BABY BOOMER BLUES

A lot of my friends are experiencing the baby boomer blues. So just how do you get out of that rut? It is easy to say "just stay active" but there is a lot of things going on when your a boomer.

First of all the kids have all flown the coop so to speak. Now it's just me - in my particular case. No house because of bad man choices early in life. No one's fault but my own that's for sure. Too generous, too helpful, just too of everything. Being nice doesn't always get you to the front row of life. But I guess in a spiritual sense it does.

I will give you an example: found a two week metro pass the other day in the coffee shop. Of course I would not pocket it - that would be terrible. It turns out that the Manager of the place had just used the washroom and it fell out of her pocket. Ya I felt really good that the metro pass landed back in the right hands.

Another example: I always help people in need. Turns out now that I am retired - I am a free everything - from dog sitter, to babysitter, to personal support worker. Ya - retirement comes at a cost. But, you feel good inside - right.

So I made a pack with myself. Go to Karioke night at least twice a month - even though I can only sing  a few notes perfectly okay. Sort of like Cher - she could only sing in one note according to her.

Go to free - ice skating - and hope that I don't fall and bang my head. Oh ya I have to rent skates. And, I will have to take a friend to hold onto

Try to find an inexpensive hobby. I cook for example but I am no Chef Boyarde! Is that how it's spelled?

Walking - now that's free and fun - weather permitting. Oh ya, when it's crappy outside - that's when I get out the old dancing shoes and put on my favourite Donny and Marie Osmond tape. Ok- now my age is showing!

I love Vegas but a girl who is broke is not going there this year.

If I ever get freed up of my free duties maybe I would have time for a little part time job. Then I could save for a trip! Now your talking - easier said then done when your family needs you.

I could always just say the evil no word - but - hey that's not really me as you can see.

So, I guess I just have to keep on going like the energizer bunny. Hey - now you just get your mind out of the gutter!

Maybe I should be wishing on stars at night. A lightning bolt would probably strike me on the head before I would find a rich man or win the lottery.

So here I am with the Baby Boomer Blues and guess what the secret is: just keep on giving and just keep on living.

That's  it for today.

Your Diva Money Saver

I Hate Debt - Frugual Ways to Get Out of the Hole

Yes, I hate debt. I really hate it. The only way to get rid of it is to balance your budget each and every month. That means living on less and spending less than you make. Easy - well - not so fast. If it was that easy why are most Canadian households at least each $20,000.00 in consumer debt?

The answer is not an easy one. Life can screw you up. Medical problems, unexpected layoffs from work. Not being able to find a job. The list can just go on and on.

The cost of living in Toronto Ontario Canada is very expensive. Very few of us grow our own vegetables and yes we should cook more and eat out less. That is just good old common sense. Yet, we are social animals and we love to get invited out and it is hard to say no when if you don't go out what will you do? Watch another boring TV show?

The answer my friend is balance and budget. Write down every darn nickle you spend. Try to cut out one expense every single month. Even if you just don't go for that coffee. That saves you $2.00 at least.

Maybe you have to sacrifice a thing or two every month. I gave up getting my nails done. Sure they are clean and neat and not as beautiful but hey I am saving at least $35.00 a month.

Buy your lottery ticket once a month instead of every week. Hey - it's just fate if you win anyway.

Next I am cutting out all expenses that were not essential to my home based business which I might be winding up. 

The reason is clear - if it is costing you 4 times what you are making back in return - your in the wrong business. I found it hard to believe my business was making me poor. Did you know that there is a 95% percent failure rate to home based businesses? So be careful what you get into. Buyer beware as they say.

I am on a very tight fixed income so after rent I am already broke. So, my only chance of having a happy debt free life is to live within my means.

Another thing is this - never go shopping without your coupons for example Shopper's. You can get 20x the points on your purchases. Again, purchase just what you really need.

No I am not lazy - I have applied for many jobs in my neighbourhood. It is just hard when your a certain age as they want to hire young people and I truly understand that. 

Sell whatever you have lying around your place! If your not using it - sell it. You might make a hundred or two to pay off debt.

Everyday put on your thinking cap and ask where can I save a dollar? But, don't give up doing and buying things you absolutely need. I am very generous with tips and treating my friends. Sometimes I have to curb that a little bit. 

So make a tracking list and slash every month something you can live without.

Think before you go shopping. Ask yourself is there a cheaper place I can eat out if that is what you have to do. Were not hermits so we do eat out sometimes. Just be creative and find a cheaper alternative.

Some seniors get frustrated because to pay off their debt some have to pay a lot of money every month on their debt and they know it will take 5 years to get rid of all of it. Don't despair because once you are living within your means it will get easier. Paying it off yourself will avoid getting a bad credit rating.

So never give up and just be like me and hate debt!

That's it for today - hope it helped.

Your - Diva Money Saver

The Dumpster Diver Was Back In My Garbage Bin Today

Wow - I couldn't believe my eyes - yes - the local dumpster diver was in my apartment garbage bin and he was making quite a mess!

 

Initially I was repulsed that someone was going through all the garbage. But then, I was sad thinking maybe the poor guy was really broke and this was some kind of last resort for him. Maybe he is homeless or having a really tough time. Who really knows? If I was desperate would I dumpster dive? Hmm..... don't think so. I am too much of a neat freak for any of that. I would be afraid that a raccoon or worse - maybe a rat - would attack me. Then there are cockroaches and bed bugs in some of these bins.

Oooops........ you caught me. Ha, ha ..... if you paid me a million dollars maybe.

I find it interesting though why people do this disgusting past time.

Watch this video for some insight into the Dumpster Diver game.

Well, I am surprised what this lady found in a dumpster dive. My stomach is kinda turning already.Yuck!

So for me, I will just watch my pennies and be grateful that I don't have to dumpster dive to survive.

It brought back to me in real time how lucky most of us are that have enough money every month to get by  even if it is a little tough sometimes. I mean Toronto Ontario Canada is expensive. Have you seen the prices of houses these days? I notice the beautiful homes in my neighbourhood and nobody is selling. You know why? Because they have to spend a fortune to even get a condo!

Another problem with an overpriced housing market is that if you do buy you'll probably have a big mortgage. And if the person who owns the home loses their job - then what? It wouldn't take rocket science to know they probably would have to sell. 

Finding a nice apartment these days is not an easy task. Especially if you are single and need affordable rent. So, people like myself  who have a nice place - stay where they are - because we are grandfathered into a reasonable rent - whereas people looking today are getting stiffed big time.  

And, if you want to get into a co-op apartment or townhouse or even senior rentals that are geared to income their is a waiting list an arm and a leg long. 

So, for me it comes down to always being mindful of your budget. Trim the fat as they say. But, in today's world that is hard to do. It takes sacrifice that is for sure.

I will just sign off now and hopefully soon I can give you some great tips on how to save your money.

Hey - no stealing from your kid's piggy bank.

That's it for today.

Your Diva Money Saver

How to Sleigh the Debt Monster

Loving money is something most people have no problem having a love affair with. But, when your broke and in debt that love affair is just an endless fairytale.

Life is meant to live in good health, strong faith, and sometimes with money. So, that means for most of us we deserve to have all of that. So, after getting our other priorities in order let's work on getting rid of debt.

I have been trying to find a part time job as my income just doesn't afford too many luxuries. When you get a certain age you want to travel and do what your heart desires.

So what get's in the way - debt - too much debt !

People all over the world lose sleep over it each and every night. In our wonderful country Canada the last thing we should be worried about is owing too much money.

Once you realize your in this mess the important thing is to dig yourself out.

Some people need credit counselling. Other people just need a good kick in the butt and try to live within their monthly budget. Budget - what you don't have one! Now that's a problem.

Make a list! Start with your fixed expenses. Then make a second list - the one you can cut expenses from.

For me I gave up getting my nails done. Yes, I have to do them myself now. Poor me.

Next I cut services to my home based business as I was paying out too much money for little if any return.

No vacation this year - nope - I have to pay down debt.

Stop watching paper-view movies as you can get free TV shows instead.

Watching the same movies that you own over and over again - oh well.

Exercise everyday to your favourite CD - that is what I do for at least 1/2 hour.

You are now triming your waistline at the same time as your debt. Isn't that insane.

Never go to Shopper's Drugmart unless you have your coupons with you - yes you can get those optimum points. I sometimes cash in and get $200.00 worth of free stuff. Mind you it might take me quite a long time now as I am refusing to go in there unless I really need to.

Stop eating out - make more food at home. You will save a bundle. That doesn't mean never go out - just not every single day - duh!

Put something in your rainy day account - no matter how little. It will eventually add up. Then treat yourself to something special - after all - you deserve it.

Many financial advisors tell you to pay off your highest owed credit card first. Once paid off that money can go against debt 2 and 3. You get the picture.

If you can consolidate everything into one big loan - better still. But, don't use that credit line - just pay it down.

Some people go to the thrift shops and you know what - I have no problem with that myself.

So just try to keep track of what your spending.

Put a note on the fridge - eat everything in here before I go grocery shopping.

If you can cut one week out of grocery shopping that is quite a savings every month but make sure your eating properly - not starving yourself.

Last but not least say a prayer to your money angels.

Now close your eyes and see if a magic wand appears. If it does then your on your way - out of debt!
 

Now you see it - now you don't ! Is your debt gone yet?

Ok - then keep working at it.

That's it for today.

Your - Diva Money Saver