Brown Eyed Girl and Money

New blog, Same me, More topics

noreply@blogger.com (Esme) — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 03:27:00 +0000

Maybe these few months of silence on this blog led readers to think I've lost my motivation to blog. Not quite true. More like there is so much I want to blog about. Since not they are not all about finances and money I didn't think they fit on this blog.

I've been thinking about this for a little while now and even wrote a few post and now have finally taken the plunge. Here is my new blog - Brown Eyed Girl Diary.

Being me I will still write about my personal finances. Now I can also write about my work, my endeavor to learn how to cook, my travels, my relationships and anything else that takes my fancy without feeling that they don't really belong on the blog. Hope you will still visit :)

Happy Canada Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Esme) — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 22:17:00 +0000

It's been a long absence I know. It's just been hard to sit down and blog. Then when I finally get a chance to sit down, there is so much to catch up on it's hard to pick what to write.

Hope everyone is having a great Canada. I spent it getting some much needed sleep and catching up on chores around the home. We are going to see fireworks later. I've taken tomorrow off as well. Because I need it and I have plenty of vacation time owing. I'm driving to visit Sis for the weekend. She wants me to help her and Bil look at a condo they are interested in investing in. Apparently it's a screaming deal.

I'm not sure about her city but there is definitely an over supply of condos in my city. I've also heard that her city lags mine about 6 months when it comes to real estate so wouldn't it be better to wait? Also, in the last year, they have invested in 2 condos developments already in other cities and they are looking at a cross-country move next summer. I know they are considerably higher income than me but I can't help but think they may be overextending themselves.

Yes, I understand that the idea is to rent out the condos when it comes time to take possession so the rent covers the mortgage, but who knows what the rental market will be like. What will they do with 2 mortgage payments (or 3 if they buy a place in the new city or 4 if they buy this other condo as well) plus expenses in the months the condos may have to be vacant?

They are both smart people so I'm sure they know this. However, I've seen their impulsiveness first hand so I'm not sure how thoroughly they thought about this. For example, one of the condos they bought in a weekend. And when I was looking at places, it happened more than once that Sis wanted to buy the places I looked at for investment before I event decide if it's worth being short listed.

I'm not sure what I will say about this on. However, one thing I've learnt is that so called 'screaming deals' are everywhere. You really need to be selective about which ones to go in on.

Boys pay less

noreply@blogger.com (Esme) — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 17:59:00 +0000

Just the other day I was talking with a girl from work, who says she buys the Clinique moisturizer for men instead of the one for women. It's almost the same (men's being a little bit thicker) but a lot cheaper. Now reading this Consumer Reports article.

From now on, I am going ignore the gender labelling and compare the products and prices instead.

Someone asked if women are become more smart about this price difference and start shopping smart, does this mean a price reduction will eventually follow? Sadly, the answer was that the trends show it's most likely the men's products will increase in price instead.

eharmony

noreply@blogger.com (Esme) — Fri, 28 May 2010 19:34:00 +0000

I signed up for eharmony. It's time I started dating again and after much consideration of my options I picked eharmony. But sometimes I guess the actual mental commitment to do something gets the ball rolling. It could be the change in my attitude that signals to others I'm open to dating again.

Because as soon as I signed up and paid my dues, I have two people offer to set me up with their friends and met someone at a bar.

I'm currently communicating with a few guys on eharmony. We haven't met yet. Then it turns out one of the guys went to the same high school as me. We had common friends, but never were in the same crowds (it's a huge high school so you can't blame me). My friends thinks this is hilarious because I could've saved the couple hundred dollars and met this guy through my old high school friends. Oh well, what can you do.

For those single guys and gals out there who also want to try eharmony. I suggest you go through http://www.greatcanadianrebates.ca/register.php?r=15325. Because they offer 45% rebate for new members, and coupon code for 20% on a 6 months membership.

Reading Annual Reports

noreply@blogger.com (Esme) — Fri, 21 May 2010 20:23:00 +0000

The ups and downs in the markets in the last few years really got me thinking about how I invest. I decided my research is quite superficial mostly focused on what analysts say and checking the ratios. In an attempt to be better informed I've decided to do more reading. Right now I'm looking at value investing which I'm a fan of. One author writes, buying stock is buying part of a business, so you need to know as much about the business as possible before handing over your money. If you don't understand it don't buy it. I think Warren Buffett says something similar, like buy stock in industries you know well.

How to find out about a business? Annual reports are a good source. One suggestion is to reading 5 years worth of annual reports. Among so you can get an idea of the projections and goals management sets and how well they are at achieving them. Annual reports aren't always the lightest reading, but if you are thinking of trusting a business with your hard earned money a few hours of reading is not much.

Since I participate in my employer's stock purchase plan, I decided to start with the annual reports of my own company and its competitors. This should be an easier read since it's what I know well. Also, with the monthly contributions I have a lot invested in this one stock so it's a good place to start.

I heart running

noreply@blogger.com (Esme) — Tue, 18 May 2010 15:22:00 +0000

Ever since the temperature hit the single digit negatives I've started running outside. Now that the weather is even warmer, I'm seeing a lot more runners on my runs. And why not? Running is great for many reasons.

You can enjoy the great outdoors. I'm not a fan of working out indoors.

You can run anywhere. All you need to pack is your runners and workout clothes.

It's a great way to get exercise and explore new places when you are travelling.

For the PF blogger in me, it's good because it's a cheap way to exercise.

No gym memberships.

No driving to the gym.

No more trying to work around my gym's schedule and fighting the crowds.

A beautiful wedding ...with a surprise

noreply@blogger.com (Esme) — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 18:53:00 +0000

One of my best friends got married last weekend. I was a bridesmaid. It was a beautiful wedding, with some really touching speeches at the reception.

I've decided that being a bridesmaid is only for those who are really good friends. The bride relies on her friends to make sure everything is perfect for her big day. The bridesmaid are there to be at the beck and call for the bride. To run any errands, help shop, check out wedding venues, throw an amazing bachelorette, tell her she looks beautiful and it's natural to be a little bridezilla on her big day, to hold her purse and make-up during the photo session, and anything else that needs to be done to ensure a perfect day.

I think after I finished my post wedding day errands, I went home and slept for 10 hours straight. It isn't cheap either. I had a quick look at how much everything cost me. I think spent a total of $800 and 2 days vacation. But really for my friend's special day, I can't really complain.

But here is the surprise.......

We found out during the reception that they've been married for 2 years already! Yep. No one knew except for the parents. Even the siblings were surprised. Shocker!

In a Month time

noreply@blogger.com (Esme) — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 03:34:00 +0000

It's hard to believe that it's been a month since I last blogged. Things have been hectic as usual.

To update on the coworker situation. Things are better now because of a few things. Firstly my boss talked to him. He couldn't avoid it since within a week this guy made several mistakes which other people caught.

Secondly, I learnt to let go. I've learnt that I can do my best to inform him, but if he chooses to ignore my advice it's his responsibility. I also started documenting what I tell him just in case. I noticed he's very concerned about arguing that things are not his fault.

Thirdly, he's taken to ask his questions to other people. This is fine. Since it's a waste of my time to answer when he doesn't listen anyway.

Things has been pretty good since our contact seem to be minimal.

Buried under work

noreply@blogger.com (Esme) — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 18:22:00 +0000

There's been some changes at work. Good for me because it means more responsibility and visibility. But I'm in that period where I'm trying to hand off my old responsibilities while taking on the new ones at the same time.

This should be easy as the person I'm handing it off to is pretty experienced coming into the job. All I have to do is teach him our processes and done. Not so. I found him especially resistant, questioning every little thing I tell him. Sometimes I feel he walked away from our conversation not believing a word I said. Oddly enough the questions he should ask, he didn't. As result there were a number of fires to put out.

I was working nights and weekends trying to catch up on all my work. I think finally I reached the breaking point last Wednesday due to lack of sleep (I was called at 3am for something and had a million things to do that day). After talking to a couple of people one of them finally said something I've been avoiding: this man would not treat me this way if I were older and a man. They encouraged me to talk to our boss. I didn't really want to because I felt it is mean and I'd be admitting failure in a way. I finally had to talk to him because I think he got wind of what's happening so it's better that I talk to him.

He understood. I worked for him almost 2 years, so he knows I do good work and I never like to bad mouth anyone. He's going to talk to him. I don't know how this is going to turn out. Because I observed that this person gets quite defensive. When something goes wrong his first response it to make sure people know it's not his fault, not how he can fix the problem. So I don't think he'd take this well.

So that's the story behind why this blog went unupdated this last little while. Nothing much happening on the personal finance front. My #1 goal is to build a RRSP portfolio with ETFs. The first step: Research.

My wallet

noreply@blogger.com (Esme) — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 02:39:00 +0000

I had a bad scare this weekend. I thought I'd lost my wallet. Since I was all over the place, I spent Saturday afternoon retracing my steps.

While trying to find my wallet, I was thinking of all the things I'd have to do if I had lost my wallet. I'd have to deal with two credit cards, two debit cards, driver's license, gym card, library card etc.

Without thinking about the nightmare of someone finding it and going on a spending spree, I was already out $359.

- $35 cash
- Various gift cards I've been given as house warming ( $20 Canadian tire, $60 Crate and Barrel, $50 Ikea, $25 Sears, $100 The Bay, $30 Esso
- $22 to replace driver's license
- $17 to replace library card
Plus
- 1 Movie ticket
- 2 Bus tickets

It was a great relieve finally finding my wallet wedged between the sofa and side table at my parents' place. This situation has gotten me thinking about paring down what I carry in my wallet. I've been carrying all this stuff in case I would need it while I'm out. But with a little planning I can have a small amount of cards I always carry (Driver's license, a credit card, and a debit cad) and add what I need for the day before I leave the house. This will minimize the impact if I did lose my wallet.

RRSP the final sprint for 2009 contributions

noreply@blogger.com (Esme) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:53:00 +0000

2009 was the first year that I didn't do RRSP contributions directly from my pay cheques. I guess this is because my company doesn't match RRSP contributions and I wanted more choices than the mutual funds offered through the group RRSP. It's also the first year I decided not to try and max out my contributions. So I've been on and off with the RRSP contributions.

Now I've changed my mind on both. If I don't make an effort to contribute was much as I can, my limit will just keep building (and demands on my money such as mortgage, car etc will grow) and it will get harder to max it out.

Since I haven't contributed regularly, I'm having a hard time getting the money for the last minute contribution. It's not that have haven't been saving. I just haven't been planning. If I had I probably could have done something differently.

Off the top of my head, I could have contributed more during the year instead of saving as much as I can for downpayment. Then when it came time for the downpayment I could've taken more out of my RRSPs with the first time home buyers plan. And when I get my taxes returns, I could use that to start paying back my RRSPs. That's just one thought. Point to remember for future, is plan ahead.

Using my 3V Visa voucher

noreply@blogger.com (Esme) — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 05:23:00 +0000

I redeemed my $20 from 3V Visa today. It was fairly simple. It's two steps to redeem. First I entered the activation code and my e-mail address. Then I entered my address on the next page. Voila a Visa number showed up on the next screen and a CVV number and expiry date was e-mailed to me.

Since I already picked out what I wanted, I hopped over to amazon to make my purchase. Paying was really simple. I just put in the details the same way I would a credit card. Although I did have a little glitch when I didn't know what to put down for expiry date. I originally did not see the expiy date in the e-mail sent to me. After looking over my e-mail more carefully I found it and finished my purchase.

All in all not bad. The advantage for me would be security. I don't have to worry about giving out my credit card number online. Also, it's good for budgeting. You spend what you have and don't have to worry about paying high interest on balances or affecting credit scores. Downside is that I get to use my credit card for free (if I don't carry a balance) and this one has charges. Although the website quotes prices for purchasing $30 or more 3V Visa vouchers. Does that mean $20 is not charged? Not sure but if so I would totally consider using this as a gift. This would be better than a gift card since they can shop in any store that offers online, mail order, or phone shopping.

$20 3V Visa voucher to spend

noreply@blogger.com (Esme) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 20:25:00 +0000

I got this e-mail recently asking if I was intrested in trying 3V Visa and blog about it in return. It showed up in my email box today and I'm looking forward to trying it. First I want to think about where and what I want to buy.

Where delisted stock go

noreply@blogger.com (Esme) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 19:55:00 +0000

I did a little financial clean up today before work. I called up my brokerage firm to do a few things that I couldn't regularly do online.

One is to move my US stocks (recently purchased) into my US account. This way when I sell them, I can either choose to keep the money in US dollars or change to Canadian dollars, just in case the exchange is really bad when I sell. If I planned ahead, I should have exchanged some US dollars to put in my US account when the rates are good so it's ready when I want to purchase US stocks.

Another is to get rid of a stock which now has been delisted, so that I could claim it for tax loss (next year). Basically it is transferred into an account where all delisted stocks go. Or that's how I understand it. What happens to it? I don't know. Why do we even need to transfer it in order to claim the tax loss? Isn't the fact that the stock no longer exist sufficient? If anyone knows the answer, feel free to share.

Trying to find that happy medium

noreply@blogger.com (Esme) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 05:53:00 +0000

I was cleaning out some papers which cropped up during my move to my new place. In the pile of receipts I found the receipt for my first digital camera. I still remember buying this camera in preparation for my 3 months internship in Finland. It’s a Canon A86 and cost $416.23. Also another receipt which I got a 256MB Flash card and a battery charger for $119.32 to go with the camera.

Aside from the shock at how dated the electronics is now, I’m really surprised at how changed my attitude towards spending is. I didn’t research for this purchase. I didn’t look for sales. I basically picked a camera I liked at the camera store. Paid for it. Then I hopped over to the electronics store and bought the accessories to go with. $500+ with no prior planning or thought of how it affected my future budget.

It’s not that I wasn’t money conscious at the time. I’ve been brought up to save money for as long as I can remember. However, back then my spending was less controlled or planned. There were two sides to my money philosophy
which didn’t quite mesh. There was the side that saved as much as possible. But then there was the side that saw what she wanted, and bought it as long as there was money in the bank. I never carried a balance on my credit card, but I never had long term savings either.

Funny how perspectives change. Back when I made less than half of what I made now but I was more free with my money than I am now. Back then I dropped $500 in a day without much thought. Whereas, I’ve been agonizing more than two months over a couch because $1000 is so much money. Of course back then I wasn’t thinking about mortgage payments and RRSP savings etc.

That being said. I don’t want to be ruled by money. I think I need to find a happy medium between the then me and the now me.

What to do with my Swagbucks

noreply@blogger.com (Esme) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 18:22:00 +0000

I've been steady collecting Swagbucks. Now I have to decide what to do with it. Of all the possible rewards, I'm considering three: Amazon gift certificates, Paypal, and Starbucks gift card.

Amazon is the best deal at 45 swagbucks for $5. But trying to keep a minimalist lifestyle here. I rarely buy books or CDs. I don't need electronics since I own a Zune (MP3 player), Garmin (GPS) and Cannon(camera). All of which I'm quite happy with and don't need to upgrade yet. I need a new laptop but getting enough swagbucks for a Laptop would take forever! I thought of buying things for my home. But Amazon.ca have very limited and expensive selections. I could try Amazon.com. I've had a hard time shipping things other than books and DVDs into Canada from Amazon.com though. So I have to really look and find merchants that will ship to Canada. This will limit my selection and shipping costs will be high.

Starbucks is the second best of the 3 at 130 swagbucks for $10. This would be good for those times I go out for coffee with friends or have a coffee craving. Although I don't go to Starbucks much because I'm not too keen on their drinks. Not sure if I'll have much use for the gift card.

Paypal is the most expensive at 70 swagbucks for $5. The benefit is that I get cash and I can do whatever I want with it.

Any suggestions?

No more late fees

noreply@blogger.com (Esme) — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 05:38:00 +0000

I've decided. I am not going to spend any more money on library late fees.

No it's not that I can't spare the small amount of money. It's just the fact that it's so avoidable. Like speeding tickets. I'd rather splurge the money on something I like than use it to pay fines.

It's easy to avoid late fees to. All I have to do is return the stuff on time or renew it online. Yet the last three months I've paid approximately $10 in late fees.

There. I'm putting my foot down. I'm determined. No more late fees.

Mondays

noreply@blogger.com (Esme) — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 23:48:00 +0000

Because it's the first Monday of the year and because it's the Monday after a five day weekend, I've got a severe case of the Mondays. I'd say I had a pretty productive day but with a huge headache to go with.

When I was a kid, I'd always try to get out nap times. Now I realize the error of my ways. Bring back the nap times!

2009 Clothing expenses

noreply@blogger.com (Esme) — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 03:23:00 +0000

Last year I totaled up what I spent on clothing, accessories, shoes etc. Well most of it because I didn't keep all the receipts. Total for 2008 was $1808.50.

This year, I tried to keep all the receipts (probably about 90% made it) and here is the total.....

$1223.7

Not bad right? About $100 of that is for my bridesmaid dress for a wedding in April.

One of my favorite deals of the year would have to be a purple strapless dress which I totally rocked during my company party. Bought on sale for $21.67.

This year's goal is to buy quality (classic style and good materials) while keeping cost down.

Happy New Year!

noreply@blogger.com (Esme) — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 15:27:00 +0000

Happy New Year everyone!

I'm super excited about the coming year. But first to recap major events of 2009.

In 2009:
I bought my first place!
I donated my hair after growing it out for over a year.
I reached my first year anniversary at work without getting bored with what I do.
I had 88 no spending days (and a whole month without shopping for any clothing or shoes)

I didn't make any New Year's resolutions really. But here are the few things I'd like to accomplish off the top of my head.
In 2010:
I plan to take my professional designation test
I plan to run more
I plan to build the equity portion of my retirement portfolio
I plan to learn how to golf

How was your boxing day?

noreply@blogger.com (Esme) — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 05:02:00 +0000

I don't know about everyone else but I did not get into the Boxing Day shopping at all. Between Redflagdeals.ca and smartcanucks.ca I was able to look at boxing day flyers at most of the stores I was interested in. It was a combination of the deals not being so great for what I want, and I am much more careful with what I spend money on.

For example, I've needed to replace my laptop for awhile now so I was looking especially close at the laptop deals. My co-worker recommended a few that are decent and within my price range. I also have the funds saved up for it. But then I asked myself if I really need to buy it now. Sure the battery and keyboard are gone, but it's still good as a desktop (with a big LCD that I bought used from a friend) and I mostly use it to browse the web, e-mail, and very rarely, word process. The longer I can delay the purchase means when I do get it I could get more for my money. So I am going to wait.

Merry Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Esme) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 20:15:00 +0000

It's Christmas Eve! Usually it's a half day but I am working a full day so I could take New Year's Eve off the whole day. Happy a merry Christmas!

Saved $39.08

noreply@blogger.com (Esme) — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 22:56:00 +0000

I bought a floor lamp recently. I waited as long as I could for a sale but really needed one. So I bought one I liked from Canadian Tire for about $80. Canadian Tire because I had the gift certificates I ordered.

Anyway, I kept watch on the flyers and finally a sale this week. 50% off the lamp I bought. Got it price matched today and saved me $39.08. Yay.

Those elusive mittens

noreply@blogger.com (Esme) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 19:18:00 +0000

I wanted to get these Vancouver 2010 Mittens as a Christmas gift and maybe even one set for myself as my Vancouver 2010 souvenir. However, I've been to a few Zellers and Bays in the last couple of weeks and they were all out of stock for adult sizes. Even the Olympic store says it's out of stock until January.

Saturday a friend of my called to say that she some in one of the Bay stores. I faced the freezing cold that was this weekend and went down there. What do you know? All sold out. I think I might have to go with plan B, Olympic scarves.