Weekend Rambling – May 18

Steve @ Grocery Alerts writes How to shop at Costco for free – without a membership - We had a Costco membership in 2012 but for this year we decided not to renew our Costco membership. I am going to show 3 ways how you can shop at Costco without a membership (so you can shop at Costco for free).

Gary @ Gajizmo.com writes Reasons You Should Change Jobs – The best ways to improve your future financial security are to increase your earned income through a career or home business, invest wisely, and limit your spending. This article advises readers on when and why it may be time to change jobs.

John S @ Frugal Rules writes 5 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Graduated From College – It’s sadly been too long since I graduated from college. There are a number of things I wish I knew before I did, chiefly among them avoiding debt, investing early by taking advantage of a 401k and networking all with the intention of growing professionally as well as growing my wealth.

Mr.CBB @ Canadian Budget Binder writes Financially Savvy Teen Budgets Her Money Using The Cash Envelope System – At just 17 years old Eva is well on her way to becoming financially independent because she is investing in building her knowledge up about personal financial literacy. Teens today really do need a kick-start like Eva has gotten from her parents from a young age. Now she budgets her money using the envelope system. Enjoy this inspiring story as it brings upon you strength, a desire and a passion to see the children of tomorrow succeed.

Steven @ Canadian Personal Finance writes Bitcoins: Will They Make a Viable Currency? – The recent hype in the bitcoin market has drawn a lot of attention to this digital currency. The question in many people’s minds is whether or not these can make a viable currency. It leads many to question the feasibility of bitcoins to stand the challenges it is currently facing.

Philip @ PT Money writes What Happens to Your Debt When You Die? – Handling a loved one’s debt after they die can be tricky. Make sure you know what to expect and that all the necessary preparations are made to keep things easy. Continue Reading →

VN:F [1.9.22_1171]
Rating: 5.0/5 (1 vote cast)
Comments { 1 }

youngandthrifty dividend income update May 2013

I haven’t done anything new since last month.  HSE and Sunlife are DRIPping nicely, now I have 104 shares of HSE and 102 shares of Sunlife (and it has bounced back to my original buy price).  Since April, I have increased my dividend income by about $100.

I would like to increase my exposure in my portfolio to utilities. I currently only have Fortis (tried, true, and trusted) and Just Energy (not so trusted, one of the dogs in my portfolio) and both of these comprise almost 12% of my TFSA portfolio. (I haven’t done this yet, still on my to do list)

I may also consider adding a REIT as well. Which REIT is your favourite? I am wary that they seem a bit overpriced at the present moment. (still on my to do list as well!)

I know that Suncor increased its dividend but I haven’t changed my spreadsheet yet- I need to do do this.

Hopefully during my school break I will get a chance to look more closely at what equities or ETFs to purchase <— obviously did not happen as I was too busy eating tapas and olives on my school break.  Now back to work!

May 2013

 

 

VN:F [1.9.22_1171]
Rating: 0.0/5 (0 votes cast)
Comments { 2 }

Barcelona on a Budget

Barcelona, one of the world’s most popular and liveliest cities deserves a separate post on how to enjoy it on the cheap. Check out how to save money visiting the rest of Spain’s main cities in this post. If you want a city full of culture, night life, and beach time, this city is it.

Here are some things you can try for saving money in Barcelona :

Stay

Hostels are again, a great way to save money. I stayed at the Casa Gracia near Diagonal Metro station and other than the uber-modern interior design, the other great thing about it was the full-on free full breakfast. Coffee, fruit, juices, ham and cheese, bread, cereal, you name it you got it. It cost about 20 USD a night for a mixed dorm bed. It wasn’t in the central part of town but a quick 15 to 20 min walk (or a two stop metro ride) got you to Plaza Catalunya, which is the central hub of activity of Barcelona.

saving money in barcelona This hostel had a free walking tour arranged by the Walking with Architects group (a bunch of architect students doing this on the side). The guides give good recommendations for “must-see’s” and must-eats.n Also, their passion for architecture (for a Gaudi architecture rich city) is nice to see!

Related: Travel on the Cheap- Backpacking and Hostels

Eat

Staying away from Las Rambla, you should be fine. Otherwise, expect to pay 18 to 22 euros per person for a bunch of tapas and some drinks. Continue Reading →

VN:F [1.9.22_1171]
Rating: 5.0/5 (1 vote cast)
Comments { 1 }
 New GraphicName: Email: