Today was payday from the p/t job. I got over $500!! I thought it was a mistake at first, but then remembered how much extra I've been working while I've been learning a new position.
Last month I was offered the chance to be a cash balancer and I jumped at the opportunity to learn something new and move off the floor. I'll still be a cashier, but the majority of my time will be spent balancing cash, entering invoices, getting change for the cashiers, etc. I am happy that I was asked about this, and happier that I can have some time away from the floor. It can get pretty overstimulating out there.
Anyway. Today's big cash infusion allowed me to bring down my debt by another $500! PLUS I deposited $176 the other day, which was also earmarked for debt. So definitely some good progress there! My furniture debt now stands at $750 and my LOC at $3650.
The new debt comes in the form of a loan from my mother. While she was visiting she was quite adamant that I get a new(er) vehicle. I was reluctant because a) that means more insurance, b) higher gas costs, and c) I love my wee truck! 30-yrs old and still running. That's impressive!
However, with winter looming - and it's likely to be a harsh one this year - I admit that safety and reliability are necessities, particularly when our temperatures sink into the -40s. My mother and I agreed that she would loan me the money for a new vehicle and that I would pay her back for it. There's no interest on the loan and I can start paying her back whenever I'm able. She wants me to focus on the interest-bearing loans first, so this is also motivation for me to get those gone as quickly as possible. I want to start paying her back as soon as I can.
Today I heard from Prince George, where I'm in contact with a car broker. They've found a 2003 Kia Sorento (135K km) for $8200. The amount of the loan covers this, delivery, registration, new winter tires (I'm hoping), and a chunk towards insurance. I believe the broker gets the car winterized and does a safety inspection. That would cost me about $500 if I did those once I got the car.
So, while I shouldn't really be celebrating going deeper into debt, it's not all bad. I can still pay down what I owe, and my mother will rest easier knowing I'm driving a safe vehicle around, instead of one whose heater might not even be working anymore. And I've been noticing that people are turning their heads more often lately - and believe me, it's not because she's some tricked out, sweet looking ride. No, I think the front grill is a bit loose and it "buzzes" while she drives. The brakes sound like nails on a chalkboard at every red light, stop sign and pedestrian crosswalk in town. There's an adorable 'rattle' in the engine, and she has the quaint habit of shuddering to a stop when stopped when the temperature dips too low. I need a new headlight; one of the rear light covers is broken; I can only get AM radio; I've had to replace the fuel pump, water pump, battery, a couple of hoses and the hosepipe. There aren't even cupholders!
But I really love that truck. She owes me nothing, but I couldn't bear to see her sent for scrap, so I'm going to ask around to see if someone will be able to care for her until I get property and need a little runabout for hauling stuff around.
But I'm sure there'll be things about the new truck that I'll come to appreciate, too. :)
Magandang gabi! ("Good evening" in Tagalog, the Philippino language)
Saturday, 18 September 2010
Friday, 10 September 2010
Sold another one!
I just mailed off another DVD box set today! It's a $50 (after shipping) sale for me, and one less set on my shelf. Hurrah! I've boxed up another 6 in anticipation of selling those shortly. I've been in contact with someone who was interested in all of them, so I offered a "bulk" cost which will hopefully be accepted. It started off a bit slowly, but I only have 3 left that I had offered for sale, so I might have to do some weeding again and try to let go of some other ones. It's a pretty straight forward way to make some extra cash for my debt!
Thursday, 9 September 2010
Decision made
I spent a little time thinking about my financial decision on Monday. On Tuesday I acted on it. I moved $1400 from my EFund (aka Savings) and paid off my Visa and 1/3 of my furniture purchase. The financing is 0% for 8 months, but why wait? I have a comfortable $1K left in the EFund which is sufficient for now - I have an auto transfer of $30 a month anyway, so I'll be building it back up anyway. I'm just very, very sick of debt.
I still have a couple of hundred dollars to figure out what to do with and I'm thinking I'll put in on my LOC and knock that down a bit. I don't want to leave myself entirely without savings - just in case - but I am really keen to get this debt gone now. I have a monthly payment that comes off the Visa, so once I've finished typing this, I will be calling to have that cancelled.
I've also finished my first afghan strip, so feel quite accomplished. :)
It's amazing what several nights of decent sleep will do for you!
I still have a couple of hundred dollars to figure out what to do with and I'm thinking I'll put in on my LOC and knock that down a bit. I don't want to leave myself entirely without savings - just in case - but I am really keen to get this debt gone now. I have a monthly payment that comes off the Visa, so once I've finished typing this, I will be calling to have that cancelled.
I've also finished my first afghan strip, so feel quite accomplished. :)
It's amazing what several nights of decent sleep will do for you!
Sunday, 5 September 2010
Labour Day weekend...and decisons.
A long weekend at last! For what it's worth at least. I'm working most of it, but I'm resigned to that now as I keep digging myself back into debt and it feels like I'm going to be doing it forever. Again. But no, I need to make some decisions this weekend (financial) that will hopefully force me to sit up and take more serious notice of my debt and its constant presence in my life.
Last month I bought new furniture. Did I NEED new furniture? Not necessarily and I most definitely didn't need to finance it. But I did that, too. I don't regret it, as I am far more comfortable and relaxed at home. But it took me a definite step backwards with respect to getting myself out of debt.
My sister is currently on her way to Edinburgh for school. She arrived in London today and is staying with my brother before she heads north. I am immensely homesick for the UK and this is just making it worse. Although "homesick" isn't necessarily the proper word, it feels like that, even though it's been almost 20 years since I've set foot in the UK. Way too long, but it's been very, very strong this year, this pull and now I'm more determined than ever to visit before much longer.
I'm just feeling very mixed up and frustrated with respect to what I want and what I need. Monday is my first day off in just over two weeks, so I have a lot of things to do. Some housework, some school work and lots of thinking. I know this has to do with the fact that I'm just tired from working 7 days a week, but I'm still going to do it because it needs to be done.
On a more positive note, I got my German class last week and have been looking it over all ready. It's going to be a challenge for sure, but I'm really looking forward to it and my friends are willing to help, too, so that's a huge bonus for me. I need to do well on this, as I've paid for it and if I pass, two-thirds of the course will be paid back to me through work! That's a huge incentive, too.
My mother was here for a visit, too, and while it rained the whole time she was here, she did accomplish something I never thought possible: she taught me to knit! We got some really lovely wool and needles from the knitting shop in town and after a few tries, I got the hang of it and am slowly working on getting my first ever creation underway. She & I are knitting an afghan, which is a simple project and one that will keep me warm during the winter to boot! I haven't knitted since I was a Girl Guide, and then only for a badge. My sister and I were terrible tomboys and I refused to learn anything remotely "girly" for years. However, since the knitting has taken hold - albeit a loose one - I am planning on learning to can next year! I know - whoa, Nelly! But canning time is basically past this year and I have a lot on my plate, so one thing at a time.
While my mother was here she also mentioned that she wanted me to get a new(er) car. I love my old truck, however, I realize that it is also not the safest nor the most reliable vehicle on the road. Plus I'm not sure the heater works anymore. Long story short, my mother offered me $10K - a loan! - and I would get myself a new(er) car BEFORE THIS WINTER. Eee! There are a couple at one of the dealerships here that I'm looking at, plus a friend's BIL is a car broker and may have something for me to consider shortly. Anyhow, the pressure is on, a bit, but I can't say I'm entirely unhappy about it.
I WILL PAY MY MOTHER BACK. That was the agreement.
And I have managed to save enough to pay for a proper will! :) Now I just have to find a lawyer to get it written up properly. I'm really pleased! It seemed to take forever, but I guess it was only about 6 months or so. I can at least cross that off my 2010 goals list! :P
I'm rambling now, but hopefully will have a moment to update after the weekend and let you know what I've decided to do. I hope you all have a relaxing, enjoyable weekend!
Last month I bought new furniture. Did I NEED new furniture? Not necessarily and I most definitely didn't need to finance it. But I did that, too. I don't regret it, as I am far more comfortable and relaxed at home. But it took me a definite step backwards with respect to getting myself out of debt.
My sister is currently on her way to Edinburgh for school. She arrived in London today and is staying with my brother before she heads north. I am immensely homesick for the UK and this is just making it worse. Although "homesick" isn't necessarily the proper word, it feels like that, even though it's been almost 20 years since I've set foot in the UK. Way too long, but it's been very, very strong this year, this pull and now I'm more determined than ever to visit before much longer.
I'm just feeling very mixed up and frustrated with respect to what I want and what I need. Monday is my first day off in just over two weeks, so I have a lot of things to do. Some housework, some school work and lots of thinking. I know this has to do with the fact that I'm just tired from working 7 days a week, but I'm still going to do it because it needs to be done.
On a more positive note, I got my German class last week and have been looking it over all ready. It's going to be a challenge for sure, but I'm really looking forward to it and my friends are willing to help, too, so that's a huge bonus for me. I need to do well on this, as I've paid for it and if I pass, two-thirds of the course will be paid back to me through work! That's a huge incentive, too.
My mother was here for a visit, too, and while it rained the whole time she was here, she did accomplish something I never thought possible: she taught me to knit! We got some really lovely wool and needles from the knitting shop in town and after a few tries, I got the hang of it and am slowly working on getting my first ever creation underway. She & I are knitting an afghan, which is a simple project and one that will keep me warm during the winter to boot! I haven't knitted since I was a Girl Guide, and then only for a badge. My sister and I were terrible tomboys and I refused to learn anything remotely "girly" for years. However, since the knitting has taken hold - albeit a loose one - I am planning on learning to can next year! I know - whoa, Nelly! But canning time is basically past this year and I have a lot on my plate, so one thing at a time.
While my mother was here she also mentioned that she wanted me to get a new(er) car. I love my old truck, however, I realize that it is also not the safest nor the most reliable vehicle on the road. Plus I'm not sure the heater works anymore. Long story short, my mother offered me $10K - a loan! - and I would get myself a new(er) car BEFORE THIS WINTER. Eee! There are a couple at one of the dealerships here that I'm looking at, plus a friend's BIL is a car broker and may have something for me to consider shortly. Anyhow, the pressure is on, a bit, but I can't say I'm entirely unhappy about it.
I WILL PAY MY MOTHER BACK. That was the agreement.
And I have managed to save enough to pay for a proper will! :) Now I just have to find a lawyer to get it written up properly. I'm really pleased! It seemed to take forever, but I guess it was only about 6 months or so. I can at least cross that off my 2010 goals list! :P
I'm rambling now, but hopefully will have a moment to update after the weekend and let you know what I've decided to do. I hope you all have a relaxing, enjoyable weekend!
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