Budget Sense

Salary increases are indeed a blessing that I never take for granted, especially in today’s uncertain economic times where job security is a luxury. Receiving a salary increase feels like a bonus, and even though there’s no assurance of it, I’ve already planned how to utilize any potential increase.

Firstly, I won’t be frivolously spending this money; instead, I’ll be judiciously saving or allocating it to existing categories in my budget. As I’ve mentioned before, treating a salary increase as money I never had is crucial, and it’s best to channel it toward more important uses rather than mere spending. The majority of any increase will be directed towards the payroll stock purchase program, matched by my company up to a certain amount. Additionally, I’ll contribute to a company-matched pension program. If anything remains after allocating 50% and 30% to these two savings programs respectively, I’ll allocate some funds to cover bills and grocery shopping, considering the impact of higher bills and increased grocery costs due to ongoing inflationary pressures.

Will I enjoy any of the extra money? Perhaps 5%—not more! Every cent will be dedicated to savings and increasing the allocation to existing programs benefiting the family and household. This approach ensures a substantial accumulation of savings for the future and sufficient funds allocated to our needs, minimizing the necessity to take on debt for bills and groceries. While different people have different needs and may spend their increase differently, it’s essential to review all budget items before declaring that you’re saving enough and can afford to spend the extra money instead.

Opting for delayed gratification lays the foundation for a prosperous and financially secure future. Conversely, succumbing to immediate desires may lead to uncertainty and a future burdened by debt

Back in the summer, I wrote about various things I have outsourced to do at home and which have been saving me thousands a year. One of these things that has made the biggest changes for me has been having my own home gym. This has not only saved me money and time, it has created a whole paradigm shift for me in ways I couldn’t even imagine before. I will try to go them below.

Let us start with the obvious ones: money and time

It is a no-brainer, having your own home gym – even a simple one – will save you a ton of money. First off, you are saving on pricey GYM memberships, which can average around $400-500 a year. Then you have to account for the cost of driving to and from the GYM, which adds to your expenses.

And of course, while money is a huge part of it, let us not forget the other big factor: time! Going to the GYM, spending time there, taking a shower and recovering after, then driving back home, all takes time. In fact, personally speaking and from those I have come to know, this can take up to 2-3 hours for every GYM visit. Think about that, you are spending a big chunk of your waking hours being tied to a GYM. Yes, having a GYM membership is a huge thing for our overall health, but that doesn’t mean any time or cost is justified. In today’s world where convenience and time are considered premium, it is time that we optimized the time we spend at GYMs.

The non-obvious benefits: health and fitness on demand

While I knew having my own job would save me on money and time etc., I wasn’t aware of other possibilities it would open up for me. For example, and while I was always active with working out before, there was always those things that came in the way, such as being tired, having no time, bad weather etc. Now, literally none of these matter, because the GYM is already home and I don’t have to worry about getting to it. This has been such a paradigm shift for me, that I don’t remember the last time I skipped being on my treadmill, since I got it over the summer. Really, I do it on a daily basis. Not only that, but I do it twice a day sometimes. And in addition to working out, I spend the time on the treadmill, to also listen to my favourite podcasts and reading on my Kindle E-reader. Yes, I could do these in a GYM or walking outdoor, but it is all so much easier at home, as you don’t have to remember to take these with you. As a result, my consumption of podcasts and books has increased tremendously since I got my treadmill at home.

It is a place to escape to, always there for me. Feeling stressed or down? I can go there. Just had a crappy day or ate too much? Go to my GYM and burn it off. Got an upcoming challenge or event to be ready for? use my home GYM to prepare. The weather is terrible outside and can’t go out? no problem, my GYM is just one floor away! The convenience is simply unbeatable!

Not Perfect but does the job!

I realize that while having my own home gym has changed my life in many ways, I do acknowledge it is not comparable to being in a real gym with access to different machines and weights. In other words, while I can use my home gym to stay in shape and build some muscles, I don’t expect it to make me a weightlifting world champion or give me a 6-pack. But, as mentioned, given my purpose for having this simple home gym, it is more than enough for what I need. It is also important to mention that while having this gym is great for convenience, especially during the winter, it is not a substitute for walking outside, where you get a lot more benefits and burn more calories in general.

In summary, my home gym isn’t just about weights and machines – it’s about reclaiming time, optimizing health routines, and creating a haven of convenience right at home. And of course, this being about finance and money, it is saving me a lot of money, and I couldn’t be more pleased and thankful.

While I don’t like talking down or preaching to people about finances from a position of ‘know it all’ , I do like to offer any advise I can when I realize the person is totally clueless or their situation is in need of some simple advise.

One of the advice I give out to people is to to simply save money and ensure you are paying yourself first. As simple and as obvious as this financial lesson may sound, it is lost on so many. The good news is, some of these same people are one advice away from turning their life away.

A friend of mine, whom we shall refer to as ‘Nick’ , was the recipient of such friendly but crucial advice. About two years ago or more, the topic of finance and money management came up and after knowing his situation, I gave him the simple advice and the importance of automating his savings. Moreover, I brought up the concept of paying yourself first. In his mid 40s at the time and while he had saved money in the past, it was sporadic and more of an afterthought. In other words, saving money was far from a priority for his pay check. I explained to him how not prioritizing this will ensure not a penny remains after he takes care of both essential and non-essential budget items. And I use the term ‘budget’ here loosely as he didn’t even have a real budget.

Fast forward to last week, where I had a chance to meet Nick for a mutual friend’s birthday. After telling me about his new job , the topic of finances came up and he proceeded to thank me for advice from years ago. Confused and clueless about this advice he had received from me, I asked him and he reminded me about the ‘pay yourself first’ recommendation I had given him years ago. Ever since, and after automating this through his payroll and bank, he has yet to skip a payment. I felt very proud of him and totally blown away by how one simple advice – coming casually and out of the blue – could make such a large impact. It is like the compound effect that starts small but builds up over time.

Seeing that he was committed and took my advise seriously, I offered him another advice that I myself had started to implement last few years. This is to forego any salary increases and let it continue to go to savings instead. It is money you never had to begin with, so just keep pretending that and let it go to savings instead. This was explained in a previous post but the concept is simple to understand and apply. Say your bi-weekly net payout is $1750 and from that, $250 goes to savings automatically. Let us assume you had a salary increase and your bi-weekly payment is now up to $1850. Take that extra $100 and add it to your existing $250 of automatic savings for total of $350. As long as you do this from the start, you won’t feel it and you just have a better financial future ahead of you.

Your life or someone’s life may just be one advise or lesson away from being completely different. When it comes to financial management and freedom, never shy away from advising others, or accepting advise from someone else, as obvious as the advise may be. While the advise may be the same, depending on the context and circumstances, there may be very valuable insight that can help. In this case, had me and my friend not talked about the strategy or prioritizing savings first, he may have wasted the last two years without any savings. And two years can make a world of difference.

The feds have cranked up the heat and people are responding by looking for something to cool them off! I use this analogy to explain what has happened in the last 18 months of the Bank of Canada’s unprecedented interest rate hikes, taking it from 0.5% in March 2022 to the current rate of 5%. That is effectively close to 900% of rate hikes in a span of just 18 months! No wonder people are not only feeling the pinch, it is more of a squeeze or even a crush, depending on people’s financial well-being.

Numerous mortgage holders have experienced the repercussions of elevated borrowing expenses, driven by the Bank of Canada’s decision to raise interest rates ten times since March 2022, ultimately reaching a policy rate of five percent.

As a result, some people are being forced to sell their homes, as the interest rate have become too much to afford. Others are not selling but are being forced to take on second jobs or find other incomes to make up the difference. As I said in my opening remarks, the feds cranked up the heat – to combat that other issue of inflation – and people are not only feeling the heat, there is not much they can do and can just hope for the temperature to go down soon on its own. In fact, things have been so bad lately that some individuals have resorted to extending their amortization periods by several decades, opting to pay only the interest on their homes.

How to cope?

Seems like a lot of gloom and doom and it is not stretch, as most of us are feeling it. But there are always things that can help. You can start off by looking at your budget and see where you can make some cuts, especially if your income has remained the same last 12 months, while your mortgage payment goes up. For example, if you are planning to go on a family vacation in the next 6 months and this vacation will cost the equivalent of 2 or more monthly mortgage payments, it would be highly recommended and the responsible thing to skip it and save that money instead. Even if you don’t put it on something else, set the money aside for now, until these tough times are somewhat behind us.

Also, if your mortgage is up for renewal in the next 6 months, and given the anticipation of unavoidable higher rates, it’s advisable to initiate discussions with your mortgage broker about your options. This includes considering more extreme measures such as switching to interest-only payments or extending your amortization period. These alternatives are far preferable to the last resort of selling your home. If your payments are set to increase, even if the increment is modest, you might also explore the possibility of taking on a part-time job to cover the added costs. Alternatively, if feasible, consider seeking extra hours at your current job.

With interest rate being high, we can also benefit if we have some money set aside, by putting it in a high interest saving account. For example, some banks are paying as high as 5% for regular saving account, and 5.5% or more for 1 year GIC. These are rates some of us have never seen in their lifetime, so why not take advantage of them? It is simple math: imagine having $25K family savings set aside that you have no use for anytime soon. Why not put it in a 1 year GIC: assuming 5.5% interest rate, you will be getting a cool $1,375 one year from now, with virtually no effort on your part other than the few seconds needed to create the account and transfer the money.

In this challenging financial landscape, it’s clear that Canadians are feeling the heat of unprecedented interest rate hikes. of the last 18 months. From adjusting budgets to exploring alternative mortgage solutions, there are ways to weather this storm. By making informed decisions, seeking professional advice, and taking advantage of high-interest savings options, individuals and families can navigate these turbulent times with resilience and hope for a brighter financial future. In other words, patience and discipline are needed, until this storm passes. As we ride out the wave of rising rates, remember that financial stability is achievable through careful planning and smart choices, ensuring that your dreams and aspirations remain well within reach.

Have you ever thought your credit card spending was in check, successfully lowering your balance, only to suddenly face a surprise hefty monthly, semi-annual, or annual charge? For instance, this week I was billed $120 on my credit card for a domain name and website renewal that had slipped my mind. What’s worse, since I hadn’t remembered it, I hadn’t budgeted for it either.

These unexpected charges can really hit hard and catch you off guard, jeopardizing your credit card balance. It’s crucial to confront these surprises head-on, or your credit card debt will remain out of reach and take longer to pay off.

Anticipate and Allocate

So how do you deal with this issue of unexpected unforecasted hits to your credit card? You start by going over your credit card statements from the last 12 months.

You then make a note of any recurring monthly, quarterly or annual charges that are in excess of $50 (this amount could vary depending on each person’s situation, debt level, income etc) .

Next, determine whether you genuinely need or can cancel each charge. For instance, weigh the importance of an annual CAA/AAA charge of $120 against its necessity for you and your family. If so, keep it. What about an annual magazine subscription that you have been paying for years, but hardly have the time to read them when they come to your door? As you can see, these may be family decisions, but the time you spend going over these big and recurring bills will pay huge dividends in the long term, in terms of money saved and reduced credit card balance.

Once you have decided on what to keep and what to eliminate, take a moment to do a quick calculation of what you will save from all the charges you will be cancelling. This calculation provides a psychological boost, allowing you to visualize the results of your efforts and understand how they contribute to your improved financial future.

Lastly, mark your calendar or create a list with the dates of these monthly, quarterly, or annual charges to eliminate future surprises. It’s one thing to anticipate and allocate for these charges, but it’s even better when they’re not unexpected.

In the realm of personal finance, being proactive holds the key to mastering your credit card journey. By anticipating and allocating for unexpected charges, you’re not just safeguarding your budget but also taking charge of your financial destiny. Remember, the true power lies in your hands as you navigate the twists and turns of credit card expenses. With these strategies in your arsenal, you’re equipped to face any surprise with confidence, ensuring that your credit card balance remains manageable and your path to financial well-being is paved with foresight and control. So, take the reins, and let your proactive approach guide you towards a brighter and more secure financial future.

If you are like me, you can’t spend a day without having your coffee. While no coffee addict, I still drink an average of 1-2 cups a day. But rarely ever more than that. And if you are like me, you also like to get your workout done, rain or shine! But unlike many of you, I actually do most of these things at home, and that saves me so much money. Literally thousands per year. Let us go through some of these items:

Home GYM

Ever since the COVID pandemic lockdown started in March 2020, I cancelled my GYM (more like they closed down) and never been back to a GYM since. That is 3.5+ years. But having always been someone who likes to look after my health and fitness, I couldn’t be lazy enough to quit my GYM and not do something to replace it. And that is exactly what I did: for the last 3 years, I have done walking and hiking on an almost daily basis, depending on the weather outside. In fact, thanks to my Apple Watch that keeps me committed, I have a streak that goes back to Jul 2020 where I have walked a minimum of 30 minutes or more.

And in the last 2 years, I have managed to build a modest mini-GYM (workout area) in my basemen, with a treadmill, weights and some other stretching equipment. You not only can’t beat the cost savings, the convenience is huge. The fact that this is in my own home, where no effort is required to get to it, makes it easy do use it daily. And of course, I am also saving on commute time and gas driving to and from the GYM. With a regular GYM, I would usually go an average of 4 times a week. With my own home GYM, I do it almost 6 days, if not 7 per week. Compared to the average GYM that now costs minimum of $50 a month, and add all the time and gas costs spent driving there and back, I am saving a minimum of $750-800 on this. And oh, the GYM happened to have been given to me for free from family, so that makes things even better in my case.

Coffee

Electric Shaver

It has now been well over 23 years that I have been using an electric shaver. In fact, it was only a year or two after my adulthood that I decided to ditch razor in favour for an electric shaver. This is not only convenient, the savings are huge. Let us crunch some numbers based on average of one shave per week:

The costs of shaving cream and razors can vary based on the brands and types you choose. However, let’s assume average costs:

1. Shaving Cream: A typical can of shaving cream can cost around $3 to $5, depending on the brand and size. Let’s assume $4 per can.
2. Razor: A pack of disposable razors or a basic razor cartridge can cost around $5 to $15, depending on the brand and the number of blades. Let’s assume $10 for a pack of razors.

So, for a weekly shave, the estimated cost would be:

• Shaving Cream: $3 per week
• Razor: $10 (assuming it lasts a month)

Therefore, the total cost per week would be approximately $3.25. Keep in mind that these are rough estimates, and actual costs may vary based on your specific choices and how long the products last for you. So in a year, you are spending around $170. With a shaved, you buy it once (around $100 for a good one) and use it for 3-5 years.

Of course, each person may be different in what they do to save money. For example, some like to cut their hair. Some may even grow their own fruits and vegetables, make their own tomato sauce, wine etc. Find what you already spend a lot of money on, and on a regular basis, and see if you can outsource it to yourself and do it at home. If the time and money savings are not significant, there is no need to go ahead with this.

In conclusion, embracing a lifestyle of cost-effective home practices and strategic outsourcing can yield significant financial and time savings. From establishing a home gym for convenient and affordable fitness routines to brewing your own coffee, these small changes accumulate into substantial annual savings. By making mindful choices in personal grooming, such as adopting an electric shaver, one not only enhances efficiency but also reduces recurring expenses. These practices empower individuals to take control of their expenses, contributing to a more financially sustainable and personally fulfilling lifestyle.

It seems like the media and people in general have been talking about an upcoming recession for over 18 months now, and it is yet to arrive. It is like a bad guest that we keep anticipating – to get it done with – but they never show up. And while we wait for that guest to arrive, we are full of angst and dread. And the more they don’t show up, the worst these feelings get.

That’s been the case with the persistent chatter about an impending recession. For the record, a recession is a period of significant decline in economic activity that can last for months or even years. Similar to many aspects of life, the more attention and discussion it receives, the more likely it seems to occur. In other words, even if it’s not desired, constant discussion and contemplation by the masses can somehow manifest it.

Now imagine an alternative, where a recession may be possible or forthcoming based on current economic facts, but where it is rarely discussed: what happens in that alternative world? Firstly, people would likely keep on living their lives and spending without worrying. This in turns spurs economic activity, which keeps a recession at bay. You see how the simple act of not thinking or talking about it, makes people more hopeful and continue on providing the fuel for the economic engine to keep going.

However, it is also foolish to ignore reality by spending recklessly and irresponsibly, as this can lead to your own personal recession or worse. Striking a balance in how you approach your financial situation is crucial while being mindful of the macroeconomic situation. This principle similarly applies to the media; they should play a supportive role, occasionally discussing the possibility of a recession while also encouraging the public to lead a good life and find a simple balance. Avoid excessive spending, but also resist excessive fear and hoarding of resources. Talk of a recession is inherently negative and fear-inducing, generating more clicks and viewership. In other words, if the media consistently talks about how things are running smoothly or even great, it doesn’t provoke a reaction, making people less likely to tune in.

Watch your money by sticking to a budget, feel hopeful and abundant, and avoid most sensationalised headlines. This formula will ensure you have the right balance to deal with anything that comes your way, be it a recession or more economic prosperity. Now imagine each one of us, or at least majority of population doing this way, the result would have far reaching positive implications for the economy. Even if we acknowledge that certain economic realities are inevitable, no matter how we feel or act. But at the very least, it makes things less painful or stressful. After all, hope will always trumps despair.

If you have a need or even want to buy a big ticket item, do you simply do some research on the best choice, compare it to other items in the same category, then make your decision? or is price the first thing you look at?

For those wondering or are not sure about the exact meaning or what does it apply to, a “big ticket item” refers to a high-cost or expensive purchase or product, which typically represents a significant portion of an individual’s or household’s budget. These items are usually more expensive than everyday or routine purchases and may require careful financial planning and research.

For example, let us say you are in the market for a new Smart TV, as the one you currently have is from 10 years ago or more, and is not only outdated, it is not working properly and it is time to replace it. You decide on the size you want, the features, and even down to two or three brands. You may even have a budget for it. Now what? Do you simply go out and buy it? or do you look at different retailers and big box stores and do price-comparison, as well as checking who gives you the best value for your buck.

With an item that is going to cost a significant amount, it is a no-brainer: you have to spend some time trying to find the best deal, even if it takes you hours or days of research. It could easily mean the difference of hundreds of dollars saved.

Consider Long-Term Costs: Beyond the initial purchase price, think about the long-term costs associated with the item. For example, consider energy efficiency, maintenance expenses, and potential repair costs over time. This can significantly impact the overall value of your purchase.

Read Reviews and Recommendations: Take advantage of online reviews, user testimonials, and recommendations from friends or family who may have experience with the product you’re considering. This can provide valuable insights into the item’s performance and durability.

Warranty and Customer Support: Check the warranty offered by the manufacturer and the level of customer support provided. A strong warranty can provide peace of mind and save you money on potential repairs.

Negotiate for Discounts: Don’t hesitate to negotiate with the seller, especially if you’re making a significant purchase. Many retailers are open to price negotiations, and you may be able to secure a better deal or additional perks.

And last but not least, if you already have the cash to pay for this big item, then use your credit card to get points or rewards, then pay the purchase balance right away. This is an easy way to get more out of your purchase.

In conclusion, when it comes to making substantial investments in big ticket items, a thoughtful and informed approach can make all the difference. Balancing cost considerations with the long-term value, warranties, and reviews can help you find the perfect fit for your needs and budget. Don’t hesitate to explore various options, negotiate where possible, and even leverage credit card rewards to maximize your benefits. Remember that taking the time for research and due diligence can lead to substantial savings and ensure that your purchase is not only satisfying today but also a wise investment for the future.

I think it is no secret that majority of people use their credit card rewards for travel and that is generally a good usage of these loyalty rewards. But a lot of people ignore or even fail to realize that, depending on their reward system, they can use their cashback to get ahead financially, be it to save money, pay down debt or buy registered products.

Let us use my RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card as an example: you get 1 point for each dollar spent, not including the occasional promotions where you get extra bonus points. You can then use these points to buy travel products at the rate of 1 for 1: or 100 points for $1 in travel money. You can also use your points to buy other products, including financial rewards, electronics etc, but at a lower rate of 120 points for $1.

With the math above, it makes sense to use your Avion rewards to buy vacation packages and other related products (flying, care rental, hotels etc) . But if you want to get ahead financially and don’t care for travelling that much, then you can use your points to buy RRSP, TFSA, and other financial products. For example, at the moment, I have enough points to buy $500 in TFSA or RRSP savings which goes along way these days.

In addition to my Avion Visa card, I have a Master Card from Tangerine Bank, which allows me to earn 2% in cashback in two categories of my choice, from a list of nine categories ( mine are Bills and Gas) and 0.5% for all other purchases. Despite not using it as much as I use my Visa, I still manage to accumulate close to $10-15 a month in cashback, or around $130-150 a year, paid to me on a monthly basis. I save this money and use it at the end of the year to make a big purchase, pay it towards credit card balance, or use it to purchase Christmas presents for family and friends.

As you can see, these credit card reward systems make using them more fun and rewarding. But at the end of the day, it is not useful if you are accumulating points and getting cashback at the expense of having a big balance which cost you a lot more interest every month. Take the time to assess and compare which credit card would work best for you, based on their reward system, assuming all else being equal. But more importantly, earning rewards should be the second priority to the primary one of ensuring your credit card balance is always paid in full. When you do that, these rewards become even sweeter and you actually beat the bank at their game!

You’re cruising along with your trusty car, and everything seems fine. But let’s face it: in 5 years, you’ll eventually need to replace it. It may seem daunting to start saving for such a big purchase so far in advance, but here’s where you’re mistaken. Now is actually the best time to kickstart your savings plan.

But what about those smaller yet significant expenses looming just a few months away? Take, for example, a dream family vacation to the Caribbean, costing a few thousand dollars. With exactly 5 months to save up $5,000, how can you effectively budget and save for such an adventure?

Break It Down into Manageable Pieces

One effective strategy, commonly used in goal-setting and project management, is to break things down into smaller, more achievable targets. For your upcoming vacation, instead of fixating on the $5,000 price tag, focus on saving $1,000 per month over the next 5 months. By shifting your perspective, you’ll find it easier to grasp and rally around these more digestible milestones.

Create a Dedicated Bank Account

Given the substantial amount you’re saving, it’s crucial to establish a separate bank account exclusively for your vacation fund. This separation sends a clear message that this is a special project requiring your utmost attention. By compartmentalizing your finances, you’ll maintain a laser-like focus on the bigger picture without distractions from day-to-day expenses, debts, or other financial commitments. In other words, no matter what’s happening elsewhere, this account will be your unwavering resource for funding your dream vacation.

Explore Multiple Income Streams

Unless you have a substantial income with zero financial obligations, you’ll likely need to tap into additional revenue streams to achieve your savings goal. Begin by calculating how much money you can contribute each month from your current job, and then brainstorm ways to secure the remaining funds. Can other family members chip in? Are there upcoming bonuses or windfalls that can be allocated entirely or partially to your vacation fund? Consider taking on a side gig or part-time job. You can even explore opportunities for extra hours at your current workplace by discussing the possibility with your manager. Lastly, declutter your home and sell any items you no longer need online. Remember, the more income streams you can generate, the easier it becomes to save for your eagerly anticipated getaway.

Remember, the key to success lies in starting early and planning ahead. By giving yourself ample time and diversifying your income sources, you’ll significantly increase your chances of reaching your savings goal. Let’s embark on this journey together and make your dream vacation a reality!