Christmas Budget

The Christmas season is in full swing, whether I’m ready or not. So I am trying to be ready!

I used to buy things for everyone that I agonized over, and I always spent more than I should have.  It would take me forever to find “the perfect” gift.  I used to search for what I thought was a meaningful small tree ornament in addition to a present to go to my nieces and nephew each year.  Not a single one of them mentioned even a thank you.  The year after my sibling gave my 2 oldest kids empty gift cards and then didn’t apologize or replace them, I said enough.  We don’t need to exchange gifts thank you!  My parents don’t like anything and the house is packed to the rafters with crap.  I have for several years bought them a food basket. Filled with locally made jams, chocolate, teas, honey, etc.  My Dad informed me that they don’t like any of it because it doesn’t taste as good as Mom can make.  She hasn’t made jam in 15 years, but sure.  Glad he told me and I don’t have to waste my time and money anymore.

I had to see them last weekend.  My youngest and I went out for supper with them.  It was embarrassing how racist and obnoxious my father is.  I was told after they left “Mom, I don’t know how you even came from people like that?!”  Thank you. Biggest compliment I’ve had in a long while.  They don’t change, they like exactly how they are.

So back in my world... Christmas is very low key.  The decorations are pared down and simple.  We put up a real tree with about 1/4 of the decorations that I used to.  I bought a poinsettia from costco for $20. That is that.  The kids are getting only a couple gifts. The oldest is getting a set of pots and pans, with some of my recipes in a book. $300. Middle is getting new glasses and sunglasses $300+ Youngest is getting some sports stuff $200. I have got dh shoes and will get a couple neckties. $200. Still debating about concert tickets. $100-180 But I think he might be in Vancouver that week.  I will have to check tonight.

I would love to get family pictures done as my gift. But others aren’t as enthusiastic about that as I am 😀

My job has been better the last month.  There is supposed to be another person joining us in the office which is good.  I’m still looking for something else but for now I enjoy my schedule.
Time for after school snacks, do my wild hair for a work supper tonight, take the laundry out and pull out my ironing board.

Busy, but not.  Just rolling with things these days and trying to avoid stress.  Meditate and find some zen!

Postpone and Pay

Sometimes when you put things off for too long you end up paying more than you would have.

Today is that day for me.  We are getting a new garage door.  Ours has broke 4 times.  The last fix, the repairman said it couldn't be fixed again.  The door has warped and the weather stripping has torn from ice and snow.  Had it been replaced a few years ago it probably wouldn't cost this much.

I have also put off going to the dentist.  For over a year.  My last dentist that I had for 15 years moved away.  I liked him, I could keep my anxiety under control.  Now I know I have a cavity.  My first one since elementary school. It is going to cost both extra money and pain because I put off check up and cleaning.

I have made some money on the side selling winter wear that is too small for kid 3.  The local facebook selling group has been really easy to use and nice normal people have come to the door.  I have used kijiji a lot in the past and I find there are too many flakes that waste my time.  Unless it is free!  Then people beat a path to the door!  I used the cash for October spending money.  So that saved me $80.

We went on vacation and it was over so fast.  It wasn't as relaxing as I needed.  I was very tired and my back killing me when we got home. We did see beautiful sights, drink perfect wine and had great meals.

Being mentally and physically exhausted is my new normal.  Yoga and meditation help a lot.  Medication helps but, this is how I am now.  Physio is $500+ a month.  I think sitting in the sun on a beach would help as much as anything.  I shall keep dreaming.

I have worked more this year than I did last.  I have already passed my last years total wage, so I guess the next month and a half are all gravy.

I do plan to treat myself to a new iPad.  This is the one I bought when I paid off my mortgage in 2012.  It's time for an upgrade.  I'm buying some xmas gifts this weekend to take advantage of the sales.  I also have to buy a new hair straightener as mine died Tuesday.  I had to invent a new very curly hair style at 6:50 am before I left at 7!!

The dh comes back from a business trip tonight.  We have sports all weekend with kid 3.  There is no school tomorrow and neither of us work so I am praying for a sleep in morning!  Time for more coffee, the laundry isn't doing itself and the garage door people should be here soon.

The good things:
No mortgage
Hardly any snow
Money to pay for sh!t we need

Things that suck:
Cavities
Depression
No sunshine
My work that pays well is killing my soul.

School Supplies and Shuttle driver

I'm afraid that fall is in the air.  I'm not done with summer yet 😞 .  The other morning you could see your breath outside.
This is my 20th year for buying school supplies.  Yes, 20 years I've been doing this.  This is my first year that supplies cost ZERO!  That's right, nothing!  All required supplies were still left over from the last few years.  Binders from last year are still good, pencil case and all writing implements ready. I may have to get mechanical pencils by xmas, will see.
All kid 3 wanted for school clothes was a new pair of pants and a pair of shoes.  The pants were a quick $55 but the shoes were hard to find.  Mens 7.5 is not an easy size to come across.  Finally found some size 8's that met the fashion/athletic criteria. They are big, but not for long.  He has been golfing lots this summer and enjoying it.  I have been driving to golf course to hockey rink to hair cut to friends house to next place and next place.  I should drive uber.

Physiotherapy has been helping immensely this summer.  I've also started yoga and meditating.  Turning hippie, and I like it!

I got an e-mail from my employer that I have 120 hours of vacation to use by March.  Shall do! 😄
Dh is talking about Mexico this winter.  I am all for it.  Just need to figure out dates that work.

This year, just like last September is going to be crazy.  My dh is working extra at work and has an outside work project.  I might see him 3 evenings next month.  Kid 3 has tons of sports so I will be the driver as per usual.  There is a class I would like to do that is 1 night a week for an hour.  I'm telling dh and kid3 and I bet they kick up a fuss.  Funny how an hour a week for mom is the end of the world!

I have to get rolling!  A kid will be waiting for pick-up, and food, and shower.  I am just glad he's busy doing stuff that isn't video games!

I need to do a huge grocery and Costco run.  Not looking forward to it!  I better do a few meal plans today too.

The good things:
$0 for supplies
Healthy athletic kids

Things that suck:
My creepy bil and his family are in town
Why can't I have nice family that live close?!

And the days fly by.

Working full time for the last 3 weeks has left me very tired.  We had a conference that was exhausting.  I ended up presenting for a morning.  Winging it by the seat of my pants.  I wasn't even supposed to attend that session.  My boss had a meltdown.  She sat with her head in her hands, or my favourite- pulled 24 water bottles out of the plastic into a big bucket and then dumped ice and shimmied each bottle around WHILE people were presenting and trying to talk!!!  Not getting the hint after the 3rd "pardon me?" When we couldn't hear each other.  I found it quite comical after awhile.  She didn't like that one of our bosses from "head office" had invited themselves and it was a display of passive aggressiveness that was a spectacle!  After work each day dh and I had a cold drink, I replayed the childish antics and we laughed and laughed about her bizarre behaviour.
Oooh lordy I need to find another position!

What was good about it was briefly networking with others, and best of all was the full time pay :)

The heat has been great.  We hit 100 degrees last week.  If only the smokey skies would clear.  I was out for only 3/4 hour today and started coughing.  My throat is sore too.  So I have the a/c pumping and I'm going to make a rhubarb cake.  My rhubarb plant that I got from a friend is growing gangbusters.  I love the taste of rhubarb.  It reminds me of my Grandma.  She was such an amazing baker.  I miss her.

My weeding and rhubarb harvesting must have been too physical for my back as my fingers are numb now.  Taking it easy seems to be on the agenda today now. I will, once the cake is baking.

I ran into a sweet lady that lived down the street from me when I was a child.  She's in her 80's now.  She recognized me instantly.  I haven't seen her more than once in the last 28 years.  She is still sweet to me.  One of her sons and I are facebook friends, she doesn't talk to him because he's gay.  I don't see that as a reason to not talk to your own child.  Like I said she is very kind towards me but I guess nobody knows what goes on behind closed doors.  Her son is a wonderful person, I wish we lived closer.  I would have him over for dinner.  I had such a crush on him when I was little! (Like I was 10 years old and he was 20) He looked like a Ken doll!  He's also smart and funny and kind.  I don't know why that wouldn't be enough for a Mom?

I don't know lots of things.

My oldest has found full time work for the next 8 months.  Hopefully it will become permanent.  Kid 2 is starting school again in the fall and still working full time.  Kid 3 has had the busiest summer of all, going with friends to their lake, sleepovers, camps, movies...it has been great!

The wind is crazy now, maybe it will blow some smoke away so I can go outside?  Hopefully.

Enjoy the summer!!

Soaking Up Sunshine

This is not a financial post at all.  This is a life and daily happenings 😊

 I had a very productive 2 week staycation.  The yard looks great.  New trees and shrubs planted, old dead branches trimmed and gone.  The dh was very helpful. He did all of the backbreaking work.  As we move along it becomes clear that we will stay in this house for at minimum 6 more years.  The swingset was sold a couple of years ago, no need for a sandbox anymore.  The basketball hoop and hockey net are the only "toys" that stay out now.  Looking at putting in a firepit in the back yard now that kids "hang out" vs play.

The trip to the west coast was put on hold.  Making the yard a sanctuary that we like to hang out in every day used up some of that $$ and is a good personal return on investment! Many hours are spent relaxing and entertaining. A 10 day trip would have been a great adventure but that would mean that the yard improvements and house fixes wait another year.  We mostly needed the hours at home to do the work. Some day when it isn't windy I will need a couple days for painting/staining projects.  It should have been done last year but post-op I didn't feel like it!  The house trim and the shed are looking very shabby.

Dh and I booked an anniversary trip for fall.  3 months from now I hope to be relaxing in the mountains.  Flights paid with airmiles, car rental from Costco and rooms with a professional association discount.  Our first adult only vacation in 9 years!

I've returned to physio.  I think it's helping, hard to say what is injury vs. getting older.  My GP gently talked to me about having a diagnosis of fibromyalgia.  She knew I wouldn't take that well.  I don't know how to process that yet.  After my third day back to work yesterday I was so completely exhausted I went to bed at 6:10, stayed in bed until 9 this morning.  My legs were cramping and aching, I had the bad "crawlies" sensation on my back that I get.  I get a lot of weird stuff happening.  No rash and fever which was unusual as it often is concurrent when I hit the wall like that.

 Part of the physio treatment is psychological too.  It's a holistic place.  I'm grieving and also downright pissed off that I can't do what I used to 8 years ago.  I used to be a very decent athlete.  I played every sport except basketball.  Dh and I used to golf together.  Sports is a huge part of my kids lives and I can't do anything except watch now. I miss playing catch, shooting pucks, diving in a pool and swimming laps, riding my mountain bike...  I'm learning to meditate.  It's hard to let go.  It's hard to not be angry and sad.  Serenity now!  I can walk.  I can downhill ski (only the green runs). I can snorkel with my flippers on.  I win at mini golf.  I sit on the deck and bask in the sun like an old cat. (Not for long because I'm a redhead- but it warms my aching bones). There will be nutritional counselling too at my holistic place.  I haven't met with that person yet but I like lentils and quinoa and chia seeds!  Maybe more of that.  More kale.  (The dh will not be enthused haha).

This weekend is a birthday weekend for kid3. Not my baby anymore.  The inlaws are here for a night.  I'm not happy about it but will handle it for my kid.  They let their thoughts about me be known last summer. I'm done sacrificing my time and energy for them.  Trust me that they are vampires that suck the life out of me.  That is one thing that has been very refreshing is being done catering to them all of the time.  It was never appreciated.  Thank god they don't live here!!!

I'm going to enjoy my day off, drink my coffee in the sun, water my new trees and flowers.  I wish I could upload pictures onto the blog to show my mango rose.  It is beautiful, the moment I saw it, it reminded me of my grandma.  She would love the color!  I'm also going to mark out where I think a firepit should go.  Dh will be so thrilled with my plans for him to dig!!

The good things:
Summer sun
Popsicles
Lillies and roses

Things that suck:
People that are users
Decrepid body

Keeping on Track

I am starting my staycation this week.  I have a lot of stuff to do in the yard and if the weather won't co-operate, there is lots to do in the house.

All of this is dependant on my body holding up.  My back/neck/shoulder are killing me.  I don't sleep.  I'm trying more physio next week.  Short of chopping off my head I can't find any relief.

My work is still rolling along.  It pays me and that is all I find positive about it some days.  I am going to buy an ergonomic mouse for my work computer as my hand aches from endless clicking away all day.  I am required to work full time for at least 6 weeks starting I think Sept.  That is the equivalent of 2 extra paydays.  I have places to funnel the $$.  Plus it increases RRSP room 😀

I continue to have a glimmer of hope that someday there will be a different job for me...

After the grim reality of what our groceries cost every month I am being mindful of leftovers.  I hate leftovers.  But my family doesn't mind so I try and make them taste ok to me.  Summer is also bbq time so I can do much more variations on the menu's.  

My kid#2 and I have a plan to go to Scotland a year from now.  2 weeks in my ancestors home land.  We hope that for once our red hair makes us blend in with the crowds! Nothing set in stone yet.  It depends on his education plans.  I eagerly await Jane's trip (From Life Begins at Retirement) to see what she and her brother do! 

I have a travel savings account and I will add to it every month for the next year.  I think $10k will be what I need for the 2 of us.  I have that now and will pad this up.  The thought of driving on the left terrifies me - and kid 2 will only be 22 years old so I don't think he can drive a rental, tours may be very costly.  Doesn't matter.  I'm doing this.  

When kid3 is older I will do a great trip with him too.  Memories are more important than being the richest person in the cemetery.  With the knowledge of my retirement being comfortable I am spreading the extra bucks into different pots.  Not such a focus on 20 years from now.  I need some good things now too.  More travel, more self care, more time to stress less and enjoy.

The good things:

Payday today

Nice dinner out planned for tonight.  FREE with gift cards

My yard is in full bloom.

Things that suck:

I need a new computer and am having trouble deciding what would suit my needs

My office at work was 27 degrees (Celsius)

Dh needs new pants.  Worlds worst shopper for clothes.

The Tally for a month of eating...

This was a known growing cost every month for us.  But wowza.
This is May minus 3 days away where the 3 of us ate out 5 times, and dh was gone on business for 5 days.

Butcher shop.  85.98
Groc. 26.07
Groc 90.19
Groc. 38.16
Groc  86.37
Groc 78.82
Groc 154.57
Groc 20.81
Costco 200
Farmers Market 20.00

$800 for a month of normal eating.
I take my lunch to work every day.  It is yogurt, frozen berries, some milk and a bowl of cereal.
Kid3 takes a sandwich, juicebox, apple, small treat (homemade cookie/muffin) or cereal bar.
Dh eats lunch out every day - that isn't included here

This is Canada.  Land of zero coupons and shitty expensive produce.

If I changed grocery stores I could maybe bring it down 10%.  I hate Superstore.  Its dirty, other side of the city, meat is crappy, every time I go the people in the store and workers are rude.  I can't bag my own groceries with one arm and the store smells like rotten olives have been hidden like easter eggs on every asile.

I don't buy fancy food. Pork chops/chicken/ground beef.  Potatoes/rice/pasta.
We did have steaks once last month.  They were discounted $8 per pound making each steak 5 -6 dollars.  That was a splurge.  Our regular meal is hamburgers or hotdogs at least twice a week.

I know that our food costs have shot up in the last 4 years, you can't find cheap quality food.  I don't know how people making minimum wage eat?!  I shop from the weekly flyer, I stock up when it is a great sale.  My pantry is half full of canned and dry goods.  I keep a list of frozen stuffs I have in the deepfreeze.  I mealplan.  Leftovers make their way into soup.

I don't know how to change anything, at this point it is reality.

With that I'm off to put a pork roast in the crockpot for pulled pork sandwiches on leftover burger buns and make coleslaw with a $1.50 sale bag I bought last week.

The good things:
I can afford to feed my family decently
We prep and make meals together often

Things that suck:
No decent farmers market stuff yet
I like the idea of a garden - but I hate gardening.  I only like flowers 🌹
My dog would do more digging than me in any garden I might plant!!
My obnoxious FIL looks like shit.  He's lost 50 lbs since I saw him before xmas and his colour is that of a blueberry.  Maybe the two handfulls of pills that he doctor shops for isn't helping?

Predicting the Future without a Crystal Ball

My last session at the bank was extremely productive.  It was also eye opening about my pension plan, my current investments and my lifestyle and life expectancy.

My pension plan kinda sucks.  I need to work full time for at least 5 years to pull it higher.  This is not feasible with my health.  Unless of course I can find a way into another department.  This position is currently very elusive.  I had an opportunity to get in last year but at that time there was tremendous chaos in our family and I was teetering on the edge of a complete breakdown.  

(Someday, when the heartache isn't still so close, and on a different blog I will write about our experience.) So I ended up staying where I was and still am.  It's not a fulfilling job.  It's not a pleasant job most days, but brain numbing, and well paid!  I also pick my own part time schedule.  That part is fairly awesome!  I'm able to go to all of kid3's sports and activities.  My other 2 are both on their own now.  Both working and one also going to school.  I try to do a weekly meal with everyone so that kid3 doesn't feel like an only child!

With my maxed out RRSP's and also TFSA's these will top up my pension and make it feasible to retire at 55!  I won't be rich, but I will be able to live as comfortably as I am now!  Including some travel every year.  And according to my investment person at the bank I will live until I'm 90!  So that is the withdrawal number he worked with.  As my Grandma would say "That's too long to hang around".  I may lower that number as time rolls along 😉  

My dh has to work likely for 10-15 more years after I retire as he didn't start his current job and contributing to his pension plan until 10 years ago.  He has reached the top of his pay scale, and with his last review he was put on track for succeeding the current director.  This is great $$ but more travel and longer hours.  Thus me being able to be around for kid3 makes more sense.

As we know life can change in the blink of an eye.  What the future holds and what you predict and hope are often very different.  Dealing with change, coping with curve balls and staying grounded as the days go by is also a full time job.  I love my little family.  I tolerate my obnoxious parents and in laws, but I don't bust my ass to cater to them anymore.  You can't fix or change stupid.  Being used by them is tolerated no more.
 I've found some great very extended family that we mesh with very well.  I identify with them, and so do my husband and kids.  Same goes on dh's side of the family.  He has a 3rd cousin and family that we are very close to.  Normal, intelligent, fun and kind people.  Always laughter and enjoyable times when spent together.  Being able to break away from the tight clutches of my in-laws has given us opportunity to expand our circle as I don't have to cater to them every stinking weekend like I used to!  Spending time with wonderful friends does the heart good.  Such a relief to look forward to weekends!! 

Which reminds me -with days off this week I'm making a coffee date with a friend that retired a couple years ago.  She makes me laugh with her dry wit!  I've booked a pedicure, I'm going to try and get a massage too!  Self care is an important part of life now too!  And once or twice a year isn't going crazy with $$.  

The good things:

My kids

This beautiful hot weather

No mortgage so that money is all going to retirement

Things that suck:

Getting a sunburn 😎

Not winning the lotto

Narcissistic parents 

What is your Plan?

Where do you see yourself in the next year?  5 years from now? 10 years?

 I was unprepared for that question this morning.  I just wanted to sign some paperwork.  Believe it or not I am still trying to get my investments sorted out from March.  To say that it has been a cluster%* is accurate.

Does everyone have a plan in place for the next 10 years??  I have a lot of things that are up in the air.  If I find a different job that I love- I may work past 55.  If my dh keeps going in his position we may be moving in 10 years.  Downsizing the house, more travel...  I don't know what I'm doing this summer- much less in 2028.  I have ideas, but they are vague and so much depends on "things".

I just want to put some money away.  That's all I knew today.  I have 3 kinds of investments.  RRSP's. TFSA's and an RESP for my kids 2&3.  I don't do stock trading, have gold bullion in my basement or a wad of bills under my mattress.  Although the mattress plan is seeming more appealing with every trip to the bank.  It shouldn't be such a huge pain in the arse to purchase some mutual funds.  I obviously oversimplify the process.  I have a new person looking after me.  Based on our one hour today I think it will be fine.  But that's what I thought about my last person and she made so many mistakes it was quite shocking.  He did clarify that I didn't have a mortgage and I don't have any debt's.  We talked for awhile about how I did it and that I can't work like that anymore due to injury.

Next week is another meeting.  I have to find out more information regarding my pension plan at work, my insurance coverage and copies of POA that we have.

What I would rather do is work in my yard and drink iced tea on the deck.  If doing all of this now will give me more time for that later...worth the pain!

Well I'm off to find out my pension numbers, and sort out my unplanned life.

Here's hoping to a Lotto Max win!  (Just kidding, I haven't bought a ticket in 8 years - a work pool) but 55 million would help me with a 5-10 year plan!! 😉

Burning up Vacation Hours

Today was payday and horray for stat holiday pay!  $600 more than my last pay period.  I will move some of that into my travel/life savings.

The grocery bills remain high despite eating leftovers for 3 days after Easter.  Today is soup day that I made yesterday with the last of the leftover meat, turkey stock I made with the carcass and using up all the veggies left from the fresh veggie and dip platter.  Tomorrow I will make a roast beef and I will make the rest of the potatoes, carrots and add a salad.  Sunday will be leftovers, Monday I am making a chicken stir-fry and green rice.  Tuesday leftovers and I will add shrimp and eggs to make it chicken/shrimp fried rice.  Wednesday...who knows. We did eat out once this week.  A friend was in the city and we met up with her at a resturant.  $60 for 3 of us, then she treated us to concert tickets.  It was a fun night.


Yesterday I started a bit of cleaning and planning a garage sale for May.  I have so much junk that I don't want anymore.  It is taking up too much space!  My oldest is moving into a bigger place in a few weeks so maybe I can "gift" him some prizes I have in a few boxes in the storage room.  Extra toaster, fans, electric frying pans, dresser, coolers, candles and candle holders, bakeware, bedding... endless!

This week I have to make a trip to the parents.  I would rather not.  The counselling I've had in the last year has helped.  I will be able to deal with their crap.

I continue to hope for a position to open up at work.  Zero happening thus far.  I need a change.
I need spring that is sunny and warm.  Not cold and snowing.  That would also help me.

Today is a vacation day - part of the use it or pay it out.  I'm using it.  So today's vacation shall be laundry, cleaning and I hope an afternoon nap! 😴💤
The Good Things:
Paid to stay home
Big paydays
Time with kid3 for Easter break week

Things that suck:
This weather
No job openings
I have to get a new coffee maker.

Having a Big Little Gathering Today

For our Easter today it is only my 3 kids + oldest's lovely friend and then 2 friends of ours.
I had bought a turkey at xmas on sale.  14 lbs for $12.88.  I'm going to start peeling potatoes and cleaning veggies this morning.  I made dessert yesterday.

Getting the plates and serving bowls ready I noticed that my everyday silverware set is no longer a set!  Its a mishmash of 2-3 sets and a few random forks that I think dh brought home from the work lunchroom.  I have 2 sets of 12 fancy silver that live in velvet lined boxes downstairs.  So if 24 people came for dinner and coffee and tea everyone would get a matching set.  Meanwhile daily we use junky stuff.

I have pulled out one set for today.  What in the world am I saving it for???  The bigger question is WHY did I think I needed it in the first place???  I'm not a hoarder, but I do have a lot of "Stuff". This stuff was at one time very needed or wanted and now it lives in boxes.  Lots of "stuff" that was so important has been forgotten about.  This year will be for purging, for using things that were meant to be used, for evaluating the needs and for simplifying my home.

For those that celebrate Happy Easter!

The good things:
My kids
Our friends that are like family
Extended family that value us and love us

Things that suck:
Cold winter wind
My old coffee maker is on its last leg.

Easter

Today was a quiet one, and a cold one.  There is no sign of spring here.  I did a bit of shopping or at least tried... My black dress pants need to be replaced.  My old ones fit in the waist but they are "flare" bottoms and dont look remotely in style. They are too flappy.  I've had my flappy black ones for 7 years so I have got a lot of wear out of them.  In the store today where I was looking was a woman with 3 kids running wild and shrieking, whining and fighting.  Then I watched as the oldest little darling (who would be about 6) slugged a salesperson!!!!  "Oh, be careful of your hands" says mommy.  Then returns obliviously to looking at clothes.  The poor young salesman was so startled!
When she and the 3 darlings followed me into the change rooms, I handed my pants back to the unfortunate sales girl and said I would be back someday when there wasn't so much screaming in the store.  There were 3 salespeople that had wide open mouths and wide eyes as they watched the circus.  My favourite line I heard "mommy is going to take away your guns". I chuckled out loud as I left.

My personal spending for 2018 remains haircut and colour and hair product.  No pants 😕
So I bought groceries.  Having a small fancy Easter Dinner on Sunday.  The turkey is defrosting, I will make pie and tarts, and have all the usual potatoes and stuffing and salad... will finalize the menu tomorrow.

All of the financial crap that I did... Nothing has gone through yet when I checked again today. Zero. So now I wait until Tuesday, as I think the bank takes the Monday as a stat too, to see exactly why it takes 2 weeks when it was promised to be 2 business days!?

I had my older 2 kids over for dinner.  The dh took #3 to his parents overnight.  I don't sleep on the floor, and I don't share a bathroom with more than 10 people.  (Unless I was evacuated because of a disaster.). So I stay at home. It's not a joyous loving time for me when I go.  I'm treated like I'm in the way and as I learned last summer - they wished that dh would have married another woman.

  I love my bed to myself, I love the company of my kids and my dog.  I'm good.  😊

The good things:
A full night's sleep
My adult children are lovely people

Things that suck:
Cold spring weather
Flappy pants
No pants
Asshat in-laws

Investment Shuffling

For all of the financial moving and shaking I did yesterday I didn't pull ahead very far.  It was a big shuffle that hopefully sees bigger gains.
There were or still are commercials about people paying high fees for investments.  MER's (Management expense ratio's) Mine were almost 3% on a couple of funds I was in.  Over the last 2 years they have performed poorly but adding insult to injury was the money removed from the small gains that put me to 0.  So over they went from another bank into CIBC "Premium Class" to pay less MER's and hopefully get some forward traction.

With my eyes set on "freedom 55" I moved other funds around and topped up my woeful Tax free savings by 25k.  Much more than the 15 I had planned.  But I had the room to contribute and it makes sense to be making tax free gains vs. Sitting in my chequing account and I pay income tax on the pitiful $85/year I was making.

The RESP (Registered Education Savings Plan) that I still have for kids #2 and 3 is doing well.  To max out the government contribution you need to put $2500 in to get the $500.  Kid #2 is too old to have contributions matched.  But a guaranteed $500 return on $2500 is good in my mind and kid3 still has a few years left.  I don't intend to pay for all secondary education, my oldest has about $10k in loans after 5 years, but is fully employed and can easily afford payments. My kid 2 is sorting out life and hasn't picked a path yet.  So working full time.  I also don't pay if they don't pass.  I'm mean like that.  I work very hard for my money, I expect that its use will be with consideration and effort.

I am still trying to think about a summer trip.  Its very hard to nail down vacation time needed and kid3's activities and dh's vacation days.  He is away for work for a week in 2 months and I will take vacation then as my hours of work are very early and kid3 has to be seen off to school.  At work there might be a change in the office.  I don't want to get my hopes up too much.  It would help the stress level go down and satisfaction go up.  But I remain pessimistic that there will be any forward thinking done by management.

I haven't used my credit card for anything other than haircut and badly needed colour and some potion and spray to tame the frizzies.  Staying the same weight also saves money on clothes!  I am looking forward to warmer temperatures so I can pull out some different pants and tops and shoes.  Even some ice melting would change the shoe situation.  There is no physical space to put a change of footwear in my overcrowded office.  Seriously, not a spot for me to keep shoes.  I had a locker that was mine for years taken away because I went part time.  Now my coat is on a shared hook!  Thank god nobody smokes.

Here is hoping that St. Paddy brings in some warmth and sunshine!

The good things:
My kids all together last night
Feeling better

Things that suck:
Not getting away for vacation for March
My parental units are loons

Dealing with Nonsense and I Need to Come Up With a Plan

i have been stuck in the blah's.  Round 2 or relapse of the plague hit and zapped all of my energy.
I've used up my vacation instead of taking a payout.  Between fatigue and kid 3's sports commitments there won't be a March getaway.  Plus, today I could throttle the dh.  So I don't feel like going away anywhere with him.  Not even the grocery store.

I've been annoyed by so many things - perhaps the 3.5 hours of sleep per night I get is making me cranky?

If I could get back all of the sleep I've been deprived of over the last 28 years from shiftwork, kids, dogs, snoring bed partner, neighbours dogs, rude neighbours...

I have been checking for my tax refund deposit...still not there.  Both kids have theirs.  Then in my brain fog I remember that the direct deposit goes into my old bank account at the Credit Union.  So I go to the app/website (that is sh!tty) and try and log in.  I don't recall my 17 digit account # off the top of my head, so I search for my bank card.  I took it out of my wallet before our hot holiday in Dec.  It is not where I always put my credit cards.  Its not anywhere.  This is compounding my mood today.  What a pita to get a new card.  So I will have to go there in person, huge kerfuffle.  I will close my account with them tomorrow if my CRA deposit is in there.  That money will go into the TFSA.  It should be about $5000.

I was also going to move all of my accounts that I have at the CIBC to a different branch.  There is such a language barrier when I go to my branch it is ridiculous.  I get and I appreciate that everyone wants to be able to speak with someone in their native language when they deal with finances.  But so do I!  When I tried to get US funds for our vacation it was like an episode of the 3 stooges with mandarin/Armenian/english.  They didn't know the exchange rate (a girl tried to google it on her phone), they didn't know how much they could give me because it was all in the instant teller (no cash handled by humans at my branch), and the girl looked like she was going to a club in her stretchy bright red mini dress and stilettos.  Her main job seemed to be running the coffee urn and handing out pamphlets.  And just a fashion tip- at work your hem line should cover your ass cheeks.  I'm no fashionista, but I do know a couple faux paus for work wear.  In the end I got $200 and then went to the credit union and spoke with a human vs buttons on the instant teller and got money handed to me!

Why does it have to be so hard?!

2 weeks ago I got a phone survey asking about if I was happy with my CIBC services.  Hahaha!  I'm 100% sure that they could give a crap what I think, but I told them anyways.  It used to be such a painless experience years ago and it has eroded so badly that there is nothing there anymore except a phone app.

And because life is ironic, or someone is spying on me- the bank called as I was typing this.  "It's been a long time since we looked at your investments, can you come in and we will look over your portfolio?"

I've been researching better investment portfolios and will move stuff around on Friday.  And even though I get "preferred customer service". What a lark.  I will need my own investment plan.
I asked a couple of people at work about investment management services they use.  They don't seem right for me.  My overall interest rate - with the exception of the blip a few weeks ago is as good or better with my own choices than with investment/wealth management.

I don't like homework 😩  But part of the deal if I want to retire sooner than later.
The good things:
I have 3 really great kids
Sun is shining

Things that suck:
Too numerous to mention

Taxes are done...almost...

My accomplishment this week has been our taxes.  Refunds all around!  Not huge, but better than having to pay!  I am waiting for a form from dh's bank for the interest amount on his savings account.  Then off it goes with a click.  And NO MORE TURBO TAX for me ever!  Simple tax has worked perfectly!

My refund will go to house insurance that should be due about now.  It's yearly and I will have to phone again this year to see about discounts.

We have had a blast of winter again, after I got my hopes up for spring.  😕
I have stayed away from shopping for 2 months so far... Only groceries.  My credit card balance = $0 since Christmas.  I'm breaking my credit fast tomorrow with a haircut and colour, and some hair product.  My hair is so coarse and dry now thanks to low thyroid and too many birthdays.  It is hard to style without fancy sprays and potions!  I've tried the drugstore cheapies and my hair looks cheap and frizzy.
Life is too short for bad hair, and bad shoes!

I still intend to put $15k into TFSA's.  I'm researching where I should invest.  Such a confusing and complicated hassle investing is.  I don't like my person at the bank.  She seems completely disinterested in my money.  I know its not a million, but $15k is a lot to me!
I need to find "a guy" for investing.  And that guy- could be preferably a woman, but one that takes an interest in my financial well being.  I need to ask around as word of mouth is the only way to go on this I think.

I am off to accomplish more things around the house.  This afternoon I shall tackle my closet and dresser, weeding out and adjusting the rotation of my basics that I wear the most.  Sometimes I find a sweater or shirt I've forgotten about so it's like going shopping without spending anything 😉

The good things:
Tax refunds
Snow makes everything look clean
Leftovers so I don't have to cook tonight!

Things that suck:
My frizzy greying hair
Snow is so high the dog can't get into the yard - so I will make a path with dh's big boots for him to run.
I still haven't found a new position that I can move into at work.

Winter Blah.

Rolling into February has been a bumpy ride.  The bad cold set in and gave us all a yucky cough.  3 days on the couch in my pj's not exactly getting much done!
While I was in my fevered daze the markets were tumbling.  I lost $8000 of investments.  Good grief!

That's going to take awhile to make back!

As for the stuff I have more control over, my last pay period was $80 higher than the last.
I continue to look for a change in my position and there has been sweet tweet that  interests me.  I've got the blahs.  It's cold, it's dark, it's cold... I miss our vacation.

I've been "Pintresting" (is that a verb?) vacation ideas.  Vancouver Island this summer and now I'm thinking Okanogan Valley this fall...

I'm dreaming of sunshine...

Making it happen by working 1 extra day per week when I can fit it in.  That will be 7 days extra this year by the end of February.  2 extra for March.

In a perfect world it would be part time hours in 2 departments to equal almost full time.  I shall keep looking.  I'm getting fussy as I get older!

It's not just fussy, it's boundaries.  What I'm willing to give of myself for a job.

Here's hoping for warmer weather, sunshine and sleeping soundly without somebodies cough waking me up!

Engage with Life and Finances

I have been feeling better finally.  The right bloodwork leads to a diagnosis, medications and supplements.  I finally don't feel like death warmed over every minute!

Because of stress and health issues I did manage to loose 25 pounds last year.  I'm only 6 pounds heavier than I was in 1993. (Prior to 3 babies) My hips and knees don't give me any trouble anymore!

I continue to have neck and shoulder issues from my work injury 6 years ago.  Here to stay I think.

What I want to do with my little bit of energy is to get back into the groove of being mindful of where the money is going and saving for retirement and vacations.

With our hot holiday in Dec. fully paid for, now I have a blank slate.

Take home pay every 2 weeks varies $1200 - $1800

Bills:
220 to insure 2 cars
200 water/trash collection
180 power
300 house tax
Cell $80
Groceries ?!  (Split with dh) This past week was $300!!! And I'm out of salad fixings, apples and bananas.

Plans going forward:
-The dh will be taking over the power bill.  (He now makes 40% more than I do). He does gas and cable and security system.  He also pays on the new (year old) truck that he bought - but I drive.  He also pays all fuel and oil change costs.
-our food bill is crazy!  The cost of food has gone up so high it boggles my mind.  I do menu plan, I make healthy food, I pack my lunch and kid 3's school lunch every day.  Last year I forgot my lunch twice and bought.  That's it.  I feel like I'm cooking all of the time!  I am going to do more freezer meals and bulk cook on weekends.  This is a MUST change.
- I continue to actively look for another position at work.
-$10,000 will be put into TFSA. (I have in my chequing account now). $5000 more after I pay income taxes.
* I have made big plans with TFSA's in the past and never followed through*. I don't want to let it slip again!!

Focus on  family. My kids, my husband, myself.