form. Not sure how that will work. I'll know soon as it will be picked up today.
The airlines have changed travel requirements to the US again and now the laptop bag I thought worked last week doesn't. Hopefully things will change again before the spring. If not, I do have a back up plan involving the case I bring to work.
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!
Monday, January 11, 2010
Bunch of Stuff
We used up our bi-weekly grocery money this weekend stocking up the fridge again. By the time we went out west, we had done a pretty good job eating what we had. What this means is that we will not shop for 2 weeks.
Normally we have money left over and end up shopping weekly. Perhaps the flyers were extra good this weekend? It may be more efficient to shop less often, as long as there isn't food wastage. We'll just have to see how the next 2 weeks play out.
I haven't found any place I would like to go for my birthday. Right now, we are in a bit of a cool spell so somewhere warm wouldn't hurt my feelings. I've priced out 5 days in Chicago and New York and believe it or not, there are some great hotel deals in both cities. Flights are also very reasonable.
There was one place that did pull at me -- Yellowknife, NWT. (What is with me and cold places?!) I couldn't get reasonable and good connecting flights for such a short trip. Unless I stumble upon something I haven't found yet, I will need to tuck this one away for another day.
Since we've come home, I've been really missing the use of a laptop. So, the search for one started again. It didn't take long to confirm the one I would like. I saw it last fall and just noticed it is the one featured in the latest HP commercials. I may just buy myself that unit as my birthday present.
Normally we have money left over and end up shopping weekly. Perhaps the flyers were extra good this weekend? It may be more efficient to shop less often, as long as there isn't food wastage. We'll just have to see how the next 2 weeks play out.
I haven't found any place I would like to go for my birthday. Right now, we are in a bit of a cool spell so somewhere warm wouldn't hurt my feelings. I've priced out 5 days in Chicago and New York and believe it or not, there are some great hotel deals in both cities. Flights are also very reasonable.
There was one place that did pull at me -- Yellowknife, NWT. (What is with me and cold places?!) I couldn't get reasonable and good connecting flights for such a short trip. Unless I stumble upon something I haven't found yet, I will need to tuck this one away for another day.
Since we've come home, I've been really missing the use of a laptop. So, the search for one started again. It didn't take long to confirm the one I would like. I saw it last fall and just noticed it is the one featured in the latest HP commercials. I may just buy myself that unit as my birthday present.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Finance Scenarios
I received the journal with my article in it yesterday at work. It is neat to have something I wrote in print. Though the article wasn't long -- just 500 words -- I was happy to see it. Hopefully my accident experience will help others work through how they would deal with something like that.
I was told a couple of finance related stories yesterday that left me with more questions than answers.
First story was from a new associate who has found their profession to be very difficult physically and psychologically. B is young and has a bit of an ego. It is probably a protective mechanism so that the rest of us wouldn't see the insecurity inside. B is newly married and they bought a house about a year ago.
They are currently having trouble making ends meet. So B decides the best option is to try and immigrate to the US as there are plenty of teaching jobs there. After consulting with an immigration lawyer, they find out that to file the papers needed will cost $7800 with no guarantees. If the request is rejected, then they would have to pay again.
The next plan is to try an immigrate to England because it is apparently easier. I'm not sure they have gone over the numbers very well because the cost of living in England is much higher than where we are. It they cannot come up with $7800 to start the process or their current 35 yr mortgage, they are not likely able to fly to and rent in England.
Mentally, it seems like B has already given up and is looking for an escape route. Having been an escape artist myself, I recognize his yearning and desperation to get out of what seems to be an impossible situation. I'm just not sure immigration is the way to go. It's too extreme and I feel, unrealistic.
Second story involves a 54 yr old widow who does not work by choice. When their spouse died a year ago, they were left with a mortgage free house and not much else. Shortly after, they decided to mobilize some house equity in order to buy an suv.
Less than a year later, that money is gone and being unable to pay, approached a bank for yet another loan to pay for the first one. They were rejected. The answer has come in the form of a private loan but they are grumbling because the amount wasn't as much as they had hoped, instead of being shocked by the interest rate.
I would bet money that they will end up losing their house in another year or so and the response to that will be one of victum. With no income, the cycle of borrowing to pay back earlier loans will just get tighter and tighter. Not a very bright future here. Why not look for work? I don't know.
I was told a couple of finance related stories yesterday that left me with more questions than answers.
First story was from a new associate who has found their profession to be very difficult physically and psychologically. B is young and has a bit of an ego. It is probably a protective mechanism so that the rest of us wouldn't see the insecurity inside. B is newly married and they bought a house about a year ago.
They are currently having trouble making ends meet. So B decides the best option is to try and immigrate to the US as there are plenty of teaching jobs there. After consulting with an immigration lawyer, they find out that to file the papers needed will cost $7800 with no guarantees. If the request is rejected, then they would have to pay again.
The next plan is to try an immigrate to England because it is apparently easier. I'm not sure they have gone over the numbers very well because the cost of living in England is much higher than where we are. It they cannot come up with $7800 to start the process or their current 35 yr mortgage, they are not likely able to fly to and rent in England.
Mentally, it seems like B has already given up and is looking for an escape route. Having been an escape artist myself, I recognize his yearning and desperation to get out of what seems to be an impossible situation. I'm just not sure immigration is the way to go. It's too extreme and I feel, unrealistic.
Second story involves a 54 yr old widow who does not work by choice. When their spouse died a year ago, they were left with a mortgage free house and not much else. Shortly after, they decided to mobilize some house equity in order to buy an suv.
Less than a year later, that money is gone and being unable to pay, approached a bank for yet another loan to pay for the first one. They were rejected. The answer has come in the form of a private loan but they are grumbling because the amount wasn't as much as they had hoped, instead of being shocked by the interest rate.
I would bet money that they will end up losing their house in another year or so and the response to that will be one of victum. With no income, the cycle of borrowing to pay back earlier loans will just get tighter and tighter. Not a very bright future here. Why not look for work? I don't know.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Not Following Directions
I'm jet lagged and my mind is still in la la land. Made another banking error yesterday. Forgot to transfer extra mortgage money. No real harm. Just pride. I'm going to blame it on the 2.5 oz of liqueur in my post lunch with a girlfriend dessert coffee yesterday... :)
As part of the account switcheroo, we found out something about PC Financial we don't like very much. They have a maximum amount you can deposit per day per banking card.
I thought we were outsmarting them because I wrote 4 checks of $3000 each to put into a checking account so that I can transfer it out to buy investments as I was told that checks written from a LOC would not be accepted even if we really are not borrowing money to invest.
So we have $9000 just on hold somewhere in cyberspace for 5 business days. What hassle. That is one disadvantage of not dealing with a bricks and mortar bank. Other than that, I've had no other issues with them.
As part of the account switcheroo, we found out something about PC Financial we don't like very much. They have a maximum amount you can deposit per day per banking card.
I thought we were outsmarting them because I wrote 4 checks of $3000 each to put into a checking account so that I can transfer it out to buy investments as I was told that checks written from a LOC would not be accepted even if we really are not borrowing money to invest.
So we have $9000 just on hold somewhere in cyberspace for 5 business days. What hassle. That is one disadvantage of not dealing with a bricks and mortar bank. Other than that, I've had no other issues with them.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Switcheroo
The great account switcheroo has started -- which means the money in our saving accounts are getting moved to investment accounts. Our cash flow is going to take a hit until it gets built up again. It's a scary feeling seeing those numbers go down even though we aren't losing the money.
Our main library is near where D works and he is picking up 9 items today. We put all our requests on hold while we were away so the big load will be coming in over the next week or so. I'm pretty excited about it.
It seems like the airlines are changing the carry on requirements on a daily basis! When I saw the latest measurements of computer cases, I ran downstairs to get my tape measure to make sure my bag was within the allowable volume. Luckily it passed. D's laptop bag didn't as it is a backpack style and they are not allowed right now.
I'm draining my dream account to pay for my spring trip. All the flights have been purchased as well as the apartment booked. I made a silly mistake on PayPal this afternoon and payed for it using a checking account instead of my Visa (I want the points). The person I spoke with at PayPal was great and reversed it in the nick of time. Goes to show that I ought not to do any type of banking while eating.
Our main library is near where D works and he is picking up 9 items today. We put all our requests on hold while we were away so the big load will be coming in over the next week or so. I'm pretty excited about it.
It seems like the airlines are changing the carry on requirements on a daily basis! When I saw the latest measurements of computer cases, I ran downstairs to get my tape measure to make sure my bag was within the allowable volume. Luckily it passed. D's laptop bag didn't as it is a backpack style and they are not allowed right now.
I'm draining my dream account to pay for my spring trip. All the flights have been purchased as well as the apartment booked. I made a silly mistake on PayPal this afternoon and payed for it using a checking account instead of my Visa (I want the points). The person I spoke with at PayPal was great and reversed it in the nick of time. Goes to show that I ought not to do any type of banking while eating.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Great People
On my flight home, I encountered some neat people. One was a member of our country's freestyle Olympic team (very cool!). The other was a great lady that sat beside me.
I love meeting people who are inspirational. I love the glimmer in peoples' eyes as they are recounting a great experience. It gets me excited about life.
The post holiday seat sales are started. D hasn't bought his flight back out west yet and today's news is going to seal the deal for him. We have not seen prices like this before. It gets my mind just whirling with the possibilities.
My favorite driver was the one who took us to the airport. It was nice being told that he was hoping to bump into us again. He went to Alaska a couple of weeks after I was there last May and loved it too. He and his wife are going to tackle Asia next.
My solo trip is finalized. It will be Iceland in the spring. I hope to see the Aurora there. My papers for the apartment I'm renting came through today. Once I send money, it's mine for the duration. I'm trying to talk D into coming but he has a guys' ski trip he is saving up for and will not be able to swing it.
I'm doing my best to not think about the shear number of hours I will be spending at airports to get to Reykjavik. I'm seriously considering getting a netbook after all.
I love meeting people who are inspirational. I love the glimmer in peoples' eyes as they are recounting a great experience. It gets me excited about life.
The post holiday seat sales are started. D hasn't bought his flight back out west yet and today's news is going to seal the deal for him. We have not seen prices like this before. It gets my mind just whirling with the possibilities.
My favorite driver was the one who took us to the airport. It was nice being told that he was hoping to bump into us again. He went to Alaska a couple of weeks after I was there last May and loved it too. He and his wife are going to tackle Asia next.
My solo trip is finalized. It will be Iceland in the spring. I hope to see the Aurora there. My papers for the apartment I'm renting came through today. Once I send money, it's mine for the duration. I'm trying to talk D into coming but he has a guys' ski trip he is saving up for and will not be able to swing it.
I'm doing my best to not think about the shear number of hours I will be spending at airports to get to Reykjavik. I'm seriously considering getting a netbook after all.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Fun Stuff
The last time we were at the grocery store we had lots of time to spare. So, we wondered along the book aisle. It was here where I stumbled upon an old love of mine -- the "Where's Waldo?" books.
They are awesome! I love that kind of stuff. So much so, I almost bought it. Then common sense came around and later I found a few at my local library. D isn't too keen on them. He claims they make him go cross eyed!
My travel planning and learning continues. I'm close to firming up my solo adventure for 2010. It will involve a lot of wait time at airports as I'm building in enough time to make it through all the new security stuff.
Lately, I've been considering bring back my birthday trip idea. I used to go somewhere each year to celebrate my birthday. My place of choice has long been Bermuda with my hotel of choice The Fairmont Southhampton Princess. It is adjacent to Horseshoe Bay beach. I go there instead of their private beach because I like it much better.
It wouldn't be Bermuda this year due to the sheer cost. Bermuda is an expensive island. So I'm thinking smaller... like a city break of some sort for 4 - 5 days... preferably to someplace I haven't seen before.
They are awesome! I love that kind of stuff. So much so, I almost bought it. Then common sense came around and later I found a few at my local library. D isn't too keen on them. He claims they make him go cross eyed!
My travel planning and learning continues. I'm close to firming up my solo adventure for 2010. It will involve a lot of wait time at airports as I'm building in enough time to make it through all the new security stuff.
Lately, I've been considering bring back my birthday trip idea. I used to go somewhere each year to celebrate my birthday. My place of choice has long been Bermuda with my hotel of choice The Fairmont Southhampton Princess. It is adjacent to Horseshoe Bay beach. I go there instead of their private beach because I like it much better.
It wouldn't be Bermuda this year due to the sheer cost. Bermuda is an expensive island. So I'm thinking smaller... like a city break of some sort for 4 - 5 days... preferably to someplace I haven't seen before.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Cool Stuff!
I found out that one of the air miles I collect has an expiry date of May 2010. It was sheer coincidence that I found out. That changes things for me as I had wanted to save up for something bigger. I have a few ideas what to do with them but don't like being on a forced schedule.
D has been doing some research on home swaps. He met a fellow skiing the other day who was here for 2 weeks on a swap and suggested we look into it. I have to admit, it seems interesting but I'm not sure I can do it.
Finally, I found out something really really cool a few days ago. In university, I was part of a wine tasting society. The fellow that ran it has since become a professional rally car driver and is the 2009 North American Rally Champion. Guess what he drives? An Evo!
D has been doing some research on home swaps. He met a fellow skiing the other day who was here for 2 weeks on a swap and suggested we look into it. I have to admit, it seems interesting but I'm not sure I can do it.
Finally, I found out something really really cool a few days ago. In university, I was part of a wine tasting society. The fellow that ran it has since become a professional rally car driver and is the 2009 North American Rally Champion. Guess what he drives? An Evo!
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Wastage
I would like to make a concerted effort this year to curb food wastage. From wasted milk to lemons going bad because we have neglected to keep an eye on things. Most of the time that's all it is -- not paying attention. And it makes me mad to see wasted food go into the garbage or down the sink.
It has been a very different being here. We have watched more TV than we are used to. I cannot believe the types of shows out there. All the reality stuff literally makes me sick. Part of me find the displays of humanity just incredible. Maybe that's what people can relate to now or what sells.
I'll be flying back home in a few days. It hasn't felt like I've been here very long at all. I'll know just how therapeutic this break has been once I get back to work. I have had to think of work while I was here as I received a message from my associate (didn't appreciate it). He was very surprised that I was calling him back from BC. Other than that, they have left me alone. Or I think they have as I have not checked my messages since then... :)
D and I have been very pleased with how much lower our grocery bill has been this year vs. last year. Our better shopping habits has made a significant difference -- something we didn't think was possible last year. We actually have money left over! Also, there isn't anything big that needs to be purchased for this location anymore. That's a good thing.
It has been a very different being here. We have watched more TV than we are used to. I cannot believe the types of shows out there. All the reality stuff literally makes me sick. Part of me find the displays of humanity just incredible. Maybe that's what people can relate to now or what sells.
I'll be flying back home in a few days. It hasn't felt like I've been here very long at all. I'll know just how therapeutic this break has been once I get back to work. I have had to think of work while I was here as I received a message from my associate (didn't appreciate it). He was very surprised that I was calling him back from BC. Other than that, they have left me alone. Or I think they have as I have not checked my messages since then... :)
D and I have been very pleased with how much lower our grocery bill has been this year vs. last year. Our better shopping habits has made a significant difference -- something we didn't think was possible last year. We actually have money left over! Also, there isn't anything big that needs to be purchased for this location anymore. That's a good thing.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Happy New Year's Eve
The biggest challenge for me this year has been work politics. 2009 also marked the most frugal year we've ever had. It felt good (most of the time) and when it didn't, we made corrections to get back on track.
Most often it was due to being too "extreme" with respect to cut backs causing the reflex boomerang response which undid things and under minded the intent. So a more moderate approach made for happier living.
My sense of days and times have been off the last few weeks. It's a great thing to be able to wake up with the sun, nap when tired and not care what day of the week it is. That must be what retirement or a good holiday is all about!
So I woke to find out today is New Year's Eve. We don't have any big plans to party this year, though a good meal is in the works (crab legs).
I wish you all a happy close of 2009 and a happy 2010 ring in. It is wonderful to share this journey with so many great people like you.
Most often it was due to being too "extreme" with respect to cut backs causing the reflex boomerang response which undid things and under minded the intent. So a more moderate approach made for happier living.
My sense of days and times have been off the last few weeks. It's a great thing to be able to wake up with the sun, nap when tired and not care what day of the week it is. That must be what retirement or a good holiday is all about!
So I woke to find out today is New Year's Eve. We don't have any big plans to party this year, though a good meal is in the works (crab legs).
I wish you all a happy close of 2009 and a happy 2010 ring in. It is wonderful to share this journey with so many great people like you.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Getting Back on Track
Still on the travel research cycle here. I'm repricing flights to see if I can make the current travel restrictions easier. We are lucky in that we live close enough to fly out of an American airport.
It may mean a drive down and hotel stay the night before. Yes, that would increase the over all cost of the trip but the obvious benefit is that I'll have crossed the US border by car.
I've been working on a travel itinerary to Iceland where it would take me 3 flights to get there -- all on different airlines which means re-checking in each leg. I had mentally gotten over it.
Now that it may take 3 hrs to get on a flight to the US, my connection times of 2 hrs in between each leg may not be enough even for someone who won't have a lot of luggage.
On different note, I've been eating a lot of junk foods lately. I may have put on a few pounds and it may also be causing some of the headaches I'm experiencing as I do not normally consume a lot of sugar. Time to get back on track.
It may mean a drive down and hotel stay the night before. Yes, that would increase the over all cost of the trip but the obvious benefit is that I'll have crossed the US border by car.
I've been working on a travel itinerary to Iceland where it would take me 3 flights to get there -- all on different airlines which means re-checking in each leg. I had mentally gotten over it.
Now that it may take 3 hrs to get on a flight to the US, my connection times of 2 hrs in between each leg may not be enough even for someone who won't have a lot of luggage.
On different note, I've been eating a lot of junk foods lately. I may have put on a few pounds and it may also be causing some of the headaches I'm experiencing as I do not normally consume a lot of sugar. Time to get back on track.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Slow Day
Quiet day today. We are catching up on our favorite Food Network shows. It never fails to make me want to eat-- and travel, depending on the show!
Been working my way through my books as well. It's going slower than I expected. It never fails to amaze me how content I am just looking out the window and watching the scenery. Time just flies.
My attempt at starting a homeopathic detox over my holidays has given me headaches. Probably wasn't the smartest idea to give it go at this time of year when I snack more than at any other time of year!
I was hoping that my bank would show the current transactions today but no luck. Our banks in Canada weren't opened yesterday. I'm waiting to see some payments put through last week on our Visa register online as it is due today.
Keeping finances in order during the holiday season has its challenges. There was a lot of juggling going on for us as my last pay check of the year is waiting for me at my office so we had to make sure we can get everything taken care of with D's income. With the new budget categories we are setting up for next year, the end of 2010 will be easier.
Been working my way through my books as well. It's going slower than I expected. It never fails to amaze me how content I am just looking out the window and watching the scenery. Time just flies.
My attempt at starting a homeopathic detox over my holidays has given me headaches. Probably wasn't the smartest idea to give it go at this time of year when I snack more than at any other time of year!
I was hoping that my bank would show the current transactions today but no luck. Our banks in Canada weren't opened yesterday. I'm waiting to see some payments put through last week on our Visa register online as it is due today.
Keeping finances in order during the holiday season has its challenges. There was a lot of juggling going on for us as my last pay check of the year is waiting for me at my office so we had to make sure we can get everything taken care of with D's income. With the new budget categories we are setting up for next year, the end of 2010 will be easier.
Monday, December 28, 2009
New Age Travel
The latest attempted airplane bombing has left me wondering about the airlines and how their way of doing business and how our way of traveling by plane will change again.
When the markets plunged this year, people were re-evaluating how they are handling their money. With increased security and delays at airport check points, people who do not need to travel for business may be thinking twice or 3 times before considering air travel. I can understand that. And I can understand if road trips, bus or train travel business get a boost due to the latest news.
How will that impact me?
D and I discussed this over the last couple of days and we believe a new era for air travel is already here. It is a new reality that will need to be accepted. If not, then people will find other ways to get to where they wish or not go at all.
Having caught the travel bug in the last week or so, I have been looking at a few perspective travel itineraries, 2 of which fly through or to the US. I am not scared to fly. I just know that the coming months will be chaotic and I would prefer to do those itineraries once the initial hype is over.
I happen to have traveled during the first few days when liquids where first restricted at Heathrow. The tension was palpable as no airport staff wanted to be the one that messed up. Others who did not know of the new restrictions were distressed when told they would have to dump their $90 face cream or morning yogurt.
Out of the places I was researching, only one (Havana) doesn't involve a connection through the US. I am going to wait and see how things settle before committing to anything.
When the markets plunged this year, people were re-evaluating how they are handling their money. With increased security and delays at airport check points, people who do not need to travel for business may be thinking twice or 3 times before considering air travel. I can understand that. And I can understand if road trips, bus or train travel business get a boost due to the latest news.
How will that impact me?
D and I discussed this over the last couple of days and we believe a new era for air travel is already here. It is a new reality that will need to be accepted. If not, then people will find other ways to get to where they wish or not go at all.
Having caught the travel bug in the last week or so, I have been looking at a few perspective travel itineraries, 2 of which fly through or to the US. I am not scared to fly. I just know that the coming months will be chaotic and I would prefer to do those itineraries once the initial hype is over.
I happen to have traveled during the first few days when liquids where first restricted at Heathrow. The tension was palpable as no airport staff wanted to be the one that messed up. Others who did not know of the new restrictions were distressed when told they would have to dump their $90 face cream or morning yogurt.
Out of the places I was researching, only one (Havana) doesn't involve a connection through the US. I am going to wait and see how things settle before committing to anything.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
In Order
We are heading into town again today for another lunch out and some more grocery shopping. It will be fun. The sun is supposed to be shining and the temperatures very temperate for winter.
I've had to come up a better way to handle the yearly various misc. expenses better ie. vitamins, cat sitting etc. I have to admit, I've just been paying it and taking money out of general revenue when in reality, they are predictable and expected.
The best explanation is probably laziness on my part with a dollop of denial. I didn't want to admit that it adds up to around $1200 each year and deserves its own category.
So, I've modified my spreadsheet for next year to incorporate it. The effect will be a less jumbled looking sheet.
Time has been passing by quickly. It is nearing the 2 week mark for us out here and I don't want to go leave yet nor have I been bored at all.
I wondered yesterday just how long it would take, if left to my own devices, before I would even want to go back to my regular/working life.
Should I win a lottery any time soon, I shall be testing that out. I probably ought to start buying tickets first...
I've had to come up a better way to handle the yearly various misc. expenses better ie. vitamins, cat sitting etc. I have to admit, I've just been paying it and taking money out of general revenue when in reality, they are predictable and expected.
The best explanation is probably laziness on my part with a dollop of denial. I didn't want to admit that it adds up to around $1200 each year and deserves its own category.
So, I've modified my spreadsheet for next year to incorporate it. The effect will be a less jumbled looking sheet.
Time has been passing by quickly. It is nearing the 2 week mark for us out here and I don't want to go leave yet nor have I been bored at all.
I wondered yesterday just how long it would take, if left to my own devices, before I would even want to go back to my regular/working life.
Should I win a lottery any time soon, I shall be testing that out. I probably ought to start buying tickets first...
Friday, December 25, 2009
The Merry Christmas Round Up
Merry Christmas to all who are celebrating!!!
I love watching the sun rise over the mountains. It is a clear morning and D will be preparing our Christmas breakfast of banana chocolate buttermilk pancakes with choice of sausage or bacon. Yummy!
The resort had a parade and fireworks last night. We were able to catch most of it from our front window. It was fun and joyous.
It has been over a year since I discovered and signed onto NetWorth IQ. I am happy to find that for 2009, we have seen a significant increase due to the recovering economy bringing our stock values back up and a concerted effort on our part to save and pay off the mortgage.
The numbers stand as such. January 2009 net worth -- $520 004 vs. December 2009 -- $652 555, for a difference of $132 551. All in all, a great year.
We are expecting our savings trend to continue next year as there isn't anything dramatic planned in 2010 that I know of right now... travel wise, I'm looking into some cool stuff but money wise, not really.
Have a great day, however you may be spending it!
I love watching the sun rise over the mountains. It is a clear morning and D will be preparing our Christmas breakfast of banana chocolate buttermilk pancakes with choice of sausage or bacon. Yummy!
The resort had a parade and fireworks last night. We were able to catch most of it from our front window. It was fun and joyous.
It has been over a year since I discovered and signed onto NetWorth IQ. I am happy to find that for 2009, we have seen a significant increase due to the recovering economy bringing our stock values back up and a concerted effort on our part to save and pay off the mortgage.
The numbers stand as such. January 2009 net worth -- $520 004 vs. December 2009 -- $652 555, for a difference of $132 551. All in all, a great year.
We are expecting our savings trend to continue next year as there isn't anything dramatic planned in 2010 that I know of right now... travel wise, I'm looking into some cool stuff but money wise, not really.
Have a great day, however you may be spending it!
Thursday, December 24, 2009
On Graciousness
I find it amusing the number of recent blog posts slamming travel as a worthwhile activity. The topic could easily be substituted with a myriad of other subjects.
What strikes me as strange is the strength of emotion behind the posts. If I didn't know better (or maybe I do), it sounds almost prejudice in quality.
If the topic was approached from the direction of environmental impact, I would understand it more. Calling an activity a waste of time or unnecessary, I feel is inappropriate and unkind.
Not everyone appreciate or enjoys the same hobbies or past times. Not everyone wants children. Not everyone enjoys home ownership. I would not label their choices as wrong just because it is different from mine.
We are fortunate to be living in a country where one can pursue various interests and past times. To knock another person's choice is a petty way of being "right". I would prefer to describe that as a bad case of self righteousness.
What happened to being gracious and open minded to differences? I happen to enjoy reading and hearing about how differently people live their lives. There is much to learn from each other.
Sometimes it confirms the path I am on. Sometimes it changes my path. Both are good.
A wonderful Christmas Eve to Everyone!
What strikes me as strange is the strength of emotion behind the posts. If I didn't know better (or maybe I do), it sounds almost prejudice in quality.
If the topic was approached from the direction of environmental impact, I would understand it more. Calling an activity a waste of time or unnecessary, I feel is inappropriate and unkind.
Not everyone appreciate or enjoys the same hobbies or past times. Not everyone wants children. Not everyone enjoys home ownership. I would not label their choices as wrong just because it is different from mine.
We are fortunate to be living in a country where one can pursue various interests and past times. To knock another person's choice is a petty way of being "right". I would prefer to describe that as a bad case of self righteousness.
What happened to being gracious and open minded to differences? I happen to enjoy reading and hearing about how differently people live their lives. There is much to learn from each other.
Sometimes it confirms the path I am on. Sometimes it changes my path. Both are good.
A wonderful Christmas Eve to Everyone!
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Snow Report
I've been keeping a keen eye out on my local Ontario weather. Why would I care?
Because we have contracted out our snow removal to a local fellow so I want to keep track of which days he would be working.
We are paying him $25 each time to clear snow from our driveway and walkways as well as to sprinkle environment friendly ice melter as needed.
Our house is on a fairly large corner lot and there is a lot of pedestrian traffic. I don't want anyone to slip. That is one expense those of us who live in a northern climate have to consider when going away.
As much as I wish a white Christmas for those who want one, I'm also hoping that people who have to drive far will have clear highways and byways.
Because we have contracted out our snow removal to a local fellow so I want to keep track of which days he would be working.
We are paying him $25 each time to clear snow from our driveway and walkways as well as to sprinkle environment friendly ice melter as needed.
Our house is on a fairly large corner lot and there is a lot of pedestrian traffic. I don't want anyone to slip. That is one expense those of us who live in a northern climate have to consider when going away.
As much as I wish a white Christmas for those who want one, I'm also hoping that people who have to drive far will have clear highways and byways.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Spending Round Up
As I was sipping (gulping is likely more accurate) my peppermint mocha the other day, I said to D that I have spent more money at Starbucks this year than the last 5 years combined. By more I mean around the $50 mark. I don't seem to be tiring of that drink.
Each year both Starbucks and Second Cup introduce their holiday drink series and Starbucks has hit the mark with my taste buds this season. When I fly home in 2 weeks, I will be looking forward to my next dose at the airport!
As the year draws to a close, I'd like to round up the major spending that went on in 2009. My handy dandy spreadsheet is invaluable for this as I have forgotten more than I realize.
Travel starts the list off with flights purchased to France, Argentina, Alaska and Newfoundland on top of our usual ones for BC. We also prepaid for accommodations at the bottom of the Grand Canyon.
I put new tires and front brakes (2nd set ever) on my car along with some oil spray. D got rid of his car and replaced it with a used one. Before he was able to trade it in, his old car got new brake lines. His new to him car got snow tires and rims and oil sprayed.
We upgraded the insurance on our properties, I bought new skis and donated to various charitable causes.
Had I sprung for the EVO, it would have topped everything on the list (outside of the house in NF that also didn't materialize) but I didn't and looking back, it was the right decision for then. No promises in the coming years though...
Speaking of cars, I am still very pleased with mine. Had I gotten a new one, our plan was to keep mine because it is the most practical for the cottage. We had planned to take D's car to the airport a week ago but had to make a last minute switch as it couldn't hold all of our luggage...
The EVO would be in the same boat as the trunk is practically non existent because they designed it for balance, not practicality (the battery and windshield washer fluid are in the trunk for even weight distribution -- so is the subwoofer).
Looking to next year, I will likely be replacing my rear drum brakes. They are squeaking pretty good right now and have never been replaced since '97. I was last told in the fall that there was 35% left. People get out of my way because I sound like I am not able to stop. It makes me giggle.
Other than that, I am not anticipating much else outside of oil changes for next year... knock on wood. The rate I am driving it, it won't be ready for the next timing belt for years. I have 272K on it and the next belt is due around 360K.
Sure, I have some surface rust and got a quote a couple of summers ago. I didn't want to spend the money on it and we are working to doing some work ourselves.
I told D I put my foot down on the fiberglass stuff. It stinks so bad, I almost faint from it (bad previous experience with my parents' car). If the rust ever gets so bad I would need filler, then I'm making the appointment at the body shop.
Each year both Starbucks and Second Cup introduce their holiday drink series and Starbucks has hit the mark with my taste buds this season. When I fly home in 2 weeks, I will be looking forward to my next dose at the airport!
As the year draws to a close, I'd like to round up the major spending that went on in 2009. My handy dandy spreadsheet is invaluable for this as I have forgotten more than I realize.
Travel starts the list off with flights purchased to France, Argentina, Alaska and Newfoundland on top of our usual ones for BC. We also prepaid for accommodations at the bottom of the Grand Canyon.
I put new tires and front brakes (2nd set ever) on my car along with some oil spray. D got rid of his car and replaced it with a used one. Before he was able to trade it in, his old car got new brake lines. His new to him car got snow tires and rims and oil sprayed.
We upgraded the insurance on our properties, I bought new skis and donated to various charitable causes.
Had I sprung for the EVO, it would have topped everything on the list (outside of the house in NF that also didn't materialize) but I didn't and looking back, it was the right decision for then. No promises in the coming years though...
Speaking of cars, I am still very pleased with mine. Had I gotten a new one, our plan was to keep mine because it is the most practical for the cottage. We had planned to take D's car to the airport a week ago but had to make a last minute switch as it couldn't hold all of our luggage...
The EVO would be in the same boat as the trunk is practically non existent because they designed it for balance, not practicality (the battery and windshield washer fluid are in the trunk for even weight distribution -- so is the subwoofer).
Looking to next year, I will likely be replacing my rear drum brakes. They are squeaking pretty good right now and have never been replaced since '97. I was last told in the fall that there was 35% left. People get out of my way because I sound like I am not able to stop. It makes me giggle.
Other than that, I am not anticipating much else outside of oil changes for next year... knock on wood. The rate I am driving it, it won't be ready for the next timing belt for years. I have 272K on it and the next belt is due around 360K.
Sure, I have some surface rust and got a quote a couple of summers ago. I didn't want to spend the money on it and we are working to doing some work ourselves.
I told D I put my foot down on the fiberglass stuff. It stinks so bad, I almost faint from it (bad previous experience with my parents' car). If the rust ever gets so bad I would need filler, then I'm making the appointment at the body shop.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Daily News
Each morning around 8:30am, the ski and snowboard instructors here take off en masse down their first run of the day to scout out the day's terrain and where they will be bringing their respective groups of students.
I look forward to seeing them each day in their black Descente jackets, red ski pants and striped pom pom hats. Man, would I love to be part of that group, despite the weather being less than ideal lately (very foggy) and how challenging it would be teaching in it.
Time is going by quickly here. In a couple of days I will have been here a week already. Hardly seems possible. This year we've gotten more established and organized. When we were in town the other day, we brought back a few bags of groceries.
It wasn't too bad at all price wise, around $58. We remember that last year, each time we'd be at the local grocers, which was every day, we'd inevitably spend $24 daily. It adds up after a few weeks.
Our frugality efforts at home has definitely rubbed off here as well. Over the year, we have become smarter and more efficient food shoppers.
I look forward to seeing them each day in their black Descente jackets, red ski pants and striped pom pom hats. Man, would I love to be part of that group, despite the weather being less than ideal lately (very foggy) and how challenging it would be teaching in it.
Time is going by quickly here. In a couple of days I will have been here a week already. Hardly seems possible. This year we've gotten more established and organized. When we were in town the other day, we brought back a few bags of groceries.
It wasn't too bad at all price wise, around $58. We remember that last year, each time we'd be at the local grocers, which was every day, we'd inevitably spend $24 daily. It adds up after a few weeks.
Our frugality efforts at home has definitely rubbed off here as well. Over the year, we have become smarter and more efficient food shoppers.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
No More Pant Shopping
We went into town for the day yesterday and reacquainted ourselves with a host of favorite places to eat and shop.
There were some clothing deals to be had and I came back home with a couple of pairs of pants to replace some ailing ones I have. Those being replaced won't be thrown out but relegated as official cottage and ski bum wear.
I cannot describe the frustration I felt when I was jean shopping. By the time I was done, I was seriously starting to sweat. Trying on clothing isn't a enjoyable thing for me at the best of times so when you throw in the size chart differences at respective stores, I liken it as fun as a trip to the dentist.
The store I bought my jeans from was Jacob. Their pants are sized according to what I think is hip size. Because when I chose what I thought was my waist size, I couldn't get those pants up past my knees. I realize that my mental body image may deviate far from reality but I honestly couldn't believe it could be that far off!
I ended up 5 sizes larger before they fit well. Lucky for me, I don't get upset with things like that nor do I get offended or embarrassed with the final size number. The most important thing for me is that they fit, they don't exposed half of my behind when I squat and can sit down comfortably.
It is beyond my comprehension just how some girls and women fit into some jean/pants. Some are so skinny, I don't think I could get my arm down them, much less tuck them into long boots as the current style seems to dictate. I know that I probably sound like some old grizzled woman here.
The store manager was the one helping me yesterday and she was very sympathetic to my cause. After the 3rd try on, I was starting to get frustrated and told her that the pants I wore into the store was a size 2 from The Gap, maybe she would know how to convert it to their sizing.
Now that I know what size I am for that store (30), then I will be able to hopefully avoid a repeat of my experience yesterday. Considering I wear my pants for years before they get worn out, sizing charts may have change by then.
I had an easier time at Esprit. Their pants were sized from zero onwards. I'm more familiar with that way and ended up fitting into their size 4. Poor D was the stereotypical guy waiting on the bench outside the storefront. The 2 pairs of pants plus a scarf added up to $87.01.
A great lunch at our favorite British fish and chips place and a post lunch Peppermint Mocha helped to ease my morning pain in the behind.
There were some clothing deals to be had and I came back home with a couple of pairs of pants to replace some ailing ones I have. Those being replaced won't be thrown out but relegated as official cottage and ski bum wear.
I cannot describe the frustration I felt when I was jean shopping. By the time I was done, I was seriously starting to sweat. Trying on clothing isn't a enjoyable thing for me at the best of times so when you throw in the size chart differences at respective stores, I liken it as fun as a trip to the dentist.
The store I bought my jeans from was Jacob. Their pants are sized according to what I think is hip size. Because when I chose what I thought was my waist size, I couldn't get those pants up past my knees. I realize that my mental body image may deviate far from reality but I honestly couldn't believe it could be that far off!
I ended up 5 sizes larger before they fit well. Lucky for me, I don't get upset with things like that nor do I get offended or embarrassed with the final size number. The most important thing for me is that they fit, they don't exposed half of my behind when I squat and can sit down comfortably.
It is beyond my comprehension just how some girls and women fit into some jean/pants. Some are so skinny, I don't think I could get my arm down them, much less tuck them into long boots as the current style seems to dictate. I know that I probably sound like some old grizzled woman here.
The store manager was the one helping me yesterday and she was very sympathetic to my cause. After the 3rd try on, I was starting to get frustrated and told her that the pants I wore into the store was a size 2 from The Gap, maybe she would know how to convert it to their sizing.
Now that I know what size I am for that store (30), then I will be able to hopefully avoid a repeat of my experience yesterday. Considering I wear my pants for years before they get worn out, sizing charts may have change by then.
I had an easier time at Esprit. Their pants were sized from zero onwards. I'm more familiar with that way and ended up fitting into their size 4. Poor D was the stereotypical guy waiting on the bench outside the storefront. The 2 pairs of pants plus a scarf added up to $87.01.
A great lunch at our favorite British fish and chips place and a post lunch Peppermint Mocha helped to ease my morning pain in the behind.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
2010 Monies
I did a quick tally before leaving work a few days ago to see how I fared for Jan '10 income. As I mentioned before, I get paid a month later so the days I worked in Dec will constitute income for 2010. It is a great feeling knowing I've already done 1 month of next year's work already.
Unless something goes awry, I ought to be coming up slightly ahead of my projected income for January. A great way to start the year and a great thought to end 2009 with. I'll know the exact amount when I get back.
As for 2010 projections, I haven't changed anything from 2009. I did do that one exercise recently to see just how low my income can go before I have to sacrifice goals and it was tempting to lower it.
I decided to lower only when actual income has gone down or up for good ie. business reaching a new level. I didn't feel that lowering projections was good for me mentally. It would feel as if I've already accepted it. There was no reason to.
Some people separate the concept of debt into "good" vs. "bad". It is easy to understand why though I don't tend to do that. To me, debt is debt. It is money I owe.
Sure, some debt represents things that will make me money and some will not. Just like some educational degrees are for self interest and some graduate with tools that will enable a lucrative career. So not all education is "good" debt.
A mortgage for a property that I do intend to sell wouldn't seem like good debt to me as any capital gains may lay unrealized until I die. Whereas a mortgage for a rental property that benefits me while I'm alive appears better.
For me I just lump everything in one pile for ease of remembering. I prefer bottom line numbers anyway.
If someone has 10 credit cards with different balances, a few line of credits, a mortgage, a car loan etc. etc. I'd just add it all up and deal with it from there. A whole number makes a bigger impact and doesn't allow the mind to minimize what is really owed.
Unless something goes awry, I ought to be coming up slightly ahead of my projected income for January. A great way to start the year and a great thought to end 2009 with. I'll know the exact amount when I get back.
As for 2010 projections, I haven't changed anything from 2009. I did do that one exercise recently to see just how low my income can go before I have to sacrifice goals and it was tempting to lower it.
I decided to lower only when actual income has gone down or up for good ie. business reaching a new level. I didn't feel that lowering projections was good for me mentally. It would feel as if I've already accepted it. There was no reason to.
Some people separate the concept of debt into "good" vs. "bad". It is easy to understand why though I don't tend to do that. To me, debt is debt. It is money I owe.
Sure, some debt represents things that will make me money and some will not. Just like some educational degrees are for self interest and some graduate with tools that will enable a lucrative career. So not all education is "good" debt.
A mortgage for a property that I do intend to sell wouldn't seem like good debt to me as any capital gains may lay unrealized until I die. Whereas a mortgage for a rental property that benefits me while I'm alive appears better.
For me I just lump everything in one pile for ease of remembering. I prefer bottom line numbers anyway.
If someone has 10 credit cards with different balances, a few line of credits, a mortgage, a car loan etc. etc. I'd just add it all up and deal with it from there. A whole number makes a bigger impact and doesn't allow the mind to minimize what is really owed.
Friday, December 18, 2009
BC Calling
The number is currently 43 and climbing. No, not our ages but the number of Windows updates my laptop is requiring after being dormant since March. And it is taking forever. So this is one con of not bringing it home with me.
After our laptop vs. netbook research in the past month, I thought I would be dissatisfied with my older laptop but surprising I'm not. In fact, I like my laptop more. It has held up to the test of time in appearance and size.
I would prefer that it was 50% lighter but I am content with it and will again, leave it here until I return. Now that I know it will need to catch up for a while, it won't be as much of a shock next time.
We get 99% of our bills online now and this morning our gas bill came covering the period between mid Nov to Mid Dec. In fact, they had just done the reading 2 days before we left for BC.
Natural gas prices did come down significantly from last year. Remember I had mentioned how unsatisfying it was to have reduced usage 50% and still pay the same? Well, I have some hard numbers now to back that up.
For mid Nov - mid Dec '08, our usage was 346 cubic metres costing 33.5 cents per cubic metre. The bill came to $171.55.
For mid Nov - mid Dec '09, our usage was 177 cubic metres costing 19.9 cents per cubic metre. The bill came to $52.82.
As D already segregated the monies for utilities, we now have a small windfall which will go towards groceries and eating out as food prices here are still kinda crazy.
I was shaking my head at the $6.83 tag on a jar of "Classico" spaghetti sauce and the $2.85 can of Campbells chicken noodle soup the other day. Thank goodness we are able to bring some food with us in our luggage.
Otherwise it has been a smooth transition back to our western home. We got to ride up with the same driver who brought me back to the airport in March. I think I freaked him out when I mentioned some of the things we had talked about.
He was the interesting scuba diving, computer programmer fellow who had talked me into taking up snowboarding. He was still shaking his head in disbelief that I would remember him when he left us at our doorstep. D was warned not to ever lie to me...
I hope we meet up again. He and his wife went to Alaska for 2 weeks around the same time I was there and I would love to hear about his experiences.
After our laptop vs. netbook research in the past month, I thought I would be dissatisfied with my older laptop but surprising I'm not. In fact, I like my laptop more. It has held up to the test of time in appearance and size.
I would prefer that it was 50% lighter but I am content with it and will again, leave it here until I return. Now that I know it will need to catch up for a while, it won't be as much of a shock next time.
We get 99% of our bills online now and this morning our gas bill came covering the period between mid Nov to Mid Dec. In fact, they had just done the reading 2 days before we left for BC.
Natural gas prices did come down significantly from last year. Remember I had mentioned how unsatisfying it was to have reduced usage 50% and still pay the same? Well, I have some hard numbers now to back that up.
For mid Nov - mid Dec '08, our usage was 346 cubic metres costing 33.5 cents per cubic metre. The bill came to $171.55.
For mid Nov - mid Dec '09, our usage was 177 cubic metres costing 19.9 cents per cubic metre. The bill came to $52.82.
As D already segregated the monies for utilities, we now have a small windfall which will go towards groceries and eating out as food prices here are still kinda crazy.
I was shaking my head at the $6.83 tag on a jar of "Classico" spaghetti sauce and the $2.85 can of Campbells chicken noodle soup the other day. Thank goodness we are able to bring some food with us in our luggage.
Otherwise it has been a smooth transition back to our western home. We got to ride up with the same driver who brought me back to the airport in March. I think I freaked him out when I mentioned some of the things we had talked about.
He was the interesting scuba diving, computer programmer fellow who had talked me into taking up snowboarding. He was still shaking his head in disbelief that I would remember him when he left us at our doorstep. D was warned not to ever lie to me...
I hope we meet up again. He and his wife went to Alaska for 2 weeks around the same time I was there and I would love to hear about his experiences.
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.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Packing and More Packing
Finishing up our packing has been overwhelming. It always starts off like a bit of a challenge as we are managing foodstuffs and some kitchen appliances. I'm fairly good spatially and D is very good with estimating relative weights.
It took about 3 combinations between the 4 suitcases in order to protect the right things, weigh in under 50 pds per suitcase and have it packed such that when vertical, nothing gets too squashed all the while leaving room for the morning of stuff. After all that, I haven't done my personal packing yet.
My stuff doesn't take long and will be housed in my 2 carry ons. It looks like it will be mostly books this year. I am starting to really appreciate the concept of the Kindle now as I stuff my 8th book into my knapsack.
It took about 3 combinations between the 4 suitcases in order to protect the right things, weigh in under 50 pds per suitcase and have it packed such that when vertical, nothing gets too squashed all the while leaving room for the morning of stuff. After all that, I haven't done my personal packing yet.
My stuff doesn't take long and will be housed in my 2 carry ons. It looks like it will be mostly books this year. I am starting to really appreciate the concept of the Kindle now as I stuff my 8th book into my knapsack.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Mortgage Roundup
It is close enough to the end of the year that I can round up our mortgage progress for 2009.
We only have one more payment left, due to come out on Christmas day and I am able to calculate what we end up with.
We started Jan 2009 with mortgage balances of:
We only have one more payment left, due to come out on Christmas day and I am able to calculate what we end up with.
We started Jan 2009 with mortgage balances of:
- $140055.95 on the main house, 10 yrs 3 months amortization, 2.60% rate
- $48462.59 on the ski condo, 10 yrs 2 months amortization, 2.74% rate
We end Dec 2009 with mortgage balances of:
- $116458.84, 5 yrs 8 months, 1.35% rate
- $34626.77, 4 yrs 7 months, 1.50% rate
For a decrease of:
- $23597.11 in principal for main house
- $13835.82 in principal for ski condo
Friday, December 11, 2009
End of Week, End of Year
It has been extra busy socially as of late. Something about the end of a year that seems to make people realize they haven't seen enough of each other during the year and now is the time to do it before Dec 31st.
I am enjoying the extra lunches and dinners. My pocket book has taken a bit of a hit because of it. In fact D has a breakfast and an after work function while I have a dinner out with a girlfriend tonight. Tomorrow night is another dinner party and Monday another lunch for me. Good stuff.
Next week is my last quarterly tax installment for the year. I am leaving the amount as is, even though I know I will owe next year but I don't want to mess up my cash flow for the rest of December. Remember I won't have access to the second half of my pay cheque until Jan.
We are about 75% packed. I'm afraid it is me that is lagging behind this year. I just haven't felt like it. It won't take me long, probably less than 1/2 hr so that is probably why I haven't bothered. I know I can get it together in no time.
I took a closer look at our last hydro and water bill of the year yesterday and found an interesting fact. Last Nov. we were in France for 1 1/2 wks. This year we didn't go but I took the time off anyways. The usage amounts were almost identical. I'm very pleased with our conservation efforts.
We also got a notice of rate changes for hydro. As our province is slowly switching to "smart meters" (our cottage already got her's), it was a reminder of what we will be paying at different times of the day.
Currently we are paying 5.8 cents per kilowatt hour any time of the day. Smart meter pricing will really help all of us understand the true fluctuation and demand on the system. The on peak price will be 9.3 cents/kwh, mid peak price will be 8 cents/kwh and off peak price will be 4.4 cents/kwh.
This will make a big impact on changing peoples' usage habits. I know we will be doing laundry and most of everything we can within reason on off peak hours. We are lucky that weekends are considered off peak and what is when we are at the cottage most often. We will have to switch gears to our new reality when we are there for week long durations.
I am enjoying the extra lunches and dinners. My pocket book has taken a bit of a hit because of it. In fact D has a breakfast and an after work function while I have a dinner out with a girlfriend tonight. Tomorrow night is another dinner party and Monday another lunch for me. Good stuff.
Next week is my last quarterly tax installment for the year. I am leaving the amount as is, even though I know I will owe next year but I don't want to mess up my cash flow for the rest of December. Remember I won't have access to the second half of my pay cheque until Jan.
We are about 75% packed. I'm afraid it is me that is lagging behind this year. I just haven't felt like it. It won't take me long, probably less than 1/2 hr so that is probably why I haven't bothered. I know I can get it together in no time.
I took a closer look at our last hydro and water bill of the year yesterday and found an interesting fact. Last Nov. we were in France for 1 1/2 wks. This year we didn't go but I took the time off anyways. The usage amounts were almost identical. I'm very pleased with our conservation efforts.
We also got a notice of rate changes for hydro. As our province is slowly switching to "smart meters" (our cottage already got her's), it was a reminder of what we will be paying at different times of the day.
Currently we are paying 5.8 cents per kilowatt hour any time of the day. Smart meter pricing will really help all of us understand the true fluctuation and demand on the system. The on peak price will be 9.3 cents/kwh, mid peak price will be 8 cents/kwh and off peak price will be 4.4 cents/kwh.
This will make a big impact on changing peoples' usage habits. I know we will be doing laundry and most of everything we can within reason on off peak hours. We are lucky that weekends are considered off peak and what is when we are at the cottage most often. We will have to switch gears to our new reality when we are there for week long durations.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Selling Stuff Summary
I made a sale earlier in the week and have been tracking its course to BC since. Even though it is insured and sent, I like to know it got there OK and they like it.
This item is likely the last thing I will sell before 2009 ends. It was a couple of pieces of Swarovski crystal (gifts from a long time ago) which brought in $105 not including shipping.
Overall monies made this year from my first ever selling stuff attempt clocks in just over $5000. I'm fairly comfortable now with selling. If you remember, it was D who started it off by selling a set of his old speakers.
When we upgraded our sound system, they've been sitting in our basement. Not to be outdone (I have a nasty competitive streak), I decided to try my hand at it. Glad I did because I've really enjoyed the experience.
This year I've been responsible for over $4000 of total sales and we have parted with: A hand held VHF radio, lots of hobby equipment, gold and silver jewellery, concert tickets, voice activated recorder, a mini safe, binoculars, receiver, several sets of speakers, center channel console and crystal.
D thinks he is out of things to sell. I'm getting really close to that conclusion myself though I'll still go through the household with a fine tooth comb and see what I can come up with for next year.
This item is likely the last thing I will sell before 2009 ends. It was a couple of pieces of Swarovski crystal (gifts from a long time ago) which brought in $105 not including shipping.
Overall monies made this year from my first ever selling stuff attempt clocks in just over $5000. I'm fairly comfortable now with selling. If you remember, it was D who started it off by selling a set of his old speakers.
When we upgraded our sound system, they've been sitting in our basement. Not to be outdone (I have a nasty competitive streak), I decided to try my hand at it. Glad I did because I've really enjoyed the experience.
This year I've been responsible for over $4000 of total sales and we have parted with: A hand held VHF radio, lots of hobby equipment, gold and silver jewellery, concert tickets, voice activated recorder, a mini safe, binoculars, receiver, several sets of speakers, center channel console and crystal.
D thinks he is out of things to sell. I'm getting really close to that conclusion myself though I'll still go through the household with a fine tooth comb and see what I can come up with for next year.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Influences
Gail's blog post today struck a chord with me. She wrote about the halo effect -- how we are influenced by how we perceive others. It brought me way back to when I was between 10 - 13 yrs old.
My music and ballet classes were held on Bloor Street in Toronto. I walked that stretch of Bloor between St. George and Yonge St for many years of my life.
Those who are familiar with those few blocks would know that is where some of the biggest names in fashion and jewellery are found -- Chanel, Max Mara, Holt Renfrew, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Tiffany, Hermes etc. etc.
I remember when my aunt was looking for a shop space for her business. She insisted on looking in Yorkville (same region) because that is where the "action" was. I also remember how she would covet the Louis Vuitton store and when she and my other aunt bought their first purse there, it was a big deal.
Personally, I still don't see what the big deal is. Even as a 10 yr old, I didn't understand what the appeal was. I really like their steamer trunks and luggage collection but I wouldn't spend the money to buy it, even now.
So I grew up thinking someday, I would also be shopping at those stores. After all, I've had many years of window shopping under my belt and I had aunts who were grooming me for the "good life".
I still remember the very first thing I bought at Holt Renfrew. It was a hair clip that cost $55. I remember being pretty giddy about it.
Then came the time when I was shopping for a Tag watch. And the time when I realized I owned 59 pairs of shoes from Town Shoes. And the first time I spent $600 on a coat. And the time when I bought a plane ticket for $2200.
Those days are long gone now. I moved myself out of Toronto deliberately so that I wouldn't be so swayed by status and wants. Not all thing expensive caught my eye then nor now.
The things I would still buy are worth it from a design or function perspective, not because they have a great name. Sadly, there are many poor quality things that have a big name attached to it.
In my senior high school economics class, I won a contest on "conspicuous consumption" by providing the most expensive item you could buy that wasn't jewellery, electronics, cars or houses.
What did I win with? A haute couture gown by Yves Saint Laurent found at Holt Renfrew. I believe the tag said something in the mid $20000.
My music and ballet classes were held on Bloor Street in Toronto. I walked that stretch of Bloor between St. George and Yonge St for many years of my life.
Those who are familiar with those few blocks would know that is where some of the biggest names in fashion and jewellery are found -- Chanel, Max Mara, Holt Renfrew, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Tiffany, Hermes etc. etc.
I remember when my aunt was looking for a shop space for her business. She insisted on looking in Yorkville (same region) because that is where the "action" was. I also remember how she would covet the Louis Vuitton store and when she and my other aunt bought their first purse there, it was a big deal.
Personally, I still don't see what the big deal is. Even as a 10 yr old, I didn't understand what the appeal was. I really like their steamer trunks and luggage collection but I wouldn't spend the money to buy it, even now.
So I grew up thinking someday, I would also be shopping at those stores. After all, I've had many years of window shopping under my belt and I had aunts who were grooming me for the "good life".
I still remember the very first thing I bought at Holt Renfrew. It was a hair clip that cost $55. I remember being pretty giddy about it.
Then came the time when I was shopping for a Tag watch. And the time when I realized I owned 59 pairs of shoes from Town Shoes. And the first time I spent $600 on a coat. And the time when I bought a plane ticket for $2200.
Those days are long gone now. I moved myself out of Toronto deliberately so that I wouldn't be so swayed by status and wants. Not all thing expensive caught my eye then nor now.
The things I would still buy are worth it from a design or function perspective, not because they have a great name. Sadly, there are many poor quality things that have a big name attached to it.
In my senior high school economics class, I won a contest on "conspicuous consumption" by providing the most expensive item you could buy that wasn't jewellery, electronics, cars or houses.
What did I win with? A haute couture gown by Yves Saint Laurent found at Holt Renfrew. I believe the tag said something in the mid $20000.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Mortgage Rates Hold
Good news for all Canadian variable mortgage holders, the Bank of Canada rate is staying the same. This morning's announcement is the last one of the year.
I've already put next year's announcement dates in my new day timer. Never in my life have I tracked BoC rates until this year!
As an FYI, I used my bank's online mortgage calculator to find out how my amortization would be affected should my mortgage rate rise from the current 1.35% to 4.50% (where it was 2 years ago when we bought the house).
The amortization would increase by 7 months, assuming our current payment stays the same.
Our payment wouldn't stay the same. I have one of those mortgages whose payments will increase with the rate such that your amortization will be the same.
On the other hand, should rates fall, as we have lived through in the last 2 years, our payment falls and our amortization lengthens if you do nothing about it.
We did something about it. We raised our payments so that our amortization stayed the same and then boosted it higher.
The caveat is, we are not allowed to lower the payment once it has been increased. Should mortgage rates go up in the future as people are predicting they will start to, our payments will continue to creep up.
This phenomenon is as close to the type of mortgages we hear about in the US where you start out small in payment and after a year it leaps up etc.
We are prepared to handle increases should they happen in the next 3 years. Our current amortization for the house mortgage is 5 yrs 10 months. The ski condo is at 4 yrs 9 months.
Our goal is to get them to 3 yrs and 3 yrs 8 months respectively by utilizing the allowable yearly mortgage prepayment.
In 3 yrs and 3 yrs 8 months is when we would normally be renewing. I do not want to renew. If there is a small balance left, we will pay it out with cash or a line of credit.
I've already put next year's announcement dates in my new day timer. Never in my life have I tracked BoC rates until this year!
As an FYI, I used my bank's online mortgage calculator to find out how my amortization would be affected should my mortgage rate rise from the current 1.35% to 4.50% (where it was 2 years ago when we bought the house).
The amortization would increase by 7 months, assuming our current payment stays the same.
Our payment wouldn't stay the same. I have one of those mortgages whose payments will increase with the rate such that your amortization will be the same.
On the other hand, should rates fall, as we have lived through in the last 2 years, our payment falls and our amortization lengthens if you do nothing about it.
We did something about it. We raised our payments so that our amortization stayed the same and then boosted it higher.
The caveat is, we are not allowed to lower the payment once it has been increased. Should mortgage rates go up in the future as people are predicting they will start to, our payments will continue to creep up.
This phenomenon is as close to the type of mortgages we hear about in the US where you start out small in payment and after a year it leaps up etc.
We are prepared to handle increases should they happen in the next 3 years. Our current amortization for the house mortgage is 5 yrs 10 months. The ski condo is at 4 yrs 9 months.
Our goal is to get them to 3 yrs and 3 yrs 8 months respectively by utilizing the allowable yearly mortgage prepayment.
In 3 yrs and 3 yrs 8 months is when we would normally be renewing. I do not want to renew. If there is a small balance left, we will pay it out with cash or a line of credit.
Monday, December 7, 2009
2010?
My 2010 day timer has been in my hands for at least a month now. I usually get one in July when they first start arriving at the business stores. Why so late this year? I'm afraid it is because I know I won't be putting anything too exciting in it and most of next year will be similar to this year. Sad but true.
I am most excited to get a calendar when I have daring trips planned and need to madly calculate now many working days I have vs. how many days off I'll need. There aren't any really big plans for 2010.
Next year, the year after that and the year after that will be similar. They are all accelerated debt payment years. I had 1 1/2 yrs of not participating in that before jumping back on the bandwagon this year. I miss those years.
Honestly, debt repayment isn't anywhere near my top ten list of fun things to do. I am not excited about it nor the amount of spreadsheet work I do to balance everything. There is nothing living about it.
I guess that is one of the reasons why we do things like go see puppies or go out with friends because you need to inject some real life in everyday life outside of couple life. To remind oneself that other things are going on out there that doesn't follow the bi-weekly schedule of mortgage payments.
I am most excited to get a calendar when I have daring trips planned and need to madly calculate now many working days I have vs. how many days off I'll need. There aren't any really big plans for 2010.
Next year, the year after that and the year after that will be similar. They are all accelerated debt payment years. I had 1 1/2 yrs of not participating in that before jumping back on the bandwagon this year. I miss those years.
Honestly, debt repayment isn't anywhere near my top ten list of fun things to do. I am not excited about it nor the amount of spreadsheet work I do to balance everything. There is nothing living about it.
I guess that is one of the reasons why we do things like go see puppies or go out with friends because you need to inject some real life in everyday life outside of couple life. To remind oneself that other things are going on out there that doesn't follow the bi-weekly schedule of mortgage payments.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Lots of Fun
We tempted fate yesterday by looking at puppies for sale at 2 different farms. Both of us are pro shelter dogs but the cute puppy pictures were irresistible. I've never had a puppy, just older dogs so the thought of puppy training is daunting.
When we head out west in another week or so, I will be paying for a staff of mine to care for our cat every other day. It will cost $135.
Should we have a dog as well, the care would involve our favorite country club for dogs -- which translates to $25/day. Multiply that by 3 weeks and you get the picture. And here we are only talking about Christmas each year. There are other times of the year that we are away.
Not a cheap thing, pet care. That's after you spend money to buy them. I am a lover of English Bulldogs. D is lover of Australian Shepherds. Complete opposites. Those were the 2 breeds we saw yesterday. They cost $1800 & $900 respectively.
My group of Bullies were earlier in development even though they were the same age (8 weeks) as the Aussies. I had great fun playing with the mom and dad as well as the other ones on the farm. It was extremely hard not to commit to one.
D feels his favorite breed would be too much for our household. I would have to agree. It was overwhelming watching 7 puppies tear around you like a hurricane. This was after they stopped to climb all over us, said enthusiastic hellos and peed on me!
When we head out west in another week or so, I will be paying for a staff of mine to care for our cat every other day. It will cost $135.
Should we have a dog as well, the care would involve our favorite country club for dogs -- which translates to $25/day. Multiply that by 3 weeks and you get the picture. And here we are only talking about Christmas each year. There are other times of the year that we are away.
Not a cheap thing, pet care. That's after you spend money to buy them. I am a lover of English Bulldogs. D is lover of Australian Shepherds. Complete opposites. Those were the 2 breeds we saw yesterday. They cost $1800 & $900 respectively.
My group of Bullies were earlier in development even though they were the same age (8 weeks) as the Aussies. I had great fun playing with the mom and dad as well as the other ones on the farm. It was extremely hard not to commit to one.
D feels his favorite breed would be too much for our household. I would have to agree. It was overwhelming watching 7 puppies tear around you like a hurricane. This was after they stopped to climb all over us, said enthusiastic hellos and peed on me!
Friday, December 4, 2009
Minimum Space Requirements
warning... long post!
I found out a vital piece of information from my financial advisor yesterday that has helped me make a decision about my spring tax situation.
After asking her to sell 50% of a stock to put it into my registered account, she told me that I could just transfer it laterally without having to sell and that amount would be based on the last closing rate and would be considered a rsp contribution. I did not know it was possible to do that.
In my mind, I've kept those 2 accounts as separate and not related so this move was a pleasant surprise. So yesterday, I made a $11575 rsp contribution! It's especially great as I didn't need to use any new money to do so.
The personal tax exemption is supposed to go up as well this tax year and I have a few small expenses in Dec. to input. Hopefully when the dust settles, I won't be out too much. Right now I still owe in the low 1000's. Oh yeah, I missed out on the private rim sale. Someone beat me to it.
I want to write about minimum living space today. Dave, the new co-blogger over at Canadian Dream, wrote this piece a few weeks ago and the concept of it has been rolling around in my mind since.
As you know, I have a thing for real estate and we own a 3 of them (1 outright and 57% of the other 2). When I read the comments to Dave's article, a number of people spoke of un-used space in their respective homes. It got me thinking.
D and I use every square inch of our houses (when we are there). How could that be when we are just 2 people?
In our main house (2880 sq ft), we have 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms and a very small basement, not really usable outside of a workshop as it is a very old house (1854). So our square footage is pretty much all above ground.
The main floor houses the kitchen a 3 piece bathroom (that D uses after his runs as I refuse to let him drip all over the house to use the upstairs shower), laundry, kitchen, living room (doubles as D's work area) room/dining room combo, study and sun room.
We hang out in the sun room and study when not eating, working or watching movies. The 2 rooms are completely different in feel and experience as is all the other rooms.
Upstairs is our 3 bedrooms. One master with en suite (mine), and another bathroom (D's). The 2nd bedroom is our guest bedroom/office. Mostly office as we very rarely have guests. I am typing in that room right now.
The other bedroom is our theatre room. It houses our TV (we don't pay for cable) and our projector. We like movies and concerts.
D and I spend a lot of time together compared to other couples we know. Luckily we like to do that and each other. When we work, we like to be separate.
If you were to come to my house, you'd see minimal if any clutter. When we moved here (from a 1000 sq ft townhome), outside of furniture and clothing, I had 7 or 8 bankers boxes. Since then I've reduced it to 2 (will probably all end up as recycling), mainly stuff from the desk I recently donated.
Our rooms have nice furniture and antiques but no trinkets all over the place. There are paintings on the walls, built in book cases in the study and a couple of rugs, my piano and that's it. I let the architectural details of the house speak for itself.
When we are at the ski condo (just under 300 sq ft) and D has to work, I cannot seem to be able to relax as well. I think it is because he is giving off a different energy when working that doesn't mix well with my relax zone.
Plus the noise when he is on a call etc. I cannot escape it as there is no place to go other than out. It is open concept. We live very small and it is cosy and simple. It is very easy and I do not miss anything when I'm there.
So what we are opting to do this year is have D work minimally during our upcoming holidays so that it will feel like holidays. This has meant using more of his paid holiday time to ensure it.
I don't want to live the exactly same way everywhere I go. For me, it would take away from the experience. I even fought having Internet there for that reason. Eventually I relented as it is very useful for checking flights and weather etc.
At the cottage (700 sq ft), we have no TV or phone or Internet. We are as unplugged as can be and love it that way. We have 2 bedrooms, the 2nd one more as storage as there is only one closet, a main living area with 2 couches, bathroom and kitchen. That's it. Not even a book case. We don't miss a thing when we are there either.
We've talked at length about how it would feel living full time at the cottage or ski condo and what we would be giving up. There is a very obvious cost difference with each one. I guess it depends on how anxious we are to fully stop working and move.
Right now we like being able to enjoy living in 3 very different places -- ranging from what I consider to be luxury to basic. We have learned a lot about ourselves in the process and are very grateful for being able to do this right now. It hasn't escape me that maybe the reason it is so easy to not miss stuff is because we know we are coming back to stuff?
Given the choice, D would keep all 3. I would be willing to sell everything and move out west right now. I'm not scared to start again and start small. I crave time more than anything else and I would have the luxury of time if I did that.
I say I because full time in that space with 2 people would probably drive both of us crazy. We would likely need to buy another unit for it to work long term. So I guess, I did end up answering the question of Dave's post. I need at least 300 sq ft for myself to keep sane.
I found out a vital piece of information from my financial advisor yesterday that has helped me make a decision about my spring tax situation.
After asking her to sell 50% of a stock to put it into my registered account, she told me that I could just transfer it laterally without having to sell and that amount would be based on the last closing rate and would be considered a rsp contribution. I did not know it was possible to do that.
In my mind, I've kept those 2 accounts as separate and not related so this move was a pleasant surprise. So yesterday, I made a $11575 rsp contribution! It's especially great as I didn't need to use any new money to do so.
The personal tax exemption is supposed to go up as well this tax year and I have a few small expenses in Dec. to input. Hopefully when the dust settles, I won't be out too much. Right now I still owe in the low 1000's. Oh yeah, I missed out on the private rim sale. Someone beat me to it.
I want to write about minimum living space today. Dave, the new co-blogger over at Canadian Dream, wrote this piece a few weeks ago and the concept of it has been rolling around in my mind since.
As you know, I have a thing for real estate and we own a 3 of them (1 outright and 57% of the other 2). When I read the comments to Dave's article, a number of people spoke of un-used space in their respective homes. It got me thinking.
D and I use every square inch of our houses (when we are there). How could that be when we are just 2 people?
In our main house (2880 sq ft), we have 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms and a very small basement, not really usable outside of a workshop as it is a very old house (1854). So our square footage is pretty much all above ground.
The main floor houses the kitchen a 3 piece bathroom (that D uses after his runs as I refuse to let him drip all over the house to use the upstairs shower), laundry, kitchen, living room (doubles as D's work area) room/dining room combo, study and sun room.
We hang out in the sun room and study when not eating, working or watching movies. The 2 rooms are completely different in feel and experience as is all the other rooms.
Upstairs is our 3 bedrooms. One master with en suite (mine), and another bathroom (D's). The 2nd bedroom is our guest bedroom/office. Mostly office as we very rarely have guests. I am typing in that room right now.
The other bedroom is our theatre room. It houses our TV (we don't pay for cable) and our projector. We like movies and concerts.
D and I spend a lot of time together compared to other couples we know. Luckily we like to do that and each other. When we work, we like to be separate.
If you were to come to my house, you'd see minimal if any clutter. When we moved here (from a 1000 sq ft townhome), outside of furniture and clothing, I had 7 or 8 bankers boxes. Since then I've reduced it to 2 (will probably all end up as recycling), mainly stuff from the desk I recently donated.
Our rooms have nice furniture and antiques but no trinkets all over the place. There are paintings on the walls, built in book cases in the study and a couple of rugs, my piano and that's it. I let the architectural details of the house speak for itself.
When we are at the ski condo (just under 300 sq ft) and D has to work, I cannot seem to be able to relax as well. I think it is because he is giving off a different energy when working that doesn't mix well with my relax zone.
Plus the noise when he is on a call etc. I cannot escape it as there is no place to go other than out. It is open concept. We live very small and it is cosy and simple. It is very easy and I do not miss anything when I'm there.
So what we are opting to do this year is have D work minimally during our upcoming holidays so that it will feel like holidays. This has meant using more of his paid holiday time to ensure it.
I don't want to live the exactly same way everywhere I go. For me, it would take away from the experience. I even fought having Internet there for that reason. Eventually I relented as it is very useful for checking flights and weather etc.
At the cottage (700 sq ft), we have no TV or phone or Internet. We are as unplugged as can be and love it that way. We have 2 bedrooms, the 2nd one more as storage as there is only one closet, a main living area with 2 couches, bathroom and kitchen. That's it. Not even a book case. We don't miss a thing when we are there either.
We've talked at length about how it would feel living full time at the cottage or ski condo and what we would be giving up. There is a very obvious cost difference with each one. I guess it depends on how anxious we are to fully stop working and move.
Right now we like being able to enjoy living in 3 very different places -- ranging from what I consider to be luxury to basic. We have learned a lot about ourselves in the process and are very grateful for being able to do this right now. It hasn't escape me that maybe the reason it is so easy to not miss stuff is because we know we are coming back to stuff?
Given the choice, D would keep all 3. I would be willing to sell everything and move out west right now. I'm not scared to start again and start small. I crave time more than anything else and I would have the luxury of time if I did that.
I say I because full time in that space with 2 people would probably drive both of us crazy. We would likely need to buy another unit for it to work long term. So I guess, I did end up answering the question of Dave's post. I need at least 300 sq ft for myself to keep sane.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Over The Shock
I've picked myself up from the tax shock of yesterday and have started to form a plan.
The most likely scenario will involve cashing in one of my stocks that have done well and putting into my rsp. I am considering liquidating 50% of my holding.
It will still mean I'll owe taxes but it will be in the lower end of 4 figures. I can live with that. Should I liquidate it all, I'll still owe a very small amount. There is value is keeping the stock so I'm leaning towards a mid way approach.
In other news, I think I may have found rims for my car. If it works out, I will buy them.
I've also taken pictures of some things I want to sell. There may be enough time to test out the market before we leave for holidays. It will also depend on how cooperative photobucket is. I've found them to be hit and miss.
The most likely scenario will involve cashing in one of my stocks that have done well and putting into my rsp. I am considering liquidating 50% of my holding.
It will still mean I'll owe taxes but it will be in the lower end of 4 figures. I can live with that. Should I liquidate it all, I'll still owe a very small amount. There is value is keeping the stock so I'm leaning towards a mid way approach.
In other news, I think I may have found rims for my car. If it works out, I will buy them.
I've also taken pictures of some things I want to sell. There may be enough time to test out the market before we leave for holidays. It will also depend on how cooperative photobucket is. I've found them to be hit and miss.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Freak Out
I managed to totally freak myself out last night. So much so, I sent D off to bed by himself so that I could work on it late into the night.
First of all, I got my month end statement from work. It was good. I made $222.16 extra (take home) over projections and now I have my income for the year. Total extra net income for 2009 comes to $10765.43.
All was good until I inputted the numbers into my online income tax software. I thought I was close to breaking even with respect to income tax. Here I was thinking I got the system down pat.
It turns out I didn't, not by a long shot. When I started replacing last year's expense numbers with this year's, I noticed a trend.
My frugality efforts at home has significantly rubbed off at work too. My default expense tax numbers from last year were too high, way too high, some cases 50% too high.
So you know what that means, I will owe next April, in the thousands. Not happy that I will need to make room for that expense on the spreadsheet.
I still have Dec. expenses to add in but it will not likely make a significant impact as I am not anticipating spending much on my business in the next few weeks.
Yikes. My first frugality horror story!
I can now understand why people scramble for "write offs" at the end of their fiscal year.
D thought this would be a great use case for going out and leasing my EVO... (he was joking) Fortunately I am not the type to do such spur of the moment things for tax relief.
Really, when you think about it, you still need to spend first and that goes against the point of this exercise.
First of all, I got my month end statement from work. It was good. I made $222.16 extra (take home) over projections and now I have my income for the year. Total extra net income for 2009 comes to $10765.43.
All was good until I inputted the numbers into my online income tax software. I thought I was close to breaking even with respect to income tax. Here I was thinking I got the system down pat.
It turns out I didn't, not by a long shot. When I started replacing last year's expense numbers with this year's, I noticed a trend.
My frugality efforts at home has significantly rubbed off at work too. My default expense tax numbers from last year were too high, way too high, some cases 50% too high.
So you know what that means, I will owe next April, in the thousands. Not happy that I will need to make room for that expense on the spreadsheet.
I still have Dec. expenses to add in but it will not likely make a significant impact as I am not anticipating spending much on my business in the next few weeks.
Yikes. My first frugality horror story!
I can now understand why people scramble for "write offs" at the end of their fiscal year.
D thought this would be a great use case for going out and leasing my EVO... (he was joking) Fortunately I am not the type to do such spur of the moment things for tax relief.
Really, when you think about it, you still need to spend first and that goes against the point of this exercise.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Gas Usage
D printed out a couple of neat graphs courtesy of our gas supply company. It shows our 2 year gas consumption and bills. We have been in our main house for 2 years now and the results are really interesting.
Our overall gas use has decreased 1/3rd this year compared to last year. How? Basically by manually turning off the heat when we are warm and not using our electronic thermostat.
It goes against the recommended way but it works for us. I found that I didn't need the house at the same temperature the whole day and it was a waste to leave it on at all when we go out.
Funny enough, we cook with gas and that has actually increased as we are eating out less.
Ironically, our bills were similar both years even though our consumption decreased. Why? The cost of natural gas skyrocketed last winter. Had we not made our thermostat changes, our bills last winter would have been higher.
Even though I would have liked to see our monthly amounts reflect our efforts, I cannot control the cost of the resource. Who knows what this winter's prices will be?
We are lowering our in house max temperature as a start. I've even talked D into wearing an extra layer. We are going to keep cooking.
Our overall gas use has decreased 1/3rd this year compared to last year. How? Basically by manually turning off the heat when we are warm and not using our electronic thermostat.
It goes against the recommended way but it works for us. I found that I didn't need the house at the same temperature the whole day and it was a waste to leave it on at all when we go out.
Funny enough, we cook with gas and that has actually increased as we are eating out less.
Ironically, our bills were similar both years even though our consumption decreased. Why? The cost of natural gas skyrocketed last winter. Had we not made our thermostat changes, our bills last winter would have been higher.
Even though I would have liked to see our monthly amounts reflect our efforts, I cannot control the cost of the resource. Who knows what this winter's prices will be?
We are lowering our in house max temperature as a start. I've even talked D into wearing an extra layer. We are going to keep cooking.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Getting Ready to Go
The packing for our trip out west has started. You may be surprise to read that 90% of what is in our suitcases is food! Let me explain.
Groceries are expensive where we are going. It is double or more. Originally we thought it was because we are at a ski resort and being a captive audience etc. etc.
Then we took a trip into the city and found some of the prices even higher?! We were told that it is because it is expensive to get all the food through the mountains etc. etc.
I put my foot down at the $6.99 carton of Tropicana orange juice, the $4.50 package of Fudgeos and the $11.00 pancake mix. We have been bringing our favorite foods with us since.
Ironically, meat, dairy and some vegetables are a good price while bread is not. I cannot figure it out.
It actually works really well. When we took possession of our condo, we flew out to stock it. With our ski equipment and clothing already out there, what else do we use our luggage for?
So all we have to bring out are snack food, dried foodstuffs etc. That way when there is a sale here, we just buy extra and put it aside. At the end of each ski season, D takes an inventory so we have something to work with for the next year.
Last year we brought out a humidifier as the air in the mountain is dry. This year we are bring a new pot, a couple of boxes of cereal, spices, better kitchen knives, potato chips, cookies, kleenex, pasta, a new mattress pad, an espresso maker and a very cool lego set.
The xray people at the airport probably giggle when they scan our luggage.
Groceries are expensive where we are going. It is double or more. Originally we thought it was because we are at a ski resort and being a captive audience etc. etc.
Then we took a trip into the city and found some of the prices even higher?! We were told that it is because it is expensive to get all the food through the mountains etc. etc.
I put my foot down at the $6.99 carton of Tropicana orange juice, the $4.50 package of Fudgeos and the $11.00 pancake mix. We have been bringing our favorite foods with us since.
Ironically, meat, dairy and some vegetables are a good price while bread is not. I cannot figure it out.
It actually works really well. When we took possession of our condo, we flew out to stock it. With our ski equipment and clothing already out there, what else do we use our luggage for?
So all we have to bring out are snack food, dried foodstuffs etc. That way when there is a sale here, we just buy extra and put it aside. At the end of each ski season, D takes an inventory so we have something to work with for the next year.
Last year we brought out a humidifier as the air in the mountain is dry. This year we are bring a new pot, a couple of boxes of cereal, spices, better kitchen knives, potato chips, cookies, kleenex, pasta, a new mattress pad, an espresso maker and a very cool lego set.
The xray people at the airport probably giggle when they scan our luggage.
Carnival of Personal Finance #233 Welcome to Webcomics
Check out this week's Carnival of Personal Finance over at A Gai Shan Life!
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Levels of Safety
Because I get paid for the work I do a month later, last Friday represented the last working day of 2009. Once my month end statement gets printed next week, I will know what my income was for the year for income tax purposes as well as if I will owe any taxes next spring. (I'm pretty sure the answer is yes)
I actually look forward to being able to get my taxes done. It is a form of closure for me on another working year (and it has been a tough one) ...yes I know I'm weird!
I also modify my quarterly tax payments according to what type of year I am having so that there would be minimal surprises in the spring. I have fine tuned it over the years such that I am pretty accurate. There is nothing that throws cash flow off like a gargantuan tax bill when it is within our ability to figure it out.
I also like to keep track of that throughout the year because how well my business does affects how much I contribute to RSPs. For the last few years, I haven't been because my goal was to match my registered amount with unregistered money instead as my focus has been on liquidity this year.
Now that the markets have somewhat bounced back, in a shorter time than I had expected, I have close to what I started with in my non registered account and some cash as well. I feel better about that.
So we end the year with:
I actually look forward to being able to get my taxes done. It is a form of closure for me on another working year (and it has been a tough one) ...yes I know I'm weird!
I also modify my quarterly tax payments according to what type of year I am having so that there would be minimal surprises in the spring. I have fine tuned it over the years such that I am pretty accurate. There is nothing that throws cash flow off like a gargantuan tax bill when it is within our ability to figure it out.
I also like to keep track of that throughout the year because how well my business does affects how much I contribute to RSPs. For the last few years, I haven't been because my goal was to match my registered amount with unregistered money instead as my focus has been on liquidity this year.
Now that the markets have somewhat bounced back, in a shorter time than I had expected, I have close to what I started with in my non registered account and some cash as well. I feel better about that.
So we end the year with:
- $5000 cash towards the main house roof
- $5000 cash towards cottage roof
- $5000 cash as backup
- $1000 regular working account
- $1000 as misc business account
For 2010, I would like to bump up the regular working account to $5000 and start a Float account as well, if possible, have $5000 in it too. I would feel closer to feeling "safer" with respect to liquid assets.
We currently are very real estate heavy in our assets and as we cannot eat our homes, just plain old money is good. This economic downturn has sent that message home to me.
Friday, November 27, 2009
No Party This Year
D and I both work in places where there aren't a paid for Christmas party. Personally, I believe they are being cheap. Both of our companies recorded record profits despite the down turn. And it isn't as if a company paid party wouldn't be a tax write off anyways.
I am boycotting mine this year and we won't be around for D's as we will be out west. Even if we were, he has no desire to go. That's an entirely different issue altogether. Me, I like dressing up for a night out. I still have many beautiful dresses (mostly black cocktail ones) left over from my spending days that want to be worn!
The reason I'm forgoing mine is mainly due to me not wanting to hang out with my associates. As they have difficulty accepting my views on life and work (the part where I am supposed to work 40+hrs as week to earn their respect...), I don't need to see their disapproval any more than I already do.
D would love to go and have it conveniently slip out in conversation how great our lifestyle is. That isn't my style. If they wanted to know more about me, they can just ask. Because they don't, they end up making crazy assumptions like I cannot afford a house because I drive a 12 yr old car.
I still remember the look on my face when I was asked where I was renting back a couple of years ago when I moved into the city. Even if they knew my reality, they likely wouldn't even believe it because it is so far from what is possible in their minds. Whereas for me, it's all about priorities.
Those of you who get to party it up this season, Enjoy and Have a Great Time!
I am boycotting mine this year and we won't be around for D's as we will be out west. Even if we were, he has no desire to go. That's an entirely different issue altogether. Me, I like dressing up for a night out. I still have many beautiful dresses (mostly black cocktail ones) left over from my spending days that want to be worn!
The reason I'm forgoing mine is mainly due to me not wanting to hang out with my associates. As they have difficulty accepting my views on life and work (the part where I am supposed to work 40+hrs as week to earn their respect...), I don't need to see their disapproval any more than I already do.
D would love to go and have it conveniently slip out in conversation how great our lifestyle is. That isn't my style. If they wanted to know more about me, they can just ask. Because they don't, they end up making crazy assumptions like I cannot afford a house because I drive a 12 yr old car.
I still remember the look on my face when I was asked where I was renting back a couple of years ago when I moved into the city. Even if they knew my reality, they likely wouldn't even believe it because it is so far from what is possible in their minds. Whereas for me, it's all about priorities.
Those of you who get to party it up this season, Enjoy and Have a Great Time!
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Clarification
It seems like I need to clarify our $250/month grocery and household supply budget. It may seem low to some. When I was single, I was spending over $1000/month on "food". I also didn't use my kitchen much.
If all you do is buy real food ie. fruits and vegetables, some meat and seafood (we like shrimp) and no processed or modified foods, it is amazing how much you get for $250. That is all that money is intended for.
Yes, we do eat out. It comes from a fun account or our own allowances, which by the way is $40/month each. We also have a "dream account" for solo interests and ventures which gets funded to the tune of $80/month each. There is also a misc. account that we put in $80/month for anything else that comes up.
There hasn't been a need to set up clothing or gift accounts because we rarely spend on those categories. For Christmas, we buy for 2 people. That's it. Total cost is usually around $100 max.
D and I do not exchange gifts. We enjoy going out for dinner instead. And we buy clothes out of replacement necessity, not fashion. I just bought a pair of pants over the weekend to replace a pair that has been with me for 9 years.
If all you do is buy real food ie. fruits and vegetables, some meat and seafood (we like shrimp) and no processed or modified foods, it is amazing how much you get for $250. That is all that money is intended for.
Yes, we do eat out. It comes from a fun account or our own allowances, which by the way is $40/month each. We also have a "dream account" for solo interests and ventures which gets funded to the tune of $80/month each. There is also a misc. account that we put in $80/month for anything else that comes up.
There hasn't been a need to set up clothing or gift accounts because we rarely spend on those categories. For Christmas, we buy for 2 people. That's it. Total cost is usually around $100 max.
D and I do not exchange gifts. We enjoy going out for dinner instead. And we buy clothes out of replacement necessity, not fashion. I just bought a pair of pants over the weekend to replace a pair that has been with me for 9 years.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Year End Food Round Up
This year's tomato harvest was a bust. Our peppers did much better and D has finally perfected his hot sauce and kosher pickle making techniques.
He is optimistic for next year though I am hesitant in putting more money into supplies when I can support local farmers instead.
Our food budget is $250/month including household supplies. It wasn't until we started to watch "Til Debt Til Us Part" that we realize we spend less than all the people we've seen so far on the show! Most of the families are getting around $125/wk for groceries, even couples!
The major factor that has helped us with keeping our food bill low is our reduction in meat consumption. It is at least 50% of what it was a year ago. We also started buying dried beans instead of canned.
We plan our meals around what is on sale that week. Something I've never done before. I actually look forward to Fridays when our neighbourhood flyers arrive. If I see something that I know is good (we have a price book), I will circle it and go from there.
In the category of non grocery food items such as eating out, it comes out of our allowance. Same goes for meeting friends for coffee or lunch.
We actually had money left over after the last grocery rounds. That was a first. And I can honestly say we have never ate or felt better.
He is optimistic for next year though I am hesitant in putting more money into supplies when I can support local farmers instead.
Our food budget is $250/month including household supplies. It wasn't until we started to watch "Til Debt Til Us Part" that we realize we spend less than all the people we've seen so far on the show! Most of the families are getting around $125/wk for groceries, even couples!
The major factor that has helped us with keeping our food bill low is our reduction in meat consumption. It is at least 50% of what it was a year ago. We also started buying dried beans instead of canned.
We plan our meals around what is on sale that week. Something I've never done before. I actually look forward to Fridays when our neighbourhood flyers arrive. If I see something that I know is good (we have a price book), I will circle it and go from there.
In the category of non grocery food items such as eating out, it comes out of our allowance. Same goes for meeting friends for coffee or lunch.
We actually had money left over after the last grocery rounds. That was a first. And I can honestly say we have never ate or felt better.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Laptops vs Netbooks
I've started my laptop vs. netbook fact finding mission. I've used laptops for the last 12 years. My first one being a Compaq Presario. My current 6 year old one is by HP and weighs about 17 pounds probably.
D has been encouraging me to get with the times and move to a netbook for the size and portablilty. This D seems to like encouraging me to spend money....
I do have trouble embracing new technology easily and quickly so it was like pulling teeth to get me to even take a look at them. After all why test temptation? I figure, if I don't see them, I won't suddenly want one.
We looked at them in 3 places -- Costco, Staples and Best Buy.
I was tempted at Costco when I saw an HP netbook for $450. The smallest ones didn't do much for me but this one was slightly larger. In Staples, I decided against laptops once I saw how big they have gotten. Full size keyboards are the thing now.
I did see another HP "laptop" that didn't have a DVD drive for $700 that caught my eye. It was finished in brush metal and I really like that look. Finally in Best Buy, I was willing to get a laptop again because they had a special on a HP one for $550.
My thought was I can get new technology and more power for $550. I can compromise on the size thing. Spending $700 was too much but for $100 more, I get a better machine than the netbook I saw earlier. That is the quirky logic that goes on in my mind.
For fun we looked at Macs. They are really sleek and really the price is similar to what I've paid in the past. D is a Lenovo guy so I've been told "no tech support" should I go the way of a Mac...
I paid $2200 for my Compaq and $1700 for my current HP. I cannot believe I can buy a better replacement for $550 plus taxes. That just blows my mind. And things will probably just get more competitive and even better. And no, I didn't buy anything. I'll just keep the research neatly tucked in the back of my mind.
D has been encouraging me to get with the times and move to a netbook for the size and portablilty. This D seems to like encouraging me to spend money....
I do have trouble embracing new technology easily and quickly so it was like pulling teeth to get me to even take a look at them. After all why test temptation? I figure, if I don't see them, I won't suddenly want one.
We looked at them in 3 places -- Costco, Staples and Best Buy.
I was tempted at Costco when I saw an HP netbook for $450. The smallest ones didn't do much for me but this one was slightly larger. In Staples, I decided against laptops once I saw how big they have gotten. Full size keyboards are the thing now.
I did see another HP "laptop" that didn't have a DVD drive for $700 that caught my eye. It was finished in brush metal and I really like that look. Finally in Best Buy, I was willing to get a laptop again because they had a special on a HP one for $550.
My thought was I can get new technology and more power for $550. I can compromise on the size thing. Spending $700 was too much but for $100 more, I get a better machine than the netbook I saw earlier. That is the quirky logic that goes on in my mind.
For fun we looked at Macs. They are really sleek and really the price is similar to what I've paid in the past. D is a Lenovo guy so I've been told "no tech support" should I go the way of a Mac...
I paid $2200 for my Compaq and $1700 for my current HP. I cannot believe I can buy a better replacement for $550 plus taxes. That just blows my mind. And things will probably just get more competitive and even better. And no, I didn't buy anything. I'll just keep the research neatly tucked in the back of my mind.
Festival of Frugality- My Best Purchases' Edition
This week's Festival is up, hosted by The Financial Blogger. There are a slew of cool articles there. Enjoy!!!
Monday, November 23, 2009
Fun Weekend
My snow tires are getting put on today. I've had no luck finding used rims at the wrecking yards or private sales. My car is too old perhaps or maybe the other people who own them still have theirs' and do not get into bad accidents? So I will bite the bullet and pay for the tire swap. Note to self, next car, buy extra set of rims immediately.
I went through an interesting exercise this weekend. My spreadsheet currently goes to 2013. My question to myself was "How much more can I decrease my earnings before I have to compromise my goals?"
The impetus for the question came earlier this week when I realized that I am now making roughly 50% of what I did 6 years ago. Over my 12 year career, I've been gradually decreasing my working week so that I can gain more life. With it, came the decreasing income.
I figure if I can still afford to save and pay for everything else and retire early, what is the problem? This last year of frugal changes has helped more than I could have thought possible, making it much easier to live on less. It also gives others the opportunity to make more.
The results of the spreadsheet was this. I can afford to make $1500 less per month and still make my mortgage prepayment and saving obligations. Any more and I would be under. Now I know what the low water mark is for the next 3 years. It was a worthwhile exercise.
Once mortgage prepayments are no longer needed, I then can afford to cut back some more (very likely), keep things up for a year and see how I feel (not likely) or quit altogether and have D take care of things (not sure my ego can take that).
Being that our Christmas shopping has been done for a while (yes, I'm one of those types), I like going into shops this time of year to take in the various decorations and holiday spirit. It's really the only time I go into a shopping mall nowadays.
Our tradition is to buy this year's holiday coffee from Starbucks or Second Cup (for me, always something chocolate mint flavored, with loads of whip cream) and just wander and people watch. It's really nice when you are not pressured to find something. We would also end up grabbing a slice a pizza for a snack and our journey is done for another year.
Where we did end up afterwards was much more fun. We went to an art supply store. D is developing an interest in sketching so he wanted to look at the various types of pencils, erasers and paper available.
It has been a while since I've been in a good art supply store. I've always felt that such stores ought to be crowded and loaded with stuff to feel authentic. We weren't disappointed yesterday. Apparently I was walking around with a big smile on my face.
I practically lived in an art store growing up and when I studied art on weekends seriously for 7 years. I also forgot how much I know about art supplies and how much stuff I've used and owned over the years. They are looking for part time help. I'm considering it.
I went through an interesting exercise this weekend. My spreadsheet currently goes to 2013. My question to myself was "How much more can I decrease my earnings before I have to compromise my goals?"
The impetus for the question came earlier this week when I realized that I am now making roughly 50% of what I did 6 years ago. Over my 12 year career, I've been gradually decreasing my working week so that I can gain more life. With it, came the decreasing income.
I figure if I can still afford to save and pay for everything else and retire early, what is the problem? This last year of frugal changes has helped more than I could have thought possible, making it much easier to live on less. It also gives others the opportunity to make more.
The results of the spreadsheet was this. I can afford to make $1500 less per month and still make my mortgage prepayment and saving obligations. Any more and I would be under. Now I know what the low water mark is for the next 3 years. It was a worthwhile exercise.
Once mortgage prepayments are no longer needed, I then can afford to cut back some more (very likely), keep things up for a year and see how I feel (not likely) or quit altogether and have D take care of things (not sure my ego can take that).
Being that our Christmas shopping has been done for a while (yes, I'm one of those types), I like going into shops this time of year to take in the various decorations and holiday spirit. It's really the only time I go into a shopping mall nowadays.
Our tradition is to buy this year's holiday coffee from Starbucks or Second Cup (for me, always something chocolate mint flavored, with loads of whip cream) and just wander and people watch. It's really nice when you are not pressured to find something. We would also end up grabbing a slice a pizza for a snack and our journey is done for another year.
Where we did end up afterwards was much more fun. We went to an art supply store. D is developing an interest in sketching so he wanted to look at the various types of pencils, erasers and paper available.
It has been a while since I've been in a good art supply store. I've always felt that such stores ought to be crowded and loaded with stuff to feel authentic. We weren't disappointed yesterday. Apparently I was walking around with a big smile on my face.
I practically lived in an art store growing up and when I studied art on weekends seriously for 7 years. I also forgot how much I know about art supplies and how much stuff I've used and owned over the years. They are looking for part time help. I'm considering it.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Negative People
One of my all time pet peeves are people who do not seem capable of being happy when they see someone else succeed. Often, they can be downright angry about it.
Why?
Why?
- Because how the success was achieved didn't fit into their idea of how "it ought to" have happen.
- Because they feel the person didn't work "hard enough" to deserve it.
- Because that person isn't as talented as the one who is resentful.
- Because the angry one is so much better and the world just doesn't know it yet.
- Because that person was lucky.
- Because the world is crazy for buying into this person's ability when they don't really have any.
- Because they are jealous.
- Because they are suffering inside and out and can barely make ends meet.
- Because they don't like themselves.
- Because they didn't take a chance.
- Because it is easier to make excuses than to go out and do it.
- Because they are scare to fail.
- Because they have too many useless restrictive rules for their life.
- Because they set themselves up for failure.
- Because they are not ready to be successful.
- Because they feel the world owes them.
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