Vacation Time

Okay woah, it's been a while since I posted. I'll admit, I've fallen a little bit off the band wagon and got back into some nasty spending habits in the last few weeks. I just got back from a vacation in the US where the dollar was not so great, so naturally had to spend more money. It's time for a spending vacation.

What's that you say? Well it's a little thing I like to do right after a real vacation where I don't spend any money. Now how can I do that you say? What about gas and food and bills? Okay, I'm not talking about the essentials here. I am talking about the wants and luxuries that I've been spending money on in the last two weeks.

It's really hard when you go on vacation to keep track of your spending. Yes, I did keep all my receipts and watch what I was buying. But HELLO! Vacation! I only do this once a year, and I want to treat myself! So yes I spent a little extra money on clothes, a few wallets, some treats, and fun things. That's allowed.

Now though, it's time to get back on track. So how do you go on a spending vacation?

1) Write down a list of your essential expenses: this would include gas, phone, car payments/insurance, rent, and food. You can't get out of these no matter what. So plan for these, and nothing else.

2) Hide Yo Plastic: your credit cards should not come with you anywhere. I always used to be that person who said "I'm leaving it in my wallet in case of an emergency." Then I realized, I would never be in a situation where I should need a credit card. I always have the option of using my debit, but now that I plan the things I used to think were emergencies were just me being super careless. So I hide these cards, they're in full hibernation mode.

3) Set a Time Frame: usually I have this little vacation for about 2 weeks. This time, I'm aiming for 3. I know, it seems a little crazy. But I'm really focusing on 1) getting my workouts back up to par, 2) training for a 1/2 marathon, 3) reading the 7 books I bought in the last year or so that are still sitting on my book shelf and 4) planning my goals for the next year. NONE of these require money. Of course I will probably squeeze some friend time in there. I mean hey, I do need a workout buddy. But it will be at a $0 cost to get some visits in over the next few weeks.

4) Stay Away From The Mall: I cannot be tempted if I do not see things I want. Therefore, my online and in-store shopping are done, probably until summer time. And hey, I'm working on a few fitness goals anyway, so here's hoping that when I do get back to the mall, there will be some new changes I see in myself.

5) Keep Yourself Accountable: sometimes these things are easier said than done. I know, because there are days where I wake up and I am CRAVING a white chocolate raspberry mocha and I will do whatever it takes to get one. BUT you have to fight the temptations, no matter what they are. Your future self will thank you for it!

So I will do an update in three weeks to let you know how this goes. I am essentially going to be planning my weeks out 7 days at a time so that I can focus on my goals, and focus on building my savings back up. Happy Sunday!

Boxing Day Madness

A lot of people have asked me in the past why I bother going shopping on Boxing Day? Why put yourself through the stress and craziness when you can just go a week later and still get the same sales?

For me, Boxing Day Shopping has just become a tradition of mine. It started in Grade 8 and I have gone every year since, even when I've had to work prior to shopping. I'm going to keep this post short and sweet, since I'm sure lots of you have family stuff to get to, but I have five tips that I follow every year for Boxing Day to help make it less painful.

1) Make a List: On Christmas Eve or Christmas Day take all the flyers, or use the Flip App and compare what's on sale and where. Mark down what you need/really want and where you can buy it. Now if you're really smart (or crazy) like me, you'll also write down the order in which you want to go to the stores. This helps, especially after a few years when you know which stores will have bigger line-ups because of good sales, special promos, or limited stock.

2) Get to the Mall Before it Opens: This is kind of a given. Usually Sears in Polo Park opens at 6 am and the rest of the stores in the mall open at either 7 or 8, depending. So what I like to do is go to the mall, sometimes cruise around Sears for a bit, but otherwise grab a coffee, take a look over my list, and mentally prepare to get in, buy what I need and get out.

3) Park Right by the Exit: Sometimes this means walking a little further to get to the door, but when you're finished your shopping in a few hours, you'll thank yourself for it. Park facing the exit and as close to it as possible, so that all you have to do is get in your car, let it warm up for a minute or two while you watch the angry person stare at you from their car waiting for your spot, and then pull right out of the parking lot.

4) Plan Out your Budget: Usually I do this without caring too much how I spend my money. This year, I'm trying to be a little bit wiser and make sure I stick to my budget. I am not using credit cards on Boxing Day, which will be a first, so I have to make sure that if my gift cards and cash don't cover it, then I need to either wait, or take something else off my list so I can get it. Never have I bought anything that I NEEDED on Boxing Day, it's always a want. This year however I have house items on my list which are more so a need than a want, but either way I have to decide if it's 100% necessary or if it can wait.

5) Go By Yourself: I have gone shopping with people and by myself in the past. I love going with other people because it's nice having someone else with their opinions, but as I have gotten older I have realized how much I hate people in the mall on Boxing Day, so I always get in, get my stuff, and get out. This is much easier by yourself because you're focused, determined and ambitious. I am always determined to be out of the mall no later than 9 am, which by that time it's not so chaotic that you can't move, but it's definitely busy enough that there is no good parking left.


I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas! Spend lots of time with family and friends, and all the best in the New Year!