Yesterday I finally crossed a couple more things off my lists of "to do" items.
I called the phone/Internet provider and shaved $20 off my monthly bill. I initally switched providers (we have two, one now owns the other, so any potential savings are marginal to zero) as I wanted a land line, and the alternative to cable Internet was ADSL. Bundled, the two cost me - now - $115 a month.
I also called and lowered the limit on my credit card. Because it's a secured card, I'm pretty sure I can't negotiate the interest rate, but I think I will try calling and see what I can do. I lowered the limit so that the less I have, the less trouble I can get into. And besides, it's all earning interest, but not the good kind.
So my monthly fixed expenses are as follows:
Rent: $550
Cell phone: $50
Phone/Internet: $115
Cable: $60 (I am having THE worst time letting go...)
Student Loan: $60
Car Insurance: $51.92
Savings: $250
WoW account: $15
So, there is a potential savings there of $125 if I cancel the cell phone, the cable and the stupid WoW (World of Warcraft) account. The WoW people aren't open on weekends, so I'll have to wait until Tuesday morning now, as it's the Labour Da, weekend, but it will be the next thing to go, as I really don't need (and, honestly, want) the game anymore. I rarely play it, so it's really pointless to keep paying for it.
After that, I'm going to look into changing my cell phone account, if it's possible. I have 9 months left on the contract, however, so I have three options. A) I can cancel the service and pay out what's left on the contract ($20 per month for each month left, which would be $180) or b) see if I can "sell" the phone and remaining contract to someone else, or c) see if there's a way to go to pay as you go instead of the monthly fee. Yet another option is to keep the cell phone and get rid of the land line, but that's a bit more complicated as I need a landline to have Internet, so I'm paying for it anyway. The easiest and cheapest option is to find someone to take over the contract from me, then I can go to "pay as you go". I like the security of a cell phone, particularly in the winter, so I'm not ready to let it go entirely, but I need a cheaper option.
And that leaves the cable. The easiest thing to do is just pull the plug and have it done with, but why can't I let go? I have DVDs galore to watch, dozens of books to read and god knows what else to do instead, so it's not like I'd lack for entertainment. I'd really miss my reno shows, though...
I know, I know. Excuses, excuses - it's easy for me to justify having it. It's not as bad for me as smoking (and I managed to quit that cold-turkey 12.5 yrs ago), but it's still an addiction, my last big one, actually and it's really frustrating me that I can't simply turn it off. I suppose the fact that I'm actually watching less is a start and I was doing very well in June/July, when I was getting caught up on a gazillion DVDs and movies and really enjoying NOT watching TV.
Argh!
Saturday, 30 August 2008
Friday, 29 August 2008
There's still room for improvement
I managed to have 5 days no driving (although I drove another vehicle during that time) as I was doing some traveling to the communities over a two week period. While I did spend during the travel, I will get it back as expenses (and because of the way the Yukon Government works, I’m going to get back MORE than I actually spent…and I don’t even need receipts! What a great deal…).
I have two bank accounts that I actually use, so it gives me the opportunity to “double dip” on occasion, depending on when pay days fall. The idea is that some bills come out of one account and some – usually rent – out of the other. And for the most part, that’s what happens. Or at least has been happening since I’ve been more focused on everything.
My spending looks like this:
Bank 1:
Tim Horton’s: $5.76 (x3 visits @ $1.92 ea for tea, down from daily visits!)
Tim Horton’s: $3.84 (tea for me & a friend)
Gas: $55.12
Food: $22.76
Bank 2:
Dinner, Dawson City: $22.00 (reimbursed)
Lunch for drive home: $11.76 (a FANTASTIC sandwich, water and an apple; reimbursed)
Cinnamon buns: $17.00 (literally dinner plate sized, x2)
Chocolate & milk: $9.73
Groceries: $19.40
Oil change: $15.62
Plastic sheeting for windows: $16.78
Superstore: $1.46
New clutch: $787.07
Dinner, Watson Lake: $26.75 (reimbursed)
Breakfast, Watson Lake: $14.58 (reimbursed)
Vet: $315.99
Dinner: $70.00
Total: $1415.62
Hardly what could be called a thrifty month! :-P However, it’s not all as bad as it looks, despite some big numbers in there. The funds for both my cat and the clutch came out of separate accounts which I’ve set up specifically for such situations. I’ve needed a new clutch for some time now and my cat, Bylaw, was suddenly unwell, and actually needs to go back in two weeks’ time for dental surgery. When the vet gave me the estimate of how much that was going to cost me, I’m glad I was sitting down: $800 - $1000!
Still, that’s exactly the reason I’ve set up these accounts and spent so much time building them up. The cap was $1000 on each (at this point) and while these expenses mean that the accounts are now essentially empty, at least I HAVE them and there was no panic about where the money was coming from. And I’m hoping that if I keep saving through October at the rate I am, I will have enough money in the car account to pay my insurance for the whole year.
I’m expecting reimbursements for my travel, however, which helps the rather high monthly total seem not quite so outrageous. That works out to approximately $375.00 which will be split between debt repayment and account replenishment. I also rolled (most of) my coins and emptied my “cash jar” to come up with an extra $268 which will also be split between debt and savings.
So, the monthly expenditures are reduced as follows:
1415.62
- 643.00
772.62
Wow! Almost half. That makes me feel way better actually because Tim Horton’s really isn’t a need and, well, neither are the cinnamon buns to be honest. But I have the buns maybe two or three times a year and they last over a week! And I don’t go to Tim’s every day anymore, either. I’ve slashed it from 6 days a week to about 3, so there’s still room for improvement, but I’d say it’s a definite start. :-)
I have two bank accounts that I actually use, so it gives me the opportunity to “double dip” on occasion, depending on when pay days fall. The idea is that some bills come out of one account and some – usually rent – out of the other. And for the most part, that’s what happens. Or at least has been happening since I’ve been more focused on everything.
My spending looks like this:
Bank 1:
Tim Horton’s: $5.76 (x3 visits @ $1.92 ea for tea, down from daily visits!)
Tim Horton’s: $3.84 (tea for me & a friend)
Gas: $55.12
Food: $22.76
Bank 2:
Dinner, Dawson City: $22.00 (reimbursed)
Lunch for drive home: $11.76 (a FANTASTIC sandwich, water and an apple; reimbursed)
Cinnamon buns: $17.00 (literally dinner plate sized, x2)
Chocolate & milk: $9.73
Groceries: $19.40
Oil change: $15.62
Plastic sheeting for windows: $16.78
Superstore: $1.46
New clutch: $787.07
Dinner, Watson Lake: $26.75 (reimbursed)
Breakfast, Watson Lake: $14.58 (reimbursed)
Vet: $315.99
Dinner: $70.00
Total: $1415.62
Hardly what could be called a thrifty month! :-P However, it’s not all as bad as it looks, despite some big numbers in there. The funds for both my cat and the clutch came out of separate accounts which I’ve set up specifically for such situations. I’ve needed a new clutch for some time now and my cat, Bylaw, was suddenly unwell, and actually needs to go back in two weeks’ time for dental surgery. When the vet gave me the estimate of how much that was going to cost me, I’m glad I was sitting down: $800 - $1000!
Still, that’s exactly the reason I’ve set up these accounts and spent so much time building them up. The cap was $1000 on each (at this point) and while these expenses mean that the accounts are now essentially empty, at least I HAVE them and there was no panic about where the money was coming from. And I’m hoping that if I keep saving through October at the rate I am, I will have enough money in the car account to pay my insurance for the whole year.
I’m expecting reimbursements for my travel, however, which helps the rather high monthly total seem not quite so outrageous. That works out to approximately $375.00 which will be split between debt repayment and account replenishment. I also rolled (most of) my coins and emptied my “cash jar” to come up with an extra $268 which will also be split between debt and savings.
So, the monthly expenditures are reduced as follows:
1415.62
- 643.00
772.62
Wow! Almost half. That makes me feel way better actually because Tim Horton’s really isn’t a need and, well, neither are the cinnamon buns to be honest. But I have the buns maybe two or three times a year and they last over a week! And I don’t go to Tim’s every day anymore, either. I’ve slashed it from 6 days a week to about 3, so there’s still room for improvement, but I’d say it’s a definite start. :-)
Tuesday, 19 August 2008
Options
Two days work at the hotel this week, and another shift slated for Saturday afternoon for a few hours, so while I'm not really excited about it (mainly because I don't like the evening shifts) it will obviously help to pad my paycheque at the end of the month, allowing me a little more "play" with my funds.
I redid the budget for my jars yesterday and have shaved off over $100 a week, which gives me $500 per month for "everything" instead of $960 (I'm single. What on earth do I need almost $1000 a month for over and above my fixed amounts?). My charity jar took a pretty big hit, down to $20 a week from $45, but only because I already give part of my time to the Humane Society and right now, I can't afford to give as much money as I originally wanted to. I've also halved both my clothing amount and my "other" amounts mainly because I don't really buy clothes all that often and my "other" is generally for cat food, which is bought only twice a month.
I feel good about that, and also the fact that I went to get a new shirt today because I "need" one and ended up not buying anything because I just wasn't motivated to look for anything and didn't want to "break in" my new Visa card. That would have just been stupid, seeing how far I've come in such a short period of time. And quite honestly I'm sick of shopping at the same place all the time (honestly, my choices are Reitmans, Wal-Mart (evil) and Mark's Workwearhouse, so...), so I might just wait until I go south in October and I have far more choice.
One thing I'm anticipating later this year is a move closer to town. Anticipating, but trying not to focus too hard in case it doesn't happen. A co-worker is doing some work on her basement suite and I asked if she would keep me in mind when it's available. Yesterday I asked what she thought she would be charging for rent and nearly fell over when she told me: no more than $550. For everything! And she's not even sure it'll be "that high."
My fingers are tightly crossed because it's in a part of town that will allow me to walk to work, and not rely on my truck so much, which is what I want. It will also allow me to set aside a relatively large chunk to put towards a down payment on a house, and still have loads left over for emergency fund, RSP, savings, etc. There's someone else who's interested, but I figure if I keep asking how things are going, perhaps offer to help where I can, that might help, but I'm also firmly of the mind that if it's meant to happen it will. Think positively, think about it, but don't obsess.
I redid the budget for my jars yesterday and have shaved off over $100 a week, which gives me $500 per month for "everything" instead of $960 (I'm single. What on earth do I need almost $1000 a month for over and above my fixed amounts?). My charity jar took a pretty big hit, down to $20 a week from $45, but only because I already give part of my time to the Humane Society and right now, I can't afford to give as much money as I originally wanted to. I've also halved both my clothing amount and my "other" amounts mainly because I don't really buy clothes all that often and my "other" is generally for cat food, which is bought only twice a month.
I feel good about that, and also the fact that I went to get a new shirt today because I "need" one and ended up not buying anything because I just wasn't motivated to look for anything and didn't want to "break in" my new Visa card. That would have just been stupid, seeing how far I've come in such a short period of time. And quite honestly I'm sick of shopping at the same place all the time (honestly, my choices are Reitmans, Wal-Mart (evil) and Mark's Workwearhouse, so...), so I might just wait until I go south in October and I have far more choice.
One thing I'm anticipating later this year is a move closer to town. Anticipating, but trying not to focus too hard in case it doesn't happen. A co-worker is doing some work on her basement suite and I asked if she would keep me in mind when it's available. Yesterday I asked what she thought she would be charging for rent and nearly fell over when she told me: no more than $550. For everything! And she's not even sure it'll be "that high."
My fingers are tightly crossed because it's in a part of town that will allow me to walk to work, and not rely on my truck so much, which is what I want. It will also allow me to set aside a relatively large chunk to put towards a down payment on a house, and still have loads left over for emergency fund, RSP, savings, etc. There's someone else who's interested, but I figure if I keep asking how things are going, perhaps offer to help where I can, that might help, but I'm also firmly of the mind that if it's meant to happen it will. Think positively, think about it, but don't obsess.
Sunday, 17 August 2008
August Plans
I made a list of what I want accomplish starting in August because there's a lot that I want to do and lists are good. Keeping myself on track and getting that great feeling of completion and fulfillment as each item is crossed off the list.
So far my list looks like this (in no particular order):
1) Menu planning
2) 5 no spend days
3) More focus on increasing emergency fund (even if only $50 a month)
4) Increase vet fund to $2500
5) Reading and learning about how to "green" a home, which is a 5 year goal
6) Downgrade my Internet connection, cancel cable & WoW account
7) Continue with Gail's jar system
8) Pick up a few extra hours at the hotel
9) Continue to read financial books/blogs for motivation & ideas
10) Do the dishes more frequently
11) Redo budget
12) Be more aware of what/how/why I eat
13) Focus more on water intake
August, however, is a bit specific, as there are a few things I need to do:
1) New clutch for the car - $800 (est. O-U-C-H) Appointment booked for August 19th; $$ from car account
2) Oil change Done August 16th
3) Plastic sheeting for windows Purchased 4 pkgs August 16th (and hoping it fits!)
4) Menu plan (have printed off some new menues for this)
5) Buy a proper file to keep bills organized Done August 16th
6) Re-write the final policy for the Humane Society & some of the success stories for the website
7) Figure out where my expense reimbursement will go (3 days work travel)
I was rather floored at the cost of a new clutch for my truck, I admit. I took her in to have the brakes looked at because they're squealing badly. It appears that they're just fine - dirt or dust is the cause of the noise - which is good news and which is what I thought, as was the fact there was no charge for the check (but as they're still noisy, did they clean them?).
I'm a little torn about getting the work done, as the truck is essentially worthless as a resale, however, I need a clutch. The part that floors me most is the fact that the parts come to a total of $287. It's the LABOUR that bumps the price up so much: almost $500 for approximately 4.5 hours.
I'm in the wrong job apparently!
My spending today is as follows (not as much as I figured):
Oil change - $15.62
Plastic sheeting for windows - $19.88
Water/Coke - $11.77
File folder & correction tape - $17.93
Book (Xmas present) - $3.31
Total: $68.51
Then I have to take some time over the next week to get my bills organized, the file system labelled and everything into its slot. No excuse to leave them on the microwave now!
So far my list looks like this (in no particular order):
1) Menu planning
2) 5 no spend days
3) More focus on increasing emergency fund (even if only $50 a month)
4) Increase vet fund to $2500
5) Reading and learning about how to "green" a home, which is a 5 year goal
6) Downgrade my Internet connection, cancel cable & WoW account
7) Continue with Gail's jar system
8) Pick up a few extra hours at the hotel
9) Continue to read financial books/blogs for motivation & ideas
10) Do the dishes more frequently
11) Redo budget
12) Be more aware of what/how/why I eat
13) Focus more on water intake
August, however, is a bit specific, as there are a few things I need to do:
1) New clutch for the car - $800 (est. O-U-C-H) Appointment booked for August 19th; $$ from car account
2) Oil change Done August 16th
3) Plastic sheeting for windows Purchased 4 pkgs August 16th (and hoping it fits!)
4) Menu plan (have printed off some new menues for this)
5) Buy a proper file to keep bills organized Done August 16th
6) Re-write the final policy for the Humane Society & some of the success stories for the website
7) Figure out where my expense reimbursement will go (3 days work travel)
I was rather floored at the cost of a new clutch for my truck, I admit. I took her in to have the brakes looked at because they're squealing badly. It appears that they're just fine - dirt or dust is the cause of the noise - which is good news and which is what I thought, as was the fact there was no charge for the check (but as they're still noisy, did they clean them?).
I'm a little torn about getting the work done, as the truck is essentially worthless as a resale, however, I need a clutch. The part that floors me most is the fact that the parts come to a total of $287. It's the LABOUR that bumps the price up so much: almost $500 for approximately 4.5 hours.
I'm in the wrong job apparently!
My spending today is as follows (not as much as I figured):
Oil change - $15.62
Plastic sheeting for windows - $19.88
Water/Coke - $11.77
File folder & correction tape - $17.93
Book (Xmas present) - $3.31
Total: $68.51
Then I have to take some time over the next week to get my bills organized, the file system labelled and everything into its slot. No excuse to leave them on the microwave now!
Saturday, 9 August 2008
Spend, spend, spend!
It appears that this is everyone's "spend" day. Several have posted their shopping lists, which I think is a great idea. I actually way overspent (not unusual) today, but because I printed off some recipes at work last night and shopped accordingly, I can make the food last at least two weeks.
I had to go to THREE different grocery stores to find everything I needed; apparently the trucks didn't arrive yesterday and there wasn't much produce to pick from:
Produce
$2.38 2 lemons (@ $1.19 ea)
$1.58 2 lemons (@ $0.79 ea)
$1.18 2 limes (@ $0.59 ea)
$1.42 ONE orange
$3.29 1 bag new red potatoes
$2.99 1 bag new red potatoes
$4.94 1 bag Gala apples (@ $4.17 kg)
$1.70 2 bunches gr onion (@ .85 ea)
$2.88 strawberries
$3.78 2 avocadoes (@ $1.89 ea)
$2.55 2 green peppers (@ $5.49 kg)
$0.36 4 bananas (@ $0.44 kg - maybe I could live only on bananas...)
$0.42 3 pieces ginger root (...or ginger...)
$1.98 1 pkg basil
$2.19 1 cucumber
Bakery
$3.98 2 loaves bread
Meats
$4.80 ground beef
$3.04 maple ham, sliced
$6.66 pepper steak (2 in pkg = 2 meals)
$4.69 round steak
$4.47 round steak
$5.99 turkey sausages
Grocery
$10.49 1 case bottled water (35 bottles, incl. recycling fee/deposit)
$2.99 vanilla parfait
$2.99 muffin mix
$3.69 ground round (ground chicken soy)
$4.18 2kg frozen peas
$4.18 2kg frozen corn
$3.68 ground nutmeg
$2.79 fusilli pasta
$2.79 farfalle pasta
$0.78 white vinegar
$2.89 basil pesto
$1.47 Coke
$3.69 balsamic vinegar
$5.59 organic pasta sauce
$4.69 korma sauce
$2.99 lemon & herb seasoning
$5.31 3 tins tuna (@ $1.77 ea)
$4.98 2 ltr organic milk
$6.68 2 bottles juice
$3.28 1 bottle Worcestershire sauce
Other
$5.84 8 tins cat food (@ $0.73 ea)
$15.21 bakeware
Total: $162.86/3 (wks) = $54.29 p/wk
So, taking a look at everything on my purchase list, all I'll need to buy next week is some fresh produce and probably some more milk. There's definitely room for improvement (e.g. losing the Coke and the vanilla parfait), but it's far better than I used to do.
Dinner tonight: grilled pepper steak, potatoes and steamed veggies
Admittedly, the baking tray was not a necessity, but I've already used it. It's a mini-loaf pan and I put it to use as soon as I got home. I currently have a cookie sheet as bakeware, so this addition will get a lot of use.
I'm going to take a page from Frugal Trenches blog and do a "shop" at home next time I go grocery shopping so that I'm only picking up absolute necessities. I CAN cut my budget, by quite a lot each time, as long as I'm careful, diligent and stick to my lists.
I had to go to THREE different grocery stores to find everything I needed; apparently the trucks didn't arrive yesterday and there wasn't much produce to pick from:
Produce
$2.38 2 lemons (@ $1.19 ea)
$1.58 2 lemons (@ $0.79 ea)
$1.18 2 limes (@ $0.59 ea)
$1.42 ONE orange
$3.29 1 bag new red potatoes
$2.99 1 bag new red potatoes
$4.94 1 bag Gala apples (@ $4.17 kg)
$1.70 2 bunches gr onion (@ .85 ea)
$2.88 strawberries
$3.78 2 avocadoes (@ $1.89 ea)
$2.55 2 green peppers (@ $5.49 kg)
$0.36 4 bananas (@ $0.44 kg - maybe I could live only on bananas...)
$0.42 3 pieces ginger root (...or ginger...)
$1.98 1 pkg basil
$2.19 1 cucumber
Bakery
$3.98 2 loaves bread
Meats
$4.80 ground beef
$3.04 maple ham, sliced
$6.66 pepper steak (2 in pkg = 2 meals)
$4.69 round steak
$4.47 round steak
$5.99 turkey sausages
Grocery
$10.49 1 case bottled water (35 bottles, incl. recycling fee/deposit)
$2.99 vanilla parfait
$2.99 muffin mix
$3.69 ground round (ground chicken soy)
$4.18 2kg frozen peas
$4.18 2kg frozen corn
$3.68 ground nutmeg
$2.79 fusilli pasta
$2.79 farfalle pasta
$0.78 white vinegar
$2.89 basil pesto
$1.47 Coke
$3.69 balsamic vinegar
$5.59 organic pasta sauce
$4.69 korma sauce
$2.99 lemon & herb seasoning
$5.31 3 tins tuna (@ $1.77 ea)
$4.98 2 ltr organic milk
$6.68 2 bottles juice
$3.28 1 bottle Worcestershire sauce
Other
$5.84 8 tins cat food (@ $0.73 ea)
$15.21 bakeware
Total: $162.86/3 (wks) = $54.29 p/wk
So, taking a look at everything on my purchase list, all I'll need to buy next week is some fresh produce and probably some more milk. There's definitely room for improvement (e.g. losing the Coke and the vanilla parfait), but it's far better than I used to do.
Dinner tonight: grilled pepper steak, potatoes and steamed veggies
Admittedly, the baking tray was not a necessity, but I've already used it. It's a mini-loaf pan and I put it to use as soon as I got home. I currently have a cookie sheet as bakeware, so this addition will get a lot of use.
I'm going to take a page from Frugal Trenches blog and do a "shop" at home next time I go grocery shopping so that I'm only picking up absolute necessities. I CAN cut my budget, by quite a lot each time, as long as I'm careful, diligent and stick to my lists.
Friday, 8 August 2008
Personal Assets
I'm trying to think of what I own that could be considered an "asset". Looking around, I see:
A new bike (ridden exactly once)
My laptop
300+ books (most of which are finally off the floor)
Three cats
A new digital camera, and
A truck older than the man I'm dating.
So. I'm not sure that anything on that list could be an "asset." At least, not in the financial sense. Not in the "important" sense...
Granted the new bike was, in retrospect, an impulse buy. I was really yearning to get back out and do some riding (I used to ride everywhere in Victoria when I first moved there), get fit, use the car less, etc. I went into the store to look and came out having put a deposit on a shiny new bike. I took it out for a spin and ended up spraining my knee! I haven't been on it since. The giant hills and the Alaska Highway that I would be riding every day are also a deterrent.
Regardless, I don't totally regret the purchase. We've had a pretty miserable summer all around and the only people out on bikes consistently are the hard-core riders. Like the ones who ride even during the winter. In -40. I.E. NOT me.
My laptop is my "window to the world". I keep in touch with my friends on it, I write on it, I play games on it, I watch movies on it...It's really my lifeline and I'm always on it. I'm trying to do more on it because I'm still tied to my cable and can't quite cut the cord. But I'm paying $60 a month to watch one channel and I'm finding it harder and harder to justify it. I think I need to implement the "bandaid" solution. Just do it.
My books. I'd read more of these if I didn't have cable. I'd probably also use my "Learn Italian" and "Learn French" books if I didn't have cable. There's so much I want to do, but don't because it's easier to turn on the television to entertain me than make the effort to entertain myself.
My cats Elmo, Dinah and Bylaw. My babies. I love them to pieces. They make me happy, keep me company and are worth every cent I spend on them. There is no monetary value on unconditional love.
My digital camera. This was a purchase I actually did think about. My family came into a small inheritance from a great-aunt in the UK whom we'd never actually met. We each got about $2K. Not a huge sum, but a welcome gift at Christmas time. I debated about what I wanted to do with this. I have student loans. I had a credit card balance, a stupid loan (one of those loans you get to get yourself out of debt and then end up further in), and an overdraft that all needed feeding.
However, instead of paying down my debt, I decided that I would buy myself "something nice." Along with that, I would set up two accounts that I considered important: a vet account and a travel account (a flight from Whitehorse to Vancouver costs about $600). I decided on the camera because I have always had one; I love to take pictures and it would be with me for years, as a reminder of this great-aunt who had gifted me this money. I knew myself well enough at the time that had I put it all onto my credit card, I may as well have just set a match to it.
Instead, I have this fabulous camera that lets me be creative and playful and see the world in a totally different way. I have far too many pictures of the cats, but I use it for "business" as well, as I'm a board member for the Humane Society here in Whitehorse and we have fundraising events that I like to record. I've elected myself the Official Photographer.
I did also set up the two accounts I mentioned above with starting amounts of $250 each. It was a good plan, as I've done far better with them than I imagined I would, but the peace of mind it gives me is worth 10 times that. Since then I've started one for a house, my car, an emergency fund and will now have to designate one for my new canal boat goal. Little bits at a time; some are needed later, some sooner, so the amount of money that goes into each one can vary a little, depending on what I feel needs a bit of a boost.
Last, my truck. A 27 year old Toyota. Small. The heater may not work anymore (I'll find out this winter). Runs reasonably well, but I think this will be my last winter with her. She's not as reliable or as safe as I need up here, but I'm unwilling to part with her just yet. A vehicle really is a necessity up here as the distances are so huge and the bus "service" really isn't.
All those are just a part of what I consider "assets" - there's also the fact that I live in a place where the air is pristine and clear - you feel good breathing it in -, the light is breathtaking all year round, the pace of life is a little slower, I have good friends and I feel more peace and contentment than I've ever felt. That's what makes some assets more valuable than the market or a bank or the media can assign to them.
A new bike (ridden exactly once)
My laptop
300+ books (most of which are finally off the floor)
Three cats
A new digital camera, and
A truck older than the man I'm dating.
So. I'm not sure that anything on that list could be an "asset." At least, not in the financial sense. Not in the "important" sense...
Granted the new bike was, in retrospect, an impulse buy. I was really yearning to get back out and do some riding (I used to ride everywhere in Victoria when I first moved there), get fit, use the car less, etc. I went into the store to look and came out having put a deposit on a shiny new bike. I took it out for a spin and ended up spraining my knee! I haven't been on it since. The giant hills and the Alaska Highway that I would be riding every day are also a deterrent.
Regardless, I don't totally regret the purchase. We've had a pretty miserable summer all around and the only people out on bikes consistently are the hard-core riders. Like the ones who ride even during the winter. In -40. I.E. NOT me.
My laptop is my "window to the world". I keep in touch with my friends on it, I write on it, I play games on it, I watch movies on it...It's really my lifeline and I'm always on it. I'm trying to do more on it because I'm still tied to my cable and can't quite cut the cord. But I'm paying $60 a month to watch one channel and I'm finding it harder and harder to justify it. I think I need to implement the "bandaid" solution. Just do it.
My books. I'd read more of these if I didn't have cable. I'd probably also use my "Learn Italian" and "Learn French" books if I didn't have cable. There's so much I want to do, but don't because it's easier to turn on the television to entertain me than make the effort to entertain myself.
My cats Elmo, Dinah and Bylaw. My babies. I love them to pieces. They make me happy, keep me company and are worth every cent I spend on them. There is no monetary value on unconditional love.
My digital camera. This was a purchase I actually did think about. My family came into a small inheritance from a great-aunt in the UK whom we'd never actually met. We each got about $2K. Not a huge sum, but a welcome gift at Christmas time. I debated about what I wanted to do with this. I have student loans. I had a credit card balance, a stupid loan (one of those loans you get to get yourself out of debt and then end up further in), and an overdraft that all needed feeding.
However, instead of paying down my debt, I decided that I would buy myself "something nice." Along with that, I would set up two accounts that I considered important: a vet account and a travel account (a flight from Whitehorse to Vancouver costs about $600). I decided on the camera because I have always had one; I love to take pictures and it would be with me for years, as a reminder of this great-aunt who had gifted me this money. I knew myself well enough at the time that had I put it all onto my credit card, I may as well have just set a match to it.
Instead, I have this fabulous camera that lets me be creative and playful and see the world in a totally different way. I have far too many pictures of the cats, but I use it for "business" as well, as I'm a board member for the Humane Society here in Whitehorse and we have fundraising events that I like to record. I've elected myself the Official Photographer.
I did also set up the two accounts I mentioned above with starting amounts of $250 each. It was a good plan, as I've done far better with them than I imagined I would, but the peace of mind it gives me is worth 10 times that. Since then I've started one for a house, my car, an emergency fund and will now have to designate one for my new canal boat goal. Little bits at a time; some are needed later, some sooner, so the amount of money that goes into each one can vary a little, depending on what I feel needs a bit of a boost.
Last, my truck. A 27 year old Toyota. Small. The heater may not work anymore (I'll find out this winter). Runs reasonably well, but I think this will be my last winter with her. She's not as reliable or as safe as I need up here, but I'm unwilling to part with her just yet. A vehicle really is a necessity up here as the distances are so huge and the bus "service" really isn't.
All those are just a part of what I consider "assets" - there's also the fact that I live in a place where the air is pristine and clear - you feel good breathing it in -, the light is breathtaking all year round, the pace of life is a little slower, I have good friends and I feel more peace and contentment than I've ever felt. That's what makes some assets more valuable than the market or a bank or the media can assign to them.
Thursday, 7 August 2008
Life in a Northern Town
Also the name of a pretty good 80's tune, an actual Northern Living Allowance is a tax break granted by the Canadian Government to anyone and everyone who lives north of Grand Prairie, Alberta (55 degrees N Latitude).
I've been reading Gail's blog for a few months now, and from there have found plenty more fantastic personal finance blogs like this one, this one, and this one. There's an entire community out there minding their personal finances, getting out of debt, saving money, reaching their goals and so much inspiration to be had on a daily. I'm hoping that writing down my goals and savings achievements and putting them "out there" will make me more focused, realistic and accountable for my spending.
I'm a 41 yr old single female living in an exceptionally beautiful part of Canada. It's not cheap, however, but even here there are ways to save money. If people can live frugally in London, after all, I can certainly find ways to do it here! I work two jobs: one day a week at a hotel, and a "day" job in a library. While the library job is very well paid, it's not permanent, so I am also on a journey to search for a job I get to keep.
One of the better financial decisions I've made in the last several weeks is enlisting the help of a financial advisor/planner and have just given her an initial $1000 to put into an RSP. I've also spoken with my bank about various savings options that they offer and will be looking at another RSP with them, only in mutual fund form.
But to start, my goals are as follows:
A new(er) car (fall 2009)
A house (2012)
Retirement savings plan (ongoing)
Trip to South Africa to help my brother & sister-in-law build their new house (2 years)
Canal boat in England (5 years)
I've also set up several accounts I use for the vet, travel, my car insurance/maintenance and which fluctuate according to need. I've decided recently to bump up the vet account from $1000 to $2500, as I think that's a more realistic amount (I have three cats and want accessible funds should something happen).
I know I need to set up a more focused monthly budget, set some goals (definitely some "no spend days" as Frugal Trenches does), and stick with my cash jars system that Gail advocates. It's a terrific idea and it really, honestly WORKS if you're focused and determined. And all this sort of stuff only works if you shift your thinking about why you spend, how you spend, where you spend, etc. You have to really look at the reasons behind it: are you bored? Depressed? Angry? Like a raven, do you like shiny things?
I'm looking forward to this.
I've been reading Gail's blog for a few months now, and from there have found plenty more fantastic personal finance blogs like this one, this one, and this one. There's an entire community out there minding their personal finances, getting out of debt, saving money, reaching their goals and so much inspiration to be had on a daily. I'm hoping that writing down my goals and savings achievements and putting them "out there" will make me more focused, realistic and accountable for my spending.
I'm a 41 yr old single female living in an exceptionally beautiful part of Canada. It's not cheap, however, but even here there are ways to save money. If people can live frugally in London, after all, I can certainly find ways to do it here! I work two jobs: one day a week at a hotel, and a "day" job in a library. While the library job is very well paid, it's not permanent, so I am also on a journey to search for a job I get to keep.
One of the better financial decisions I've made in the last several weeks is enlisting the help of a financial advisor/planner and have just given her an initial $1000 to put into an RSP. I've also spoken with my bank about various savings options that they offer and will be looking at another RSP with them, only in mutual fund form.
But to start, my goals are as follows:
A new(er) car (fall 2009)
A house (2012)
Retirement savings plan (ongoing)
Trip to South Africa to help my brother & sister-in-law build their new house (2 years)
Canal boat in England (5 years)
I've also set up several accounts I use for the vet, travel, my car insurance/maintenance and which fluctuate according to need. I've decided recently to bump up the vet account from $1000 to $2500, as I think that's a more realistic amount (I have three cats and want accessible funds should something happen).
I know I need to set up a more focused monthly budget, set some goals (definitely some "no spend days" as Frugal Trenches does), and stick with my cash jars system that Gail advocates. It's a terrific idea and it really, honestly WORKS if you're focused and determined. And all this sort of stuff only works if you shift your thinking about why you spend, how you spend, where you spend, etc. You have to really look at the reasons behind it: are you bored? Depressed? Angry? Like a raven, do you like shiny things?
I'm looking forward to this.
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