I recently returned from a trip to see my boyfriend in Phoenix. The trip itself was wonderful. The flights on the other hand not quite so much. Due to connecting flights I was in 4 different airports in the 5 days between the time I left and the time I got back. That also means I took 4 different planes. I had difficulty buckling in every single one. Though granted it was a little more difficult in the very small regional planes.
So that leads me to my first cut back. I'm putting myself on a diet. So far it has been very difficult. It was going really well trying to eat just a little less than normal. Although I have to admit I would get a major case of the hungries around 9 pm. Then last week happened.
Let's just say last week was a total disaster. I had done really well the week before so I cut back my calorie budget to lose 1.5 lbs per week. Well that was a mistake. I was falling more and more behind each day. But today starts a new budget week so I'm going to try to stick with that.
The other part that I'm cutting back on is spending. I'm not really used to having to live within a budget. I've always been in a situation where I made more money than I spent so it was never a big deal. Spend what you need/want and tuck the rest away for later. Well this last year has been a bit of a wake up call for me. I've definitely overspent what I've made. So I've had to put a budget in force. The first thing is to track spending this month and cut a little bit. First went the cable, my beautiful, beautiful cable. I insisted on keeping my Super Sports pack though. As good as the Lions and the Bills have been this year I can imagine facing the NFL season without it. It also includes NHL centre ice, which kind of makes up for losing TSN.
I'll keep you updated with my progress.
Showing posts with label money. Show all posts
Showing posts with label money. Show all posts
Monday, October 31, 2011
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Big meeting today, no sleep last night
Okay no sleep is a little strong I got a solid 4 hours.
Today I have a meeting with senior management at my company which will either result in me getting paid more money, or moving back to Manitoba to move back in with my parents. In the end it just costs way more to live here than I had anticipated and I've been drawing out of my savings and going into debt in order to pay my bills. I have worked really hard at getting better after being off work for 2 years with illness and have been walking a tight rope of living a high enough quality of life to stay health and paying for it.
I'm against this whole occupy Wall Street thing but its hard to understand how a person can have a full time job which is well above minimum wage and still not be able to pay their bills. I should also note that I don't have children or a car, so it's not like I live extravagantly. I do live alone, but shouldn't a full time job allow you to do that?
I don't know maybe I'm spoiled. But I need to pay off my debt and I'm not sure I see another way.
Today I have a meeting with senior management at my company which will either result in me getting paid more money, or moving back to Manitoba to move back in with my parents. In the end it just costs way more to live here than I had anticipated and I've been drawing out of my savings and going into debt in order to pay my bills. I have worked really hard at getting better after being off work for 2 years with illness and have been walking a tight rope of living a high enough quality of life to stay health and paying for it.
I'm against this whole occupy Wall Street thing but its hard to understand how a person can have a full time job which is well above minimum wage and still not be able to pay their bills. I should also note that I don't have children or a car, so it's not like I live extravagantly. I do live alone, but shouldn't a full time job allow you to do that?
I don't know maybe I'm spoiled. But I need to pay off my debt and I'm not sure I see another way.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
At least things can't get any better...
Oh what a week, and it's only Tuesday. It all started on Saturday when my laptop decided to go on the fritz. It would insist that it wasn't plugged in even when it was. If you wiggled the cord a little the light would come on and all would be well, until you bumped it again. So I decided to take it in to have it looked at.
The computer place informed me that the company that makes my laptop is no longer in business and that they didn't have the part and weren't sure if they could get it. I only bought my laptop about 8 months ago so it's still technically under warranty but if the company doesn't exist well who knows.
Then today I left home with my purse but apparently no wallet. Thankfully I played good Samaritan yesterday and lent a co-worker some money which he paid back today so at least I can eat.
The computer place informed me that the company that makes my laptop is no longer in business and that they didn't have the part and weren't sure if they could get it. I only bought my laptop about 8 months ago so it's still technically under warranty but if the company doesn't exist well who knows.
Then today I left home with my purse but apparently no wallet. Thankfully I played good Samaritan yesterday and lent a co-worker some money which he paid back today so at least I can eat.
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
The Economic Crisis and Me
I read a lot a blogs. Probably more than one person should. I particularly enjoy sports blogs but I also like reading people's personal blogs. Some people's lives are just so much more interesting than the average person.
One common theme that I've noticed in my reading of late is people's worry about the economic situation. A lot of people are randomly losing their jobs. I always feel horrible for those people. Because no job means no money, no money means no rent, means no place to live and so on. It makes me feel kind of guilty about complaining so much about my job. At least I have one. Okay so it's not the greatest of situations but it exists.
I just can't help but wonder why I go to work sometimes. And the answer is so that I can pay my bills so that I have a place to live. Unfortunately my thoughts turn slightly morbid after that and it really puts a damper on my whole perspective on life.
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Economic Stimulus
So apparently the Bank of Canada has officially declared a recession. I would like to take this opportunity to talk about the economic stimulus package I have put together. Here's the thing it's Christmas and I just got a Christmas bonus. I've also probably spent about $2000 in the last week or so.
First of all there was the Christmas shopping as I've said before I have a fairly large family and the average gift price they will be receiving is about $65 a piece. I also haven't been very thrifty when it comes to buying stuff for myself. I would guess I bought $400 worth of clothes over that last week. Hey it's not my fault. First there were necessities and then some really good deals followed by a gift certificate. How could I not spend?
No wonder I don't have enough money to go back to school. Although with interest rates taking another cut this might be a good time to hit up the bank for a loan.
First of all there was the Christmas shopping as I've said before I have a fairly large family and the average gift price they will be receiving is about $65 a piece. I also haven't been very thrifty when it comes to buying stuff for myself. I would guess I bought $400 worth of clothes over that last week. Hey it's not my fault. First there were necessities and then some really good deals followed by a gift certificate. How could I not spend?
No wonder I don't have enough money to go back to school. Although with interest rates taking another cut this might be a good time to hit up the bank for a loan.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
The hard part is over, now for the waiting
So most of you know by now that I had a job interview today. Like most people I find job interviews stressful. Seriously if employers want to know how potential employees will handle themselves under pressure they need look no further than the interview.
I am the type of person who panics for no reason. Case in point every time I had to write an exam in University whether I needed a good mark or not I'd end up calling my parents bawling that I was going to fail. Like somehow that single test was the end of the world. So as it happens I called Mom and Dad last night, they weren't home. So I tried Dad's cell and ended up talking to my Aunt who gave me suggestions and tips on dealing with the interview.
Did it help? Probably not. But now that I'm done the interview all that's left to do it wait. The nice thing for me is that if I don't get the job I've still got something to fall back on. I'll still have my old job. It will be difficult to have to stay given that I told the people in my department that I had applied for the job but really what difference does it make. If I don't get the job then I'm just not the right fit, and that's okay. Or at least that's what I'm telling myself today.
Whether I get the job or not I've gained valuable experience, I've spent a little more time getting to know me. Also I may have used this interview as leverage for a potential salary increase at my current job. We'll see how that one plays out.
I am the type of person who panics for no reason. Case in point every time I had to write an exam in University whether I needed a good mark or not I'd end up calling my parents bawling that I was going to fail. Like somehow that single test was the end of the world. So as it happens I called Mom and Dad last night, they weren't home. So I tried Dad's cell and ended up talking to my Aunt who gave me suggestions and tips on dealing with the interview.
Did it help? Probably not. But now that I'm done the interview all that's left to do it wait. The nice thing for me is that if I don't get the job I've still got something to fall back on. I'll still have my old job. It will be difficult to have to stay given that I told the people in my department that I had applied for the job but really what difference does it make. If I don't get the job then I'm just not the right fit, and that's okay. Or at least that's what I'm telling myself today.
Whether I get the job or not I've gained valuable experience, I've spent a little more time getting to know me. Also I may have used this interview as leverage for a potential salary increase at my current job. We'll see how that one plays out.
Sunday, August 03, 2008
Taking my blog show on the road
So I'm on vacation this week. A much deserved one if I do say so myself. I was starting to feel just a little worn out. The first part of my vacation is being spent in the U.S. doing a little (and by that I mean a lot) of shopping with my brother.
The Border was just absolutely insane. Note to self: don't go to the States on a long weekend. We left pretty early in the morning, or at least early for 2 people who are supposed to be on vacation anyway. We hit the border around 9am. I can't imagine what it's going to be like coming back. I'm seriously considering staying an extra night just to avoid the traffic.
Anyway I'm already within $10 of my $400 duty-free dollars after one day.I did buy a fantastic pair of cowboy boots yesterday. Today we're hitting Albertville Outlets. I suspect it will be full of people and that more money will be spent.
I may not be posting much this week due to the vacation schedule of sleep until noon, in bed by ten. Gotta recharge that battery after all.
The Border was just absolutely insane. Note to self: don't go to the States on a long weekend. We left pretty early in the morning, or at least early for 2 people who are supposed to be on vacation anyway. We hit the border around 9am. I can't imagine what it's going to be like coming back. I'm seriously considering staying an extra night just to avoid the traffic.
Anyway I'm already within $10 of my $400 duty-free dollars after one day.I did buy a fantastic pair of cowboy boots yesterday. Today we're hitting Albertville Outlets. I suspect it will be full of people and that more money will be spent.
I may not be posting much this week due to the vacation schedule of sleep until noon, in bed by ten. Gotta recharge that battery after all.
Friday, July 04, 2008
And The Shopping Spree Continues
As I mentioned yesterday I went a little spend crazy. Well I took the day off work today and gave my credit card a little bit of work out. It started off fairly normally I got my hair cut. It's super short now. Well super short for me anyway. I didn't get it colored or anything, I'm leaving that for my August holidays. But still a decent cut costs some coin.
Then I went to the mall to get my glasses fixed, or at least that what I told myself when I went. The first store I visited was the Body Shop. I have a bit of a problem with that store I can't just walk by it I have to go in and of course as soon as I walk in I get the urge to spend money. So two body butters (bringing my current total to 6) and two home fragrance oils (total too many to count) later I was relieved of another 50 bucks. Then too the bookstore where I bought 3 new books (it's not like I have a distance ed course I should be working on or anything). To end my trip I did get my glasses fixed and paid my Sear bill. I also stopped in at SportCheck so see what they had left over from Euro. The answer is Greece, England and Germany. I guess no one likes a loser.
Within 5 minutes of my returning home my mom showed up at my apartment. I kind of knew she was coming into the city but I didn't actually expect her to stop and visit. Anyway it wasn't much of a visit as she was really tired and so she napped in the spare room. Then we went to the Olive Garden for dinner, which is my absolute favorite restaurant of all time but just a little pricey. Oh well I guess that means I'm going to have to be a shut in for the rest of the weekend so that I don't spend anymore.
Then I went to the mall to get my glasses fixed, or at least that what I told myself when I went. The first store I visited was the Body Shop. I have a bit of a problem with that store I can't just walk by it I have to go in and of course as soon as I walk in I get the urge to spend money. So two body butters (bringing my current total to 6) and two home fragrance oils (total too many to count) later I was relieved of another 50 bucks. Then too the bookstore where I bought 3 new books (it's not like I have a distance ed course I should be working on or anything). To end my trip I did get my glasses fixed and paid my Sear bill. I also stopped in at SportCheck so see what they had left over from Euro. The answer is Greece, England and Germany. I guess no one likes a loser.
Within 5 minutes of my returning home my mom showed up at my apartment. I kind of knew she was coming into the city but I didn't actually expect her to stop and visit. Anyway it wasn't much of a visit as she was really tired and so she napped in the spare room. Then we went to the Olive Garden for dinner, which is my absolute favorite restaurant of all time but just a little pricey. Oh well I guess that means I'm going to have to be a shut in for the rest of the weekend so that I don't spend anymore.
Monday, June 02, 2008
Money Saving tips from Janalee
So now that I have a little bit of money I've been reading a lot of personal finance articles on the web, trying to figure out the best way to turn a little bit of money into a lot bit of money. It seems that the "in vogue" topic these days is how to save money on groceries. See here or here or here .
Normally I drop $125 easily on groceries every two weeks, which is funny because I don't eat breakfast and I buy lunch. So maybe I eat too much (which I probably do), or maybe it's just that meat is freaking expensive. I do manage to save on the beef but 4 chicken breasts will run you about $15. Anyway, today I went to the store and cut my bill down to $75. So how did I do it? The secret is to go when you are so sick that you don't feel like moving at all. Trust me when you're on the verge of losing your lunch not a single thing in the store looks appealing. Thus you don't want to buy junk food which costs an arm and a leg (and a healthy heart).
Okay that's horrible advice but hey it works. The other option is to determine exactly what you intend to cook each night and buy only the ingredients you need for those meals. Again this cuts down on the unnecessary junk food. It's also a fantastic way to clean out your cupboards. I've probably got enough canned/dry food in my apartment to eat for 2 months.
Normally I drop $125 easily on groceries every two weeks, which is funny because I don't eat breakfast and I buy lunch. So maybe I eat too much (which I probably do), or maybe it's just that meat is freaking expensive. I do manage to save on the beef but 4 chicken breasts will run you about $15. Anyway, today I went to the store and cut my bill down to $75. So how did I do it? The secret is to go when you are so sick that you don't feel like moving at all. Trust me when you're on the verge of losing your lunch not a single thing in the store looks appealing. Thus you don't want to buy junk food which costs an arm and a leg (and a healthy heart).
Okay that's horrible advice but hey it works. The other option is to determine exactly what you intend to cook each night and buy only the ingredients you need for those meals. Again this cuts down on the unnecessary junk food. It's also a fantastic way to clean out your cupboards. I've probably got enough canned/dry food in my apartment to eat for 2 months.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Panic
Okay so today I had an absolutely terrible day at work and have now Fast-tracked my going back to school by a whole year. I realized today that there is not a single thing at my work place that I actually enjoy doing. Well the getting paid part is pretty nice but that's not really something that I do as it is a reward for the things I do-do. I also enjoy ogling the men but that is also an aside to the actual work that I do.
Someday I just feel absolutely wiped after a day at work, this has been happening more an more lately. I think it goes back to that weekend where all I did was sleep. Seriously when you sleep more than 20 hours in a 30 hour period there is defiantly something wrong with you.
Someday I just feel absolutely wiped after a day at work, this has been happening more an more lately. I think it goes back to that weekend where all I did was sleep. Seriously when you sleep more than 20 hours in a 30 hour period there is defiantly something wrong with you.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Delayed Reaction
I ordered some books online about 2 weeks ago and I picked them up from the post office on Saturday and I'm almost done reading them. Today I checked by bank account information and my credit card was just finally charged today.
About 3 weeks ago I ordered new cheques from the bank. I haven't recieved them yet but they're Ottawa Senators cheques. Of course I had to pay extra for the specialized cheques but I figured I'm making money now so can afford to buy extra special stuff once in a while. Again my bank account was only debited yesterday.
I'm usually pretty careful with my spending, I look to see how much I have and do a quick mental estimate of my outstanding bills, but because theses things didn't show up until yesterday I'm looking at my bank account going, "oh crap I might not be able to make my rent payment". It's a good thing tommorow is pay day but I don't have nearly as much extra money coming in as I thought.
About 3 weeks ago I ordered new cheques from the bank. I haven't recieved them yet but they're Ottawa Senators cheques. Of course I had to pay extra for the specialized cheques but I figured I'm making money now so can afford to buy extra special stuff once in a while. Again my bank account was only debited yesterday.
I'm usually pretty careful with my spending, I look to see how much I have and do a quick mental estimate of my outstanding bills, but because theses things didn't show up until yesterday I'm looking at my bank account going, "oh crap I might not be able to make my rent payment". It's a good thing tommorow is pay day but I don't have nearly as much extra money coming in as I thought.
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