Ways to Make More Money.

I think we all want to make more money, but just don't know how.

I'm trying to find that ONE thing that I can do part time to bring in just an extra $100 per month.  Time is a factor for me.  I know there isn't something that's just going to make itself money, short of an investment property.  However, let's be realistic, I don't have the cashflow for that right now!

Do any of you do something 'on the side' {and by on the side, I mean legal of course! *I kid, I kid*} to make more dollaz?

Even if it's just $100 more per month, I'd be interested to hear about it.  Please comment below my loves!



Hugs,

*Canadian Girl

Princesses.

*** Vacation alert:  I'm in NYC right now {frugal post to follow}, so any delay in comments is due to the fact that it's uber expensive on my Blackberry in the States.  Please be easy on me***


In typical PF form, I'm a huge fan of Gail Vaz-Oxlade.  She's in her last season of 'Til Debt Do Us Part, but has recently premiered a new show entitled Princess.

{Image from throng.ca}

Have any of you watched it?  I know I have and I think it's great.  The women that have been profiled so far are exactly my age, and fit my exact definition of a princess.  And what's more?  I'm just like them...in some ways.

I get my hair done.  I like expensive bags.  I live on my own.  I go out {sometimes}.  However, there's one acute difference: I've earned it. 

There's a lot to be said for earning your own way and being frugal to get what you want.  I get my nails done.  That costs $30 a month.  However, it comes out of my $400 monthly discretionary spending.  I'm a horrific {and I mean horrific} nail biter, so this is {almost} a necessity for me.  My hair?  I am horrid with the dye bottle, so I pay a little more to have it done.  Do I borrow money? NO.  I know it's a monthly expense, so I put a little away each month to cover the $180 cost.  The bags?  I save or I buy used.  I don't really buy expensive clothes, except for a few work staples that cost over $60.  The rest are from Forever 21.  My home?  I saved for it and furnished from family freebies and cheap-ass Craigslist furniture, which I've refinished. 

These princesses don't know how much they make.  They just spend spend spend.  I have a budget, and allocate each paycheque to things like discretionary spending, bills and various savings accounts that include retirement.  I can look like a Princess, but I'm of the firm belief that being a true Princess goes beyond the appearance.  

Some want to call me a Princess?  Go for it.  I'm also of Jewish heritage {insert any applicable Jewish stereotypes here}.  But there's a difference:  I've earned it.  They haven't. 


Hugs,

*Canadian Girl

The PF Monster: Round 2.

If you've been reading my blog for a while, you'll remember this post here. The bf is slowly becoming a PF monster of my own creation.

This isn't a bad thing per se, but last night's convo really left me wondering:

Bf: "I went down finally to take all the recycling from the move down to the P1 parking lot.  Do you know just how many people don't take their empties back to the store?"

Me: "Yeah I know.  I guess I'm cheap.  A lot of people don't, but that's transit fare or a contribution to your beer if you take some back."




{disclaimer:  this is NOT me...it may have been tho in university!  I seem to remember our yard looking like this once or twice......   -----------> }

Bf: "Next time I want to go buy beer, I'm going down to the recycling first to see who's left empties.  I'm going to take them back and get money for them!"

Me: "I understand your reasoning, honey.  But the HOMELESS pick the garbage for empties.  Do you really want to be on the same level as the HOMELESS?"

Bf:  "Well if I save $4....yeah...."


Look what I've done.  So, do you take your empties back for money?  I think it's a great way to earn a few bucks for the change jar, or even to fund your next binge party.  Speaking of that, I have a closet full to go return right now :)


Hugs,

*Canadian Girl

RRSPs 'n Shiz.

I’ve begun saving for retirement.

There, I said it.  I’m in my early 20’s and I should be well on my way.  Krystal was great.  I’ve followed her advice and am just putting away $100 per month.  I know it doesn’t seem like much, but know it will add up in the end.

Using this calculator here {yeah, I’m gung-ho TD.  Deal with it.}, it says that I’m going to need $362.30 per month to reach a $1,000,000 plus retirement goal.  That’s pretty good.  I’m going to most def amp up those payments as I approach retirement, but am keeping it low now because of my reduced salary.

Once I start making more money, I’ll increase the percentage of my income going to my RSP.  I’m also going to be investing the RSP money in different vehicles; I may hold mutual funds long term, and take some for equities when the market goes back on an upswing.

For those of you who have RRSPs, how is the money invested?  Or, how do you plan to invest it?

Hugs,

*Canadian Girl

New Job {Let's Hope}.

I believe I'd briefly mentioned my somewhat disheartening performance review the DAY before I left for Cabo.  It wasn't that I got a negative review about my performance, but rather my boss chose to focus on the fact that I wasn't putting in my 'face time'.  That's right.  Just showing my face is supposed to be what will ensure a promotion and "good" performance?  F*that.

I am done.  My boss said that I am to be 'staying until 8pm' every night.  And make the peanuts that I'm making AND pretend to be busy?  Screw you.  I need a life.  I need to go to the gym.  I need to do social things.  I need to spend time with the pup.  This is just NOT the place for me.

I like the industry, but I don't like the company I work for.  I have to get out.  So, I've begun the job hunt.

I have an interesting offer on the table from an ex boss.  HOWEVER, I would have to purchase a car, as the office is about 30 minutes out from where I currently live.  This adds a huge expense to the budget.  So, I've calcuated that my monthly expenses will increase by:

- $250 {base for car payment, considering the purchase of a used car}
- $150 {rental of  parking spot}
- $100 {car insurance}
- $150 {gas costs}

That means I would have to make another $650 per month.  I don't know that this rather small shop can afford that.  But - the position is for sales, so commission may help with that.  AND, there may be the potential for a car/mileage allowance.  The particulars still need to be worked out, but the more I think about it, the more excited I am for a new challenge, and a work environment that I enjoy being in.

I will keep you all posted as I know what's coming.  I would like your opinions - do you think the potential pay cut worth the happiness?  Lemme know in the comments; I value what you guys say.


Hugs,

*Canadian Girl

No Spend Update.

For April, so far 6/12 days done.  Maybe I can go over this month??? 

Either way, doing well so far.  I'm kinda proud.  Does it count as cheating since I had two exams this week?


Hugs,


*Canadian Girl

No Spend...Update.

So, I've lamented in the past about my lack of motivation or success thereof, with regards to my personal "no-spend" challenges. 

I've decided to turn over a new leaf for April, and HIT that 12 day mark right on.  So far, I'm at 3.  Yes, I'm counting the holidays {I could go to Timmy's if I really wanted, or S-bucks is always open here!}. 

I also have 2 exams next week, so my head is buried in books trying to make sense of something that only those with a knack for it could.  This should only prove to help my cause.  I'll be taking public transit to and from the two exams, so 4 trips in total.  This, my loves, costs $$$.  However, we have a sort of bulk pricing option, so I'm going to do that on Monday {the purchase, not the exams!} and then I can refrain from spending the rest of the days.

How will I do this?:
- bring my own coffee to the exams
- bring my own water to the exams
- wait until I'm home to eat lunch or bring a snack
- not go out for 'a celebration' after the 1st exam, when I really should be studying.

Any suggestions?


Hugs,

*Canadian Girl

How Do You Define 'Money'?

It has been said that money is merely an idea in our heads; a perceived amount assigned to these little strips of paper and coins of metal that we carry in our wallets.  Modern economics, however, teaches money as a “unit of account”, designed to set the economical tone and allow for the trade of goods and service in exchange for money.

Noting that money is that perceived amount assigned to the individual strips of paper known as “units of account”, can it be argued that money is not one or the other, but instead a combination of both?  Could it be that money is an idealized object and just a mere figment of imagination with no real meaning?

One side will argue that, yes, money is simply required to live and is used to purchase things whose value is arbitrary and set to make a profit, rather than provide benefit to the purchaser.  Another side will argue the opposite; money remains the key to the future and what makes the world go around.

Have you ever heard the saying that there are people who have money and that there are people who are rich?  I believe that money doesn’t make you who you are; it only allows for the material and can sometimes prove to muddy the brains of those who want and want and want, neglecting the importance of friendships, family, security, love and safety.  Our world is so obsessed with what money “means”, that we forget that it is merely a piece of paper with an arbitrary amount.  

In the world of Canadian Girl, money has consumed me.  No, I don’t mean the things that the material cannot substitute for: security and satisfaction.  For the first time in my life I can safely say that I am financially secure.  Do I have the most expensive things, or the best of the best?  No.  But I have money in the bank for an emergency {yes, money will get you out of an emergency, I’ll give you that}, a family that loves me, wonderful friends and the love of those around me.  This mere figment in our world’s imagination has become a representation of my own success.  I do not put my full measure of success on the balance of my bank account, but rather measure my success in the ability to cease spending and thus viewing money as a “unit of account” to fuel the materialistic microcosm of the economy which existed in my own head.  I have transformed the “unit” to a figment or an idea.  Money is transformational and its value lies in the beholder. 

It’s clear from my experience that the true meaning of the word ‘money’ will vary among those you talk to.  So, my dears, what do you think ‘money’ is?

Hugs,

*Canadian Girl

Income Summary and Savings Forecast {oh ya, and I'm DEBT FREEEE!}.

As promised in yesterday's post, I'm going to show you my income/savings forecast for the remainder of March and the month of April.  I will likely make this a monthly or bi-monthly thing - give me some feedback and let me know what you think, prettttty pleeeeeeease.

Anywho, enough with the lame-ass preamble and onto the good shizz. 

Click on the pic to make it bigger.  Here, I've done a simple Assets vs Liabilities and net worth calculation.  Looks like I'll be IN THE BLACK {!!!} for both months.  Ok, so not sooooo black for March, but either way, its positive; that's more than I can say before. 

All of April's numbers are ballpark's, as is the latter half of March.  I will periodically update and let you guys know how it's going {if you want to know, that is}. 

The bf and I have booked a trip to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.  Since I've had a little $$$$ saved already for trips, I'm not going to be completely out money.  I figure since I have an e-fund, and I've been so good and have paid off my debt less than 2 years after graduating university, that I totes deserve a trip.  ANNNNNNNND, I've always wanted to go to Cabo.  We're departing at the end of April and I can't wait. 

I also am thinking of buying another pair of Tory Burch flats.  LOVE LOVE LOVE these and I recommend these to anyone.  I've allotted for this in my savings calculation below.

Again, click on the pic to enlarge it.  You can see that I'll be in the red at the end of March.  Perhaps I can hold off on those shoes.  I clearly need to sell some stuff to make money as well to pay for Cabo.  Gross.  But I deserve this trip and I'm going.  I'll let you know how it goes with the sellage.

What are your thoughts, peeps?


Hugs,

*Canadian Girl

20 Ways I've Climbed My Way {almost} Out of $14,000 Debt.

This could be an inspirational post, or this could be a "wow, that Canadian Girl is one cheap B**tch post".  However you take it, I hope my tips help at least one other person either get out of debt or stay out of debt forever.

1.)  Make a budget and stick to it.  I live on $70 per week.  I write everything down and make myself accountable for everything I spend.  I think the accountability is what counts.  There's something to be said for seeing your money waste away as you write it down.

2.)  Pay off and pair down credit cards.  Your credit card is an aid, not a crutch.  Limit yourself to just the "essential" credit cards (for some, it's just one visa, for some it's a visa, mastercard and amex, or combination thereof).  Having too many will make it too hard to keep track of your spending, even if you write it down.

3.)  Exclude all frivolous spending.  This is relative, yes.  But for me, this included pairing down my entertainment budget, not eating out, and most importantly, separating my needs from my wants.

4.)  Consolidate all of your debt to 1 spot.  For me, this came in the form of a personal line of credit.  PC Financial had the best rate; make sure you shop around.  As opposed to credit card interest rates, this gives you a significant interest rate decrease and allows you to track your payments in one place.  Essentially, it's a "one-stop-shop".

5.)  Have a coin/bill jar.  This is where I put my coins - not only does it make my wallet weigh less, but it serves as a little extra to put towards my debt each month.  I also put my bills in here when I'm under budget each week. I count it up once a month, and apply that lump sum to my debt.

6.)  Clip coupons.  It may be pennies in savings, but those coins get added to the coin jar and help me knock down my debt.

7.)  Have a personal "no spend" challenge.  For me, this is 3 days a week, or 12 a month.  This adds up and allows me to come in under budget more often than not.

8.)  Use up everything you have before you buy new.  So simple, but this is a great way to save money.  You'd be surprised how many people won't look thru their cupboards and containers before they hop out to the store to buy a replacement.  This has been great for me - look at it this way: I haven't bought shampoo for over a year and a half.  Think of the savings there alone.

9.)  Take tips from tv, magazines and perhaps other PF bloggers, and repurpose them to fit your lifestyle.  I can't take credit for any of the above or below tips; they've all come - in one way or another - from a different source than just my plain ol' noggen.  For example, instead of Gail Vaz Oxlade's jars, I use a simple sheet of paper {1 for each "expense" column - transportation, food etc} and staple them all together.  This is a portable way to use the jar system, but works in the same fashion.

10.)  Utilize your credit card for big purchases (or small ones) for the cash back or points value but ONLY when you've saved up or have the money to make the purchase in the first place.  Again, this is simple and a sure way to keep from spending out of your means.

11.)  Don't order alcohol when eating out.  Have you seen the price of a glass of wine?  I can get the bottle for $2 more.  'nuff said.

12.)  Don't eat out or go out to clubs or bars unless there's a special occasion.  We have to do everything in moderation AND have a social life.  You'll go crazy if you don't.  However, you'll go crazy if you're a party animal but saddled with debt.  Find the happy medium and budget for nights out.

13.)  Bring your lunch to work daily.  I estimate that I save roughly $6/day, and allow myself to eat out once a week.  So, I save $24, if you consider a 4 day no-food-spending week.  Say you work 50 weeks a year, this adds up to $2,500 in savings.  I also drink the office water, and avoid expensive pop or bottled water.

14.)  Repurpose wherever possible.  My furniture is all my parents' old stuff, just re-finished and touched up with some modern paint and decor.  Easy as pie, and with a little TLC and about $50, I had a whole condo of furniture.  I reuse bags as garbage liners and go "shopping" in my closet.  I love clothes, but I also love the treasures I find in my closet when I mix and match new with old.  The most prime example here is my iPod Mini.  Yes, I still own one.  When it broke, instead of buying a new one for $200, I bought a new battery for $30.  I popped out the old and replaced it myself.  Voila!

15.)  Pick up change.  Yes, this may be gross, but every little bit helps.  Plus, picking up pennies is supposed to bring you good luck! 

16.)  Borrow books from the library.  I want new books as soon as they come out, but the average cost for a new book is about $20.  I could just as easily put myself on the hold list at my local library and have the book for free.  With a little time and patience, I have $20 more for my debt that I would've foregone.

17.)  Limit magazine purchases.  I LOVE magazines; the shiny pictures, the gossip, the stories.  BUT, this was a huge budget spend item for me.  By skipping and limiting the magazines to only special treats, I am able to save lots of money.  I ask for magazines for gifts, or I do magazine swaps with my friends.  Half the time, I'm able to find the main articles on the internet anyway.  Oh, and when I do buy magazines, I get a bargain: WalMart gives you 10% off the cover price.

18.)  Buy non-perishable items in bulk.  This allows for long term savings over the course of a few months.  For me, I buy gum in bulk packages.  It's not something that goes stale quickly, so I just make sure to label when I purchase the gum.  I chew at least 3 pieces a day, so going thru it is never a problem.

19.)  Save stamps.  How often do you get a letter anymore?  It's rare, I'll admit it.  But when I do, and the stamp isn't cancelled, I always cut it out.  I use it the next time I have to send something in, like my tax bill, for instance.  It may be 57 cents, but it's 57 cents in my pocket.

20.)  Make money wherever you can.  Now now, don't go taking to the pole or investing in a street pharmacy.  That's not what I'm talking about.  Do cash for surveys online, or use Swagbucks as your search engine.  Once you hit 70, you can get $5 USD in your PayPal account just for doing searches you would've done anyway.  It's not much, but you can see my motto here: every little bit helps.



Well, there you have it Lovers.  My relatively simple and easy to do tips for getting and staying out of debt.  If you want a copy of the sheet that I use to track my daily spending {a la Jars o'Gail}, drop me a line and I will send it to you.

What tips do you have to add?


Hugs,

*Canadian Girl



 

Reva Flats. Come to Me.

I can't find these ANYWHERE.

I've looked high and low; to Holts and beyond.  I can find lots of Tory Burch flats, yes.  But can I find THE ones I want, NO!

I want black with silver.  Is that too much to ask?  They look just like this.   S-I-L-V-E-R.  That's what I want.  I don't wear gold.  I wear SILVER.

And you know what the worst thing is, I could've bought them at the Tory Burch store in Vegas.  My bff M bought just this same pair and I said to myself "Canadian Girl, you've spent enough already.  You don't need those".  Eff.  F**k frugality.  I want those flats. 

Alas, Tory Burch.com doesn't ship to Canada.  However, their boutiques do.  I've just had a brilliant thought bubble to phone the closest one and have them ship me the shoes in a size 8.5.  With the way the dollar is now, they're sure to cost less overall than the $236+tax Holts is trying to take me for.

I'll let you know how it goes.


Hugs,

*Canadian Girl

More Money Blunders. Eff.

Just got my mortgage statement in the mail.

WTF??? 

I’ve been consistently paying the mortgage – over $500 a month – and I still have only paid off just over $460 in interest.

This is ridic. I’m moving into a box.

The cost of living will be cheaper that way.


Hugs,

*Canadian Girl

Epic Holiday Fail

Christmas/Holiday spending was OUT OF HAND!   

Well, not completely, but I went o-v-e-r the budge.

(*budge = budget.  Why?  Don’t know.  It just sounds cooler, ok?).

 Here’s a breakdown of the spending:

Mom - $93.80

Stocking/small gifts: $24

PJ’s (her fave – flannel nightgown that I looked everywhere for): $28

DVD (may I note that I bought her this one last year.  Time to come up with new gifts!): $13.80

Return the gift: -$13.80

Replace DVD with gorge sweater from Banana Republic: $41.80

Work - $15

Small gift for our assistants

Dad - $26.80

Sweater: $0 (this is $0 because I’d bought it for the ex, but didn’t get to give it to him.  Gorgeous Banana Republic deep green argyle…it was a sunk cost, essentially)

Book: $16.80

Gift certificate: $10

Other - $440.46

This includes holiday party wear, last minute gifts and food.  Breaking down each individual cost would not only bore you, but I’m sure I’d break down and cry.

Total spending: $576.06

Total saved before the season: $230

Surplus/Defecit: $346.06

EPIC FAIL!  Hey, Canadian Girl, note to self: start to save before the season hits next time.

How did your budgets go?  On target or way off the mark or do you just not wanna think about it?

Here’s another sorta resolution for me:  be smarter with money in 2010.  I will keep you all posted and let you know how that goes.

Meanwhile, I’m off to sob while looking at my credit card bills.  Eff.

Hugs,

*Canadian Girl