Before I get going on today's post, I want to make sure I tell you all about a super fun time being put together over at Serendipity's Guide to Saving. She's putting together a blogger Secret Santa and I highly encourage you take a look and join in the fun. From what I can gather she's got a lot of repeat people for this! Hey, I know I love fun stuff in my mail so I've put my name into the hat this year! (This is the good news)
Noe - on to today's post. It's more of a rant, mixed with a pity party, wrapped in wallowing depression really. Why? Because my year of all kinds of stuff isn't over. (That's the bad news.)
That Unknown Ugly thing comes in the form of some recent health news that makes me sad, a little scared, and a lot depressed. I found out last night that I have at least one ovarian cyst, coupled with Endometriosis. Not a huge surprise given my age and the fact that it runs in the family. What is really really upsetting to me is that it plays into my ability to start and have a family that is genetically mine. This is something I've always, always, always wanted.
There are still lots of things that I don't know yet...like how big and how many cysts might be there, how bad the endometriosis is, and what the likely hood is that I have at least one functioning ovary...I get to find that out next Thursday. What makes this more acutely an issue for me is that it's coming at the end of THIS year.
Doctor's appointment to go over things is next Thursday. Repeat Ultrasound is already booked for December - before I've even talked to my doctor...
This tells me that it's not a small thing. This tells me that they are making sure I'm booked so we can monitor any growth or new formation. This tells me it's time to finish with the debt and with school, and see if I can have a baby asap. This also tells me that there is a very real possibility I'll be having at least one surgery in my near future.
I think this is the most scary part for me. I've never been cut open on purpose before. I've had a total of 5 stitches in my entire life. I haven't broken a bone all the way through - fractured my thumb in 3 places, twice, and had stress fractures in my feet - between the ages of 15 and 17. I was advised never to give blood, because of my hemoglobin issue (I am not anemic so please don't try to tell me I am). So, everything in my body - has either arrived when I was born, or is growing there by itself without outside help.
It seems my year is not over. It also seems that I have a lot of things to re-prioritize in my life, and a lot of work to get done in a very short amount of time.
Can I turn the world of now?
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Monday, October 24, 2011
A Year Goes By So Fast!
Last year I wrote a piece likening Debt to the Waste practices of society. Given the current Occupy movement, I think it's a good idea to have a look at the post again...
You can find the original one here.
So let's discuss this Occupy Movement for a moment.
A group of people state that they are representing the 99% of the population that takes care of the world and feels the need to rail against the 1% they feel are controlling things.
If Debt is like Waste, then why do we keep carrying it around with us? Why not unload it? From what I can tell, the 99% of the people represented by those taking part in Occupy, are attempting to not only unload it, but return it to the origin. I'm not sure I agree with anything in the previous statement.
There are practices by the lending firms, banks, and all financial institutes, large or small, that we've allowed to become part of society, simply because of the ever increasing ease of life, and our need to be lazy. Those that borrow, need to pay back.
Let's try something a little more close to home for us all. Let's say you gain employment at a company. you go to work each day for 8 hours. You get a couple of coffee breaks and a lunch break. You continue working for this company day after day. Eventually you notice that you've been lending your time to this employer, but they have not properly compensated you for the time they are taking/borrowing from you. You've gone without adequate payment for this time for months now. You saw a paycheck every 2 weeks for the first three months you worked there. The fourth month the checks were late. The sixth month you ended up with only one check, and are now being owed for your time. By the eighth month all payment has stopped completely. A year after you started at the company, you have seen a paycheck in 6 months. You begin to ask where your money is. The first month you ask you are simply inquiring. The second month you ask you are a little more forceful. The third month you ask you've started asking each day you arrive at work. The fourth month it's two times a day. By the fifth month you threaten to involve the Labour Board and a lawyer. The sixth month (a year now without payment) you have the Labour Board, a Lawyer and the News involved.
And your employer has the nerve, no, the gall to act like they don't know what you are talking about. They pay their suppliers so they'll get you the money...
Anyone notice any correlation between this and what happens WHEN YOU DON'T PAY YOUR DEBT?! Substitute in a credit collections agency for the Labour Board, the credit card company for you, and you for the employer and voila - same thing! So, if you won't go to work everyday and not get paid, why do you assume that the credit card companies or the banks will let their money/work for you without being paid?
Hmm...
But the bill only said I had to pay back $150, even though the balance is $1500! Yep, so if your employer game you $5 for each day you worked but owed you $150 you'd be ok with that?
There are some rules that need to change in finances. The funny part is, we want them to go back to the way things were when our grandparents were alive, because they just make more sense. At that time we wanted things to be more lenient so we didn't have to work so darn hard! Guess Poppa was right!
You can find the original one here.
So let's discuss this Occupy Movement for a moment.
A group of people state that they are representing the 99% of the population that takes care of the world and feels the need to rail against the 1% they feel are controlling things.
If Debt is like Waste, then why do we keep carrying it around with us? Why not unload it? From what I can tell, the 99% of the people represented by those taking part in Occupy, are attempting to not only unload it, but return it to the origin. I'm not sure I agree with anything in the previous statement.
There are practices by the lending firms, banks, and all financial institutes, large or small, that we've allowed to become part of society, simply because of the ever increasing ease of life, and our need to be lazy. Those that borrow, need to pay back.
Let's try something a little more close to home for us all. Let's say you gain employment at a company. you go to work each day for 8 hours. You get a couple of coffee breaks and a lunch break. You continue working for this company day after day. Eventually you notice that you've been lending your time to this employer, but they have not properly compensated you for the time they are taking/borrowing from you. You've gone without adequate payment for this time for months now. You saw a paycheck every 2 weeks for the first three months you worked there. The fourth month the checks were late. The sixth month you ended up with only one check, and are now being owed for your time. By the eighth month all payment has stopped completely. A year after you started at the company, you have seen a paycheck in 6 months. You begin to ask where your money is. The first month you ask you are simply inquiring. The second month you ask you are a little more forceful. The third month you ask you've started asking each day you arrive at work. The fourth month it's two times a day. By the fifth month you threaten to involve the Labour Board and a lawyer. The sixth month (a year now without payment) you have the Labour Board, a Lawyer and the News involved.
And your employer has the nerve, no, the gall to act like they don't know what you are talking about. They pay their suppliers so they'll get you the money...
Anyone notice any correlation between this and what happens WHEN YOU DON'T PAY YOUR DEBT?! Substitute in a credit collections agency for the Labour Board, the credit card company for you, and you for the employer and voila - same thing! So, if you won't go to work everyday and not get paid, why do you assume that the credit card companies or the banks will let their money/work for you without being paid?
Hmm...
But the bill only said I had to pay back $150, even though the balance is $1500! Yep, so if your employer game you $5 for each day you worked but owed you $150 you'd be ok with that?
There are some rules that need to change in finances. The funny part is, we want them to go back to the way things were when our grandparents were alive, because they just make more sense. At that time we wanted things to be more lenient so we didn't have to work so darn hard! Guess Poppa was right!
When the Fiance Finally Gets on Board
Today's post is about something that happened this very morning.
It was an odd morning that saw my fiance and I up and getting to leave the apartment at the same time. Normally he kisses me awake and goes about his day until around 6:30pm when he arrives back home tired and dirty. Today he'd taken the morning off to do a few things he needed to do - dentist, and another appointment that we'll not mention for now.
He went to the computer to sit in front of it and puzzle over his bank account. He emerged from his man-cave room (yes I gave one to him...it does store some of my stuff, but it's his room mostly). He was looking very down on himself, and a little distraught about things. He then looked at me and said with desperation, "Why do you love me?" I gave him four wonderfully compelling reasons why I love him. He then said, "I need help".
Now for most women, this is an odd statement. It usually accompanies a shirt of some colour, a series of wrinkles, and an odd looking device and board to use it on. (Iron!) Today it accompanied a panicked look, the desperation that something needs to happen, and the realization that his way is no longer working.
You see, since we are not married, we have been keeping our finances separate, each working individually on removing debt from our lives, prior to our Big Day, such that we can start our life without all of that baggage, despite living together for 2 years now. We take turns getting groceries. He pays tenant insurance, I pay for the cable/phone/internet bundle. I live on a budget, knowing where my money goes, when it gets there, how much is moving and how much I have left in each category. I'm a little lax at writing it all down, but I get to the end of the month before the money runs out and have a carry-over buffer as I go. My fiance determines if there's enough money in the account to cover his automatic payments and then spends at will with the rest. This has gotten him behind the eight ball (though I don't have the heart to tell him it's because he's got more payments than he thinks and no living on a budget sees him overdraw all the time). I've been resisting the urge to force him into a budget or a written plan, living on cash or any of that because I'm not his mother.
He watches Gail with me all the time, but somehow things have just glossed over his pretty face and not sunk into that grey matter between his ears. This morning he's realized he's in a heap of trouble and can't do the things he so desperately wants to do.
I looked at him, kissed him, and said "I know you are in trouble hunny, but we can fix this. On Wednesday when I'm home, we'll sit down and figure it all out." He knows what to do. I think he's just in need of a push to start. And I'll be asking him if he wants me to crack the whip a little and remind him that he can't do what he's been doing anymore...
At least he's finally admitted his way isn't working out at all anymore. It was a tough weekend for my guy. Seems Monday brought on some harsher realizations for him. He's not a lost puppy, but he is lost, or more specifically, he's at a cross-roads and needs to figure out, through proper research and some clear thinking, which is the best path for him.
I know I'll be the money manager when we merge things, but I want him to have the understanding of why things are the way they are.
Time to straighten my guy out and have him fly right!
It was an odd morning that saw my fiance and I up and getting to leave the apartment at the same time. Normally he kisses me awake and goes about his day until around 6:30pm when he arrives back home tired and dirty. Today he'd taken the morning off to do a few things he needed to do - dentist, and another appointment that we'll not mention for now.
He went to the computer to sit in front of it and puzzle over his bank account. He emerged from his man-cave room (yes I gave one to him...it does store some of my stuff, but it's his room mostly). He was looking very down on himself, and a little distraught about things. He then looked at me and said with desperation, "Why do you love me?" I gave him four wonderfully compelling reasons why I love him. He then said, "I need help".
Now for most women, this is an odd statement. It usually accompanies a shirt of some colour, a series of wrinkles, and an odd looking device and board to use it on. (Iron!) Today it accompanied a panicked look, the desperation that something needs to happen, and the realization that his way is no longer working.
You see, since we are not married, we have been keeping our finances separate, each working individually on removing debt from our lives, prior to our Big Day, such that we can start our life without all of that baggage, despite living together for 2 years now. We take turns getting groceries. He pays tenant insurance, I pay for the cable/phone/internet bundle. I live on a budget, knowing where my money goes, when it gets there, how much is moving and how much I have left in each category. I'm a little lax at writing it all down, but I get to the end of the month before the money runs out and have a carry-over buffer as I go. My fiance determines if there's enough money in the account to cover his automatic payments and then spends at will with the rest. This has gotten him behind the eight ball (though I don't have the heart to tell him it's because he's got more payments than he thinks and no living on a budget sees him overdraw all the time). I've been resisting the urge to force him into a budget or a written plan, living on cash or any of that because I'm not his mother.
He watches Gail with me all the time, but somehow things have just glossed over his pretty face and not sunk into that grey matter between his ears. This morning he's realized he's in a heap of trouble and can't do the things he so desperately wants to do.
I looked at him, kissed him, and said "I know you are in trouble hunny, but we can fix this. On Wednesday when I'm home, we'll sit down and figure it all out." He knows what to do. I think he's just in need of a push to start. And I'll be asking him if he wants me to crack the whip a little and remind him that he can't do what he's been doing anymore...
At least he's finally admitted his way isn't working out at all anymore. It was a tough weekend for my guy. Seems Monday brought on some harsher realizations for him. He's not a lost puppy, but he is lost, or more specifically, he's at a cross-roads and needs to figure out, through proper research and some clear thinking, which is the best path for him.
I know I'll be the money manager when we merge things, but I want him to have the understanding of why things are the way they are.
Time to straighten my guy out and have him fly right!
Monday, October 17, 2011
Sometimes I Wonder....
...what all the hype about these iPhone's really is. I mean come on! It'll be obsolete in about a year because of the constant and continuous upgrades made by Apple.
Seeing a bunch of PF bloggers post about their dilemma's when buying the new iPhone 4 or 4S has been really morally depressing for me.
Not because I'm jealous over their purchase of the new and latest gizmo in phones, but because we are reading about them trying to justify purchasing the phone that is more than a phone. You can listen to music, track your banking information, see your budget, get an app that is a level for hanging pictures or what not, buy an app for this and an app for that, and all for $699 or a 3-year contract and $150.
We are a seriously distracted society now a days. We can't wait for anything. We want the latest, best, newest, greatest item now Now NOW!
As a driver, all these fantastic things means there's a pile more items to be distracted by. Did you know you can download an app that takes your voicemails and emails and reads them for you audibly so you can still get your stuff while you are in transit? Yep, so now you can go hands free, and with a series of voice commands through your bluetooth, tell your phone to read the incoming email back to you and you can verbalize a reply while you are driving hands free?
Nice thought, but here's the thing...you are STILL a distracted driver!! Sure your hands on the on the wheel, but the mind is doing something other than concentrating on driving yourself safely form point A to point B.
If you are a walker, or commuter, you are still distracted. How many of you text and walk at the same time, hardly looking up to see where you are going. You no longer smile at a passer-by, say hello to the merchant on the corner that you pass daily, or even notice someone you know walking down the street, because many of you spend so much time looking down at your phone instead of where you are walking!
As a personal finance blogger, I find it hard to read some posts sometimes, because I've noticed how material we get. I'm guilty of it too, don't get me wrong. But seriously, how many times do I have to read about someone's choice of phone.
I'm lucky - I get a phone given to me by work, that they pay for, that I'm to use for business purposes. I still have a home phone for personal use. I try to limit my personal use on my phone - because I've got a moral/ethical battle within me waring over this.
This time around, I was given a blackberry, so I can communicate with clients when I'm not in my office, but I still find that I spend a lot of time at the side of a road communicating with them because I don't want to be operating a vehicle while distracted.
There are just too many distractions these days. And the more bells and whistles a phone comes with, the more distracted we get.
Even the radio on in the car can be distracting sometimes!
The point - I don' care what the phone comes with, what the car comes with, we are making it way to easy to blame a machine than take responsibility for actions these days. Texting while driving is darn near impossible to do for any length of time.
There are many reason people choose this phone over that phone. When it comes down to it though, these new phones are simply a laptop in a phone, that also makes calls.
I'm fairly certain there are much better uses for the money you'll be spending on one of those. Say, perhaps, lending to Kiva to help people start a business and support a family or a village. Or perhaps, sponsoring a child, or giving to your local food bank, or a charity of our choosing. Maybe you could be putting that money onto that First Time Home Buyers payback loan from your RRSP's - so they start growing for your retirement again. Maybe you want to take a trip - I'm sure that money would help with that!
So - that's my rant today.
Seeing a bunch of PF bloggers post about their dilemma's when buying the new iPhone 4 or 4S has been really morally depressing for me.
Not because I'm jealous over their purchase of the new and latest gizmo in phones, but because we are reading about them trying to justify purchasing the phone that is more than a phone. You can listen to music, track your banking information, see your budget, get an app that is a level for hanging pictures or what not, buy an app for this and an app for that, and all for $699 or a 3-year contract and $150.
We are a seriously distracted society now a days. We can't wait for anything. We want the latest, best, newest, greatest item now Now NOW!
As a driver, all these fantastic things means there's a pile more items to be distracted by. Did you know you can download an app that takes your voicemails and emails and reads them for you audibly so you can still get your stuff while you are in transit? Yep, so now you can go hands free, and with a series of voice commands through your bluetooth, tell your phone to read the incoming email back to you and you can verbalize a reply while you are driving hands free?
Nice thought, but here's the thing...you are STILL a distracted driver!! Sure your hands on the on the wheel, but the mind is doing something other than concentrating on driving yourself safely form point A to point B.
If you are a walker, or commuter, you are still distracted. How many of you text and walk at the same time, hardly looking up to see where you are going. You no longer smile at a passer-by, say hello to the merchant on the corner that you pass daily, or even notice someone you know walking down the street, because many of you spend so much time looking down at your phone instead of where you are walking!
As a personal finance blogger, I find it hard to read some posts sometimes, because I've noticed how material we get. I'm guilty of it too, don't get me wrong. But seriously, how many times do I have to read about someone's choice of phone.
I'm lucky - I get a phone given to me by work, that they pay for, that I'm to use for business purposes. I still have a home phone for personal use. I try to limit my personal use on my phone - because I've got a moral/ethical battle within me waring over this.
This time around, I was given a blackberry, so I can communicate with clients when I'm not in my office, but I still find that I spend a lot of time at the side of a road communicating with them because I don't want to be operating a vehicle while distracted.
There are just too many distractions these days. And the more bells and whistles a phone comes with, the more distracted we get.
Even the radio on in the car can be distracting sometimes!
The point - I don' care what the phone comes with, what the car comes with, we are making it way to easy to blame a machine than take responsibility for actions these days. Texting while driving is darn near impossible to do for any length of time.
There are many reason people choose this phone over that phone. When it comes down to it though, these new phones are simply a laptop in a phone, that also makes calls.
I'm fairly certain there are much better uses for the money you'll be spending on one of those. Say, perhaps, lending to Kiva to help people start a business and support a family or a village. Or perhaps, sponsoring a child, or giving to your local food bank, or a charity of our choosing. Maybe you could be putting that money onto that First Time Home Buyers payback loan from your RRSP's - so they start growing for your retirement again. Maybe you want to take a trip - I'm sure that money would help with that!
So - that's my rant today.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Ok GRR!
A quick update everyone...
Doctor's appointment today was inconclusive as to why I'm experiencing the health issues I've just recently had arise. Off to the Specialist on Wednesday for some more tests.... GRRR .....
Financially - I'm a little stalled in my progression towards debt free. By a little stalled, I mean I'm pretty sure the total only dropped like $200 over last month. Good thing I've still got another paycheck to come this month.
Things are progressing with my recovery from my shoulder injury. They are also progressing with my grief as well. It's nice to know that I have a person that will listen, offer advise, and allow me to be emotional when I need to be.
All classes are going well.
Here's a financial question for you:
I pulled my credit report from both sources last week. On it, I have one item showing open that needs to be closed. I'm sending in documents to see that this is taken care of. I have 2 items that are for the same institution, both concerning my credit card. I made a transfer a while back to a lower interest card. my credit report shows that the account that was closed, the balance transferred to my current CC, is still open and active. So effectively it looks like I have more debt than I do. Problem!!!
Next, Adam challenged us to cancel and cut up one credit card. I only have one credit card. It is the only thing that is correctly active on my credit report. I've cut the card up - so no more temptation, but I haven't yet canceled the card. It is my oldest account. I make a payment above my minimum every month. I'm working to get this debt done in a few months as possible. Each month the balance lowers. when I'm below $5,000 I'll be calling to lower my balance on this card.
Since it is and will be the only item on my credit report - do I cancel the account outright and effectively stop generating reportable accounts, payments, and items on my credit report? Do I leave it open, drop the balance, and refrain from use for a while, until I'm able to handle it properly - allowing me to still have a credit report that is active for when mortgage time rolls up? What are your thoughts on a credit free life?
Keep in mind, I don't have overdraft protection (credit!), a car loan, mortgage, bank loan, student loan, or anything other than one credit card, despite the errors on my credit report.
Doctor's appointment today was inconclusive as to why I'm experiencing the health issues I've just recently had arise. Off to the Specialist on Wednesday for some more tests.... GRRR .....
Financially - I'm a little stalled in my progression towards debt free. By a little stalled, I mean I'm pretty sure the total only dropped like $200 over last month. Good thing I've still got another paycheck to come this month.
Things are progressing with my recovery from my shoulder injury. They are also progressing with my grief as well. It's nice to know that I have a person that will listen, offer advise, and allow me to be emotional when I need to be.
All classes are going well.
Here's a financial question for you:
I pulled my credit report from both sources last week. On it, I have one item showing open that needs to be closed. I'm sending in documents to see that this is taken care of. I have 2 items that are for the same institution, both concerning my credit card. I made a transfer a while back to a lower interest card. my credit report shows that the account that was closed, the balance transferred to my current CC, is still open and active. So effectively it looks like I have more debt than I do. Problem!!!
Next, Adam challenged us to cancel and cut up one credit card. I only have one credit card. It is the only thing that is correctly active on my credit report. I've cut the card up - so no more temptation, but I haven't yet canceled the card. It is my oldest account. I make a payment above my minimum every month. I'm working to get this debt done in a few months as possible. Each month the balance lowers. when I'm below $5,000 I'll be calling to lower my balance on this card.
Since it is and will be the only item on my credit report - do I cancel the account outright and effectively stop generating reportable accounts, payments, and items on my credit report? Do I leave it open, drop the balance, and refrain from use for a while, until I'm able to handle it properly - allowing me to still have a credit report that is active for when mortgage time rolls up? What are your thoughts on a credit free life?
Keep in mind, I don't have overdraft protection (credit!), a car loan, mortgage, bank loan, student loan, or anything other than one credit card, despite the errors on my credit report.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
It's That Time of Year Again
Yep! It sure is!
Credit Report checking time!!
In the six week class offered over at Man vs Debt called You vs Debt, we were tasked with pulling our credit report. It's been 2 years since I pulled my last one. I found quite a few open items that should have been closed. I thought I'd fixed everything. having pulled my report form both options available in my country (TransUnion and Equifax) I've found I have a little more work to do.
I have one Student Loan that still shows open but transferred. It wasn't transferred, it was paid, and I still have the paperwork to prove it. So, I'll be copying it and mailing it to both bureaux. After that I have a "small" matter of a transferred amount from one credit account to a lower interest rate amount. The account still shows open because of this. I have a letter coming form the credit card copy stating the first account was closed and the balance owing them is simply my current debt. On my credit report it looks like I owe them $40,000 which isn't right at all!!
After that I have a long report of closed accounts. Why some of these things are still on my report I don't understand. A bunch are more than 10 years old - but the accounts just finally got closed two years ago. So I have to wait another 8 years for these items to drop off - provided the company holding the item stops updating it!
If you haven't pulled your report or score in a while I encourage you to do so this month. It's all about integrity in October. Time to check your report and see if you have anything you've been hiding from yourself.
Credit Report checking time!!
In the six week class offered over at Man vs Debt called You vs Debt, we were tasked with pulling our credit report. It's been 2 years since I pulled my last one. I found quite a few open items that should have been closed. I thought I'd fixed everything. having pulled my report form both options available in my country (TransUnion and Equifax) I've found I have a little more work to do.
I have one Student Loan that still shows open but transferred. It wasn't transferred, it was paid, and I still have the paperwork to prove it. So, I'll be copying it and mailing it to both bureaux. After that I have a "small" matter of a transferred amount from one credit account to a lower interest rate amount. The account still shows open because of this. I have a letter coming form the credit card copy stating the first account was closed and the balance owing them is simply my current debt. On my credit report it looks like I owe them $40,000 which isn't right at all!!
After that I have a long report of closed accounts. Why some of these things are still on my report I don't understand. A bunch are more than 10 years old - but the accounts just finally got closed two years ago. So I have to wait another 8 years for these items to drop off - provided the company holding the item stops updating it!
If you haven't pulled your report or score in a while I encourage you to do so this month. It's all about integrity in October. Time to check your report and see if you have anything you've been hiding from yourself.
Friday, October 07, 2011
Buying Local
I am fortunate to live where I do. I live in a tri-city area, surrounded by the Mennonite Community and ample farmland. We have Oktoberfest, like Germany, an Apple Festival, Maple Syrup Festival, countless tiny towns with all kinds of charm and some of the tastiest things I've ever had. Being a city girl, the area I know live in, I grew up taking Sunday drives to, simply to enjoy the small town feel and get some really quality made items for reasonable prices, supporting people that actually still ride a horse and buggy.
Funny and true story, I've seen all kinds of Horse powered vehicles served in a drive thru....yep, you guessed it...an actual Horse and Buggy has been served at drive thru's in all of the tiny communities close to the Mennonite families. Imagine what it looks like to see a horse and buggy at a McDOnald's drive thru!
The reason I'm talking about this is because this same area where I currently live, is home to some very large and diverse markets, as well as family run businesses and farm shops. This weekend I"m going back to one I found and love. Fresh produce, for a super reasonable price.
My purchase list the last time I went included:
A Tomato the size of a grapefruit
An Onion bigger still
A fresh Broccoli (never had it straight from the patch before...let me tell you it takes so much better than that store bought stuff)
A very large, very long bunch of scallions
Two Peppers the size of half a regular sized football each
A jar of superb tasting Peach Jam
A Fresh Loaf of Bread
The cost....
Well in a grocery store, the Bread would be somewhere between $2.99-$4.99 depending on the type of fresh bread. The Jam, about $2.99-$4.99 depending on the store. The peppers were heavy so easily $4 there, the tomato would have been about the same. The Onion probably $1.99. The Size of the Scallions would have been 4 bunches of store bought ones - so $2 or so. These were two bunches round, by two bunches long, and the broccoli between $0.99 and $1.99 depending on the sale.
At the grocery store what I bought would be about $20-25 dollars.
At the Farm the lot cost me $10.80. I just about fell over when the kind lady told me the total. For a Saturday morning, to drive just a little farther than a grocery store, out of hte hustle and bustle of the city, take in some very natural nature, enjoy a country drive and get enough produce to feed two people for more than a week? Yep $10.80 wins hands down!!
Not to mention the fact that that onion was so big we're STILL eating it!!
I strongly recommend you exploring the country regions surrounding your lace of residence. You never know the treasures you might find! Not to mention the absolutely fantastic prices at a small family run farm!
I'm looking forward to farm fresh eggs, gigantic peppers, huge onions and some other absolutely tasty produce items!
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
Funny and true story, I've seen all kinds of Horse powered vehicles served in a drive thru....yep, you guessed it...an actual Horse and Buggy has been served at drive thru's in all of the tiny communities close to the Mennonite families. Imagine what it looks like to see a horse and buggy at a McDOnald's drive thru!
The reason I'm talking about this is because this same area where I currently live, is home to some very large and diverse markets, as well as family run businesses and farm shops. This weekend I"m going back to one I found and love. Fresh produce, for a super reasonable price.
My purchase list the last time I went included:
A Tomato the size of a grapefruit
An Onion bigger still
A fresh Broccoli (never had it straight from the patch before...let me tell you it takes so much better than that store bought stuff)
A very large, very long bunch of scallions
Two Peppers the size of half a regular sized football each
A jar of superb tasting Peach Jam
A Fresh Loaf of Bread
The cost....
Well in a grocery store, the Bread would be somewhere between $2.99-$4.99 depending on the type of fresh bread. The Jam, about $2.99-$4.99 depending on the store. The peppers were heavy so easily $4 there, the tomato would have been about the same. The Onion probably $1.99. The Size of the Scallions would have been 4 bunches of store bought ones - so $2 or so. These were two bunches round, by two bunches long, and the broccoli between $0.99 and $1.99 depending on the sale.
At the grocery store what I bought would be about $20-25 dollars.
At the Farm the lot cost me $10.80. I just about fell over when the kind lady told me the total. For a Saturday morning, to drive just a little farther than a grocery store, out of hte hustle and bustle of the city, take in some very natural nature, enjoy a country drive and get enough produce to feed two people for more than a week? Yep $10.80 wins hands down!!
Not to mention the fact that that onion was so big we're STILL eating it!!
I strongly recommend you exploring the country regions surrounding your lace of residence. You never know the treasures you might find! Not to mention the absolutely fantastic prices at a small family run farm!
I'm looking forward to farm fresh eggs, gigantic peppers, huge onions and some other absolutely tasty produce items!
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
Thursday, October 06, 2011
Sometimes even a good PF'er breaks!
Today I'm about to post something I just did...I spent money on myself without having asked for the items as gifts for the upcoming Christmas season.
I've been on a leash lately. I'm tired, run-down, exhausted, mentally fatigued, stressed out and just about done with everything.
This is not an excuse. I've been waiting for a while for an occasion to express my wants with gusto and know they wouldn't cost me a penny....
But I'm human. I'm in a huge mental funk. I'm grieving with the best of them, spending a lot of time seeing doctors to heal my physical wounds, starting to dig into my mental anguish, but I tell you I really really really needed something to smile about, something to make me happy. Something that was on my wants list, frivolous mind you, but a want....
And so, I self-medicated with a little retail therapy...online....through ebay.....using my credit card....and ya know what, today, and for the rest of this year, I just don't care.
I purchased three Miche Bag Shells that are discontinued in all areas now, because I was in a zombie state when they went on sale through my provider and thus, I've paid more than I needed too but I have three new choices for my purse. I will be paying closer attention to the newsletters coming out from her with the discontinued items on them. And I also bought the limited edition, in it's own case, Harry Potter Books (the adult covers) in a lovely case, for way less than it retailed for. All in all, with shipping, I've spent about $200. And I'm going to be happy for months from these purchases.
I needed something for me. It's been a long time since me, myself and I have been out for something frivolous, truly a want, and something that will provide endless comments and smiles from people.
Not that I'm justifying it going on my credit card because that just set back my payments a little. And seems totally counter to the You vs Debt course I'm taking right now. But every once in a while I have to let that girl out of the cage. And today was that day. I can safely return her to the cage now, to enjoy another 8 month stint without daylight.
Good news - I have some items coming in the mail that I have to check over, and can return for refund if their condition is not what was promised.
Bad news, I have to find the $200 to put back on the card to nullify this purchase. Perhaps, I'll do something a little sneaky - my sister asked me what I wanted for Christmas and I didn't know what to tell her. Maybe I'll trade her something I just bought for the money and the satisfaction of knowing that she's got me something I really really wanted.....hmmm....
I've been on a leash lately. I'm tired, run-down, exhausted, mentally fatigued, stressed out and just about done with everything.
This is not an excuse. I've been waiting for a while for an occasion to express my wants with gusto and know they wouldn't cost me a penny....
But I'm human. I'm in a huge mental funk. I'm grieving with the best of them, spending a lot of time seeing doctors to heal my physical wounds, starting to dig into my mental anguish, but I tell you I really really really needed something to smile about, something to make me happy. Something that was on my wants list, frivolous mind you, but a want....
And so, I self-medicated with a little retail therapy...online....through ebay.....using my credit card....and ya know what, today, and for the rest of this year, I just don't care.
I purchased three Miche Bag Shells that are discontinued in all areas now, because I was in a zombie state when they went on sale through my provider and thus, I've paid more than I needed too but I have three new choices for my purse. I will be paying closer attention to the newsletters coming out from her with the discontinued items on them. And I also bought the limited edition, in it's own case, Harry Potter Books (the adult covers) in a lovely case, for way less than it retailed for. All in all, with shipping, I've spent about $200. And I'm going to be happy for months from these purchases.
I needed something for me. It's been a long time since me, myself and I have been out for something frivolous, truly a want, and something that will provide endless comments and smiles from people.
Not that I'm justifying it going on my credit card because that just set back my payments a little. And seems totally counter to the You vs Debt course I'm taking right now. But every once in a while I have to let that girl out of the cage. And today was that day. I can safely return her to the cage now, to enjoy another 8 month stint without daylight.
Good news - I have some items coming in the mail that I have to check over, and can return for refund if their condition is not what was promised.
Bad news, I have to find the $200 to put back on the card to nullify this purchase. Perhaps, I'll do something a little sneaky - my sister asked me what I wanted for Christmas and I didn't know what to tell her. Maybe I'll trade her something I just bought for the money and the satisfaction of knowing that she's got me something I really really wanted.....hmmm....
Wednesday, October 05, 2011
Wait A Little Minute!
Hold the Phone!!
I just checked my credit report and scores with TransUnion and Equifax and though they both show exactly the same items on my credit report, they show different numbers as my credit score! (Equifax is 20 points higher!?!)
Not to mention the fact that I still have a bone to pick with CIBC. You see I transferred my balance from a high interest card to a low interest card (thanks Gail!) a couple of years ago. I saw an issue on my report last year. CIBC said they'd fix it. They haven't. I'm waiting for a letter stating one of the two accounts on my report was closed, the balance transferred to the other card and my current outstanding balance (as of Friday) will be $13,400.00
YAY! Now that I'm able to drive myself again, and can stop relying on those expensive taxi things, and needing a place to track the spending for insurance reasons, I can stop adding to my credit card!! YAY!!
October is back to actual money budget!! Incidently, not including my taxi and medical stuff in September, I was completely on budget!!
I'm now able to take a bus to and from school without pain or the possibility of residual damage from folks that just don't care/pay attention. I can make my lunches for school when I'm there, and take breakfast as well. I only need to spend $2.75 per bus ride while in town - or car pool with the friends I'm staying with. Costs are coming back down!!
I'm feeling so much better....once this letter from CIBC arrives, I'll be able to mail it of to Equifax and TransUnion to have them close out that other accounts that makes it look like I have $39,000 of debt instead of the $13,400 I actually have. HUGE difference!! And they can stop telling me I'll have a better score when I lower my overall debt. I haven't figured out which other account is still showing open on my report yet, but that's the next thing I'll be looking for.
Smashing!! I'm feeling very on top of my finances today. *proud chest puffing moment*
I just checked my credit report and scores with TransUnion and Equifax and though they both show exactly the same items on my credit report, they show different numbers as my credit score! (Equifax is 20 points higher!?!)
Not to mention the fact that I still have a bone to pick with CIBC. You see I transferred my balance from a high interest card to a low interest card (thanks Gail!) a couple of years ago. I saw an issue on my report last year. CIBC said they'd fix it. They haven't. I'm waiting for a letter stating one of the two accounts on my report was closed, the balance transferred to the other card and my current outstanding balance (as of Friday) will be $13,400.00
YAY! Now that I'm able to drive myself again, and can stop relying on those expensive taxi things, and needing a place to track the spending for insurance reasons, I can stop adding to my credit card!! YAY!!
October is back to actual money budget!! Incidently, not including my taxi and medical stuff in September, I was completely on budget!!
I'm now able to take a bus to and from school without pain or the possibility of residual damage from folks that just don't care/pay attention. I can make my lunches for school when I'm there, and take breakfast as well. I only need to spend $2.75 per bus ride while in town - or car pool with the friends I'm staying with. Costs are coming back down!!
I'm feeling so much better....once this letter from CIBC arrives, I'll be able to mail it of to Equifax and TransUnion to have them close out that other accounts that makes it look like I have $39,000 of debt instead of the $13,400 I actually have. HUGE difference!! And they can stop telling me I'll have a better score when I lower my overall debt. I haven't figured out which other account is still showing open on my report yet, but that's the next thing I'll be looking for.
Smashing!! I'm feeling very on top of my finances today. *proud chest puffing moment*
Monday, October 03, 2011
October = Integrity Month
So how's your integrity?
I've also heard ti said that integrity is when you say you'll do something you do it. It is a virtue. It's antonym is dishonesty.
Are you doing what you'll say you'll do, or are you like many other people and saying what you think people want to hear but have no intention of ever doing? Are you the type of person that says yes to something only to back out or simply not show up on the day in question?
Can you do something better than you are doing it now?
A Definition of integrity is below, and from dictionary.com:
1. adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty.
2. the state of being whole, entire, or undiminished: to preserve the integrity of the empire.
3. of sound, unimpaired, or perfect condition: the integrity of a ship's hull.
I've also heard ti said that integrity is when you say you'll do something you do it. It is a virtue. It's antonym is dishonesty.
Are you doing what you'll say you'll do, or are you like many other people and saying what you think people want to hear but have no intention of ever doing? Are you the type of person that says yes to something only to back out or simply not show up on the day in question?
Can you do something better than you are doing it now?
I know I can. That's why I've committed to actually writing things down at the time I spend money and not allowing myself to catch up tomorrow. I'm horrible for this. You'd think as a PF blogger I'd have got this down by now, but I'm human and I don't. It's a fault.
I've completed 5 challenges with Baker currently, and I'm gearing up to do five more this week. One of them is going to take me until the end of the month to complete, so I can't get fatigued, because I signed up not to be. I get a reward for doing this. It's a cute little medallion I can be proud of, on my profile in the course.
We are starting the last quarter of this year. I can't believe it! So I have $1,000 earmarked for debt repayment this month, and $1,100 earmarked for next. In December i"ll be back up to full pay, and I get a third check int he month, so I'll be looking at paying about $3,000 towards the debt that month. it's ball parked and not set in stone so don't quote me on that, but but the end of the year, I'll be able to say I'm below the $10,000 mark on my debt!!
We are starting the last quarter of this year. I can't believe it! So I have $1,000 earmarked for debt repayment this month, and $1,100 earmarked for next. In December i"ll be back up to full pay, and I get a third check int he month, so I'll be looking at paying about $3,000 towards the debt that month. it's ball parked and not set in stone so don't quote me on that, but but the end of the year, I'll be able to say I'm below the $10,000 mark on my debt!!
Digging into the Deep Personal Spaces
I started with You Vs. Debt last week. It's been a week and we've spent it digging hard core into our personal selves. I want to heal from all the financial transgressions I've made against myself. I want to be debt free so I can move forward with other goals I have, like a wedding, home ownership and kids.
I've identified who my mentors, peers and negative influences are. I've even had a conversation with someone I want to be on board with my financial stuff - for me this was a continuation conversation as he's kind of on board now.
This weekend I also realized that I have not had a good nights sleep in months. Pain - mental and physical - have been preventing me form sleeping well at night. I spent the entire weekend in and out of consciousness as my body saw fit. I feel better today, but still not completely myself. I have another session tomorrow and I'm still seeing a doctor every day at the moment. It's starting to get taxing on me I think.
We were tasked with the finding of our Big Why, when it comes to getting out of debt. And we weren't allowed to cop out with, I want to be out of debt so I can be out of debt, or because it'll make hings better, or any of those standard answers people give for wanting to be debt free. It was eye-opening. It was real. It wasn't a cop-out and it left some people really digging, and very raw at the end of the exercise.
Which brings me to you guys. Why do YOU want to be debt free? I mean the real, true, underlying reason behind all those automatic answers.
So far the class is interesting. I can't wait to see what week two brings us!
I've identified who my mentors, peers and negative influences are. I've even had a conversation with someone I want to be on board with my financial stuff - for me this was a continuation conversation as he's kind of on board now.
This weekend I also realized that I have not had a good nights sleep in months. Pain - mental and physical - have been preventing me form sleeping well at night. I spent the entire weekend in and out of consciousness as my body saw fit. I feel better today, but still not completely myself. I have another session tomorrow and I'm still seeing a doctor every day at the moment. It's starting to get taxing on me I think.
We were tasked with the finding of our Big Why, when it comes to getting out of debt. And we weren't allowed to cop out with, I want to be out of debt so I can be out of debt, or because it'll make hings better, or any of those standard answers people give for wanting to be debt free. It was eye-opening. It was real. It wasn't a cop-out and it left some people really digging, and very raw at the end of the exercise.
Which brings me to you guys. Why do YOU want to be debt free? I mean the real, true, underlying reason behind all those automatic answers.
So far the class is interesting. I can't wait to see what week two brings us!
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