Week 4 – Recap

Week 4 Recap
Almost to the end of January. Once you’ve done something for 30 days, your brain starts to believe you really are changing your habits. Keep up the good work.

Act 22
Cut to the bone.
Chicken that is. Cheaper to buy a whole one and learn how to cut it properly. Plus, it’s home-made chicken soup waiting to happen. 

Act 23

Pizza dough is play dough you can eat.
You can buy a hot pizza for $15
You can buy a frozen pizza for $7.50
You can make your own for half again. 

Act 24
Follow @‏GailVazOxlade on Twitter
or follow her on facebook or follow her site. just follow her. she will inspire you to stand up for yourself and take control of your money and your debt.

Act 25
Make every minute count
Plan your errands well. You can save time and money by doing so. Then do them (instead of just putting them on the list)

Act 26

Find new ways to use old things
Pinterest is a great source for ideas and there are plenty of things around the house that can serve more than one purpose

Act 27
Have a picnic.
I easily saved $1,000 by bringing food along and avoiding expensive stops at restaurants and convenience stores. Plus, it’s more fun.

Act 28
Don’t burn the candle at both ends.
Still guilty of this I’m afraid. But I’ll keep trying. 

Have a great week!

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Week 3 – Recap

Three weeks into 2014. This is about the time we start to give up on our resolutions. Be brave. Keep going. It’s already working. Promise yourself you’ll try for at least the month of January. Ironically, today is said to be Blue Monday – the most depressing day of the year – so prop yourself up and resist the temptation to give in. Don’t let Blue Monday get to you.

Act 15 – Laches Pas!
Posted on January 16, 2013
Don’t give up. Ever. 

Act 16 – Find the “i” in Gratitude
Posted on January 17, 2013
When things go your way, take time to find some gratitude. It makes life sweater

Act 17 – Talk to the moms
Posted on January 18, 2013
The moms, or whatever you consider your circle, are great resources for tips and ideas. Reach out. People want to help. 

Act 18 – When life gives you stale bread, make yummy croutons
Posted on January 19, 2013
I kid you not, I saved at least $100 last year by taking stale bread and making my own croutons. It’s easy. You’ll never look at a box of croutons at the grocery store the same way again. Ever. 

Act 19 – Go with the flow
Posted on January 20, 2013
Not everyone will share your determination and, dare I say it, obsession with your debt defying acts. Go with the flow. Your debt is an issue, yes. But it’s not the only issue, not by far. 

Act 20 – Live small
Posted on January 20, 2013
We’re obsessed with big, are we not. Small is cheaper. Smaller houses, smaller cars. Just smaller. You might find you’re spending big mortgage dollars on a house full of rooms you rarely use. Something to think about. 

Act 21 – Go ahead. Ask.
Posted on January 22, 2013
Leverage your business relationships. Reciprocity is important in business and as the owner operator of a household, you are a defacto business owner. So if you need a little something extra from the people you do business with, go ahead, ask. Won’t hurt. 

 

Week 2 Recap

Hi there,

Hope the first week back to the routine went well and you’re still resolved to change your relationship with money. Here’s a recap of week two.

Act 08

Bundle Up!
A reminder to keep an eye on your heating bill. And it wouldn’t kill ya to keep a blanket or extra sweater handy around the house. Home heating is a big expense. Especially this winter. You can stay warm and not burn your budget while you’re at it. Turn the heat down when you’re away from home or overnight when you’re cozy in your blankets.

Act 09

Take a nap
This is more about staying rested. If a nap work for you, then go for it They say napping can reduce stress levels and improve decision making. I’m a fan.

Act 10

Don’t panic.
I get those moments too. It’s perfectly normal. But get over it because it certainly doesn’t help. Breathe. You can get through this.

Act 11

Say no.
This is a tough one. But it gets easier to say no. And sometimes, the truth is, no just needs saying.

Act 12

Share well with others.
We don’t all need a lawnmower and a snow blower. As neighbours and communities we can share and we should.

Act 13

Shop small.
This is as much about where you shop as how much you shop for. I’m a fan of the quick shop. A few things only. And nothing that wasn’t on the list. I have cut my grocery budget in half. Really, I have.

Act 14

Put it in writing.
If you’re dealing with formal “stuff” make sure you put it in writing either as a written note in a file or a follow up e-mail or a formal letter. The written word still matters.

Week 1 Recap

Hi again

Happy New Year. Here’s a recap with links of week one of my debt defying acts. Think of it as last year in fast foward mode. Hope you enjoy. I plan to recap a week at a time.

Act 01Draft a personal budget

Not a big deal. Just a tally of what you earn and what you spend. Back of the napkin sorta stuff. It’ll help. It’s a start.

Act 02 Make an appointment with your banker

Your branch manager should know who you are. Introduce yourself. Make an appointment. Make it clear you’re just asking for a meeting (not a loan) so they don’t pull a credit report unnecessarily.

Act 03 Get an oil change

This is more about maintaining what you have. Don’t neglect your assets. Small steps can save on big expenses.

Act 04 Get a Part Time Job

If you can find the time, it’s worth a try. Wether it’s a few shifts serving at a community fundraiser or a part time contract. Saving is one thing, but making more money has to be part of the equation too.

Act 05 Go Play Outside

This is more about how you use your time. Rather than head to the mall or go to the movies, just play outside with your kids. Grab a crazy carpet and go sledding or build a fort or go for a walk. Whatever it takes, you can do it for free.

Act 06 Pay Attention

Do some research. You might be surprised what really happens in the banking and insurance industries. At least I was. Watching Inside Job was important for me.

Act 07 Go for Lunch at the Grocery Store

It’s important to get out of the office. That doesn’t necessarily mean an expensive lunch. Your grocery store is a great start. A banana, some milk, a bun. Mix and match. Sometimes I can buy a week’s worth of lunch for the price of one sit down meal at my favourite cafe.

Have a great week. Talk again soon!