Give Me Back My Five Bucks

Um, so guess what PF blogger is going to Vegas this summer!? That’s right, ME! I’ll be going for work conference along with a bunch of other co-workers, so my flight/accommodation & meals will be paid for. We even each get a room to ourselves in a fancy hotel. HEAVEN! Of course, we’ll be working during the day. But it’s Vegas, baby! So, this year I will be doing a lot of traveling: Mexico (7 days, end of June-early July) – parents have paid for the entire trip at an all-inclusive resort. My budget will be around $300 for excursions … Continue reading →

May is a fresh start. I have a new job and new savings objectives. I’m very happy to be working and able to save again. My budget is just about normal for me. I added in $$$ for Travel (going back to the island to see a concert with my sister and BF and I will be going on a hike), as well as extra into Transportation. I need to fill up on gas every week because of my commute, and we’ll use at least a tank during our hiking trip. May Goals: $600 into Retirement Portfolio (RRSP & TFSA) … Continue reading →

Okay, so April was kind of a gong show. I clearly went over my budget by -$977.52. But, I also received a pay cheque AND my tax refund – which is the reason for my over spending. So even though I over spent on my budget, I still ended up cash positive for the month and actually ended up saving money. Notes: Car Payments – I made an extra payment this month, but not on purpose. I just forgot that in the real world where people are employed, it was a 3 pay cheque month. :) Medical & Health Care … Continue reading →

I am so excited. Over the May long weekend BF and I are planning an awesome 47km hike along the ocean on the island. I have wanted to do this hike for pretty much forever. It should take us 2.5 full days of hiking, and I cannot wait. Breathing in the salty air, camping on the beach, and strapping on a heavy pack? Paradise. As long as it doesn’t rain. :) Websites online list the hike as “difficult” or “strenuous” but BF says it’s relatively easy with little elevation gain compared to other hiking trips we’ve been on – and … Continue reading →

I started saving for retirement again. Luckily I only lost 6 weeks, but even then … with all the savings goals I have this year, I don’t think I can make that time up. But anyway, starting this Friday I’ll be putting away $300 bi-weekly. RRSPs $50 Money Market $50 CDN Bond Index $50 European Index $50 International Index $25 CDN Index $25 US Index TFSA $25 ING Direct (3%) $25 PC Financial (2%) According to the pay stub I received yesterday, I’ll be bringing in approximately $1,380 bi-weekly after taxes. So my Retirement Porfolio savings represents almost 22% of … Continue reading →