When you become a baby boomer you want to retire early - so - you do. That is if you can. I know some companies do not have pension plans and that is just sad.
I took early retirement with stars in my eyes. All the little part time jobs would pop out of nowhere and my money situation would be fixed for life.
Yes I am very lucky that I have a pension plan. The problem is this - you get less money - so you have to budget wisely.
Well the job front did not materialize as planned - not for lack of effort applying for jobs. I think they see semi-retired and you go to the bottom of the pile.
Even the government agency where I am listed. I keep calling them on a Friday and they keep telling me "your on our active list", "thanks for calling in" - but - zero jobs so far.
A lot of CV's are now posted on-line so there is no more meeting the Manager and filling out a store application. Now they just see thousands of CV's and keep you on file.
I think the problem in Toronto is two-fold. There are the under-employed and the unemployed. So, the competition out there for even a menial job is fierce.
If your going to retire go to tax specialist first and foremost so you don't end up paying extra taxes when you retire.
I will not do anything immoral or illegal - so - no pole dancing for this gal.
My LavaGirl Song needs some more work - so - I just sing it in the shower - so no movie offers yet.
My LavaGirl Novel is still a work in progress - so - nobody is able to buy my fantastic book anytime soon. Yes I have copywrite protection!
If I could get paid to write - well - now your talking.
So here's a shout-out to the Toronto Star, the Globe and Mail, and the Sun - hey - I'm available.
Well, I did take a fiction writing course at the Chang School of Business and I do blog - so - does that qualify me as a writer? Maybe - maybe not!
Giving money advice - I am really good at that. Sticking to what I am preaching - well - that can be another story.
I still hope to run into that rich, attractive, honest, reliable, man of my dreams - but - Superman is a super-hero and they are few and far between. I mean how many men are going to change in a telephone booth and swoop you in their arms and take you all over the world on a whim? Oh, ya, and protect you from harm and keep you safe!
This time next year my global self-employed business should be taking off - hopefully - in a good way.
You know that Colonel Sanders heard "no", 1,000 times before he got a business partner.
It will just have to be a tax write-off for now. But, you know I am always hoping. My friends, family, and acquaintances know what I am into and they really should call me or refer me because that is how you fuel the type of business that I am into. Yes, it is word of mouth advertising called your warm market.
So, I guess that's it for today.
Your - Diva Money Saver
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Baby Boomers and Money
Today, I have declared it as a no spend day. Yes, so I am busy doing my writing and staying in. I will go for a much needed walk later. If it rains I will just exercise inside.
When your a baby boomer it get's harder to save money. If your retired you get paid once a month and it is just so hard to keep within your budget.
Right now I have to stay out of Shopper's Drugmart - the optimum points program is my best friend - but - it costs you to get the points. If you do go to Shopper's Drugmart I say use the Optimum card because eventually it equals free stuff.
So, next month will be better because I have maxed out my points. Now the secret here is to only spend those points when they have the max pay-out days. So when they will double your pay-out that is when you spend it. Maybe buy your expensive items like face cream or makeup.
I went to Scarborough Town Centre only to find out that all the jobs need to be applied for on-line. That is fine but when you do it - your CV seems to get lost in cyber-space. So much for the old fashioned way of applying for a job. You know - fill out a form from the company and speak to the Manager directly. Those days my friend are gone. I want to work in the area where I live so that is where I am spending my time applying for work.
The age factor - oh yes. You put on your resume that you are semi-retired and guess what - there you go - to the bottom of the pile.
Staying out of expensive restaurants - I do. But, when my friends want to go to lunch they forget I don't have the same money as them. Or, if I am bored and go out for lunch on my own - which happens now and again - I pick a cheap place! Eating out will and does add up. My moto is always eat breakfast at home and dinner. Never ever deviate from that plan. Cause lunch can be a cheap pizza slice or a burger. Try and keep the number of times you do it to a minimum. Again, it can add up but gosh - ya gotta live.
I stay out of expensive shops these days. A little stroll through Value Village can get you a new top or whatever your heart desires for cheap - usually - 10 times less than what you pay at the Bay or Sears.
Don't rent movies! Even watching DVD's you have had for a long time over and over again - will - save you money. Paper-views should be a "no" "no"!
When I go to the movie theatre I try to do it on cheap Tuesday's or you pay a rediculous high price for the same deal. Try to eat before you go - that - never works for me as I love the smell of popcorn and to me that is half the experience of seeing a movie.
My part-time job prospects are few and far between right now. The Agency I call for the government tells me I am on their active list and thanks me for calling in. Well, that has been going on for a few months and still no work. I think there are a lot of unemployed people in Toronto.
The small Shopper's Drugmart around the corner - well - I am probably one of their best customers and yet they don't have enough hours for the people who work there. Gosh they should at least give me shares in the company. I am thinking about applying at the 24 hour store but really I don't want to work midnight shift thank you very much.
Getting paid for my writing - now there is an option. Who, where, when, how? Yes, I will have to research that. It is a possibility but a slim one.
I could sell my LavaGirl Song but again to who, where, when, how? Probably best to keep singing it in the shower but because I have no friends in the entertainment industry I probably won't get discovered anytime soon!
I did attempt to walk dogs and gave out flyers at the vet's office. Handed them out to some pet owner's but no bites. I even advertised on a free newspaper site!
My little self-employed global business - well - let's just say that this year it is a tax right off. And, keeping my business operating is costing me so far. Yet - I will keep on plugging away as I invested in this and I am determined to make a go of it. Then I can stop worrying about money all together. Hey - I have a ways to go!
No, I won't do anything illegal or immoral - so - you can forget any of those options.
Even though my psychic powers are within me - sorry - I am not good enough to give readings or speak to the dead. I am more inspirational and prefer to keep that under lock and key.
So, I guess I could put up flyers to do light house-keeping. But wait - I hate darn housework. I have a hard enough time to keep my own place spic and span - which I do. It's easy cause I have no one else messing up the place.
Finding a rich boy friend - well - here we go again. Do I travel in their circles? No! Hating internet dating - well - that doesn't help. Oh, and if I spend the entire day inside as planned - well - I am saving money - but - not running into my honey! Not that I would anyway. Too bad real life is not like those fairy tales in the movies where everyone lives happily ever after.
That's it for today.
Your - Diva Money Saver
When your a baby boomer it get's harder to save money. If your retired you get paid once a month and it is just so hard to keep within your budget.
Right now I have to stay out of Shopper's Drugmart - the optimum points program is my best friend - but - it costs you to get the points. If you do go to Shopper's Drugmart I say use the Optimum card because eventually it equals free stuff.
So, next month will be better because I have maxed out my points. Now the secret here is to only spend those points when they have the max pay-out days. So when they will double your pay-out that is when you spend it. Maybe buy your expensive items like face cream or makeup.
I went to Scarborough Town Centre only to find out that all the jobs need to be applied for on-line. That is fine but when you do it - your CV seems to get lost in cyber-space. So much for the old fashioned way of applying for a job. You know - fill out a form from the company and speak to the Manager directly. Those days my friend are gone. I want to work in the area where I live so that is where I am spending my time applying for work.
The age factor - oh yes. You put on your resume that you are semi-retired and guess what - there you go - to the bottom of the pile.
Staying out of expensive restaurants - I do. But, when my friends want to go to lunch they forget I don't have the same money as them. Or, if I am bored and go out for lunch on my own - which happens now and again - I pick a cheap place! Eating out will and does add up. My moto is always eat breakfast at home and dinner. Never ever deviate from that plan. Cause lunch can be a cheap pizza slice or a burger. Try and keep the number of times you do it to a minimum. Again, it can add up but gosh - ya gotta live.
I stay out of expensive shops these days. A little stroll through Value Village can get you a new top or whatever your heart desires for cheap - usually - 10 times less than what you pay at the Bay or Sears.
Don't rent movies! Even watching DVD's you have had for a long time over and over again - will - save you money. Paper-views should be a "no" "no"!
When I go to the movie theatre I try to do it on cheap Tuesday's or you pay a rediculous high price for the same deal. Try to eat before you go - that - never works for me as I love the smell of popcorn and to me that is half the experience of seeing a movie.
My part-time job prospects are few and far between right now. The Agency I call for the government tells me I am on their active list and thanks me for calling in. Well, that has been going on for a few months and still no work. I think there are a lot of unemployed people in Toronto.
The small Shopper's Drugmart around the corner - well - I am probably one of their best customers and yet they don't have enough hours for the people who work there. Gosh they should at least give me shares in the company. I am thinking about applying at the 24 hour store but really I don't want to work midnight shift thank you very much.
Getting paid for my writing - now there is an option. Who, where, when, how? Yes, I will have to research that. It is a possibility but a slim one.
I could sell my LavaGirl Song but again to who, where, when, how? Probably best to keep singing it in the shower but because I have no friends in the entertainment industry I probably won't get discovered anytime soon!
I did attempt to walk dogs and gave out flyers at the vet's office. Handed them out to some pet owner's but no bites. I even advertised on a free newspaper site!
My little self-employed global business - well - let's just say that this year it is a tax right off. And, keeping my business operating is costing me so far. Yet - I will keep on plugging away as I invested in this and I am determined to make a go of it. Then I can stop worrying about money all together. Hey - I have a ways to go!
No, I won't do anything illegal or immoral - so - you can forget any of those options.
Even though my psychic powers are within me - sorry - I am not good enough to give readings or speak to the dead. I am more inspirational and prefer to keep that under lock and key.
So, I guess I could put up flyers to do light house-keeping. But wait - I hate darn housework. I have a hard enough time to keep my own place spic and span - which I do. It's easy cause I have no one else messing up the place.
Finding a rich boy friend - well - here we go again. Do I travel in their circles? No! Hating internet dating - well - that doesn't help. Oh, and if I spend the entire day inside as planned - well - I am saving money - but - not running into my honey! Not that I would anyway. Too bad real life is not like those fairy tales in the movies where everyone lives happily ever after.
That's it for today.
Your - Diva Money Saver
Monday, October 21, 2013
The Millionaire Dynamic
There are so many of us who would love to be millionaire's.
Yes, the Millionaire Dynamic. I think if you scrimped and saved to the point where you have become one well, good for you. What about the rest of us? Lottery ticket please!
The fact these days is that your either in the upper end of the money chain or the lower end. The middle class as they call it - is becoming less and less.
The upper class don't care - ok - some do - some just don't! So, why is this happening? Have you seen the price of a small bungelow in Toronto for example? Yup, maybe $300,000.00 or even more. Well, if there in rough shape you might pick one up for a lowly $250,000.00. Now, get one spouse or even a single owner laid off with a mortgage this high and it's good-by maybe forever to home ownership.
Now for the rest of us in the lower rung, either retired, has part-time work at minimum wage, or even full time work at minimum wage - there - you have the renters. Yes, try and find a decent apartment or flat in the City of Toronto for a reasonable amount of money. Most are now one bedrooms renting for about $1,200.00 a month if you just rented recently. For those of us grandfathered in years ago our rent is still reasonable. So, no rent control really. There are some really nasty apartments in Toronto let me tell you. I saw a few that were really awful when I was looking.
The cost of groceries has gone up. Now, factor in that you have to eat, and maybe you need prescription medication, you have to pay your rent or mortgage, hydro and gas, car payments, car insurance, gas for the car, house insurance, life insurance, dentist, toiletries, clothing, child care, entertainment etc. Now - you know why your broke.
How does one break this cycle? The answer is slow and methodical budgeting. Yes, a budget that shows you are not in the red at the end of the month. That is my new plan! Now because I have never ever stuck to a budget in my life this won't be easy. But I am sick of being poor - so - I have to. I will force myself to do it.
Some of my social butterfly status is going to take a hit. Well, I can't give up my nails just yet or my hairdresser - that would be just too cruel. But, I can do what all good budgeters do and borrow from my food or entertainment budget. Hey, that doesn't sound like a good idea. No, but as long as you have something left at the end of the month that is what counts.
Getting a part time job for me would be ideal. It would help me get rid of bills and save for a vacation. Now your talking. But, I have found it hard applying for work as a semi-retired person. Yes, it is very hard. Now all jobs are applied for on-line. No more of those walk in and apply on a store application form. Those days are gone my friend. But, this all adds to the poverty dynamic. Why, because no one is seeing you face to face and your lucky if they call you. You know how many jobless people there are out there? Lots! And, this is a big problem in Toronto.
I would shop in Value Village not a problem. Dumpster Dive - no way! Oh ya, no one offered me a million dollars to do it. Inside joke. Hoarding - no - I am too neat for all of that. I find those things repulsive. Germs man - germs!
Coupon Queen - that status is fine - as long as your buying just what your need. So your using your coupons to reduce the amount you have to pay out. So, coupons are good when used correctly.
Some months you just gotta throw in the towel and say to yourself - next month - I will try harder and do better than - last month. After all, hope runs eternal. And, you will not change bad habits overnight. Me, I could write myself silly on my blogs and stay out of the shops - now - that will save me money. Too bad no one will pay me for my writing. Hey - now there is something I have to look into.
I would love to be a famous journalist. Yes, all of this blogging - is that not experience? Sure it is, you just have to find someone who will pay you for your work. Not so fast. I love writing about real things - not fiction so much. So that fiction writing course I took isn't really doing me any good.
Yes, the poor gal diaries! Anyone interested? I am after all even in my middle age years much prettier than Honey Boo Boo's Mom and somehow she has made her way to fame and fortune. Oh ya, I live in Toronto not California, or Hollywood.
Maybe I will just put in a prayer to the Universe and pray for enlightenment. We all need that. Or stare at the stars at night in the heavens and pray for a miracle to happen. Oh, your not suppose to pray for money - who knew?
Maybe, tomorrow I will wake up and be in a bed of money. Oh, sorry it doesn't work that way! Not unless your a bank robber. Wow, I am too much of a chicken for any of that business. No it has to be legal and moral.
So the last ulternative my Plan B: a rich boyfriend. Oh excuse me, what circles do I hang out with?
After all of this babble it probably will boil down to me getting my semi-weekly lottery ticket. Good old 649! Millionaire status - here I come!
When I am a millionaire - well - then I can help others. You see - I would be such a good millionaire. Is anyone up there even listening?
Ah, in the meantime - smell the roses. Thank God for each and every day. Love life to the limit. Appreciate one's health. Guess what - you already won the lottery of life. Maybe it's not so bad being poor after all. Does money ever really make anyone happy? Yes - me! Do you hear me Universe?
That's it for now.
Your - Diva Money Saver
Yes, the Millionaire Dynamic. I think if you scrimped and saved to the point where you have become one well, good for you. What about the rest of us? Lottery ticket please!
The fact these days is that your either in the upper end of the money chain or the lower end. The middle class as they call it - is becoming less and less.
The upper class don't care - ok - some do - some just don't! So, why is this happening? Have you seen the price of a small bungelow in Toronto for example? Yup, maybe $300,000.00 or even more. Well, if there in rough shape you might pick one up for a lowly $250,000.00. Now, get one spouse or even a single owner laid off with a mortgage this high and it's good-by maybe forever to home ownership.
Now for the rest of us in the lower rung, either retired, has part-time work at minimum wage, or even full time work at minimum wage - there - you have the renters. Yes, try and find a decent apartment or flat in the City of Toronto for a reasonable amount of money. Most are now one bedrooms renting for about $1,200.00 a month if you just rented recently. For those of us grandfathered in years ago our rent is still reasonable. So, no rent control really. There are some really nasty apartments in Toronto let me tell you. I saw a few that were really awful when I was looking.
The cost of groceries has gone up. Now, factor in that you have to eat, and maybe you need prescription medication, you have to pay your rent or mortgage, hydro and gas, car payments, car insurance, gas for the car, house insurance, life insurance, dentist, toiletries, clothing, child care, entertainment etc. Now - you know why your broke.
How does one break this cycle? The answer is slow and methodical budgeting. Yes, a budget that shows you are not in the red at the end of the month. That is my new plan! Now because I have never ever stuck to a budget in my life this won't be easy. But I am sick of being poor - so - I have to. I will force myself to do it.
Some of my social butterfly status is going to take a hit. Well, I can't give up my nails just yet or my hairdresser - that would be just too cruel. But, I can do what all good budgeters do and borrow from my food or entertainment budget. Hey, that doesn't sound like a good idea. No, but as long as you have something left at the end of the month that is what counts.
Getting a part time job for me would be ideal. It would help me get rid of bills and save for a vacation. Now your talking. But, I have found it hard applying for work as a semi-retired person. Yes, it is very hard. Now all jobs are applied for on-line. No more of those walk in and apply on a store application form. Those days are gone my friend. But, this all adds to the poverty dynamic. Why, because no one is seeing you face to face and your lucky if they call you. You know how many jobless people there are out there? Lots! And, this is a big problem in Toronto.
I would shop in Value Village not a problem. Dumpster Dive - no way! Oh ya, no one offered me a million dollars to do it. Inside joke. Hoarding - no - I am too neat for all of that. I find those things repulsive. Germs man - germs!
Coupon Queen - that status is fine - as long as your buying just what your need. So your using your coupons to reduce the amount you have to pay out. So, coupons are good when used correctly.
Some months you just gotta throw in the towel and say to yourself - next month - I will try harder and do better than - last month. After all, hope runs eternal. And, you will not change bad habits overnight. Me, I could write myself silly on my blogs and stay out of the shops - now - that will save me money. Too bad no one will pay me for my writing. Hey - now there is something I have to look into.
I would love to be a famous journalist. Yes, all of this blogging - is that not experience? Sure it is, you just have to find someone who will pay you for your work. Not so fast. I love writing about real things - not fiction so much. So that fiction writing course I took isn't really doing me any good.
Yes, the poor gal diaries! Anyone interested? I am after all even in my middle age years much prettier than Honey Boo Boo's Mom and somehow she has made her way to fame and fortune. Oh ya, I live in Toronto not California, or Hollywood.
Maybe I will just put in a prayer to the Universe and pray for enlightenment. We all need that. Or stare at the stars at night in the heavens and pray for a miracle to happen. Oh, your not suppose to pray for money - who knew?
Maybe, tomorrow I will wake up and be in a bed of money. Oh, sorry it doesn't work that way! Not unless your a bank robber. Wow, I am too much of a chicken for any of that business. No it has to be legal and moral.
So the last ulternative my Plan B: a rich boyfriend. Oh excuse me, what circles do I hang out with?
After all of this babble it probably will boil down to me getting my semi-weekly lottery ticket. Good old 649! Millionaire status - here I come!
When I am a millionaire - well - then I can help others. You see - I would be such a good millionaire. Is anyone up there even listening?
Ah, in the meantime - smell the roses. Thank God for each and every day. Love life to the limit. Appreciate one's health. Guess what - you already won the lottery of life. Maybe it's not so bad being poor after all. Does money ever really make anyone happy? Yes - me! Do you hear me Universe?
That's it for now.
Your - Diva Money Saver
Saturday, October 12, 2013
I Found a Dumpster Diver in my Trash
Yuck - I recently found another dumpster diver in my trash. How disgusting I thought. But, wait - it didn't seem to faze the guy at all even when I was throwing my garbage in the bin. He seemed oblivious to what I had just done. Now, I did not see him before the swing of my garbage so sorry about that Mr. or Mrs. Dumpster Diver. Yes, can you believe that there are women dumpster diver's too.
Someone told me they personally knew someone who did this and that they were also hoarders. Hey - go figure. What a bundle of joy that must be for the neighbours. Can you even imagine? The only thing going through my mind at that point was rats, mice, racoons and maybe throw in a few bed bugs along the way.
But, what if this is the only way this person could pay his rent or for his or her food?
I mean this is going way past collecting pop bottles when your a kid. You know what I mean. If it was a toss up between begging on the street corners of Toronto or Dumpster Diving in the dead of night - I know I would choose the Dumpster Diving gig. Being a hoarder would probably have to come with the territory - cause - where do you keep all of the junk - good and bad? I am really too much of a neat freak for all of this. My heart is going a mile a minute just thinking about it.
So, gosh even e-bay has stuff on it that people found in the trash! I wonder what neighbourhood she is dumpster diving in? Maybe where the rich and famous live?
I mean is this even legal? I guess if it's trash and you don't get caught by the superintendent of the building or the store owner - your safe.
If your not afraid of germs and you have a strong stomach - well - then you can do it.
This lady is a shop-a-holic and her upscale house is a hoarder's paradise. Wow, she could use selling most of this stuff on e-bay. At least it would give her some money back. But, you see - she does not want to part with it. She admits to having a problem where she needs to shop. And, she is a school teacher - wow - I was so suprised. From the outside her house looks very nice but once inside it is a virtual nightmare. Yet, she is a hoarder but not an extreme hoarder. At least she is not hoarding cats, and human waste.
Wow - a lady who is into organizing would have a field day with this lady. That is, if you can even get her to part with the stuff.
Ok, so a word to the wise. If your a couponer to save money - just buy what you need because you can end up hoarding. If you can control it then by all means go for it - but - be careful you don't become a hoarder. Be organized and if it get's too much - donate the stuff.
I don't really put couponer's in the same category but wait - there are extreme couponer's out there. You know in the United States in the year 2008 there were a lot of people losing jobs, homes, you name it. A lot of people turned to couponing and some even stop foreclosures from happening. There are even people out there that teach you how to coupon.
I thought this little clip about Honey Boo Boo was pretty funny. But, you get the point.
Well, unless someone is ready to hand me over a cool million dollars and a bio-hazard suit - you won't find me in any garbage bins real soon! Okay, maybe even a few hundred thousand dollars.
So stay safe, stay well, and see you next time.
Your - Diva Money Saver
Someone told me they personally knew someone who did this and that they were also hoarders. Hey - go figure. What a bundle of joy that must be for the neighbours. Can you even imagine? The only thing going through my mind at that point was rats, mice, racoons and maybe throw in a few bed bugs along the way.
But, what if this is the only way this person could pay his rent or for his or her food?
I mean this is going way past collecting pop bottles when your a kid. You know what I mean. If it was a toss up between begging on the street corners of Toronto or Dumpster Diving in the dead of night - I know I would choose the Dumpster Diving gig. Being a hoarder would probably have to come with the territory - cause - where do you keep all of the junk - good and bad? I am really too much of a neat freak for all of this. My heart is going a mile a minute just thinking about it.
The shockingly good haul this lady found!
So, gosh even e-bay has stuff on it that people found in the trash! I wonder what neighbourhood she is dumpster diving in? Maybe where the rich and famous live?
I mean is this even legal? I guess if it's trash and you don't get caught by the superintendent of the building or the store owner - your safe.
If your not afraid of germs and you have a strong stomach - well - then you can do it.
Wow - a lady who is into organizing would have a field day with this lady. That is, if you can even get her to part with the stuff.
Ok, so a word to the wise. If your a couponer to save money - just buy what you need because you can end up hoarding. If you can control it then by all means go for it - but - be careful you don't become a hoarder. Be organized and if it get's too much - donate the stuff.
I don't really put couponer's in the same category but wait - there are extreme couponer's out there. You know in the United States in the year 2008 there were a lot of people losing jobs, homes, you name it. A lot of people turned to couponing and some even stop foreclosures from happening. There are even people out there that teach you how to coupon.
Well, unless someone is ready to hand me over a cool million dollars and a bio-hazard suit - you won't find me in any garbage bins real soon! Okay, maybe even a few hundred thousand dollars.
So stay safe, stay well, and see you next time.
Your - Diva Money Saver
Friday, October 11, 2013
Getting Out of Debt When Your Retired
I think the hardest thing to do when your retried is paying off debt that has accumulated over a long number of years. For me, it is trying to do things that are free. Right now I had a croissant and a coffee just to get out of the apartment. Well, there renovating in the next door apartment and the banging and thumping was something else. So, I decided to treat myself.
Again, if your a social butterfly like me you are going out constantly with friends and that can add up. I usually always make my breakfast and supper. Lunches out are my demon. But, because I recognize that this is hurting me - I am more conscious about it and sometimes I refuse to buy my lunch. Go to a cheaper restaurant - that - will help a lot. Cook a lot- that will save you even more money.
Exercise is free. This helps me to keep healthy and doing something that does not cost me any money. Yes, a lot of walking.
I keep business cards in my pocket at all times so that if the opportunity happens to present itself to talk to neighbours and drum up some business for my little self-employed company - I am all over that one. Also, I can write off things off as business expenses.
I am also a Coupon Queen but the problem is - I am addicted to Shopper's Drug-mart Optimum Points. Yes, I get a lot of stuff free but you gotta spend it to get it. So, I only do a big shop in Shopper's when I can max out my points. This way I am getting what I use and what I need for free.
Air miles - I love them too. So, I use my Avion Visa like a debit card - and - yes it does pay off. As long as you pay off the balance each and every month. So, next year or the year after I will have a free trip. Again, you gotta spend it to get it.
This spend to get mentality is not good for everyone because you do need to be disciplined in paying it all off. So far, I live within my means so this has all been working in my favour.
You have to be self-motivated when your retired too. You know the days can just come and go and get pretty boring if you don't keep busy. I don't have a problem with this as I am very motivated in a good way.
If the problem of gaining weight presents itself this winter - I will join a gym. I think that I get enough daily exercise right now because the weather has been so good and I just love going for walks.
I have been applying here and there for part-time jobs in the neighbourhood. I mean I don't want to commute if I don't have to. The problem for retired people is this: a lot of people are out of work so they push your application to the back of the pile. Christmas is coming so I am hoping that I will get a few interviews. The extra cash would be really nice.
Another consideration is to apply for a co-op apartment that is geared to income. If you don't have anything but your pension then that can save you hundreds of dollars a year. The problem in Toronto is that a lot of people are on these lists and you want to be in a nice neighbourhood and have a nice cozy place that you can enjoy. You have to like your place because your there a lot. I know someone who has been on these lists for at least ten years - well - that is something else.
Hopefully, your health will hold out so that you can do some part-time work. You know that is so very important. Right now like I said it is finding someone that will hire a retired person. You cannot lie on your resume so when they ask why you left a job and you tell them you retired I think it is a blessing and a curse.
Get creative in how to save money. Put your extra cash in a money jar. So, you don't buy lunch - that money goes in the money jar. Or, you sold something on kijji - that money goes in the jar. It will add up quickly and having some savings each and every month is smart.
For seniors who are in such bad shape they need to go bankrupt - make sure you know what your doing. Do not go bankrupt in the year you added to your RRSP. Go bankrupt if you have to the following year. You must be one year past your contribution or they will claw at your RRSP's and that would not be good.
Instead of going bankrupt see if a good budget will do the trick. Or, go to a financial analyst and see if you can do a Proposal instead. You will have to cut up your credit card if this happens to you. So, if you can get a few paid jobs, errands, dog walking, cleaning - that may save you from this problem.
Do a lot of reading - that is free. Go to the public library and get your DVD's. Stay away from paper-view movies. I have my friend pay half if I do rent one. I go half's on pizza too if that is your weekly ritual.
Last but not least - don't give up on yourself. When you pray to the Universe - good things are coming. Tomorrow is a new day with so much promise. If you have your health - you do have your wealth.
That's it for today.
Your - Diva Money Saver
Again, if your a social butterfly like me you are going out constantly with friends and that can add up. I usually always make my breakfast and supper. Lunches out are my demon. But, because I recognize that this is hurting me - I am more conscious about it and sometimes I refuse to buy my lunch. Go to a cheaper restaurant - that - will help a lot. Cook a lot- that will save you even more money.
Exercise is free. This helps me to keep healthy and doing something that does not cost me any money. Yes, a lot of walking.
I keep business cards in my pocket at all times so that if the opportunity happens to present itself to talk to neighbours and drum up some business for my little self-employed company - I am all over that one. Also, I can write off things off as business expenses.
I am also a Coupon Queen but the problem is - I am addicted to Shopper's Drug-mart Optimum Points. Yes, I get a lot of stuff free but you gotta spend it to get it. So, I only do a big shop in Shopper's when I can max out my points. This way I am getting what I use and what I need for free.
Air miles - I love them too. So, I use my Avion Visa like a debit card - and - yes it does pay off. As long as you pay off the balance each and every month. So, next year or the year after I will have a free trip. Again, you gotta spend it to get it.
This spend to get mentality is not good for everyone because you do need to be disciplined in paying it all off. So far, I live within my means so this has all been working in my favour.
You have to be self-motivated when your retired too. You know the days can just come and go and get pretty boring if you don't keep busy. I don't have a problem with this as I am very motivated in a good way.
If the problem of gaining weight presents itself this winter - I will join a gym. I think that I get enough daily exercise right now because the weather has been so good and I just love going for walks.
I have been applying here and there for part-time jobs in the neighbourhood. I mean I don't want to commute if I don't have to. The problem for retired people is this: a lot of people are out of work so they push your application to the back of the pile. Christmas is coming so I am hoping that I will get a few interviews. The extra cash would be really nice.
Another consideration is to apply for a co-op apartment that is geared to income. If you don't have anything but your pension then that can save you hundreds of dollars a year. The problem in Toronto is that a lot of people are on these lists and you want to be in a nice neighbourhood and have a nice cozy place that you can enjoy. You have to like your place because your there a lot. I know someone who has been on these lists for at least ten years - well - that is something else.
Hopefully, your health will hold out so that you can do some part-time work. You know that is so very important. Right now like I said it is finding someone that will hire a retired person. You cannot lie on your resume so when they ask why you left a job and you tell them you retired I think it is a blessing and a curse.
Get creative in how to save money. Put your extra cash in a money jar. So, you don't buy lunch - that money goes in the money jar. Or, you sold something on kijji - that money goes in the jar. It will add up quickly and having some savings each and every month is smart.
For seniors who are in such bad shape they need to go bankrupt - make sure you know what your doing. Do not go bankrupt in the year you added to your RRSP. Go bankrupt if you have to the following year. You must be one year past your contribution or they will claw at your RRSP's and that would not be good.
Instead of going bankrupt see if a good budget will do the trick. Or, go to a financial analyst and see if you can do a Proposal instead. You will have to cut up your credit card if this happens to you. So, if you can get a few paid jobs, errands, dog walking, cleaning - that may save you from this problem.
Do a lot of reading - that is free. Go to the public library and get your DVD's. Stay away from paper-view movies. I have my friend pay half if I do rent one. I go half's on pizza too if that is your weekly ritual.
Last but not least - don't give up on yourself. When you pray to the Universe - good things are coming. Tomorrow is a new day with so much promise. If you have your health - you do have your wealth.
That's it for today.
Your - Diva Money Saver
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