Give Me Back My Five Bucks

I feel like when people talk about “closing costs” they mostly talk about what is due to their notary or lawyer, plus a home inspection. But the truth is, there are so many hidden expenses associated with moving and closing on a place that perhaps we might not take into consideration. And they can add up fast! Here is what I spent on my closing costs: Cell phone overage ($52.14) – Epically long phone conversations all month long with my Mortgage Broker and Realtor. Coffee shop expenses ($43.88) – This was over the course of 6 weeks, which accounts for … Continue reading →

Most of you know that I’ve been on a self-imposed clothing/accessories/shoes shopping ban since January 1st. Well now that the ban will be over on May 19th, I’m starting to compile a small list of items I would like to buy. And then after May 29th (when I come back from Toronto and NYC), the plan is to continue the shopping ban for the rest of the year. That might be a bit ambitious, but I think I can do it. I did a 6-month shopping ban last year, and am just about to complete another 5 months. For those … Continue reading →

Yesterday I read a blog post that really made me angry. It was called “A Question for all you Communications Majors” on the blog Darwin’s Money. Basically, the blog author thought communications degrees were useless, silly, and a waste of time and money. He believes that anyone taking communications must see that there are no well-paying job opportunities for someone with a “fluff” degree. The author didn’t understand why anyone would consider majoring in something worthless like communications, and likened it to basket weaving. As someone who has an education in communications, of course I disagree with his stance. The … Continue reading →

Monday 2nd $7.22 Wendy’s Tuesday 3rd $5.88 Starbucks Wednesday 4th No Spend Day! Thursday 5th No Spend Day! Friday 6th + $221.80 freelance/side income $19.59 personal care $8.95 A&W Saturday 7th $67.35 groceries $45.79 gas Sunday 8th $7.73 Starbucks $10.51 food court lunch $34.90 gas WEEKLY EXPENSES: - $207.92 WEEKLY SIDE INCOME*: + $221.80 TOTAL: + $13.88 Please note that this spending recap does not take into account any household items that I have purchased. Because I have saved up for those costs, it is coming out of my Savings Fund, and does not directly affect my monthly budget (and therefore will not … Continue reading →

Some of you might know this already, but the Toronto Star’s Moneyville.ca is holding a contest to find a new blogger! When my editor first mentioned the contest, I was really excited. I think this is an amazing opportunity for people who are really interested in blogging about money, but might not have a personal finance background. Kind of like me. I have no formal education or training in finance, but I have a keen interest in everything related to money, and the willingness to learn more and help others. I consider myself to be extremely fortunate to have been … Continue reading →