Those Were the Days!

This week was the week of sickness in our family. First Miss V. got sick, then two days later Miss P. got sick (all over me!), and then two days later I succumbed and then Miss G. got it! Luckily my husband stayed healthy so he could play nurse for us.

While I was laying on the couch with my bowl beside me and a cup of water-downed ginger ale I was thinking of how easy being sick used to be. Before children. And, how I longed for that time to be back. Don't get me wrong, I love my kids, but I love them even more when I am not sick.

See, back in the glory days of university, if I was sick, I could turn up the heater in my room, lie in my cozy bed and watch movies all day. My boyfriend, now husband, would come by and drop off some sort of get better thing, and either stay or leave, whatever I wanted. Oh the bliss!

Now, that type of thing is a luxury that is not always afforded. There is no, "Oh, poor Mom is sick, let's be nice to her." It is more, "where's my lunch? did my project get packed, I can't find clean underwear." And then, the movies aren't some fun rom-com like You've Got Mail. It is Frozen, or Barbie in Mermaid Tale 2. While these maybe high calibre movies in the genre of children's film, when I am sick they make me feel sicker.

The other thing that is horrible is when I am lying down and Miss P. is lying on top of me. Granted, this time she was getting over sickness too and was more cuddly than normal, but I honestly think she thought that her cuddles were magic and going to cure me. If only. When I am sick I just want to lie down and be left in peace. I can't sleep when people are touching me at the best of times let alone when I am sick. For the past few days the only way that Miss P. would stay asleep was if her hand was touching my hair and she was rubbing it between her fingers. Seriously! I would try to pawn her off on my husband, but she would have none of that. It's almost like she was trying to be my personal guard dog. Sheesh.

When I'm sick I want to be left alone. I don't want to leave my place of comfort except to go to the bathroom. I want meals brought to me without me having to think about what they are. I just don't want to worry about anything. I want to have a sign that says, "Off sick, don't bug me." Is that really too much to ask?

Now, I know I shouldn't complain. I have a loving family. I have a loving husband who took two days off work to nurse his ailing family. I have lots to be grateful for. I recognize that. But, I still wish for those blissful sick days of yore. Where I was only responsible for myself and didn't have to worry about anyone else's happiness. Where I could moan and look miserable as much as I wanted. Oh, those were the days.

Paying Down the Mortage

Lately my posts have been functional and factual. Today will not be an exception, but perhaps next week will be a bit more fun. I think I need to put down what I am trying to accomplish in this blogosphere format so that I will feel motivated and actually do what I set out to do. Are you like that too? So, onto today's subject: getting our mortgage amount down.

This year, we want to get our mortgage down by $10,000. That means on December 31st of this year our mortgage hopefully will be $10, 000 less then it was on January 1st of this year. With our regular payments we would be able to put around $5000 onto our principle. That is the sad thing about being at the beginning of our mortgage, just over half of our payment goes to the interest!

Here are some of our plans to get to the extra $5000 onto our mortgage. (Before you do this double check your mortgage rules. Most mortgages will allow to pay a certain percentage each year or increase payments without penalties, so check those amounts. No one wants to pay a penalty.)

1. Increase the mortgage payment.

Currently we pay every two weeks. We have it so the mortgage is taken off right after we get paid, which is really handy as it is out of the account before we even notice it.

This year my husbands company is restructuring how they receive part of their bonus. So now instead of being paid out a big amount in March, and then getting taxed at the bonus tax rate (which is super high), all employees across the board are getting a pay raise!

We have decided to increase our mortgage payment by at least the percentage of the pay raise though we will probably do more. This is something that you could do too. Most mortgages allow you to increase your payments by a certain percentage each year. If you get a pay raise calculate the percentage of increase, then increase your mortgage by the same amount. It is pretty painless and you don't have to think about it. The only thing you have to do is call and set it up. Then sit back and let it happen.

We are planning on taking this a step further. When we got our mortgage interest rates were pretty low. We know that when our 5 years is up (we have 2.5 years left), and we have to renegotiate, the interest rates will undoubtedly be higher. We don't want to be stuck in the lurch (hence why we are trying to payback as much as possible), so this is what I did.

• I found out the highest interest rate for a 5 year fixed mortgage.
• I calculated how much would be left on our mortgage at the end of our term if we put nothing extra on it. (There are lots of online calculators that will help you do this.)
• I calculated what the payment would be at that interest rate that mortgage amount lowering the amortization period to what it will be when we renegotiate.
• I made that number our new payment

It is a bit higher than what is most comfortable, but we are really wanting to make a dent in our mortgage. If it is too much we can always lower it again. I figured this way if our payments did go up, we would already be used to it, but also, it is an easy way to put more on your mortgage and then not have to pay as much with the next term. Or we could even shorten our amortization if we wanted. Doing this allows us to have more options when it comes to renegotiating our mortgage.

2. Extra pays

Since we get paid every two weeks there are two months each year where we have a third pay. When those third pays come up, we will put the leftover onto the mortgage. So, whatever is left over after the usual things come off (i.e. savings and mortgage payment) we will put it right onto the mortgage. For us that means putting on the equivalent of another months mortgage when you add up the two payments. That's pretty substantial. And the best part, it goes right on to the principle (though you should double check that). Lower principle means lower interest and that makes me happy.

This could also include any bonuses you might receive. At my husbands company they get paid a bonus every March. While this years bonus is going to go towards savings goals we have, next year the bulk will be going onto the mortgage.

Tax returns are the same. This year again, we are putting our tax return to savings but next year we will be putting a big chunk of it onto the mortgage. We want this sucker gone!

3. Be financially prudent

As I have said in another post, this is the year that we are really going to be watching our spending, curbing our wants and really get our financial house in order. We have other financial goals, besides the mortgage. We want to have $5000 in savings by the time this year is done and we want to be able to save for our summer vacation so we don't have any debt because of it. So, our aim for our vacation is around $5000, though hopefully we can do it for cheaper. (Though the exchange rate is not going to be very kind to us unless the dollar picks up before summer.)

If we achieve these two goals quickly, because of being prudent, we will be able to shift our focus solely onto the mortgage and adjust the cashflow so more can go onto the mortgage. That way, if we have extra cash because we don't have to pay our health insurance fees for a pay period, or if we have maxed out our CPP and EI payments and don't have to pay those anymore (it usually happens in September for us) we can put all of it on the mortgage instead of savings or some other debt we could have if were were not being prudent.

I know I sound like a broken record when I say that every little bit helps and it all adds up, but it is true. Little things will make a big impact down the road. Sometimes we want things to be different or change right away. And the thing is, that's not going to happen. If you have debt, of any kind, you have interest working against you and it is a constant obligation. It doesn't take you long to dig a financial hole, but filling it up takes a while, and it is not the most fun thing to do. But you know what? Just do it, and you will feel so awesome when it's done. That's how I felt when I made my last student loan payment (and I did that only four years after graduating!)

Do you have any tips for paying down your mortgage, or other debt? What has worked for you?

The Junk: Baby Steps Are Key to Decluttering

Decluttering this year is a big thing for me. I am ready to purge and let go. If you are like me you may feel like you are drowning in stuff. I let things accumulate and accumulate until it is just ridiculous.

I have given myself the deadline of March 31st to have my basement purged. So that means our office, playroom, kitchenette, and garage. Though, our garage is not insulated, so I might wait until spring to do that.

Because there is so much junk the thought of decluttering can see overwhelming and time consuming, but, it doesn't have to be. By organizing things into babysteps you can get things done without feeling over burdened and defeatist.

My friend sent me this link to Home Storage Solutions 101's 15 minute declutter challenge. They give you a calendar for the month and give you a task to complete that day, spending only 15 minutes each day to complete that day's task. January starts with your kitchen.

I like the idea, it allows you to break things into smaller chunks but you are still doing something instead of ignoring the problem, which, let's face it, we all do. Since my kitchen isn't that bad, I'm not following their plan. But, I am taking the principles they are using and applying it to my own situation. Here's what I'm doing.

• Choose a room and divide that room into different sections to tackle.
• Set a timer for 20 minutes and do what you can in that time.
• Complete the first section before moving onto the next section.
• Empty out the section of the room you are working on and put back what you actually want, everything else goes either in the garbage, recycling or give away.

I have been doing this for two weeks now. I give myself a break on the weekends so we can do other chores and fun family things. I didn't do it yesterday as it was a busy day full of errands and then I felt utterly exhausted, so I might set the timer for 30 minutes today instead. And you know what, it is okay if you have to bend the rules a bit for this. The important thing is consistancy. I am amazed how much I have done in so little time. The first section of the office is looking great and I can't wait to tackle the next section.

Do you have decluttering tips you like to use?

5 Ways To Do What You Want Without Going Broke

How has your first full week of 2015 been? Are you still excited about the upcoming year? While, I am still excited and feeling optimistic, I am starting to come down from the euphoria of the the new year and settling in to the work part of it. It is great to dream and scheme, heck I do that all the time, but, to actually see those dreams become a reality, that takes work. Work! Ah man!!! The more in dream world you remain the more frustrated you will be when you come out if it and see that nothing has changed in your reality.

This year one of the key things on my list of must do better at, is the budget. I usually am good at setting out a budget and tracking my expenses. I even can quasi follow my budget if I do those two things. But as said in the last post, For the last third of the year I just didn't. I didn't even look a the numbers, it wasn't on my radar. Luckily we didn't do too much damage, but I know we can do better. So while this will definitely be a more austere year, pinching pennies, tightening our belts and purse strings, it doesn't mean that we can't have fun or success in some of our other goals. If you are too glum and sacrificing, you aren't going to want to stick to anything.

So here are 5 ways you can do what you want without going broke.

from http://www.mayowynnebaxter.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Broken-Piggy-Bank.jpg

1. Get movies from the library.

It is pretty thrilling when you get to see the latest block buster in theatres. Sitting in the stadium seating is amazing and the sound quality is awesome. But it costs an insane amount of money. Over the holidays we took our family to the movies. We rarely go and it had been a while since we had gone. My husband and I were shocked at the end of it when we saw how much we spent. We went to a matinee which is already cheaper, we shared drinks popcorn and nachos (this was our healthy lunch for the day) and the grand total was $55. WHAT?!?!? And that was with paying admission for just four as we don't have to pay for Miss P. yet. If we hadn't gone during lunchtime hours I probably wouldn't have ordered the nachos, but still, it is crazy. No wonder we don't go very often.

At the library you can get out movies for free. The loan period is usually a week, unless you have a new release then it is four days (at least this is how it is at my library). They get all the major movies, plus some fun artsy ones and foreign films, if that is more your thing. While this means waiting until the movie gets released on DVD and BluRay, you can still see have a movie night, without the cost. Just think of how much popcorn you could have then!

There are also the RedBox movie rentals. These came to Canada a couple years ago. They are at most grocery stores. You can usually get a code for a free movie night. Without the code the cost to rent the movie is a dollar per day. While that is a pretty good deal, it is still a dollar a day, so you would want to return it pretty soon.

For me, I would rather get it for a week or four days for free, then have to remember to return the movie the next day. But you are guaranteed the new release while at the library the number of copies of the movie can be limited. There are ups and downs to both systems, but the bottom line is both these options help your bottom line.

2. Get Awesome Work Outs Through YouTube

This year I really want to get fit. I am already on my way to getting there, but, I still have a long way to go. As our budget is tight a gym membership is not going to be happening. Although, my friend volunteers at the daycare of her local gym in exchange for use of the equipment, so that might be an option for you.

Since going to the gym isn't going to work and it is winter time, so I don't really want to be going for long walks or runs outside, YouTube is a great option. Last May I found this awesome series on YouTube. It is called Bikini Body Mommy. You can view the website here. I love these workouts. Currently she has two complete 90 day challenges, her original and her 2.0. I have done the 2.0 and I loved it. She is huffing and puffing along with you. You know she knows exactly what you are going through as she has gone through it and is going through it herself. I haven't done any of her meal plans or anything like that but her workouts are awesome and you don't need any fancy equipment or lots of time. All it takes is 20 minutes and you feel like you have worked for hours. It is the perfect workout to fit in during naptime, as that is essential for me. She is currently releasing her 3.0 challenge. The first day was January 5th. I have been doing them and they are awesome too! You can check it out here.

There are other workout videos on YouTube. There are  learn to dance videos, zumba videos etc. Find something that works for you and have fun! Your body and wallet will thank you.

3. Get Your Books From the Library

While this seems like a no brainer, it is sometimes overlooked. I can't remember the last time I bought a book. Seriously, I am looking back and looking back and nope. I have no idea. It is also convenient because most libraries have a hold feature, so you put a hold on an item and then the people who work at the library walk around finding your items instead of you. It is a real time saver, and I normally have a runaway toddler on my hands so, it is a sanity saver too!

Now you might be saying, but Meredith, I only read ebooks now, hardcopies are so yesterday. Well, the library can help you there too. While many ebooks are not as expensive as the real thing, they still cost money. At the library you can borrow ebooks. You are given a limited amount of time for them to be on your device/computer, usually three weeks, but they are free to borrow, always. You can also download audio books as well. Super awesome and super cheap.

Since the library is funded through the city, you are already paying for its service through taxes or your rent, so you might as well take full advantage of what they have to offer you. (Check out their programs too. At my local library they are teaching soldering 101. I think I might get my husband to check that out.)

4. Create Restaurant Style Meals at Home

I like eating out as much as the next person. Knowing that I don't have to cook anything is bliss and worth almost any price. But eating out can also be pricey. In comes the genius of many people on the internet. While you still need to cook the food, you can now usually find recipes for your favourite restaurant meals online that will cost a fraction of the price and, in most cases, taste even better. To make it less drudgery on you have it be a family cooking night. Everyone helps out and is part of it. That way you at least can relax a little.

Some are recipes might even be good to keep in the freezer, so that way you can have a restaurant style meal that needs no prep for those nights when you really don't want to cook. So google and pinterest away and see what restaurant inspired meal you will have this week!

5. Use Your Points

***This is only good if you pay off your credit card every month and are still responsible in your spending, otherwise not worth it***

I use my credit card to buy basically everything. I rarely carry around cash, except for my monthly allowance money that I can blow on whatever I want, but when it's gone it is gone. My particular credit card allows me to collect points to spend at a nationwide grocery chain. I can either use my points to buy groceries, which can help cut down on the grocery bill, or I can use my points to get gift cards that the grocery store sells. These are gift cards to restaurants, home improvement stores, clothing stores, gas stations, etc. This is how I bought most of the materials for the Christmas presents I made. I also was able to treat us to a meal out New Year's Eve by using my points to buy a restaurant gift card.

I usually try to hoard my points until we are wanting to go out to eat, or if we know there are birthdays coming up so we can do that for as little money as possible.

I know there are other credit card reward programs out there that can help you with air travel or pays back a certain percentage of purchases. So, if you like using your credit card to make your purchases you might as well get a card that does some work for you. Do some research and get on that fits your style and make sure it is a free card. There is no point in paying for a card just to get points or premiums when there are free cards that let you do the same thing. And make sure that if you do collect points with your card, you use them.

Welcome 2015

from http://pulpypics.com/new-year-2015/

Here we are. 2015. I feel like we just started 2014. The year has gone by so quickly. Last year I had started with a list of goals I had for 2014. I failed in them utterly. I think I get distracted by life. There are so many things that pop up that I loose my focus and put things on the back burner. So I'm going to try to keep it simple on things I know can stay a focus no matter what life throws at us.

But, as life is ever a thing in progress there are some things that I want to be better at. One is organization. This year I am going to make a concerted effort to get rid of the junk. Last year I sort of did that, but over the past little bit I let it slide. I am definitely going to be more picky about what comes in and more liberal with what goes out.

Another thing that I want to be better at is my budget. The past few months have felt like a whirlwind and I just stopped keeping track of the money. Pretty silly, but it's true. So this year I am pulling myself up by the boot straps and going to start with the money again. We have some financial goals that we would like to see happen this year so I need to make sure I do my part to make our dollars stretch. (There will be probably more posts on this in the future). Our goal is to pay an extra $5000 onto our mortgage and have $5000 in our savings. I know those are modest sums, but, they will still need our focus and some lifestyle adjustments. I am excited by this.

And the last thing that I am going to focus on is getting fit. By this I don't mean becoming a stick. But I want to be active. I want to run around and not be exhausted by the end of it. I want more energy for my kids and I just want my body to be healthier. I started exercising in earnest in September so now I need to adjust the eating part of it and I should be good to go.

Do you have goal in your life that you are fine tuning in the New Year? Are you starting something brand new in your life? Do you have any tips for success? Leave a comment I would love to know how you keep focused.