Give Me Back My Five Bucks

Someone asked me if I was ever uncomfortable supporting BF while he went to school. Truthfully, yes. I was scared because 1) I’ve been burned that way before, 2) working together on just one income like that represents an entirely new level of relationship, and 3) I knew I would have to put my personal financial goals on hold for a while so he could achieve his. Even though we only have a few months left before he starts making an income, it is still hard for me. It’s difficult to adjust to being independent and financially separate from anyone … Continue reading →

I’m happy to say that my Christmas shopping is almost done. I didn’t have a budget this year, but I anticipated spending around $600 (that’s what I budgeted last year) … and I was relatively close, coming in at around $667 for 13 presents. I’m surprised that I ended up spending more than last year, but I’m okay with it. Last year my Christmas present total might have been less, but this year I’ve been able to buy almost all of the presents through side income (apart from both my FT and PT income). That means my Christmas shopping will … Continue reading →

Monday 6th $91.58 groceries $8.50 lunch (I forgot mine at home) Tuesday 7th + $247.29 freelance/side income No Spend Day! Wednesday 8th No Spend Day! Thursday 9th + $314.82 work expense reimbursement $171 speeding ticket (from November) $11.19 Christmas present $31.36 Sephora (make-up remover for sensitive eyes/waterproof mascara) Friday 10th + $80.00 freelance/side income $7.84 deli $22.38 pizza & breadsticks (for BF and I) Saturday 11th $230.30 Christmas presents (combined total of 4 presents) Sunday 12th $41.95 gas $156.79 running shoes TOTAL: $122.94 It was another expensive week, but luckily I was able to make some extra money to help … Continue reading →

So my friend and I found and booked our accommodation for NYC. It’s a cute apartment in Chelsea, which is where I’ve always wanted to stay. The owners have gotten great reviews on VRBO and have been quick to answer all of my questions. So I feel confident in booking with them. I had originally budgeted $600 for my share of the accommodation, and it ended up being $462.50! Well under budget. It can hold up to 4 people, so if a couple of other friends wanted to join in on our trip, they would be able to (and our … Continue reading →

Someone asked a question on Formspring: You talk a lot about “investing”, but your blog is centered on your basic budgeting and not what you earn/how you save. A lot of comments at the Toronto Star are looking for more details, facts or guidance. I am 20-something and you aren’t much help. Are you going to take the Star comments seriously? You should post your response to them and what you’re going to do. I know how to budget (I’m a student). But how much you save, how u invest etc. is what is valuable. Well I’m not sure I … Continue reading →