Frugal thrifty and happy

40 simple ways to save money on the internet

2008-10-29T09:22:00.001-04:00

Here is an article from Techradar.com:
***

Capitalism is collapsing, we're eating shoes for dinner and our houses are worth about 10p - so it's more important than ever to ensure that we're getting the biggest bang for our bucks.

If money really talked, it'd be saying "go online and save some cash!"
So we did.

Here, we reveal 40 ways to use the web to beat the bills, cut your costs and get more from your money.

1. Go paper-free for cheaper billsMany firms, such as Norwich Union Direct give you one discount for applying online and a further discount if you choose online-only paperless policies.

2. Make free phone callsWhether it's Skype or your favourite chat software, why pick up the phone when voice and video chat is free?

3. Cut your credit card ratesIf you don't clear the balance every month, high interest rates could be costing you a fortune. Use MoneyExtra to find a better deal.

4. Get cheaper gas and electricEnergy firms make a lot of money from inertia - that is, customers sticking with the package they're on instead of switching to better deals. Use Uswitch to compare different providers.

5. Collect AirmilesAirmiles aren't just for flights - you can use them for hotel stays, too. The Airmiles website shows you where to collect the most miles.

6. Be patient and save on delivery chargesMany online shops such as Amazon charge a fortune for fast delivery. Go for free delivery instead - no book, game or DVD is that urgent.

7. Get cheaper broadbandBeen with the same ISP for a while? You're probably paying too much. Broadband Genie shows who's got the best prices for the speed you need.

8. Get loyalty discountsProviders such as O2 give massive discounts for customers who take more than one service so, for example, O2 broadband is £5 cheaper for existing O2 customers.

9. Get cheaper insuranceInsurers typically attract new customers with generous deals and then stuff them when it's time to renew. Use Confused.com to get a better deal.

10. New quotes are often cheaper than renewalsLike your insurer but hate the renewal price? Get a new quote from their website and demand they match it. We saved £90 this week doing just that.

11. Buy groceries onlineSupermarkets are brilliant at encouraging impulse buys, so avoid temptation by ordering over the internet. If possible, arrange midweek delivery: weekends cost more.

12. Dump designersSites such as ASOS.com can help you get designer styles without paying designer money.

13. Book flights earlyThe earlier you book a flight on airlines such as EasyJet, the less it costs.

14. Use free softwareIs OpenOffice.org as good as Microsoft Office? Who cares? It's free! See also: Picasa, Google Docs, Paint.net...

15. Get cheaper gig tickets in advanceSign up to mailing lists to get advance notice of ticket sales for your favourite acts.

16. Get cheaper last-minute ticketsNeed tickets for a sold-out gig? Sod the scalpers: try ethical trading site Scarlet Mist.

17. Get cheap Christmas presents nowIt's not long till Xmas, and there are sales a-plenty from big names such as Debenhams and Marks & Sparks.

18. Find freebiesThe lovely people at Moneysavingexpert.com have found freebies ranging from baby food samples to study aids and sun cream.

19. Compare prices to save bigNever buy things from the first site you try - a quick trip to Kelkoo will often find it cheaper.

20. Use a car broker and save cash on your new carCar dealers are suffering, so brokers such as Broadspeed can get even bigger discounts on new cars than before.

21. Monitor the market for cheap mortgagesThe best deals appear and disappear in a matter of days, so use a site such as Moneysupermarket.com to make sure you don't miss any.

22. Prioritise your debts to cut repaymentsShifting debt to a credit card with 0% interest on balance transfers could slash your repayments; find one on Moneysupermarket or MoneyExtra.

23. Get a currency cardTravelling abroad? Pre-paid currency cards can save you a stack when you pay with plastic.

24. Find the cheapest petrolPetrolprices.com finds the cheapest petrol stations in your area.

25. Earn more interest on your savingsMake sure you're earning maximum interest at Moneysavingexpert.com.

26. Get 2 for 1 cinema ticketsWith Orange? Text 241 to get two-for-one tickets on Wednesdays.
27. See films for freeDisney's Film Factory often gives away free tickets for new movies.

28. Sell your story to the pressDid your partner leave you for a chicken? Beonpaper is where real-life mags often get their case studies - and many of them pay.

29. Get free stuff from FreecycleJoin your nearest Freecycle group and discover how you can get people's unwanted items for nowt.

30. Get cashback when you shopSites such as Topcashback can get you cash back when you buy from major retailers - although you should always check that the same things aren't cheaper elsewhere.

31. Stream music for freeWhy buy CDs when Last.fm's streaming is so good?

32. Build a blog, not a websiteFree blogging platforms such as WordPress are often better than paid-for web space.

33. Cancel the newspaperThey're all online, so subscribe to their RSS feeds with NewNewsWire or FeedDemon.

34. Find cheap restaurant deals5pm.co.uk offers cheap same-day deals for all kinds of swanky restaurants.

35. Do a holiday house swapDon't pay for a hotel: swap houses with someone instead.

36. Save petrolPlan your route before you travel - it saves petrol and it's cheaper than a sat-nav.

37. Get cheaper train ticketsBook in advance and use services such as Raileasy to find the lowest fares.

38. Get bargain hotel roomsLaterooms can save you a packet on hotel accommodation - especially if you're booking at the last minute.

39. Find free Wi-FiFree-hotspot.com and Wififreespot make it easy to find free Wi-Fi - although inevitably, availability is awful outside big cities.

40. Use up food before you buy moreCooking By Numbers is brilliant: tell it what odds and sods are in your fridge and it'll come up with recipes. We got Bacon Surprise: "The surprise is that it is nothing but bacon."

Now read 12 Vista Sidebar gadgets that will save you money and 7 Firefox add-ons that will save you a fortune

By Gary Marshall

Lunch money

2008-10-21T14:10:00.003-04:00

Today I've scheduled a $15.00 weekly automatic transfer to my savings account.

If I bring my lunch to work everyday, this is pretty much what I would save. That way I will really see that bringing lunch is worth it :)

On a diet

2008-10-15T16:27:00.003-04:00

I decided to start a diet. I need to lose about 10-15 pounds.

Tonight I'm making cabbage soup. It's cheap and a good start to lose weight.

I've tried sooo many diets in the past, I know they can be expensive. So this time I'm not going to fall into those slim fast-WW-Special K products!

Vegetables are my friend :p

What I've done to save money

2008-10-08T15:46:00.002-04:00

I've decided to become a saver about a year ago. Before that, I didn't really pay attention to my money. Here are the things I've done in the pas 12 months to save money:

- opened different ING saving accounts (EF, vacation, scooter, RRSP, TFSA)
- Opened ING 1 ½ year GIC at 4%.
- Changed my credit card to get 1% cash back.
- closed my landline and got a good deal on a cell phone plan
- bought a soy-milk maker
- Bought a yogurt maker (combined with the soy-milk maker, a yogurt cost me 0.03$).
- Bought a bread maker
- Subscribed to Opinion Outpost and PineCone (surveys companies).
- Got hired by 3 mystery shopping companies and make 3 or 4 assignments a week.
- Babysit on occasions.
- Worked on an Excel spreadsheet to create a good budget
- Asked for a raise
- bought a Diva Cup
- bought white vinegar and baking soda to clean my apartment
- Got used to bringing my lunch everyday at work.
- Shopped at Goodwill for clothes.
- Used coupons at the grocery store

And last but not least

I read PF blogs everyday to keep going!!!

In one month from now: vacation!!!!

2008-10-07T14:02:00.004-04:00

In about a month, I'll be in San Francisco, I can't wait :)

Some friends told me to buy my tickets for Alcatraz on the internet because it is really crowdy and they refuse people every day. It is $36.00 for the day tour or $43.00 for the night tour, which looks a lot more fun!

I also need to find a motel. I don't want anything fancy, as long as it is clean. I should find one on Expedia.ca or Travelzoo.

Back to my Excel spreadsheet

2008-10-01T09:57:00.003-04:00

I've decided to go back to my Excel spreadsheet for budgeting. I've tried Quicken for a few month, but I manage my budget a lot better with Excel, it's easy to cheat with Quicken, so it's not what I need :p

I opened a new GIC with ING. I took advantage of the new 1 1/2 GIC at 4% :)

Goals for October

2008-09-30T09:34:00.002-04:00

- blog more. I've really been a bad blogger lately.

- Get back to my budget seriously. September has been very chaotic. I bought many Christmas gifts. Even thought I made good deals for each of them, it wasn't part of my September budget.

- be more serious about bringing lunches at work. In September I bought lunch three times, not good!

- Prepare my November trip to San Francisco.

Scooter - Episode 2

2008-09-30T09:25:00.003-04:00

I managed to contact the guy that bumped into my scooter. He gave me a $500.00 cheque to get it fixed which is what the insurance would have given me.

This week I'm living at a friends' house. They are on vacations and need someone to take care of their cats and fish. It's cool cause it is very close to work and they left me their metro pass so that I don't have to buy one :)

Another scooter accident... arrrgh

2008-09-25T09:04:00.002-04:00

Yesterday another car bumped into my scooter. The scooter was parked on the street and the driver probably 'forgot' to check in front of his car... bang!!!! right on my scooter.

I was soooo mad when I came out of work!!! But fortunately the guy left his business card.

I had to wait an hour for the tow truck, sitting on the scooter cause it couldn't stand by itself anymore.

And this morning I was back on the bus. God I hate public transportation!!!

Starting to be cold!

2008-09-23T08:41:00.003-04:00

Brrrrr, Winter is coming! This morning on my scooter I wore three jackets, a scarf and gloves :))) My colleagues made fun of me when I entered the office as the Michelin Man LOL

On Saturday night I went to the Sigur Ros concert. I was soooo good. I bought my ticket 3 months ago for $37.50, and it was worth it :)

On Sunday I invited friends over and made crèpes for everyone. It was good but very long to make. We had fun and it didn't cost me much, just milk, flour and eggs (and Nutella :p).

And tonight i'm going to another circus show, the premiere of La Vie. I have a friend who works here, so I have a pretty good discount ($21.00 instead of $28.00).

Ipod refurbished price drop...

2008-09-17T15:04:00.002-04:00

Yep, a week after I buy a refurbished Ipod Nano for my nephew the price drops! Arrgghhh, I should never look back after I purchase something :p I bought it for $105, it is now $89.

Tonight I'm going to the Ghost Town Premiere, I have free tickets. I've checked on Rotten Tomatoes and the critics are really good. If it is the same humour as The Office (Ricky Gervais is the creator), it might be fun :)

And two more Christmas presents!

2008-09-15T09:55:00.002-04:00

I just bought Christmas presents for my dad and my brother in law.
I took advantage of the Adidas discount and Visa perk presented at Smart Canuck.

I bought a polo and a shirt for $52.00, including taxes and shipping :)

Frugal plan for the weekend

2008-09-12T19:29:00.002-04:00

I really don't want to spend too much this weekend so with my friends we decided to have a DVD marathon! :)

Each person will bring a movie that he/she had never seen before, with an actor that he/she really likes.

I haven't decided mine yet, but it will probably be with Johnny Depp :p

Christmas presents

2008-09-10T16:11:00.002-04:00

I just bought another Christmas present :)

My nephew wants an MP3 player for Christmas. I got him a refurbished Ipod Nano from Apple.ca. It was $105 instead of $169. Pretty good deal :)

News on the raise

2008-09-09T15:15:00.002-04:00

I talked to my boss, he said that the CEO is okay to give me a raise, but first they want to establish a global raise system, for the whole company.

So I don't know how long it will take, I really hope I'll get it soon...

Free dinner and show tonight!

2008-09-08T09:14:00.003-04:00

My boss has invited the whole team to the new show of the Cirque Eloize tonight(which is kind of like the Cirque du Soleil). I've never been to a modern circus show before. The only circus I've been to includes clowns and elephants :p

So I'm really exited about it :) AND, we'll have a free dinner, so I'm even more exited!!!

Last weekend I went to see the Oasis concert at the Bell center. It was fun except I don't really like their new songs. But listening to a live 'Wonderwall' was amazing :)

I love your blog

2008-09-04T14:25:00.004-04:00

Sorry I haven't post much this week, I'm having problems with my internet connection at home: I tried to set a wireless router by creating a bridge on my modem... it wasn't a very smart idea, everything is messed up and my internet is down :P
I'm hoping to get it fixeds tonight, fingers crossed.

Canadian Saver gave me an award, thanks I'm really touched :)

My turn to give awards to seven of my favorite PF blogs:

1. Saving4Later

2. Fabulous Broke in the City

3. Always the Planner

4. Squawfox

5. Getting Rich in Grad School

6. The Frugalista Files

7. Almost Frugal

A raise???

2008-09-02T16:28:00.002-04:00

This morning I asked my boss if I could get a raise since I've been working here for more than a year, he didn't hesitate at all and said "well I think it would be normal, I've got to talk to the CEO but you should get it". YAY!!!!

After that he told me that when I asked if we could talk and closed the door he was afraid I was going to make a bad announcement and that he HATED announcements LOL

I don't know when he will talk to the CEO, but I'm hoping to get an answer on Friday.

Bye-bye cheap flights! Zoom Airlines closed...

2008-08-29T12:48:00.002-04:00

I got an email from Zoom Airlines yesterday saying that they had suspended operations :(

With the price of gas nowadays, I can't say that I'm surprised but it is too bad, it was the cheapest way to go to Paris and London from Canada.

I have a few friends that had booked flights with them I don't know if they will see their money back... I'm guessing they won't.

Thank God I booked my Christmas flight with Air Transat!!!

Soy-milk maker again

2008-08-27T19:14:00.003-04:00

I got a soy-milk maker on ebay for almost half price. I got is at $84.00 instead of $150 :)
I'll probably receive it next week since it is coming from Vancouver.

Today I went to the Asian grocery store and bought soy beans. $1.79 for a 900g bag, it is very cheap! Cheaper than the health store I went to last week (it was $3.00).

Can't wait to start making my own milk, tofu and soy yogurt :)

Sad :(

2008-08-26T15:27:00.002-04:00

I told you in a previous message about my cat. Well, yesterday I had to bring him to the vet to put him to sleep, he wouldn't eat anymore and was losing his balance because of his cancer.

This was heartbreaking, I couldn't stop crying at the vet's office. I decided not to stay when the vet put him to sleep, it is too hard to watch.

Good deal :)

2008-08-24T14:07:00.002-04:00

This weekend Zellers is having a sale on luggage :)

I needed a new one since mine has been broken by the airport luggage services, they are so tender...

I didn't want a black suitcase, everybody has one and it is hard to recognize at baggage claim. So I bought a cute pink 3-piece set :) With a pink suitcase, I'm sure I'll recognize mine easily LOL

$50.00 for a 3-piece set :)))

Soy-milk maker???

2008-08-21T19:02:00.003-04:00

I'm thinking about buying a soy-milk maker. It is pretty expensive ($150), but it may be a good investment.

I would make my own milk, knowing exactly what's in it, for about $0.60 a liter, which is very cheap comparing to $3.50 for store bought soy milk.

I could even make tofu and yogurt with it. I already make my own yogurts with cow milk. I make 10 yogurts with a liter of milk. At $1.50 a liter of cow milk, a home made yogurt cost me $0.15.

With home-made soy-milk, a yogurt would cost me $0.06! :P

I read Skinny Bitch this week and decided to eat less dairy products (I got scared with all those hormones and antibiotics stories :P).

So the soy-milk maker is probably a good idea, but I'll keep on searching for a cheaper one on the internet.

Success stories: From Rags to Riches

2008-08-20T15:53:00.002-04:00

Here is an article from Neatorama, From Rags to Riches:

JIM CARREY

From Rags ... He had to drop out of high school and take a job as a janitor in a factory. In fact, his entire family worked in that factory, living in a small cottage on the grounds. At his lowest low, Carrey wrote a $10 million check to himself ... to be redeemed when he made the big time.

... to Riches: After working the comedy circuit for years, Carrey landed a role on In Living Color, which led to a movie deal. In 1996 he became the highest paid actor ever when he received $20 million to star in Cable Guy. When his father died, Carrey placed the check he had written to himself in his dad's burial suit.

J.K. ROWLING

From Rags ... As a single mother living on public assistance, Rowling started writing Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in a café while her baby daughter napped. Why the café? Because it was warmer than the tiny flat she lived in. When Bloomsbury Books bought her manuscript in 1996, she was thrilled. The £1,500 (about $2,400) she was advanced was more money than she'd ever received at one time in her life.

... to Riches: Four years and three more books later, Rowling was worth more than $400 million ... and she's not done yet. [ed note: this article was written in 2003, now Rowling is worth more than $1.1 billion]

This is such a beautiful success story :)

OPRAH WINFREY

From Rags ... Born in Mississippi to unwed teenage parents, Winfrey grew up in poverty. While living in Milwaukee, she was molested by relatives. Not knowing what else to do, her mother sent her to live in a detention home.

... to Riches: Fortunately the detention home was full and Winfrey went to live with her father. He nurtured her abilities and helped her get to college. Now, as the queen of the talk show, Winfrey is worth an estimated $1 billion. [ed note: by 2007, Winfrey is worth $2.5 billion]

She really deserves it :)

From Riches to Rags ...
WILLIE NELSON

From Riches ... By 1988 Willie Nelson had been a country music star for nearly 20 years and had two multiplatinum albums under his belt.

... to Rags: Due to years of "creative" accounting, in 1990 Nelson owed the IRS $16.7 million. To pay it, he had to auction off just about everything he owned.

[ed note: Nelson's debts were settled in 1993, and he continued to write music and perform.]

M.C. HAMMER

From Riches ... "U Can't Touch This," released in 1990, became a pop phenomenon, making Hammer an overnight superstar. A world tour and endorsement deals with Pepsi and KFC followed.

... to Rags: Hammer went on a $30 million spending spree that included mansions and $500,000-a-month payroll. After two mediocre follow-up albums and some poor investments, Hammer declared bankruptcy in 1996, more than $13 million in debt.

[ed note: Hammer is now a blogger and a preacher]

NIKOLA TESLA

From Riches ... In his heyday in the 1890s, Tesla was a rich and famous inventor and held more than 700 patents. He is best known for developing alternating current (AC) electricity.

... to Rags: He was also naive. Thomas edison, who saw Tesla as competition, did all he could to undermine Tesla's work. It worked. A series of patent lawsuits left Tesla with no money or credit, despite his many inventions. He died broke in 1943.

MIKE TYSON

From Riches ... The youngest heavyweight champion in boxing history had earned $300 million.

... to Rags: By 2003 it was all gone. Tyson blames his former promoter, Don King, for mismanaging his earnings. King claims that Tyson blew the money himself. The two will duke it out in court.

The article above is reprinted with permission from Uncle John's Unstoppable Bathroom Reader.

I bought my first Christmas gift

2008-08-19T14:32:00.003-04:00

Today I received an Amazon.ca gift certificate of $10.62. I got it from the Socratic Forum, an online survey company.

I didn't need anything for myself, I rent my DVDs through Zip.ca and I borrow books from the library.

So I thought I could start my Christmas gifts with it. I bought the X-Files season 5 for one of my good friends, she has just started her collection so I know she will like it :)

I cost me $17.00 including tax and shipping.

Opened my very first GIC :)

2008-08-18T15:03:00.002-04:00

I opened my first GIC with ING :)

It is not a long term one, just a year, at 3.65%. I took $1000.00 out of my condo saving account a placed it in a GIC.

I'm planning on doing the same with the next $1000.00 I'll save up so that I'll get the most interests out of it :)

12 'new' needs that drain your cash

2008-08-15T10:46:00.002-04:00

Here is an interesting slide show from MSN Money
12 'new' needs that drain your cash

And the winner is...... the daily latte!!!

I'm so lucky I don't like coffee :P (I wish I could say the same about chocolate though).

Telus to charge incoming text messages...

2008-08-14T14:31:00.002-04:00

I got my new cell phone last month, with a brand new three years contract. I can't complaint about my contract since I got a $20 deal including voice mail.

But I just received my first invoice saying that starting August 24th, incoming text messages will be charged $0.15 per message! I call that stealing!!! I'm not responsible for people sending me messages, it would be like paying for everything the mailman is bringing me... no way!

I called Telus to have more information about it and he told me I should add a $5.00 deal to my account so that incoming text messages would be free.... Hellooooo, I don't want to pay $0.15, so I won't pay $5.00 for sure!!!

I was pretty pissed so I told him to just block my text messaging account, I don't care, I have voice mail, and (in my head) I made a point :p

Deposit US Dollars

2008-08-13T09:32:00.003-04:00

I got $5.00 USD from Opinion Outpost last week but I was worried about paying a $2.50 fee (on a $5.00 cheque!!!)

So I followed Canadian Saver's advice (thanks!) and deposited it at the ATM, with a post-it saying USD.

Worked great! I didn't pay any fee and they converted the money :)

I know it's just $5.00, but still :p

San Francisco here I come!!!!

2008-08-12T14:15:00.002-04:00

I have vacations in November, two weeks. First I wanted to take a road trip in the US, from Montreal to New York, Philadelphia, Washington, Atlantic City and back.
But in November, it is rainy, cold and it is getting dark at 4:00pm!

I need some sun! (especially with the wet Summer we have this year).

I checked on Expedia and found a return flight Burlington Vermont to San Francisco for $327, which I think is very cheap. Domestic flights are so much cheaper. The same flight from Montreal is $650 !!!

All I'll have to do is take a Greyhound bus to Burlington, it's just a two hours trip from Montreal and I'll save $323 :)))

California here I come!!!!

$200 richer!!!

2008-08-11T16:56:00.002-04:00

Last weekend I babysat my bosses kids for the whole weekend.

He has three children so I was a little worried at first (I babysat them before, but never for two days straight).

But it turned out to be a fun weekend, even though we almost lost the dog in the park! His collar went off when he decided to run after a squirrel. Fortunately, a policeman found him, we picked him up at the police station :p

For the rest of the weekend we played games and watched movies.

And I got $200!!!! :))))

I got my tickets for Christmas!

2008-08-07T14:30:00.002-04:00

I know it is early, but I just bought my plane tickets to go to France for Christmas.
I knew it would be expensive at that time, so I saved up $1000 for it.

The total was $1,300.00 for direct flights, which is not that bad (I wanted direct flights since last year British Airways lost my luggage in New York and spending a week vacation without my suitcase was really annoying).

I used the $113 that I got from my credit card cashback so the flight really cost me $1,187.00

Radiohead

2008-08-07T08:56:00.004-04:00

Last night I saw the Radiohead concert in Montreal and now I know what Woodstock must have been like! :))

It was raining and we were all in the mud: disgusting!

But the music was amazing and that's what counts.

I paid $50.00 for my ticket, money well spent (concidering I got a free mud bath out of it :p)

Pay Per Post payment

2008-08-05T20:47:00.003-04:00

I got my very first Pay Per Post payment today :)
$20 via paypal.

I'll transfer it to my retirement fund.
I hope I'll get other opportunities from them.

I also got a $5 cheque from Opinion Outpost. I have to see with my bank because I cannot cash it at the ATM since it is US dollars, but they'll charge me $2.50 if I cash it at the desk. On a $5 cheque, that would be ridiculous :p

The Grapes of Wrath

2008-08-04T19:26:00.002-04:00

I've rented The Grapes of Wrath, the movie, from the library.
I had never read nor seen it before (even though I studied literature for 4 years).

It is a really great movie. Very emotional, every shot is like a painting: beautiful!

The Grapes of Wrath follows Tom Joad and his family. After being forced from their farm in the Depression-era Oklahoma Dust Bowl, they set out for California along with thousands of others in search of jobs, land, and hope for a brighter future. Considered John Steinbeck's masterpiece, this novel is a story of human unity and love as well as the need for cooperative rather than individualistic ideals during hard times.

Got a free lunch today :P

2008-08-01T14:02:00.002-04:00

Today at work I had to order lunch for a big meeting next Monday. I ordered lunch for 15 people.

When the guy asked me for a deposit I gave him the money as well as my loyalty card :p

He stamped the card for 15 lunches! So I got a free lunch today and very soon I'll get a second one :p

I know, it's cheap... oh well :))

Baby-sitting

2008-07-31T18:22:00.002-04:00

I've been asked for a baby-sitting. In two weeks I'm going to watch 3 kids for the whole weekend, including two nights (from Friday night till Sunday).

This is great!

I've babysit for them before and the pay was good ($60 for three hours). I don't know how much they'll pay me, but I guess it'll be good :)

Now I need to think about good activities for them, any ideas?

High-tech lifestyle takes toll on budget

2008-07-29T16:04:00.002-04:00

This is an article from Lo Hud.com:
High-tech lifestyle takes toll on budget

TiVo. Netflix. Satellite radio. World of Warcraft. The iPhone. The BlackBerry. Audible.com. Flickr. Amazon Prime. The list of new digital services and gadgets keeps growing.
There's just one catch: Much of today's technology comes with subscription fees that might not seem like a lot individually, but can add up to hundreds of dollars in new expenses.
Just ask the Sabater family of Bardonia, which at one time or another has paid monthly fees for satellite radio, audiobooks, movie downloads, online games, DVD rentals and lavish cell-phone text messaging.

Barbara M. Sabater, a social services administrator and mother of four, said her family's bill for digital services is several hundred dollars a month.

"You justify the extra expenses and you don't think about it, but if you start to look at it, the cell-phone bill is $181. The Netflix is like $9 or $10. The cable with the Internet is another $150 when you add in the house phone - which never gets used because we all use cellphones.

Now you're up to $350. Then the World of Warcraft is another 15 bucks a month," she said.

While subscribers aren't thrilled by the budget-busting potential of the digital fees, they tend to think of them as the new utilities of the 21st century.

Just as people in the first half of the 20th century got used to paying monthly bills for heat, lights and water, today's tech-savvy citizens are paying new bills for digital services that enhance their lives.

Jessica Spencer of Mamaroneck, 24, said she pays monthly fees for her BlackBerry, Netflix subscription and a TiVo-like digital video recorder, or DVR, from her cable provider. "I consider it just another bill, like the electric bill, and it goes into my budget that way," she said.

Chappaqua native Jordan Edelson, 23, has a BlackBerry from AT&T, a wireless Internet card for his laptop from Verizon, satellite radio and a data backup plan from Dell - all with monthly fees adding up to more than $200. And all are services Edelson said he doesn't want to live without.

"It's not even an optional cost. It's the cost of my lifestyle. It's become more acceptable," said Edelson, who started a company that broadcasts video-game tournaments. "Kids are using cell phones at a very young age, and learning about the fees associated with them."

As for the satellite radio, it came with his car, and Edelson continued paying after a free trial. "They give you a little taste, and then they've got you," he said.

Sabater also was introduced to satellite radio and the navigation system OnStar when the family bought an Acura in 2005.

But after Sabater realized that she made just one call to OnStar in a year - when she accidentally left her cell phone at home - she cut that out.

She also realized the only person using the satellite radio was her husband. "And he only drives the car on the weekend, and if I'm in the car with him I don't want to hear the country station," she said.

She paid fees of more than $20 to both companies for months before she wised up.

"They count on you forgetting and just continuing to pay as an expense," Sabater said.

James Van Dyke, an expert in payments and financial services research at Javelin Strategy & Research in Pleasanton, Calif., said none of today's digital services would thrive if it weren't for the ability of consumers to pay the fees automatically through credit or debit cards.

Van Dyke calls it the "set it and forget it" model.

"The way we're moving money is changing," he said. "With just a few keystrokes, we can not only move money from one place to another, but set it up automatically and forget about it."

The trend started in 1981, Van Dyke said, when CheckFree Corp. was founded to automate payment of monthly fees for health clubs. "Back then, that was an unusual concept," Van Dyke said.

Today, more than two-thirds of U.S. households pay some recurring bills automatically, according to MasterCard International of Purchase.

About 38 percent of households link the payments automatically to a credit card, while 31 percent link them to a debit card.

MasterCard reports that automatic payments are most popular for telecommunications charges, Internet services, health-club memberships and commuting expenses.

Web designer Tom Ossa of Stony Point, 32, said he probably wouldn't keep up his $20 subscription to World of Warcraft or his $17 Blockbuster DVD plan if he couldn't pay the monthly bills automatically.

"People are always going to take the path of least resistance. If I had to write a check out to Blizzard Software for World of Warcraft, I wouldn't do it," Ossa said.

Jeff Blyskal, senior editor for personal finance at Yonkers-based Consumer Reports, said automatic payments shouldn't mean putting your budget on autopilot.

Consumers who don't closely monitor their spending will even find themselves paying more than once for the same service. For instance, a consumer who subscribes to a cable movie package might then sign up for Netflix, and if there is no new DVD in the house might drive over to Blockbuster to rent one for that evening's entertainment.

"Here you are paying Blockbuster. You're paying Netflix. You're paying cable. And it all adds up," he said.

The reason people are lured into duplicating their spending is the individual services often don't cost a lot. "A lot of things are set at prices that people say aren't a lot of money. It's only $4.99 or it's only $9.99," he said. "It looks cheap and people say, 'What's $5?'"

He advises consumers to spend a half-hour adding up all of their monthly expenses - including tiny recurring charges.

"There are lots of ways to save if you take the time to sort through what you're paying," he said. "Ratchet down your autopilot payments."

Barry Doyno of Scarsdale prefers not to add up what he pays for digital services, thanks very much.

"I haven't a clue, but it's far too much," he said. "We have almost everything. We have cable. We have satellite TV. We have Internet through the phone company. We have multiple cell phones with expensive data packages. We have a land-based telephone. What else is there, and I'll probably check off yes. We have Netflix, of course. And then the things with the kids with the iPods buying songs," said Doyno, a lawyer by training who runs his family's hardwood flooring business, Peiser Floors.

The Doyno family - which includes mom, Ruth, and sons, Stefan, 19, and Justin, 16 - has a cell-phone bill of at least $200 a month. The Internet and multiple home phone lines are about $300. TiVo and Netflix add up to around $40 combined.

Most notably, Doyno pays twice for TV service: $80 a month to Cablevision and another $80 or so to DirecTV. The arrangement dates back several years to the days when Cablevision was on the outs with the Yankees over broadcasting their games and legions of local fans turned to satellite TV to get their baseball fix.

All told, Doyno estimates he is paying around $800 a month to experience all the new digital services he enjoys.

"You get so accustomed to things that you ask, 'How did I live without this?' " he said. "It would be a terrific thing if we all could do some simplifying. We all managed to live pretty well with what, seven channels on television? But I don't see us going back. You do get spoiled by all the technology that's out there."

Mahopac resident Matt Ganis, an IBMer and adjunct professor at Pace University, said he hasn't counted the costs as he's added new digital services to his life, including a DVR, the online game Second Life, Netflix, his Internet fax service and his Sirius satellite radio.

"You don't think about it and before you know it, you have recurring fees all over the place," he said. "If you did a budget, you'd say, 'Why am I spending all this?'"

That's what Bob Knight asked himself recently before he did a purge of his monthly digital services.

A public relations expert who advises companies on their digital strategies for Harrison Edwards of Bedford Hills, Knight said he canceled Netflix and TiVo and now downloads TV shows and movies online, either through iTunes at $1.99 a pop or free from the networks' Web sites.

"I was just fed up with all these excess bills, and I took inventory of what money was going out and what services are out there on the Web that don't cost anything," he said.

Knight's remaining indulgence is a BlackBerry with a $180 phone and data plan - but he canceled his home phone to help pay for it. "Right now, the BlackBerry is the most important tool in business," he said.

Leyla Z. Nakisbendi of Pleasantville, a pediatric dentist and mother of three, is a self-described "lunatic" when it comes to fees - and her reluctance to pay them.

She has TiVo but paid the lifetime fee when that was still an option. She chose the cheapest $4.99 option for Netflix. When she is allowed, she pays monthly fees a year in advance.

"I'll pay stuff all at once, just to not do it monthly. I hate monthly bills. My kids had RealArcade, which is an online computer game, and I canceled it. I said, 'Forget it. I can't stand looking at the $10 every month,' " she said. "It's bad enough you have to pay your mortgage, your electricity. I don't need all the little extra things."

Tonight: Colplay! :)

2008-07-29T13:27:00.003-04:00

I have tickets to see Coldplay tonight at the Montreal's Bell Center :)
I can't say that I'm a fan but I really enjoy their music... and Chris Martin is really cute :p

I paid $105.00 for my ticket.

I read an article today saying that it has been sold out in 35 minutes only. But some tickets can still be purchased for $300 on Ebay!!! That's a lot more than I would pay for a concert!

I spent a lot yesterday

2008-07-28T16:49:00.003-04:00

Yesterday we rented a car with a friend of mine. We wanted to go have a swim in a nice lake, 150 km away from Montreal.

The weather was perfect, we had a good time bathing and sunbathing :)

We brought food to have a picnic: a tuna quiche and a home-made brownie (Yummmm).

This morning my friend told me that the car had cost us $111.00! Ouch!!!
I knew gas was getting expensive but this is crazy!

Anyway, I'm still glad we had a good time :)

Got my $20.00 from Opinion Outpost :)

2008-07-28T16:47:00.003-04:00

Yep, I got my $20.00 cheque, for two Opinion Outpost surveys. I put it directly to my retirement fund :)

10 richest people of all time

2008-07-24T20:50:00.002-04:00

Neatorama made a list of the 10 richest people of all time and how they made their money.

First one, Rockefeller, I would have guessed, but what surprised me is that Bill Gates didn't even make the list, that's weird!

Money Hacks carnival #21

2008-07-23T17:55:00.003-04:00

This week's Money Hack Carnival is hosted by Help My Cash Grow. He selected some good posts (including me!!! :p).

See the Carnival here

Recipe: hummus

2008-07-23T17:49:00.001-04:00

Hummus is cheap, healthy and so easy to make.

I use it as a dip or in a pita for lunch.

Here is the recipe:

1 can chickpeas
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon cumin

Preparation:In a food processor, blend all ingredients together until smooth and creamy.

$50 gas card! :P

2008-07-22T09:45:00.000-04:00

I got a $50.00 gas card with my new cell phone. I used a promo code when I signed-up and got the Esso card.

$50.00 is 12 full tanks for my scooter :))

YAY!!

Five Signs That You're Living Beyond Your Means

2008-07-20T12:59:00.002-04:00

This is an article from Yahoo Finance.

***
Many people in America are living beyond their means, as personal savings rates are at their lowest levels since the Great Depression, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. Dwindling savings mean that U.S. households are taking on more debt and are less able to absorb a financial blow like the loss of a job or a downturn in the economy.

If you are concerned that your finances could be in danger, there is a way to tell whether you're in over your head. This article will provide you with five key indicators to watch for. If you find that one or more of them apply to you, it is likely time to reevaluate your spending and work on a long-term financial plan. Recognizing the problem is the first step to finding a solution.

Sign No. 1 - Your Credit Score is Below 600

Credit bureaus keep track of your payment history, outstanding loan balances and legal judgments against you. They then use this information to compile a credit score that reflects your credit worthiness. The numerical rankings go from a low of 300 to high of 850. The higher the better. It's this score that lenders use to determine whether they'll grant a loan. In general, any credit score below 600 means that you are probably in over your head.

If you aren't sure what your credit score is, contact any of the major credit bureaus (TransUnion, Equifax, Experian) and have them send you a copy of your credit report. This document will tell you what the bureaus - and ultimately lenders and financial institutions - think of your finances.

Sign No. 2 - You are Saving Less Than 5%

In 2005, the average rate of personal savings was an astonishing -0.5%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. That means that not only were we spending all of our income, but also that a good number of us were also dipping into personal savings. This was the worst savings rate that Americans have recorded since 1933 when it was -0.7% during the Great Depression. The rate has bounced back into positive territory, but in 2008, it still hadn't cracked 1%

A savings rate below 5% means you could be in real danger of financial ruin if someone in your family were to have a medical emergency, or your family home were to burn to the ground. With savings this low, it likely means you wouldn't even have the money to pay the necessary insurance deductibles.

Ideally, everyone should try to save as much as they can, but in terms of targets, the rule most financial advisors suggest is 10% of your gross income. Beginning at age 30, if you were to save 10% of your $100,000 annual income in your 401(k), or $10,000 every year, and earn a rate of return of 5%, that money would grow to more than $900,000 by age 65.

Sign No. 3 - Your Credit Card Balances are Rising

If you are one of those people who pays only the minimum due on their credit card balance each month, or if you send in only a small contribution toward the principal balance, then you are most likely in over your head.

Ideally, you should only charge what you can pay off at the end of each month. When you can't afford to pay off the balance in its entirety, you should try to make at least some contribution toward the outstanding principal.

The importance of paying down credit card balances as soon as possible cannot be understated. A person with $5,000 in credit card debt that makes the minimum payment of just $200 per month will end up spending more than $8,000 and take almost 13 years to pay off that debt.

Sign No. 4 - More Than 28% of Income Goes To Your House

Calculate what percentage of your monthly income goes toward your mortgage, property taxes and insurance. If it's more than 28% of your gross income, then you are likely in over your head.

Why is 28% the magic number? Historically, conservative lenders have used the 28% threshold because their experience has told them that this is the rate at which the average person can get by, make their mortgage payments and still enjoy a reasonable standard of living. Certainly, some homeowners can get by spending a higher percentage on their homes, particularly if they cut back elsewhere, but it's a dangerous line to walk.

Sign No. 5 - Your Bills are Spiraling Out of Control

Buying on credit and paying by installment has become a national pastime. It's much easier to buy a new flatscreeen TV when the salesman breaks down the price in monthly installments. What's an extra $50 per month, right? The problem is that all of these bills start to add up, and you end up nickel and diming yourself into bankruptcy. If your monthly income is being sliced and diced to pay for dozens of unnecessary installment purchases and services, you are likely in over your head.

Lay out all of your monthly bills on your kitchen table, and go through them one by one. Do you have a cell phone bill, a PDA bill, an internet bill, a premium cable TV package, a satellite radio bill, and all of those other gadgets that generate countless monthly bills? Ask yourself whether each product or service is really necessary. For example, do you really need a 500-channel premium cable TV package, or would you really notice the difference if you had fewer channels (and paid less)?

Some of the best places to find savings include your telephone bills (cell and land line), your utility bills (turn off the lights, and don't run the air conditioning if nobody is home) and your entertainment expenses (you could stand to dine out less and to pack a lunch for work).

Bottom Line

As a nation, we are digging ourselves ever deeper into debt. To avoid becoming part of the gloomy bankruptcy and foreclosure statistics, it's important to measure your financial health regularly. The five signs presented here are not a death sentence; instead, they should be seen as symptoms that allow you to diagnose a problem before it gets worse.

***
-0.5% personal saving! This is really scary, people are diving more and more into debt.

Great phone deal :)

2008-07-20T10:26:00.002-04:00

I was looking for a good cell phone deal, that would be cheaper than my residential phone line.

My residential line cost me $38.00 a month.

I have a friend who works for a mobile phone company. Thanks to my friend, I got an 'family and friends' rate (which is exactly like an employee rate). I got the cell (LG Chocolate Spin) for $17.00 and a monthly deal of $20.00, including voice mail!

I would have love to get the cute pink Blackberry Pearl, but it would have been too expensive, about $75.00 a month (voice + data).

I called Bell (my residential line) to cancel, they offered me a $18.00 a month deal if I stayed. But I said no, I'd rather have a cell for that price :)

This weekend

2008-07-18T15:28:00.002-04:00

Tonight I'm going to the world championship of improvisational theater, which is part of the Just for Laughs festival. I received an email two days ago saying that it is free this year, so I reserved 4 seats for my friends and I.

Tomorrow we are celebrating the Belgium National Holiday. It is actually on July 21st, but it is easier to celebrate on Saturday.
I know, I'm French, not Belgian, and I didn't even celebrate July 14th (French national holiday), but my Belgian friends would take any excuses to gather around a glass of beer so they invited everyone to a local Pub :p It should be fun.

Frugal painting

2008-07-17T15:17:00.003-04:00

As I said before, I ride a scooter.

Two weeks ago, someone bumped it with his car (stupid!), and of course, it fell down leaving scratches all over it.

I was so mad!

I thought about having it repainted but it would have cost me like $200 which the insurance wouldn't reimburse since I have a $250 deductible (thief!).

Then I remembered a commercial: a fancy women get out of her red car and realizes that it has a scratch. She looks at her finger nails and decide to cover the scratch with nail polish!

THAT WAS MY ANSWER!

I went to the pharmacy, bought some cheap black nail polish (the girl at the cash must have thought I was Gothic) and covered my scooter with it.

It worked very well for $3... instead of $200 :)))

So when I decide to buy a car, I'll buy a black or red car for sure :p

Download TV shows

2008-07-16T18:40:00.003-04:00

Here is a list of websites to watch TV shows online

50 places to find your favorite downloadable TV shows

And for Canadians, I would add the CTV website where you can stream many shows :p

Max-out my retirement fund

2008-07-16T16:00:00.002-04:00

If I want to max-out my retirement this year, I still have to save $3643.00 this year.
Arrrrgh

That's $520.00 every month. I can do it, but I also would like to be able to put money on my condo fund every month.

So I need to make an extra $200.00 a month.

I will ask for a raise soon, but I'm really not sure to get it. I can also make small assignments like surveying people like I did last weekend or mystery shopping.

I need to think about that...

Cash back credit card

2008-07-15T14:07:00.002-04:00

Many personal finance blogs advise not to have a credit card, saying that it costs money and it is too tempting.

Personally, I have a credit card, I pay everything with it and you know what, I manage to make money with it! I have a 1% cash-back on all my transactions and I never cary any balance.

I pay it off every month.

It requires to keeps track on my expenses so that I'm sure that I can pay it off.

I've made more than $100.00 since I got this 1% cash-back credit card, for spending money I would have spent anyway :)

The Socratic Forum

2008-07-14T18:21:00.002-04:00

I've just filled a survey for the Socratic Forum and won $10.00!

I think this is well paid for 15 min :)

I redeemed it for an Amazon gift card.

Healthy or fast food?

2008-07-12T10:53:00.002-04:00

Last night I went to a Just fo Laughs gala with a friend. I bought the tickets last minute so we got a 'pay for one get two' deal. The ticket cost me $37.00 and the show was sooooo funny and we had great seats. It was the Florence Foresti gala, I love her she is such a great comedian.

The festival is on for another week, I hope I'll get other good deals :)

After the show we were hungry. We had two choices:
Mac Donald's or Thai food
which means:
Fast food or healthy food
greasy food or grilled food

But which also means:
cheap food or expensive food

We opted for Thai, health is more important than money anyway.
It cost me $21.00 but it was the best choice.

So I spent a total of $58.00 last night, but I feel good about it, I had fun.

ABC video 'How to be a Millionaire'

2008-07-10T08:41:00.001-04:00

Here is a video from ABC news, about 'How to be a Millionaire'
'Cash-saving tricks to help you hit the jackpot'

http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/index.php?rn=222561&cl=8717449&ch=224106

Last night

2008-07-09T13:31:00.003-04:00

Last night I went to a movie premiere with my friends. It was a French movie, Asterix at the Olympic Games, presented for the Just For Laughs festival.

The movie was not that great, but still fun (plus it was free :p)

Then we had dinner at a restaurant which cost me $19.00

My eating-out budget is in trouble this month, I have about $15.00 left!

I'm $97.25 richer :)

2008-07-09T13:26:00.002-04:00

Yesterday I got the cheque from the Federal Government for the GST, that's $92.25. I'll get it every three months, so that's pretty cool :)

I also got my $5 cheque from Pinecone (already!).

I put the $97.25 directly to my RRSP.

Survey earning

2008-07-07T18:39:00.001-04:00

I've just cashed out $8.00 for the surveys I took with Opinion Outpost.

I'll hope I'll get the cheque soon :)

No money with a $180,000 / year salary???

2008-07-07T14:58:00.002-04:00

Two weeks ago, I decided to go to France for the weekend.

On my last day at work before leaving, I told my colleague about my trip. He said to me that he would love to do the same and take the same flight (he studied in France and still have friends there).

I told him that I had found the $630 flight on Travelocity. He checked the webpage and told me "I don't think I have enough Aeroplan miles, I won't be able to do it".

That guy makes $180,000 a year + bonus and he can't buy a $630 plane ticket???!!! I make a quarter of that and I could!

I realized that even if you have a very good salary, if you don't budget and watch your expenses money can still be an issue.

Diva Cup

2008-07-07T13:56:00.003-04:00

I've been using the Diva Cup for a few months and I absolutely love it!

At first I thought it was kind of disgusting, but thinking about it, it is as disgusting as a tampon. So I decided to give it a try.

I'm not going to go into details, but at first it was hard to place it right. But after a few adjustments, I couldn't feel it anymore.

It lasts the whole day, I don't worry about it at work and t is easy to clean (just soap, and then I boil it between cycles).

The best part of course, it that is it nature-friendly and it allows you to save a lot of money.

The Diva Cup costs $35.00 and lasts up to 10 years!

I signed up for PPP!

2008-07-05T20:18:00.004-04:00

Following several other personal finances bloggers, I've decided to sign up with Pay Per Post to get paid to blog.

I'm so exited! I will keep talking about what I love, and I will make a little money out of it. Of course, I will always tell which posts are sponsored and will not sign up for products I do not believe in.

I had my first look at the dashboard and it looks pretty easy to use. You choose between 'opportunities', the white ones are available to you, and you can write about it in your blog. You always know how much you will get paid for it. The fact that we are able to choose what we want to write about is very cool.

You can sign up for up to ten blogs, as long as they are all in English (to bad for my French blog :p). Your blog should be at least 3 months old and show at least 10 posts. Other than this, it is really easy to get approved by Pay Per Post. I signed up yesterday and received the email confirmation today. And right away I could get started with... well... this post :p

I will put the cash I'll make in my condo fund and in my retirement fund.

Thanks PPP

Biking in the city

2008-07-05T19:52:00.002-04:00

Here is a picture I took last week in France:

They are called Velov'

It is the best way to move around in the city. You take a bike from a station, go where you want to go, and put it back in any other station. You can even use your public transportation card.

It is practical, cheap and very good for the environment.

I think they are planning to try it in Montreal, I really hope they do :)

Groceries

2008-07-05T11:45:00.002-04:00

I went for groceries today, everything is getting so expensive.

A few months ago whole wheat flour was just $3.45, today I paid $4.29! I wonder if it is going to stop.

Here is what I bought:

whole wheat flour $4.29
soya milk $3.99
Apricots $6.75 (I know it is expensive but I just love apricots :P)
yeast $4.39 (I use it for bread)
oatmeal $3.19
baby carrots $1.69
bananas $1.34
apples $3.99

Total: 29.63

This weekend

2008-07-04T15:13:00.002-04:00

This weekend I'm going to earn a little money. I've been contracted to interview customers after their purchase from a liquor store, in order to evaluate the customer service.

I have two stores to go to, 20 interviews. It should take me an hour.

I'll earn $30 for this, which is not much, but maybe the company will assign me for other jobs after this.

And good news, I finally received my first survey with Pinecone (after 3 months), that's $5!!

Back from France

2008-07-02T14:52:00.002-04:00

I'm back from my extended weekend in France. It was great, I was so happy to see my family, especially my niece and nephews, they grow up so fast!

I didn't spend much there. I bought summer shoes on sale (very cute :P) and a CD for a friend of mine.

This month I won't save much since I have to pay for my plane ticket, but I'm still glad I did this trip.

A little trip!

2008-06-26T10:19:00.000-04:00

Okay, this post will not be the most frugal... but anyway :p

My boss has decided to close the office on Monday, which means that I'll have 4 days off (since July 1st is Canada Day).

4 DAYS!!! That's enough for a trip to France!!!

I've checked on Expedia and Travelocity, and found a return trip for $635. It is pretty cheap since it is Summer.

So I've booked this flight and I'm leaving tomorrow. I am sooooo happy right now :)))

Thank you emergency fund!

2008-06-23T09:24:00.003-04:00

On Saturday I got out of my appartment to do a little job, I try to put the key into the lock, doesn't work, the lock is stuck...

I take off the cylinder (which is easy since it's been broken for months), I check it: yep, stuck.

I realize I cannot go out out without locking my door since it doesn't close right when I don't lock and since I had a my laptop stolen last year at my appartment.

I try to contact my landlord, she doesn't answer, so I call a locksmith (I don't want to stay here for the whole weekend!)

Cost of repair: $177 Arrrgh

In this kind of situation, I feels really good to have an emergency fund. $177 is not that much, but still, thanks to my fund I won't have to modify my budget :)

This morning I've sent a letter to my landlord to ask for a reimbursement. I hope it won't take too long, but knowing her and her laziness, it will probably take several weeks. We'll see...

How to have a good price?? just ask for it!

2008-06-21T17:55:00.004-04:00

I went shooping with a friend of mine. She needed a digital camera. We went downtown and visited Futureshop, Dumoulin and the Source.

She found the one she wanted at the Source: a cute, blue, 8 mega pixels camera, not too expensive.

At the cash register, I tell her that it is time to ask for a good price, since she also needed a SD card.

She couldn't do it, so I asked myself!

Me "and if she buys both the camera and the SD card, does she get a better price???"

The seller "Unfortunately no, the store is a franchise, I can't"
I look at him with a very sad face (it's so good to be a girl!)

The seller "all right! I'm checking if there is a promo or something"

"Hey, you are lucky, I forgot about this promo!" (yeah right...)

She got her SD card half price + a case for the camera for free.
Not bad :)) !

Morality : always ask for a price, it works very often!

Having a pet

2008-06-19T10:52:00.003-04:00

I have a cat. He's almost 8 years old now but he is still like my baby :p

I know that having a pet is not really frugal but I grew up with pets and it would be hard to live without one.

I found out in January that my cat has a fibrosarcoma, which is a malignant tumor. The vet took it off a few months ago but it's starting to grow back now. It is the kind of things that almost always grow back (95% chance). It will evolve and then my cat will probably have problems walking and eating... and die.

I thought about taking the tumor off again, to give him a few more months, but it would make him suffer again, plus he is terribly afraid of the vet. It is really a hard decision to make. Do I let him live with it till the end (and let him have the best time) or do I make him go through surgery again (at a cost of $500)?

I think the first option is the most reasonnable... but it's hard.

My expenses this weekend

2008-06-16T14:18:00.002-04:00

I didn't spend much this weekend.

$23.00 on groceries,
$10.00 for three tops at the thrift store,
$7.00 at the movies on Saturday night (I went to see Kung-Fu Panda :p),
$9.00 for dinner on Saturday night
$10.00 for brunch on Sunday morning.

Total spendings: $59.00

Could be worth :p

Sooooo bored!

2008-06-13T14:20:00.002-04:00

I'm so bored at work... everybody left, I'm the only one there!

And my boss who usually tells me to go home early on Fridays, is fishing somewhere in the countryside, so I'm sure he has better things to think about.

3 hours left Arrgh!

My plans for the weekend: none for the moment, but I would love to rent a car and go swimming in a lake somewhere. I'll talk about it to my friends :)

Things you should never buy

2008-06-11T19:53:00.003-04:00

Here is a post from Greenopolis that I find very interesting:

Things that you shouldn't buy. Ever.

Styrofoam Cups - Styrofoam isn't biodegradable . . it stays in that landfill forever! Instead, buy cups that are recyclable or just buy your own reusable on-the-go mug.

I never buy Styrofoam cups... I hate drinking in them, it leaves a bad taste.

Paper Towels - A waste all over the map. It's money that you don't have to spend, and trees that don't have to be cut down. Buy reusable and washable hand and dish towels instead.

I don't buy that either, I use washable towels.

Incandescent light bulbs - They're inefficient and waste energy in the form of heat. Try buying compact fluorescent light bulbs, which might cost a little more upfront, but last longer and can end up saving you $30 to $36 over the life of each bulb.

This is what I use :)

Conventional Household Cleaners - These products can contain hazardous ingredients such as organic solvents and petroleum-based chemicals that can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into your indoor environment, positing a particular danger for children. The average American household has 3 to 10 of hazardous matter in the home.Instead, look for nontoxic, vegetable-based, biodegradable cleaners or make your own green cleaning products.

I clean with white vinegar and baking soda

Plastic Utensils - They aren't biodegradable and not recyclable in most areas.
Instead try using compostable food service items. Companies such as Biocorp make cutlery from plant materials such as corn starch and cellulose or carry your own utensils and food containers.

I rarely use plastic ustensils.

Disposable Batteries - Batteries contain heavy metals that can leach into the environment. Instead invest in rechargeable batteries and an electric- or solar-powered battery charger.

Ok... I use disposable batteries in my camera... not good

Bleached Coffee Filters - Dioxins, chemicals formed during the chlorine bleaching process, contaminate groundwater and air and are linked to cancer in humans and animals. Look for unbleached paper filters or use reusable filters such as washable cloth filters.

I don't drink coffee, I can't go wrong

Industrially Raised Beef - Industrial cattle operations are energy-intensive, rely on antibiotics and an unnatural corn diet, and generate polluted runoff and large quantities of methane, a greenhouse gas. Limit your intake of beef and choose meat from sustainably raised, grass-fed cows.

I eat beef like once a year :p

Hair Conditioner - Many hair conditioners contain ingredients like sodium benzoate, benzyl alcohol and tocopheryl acetate that can be toxic or potentially carcinogenic. Try using natural oils like olive, safflower or jojoba instead.

I don't use conditioner

Chemical Pesticides and Herbicides - American households use 80 million pounds of pesticides each year. The EPA found at least one pesticide in almost every water and fish sample from streams and in more than one-half of shallow wells sampled in agricultural and urban areas. These chemicals pose threats to animals and people, especially children. Buy organic pest controllers such as diatomaceous earth.
Plant native plants and practice integrated pest management and plant flowers and herbs that act as natural pesticides.

Okay... I use a bug killer, it's wrong, but I hate flies in my appartment!

Excessively Packaged Food and Other Products - Excess packaging wastes resources and costs you much more. Around 33% of trash in the average American household comes from packaging. Buy products with minimal or reusable packaging or buy in bulk and use your own containers when shopping.

I'm pretty good on that one, I bring my backpack to go shopping.

Cling/Saran/ Plastic Wrap - Many people don't realize that cling wrap may be made with PVC. #3 PVC (polyvinyl chloride) leaches toxins when heated or microwaved and it is an environmental problem throughout its lifecycle. Instead store things in reusable containers.

Hummmm, don't know about that one

Beauty/Body Care with Phthalates and Parabens - Phthalates are a group of industrial chemicals linked to birth defects that are used in many cosmetic products, from nail polish to deodorant. Parabens are preservatives used in many cosmetics that have been linked to breast cancer though more research is needed. Phthalates are not listed on product labels and can only be detected in laboratory tests. To be safe, choose products from companies that have signed on to the Compact for Safe Cosmetics.

I need to check my deodorant cause I have no idea

High Octane Gas than You Need - Only one car in ten manufactured since 1982 requires high-octane gasoline. High-octane gas releases more hazardous pollutants into the air, and may be bad for your car. Instead, buy the lowest-octane gas your car requires as listed in your owner's manual. You can also try making your next car purchase a hybrid. Or ditch the car and take public transportation, ride a bike, or walk.

I ride a scooter

Teak and mahogany - Every year, 27 million acres of tropical rainforest (an area the size of Ohio) are destroyed. Rainforests cover 6% of Earth’s surface and are home to over half of the world’s wild plant, animal, and insect species. The Amazon rainforest produces 40 percent of the world’s oxygen.Look for Forest Stewardship Council certified wood. Try to reuse wood, and buy furniture and other products made from used or salvaged wood.

I don't think Ikea have salvaged wood... I need to work on that too!

Farm Raised Salmon - Several studies, including one performed by researchers at Indiana University, have found that PCB's and other environmental toxins are present at higher levels in farm raised salmon than wild salmon. Pregnant women, women of child-bearing ages, and children should be very careful when choosing fish due to high levels of environmental toxins including mercury found in many fish.

I buy fish from the grocery store, maybe not the best choice

Anything Made with PVC - Polyvinyl chloride, used in everything from shower curtains to residential siding to toys and upholstery, sometimes contains phthalates (to make the plastic softer) that act as endocrine disruptor's, which interfere with normal hormonal development. Buy products made with natural fabrics and sustainably harvested woods instead.

????

High VOC Paints and Finishes - Volatile organic compounds or VOCs can cause health problems from dizziness to lung and kidney damage and are infamous for polluting both indoor and outdoor air. VOCs are found in products including paints as well as finishes used for wood, such a stains or varnishes. There are now a wide array of low or no-VOC paints on the market. Look for paints certified by Green Seal, or look for natural paints made by green businesses.

I haven't painted in years

Well, I'm not that bad for the planet, but I need to check more on what I buy.

I didn't spend any money this weekend

2008-06-09T18:37:00.002-04:00

Yep! Didn't spend anything this weekend! It's probably the first time in years :p

I spent Saturday at the Grand Prix of Canada, I was invited in a private loge thanks to my company, meals included :))

I took the subway to get there, so technically I was supposed to spend $4 on tickets... expect I found two tickets on the ground!

On Sunday I stayed home to do laundry and to clean the apartment.

So $0 spent :p I'm so proud!

Only $4.21 spent since Monday

2008-06-06T15:00:00.002-04:00

My only spending since Monday is $4.21. I needed gas for my scooter.

I brought all my lunches at work. Since the February-March lunch Challenge, it has gotten really easy. Brown-bagging has became part of my morning routine :) It wasn't so difficult after all!

I used to buy a cookie or a croissant at the bakery close to work, I don't anymore. I found the solution to my sugar cravings: I bring a cereal bar! (I am even gonna try and bake them... stay tuned...).

During the week, I try to have only free activities, and with all the street events right now in the city, it is pretty easy :)

Here comes the weekend, let see if my spendings stay low... I wouldn't bet on it :P

Montreal Fashion Week and Grand Prix

2008-06-04T22:53:00.002-04:00

Montreal is very animated right now between Fashion Week and the Grand Prix.

Fashion Week is downtown. They've installed a podium on McGill Street for brands to show their new clothes. I've seen the Reebok show during my lunch break...

It is fun but I have to say I stopped eating my sandwich to start a new diet! They are soooo thin.

There are a few activities on the street, with different sponsored kiosks... I even got a free disposable razor LOL

The other big event is the Grand Prix of Montreal.

Crescent Street and downtown are decorated with black & white banners and driving suits, in every store and restaurant.
The race is not until Sunday but the Formula 1 cars will be here on the racetrack starting Friday. I have a ticket for Saturday (got it for free), I'm so happy, it will be the first time I see a Formula 1 race :))

I hope the weather will be with us!

I have a new internet provider!

2008-06-04T10:02:00.002-04:00

(this post is NOT sponsored)

I finally changed my internet provider. Last month I wanted to use Acanac, but when I called they told me that DSL was not available at my place... which was weird since I've been using DSL for two years!

I called back two days ago to see if now I could use their services, and YES !!! (I have no idea what changed)

I am really happy cause I'm gonna save a lot of money. With my previous provider I was paying $42 a month (tax included). With Acanac I pay $18.95 a month (tax included) !!! And still unlimited high speed internet
:)

The only thing with Acanac, is that I have to pay for the whole year in one shot. I've payed $277 (which include a deposit for the modem).

Please contact me for a referral :)

June budget

2008-06-02T21:00:00.004-04:00

This month, after a month of lunch challenge and two months of groceries challenge, I'm in for thedining out challenge !

I will try not to spend more than $80 for dining-out.

Here is my budget:

Groceries : $120
$5 less than last month.

Dining-out : $80

Entertainement : $135
5$ less than last month.

Miscelleanous : $80

Gas : $15
$5 more than last month. Gas is soooo expensible right now!

RRSP : $200

vacations : $100

Emergency fund: $50

Condo downpayment : $300

May expenses

2008-06-01T17:14:00.003-04:00

here are my expenses for the month of May:

Groceries
Budgeted $125$ / spent $113.43
Krystal's challenge completed!

Dining out
Budgeted $85 / spent $90.09
Bad sign for my June challenge

Entertainement
Budgeted $140$ / Spent $122.36

Miscellaneous
Budgeted $70 / Spent $92.21

Gas
Budgeted $10 / dépensé $14.91
Gas is really expensive now! I'll budget $15 for June

RSSP
Budgeted $200 / Saved $200

Debt
Budgeted $570 / Spent $900

Vacation
Budgeted $50 / Saved $50

Emergency Fund
Budgeted $40 / Saved $40

Oops, I spoke too fast!

2008-05-30T22:44:00.003-04:00

In yesterday's post I was saying I didn't have urges to spend anymore... well that was until two hours ago, before I went to see Sex & and the City :p

Now I want a new pair of shoes and a Macbook!!!

BUT I AM STRONG I CAN RESIST :)))

I really liked the movie but I think it is more for the fan of the tv show(like me :p). It is so nice to see those characters again.

People that didn't watch the show may think this is boring cause it is more like an epilogue to the series.

Oh yes, now it's time for a good Cosmo and a pair of Manolos:p
I said no !!! :)))

I did not spend anything since Monday!

2008-05-29T15:45:00.002-04:00

It's been 4 days since my last expense this week (a brunch with friends on Sunday). I didn't spend anything AT ALL since then :)

After almost a year of frugality, I realize that I don't really have the urge to spend anymore.

I work downtown, surrounded by all kind of stores and boutiques, but now I rarely buy anything I don't really need.

During this financial crisis, it's a reassuring feeling to know that I'm out of this over-spending trend.

Online DVD rental comparison

2008-05-27T16:39:00.002-04:00

Here is a website I've found yesterday. I think it is really interesting.

There is a comparison between the canadian online DVD rental companies.

I currently rent through Zip.ca, but apparently Cinemail offers the same service for less.

They are situated in Manitoba, I don't know how many days a DVD would take to get from there to Quebec. Zip.ca is situated in Ontario, which is more interesting for me.

Groceries

2008-05-24T17:33:00.003-04:00

I've spent $22.27 this week on groceries. With what I bought today and what I already had at home, I should be okay till the end of the month. My challenge looks like a success :)

Oatmeal (1kg) $2.59
Granola bars $1.49 ($1 coupon)
Cortland apples (5) $2.76
0% milk $4.81
baby carrots $2.00
organic bananas $2.32
whole wheat flour $4.49
Almond tofu $1.49

This month's total: $113.43/$125

Oops!

2008-05-22T14:34:00.002-04:00

Yesterday night I went to see the premiere of Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull with some friends.

I had an invitation so it was free. I really liked the movie, it was a good sequel, really funny, and Indy is still so cute with his snakes phobia! I had a good time.

After the movie, we went to the restaurant... and even if it only cost me $11.75 (I drank water and did not have desert), I overspent on my dining out budget! My budget was $85, I've already spent $90... it is not that much but it is only the 22nd of the month... Argh

Next month my dining out budget will be $80, I hope I'll be more serious :p

Received yesterday: Powerbar & gel

2008-05-21T13:31:00.001-04:00

For those who like sports (or for those who like free stuff like me!), sign-up here:
http://www.powerbar.com/ca/Newsletter/Default.aspx?source=10076236

You'll get a free Powerbar and some energizing gel :)

Does frugality encourage charity?

2008-05-20T14:22:00.003-04:00

Since I've been checking on all my expenses and doing a good budget, I've been giving a lot more to charity.

When I think about it, it is logical. When I wasn't on a budget, I didn't really know what would be my next expenses, so I couldn't to the risk to give to others.

Now, I manage to give to charities a lot more often. I check my budget, and enter the donation into it. Even if it's not a lot, it's always good to help a cause.

It makes me happy to see that frugality encourages charity :)

This week's groceries

2008-05-17T14:18:00.004-04:00

Here is what I spent this week for groceries. There was a sale on frozen fish fillets, so I stock up a little bit.

Arctic Garden frozen vegetables $3.49
Frozen sole fillets $3.99
Frozen pollock fillet $3.99
Nature Valley granola bars$1.49 ($1 coupon)
Frozen almondine fillet $2.99
organic bananas $1.87
baby carrots $1.69
0% milk $4.81

Total: $27.63

My total for the groceries challenge is now $91.16/$125

I have $33.84 left until the end of the month.

My plans for this weekend

2008-05-16T15:33:00.002-04:00

Finally a 3-day weekend !!!

Tomorrow night I've planned to go to dinner with some friends. We've chosen a restaurant that has a wonderful terrace on which a band is playing jazz.

I really like the atmosphere of that place, plus it will be my very first dinner on a terrace this year! After all the snow we had here this winter, I think it will be well deserved :)

It is a little expensive, but I am planning on being reasonable and to not have desert: it will be good for my health and good for my wallet!

On Monday, for Victoria Day, we will rent a car and drive outside the city. I think I'll enjoy a breath of fresh air. I can't wait to see the blooming countryside, it will be gorgeous.

This should cost me about $50 for the car (including gas) and $15 for a brunch or a lunch.

First debt : paid !!!

2008-05-15T13:25:00.004-04:00

I've just finished paying my first debt (I had two)!!! I'm sooooo glad I got rid of it.

I had taken a personal loan, payable in 4 years, I've paid it within 1 year :)
This proves me that everything is doable if you really want it.

Farewell the $84 deducted to my account every month!!

Almost a year working at my company

2008-05-14T19:20:00.002-04:00

I've been working in the company for almost a year now.

I've talked about it with my colleague and we both agreed it was time to ask for a raise :p

My colleague has been working there for a year and a half but she had an accident and had to stay home for a few months.

I think I'll see my boss just after my 1 year day and I'll ask for $5000, I think this is reasonable.

My boss is very kind but sometimes he makes me really nervous, so I dread that day a little bit. But on the other hand if I don't ask, I'm sure I'll have nothing. The worst thing that can happen is for him to say no.

I'm gonna start working on a good list of arguments :p

My groceries expenses this week

2008-05-12T08:21:00.001-04:00

This week I didn't spend much on groceries. I went to Costco and to my usual groceries store, I spent a total of $50.

I don't have my receipt with me, but here is what I bought for $50:

Costco :
- Milk(4 l)
- soya milk (3 l)
- apples(4lb)
- strawberries
- toilet paper

Métro Inc :
- butter (200g)
- flour(500g)
- whole wheat flour (1.5kg)
- grilled salmon (2)
- bananas (5)

I use the whole wheat flour to bake my own bread, and the milk to make my own yogurts (with one liter I make 8 yogurts).
I store the apples in the fridge.

My total since the beginning of the month is $63.85/$125.

Are you frugal or cheap?

2008-05-09T13:24:00.002-04:00

Here is a fun little test borrowed from Moolanomy

Are You Frugal Or Cheap?

1. Do you eat out (not counting lunches at work)?
1. All the time
2. 2-3 times a week
3. 2-3 times a month
4. Never

2. When you eat out, do you?
1. I order whatever I crave
2. Order an entree for each person and take leftover to go
3. Share our meals to save some money
4. I don’t eat out!

3. What do you drive?
1. The latest and greatest 2 years lease can buy
2. I buy new car every few years
3. I always buy used car
4. I don’t own a car

4. What kind of TV do you have?
1. 1080 HDTV, of course!
2. A flat screen TV, but not the latest and greatest
3.I still have the one I bought 10 years ago
4. I don’t have a TV

5. What cable/satellite package do you have?
1. Premium channel with everything under the sun
2. Just the basic channels so I can watch the news
3. Whatever I get with the rabbit ears
4. I don’t have a TV

6. You have some old clothes, do you?
1. What are you talking about, I don’t have old clothes.
2. I donate them when they get a little older
3. I turn them into rags
4. I am still wearing them

7. When you buy something, do you?
1. I buy what I want, whenever I want
2. I occasionally splurge on what I want
3. I only buy what I need, clip coupons, use discount cards, etc.
4. I avoid making any kind of purchases

8. When you receive gifts, do you?
1. I take them back to the store to trade up
2. I keep all my gifts
3. I may return or re-gift some
4. I sell them on eBay for cash

9. When you buy clothes, do you?
1. I always shop brand names
2. I usually buy when they are on sale
3. I usually shop at goodwill and thrift stores
4. I ask my friends and family for hand me downs

10. Regarding your lunches, do you?
1. I always go out to the local restaurants
2. I mostly eat low cost take out lunches
3. I occasionally pack my own lunch
4. I always pack my own lunch

Rate Yourself

For each question, give yourself: 1 point for any #1 answer, 2 points for #2, 3 points for #3, and 4 points for #4. Add up the points and rate yourself:

35+ = You’re definitely cheap
25-34 = You’re frugal. Good job!
16-24 = You’re not frugal, but you appear to be reasonable with your spending habits
10-15 = There are a lot of opportunities for you to save money

***

With 26, I'm frugal! YES !!!

What would I tell my 18 year old self

2008-05-08T15:30:00.005-04:00

This is a post idea from Debt Kid, here is what I would like to tell my 18 year-old self:

- Do you really need all those CDs and DVDs bought brand new on the day they came out? You will only listen to them once and then they will be 'abandonned' on the shelf.

- Your friends are important. Always try to keep in touch.

- Don't choose your orientation just looking for what subject will be the most fun. Research to find a subject that will be useful later.

- Spend time with your grand father...

- Don't buy a computer on credit. Save up and then buy it. Do the same for all your dream purchases.

- Learn! Learn everything you can. If you have time, use it cleverly, don't spend it watching TV, be productive.

- Start learning guitar, or piano or any instrument. Make yourself an expert.

God I would like to go back in time sometimes!!!

Yawns: young, wealthy, normal and display a social conscience

2008-05-07T08:42:00.002-04:00

Article from The London Free Press

***

Fri, May 2, 2008
By EVELYN NIEVES, AP

SAN FRANCISCO -- They drive hybrid cars, if they drive at all, shop at local stores, if they shop at all and pay off their credit cards every month, if they use them at all.

They may have disposable income but whatever they make, they live below their means, in a conscious effort to tread lightly on the earth.

They are a new breed of Gen Xers and Ys, Young and Wealthy but Normal, or Yawns.

The acronym comes from The Sunday Telegraph of London, which noted an increasing number of rich young Britons are socially aware, concerned about the environment and given less to consuming than to giving money to charity.

Yawns sound dull but the their dreams big and bold. They are men and women in their 20s, 30s and 40s who want to change the world and save the planet.

Take Sean Blagsvedt, who moved from Seattle to India in 2004 to help build the local office of Microsoft Research. Moved by children begging on the streets, Blagsvedt quit Microsoft and launched two networking sites, babajob.com and babalife.com, to link India's vast pool of potential workers with the people who need labour.

Far from the techie cafe life, Blagsvedt, 32, lives at babajob's headquarters in Bangalore, a 278-square-metre apartment where his mother and stepfather also live and 15 workers come and go every day.

"I'm a happy person," he said. "It's great to do something that you believe in doing."

***
I really like this idea of living below our means in order to help the environment

Lush solid shampoos

2008-05-06T13:23:00.003-04:00

Around February 15th, I bought a Lush solid shampoo .
I thought it would be a good and eco-friendly solution

The guy from the store told me that I would be surprised how long it would last.

Well, I am!

I've finished the soap this morning after 3 months! :0
Well, okay, about once a week I used regular shampoo, but still!

I am very happy about this investment, eco-friendly & money saving :)

Second-hand clothes

2008-05-05T16:12:00.002-04:00

This weekend, I needed to buy new clothes especially for work.

I couldn't afford to spend too much on clothes this month, so I've decided to go to a second-hand clothes store.

I admit that at first I was a little reluctant to buy clothes there. For me, you could only find ugly and damaged stuffs, otherwise why would people give them!

Huge surprise for me, I made some good discoveries! I bought black pants and two tops, all looked brand new and were quality fabric!

Why would those clothes be in a second-hand clothes store??? Maybe the owners had lost or gained too much weight???

Expenses 13$

I'll go back for sure :))

Groceries

2008-05-03T16:39:00.003-04:00

I just came back from the groceries store, if I keep on this way, I'm sure to succeed this month's challenge($125):

- milk, (4L) $4.81
- apples (4 lb) $3.49
- bananas $1.56
- brown rice (2 kg) $2.99
- corn (can) 0$ ($1 coupon)
- Frozen vegetables, Europe's Best $1 ($1 coupon)

Total : $13.85

May 1st

2008-05-01T15:26:00.003-04:00

In France May 1st is Labor Day. Absolutely everything is closed that day, stores, offices, even public transportation!

I've been living in Canada for 3 years now, and I have to say, it still feels weird to see people working that day.

Yesterday I've asked my boss if we could close the office today (with humour of course), we should follow the holidays of every nationalities represented in the office :p

He thought it would be a good idea... but I'm still at work today... life is unfair lol

Next year, I'll ask him again, never give up !!!

What ??!!! Again !!!

2008-04-30T09:29:00.003-04:00

This morning I've checked my ING Direct account and had a very bad surprise. Their interests rate went down, again!

When I opened my account, they had a 3.65% interest rate, which was kind of cool.
Then, two months ago, interests went down to 3.30%.

And now 3.00% !!! Is it a joke !

How long will they keep going down like this. Instead of spending all their money in commercial, they could pay a decent amount to their existing customers!

Now I let it out and I feel kind of better :p

My May budget

2008-04-29T18:34:00.002-04:00

Food : $125.00
I've entered Krystal's Groceries Challenge. Last month I had a $150.00 budget and I made it! I don't think it will be a lot harder, but we'll see.

Eating out: $85.00
That's about $20.00 a week. If I order the cheapest and drink water, I'll stay in budget.

Entertainement: $140.00
I know it's a lot. But with the warm weather coming, I know I will spend more on the weekends.

Miscelleaneous: $70.00

Gas: $10.00
I ride a scooter

RRSP: $200.00

Debt: $570.00
I'm almost done with that debt, only $1075 to go!

vacations: $50.00

emergency fund: $40.00

Introduction

2008-04-29T15:39:00.003-04:00

Welcome to my new blog!

I would like to introduce myself. I am girl, living in Eastern Canada, and I've been reading personal finance blogs for like a year.

I thought I could give it a try, talk about my money, my savings and connect with others.

I launched my French personal finance blog Frugale Econome et Heureuse in January, and I thought it would be fun to launch my very first blog in English (please forgive my grammar!).