Free Samples (Canadian)

It's that time again for those who enjoy the free samples from P and G

https://www.pgbrandsampler.ca/en_CA/home.php

Last round I got a sample of new Crest Mouthwash, the Crest White strips and a Febreezy thingie.

enjoy

confession

shhh . just between you and me k? lol

I really really hate writing things down for my weekly spending out of my jars.

I have my budget per week and my overall budget.

I have my categories: groceries, gas, spending, clothing and gifts, entertainment.

I never go over my weekly set amount.

But I really, really really hate writing down each expenditure...ex every grocery purchase.

I was really good at it when I first started the jars in 2008 but the novelty is long gone. I do try every now and again and it is a fantastic way of seeing where the money goes and how frequent you spend it.

for a girl who likes lists and notes and to do checklists, it surprises me

Smackdown! on that vehicle loan

In the far corner, an ominous but compact white SUV, great for hauling kids and hockey and gear and fantastic on snow and ice, weighing  in at $19 721.73, is VEHICLE LOAN.

And in the near corner, with glorious red tresses that don't behave most days, sparkling blue eyes and a distinctive laugh, weighing in at.................too damn much  and ... NYOB :-) is jolie.

Now VEHICLE LOAN has been tag teaming with INTEREST to fight jolie at every opportunity. INTEREST has been biting away at jolie repeatedly, starting with almost $200 a month.  Point for VEHICLE LOAN.

Jolie counter attacked with  a second full jab each month, picking away at INTEREST's stamina bit by bit until it's $60 less  a  month now. That means more hits to VEHICLE LOAN's principal. Point for Jolie.

Feeling a resurgence of energy, spurred on by maxing out her CCP and EI contributions and a whack of snowflakes, jolie hits VEHICLE LOAN with a one, two! extra payments this month, pounding 2 extra months off the end of the loan.

VEHICLE LOAN is now due to be finished in Oct of 2013 instead of June of 2014 if there are no more extra rounds by jolie.

but extra rounds there will be!!

Jolie laughs wickedly, tosses her hair and cape over her shoulder, and climbs out of the ring to go to work.

Things to be thankful for

It's only fitting on our Canadian Thanksgiving to take a bit of time over my tea this morning to reflect on what I am greatful for. Far too often we get caught up in all the crazyness of life and forget to give thanks for the little things.

So for this Thanksgiving, in no  particular, order are mine:

• Our family is growing. Including the boyfriend/girlfriends of our post high school nieces and nephews, there are 27 of us now. We were fortunate to have all but four of them home.
• We had a delicious supper at my mom and dad's; turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, roasted turnips and carrots, home made buns and four different kinds of my mom's homemade pies.
• My niece travelled home from Calgary with my great nephew, just nicely out of hospital, so we could all share in his 7 week old adorablness. He goes for another round of tests Wednesday. She surprised my mom by coming home and mom cried to see her and her great grandson.
• It was absolutely gorgeous weather yesterday. The grandsons and 3 granddaughters all tossed around the football. We sat on the patio and enjoyed conversation and beverages.
• We curled up around the firepit outside last night. Laughter, good natured ribbing and some guitar and singing.
• The 'gift' was located yesterday morning in DS2's closet and is no longer a part of our household.
• I still have one more day left this weekend to relax and enjoy time with family (after a quick run to the school to get an evaluation done)

Have a great day together everyone.

Where the money stands

as of  October 10th

Debts
Mortgage - $35 946.24
Vehicle Loan - $19 721.73

Total Debts - 55 667.97


Savings
EF - $2000
XMAS 2010 -$1000
RRSP = $1500


Total Savings - $4500

Planned Savings
RRSP Portfolio - $1000
RESP - $5000
 
So my debt is down by less than a thousand. That will pick up as I make extra payments on my vehicle loan.
 
The RESP grew as the $3000 bequest from their late grandfather's estate came through so I threw that on to their account.
 
I acheived my RRSP goal for the year.
 
I am going to be taking the XMAS 2010 $ off the list as I will be starting to spend the $ soon.