Ladies and Gentlemen!1 The day is finally here!! (and I'm two day slate posting this!)
On May 26, 2009 I got my tax return back from the government - and PAID OFF MY CAR WITH IT!! Yep that's right. As of May 26, 2009 I officially and the proud owner of one 2005 Ford Focus ZX5 in Sonic Blue!!!! While I've been driving it since the day I picked it up, the people at Ford Credit Canada were holding my loan and the actual official monetary ownership of my car. I have finished paying them back!!
So - some of you may be looking at this going why would you pay that off 10 months early when you have such an outstanding credit card amount, and surely the credit card interest is higher. Well, when I first started working on my car payments, I wasn't making what I am right now. And I didn't have the credit debt I have right now. Through some choices I made, and a steady increase in pay, I decided a while ago to put a little more down on my car loan each month, and was paying off my credit card at a pretty good clip. In 2007 I chose to do something about my health, knowing full well that would mean putting the stuff on my credit card and increasing the debt. I chose to do it anyway because I was getting to an alarming weight for me, and needed help losing the weight. So instead of being able to post two months ago that I was Credit Card Debt free, I am posting today that I own my car and can now shift all of that effort back to my credit card debt and pay it off quickly.
so the gist of this post is a little yippee for me!
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Bacteria =(
So last week I found out I've got nasty bacteria running amuk in my bladder. (BLEGH!) So this explains why lately I've not really felt like eating, and my stomach and intestine's have been pained. Funny thing is, doctor says I've had it for about two weeks but I didn't start feeling anything until last wednesday. "Weird", thought the doctor. "Not so", said I. You see as part of my get healthy strategy, I've been kickboxing since September, twice a week, for about an hour and a half each session. the not so weird part comes from the fact that we do an ab session to end each workout - yes when you are dead tired. So for the past couple of weeks, I've been dealing with abs that are that work-out-sore for days afterwards. Apparently this was masking the stomach pains I should have been having in association with this infection I have.
Well I wasn't feeling overly great on Wednesday so I skipped the workout, only to be in ever more pain as the evening went on. went tot he doctor on Thursday, she did a little test and voila! Bacteria running amuk!
Long story short, I've spent the weekend in bed and taking weird pills. Not what I had planned!!
On a side note though, since I've fallen off the strict budget wagon a little it gave me a good excuse to sit down with the numbers and figure out stuff. What I learned from this exercise was this...the eating plan I've been following is costing an arm and a leg, and I intend to finish with the paying for supplements side of things in two months. That means it's time to hit that goal and ged'er'dun! So I have two more months of services to finish out what I started way to long ago.
This will free up a chunk of money that I can use to put in my housing fund or emergency fund. I've also got a more concrete plan for my horrendous Credit Card issue. Because, serious, it's horrendous!
Also, of note, my man (bless his heart) became ever more sexy this weekend....HE SAT DOWN AND STARTED HIS BUDGET!! He has a bit to go yet, but he figured out al the stuff he spends his money on and what are the things he needs to be spending on and what he can play with in terms of numbers. All that is left is for him to actually plug in the numbers and figure out what his limits in certain categories will be!
I am eagerly waiting for that tax-man's income return to me....and I pray that I did it right! That way I can finish that car sucker off and begin working hard at the Credit Card.
I am REALLY REALLY close to finishing the car loan off!! And I can't wait for that day!!!! (hmm...must have party...)
Well I wasn't feeling overly great on Wednesday so I skipped the workout, only to be in ever more pain as the evening went on. went tot he doctor on Thursday, she did a little test and voila! Bacteria running amuk!
Long story short, I've spent the weekend in bed and taking weird pills. Not what I had planned!!
On a side note though, since I've fallen off the strict budget wagon a little it gave me a good excuse to sit down with the numbers and figure out stuff. What I learned from this exercise was this...the eating plan I've been following is costing an arm and a leg, and I intend to finish with the paying for supplements side of things in two months. That means it's time to hit that goal and ged'er'dun! So I have two more months of services to finish out what I started way to long ago.
This will free up a chunk of money that I can use to put in my housing fund or emergency fund. I've also got a more concrete plan for my horrendous Credit Card issue. Because, serious, it's horrendous!
Also, of note, my man (bless his heart) became ever more sexy this weekend....HE SAT DOWN AND STARTED HIS BUDGET!! He has a bit to go yet, but he figured out al the stuff he spends his money on and what are the things he needs to be spending on and what he can play with in terms of numbers. All that is left is for him to actually plug in the numbers and figure out what his limits in certain categories will be!
I am eagerly waiting for that tax-man's income return to me....and I pray that I did it right! That way I can finish that car sucker off and begin working hard at the Credit Card.
I am REALLY REALLY close to finishing the car loan off!! And I can't wait for that day!!!! (hmm...must have party...)
Friday, May 22, 2009
Woah!
Alrighty there!
So I've added some pretty neat little items to my blog. And would like to update everyone on the fact that I am now $900 away form owning my car!!
YAY!
On another note - Credit Card is now at $27,000 owing - so once the car is done all money goes to this sucker! Goal of paying it down to $18,000 by year end!
Interesting news happening...le man is getting up to speed with this budget thing. FINALLY! YAY! So we'll get him rolling along on his stuff. he just consolidated his loans and need to go visit the bank lady for the terms of his consolidation. then we will sit down and plug through numbers on costs for finding an apartment together to get us out of the home situation (which is now on meltdown alert). i did something I should not have...paid part of the ridiculously outstanding phone bill so they don't cut us off. it's not mine first off, and it's not his - but it's been outstanding for too long and i"m tired of being the one to answer the phone to the creditors calling for "Her". Not the wisest idea on my part, but until we are out it's time for me to grab a bucket and start slowly, painfully, slowly bailing water on this sinking ship.
That's the news for today. I'll get into some of this another time - having a bladder infection is running me down these days - how does one get a bladder infection anyway???? So i'm off to sleep. Glorious glorious sleep!!
So I've added some pretty neat little items to my blog. And would like to update everyone on the fact that I am now $900 away form owning my car!!
YAY!
On another note - Credit Card is now at $27,000 owing - so once the car is done all money goes to this sucker! Goal of paying it down to $18,000 by year end!
Interesting news happening...le man is getting up to speed with this budget thing. FINALLY! YAY! So we'll get him rolling along on his stuff. he just consolidated his loans and need to go visit the bank lady for the terms of his consolidation. then we will sit down and plug through numbers on costs for finding an apartment together to get us out of the home situation (which is now on meltdown alert). i did something I should not have...paid part of the ridiculously outstanding phone bill so they don't cut us off. it's not mine first off, and it's not his - but it's been outstanding for too long and i"m tired of being the one to answer the phone to the creditors calling for "Her". Not the wisest idea on my part, but until we are out it's time for me to grab a bucket and start slowly, painfully, slowly bailing water on this sinking ship.
That's the news for today. I'll get into some of this another time - having a bladder infection is running me down these days - how does one get a bladder infection anyway???? So i'm off to sleep. Glorious glorious sleep!!
Friday, May 15, 2009
ACTION EXPRESSES PRIORITY
Sometimes we forget the lessons we learned more because we just haven't thought about them in a while than any other reason. this brings me to a motivation I was passed by my kickbox trainer (to help with my health related goals). He sent out our motivation for this week with the words of Ghandi ringing true...
ACTION EXPRESSES PRIORITY
Those who have followed for a while should note that this blog began because I started reading/watching/practicing the teachings in The Secret. This was a way to document my search for happiness in my love-life - aptly titled THE QUEST TO FIND A MAN. This weeks motivation brings back some of the words from the Secret, and a few other things I've read along the way.
ACTION EXPRESSES PRIORITY
In particular we have been challenged to determine if our actions are expresses the priorities we SAY are priorities. To remind us of the DO WHAT YOU SAY, SAY WHAT YOU DO adage. it brings to light not only a study in self with respect to what actions you are taking to reach the goal you want, and what you aren't. he challenged us to use pen and paper to write out what our goals are. Then he challenged us to talk to our friends/co-workers and loved ones about what they see as our priorities in life. The answers will be surprising. Comparing what we get from outsiders, with what we are saying we want will show us what our actions are saying versus what our words are saying.
I think this study applies to all of life. I think this study will help clarify what we need to do in our lives to get to where we want to be, and what we should stop doing since it is not getting us to our goals.
I will be doing this over the weekend to see truly what is going on. I know that I pulled out my Goal List for 2009 and found that I had accomplished quite a few of the items I had listed already! And was very proud of myself - to have gotten these done and still have just over half a year to complete some other things. It also helped me refocus a little on some items I had forgotten I had even listed. At least I have some direction for my current actions, and know that I will have to do other things to complete the rest of the list.
So what about you?
How do your actions stack up to your words? Are you the kind of person who talks a good game, but aren't even walking a path to get you there? Are you the person who walks the walk and talks the talk? Are the person who talks a lot, walks a little, and complains all the time?
For those who talk and walk oppositely - are you tired yet?
For those who talk the talk and walk the walk - congrats on you achievements!! So what are you gong after now?
For those who talk a lot, walk a little and complain all the time - it's time to reflect on yourself because your actions are your issue, not that person who didn't do [insert thing here] for you. It is YOU that needs to change, not everyone else (Did you just say in your head or out loud - it's not me it's everyone else??) (Did you just say, well I could if I wasn't [fill in problem thing here]) Yep you are this person. When you recognize it, take the time to understand yourself, write it out for yourself and start taking the steps to correct it in yourself, you'll be ready to start achieving.
Drop me a line if you complete this exercise. Send me your thoughts on this post, on your achievements/revelations/successes.
Let me know how you are doing!!!
To leave you with one final thought....I am clearly borrowing from Nike.....JUST DO IT!
And from Dr. Phil - This is a changing day in your life!
THOUGHT BECOMES THINGS, ACTION EXPRESSES PRIORITY.
ACTION EXPRESSES PRIORITY
Those who have followed for a while should note that this blog began because I started reading/watching/practicing the teachings in The Secret. This was a way to document my search for happiness in my love-life - aptly titled THE QUEST TO FIND A MAN. This weeks motivation brings back some of the words from the Secret, and a few other things I've read along the way.
ACTION EXPRESSES PRIORITY
In particular we have been challenged to determine if our actions are expresses the priorities we SAY are priorities. To remind us of the DO WHAT YOU SAY, SAY WHAT YOU DO adage. it brings to light not only a study in self with respect to what actions you are taking to reach the goal you want, and what you aren't. he challenged us to use pen and paper to write out what our goals are. Then he challenged us to talk to our friends/co-workers and loved ones about what they see as our priorities in life. The answers will be surprising. Comparing what we get from outsiders, with what we are saying we want will show us what our actions are saying versus what our words are saying.
I think this study applies to all of life. I think this study will help clarify what we need to do in our lives to get to where we want to be, and what we should stop doing since it is not getting us to our goals.
I will be doing this over the weekend to see truly what is going on. I know that I pulled out my Goal List for 2009 and found that I had accomplished quite a few of the items I had listed already! And was very proud of myself - to have gotten these done and still have just over half a year to complete some other things. It also helped me refocus a little on some items I had forgotten I had even listed. At least I have some direction for my current actions, and know that I will have to do other things to complete the rest of the list.
So what about you?
How do your actions stack up to your words? Are you the kind of person who talks a good game, but aren't even walking a path to get you there? Are you the person who walks the walk and talks the talk? Are the person who talks a lot, walks a little, and complains all the time?
For those who talk and walk oppositely - are you tired yet?
For those who talk the talk and walk the walk - congrats on you achievements!! So what are you gong after now?
For those who talk a lot, walk a little and complain all the time - it's time to reflect on yourself because your actions are your issue, not that person who didn't do [insert thing here] for you. It is YOU that needs to change, not everyone else (Did you just say in your head or out loud - it's not me it's everyone else??) (Did you just say, well I could if I wasn't [fill in problem thing here]) Yep you are this person. When you recognize it, take the time to understand yourself, write it out for yourself and start taking the steps to correct it in yourself, you'll be ready to start achieving.
Drop me a line if you complete this exercise. Send me your thoughts on this post, on your achievements/revelations/successes.
Let me know how you are doing!!!
To leave you with one final thought....I am clearly borrowing from Nike.....JUST DO IT!
And from Dr. Phil - This is a changing day in your life!
THOUGHT BECOMES THINGS, ACTION EXPRESSES PRIORITY.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
An Exercise in Meeting Goals
Today is Tuesday May 12, 2009. I have 9 days to meet a goal of mine. I also have to lose 9 pounds in 9 days. Not overly difficult I think - I just have to sweat more! And I went to get a sweat on last night, so I should (provided I stay away from salt and temptation) be down another pound today. (cheer!)
the real reason for posting today is to give an update on my financial progress over the last little while.
First things first - it is time to lose the credit card! I tried to carry it and use it only in the case of emergencies, but that isn't going well. So I've stopped carrying it now. I think I'll freeze it. That way I won't be able to use it for a little while, can really determine if there is another way around "having" to make that purchase on my credit card or not.
The next pay-day is May 21, 2009. I will be paying $602.32 towards my outstanding car loan. This will leave me with $900!!!!
(YA!!) I have a tax return scheduled to come back any time now, that can take care of this amount, but here's the thing. If it comes in before my next payment to my car loan (June 18, 2009) I'll use the whole thing for the car and get it done. If it doesn't make it in before June 18, then I'll make my regular scheduled payment and pay off what is left with the tax refund and drop a chunk onto the CC.
Phew! I can't believe that day is here when I'll own my car outright!! 40 days! Yep I'm a little excited about this!!
Alright - once car is paid off, I'll be snowballing the payments to go onto my credit card for the rest of the year to pay that thing down.
The other thing that is coming up is that I'm looking for new housing with my partner. We want a house. The markets are great for mortgages right now but we don't have the down payment put together. There are options I guess - though I am not really entertaining asking my family for help. I might be able to approach work for a loan on a down payment to come off my paycheck at source, but I'm not sure about this option either. I have savings. He doesn't.
We have some serious discussions to have in the future - the bank appointment is Thursday to go over everything, discuss options and find out what kind of mortgage we can carry.
Will update again soon
the real reason for posting today is to give an update on my financial progress over the last little while.
First things first - it is time to lose the credit card! I tried to carry it and use it only in the case of emergencies, but that isn't going well. So I've stopped carrying it now. I think I'll freeze it. That way I won't be able to use it for a little while, can really determine if there is another way around "having" to make that purchase on my credit card or not.
The next pay-day is May 21, 2009. I will be paying $602.32 towards my outstanding car loan. This will leave me with $900!!!!
(YA!!) I have a tax return scheduled to come back any time now, that can take care of this amount, but here's the thing. If it comes in before my next payment to my car loan (June 18, 2009) I'll use the whole thing for the car and get it done. If it doesn't make it in before June 18, then I'll make my regular scheduled payment and pay off what is left with the tax refund and drop a chunk onto the CC.
Phew! I can't believe that day is here when I'll own my car outright!! 40 days! Yep I'm a little excited about this!!
Alright - once car is paid off, I'll be snowballing the payments to go onto my credit card for the rest of the year to pay that thing down.
The other thing that is coming up is that I'm looking for new housing with my partner. We want a house. The markets are great for mortgages right now but we don't have the down payment put together. There are options I guess - though I am not really entertaining asking my family for help. I might be able to approach work for a loan on a down payment to come off my paycheck at source, but I'm not sure about this option either. I have savings. He doesn't.
We have some serious discussions to have in the future - the bank appointment is Thursday to go over everything, discuss options and find out what kind of mortgage we can carry.
Will update again soon
Friday, May 08, 2009
Some tips I learned last night!
Hello again everyone!
So I have joined and am leading a Gail Group. - www.gailvazoxlade.com - go to Gail Groups and find one in your area!
Last night we talked about ways to save money on everyday items. since I've moved to the KW area, there are some pretty nifty places to save some money and still eat great! Weston's Outlet - you'll need a freezer since the best deals are for bread that is close to expiration. Bo De's for Dare products...mmm...cookies! Or why not buy at Farmer Markets in bulk and make your own everything! You don't need to be a master chef to put a pot of spaghetti sauce in a large pot and can it yourself. Lots of tomatoes, some fresh herbs and your favourite Veg and meat is all you need. Know of a place that has meat for a good price? GREAT! Add a little for some taste and put in all the best herbs - oregano, basil, garlic let the sauce simmer for a while and then put it in the old store bought jars. Pop it all in that freezer of yours and pull one out the next time you want pasta! Depending on what you spent on the tomatoes, Veg and meat, you could find that a $3.99 jar in the store, costs you $0.69 and some elbow grease. Once you get to the simmer stage, it pretty much looks after itself. Let it sit for a couple of days for the spices to go through and really flavour things and Voila! Instant pocket savings and somethign that taste better without the preservatives!!
In the summer when all the vegetables and fruits are out in season, spend some time with your loved-ones picking in the fields (and tasting too!), come home and prepare the items for freezing...then in the middle of winter when it's too cold to think and you don't want to go shop, pull it out, thaw it out, heat it up and enjoy!! Chili, Soup, Jam, Pasta Sauce, Homemade Alfredo Sauce, Fruit for something sweet, Fresh add-them-to-anything Veggies, to name but a few things you can make in the summer when you have time, and can save for when life gets rushed, the daylight goes early, and you don't feel like doing much. And hey, since you are preparing everything yourself, you cut out all the weird chemical preservatives that we can't pronounce, and end up eating healthier in the process...you spend less, lose weight, and eat better than ever! Sound slike a WIN WIN WIN to me!!
What have you got in your area that you didn't know was there - Dare cookie outlet selling off the slightly overbaked items? Cereal place where you can get reduced pricing on boxes of your favourite cereal simply because someone spelled Polyricinoleate wrong. Do you like snack cakes? What about a Vachon outlet instead of regular store pricing? So you get more filling for less money...weren't you going by there anyway?
Also, for those how peek in to see how I'm doing on my debts...
Car loan presently at $1500 owing
CIBC currently at $26,000 owing. I am heading to the bank today to deposit my paycheck and make a payment on that CIBC thing.
Thank you for the suggestions on the tax return money. On May 21 I am scheduled to make another car loan payment. Hopefully that tax return comes in just after that so i can pay off that car loan!! It will be so nice to be down to one creditor!! And be able to snowball the payments together to take a giant bit each time I pay somethign towards the loan!!
As with everything else - my weight loss journey got a little stalled but we are back on track - I go for another weigh-in tonight after work. I 'll post how it's going after Monday's weigh-in - my goal is to drop 5 pounds by monday (set yesterday) so that will bring me to 192 pounds on my 5 foot 8 frame. Goal by May 20th is to be at 185 pounds! So it seems that I will be doing a ton of walking and sweating this weekend!
Some good blogs to check out for other great money saving tips - Gail's of course www.gailvazoxlade.com and a new acquaintence of mine... http://saverqueen.com
I also stumbled across this site to help with saving ideas www.frugalshopper.ca
Have a great weekend everyone! If you pass a woman walking her heart out, looking tired, sweaty and like she could really use a ride, slow down a little, give an encouraging phrase and a brief honk on your way to your destintion - but don't stop to offer a ride!! Believe me, she needs the exercise!!
So I have joined and am leading a Gail Group. - www.gailvazoxlade.com - go to Gail Groups and find one in your area!
Last night we talked about ways to save money on everyday items. since I've moved to the KW area, there are some pretty nifty places to save some money and still eat great! Weston's Outlet - you'll need a freezer since the best deals are for bread that is close to expiration. Bo De's for Dare products...mmm...cookies! Or why not buy at Farmer Markets in bulk and make your own everything! You don't need to be a master chef to put a pot of spaghetti sauce in a large pot and can it yourself. Lots of tomatoes, some fresh herbs and your favourite Veg and meat is all you need. Know of a place that has meat for a good price? GREAT! Add a little for some taste and put in all the best herbs - oregano, basil, garlic let the sauce simmer for a while and then put it in the old store bought jars. Pop it all in that freezer of yours and pull one out the next time you want pasta! Depending on what you spent on the tomatoes, Veg and meat, you could find that a $3.99 jar in the store, costs you $0.69 and some elbow grease. Once you get to the simmer stage, it pretty much looks after itself. Let it sit for a couple of days for the spices to go through and really flavour things and Voila! Instant pocket savings and somethign that taste better without the preservatives!!
In the summer when all the vegetables and fruits are out in season, spend some time with your loved-ones picking in the fields (and tasting too!), come home and prepare the items for freezing...then in the middle of winter when it's too cold to think and you don't want to go shop, pull it out, thaw it out, heat it up and enjoy!! Chili, Soup, Jam, Pasta Sauce, Homemade Alfredo Sauce, Fruit for something sweet, Fresh add-them-to-anything Veggies, to name but a few things you can make in the summer when you have time, and can save for when life gets rushed, the daylight goes early, and you don't feel like doing much. And hey, since you are preparing everything yourself, you cut out all the weird chemical preservatives that we can't pronounce, and end up eating healthier in the process...you spend less, lose weight, and eat better than ever! Sound slike a WIN WIN WIN to me!!
What have you got in your area that you didn't know was there - Dare cookie outlet selling off the slightly overbaked items? Cereal place where you can get reduced pricing on boxes of your favourite cereal simply because someone spelled Polyricinoleate wrong. Do you like snack cakes? What about a Vachon outlet instead of regular store pricing? So you get more filling for less money...weren't you going by there anyway?
Also, for those how peek in to see how I'm doing on my debts...
Car loan presently at $1500 owing
CIBC currently at $26,000 owing. I am heading to the bank today to deposit my paycheck and make a payment on that CIBC thing.
Thank you for the suggestions on the tax return money. On May 21 I am scheduled to make another car loan payment. Hopefully that tax return comes in just after that so i can pay off that car loan!! It will be so nice to be down to one creditor!! And be able to snowball the payments together to take a giant bit each time I pay somethign towards the loan!!
As with everything else - my weight loss journey got a little stalled but we are back on track - I go for another weigh-in tonight after work. I 'll post how it's going after Monday's weigh-in - my goal is to drop 5 pounds by monday (set yesterday) so that will bring me to 192 pounds on my 5 foot 8 frame. Goal by May 20th is to be at 185 pounds! So it seems that I will be doing a ton of walking and sweating this weekend!
Some good blogs to check out for other great money saving tips - Gail's of course www.gailvazoxlade.com and a new acquaintence of mine... http://saverqueen.com
I also stumbled across this site to help with saving ideas www.frugalshopper.ca
Have a great weekend everyone! If you pass a woman walking her heart out, looking tired, sweaty and like she could really use a ride, slow down a little, give an encouraging phrase and a brief honk on your way to your destintion - but don't stop to offer a ride!! Believe me, she needs the exercise!!
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