Give Me Back My Five Bucks

I was over budget this month, but I didn’t do too badly considering I purchased mountaineering boots for $495, we went on 2 unplanned weekend hiking/camping trips, AND I went on an impromptu day trip to Seattle. Oh, and I also donated $50 to a charity. I also went kind of bonkers in the Personal Care category. This included a hair cut, plus a switch to Aveeno face care products, and then I stocked up on make-up at Target when I saw the prices were 50% cheaper in the states than in Canada. Also you can see that I haven’t … Continue reading →

I can’t believe it’s October already! I’m excited for this month, but also this month is really going to set the course for the next 3 years of our lives … so it’s kind of nerve wracking. Still, there are things to look forward to – a day trip to Seattle this Saturday, Canucks/Canadians game next week, our long weekend trip to Tofino, my birthday, and hopefully we’ll get some hiking in as well. Here is my budget for the month. Notes: $300 Clothing – this is quite high because I need to buy new running shoes, and I also … Continue reading →

The last time I reviewed my 2009 goals was back on May 22nd, so this is long overdue. Personal Finance Goals: $5,000 in Emergency Fund. I’m at $2,608 right now, but I’m okay with that. I went from paying $725 rent + utilities to $150/month total. So the amount that I have saved right now I’m comfortable with. That being said, I still do want to eventually get to $5k. If we don’t go traveling, I can fully fund the EF. But if we do end up going, then it won’t be fully funded until next summer. $10,000 in Travel … Continue reading →

Today after work we’re going rock climbing. We haven’t gone in a long time. September has just been such a busy month, but I think we’ll be going more often now that the weather is turning cold. Plus, during the winter we usually go skiing for a few hours after work, and then hit the gym afterwards for a quick climb. :) One of my goals for 2009 was to climb 5.11 routes, but unless we start to go a few times per week from now until the end of the year, I really don’t see that happening. But I’m … Continue reading →

So even though our travel plans next year might get canceled, I still have a lot of trips to be excited about: October 10-12 – Tofino. For my birthday weekend. December 4-6 – My planned Secret Trip for our 2 year anniversary. January 13-17 – Calgary. April 2010 – Whistler. We’ve been talking about weekend trip near the end of the ski season (so I can get as much practice as possible, and so that all the Olympic hoopla dies down). May 2010 – Mexico. 1-week vacation with my family. Other places in North America that I really want to … Continue reading →