Right away I need to set the record straight. Yep, no big bank account. But, I am rich in spirit and that is more important I imagine.
I bought my lotto max ticket the other day and I instantly starting thinking about what would happen to my life if I did win 40 Million Dollars.
First, - I would definitely give some cash to the Addison's Disease Research Foundation or maybe just start a foundation myself in Lisa Marie Bates' name. She is my ten year old daughter who died because she was mis-diagnosed.
Second - I would pay off any bills my son has and buy him a car and a house and a cool vacation. A few cool million would somehow get deposited into his account!
Third, I would pay off any debts that I have and buy myself a very nice house or townhouse. I don't need a mansion! New furniture would be on the list - that is for sure.
I could now afford to take driving lessons for driver's who need that extra special attention. Once I am good to go - a brand new sweet car - will do! Hey, I could afford to buy one that practically drives itself. Yes, all the bells and whistles.
For awhile, I would simply disappear to take my trip around the world. Oh yes! Anywhere my heart desires.
After all the hype is over, I would then help out my many relatives and friends who have bills and pay them all off. Remember, I have to win 40 million - cause I million just wouldn't do it! Of course if I only won 1 million I would have to change my list of what I would do. One million just doesn't go that far these days. I sure wouldn't complain.
I have worked hard all of my life and brought up my family pretty much on my own. So gosh ...... it would be so nice to not worry about money. I am sure I would sleep much better at night.
So please Universe do your magic. I am a gal who is very giving.
Hmmmm well a gal can dream can't she.
It would be so cool to be able to be a secret santa, ho ho ho!
That's it for today.
Your - Diva Money Saver
Saturday, December 21, 2013
Monday, December 16, 2013
Finding Ways To Save Money Over Xmas and New Years
As your Diva Money Saver it is my responsibility to try and find ways to save money over Xmas and New Year's. But, hey wait - not so fast - that is an almost impossible feat - even for me.
If only we could go on strike over Xmas. No spending, no partying, no meeting up with family and or friends - how horrible that would be! Well, I am not even going to touch that one with a ten foot pole because for me that would be a fate not worth living. Well, ok I am being a little over dramatic here but you know what I mean. Crap, everything and everywhere you go costs money over Xmas.
Here it is the month to be giving - giving of your time maybe - as most people are laid off right now and don't even have a job. So for most of us giving a lot to charity is not an option. I try to do little things like buy a pizza slice in the subway for United Way. Or, I give some small change to a homeless person once in awhile.
Well, I am happy to announce that I am eating in more and out less. For me that is a big yeah. I have to admit though I do go out for a coffee a few times a week just to inter-act with people.
Meeting up with friends over the holidays does take some pre-planning. If your going to eat out - check over the menu with a fine tooth comb - there just has to be something within your budget. Budget here - being the operative word.
I absolutely hate crowded stores and the Mall during the holidays so I am more likely spending my Shopper's Optimum points. Oh well, now the secret is out.
Gift cards are great for really good friends and family - just don't go over-board. Finding that special gift for someone special can be so darn frustrating when your on a tight budget.
Re-gifting - no - way! Personally, I rather be on the Titantic than do that. Yes, I would never sleep again!
If your really crafty then a nice home made gift would be appreciated but then again it depends on who you are giving it to and what your making.
Just shopping for your own children and their partners, seniors and/or care-givers in the family and the young kids - that is a good compromise. I mean if you tried to give a gift to all of your family you would be in the poor house for sure.
Exchanging gifts with best friends always has me on pins and needles. You worry - will they like it - will they hate it ! That syndrome is very common over the holidays.
My New Year's Resolution is to spend less at Xmas. You notice that this is happening after Xmas - go figure.
What - oh my - is a gal to do?
I wish I could be one of those people who fly off to another country for a month and arrive home on boxing day. Now - that's a happy thought.
But alas, I am one of those people - like everyone else - shopping in the mall at the last minute. Spending money that I shouldn't spend. My head starts to spin and the next thing I know - Xmas is over - my money is all gone - and - then it's "Happy New Year"!
So I will just sign off with a bah hum bug and say - better luck next year!
Your - Diva Money Saver
If only we could go on strike over Xmas. No spending, no partying, no meeting up with family and or friends - how horrible that would be! Well, I am not even going to touch that one with a ten foot pole because for me that would be a fate not worth living. Well, ok I am being a little over dramatic here but you know what I mean. Crap, everything and everywhere you go costs money over Xmas.
Here it is the month to be giving - giving of your time maybe - as most people are laid off right now and don't even have a job. So for most of us giving a lot to charity is not an option. I try to do little things like buy a pizza slice in the subway for United Way. Or, I give some small change to a homeless person once in awhile.
Well, I am happy to announce that I am eating in more and out less. For me that is a big yeah. I have to admit though I do go out for a coffee a few times a week just to inter-act with people.
Meeting up with friends over the holidays does take some pre-planning. If your going to eat out - check over the menu with a fine tooth comb - there just has to be something within your budget. Budget here - being the operative word.
I absolutely hate crowded stores and the Mall during the holidays so I am more likely spending my Shopper's Optimum points. Oh well, now the secret is out.
Gift cards are great for really good friends and family - just don't go over-board. Finding that special gift for someone special can be so darn frustrating when your on a tight budget.
Re-gifting - no - way! Personally, I rather be on the Titantic than do that. Yes, I would never sleep again!
If your really crafty then a nice home made gift would be appreciated but then again it depends on who you are giving it to and what your making.
Just shopping for your own children and their partners, seniors and/or care-givers in the family and the young kids - that is a good compromise. I mean if you tried to give a gift to all of your family you would be in the poor house for sure.
Exchanging gifts with best friends always has me on pins and needles. You worry - will they like it - will they hate it ! That syndrome is very common over the holidays.
My New Year's Resolution is to spend less at Xmas. You notice that this is happening after Xmas - go figure.
What - oh my - is a gal to do?
I wish I could be one of those people who fly off to another country for a month and arrive home on boxing day. Now - that's a happy thought.
But alas, I am one of those people - like everyone else - shopping in the mall at the last minute. Spending money that I shouldn't spend. My head starts to spin and the next thing I know - Xmas is over - my money is all gone - and - then it's "Happy New Year"!
So I will just sign off with a bah hum bug and say - better luck next year!
Your - Diva Money Saver
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Become A Baby Boomer Fruga-lista
You know when you reach a certain age you need to become a baby boomer fruga-lista. This is because if your on a fixed income then you need to be creative and not necessarily a cheap skate to stay afloat each month.
This blog is just to give you - the baby boomer fruga-lista - some ideas to make it through the month.
Empty fridge syndrome: I used to find that if I shopped every week I was throwing out a lot of food. If you basically use everything in your fridge before you go out grocery shopping the tip here is your less inclined to throw out a lot of food. I am not saying starve yourself - I am just saying throw less out. This will help you save money.
Eat in more - eat out less syndrome: If you eat out every day it will add up a lot. I am not saying never ever eat out - I am just saying - watch it - keep tabs - or eat out at cheaper venues. For some seniors - they go out every day for a coffee - and I am not saying never do it - as your social life needs some inter-action - otherwise - you might get depressed especially because of cabin fever.
Eat healthy: fruits and veggies are cheaper than a lot of red meat. I find that if I eat greasy food I start breaking out - ya - I hate that. So, I try to avoid that stuff. It could be hormones too - who knows - it just happens sometimes.
To stay out of the mall during the holidays is probably not going to work too well for you. Just don't impulse shop - take a list - and try to stick to your budget.
Going out with family and friends to eat: find out where they are going so you can plan what your eating. Remember, you can always choose a cheaper item on the menu or maybe just have a salad.
If your a movie fanatic try to go to cheap night at the show which is usually cheap Tuesday. Even your concessions are cheaper on Tuesday night. Maybe it is boring but I do watch a lot of my DVD's over and over again so that I don't get tempted into a Paper-view movie which will add up and go onto your cable bill.
Remember - walking is free - and - if your a people watcher and friendly you can run into neighbours - exchange a smile or a hello - and when you get home you will feel really good. My doggie died some time ago and I really miss the walking with him. Unfortunately, I cannot afford the dog bills any longer so I have decided on a no pet policy for now. The dog bills actually really put my budget into turmoil. Yep, the dentist would be another one. Thank goodness I have a plan. Or, man oh man I would be in trouble.
I don't run in icy weather but I do a lot of exercising in front of the TV. That is free too. Stay away from paper-view movies as that will cost you. Go into all the free TV shows instead.
Curbing your spending will not happen overnight. Sometimes it is a life time of bad habits that we need to stop.
I am all for coupon shopping if you can control your spending. If your for sure buying an item you might as well save from the coupon.
I was trying to become a Coupon Queen but the only store worthwhile to shop where I live is Shopper's Drugmart. Not enough can be said about the Shopper's Optimum Program. Ya, it is a spend to get mentality but if your buying the items that you really need - well - you might as well enjoy the points.
December and January are the worst months for me to save because your out xmas shopping and that does add up and your pocket book probably will take a hit. Try to create a list and stick to it. Don't over-indulge too much because it will take you how many more months to play catch-up.
People today are paying enormous amounts of money on rental housing. The problem for baby boomers is two-fold. First of all there really is no new affordable housing especially for the baby boomer. Most boomers are now paying about 50% of their income on rent and some even more. Secondly, if you don't want to live in a dump you will be paying for it. Better or more rent control is needed in this city if you ask me.
When you retire you think it will be easy to get a part-time job. Think again. Most of the time the employer will see that you are retired and I think they put you at the bottom of the pile. At least I think that is what has been happening. They don't realize that a lot of pensions are small and you are stuck between a rock and a hard place because Toronto is such an expensive city to live in.
Myself I don't give up too easy. I run a self-employed business that I hope will one day be my Plan B. At least for now I can get some tax right-offs. It also gets me out of the apartment net-working so that I don't suffer from cabin fever too often.
I always hope that maybe I will find a job in writing. Do Blogger's get paid? I tried Squidoo and that is a hard job keeping up with all the lenses you have to create. So for me I now go into the site when I am bored. At least writing keeps me out of the mall.
Forget doing surveys from home - been there - done that - they just don't pay enough to make it worth your while. At least not from my experience.
So between calling the temp agency, applying on-line for walmart, lcbo, shopper's drugmart - I just have to hope one day I will get a call for a part-time job. Oh ya - gave out dog flyers - and - that hasn't worked out too well for me.
So try to watch what you spend - and - don't beat yourself up if you fall down because - you just gotta brush yourself off and try over and over again - until you get good at it.
I believe the Universe will send me some good news on the financial front really soon. Oh, you didn't know I was psychic.
That's it for today.
Your - Diva Money Saver
This blog is just to give you - the baby boomer fruga-lista - some ideas to make it through the month.
Empty fridge syndrome: I used to find that if I shopped every week I was throwing out a lot of food. If you basically use everything in your fridge before you go out grocery shopping the tip here is your less inclined to throw out a lot of food. I am not saying starve yourself - I am just saying throw less out. This will help you save money.
Eat in more - eat out less syndrome: If you eat out every day it will add up a lot. I am not saying never ever eat out - I am just saying - watch it - keep tabs - or eat out at cheaper venues. For some seniors - they go out every day for a coffee - and I am not saying never do it - as your social life needs some inter-action - otherwise - you might get depressed especially because of cabin fever.
Eat healthy: fruits and veggies are cheaper than a lot of red meat. I find that if I eat greasy food I start breaking out - ya - I hate that. So, I try to avoid that stuff. It could be hormones too - who knows - it just happens sometimes.
To stay out of the mall during the holidays is probably not going to work too well for you. Just don't impulse shop - take a list - and try to stick to your budget.
Going out with family and friends to eat: find out where they are going so you can plan what your eating. Remember, you can always choose a cheaper item on the menu or maybe just have a salad.
If your a movie fanatic try to go to cheap night at the show which is usually cheap Tuesday. Even your concessions are cheaper on Tuesday night. Maybe it is boring but I do watch a lot of my DVD's over and over again so that I don't get tempted into a Paper-view movie which will add up and go onto your cable bill.
Remember - walking is free - and - if your a people watcher and friendly you can run into neighbours - exchange a smile or a hello - and when you get home you will feel really good. My doggie died some time ago and I really miss the walking with him. Unfortunately, I cannot afford the dog bills any longer so I have decided on a no pet policy for now. The dog bills actually really put my budget into turmoil. Yep, the dentist would be another one. Thank goodness I have a plan. Or, man oh man I would be in trouble.
I don't run in icy weather but I do a lot of exercising in front of the TV. That is free too. Stay away from paper-view movies as that will cost you. Go into all the free TV shows instead.
Curbing your spending will not happen overnight. Sometimes it is a life time of bad habits that we need to stop.
I am all for coupon shopping if you can control your spending. If your for sure buying an item you might as well save from the coupon.
I was trying to become a Coupon Queen but the only store worthwhile to shop where I live is Shopper's Drugmart. Not enough can be said about the Shopper's Optimum Program. Ya, it is a spend to get mentality but if your buying the items that you really need - well - you might as well enjoy the points.
December and January are the worst months for me to save because your out xmas shopping and that does add up and your pocket book probably will take a hit. Try to create a list and stick to it. Don't over-indulge too much because it will take you how many more months to play catch-up.
People today are paying enormous amounts of money on rental housing. The problem for baby boomers is two-fold. First of all there really is no new affordable housing especially for the baby boomer. Most boomers are now paying about 50% of their income on rent and some even more. Secondly, if you don't want to live in a dump you will be paying for it. Better or more rent control is needed in this city if you ask me.
When you retire you think it will be easy to get a part-time job. Think again. Most of the time the employer will see that you are retired and I think they put you at the bottom of the pile. At least I think that is what has been happening. They don't realize that a lot of pensions are small and you are stuck between a rock and a hard place because Toronto is such an expensive city to live in.
Myself I don't give up too easy. I run a self-employed business that I hope will one day be my Plan B. At least for now I can get some tax right-offs. It also gets me out of the apartment net-working so that I don't suffer from cabin fever too often.
I always hope that maybe I will find a job in writing. Do Blogger's get paid? I tried Squidoo and that is a hard job keeping up with all the lenses you have to create. So for me I now go into the site when I am bored. At least writing keeps me out of the mall.
Forget doing surveys from home - been there - done that - they just don't pay enough to make it worth your while. At least not from my experience.
So between calling the temp agency, applying on-line for walmart, lcbo, shopper's drugmart - I just have to hope one day I will get a call for a part-time job. Oh ya - gave out dog flyers - and - that hasn't worked out too well for me.
So try to watch what you spend - and - don't beat yourself up if you fall down because - you just gotta brush yourself off and try over and over again - until you get good at it.
I believe the Universe will send me some good news on the financial front really soon. Oh, you didn't know I was psychic.
That's it for today.
Your - Diva Money Saver
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