My Ironman Triathlon watchband has been crumbling. I've had it for a while. I love its alarms and its interval timer. I recently went back to the store where I had purchased it from. They gave me two options: fix it myself (be creative) or buy a new one for $90. I thought at first that Crazy Glue might work, until I realized I don't have all of the pieces.
Today while I was picking up my race kit for tomorrow's 10K running event, I had to detour through the race expo to exit the building. It's how they set it up in case I might want or need more sporting goods. I was tempted. They have nice stuff and good promotions.
I noticed a Timex booth promoting the kind of watch that I'm wearing. I stopped to chat and learned that I can go back to the store and ask for the postage-paid envelope the vendor has provided specifically for this purpose. The problem is known to the vendor and they are willing to assess it at no charge and give me an additional point of view on my options.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Car maintenance
Today it's raining hard; I'm working from home. It's Visa statement day. I've been holding back on a few non-pressing items to do with my car to defer the expense. I don't use it much during the week now. The change of seasons put my bike firmly back on the road.
It's a good day to have my snow tires switched back to the regular set. They are all on rims, which initially cost a lot, but I get it back in economies of time and I think it reduces overall labour costs. The mechanic is my friend's uncle. That's how I found him. Well, that and an unsolicited recommendation from a former co-worker who also uses his services.
He doesn't know that I know any of his relatives. He's just really nice. He decided not charge me to switch them over this year; it usually costs around $50 which includes tire storage. He did tell me that he pulled a nail from one of the tires and repaired it for me.
He advised me to keep an eye on the tire for pressure changes. He also pointed out that I've got one season left on the summer tires. Odds are good I'll buy the next set from him!
I don't drive much at night, so it hasn't bothered me that the passenger headlight burnt out a few months back. I had it replaced at the Kia dealership this morning at a cost of $65.74 on my way home. That seems like a lot to me. On the bright side, they were quick too.
I ran my gas tank down to empty last weekend, but did not need to refuel it with bike commuting all week. I stopped on the way back from the dealership: $60.11 for that!
It's a good day to have my snow tires switched back to the regular set. They are all on rims, which initially cost a lot, but I get it back in economies of time and I think it reduces overall labour costs. The mechanic is my friend's uncle. That's how I found him. Well, that and an unsolicited recommendation from a former co-worker who also uses his services.
He doesn't know that I know any of his relatives. He's just really nice. He decided not charge me to switch them over this year; it usually costs around $50 which includes tire storage. He did tell me that he pulled a nail from one of the tires and repaired it for me.
He advised me to keep an eye on the tire for pressure changes. He also pointed out that I've got one season left on the summer tires. Odds are good I'll buy the next set from him!
I don't drive much at night, so it hasn't bothered me that the passenger headlight burnt out a few months back. I had it replaced at the Kia dealership this morning at a cost of $65.74 on my way home. That seems like a lot to me. On the bright side, they were quick too.
I ran my gas tank down to empty last weekend, but did not need to refuel it with bike commuting all week. I stopped on the way back from the dealership: $60.11 for that!
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Live in Ontario?
Hey, me too! I still receive my utility bills by mail, and tonight I am scrutinizing the hydro bill for sport. It contains a few inserts that merit further attention.
The first one is from the Ontario government, promoting the Ontario Clean Energy Benefit and promising 10% off my electricity bill for five years. I'm immediately suspicious.
To help you with the increased costs of these essential investments, the Ontario government has taken 10% off your electricity bill - including electricity costs, regulatory charges, the debt retirement charge and taxes.
Getting notice is good, I like that. After reviewing the additional material and scanning the details of my most current bill for items like the Debt Retirement Charge, I conclude the net result: my hydro costs are increasing noticeably after five years. I can wait.
The second insert introduces time-of-use (TOU) pricing. I need a better understanding of my habits and current rates before I can figure out what's involved here. I notice that it offers a calculator to help with the math. I clicked through but lost the trail.
There's a second letter, postmarked May 24, with An Important Notice About Your Electricity Rates on the envelope. It says the TOU rates will be introduced in four months time and offers a tool for viewing and comparing my electricity consumption patterns:
The first one is from the Ontario government, promoting the Ontario Clean Energy Benefit and promising 10% off my electricity bill for five years. I'm immediately suspicious.
To help you with the increased costs of these essential investments, the Ontario government has taken 10% off your electricity bill - including electricity costs, regulatory charges, the debt retirement charge and taxes.
Getting notice is good, I like that. After reviewing the additional material and scanning the details of my most current bill for items like the Debt Retirement Charge, I conclude the net result: my hydro costs are increasing noticeably after five years. I can wait.
The second insert introduces time-of-use (TOU) pricing. I need a better understanding of my habits and current rates before I can figure out what's involved here. I notice that it offers a calculator to help with the math. I clicked through but lost the trail.
There's a second letter, postmarked May 24, with An Important Notice About Your Electricity Rates on the envelope. It says the TOU rates will be introduced in four months time and offers a tool for viewing and comparing my electricity consumption patterns:
Monday, May 23, 2011
Long weekend highlights
Work was kind of stressful last week with colleagues visiting from California. We were in intense meetings all week long with working dinners on Tuesday and Wednesday. We also went for a team building event before dinner on Wednesday. I had some wine at dinner.
It was good work in a sense, yet four days without any real movement makes me kind of cranky. The meeting schedule was too compressed to permit me the luxury of my bike commute, noon run or midday swim. I intentionally left my weekend very open to recover.
With Chinese school cancelled for the long weekend, I spent three days completely in the company of my youngest child. At six, she is easily entertained (unlike her older sister).
We had Saturday morning coffee in the Maplelawn Public Garden. It's been a good year for rain, and the garden is a sheer delight. The day kind of meandered into a picnic over at Rockliffe Park with some geocaching, and we were able to fit in a short swim at the Brookstreet Hotel after a late dinner. The day's events cost us coffee and gas: under $15.
On Sunday, we went car free. The rain threatened all day, but held off until we completed our day trip by bicycle (and Chariot) to the Arboretum near Dow's Lake. We had initially set out for the Ornamental Gardens but never got there. Intoxicated by trees in bloom, we hit sensory overload and turned back, at most 1 km short of the gardens. While stopped for a picnic at Hartwell's Lock (along the Rideau Canal), we found the geocache. On the way home, we paused at Brittania Beach briefly to indulge in a snack for approximately $3.
Our route from Kanata took us through Watts Creek, along the Ottawa River parkway, then Pinecrest Creek, and eventually to the Experimental Farm pathway. I considered an alternate route home, but our Chariot is too wide to cross at Hartwell without disassembly.
Today was lower key, but cost a little more. At first light, I walked (while she biked) over to the library to return an unfinished book. We indulged in a longer swim, followed by a leisurely lunch of potato pancakes and tzatziki. Our afternoon revolved around some yard work, followed by a visit to the Parkdale Market for a hanging plant and some herbs for the garden: $32. I briefly considered a restaurant meal on a patio, but plants will give back.
I'm back to work in the morning.
It was good work in a sense, yet four days without any real movement makes me kind of cranky. The meeting schedule was too compressed to permit me the luxury of my bike commute, noon run or midday swim. I intentionally left my weekend very open to recover.
With Chinese school cancelled for the long weekend, I spent three days completely in the company of my youngest child. At six, she is easily entertained (unlike her older sister).
We had Saturday morning coffee in the Maplelawn Public Garden. It's been a good year for rain, and the garden is a sheer delight. The day kind of meandered into a picnic over at Rockliffe Park with some geocaching, and we were able to fit in a short swim at the Brookstreet Hotel after a late dinner. The day's events cost us coffee and gas: under $15.
On Sunday, we went car free. The rain threatened all day, but held off until we completed our day trip by bicycle (and Chariot) to the Arboretum near Dow's Lake. We had initially set out for the Ornamental Gardens but never got there. Intoxicated by trees in bloom, we hit sensory overload and turned back, at most 1 km short of the gardens. While stopped for a picnic at Hartwell's Lock (along the Rideau Canal), we found the geocache. On the way home, we paused at Brittania Beach briefly to indulge in a snack for approximately $3.
Our route from Kanata took us through Watts Creek, along the Ottawa River parkway, then Pinecrest Creek, and eventually to the Experimental Farm pathway. I considered an alternate route home, but our Chariot is too wide to cross at Hartwell without disassembly.
Today was lower key, but cost a little more. At first light, I walked (while she biked) over to the library to return an unfinished book. We indulged in a longer swim, followed by a leisurely lunch of potato pancakes and tzatziki. Our afternoon revolved around some yard work, followed by a visit to the Parkdale Market for a hanging plant and some herbs for the garden: $32. I briefly considered a restaurant meal on a patio, but plants will give back.
I'm back to work in the morning.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Clothing and shoes
Truth be told I bought myself two new blouses from Winners last weekend, and some flip flops for the family at an Old Navy sale. Credit line is zeroed. Yes, I can.
I also paid $75 to the sitter for that visit to Le Nordik Spa on Sunday. Paradis sur terre.
I held back on coffee and wine all week, to take a small bite out of evening daycare costs. (We ran out of both last weekend.) I stocked up on wine last night, and on coffee today.
I also paid $75 to the sitter for that visit to Le Nordik Spa on Sunday. Paradis sur terre.
I held back on coffee and wine all week, to take a small bite out of evening daycare costs. (We ran out of both last weekend.) I stocked up on wine last night, and on coffee today.
Fun facts from the spreadsheet
I took a closer look at the spreadsheet data for the last twelve months:
- My requirement for petty cash averages $200 per month. I use it for evening sitters, music lessons, gum, concert tickets, and that sort of thing. Moving forward, I'll add a line item for it, to the month-ahead section of my spreadsheet.
- I spent $912 on interest alone servicing the Line of Credit. That's a lot.
- I spent $931 on hydro. That's approx $78 per month.
- Gas heat came in higher at $1262, which is more than I thought it was.
- Water came in lower at $515.
- I charged $32056 to my Aeroplan Visa gold card. That's enough points for a nice return trip somewhere, and it justifies the annual fee associated with the card.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Thursday, May 12, 2011
I've got a feeling
May the 15th falls on a Sunday this year. I care because it means tomorrow is payday. Last month, I reached the maximum annual deductions for CPP and EI premiums. I expect tomorrow's net pay to be adjusted accordingly. I suspect the amount of adjusting to contain the $100 I need to completely clear my credit line debt. It's not the end of the blog though.
The adoption loan balance of approximately $7000 waits patiently on deck. I might:
The adoption loan balance of approximately $7000 waits patiently on deck. I might:
- call the National Bank to determine the precise amount of the outstanding balance and if there is any fee associated with early paydown
- apply the proceeds from my sale of to-be-purchased ESPP shares in September
- increase the amount of my monthly payment starting October 1
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
What a difference a year makes
I am on track to kill this thing good and dead this Friday. Patience is key.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Another day, another chart
This one nicely explains why the daycare expense has been my go-to thing to worry about this week. It drops considerably after Labour Day when my youngest starts full day school. The chart does not include costs for occasional evening or weekend babysitting.
 |
| Daycare 2011 |
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
The book fair
The school is hosting a book fair this week. Both girls came home with $30 wish lists.
I was stunned, as I'd given them budget guidance of $10 each based on their ChoreBank balance and their Easter windfall from my parents. We live across the street from a public library and there are so many owned books in our home already they literally stick to my socks when I'm trying to navigate their collective clutter.
My eldest threw a tantrum when I explained $60 needs to be a budgeted item (and our budget priorities). I further explained how she could earn some of the money, and she sulked off to her room and closed the door. My youngest got the message right away and earned an additional $7 in an evening's worth of house chores.
The place looks great.
I was stunned, as I'd given them budget guidance of $10 each based on their ChoreBank balance and their Easter windfall from my parents. We live across the street from a public library and there are so many owned books in our home already they literally stick to my socks when I'm trying to navigate their collective clutter.
My eldest threw a tantrum when I explained $60 needs to be a budgeted item (and our budget priorities). I further explained how she could earn some of the money, and she sulked off to her room and closed the door. My youngest got the message right away and earned an additional $7 in an evening's worth of house chores.
The place looks great.
Monday, May 2, 2011
To infinity and beyond
Effective the pay period ending April 30, I have reached my statutory annual limits for both EI and CPP resulting in a net take-home pay gain of approximately $300 per month.
Update, May 3:
Daycare costs are higher in summer months with both girls out of school. The EI/CPP gain will offset some of these increased costs. The daycare landscape changes for the better in September when the youngest starts full-day school.
Update, May 6:
I did the math on summer daycare last night. Not pretty. I had been hatching a plan for a week away in late August. For $82.50, I've booked a camping weekend at Lac Phillippe.
Update, May 3:
Daycare costs are higher in summer months with both girls out of school. The EI/CPP gain will offset some of these increased costs. The daycare landscape changes for the better in September when the youngest starts full-day school.
Update, May 6:
I did the math on summer daycare last night. Not pretty. I had been hatching a plan for a week away in late August. For $82.50, I've booked a camping weekend at Lac Phillippe.
Please read the letter
The question surrounding UCCB eligibility was bothering me.
I couldn't find precisely what I was looking for online (an answer to the question of month vs day vs year). For clarification, I went back to the letter my accountant had attached to my personal tax return, in which he states my entitlement to:
I couldn't find precisely what I was looking for online (an answer to the question of month vs day vs year). For clarification, I went back to the letter my accountant had attached to my personal tax return, in which he states my entitlement to:
- an Ontario sales tax transition benefit for 2011 of $335 (expected in June 2011)
- a child tax benefit of $1532 for the period from July 2011 to June 2012. (I will need to update the spreadsheet to indicate a decrease of $25 per month.)
- the UCCB of $400 for 2011
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Still no
I'll revisit this list once the credit line is zeroed:
The car needs servicing too. It's very drivable, as is. Perhaps it can wait until June, except maybe the snow tire removal.
- services related to hair and foot care (with permission to splurge on related products, provided they cost less than what might have been spent on services)
- out-of-town car travel will be limited to one cottage visit on the Big Rideau
- clothing and shoes
- sporting goods
- train travel
- electronics
- parking
The car needs servicing too. It's very drivable, as is. Perhaps it can wait until June, except maybe the snow tire removal.
Guilty pleasures
This post is on the subject of nail polish pens. I think they are a relatively new product. I bought three today. I noticed them at the drug store earlier this week at the regular price of nearly $10, which seemed a little high. They were on sale for $6.74 when I went back.
We spent our afternoon doing manicures and pedicures at home. Each pedicure I do at home saves me $40. My eldest has an artistic side; both her designs and ideas are fun. She used the pens to put tulips on top of my red polished toes, little hearts on her sister's fingers, and something more geometric on herself.
We spent our afternoon doing manicures and pedicures at home. Each pedicure I do at home saves me $40. My eldest has an artistic side; both her designs and ideas are fun. She used the pens to put tulips on top of my red polished toes, little hearts on her sister's fingers, and something more geometric on herself.
And now for something completely different
We've taken up geocaching. It's a big game of outdoor hide and seek with many invisible players. I'm not sure how it works in the winter, but it's something my family can do together on foot or by bike until then. I paid $US 30 for an annual membership and $9.99 for an iPhone app. We found two caches yesterday.
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