Life After Debt... An Update!

Goodies from the Farmer's Market

It's been about three months since the weight of what feels like a car (I really could of bought a nice car) on top of my shoulders has gone, I feel like I can breathe at last... if only for a moment! I was slowly and steadily approaching the finish line, so eager to stop making payments to OSAP and just get on with my life, that I cleared most of my different saving funds to just get out! Sadly however, I still felt a sort of mental debt that I owe to my various personal accounts like my slush fund, gift fund and tax fund. Oh well, at least I'm not paying anyone interest! For the last few months, I've been working my way back replenishing these accounts to what they should have been. Now, they they are topped off and I'm still finding some money left over. I'm now starting to enjoy life a little more without the worry. Since becoming a hardcore saver, I found it difficult to spend that extra dough on things that I knew I wanted but had learned to live without. I didn't want to become a money hoarder so I started saying yes to myself on things I really wanted. Lately, I've been visiting a farmer's market and buying some delicious yet expensive fruits and goodies. I started ordering some take out or getting food delivered for the nights I was too exhausted to cook and didn't feel like opening a can of soup or nuking a box of frozen food. Life, I can say has clearly changed and for the better! I still make sure all my various funds and credit cards are paid weekly, but it feels so nice to spend that few extra dollars and not feel the dread of debt looming over me. 

Learning to live on less has given me a much needed perceptive on how I want to live my life. As much as I love shiny, pretty things as much as the next girl, I'm definitely not willing to pay anywhere near as much as she's going to pay for it. I grew up poor, with a single mom in Jane and Finch who took care of her three kids and her own mother. I wouldn't call myself poor or rich today, but I'm content and fulfilled. I have a flexible schedule and work with good people. I live a happy life! How many of us can say that? I'm still human and still can get tripped up by letting the Jones' get the better of me. I would love to have an expensive purse, travel the world as I once did, or buy those close to me lavish gifts. But, I'm practical and I know that's not happening and I'm definitely not going to go into debt just so I can gain the approval of some people. However, I do LOVE making things! Homemade crafts are definitely me! Maybe nothing too crazy complicated but if it looks nice and interesting to me, you can bet your ass I'll figure a way to make a customized one for you! Just gathering the materials and taking the time to sit down and put all the pieces together are just hours of joy to me. Yes, there can be stress when it doesn't come out exactly like you thought it would but it's all a learning process. I also love that it's one of a kind! I can't go into a Wal-Mart and ask them to sell me a diaper tricycle (I hope not either, since I made two for two baby showers this month) and get a mass produced one made with crappy materials and no love or thought put into it. Right now, I see the money I save being used for the greater good in my life. I'm taking my retirement and downpayment savings more seriously now, as they are my new goals. I really believe in sacrificing some luxuries of today, just so I'll be able to eat tomorrow (more like when I'm 70). 

Here are some of the things I do to save money:

At Home:

- BUDGET and write everything down! I write out all my income and expenses to keep track of what I'm doing. My budget keeps me on track with everything. I know how much I'm spending and how much I will be spending.

- I try to use coupons and buy stuff only on sale. I'm constantly swapping coupons and freebies with friends and family. You'll be surprised how many different people ask me about deals and how to save money. 

- if you have some space, try to stockpile what you can (toothbrushes, toilet paper etc., this stuff isn't going to expire)

- I try to freeze meals, fruits or foods that are about to expire and eat them later (batch cooking) or incorporate them into recipes (smoothies).

- I batch cook breakfast and snacks. I have a freezer with oatmeal chocolate muffins for breakfast and bite sized banana bread for whenever. Such a timesaver for when you're on the go! 

- Pinterest! If it's looks easy to try, I'll make my own everything! My mom lent me her bread maker and I make my own fresh bread for work. 

- Buy in bulk, unless they are things I get coupons for all the time. With coupons, stick with smaller quantity for a bigger bang with your buck.

- I negotiate my own cell phone plan with a minimal data plan. I live downtown, there is free wifi practically everywhere! 

- I pay no fees for banking, why would I? And I get points for free groceries! Free food? I'm in! 

At Work:

- I subscribe to Bixi to save money on transport (tell them your with Live Green Toronto and give them the code 030512bixi to get $15 off your yearly subscription). It's actually faster than the TTC! Do the math! I generously budget one pack of ten TTC tokens per month at $26.50 vs. $7.72 I spend on Bixi with the membership discount. The only other investment you'll need is a helmet, but I bought a decent one at Costco for about $30. I honestly have less stress when I'm not reliant on the TTC, no more waiting with crazy commuters that push or the TTC that's always short turning or all of a sudden have no service. 

- I walk everywhere! It's fun to see the sights and smells, to get some exercise from sitting all day, and I learn so much from listening to podcasts! Podcasts make my 45 min walk to work feel like 15 mins! I would bike but I'm just not fully awake to be on the road that early.

- I rarely go out for lunch, so I use tupperware to carry my lunch instead of saran wrap (better for the environment and the wallet)

- I carry travel cutlery that can be washed instead of buying disposable utensils. Plus, I just hate using plastic utensils since they are so crappy!

- I use a reusable water bottle (watch the documentary Tapped and you'll see why). Although, I do buy a case of water once in awhile to give to my guests at home. 

- In the winter, I bring a travel mug to make tea at work. 

- I stopped drinking coffee, buying donuts, snacks etc.

Well, those are some ways I save money everyday, hopefully you'll like some ideas and incorporate it to your daily lives. Little changes in life can add up to big savings! So, what are you waiting for? Write to me if you have any other good ideas at erosandpookie@gmail.com.

Thanks for reading!

Eros and Pookie