On the financial front things are happily rolling along well. I finished my tax return and had my refund within 8 days!
This year I made less money than the hubs. (first time ever) So I got to claim the deductions for once! This resulted in a big boom of a return. Because I had been putting away a substantial amount on my RRSP's this helped my tax return even more.
Things that I learned this year of taxes: my dh has a very good pension plan with work. He "doesn't believe in RRSP's". And thus he owed $2500. He has maxed out his TFSA total however. Suits me. I do believe in RRSP's because my pension sucks! I haven't maxed out my TFSA but I hope to by the end of the year.
I am taking my tax return and investing in my TFSA. In the past that money would have been a lump sum on the mortgage. It feels so good to know that I am now investing in my retirement instead of paying the bank!
I did a No Spend February (Groceries not included) - with only $60 in cash used in outside $$ and it was all for the kids. My credit card statement came and it was $0. I think that proves I don't need anything else than what I already have! I packed all my lunches for work, didn't shop for clothes or house stuff.
This next month there are a few bills and costs on the horizon: house insurance. ACK! this has gone up and up every year - now $1500. That is what happens when your basement floods....
In a couple of weeks it is kid #1 and #2's birthdays and kid #3 starts a new hockey league. 3 out of town trips and a lot of practices.
This summer is a reunion for my old high school - it is for the last 50 years of graduates. I will not be attending. I spoke with my mother who I believe is on the organizing committee - she told me that they can't find most of the people. (She likes to be very secretive and strange about the oddest things) Well mother, have you guys thought of Facebook? No... they are mailing everything via snail mail. I told her it is a ridiculous waste of money on stamps! Set up a facebook page or a website. "They are working on it" Whatever. I have no desire to spend an uncomfortable weekend with my parents watching my mother and her fake smile plastered on for 3 days.
This summer is going to be very busy with my work project wrapping up. Vacation requests are not being granted for then anyways.
I started the dh on Weight Watchers a month ago. He has 125 lbs to loose to be at normal weight. I would settle for 50. In 14 days he lost 8 pounds and then decided it was too hard to go without his daily 2litres of pepsi and eating whatever and whenever he wanted. So its all back. I've lost a big 5 pounds (sarcasm) but I like the plan and the recipes so I am doing it myself and continue to make healthy meals and lunches at home. Another 12 pounds to go and I hope to get back into my clothes from last summer! I've cut my coffee back to 2 cups a day - down from a pot a day! I'm sleeping better and my heartburn is better too. I can't give it up totally yet.....
It is looking like spring is trying to come around and so when some more of the ice melts I can get out walking! That should help the weight a bit and I need some fresh air every day. Been cooped up all winter! Today I have a list of errands that need to be done and I might do some shopping for kid #3 that needs some sweats and or jeans that reach his ankles! His are all so snug and have holes in the knees! He has been eating like a little horse and sleeping so much - having a growth spurt for sure.
On my agenda today is also a trip to Target - lol! See if I can find me my sweet clerk for some coupons! As one annon commenter (in a nice way) accused me that I was too hard on the clerk and if it was me I might be the same as the rude clerk. Ummm nope! It doesn't matter if you make $10 or $60 per hour you can still be courteous and civil when dealing with the public and if you don't know what to do or how to do it - learn. Mumbling and shuffling your feet when you walk, scowling at a person that is purchasing goods at your store is not acceptable. The customer is the reason that you have a job - treat them as such. If you can't handle the requirements, work somewhere else without human interaction.
End of the soapbox spiel :)
Have a great week everyone!
