Give Me Back My Five Bucks

I spent a lot of time with my sister over the weekend. Her BF has moved to the prairies on a co-op placement for 8 months, so she has a lot of free time on her hands – and I don’t like seeing her mope about like she did last year, when he was away for 4 months. On the ferry ride back to Vancouver, I got to thinking. She’s only 21, but she’s amazing with her finances. She has been working a PT job ever since she was 15, and she has paid for 2 years of college so … Continue reading →

Blah. I spent too much this weekend. I budgeted about $60 and ended up spending $80. :( But on the bright side, I made $45 at the PT job AND my sister and I went to the mall for a couple of hours and I didn’t buy a single thing. But still. Where did I go over? Travel expenses (budget – $35): $36.25Dinner before concert (budget – $15): $20Lunch w/sister (not in budget): $10After work pub (budget – $10): $15TOTAL EXPENSES: $81.25

I want to buy this Hello Kitty toaster for my sister’s birthday. It’s not until March, but this is basically the perfect gift. Especially because she just moved out (well, downstairs to the basement suite of my parents house). Except that it’s $43 US ($28 + $15 for international duty). The toaster is regularly $49, so it’s a pretty good deal. Plus shipping is free. On eBay, the toasters are going for $50-70. $43 US is about $52 CDN. About what I would have usually spent on her birthday in the past, but definitely more than I was anticipating spending … Continue reading →

I’m getting excited about this trip to Alaska. Most of the time when I travel, I like planning my own itinerary and figuring out the things that I want to see and do – but I’m pretty stoked about this cruise. For once, I can just sit back and relax. It’s going to be great, and I’m glad I’m doing it with my sister. We found a good deal for $679 per person (plus $123 in taxes/fees, so $802 each) for near the end of August with Royal Caribbean. That’s probably the one we’re going to book. It’s cheaper in … Continue reading →

I’m going back home today. BF is going up to Whistler with some friends, so he won’t be able to drive me to the ferries. Travel to the island will cost me $23.75, but since he’ll be able to pick me up on Sunday, travel back to Vancouver will only be about $10. Tonight is the Sam Roberts concert (w00t!). I’m budgeting about $15 for dinner, but I hope to spend less than that. Preferably under $10. I’m kind of gunning for the $2.99 special of the day at Subway, but that might be pushing it a little too far. … Continue reading →