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

What I Would Do With 40 Million Dollars

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

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

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

Storage War Baby Boomer - here I come!

After deciding I needed a little part time job to make ends meet I am really disappointed in the local stores that are walking distance from my home. The name of the game is to save money or learn to live on what I make.

I thought being right before Xmas I would get a call but nothing - duh! Well, if you read how many young people are out of work or doing menial jobs then you kinda get the feeling - it's not you!

Really, can you save during Xmas? Well, that is almost an impossibility. But, you can set a budget and just force yourself to stick to it. No impulse buying!

Ok, so what can you do to cut corners? I decided to curb my coffee meetings with a friend because if you do that every single day - that sure adds up.

Walking around the neighbourhood is free! Exercising in front of the TV is free. Going to the library is free. Ice Skating well  that would be fun. Oh, darn I need a pair of skates!

Forget all the lunches out and when someone invites you out - maybe order something cheap on the menu or ask them to go to a cheaper place. Because if you do this once a week even - it really adds up.

It really doesn't help that groceries just seem to be climbing up in price every week.

Always carry your coupons with you - that way you will cut a dollar or two off of your bill.

So, just try everyday to think of creative ways to save money! Stay out of the mall - that is a good one. Go to Goodwill or Variety Village when you need something instead of an expensive store like the Bay.

Cook more - eat out less - well - that is a no brainer. But, when your a social butterfly that can be hard.

Being a movie fanatic doesn't help my budget. I will try to get to the library to take out some movies for free. Words to the wise. It is one thing to wanna do it and another to actually do it.

I would love to be an extreme couponer but that takes so much work and you need to stick to a plan to make it work. You have to have a ton of coupons and end up in the right store or forget it. You also have to have a lot of storage space! Not to mention that downloading coupons uses up a lot of your ink cartridge on your printer - and - that is not good!

I had to get rid of my storage locker recently so there is a bunch of stuff lying around that I don't need anymore. So that will be on my to do list - to post some of it on a free site and see if I get any bites.

Talking about storage I just love that show storage wars. People bid on a storage locker and they get to keep everything inside of it. Some of the people have become TV personalities doing this gig. Again, you need money and storage space to pull it off. And, you need a good eye to see what would sell on-line or you could become an instant hoarder. I think the show is pretty funny!

The point here is that every man's junk is someone's treasure! Hey - where do you go for the audition?

Storage War Baby Boomer here I come!

Your - Diva Money Saver

The Frugal Baby Boomer

The reason for my blog today is to convince myself that I can become a more frugal baby boomer. Yes, it is very hard these days because once the rent is paid - well - your almost broke. But I do love my neighbourhood and my apartment so I have no plans to move any time soon. I hear that the waiting lists for co-op housing is just crazy.

What exactly did I do that was free today? Again, the operative word is free! Well, I went for a lovely walk through my neighbourhood and did some networking with my business cards at the same time. I did spend the time to tell some neighbours what  my stay at home business was all about. Hopefully, next year that will bring me in some large income. I am working on it. At least this year it will be a good tax write off.

I did do some exercising - and - had apple slices for lunch. The thing is this I do pizza and a movie that I own tonight with a good friend and we go half's on the pizza - so that is being frugal.

Beating myself up over money just isn't going to cut it as next month is Xmas. But, my New Year's Resolution will be to become more money conscious and stick to a budget. It is a little hard when you have to throw in dental costs even if it mostly covered. That is still about $40.00 out of pocket but I shouldn't complain some people are paying tons of money on dental expenses. Prescriptions cost me too but again I am mostly covered by my work plan so that is again - manageable.

Seeking out a part-time job is my new avenue to get some extra income. I applied to all the stores that are walking distance to my place - but - nothing - and it is almost Xmas. I think a lot of stores have seen low sales and they are just not hiring any staff. Even the agency I am listed with - they never seen to have anything worth my while. I will just plug away at my stay at home business and hope that things really pick up.

I think that getting my hair and nails done are a necessity. Yes, us woman love to look good. I can forget about the pedicures for the winter. One thing that really peeves me off is the cost of vitamins - you use to get those covered by your work drug plan but that is long gone. Just like eye drops or anything else if they are off the shelf you pay full price. Darn it all!

Well, because I am a Shopper's Drugmart Coupon Queen I have to watch that too! Sometimes I just stay out of the shops. Being a social butterfly I try to get my friends to eat out at cheaper places cause that can really add up too.

I think that there should be better rent control. They just keep raising up the rents every single year. Not so great for those of us on a very limited budget.

Meeting a great man would be wonderful - but - ya gotta be careful what you wish for. I hate on-line dating but I do meet people all the time through the work I do but so far not the right one. Some people split rent with partners but alas I am single and that so far is not an option for me. I rather be on my own then be with an abusive partner. Once you have gone through that turmoil your way more careful.

So, if every day I decide on one thing that I can do free I think I will be on the right path.

I love the Baby Boomer generation - they are more fit and healthy then ever before - and - they look years younger than they ever did. If only Toronto was not so darn expensive. And, we do get taxed to the max. 
 
I guess it is a mindset to be able to save more than you spend. That really takes some imagination and motivation - and - that is my Plan B. Will see how it goes. I will let you know.

Hopefully, I get a great part-time job - but - I am not holding my breath. 

Your - Diva Money Saver