Updated Progress Bars

I've added new progress bars that reflect my 2010 goals. Right now they are kind of sad. Most at 0%, but that will change in time. I did not add the retirement goal because I know I won't even start contributing to that one until the family loan is paid off. Next paycheque I will be able to add some money to those goals and up the percentages.

2010 Goals

I hope everyone had a nice Christmas, was Santa good to you?

Financial

• Pay off the $5000 I owe to my family (This is my priority right now)
• Contribute $4000 to TFSA (which will also serve as my E-fund)
• Save at least $500 for Christmas (approx $60 per month, as I want birthdays and wedding gifts to go in here too, but by Christmas 2010 I want to have $500 in that account)
• Start and contribute $1000 to Retirement (Won't start this until after debt is paid off)
• Make an additional $2010 in ways other than teaching (tutoring, babysitting, summer and holiday part-time job, etc)
• Save $300 for a shopping/travelling trip (BF and I were talking about going to the states for a NFL game, I want to do some shopping if this happens)
• Purchase my parents a new freezer and/or couch set (my parents are going on a vacation in Feb for their 25th wedding anniversary. I wanted to redo the basement for them but there would be some issues there, so my brother and I were talking and we want to hoepfully replace their freezer which is probably as old as my mom, and/or get them a MATCHING couch set as a nice suprise for when they return) This will prolong my debt but it will be worth it.

Personal

• Stretch everyday (I am not flexible at all and I want to work on this)
• Complete a 5k run (hmmm since I hate running this will likely be the hardest goal on my list)
• Complete TWO American Sign Language courses (already signed up for one in Jan)
• Read at least 12 novels (average of one per month, this can be done)
• Complete a full-size quilt (completed a baby's quilt this year, next is full size, I think I want to try to do a rag quilt)
• Volunteer twice at a new place (I already volunteer at a Girl Guides group, and at teen dances)
• Learn how to crochet (maybe make a cute baby's blanket, or at least a dish cloth)

Eat and be Merry!

Have a very merry Christmas!! If you are travelling I wish you safe travels.

I hope Santa is good to you all :)

Merry Christmas Eve Eve!

I've been working everyday this week at the rec centre running a children's day program. It's been fun but really tiring. Swimming, playing games, making crafts and sledding is VERY tiring (it's a tough job but somebody's gotta do it). This is also the time of year that a lot of friends come back to town as well, so I've been trying to get together in the evenings without staying out too late because I have to wake up at 6:30. It's been rough waking up but so worth it to see friends.

Tomorrow I am working only a HALF day. With the kids we are making healthy nachos, from scratch! We will see how that turns out...

What do you call cheese that isn't yours??? Nacho cheese Highlight to see the answer. I thought it was funny, it's okay if I'm the only one laughing.

I am glad I have the afternoon off, I want to finish off my wrapping, and visit with a friend who is back from the city only until Boxing day.

I hope you all have a fantastic Christmas, enjoy your holidays if you get some!

Unclaimed Balances...Do you have one??

Do you have any unclaimed balances?? Maybe you think I could never misplace any money! But did you know that over a million Canadians have unclaimed balances, totalling a total of over $350 MILLION!!

Once an account in Canada sits dormant for 10 years and the bank is unable to contact the owner it gets transferred to the Bank of Canada. Balances of over $500 are kept at this bank indefinitely (or until claimed), but balances under $500 are kept there for 20 years waiting to be claimed (10 years at your bank, and 10 at the Bank of Canada), and then they become property of the government.

How do I find out if I have unclaimed balances?? Go to this site. It's free, just have to type in your name!

Now if you do find that you have some unclaimed balances, then you do need to prove that you are who you say you are by filling in some forms, and other proof that you resided at the location the original bank has on file. It will take a month or two before you receive this money.

Check it out! You should check your friends and family as well, see if they have any unclaimed balances. Would be a nice extra payday for some people.

Favourite Book

I am looking for suggestions of books to read for 2010. Any ideas??

I'm currently reading "Twenties Girl" by Sophie Kinsella (the Shopaholic writer). So far I'm a bit over half done, and I have to say it's not my type but I will still finish it. I LOVED "Can You Keep a Secret?" and "The Undomestic Goddess." This book is about a girl who is visited by a ghost that wants her necklace back, I'm not so into the paranormal thing.

The next book I think I want to read is "The Lovely Bones" by Alice Sebold. I have heard good things about this book and they are even going to be making it into a movie soon.

I am really into chicklits, not so much fantasy books. What are your favourite types of books? Do you have a favourite book(s)?

Free Shipping Day

Sorry for not posting this earlier, I just remembered about it! Today December 17, 2009 is Free Shipping Day!!

205 stores in Canada and 743 in the States. It goes until midnight, and on the radio today they were saying that items you order today will be shipped right away and you will receive them by Christmas Eve. I've never heard of this before, but if you plan on ordering some things for Christmas on the internet today might be the day.