I will continue with the questions at the end of each Chapter.
Chapter Four: If The Shoe Fits, You Don’t Have To Buy It: How To Be A Smart Spender
1) How often do you use cash and why?
It is very rare for me to use cash because we charge everything to our credit card that earns us cash back and the balance is paid in full each month so we are charged no interest. The credit card company PAYS US to use their card. Why wouldn't I use it?
2) Have you ever gotten rid of a perfectly functioning item because you were worried it was outdated? Why?
Not that I can think of, maybe when I was younger and I cared more about keeping up with all the latest trends. I've probably saved oodles of money because I don't do this. I don't own an iPod, I have a MP3 player, it works just fine. I don't have an iTouch or iPhone or whatever they are called - I've got a Mike Phone through Telus because my husband has one through his work. I will likely cancel this soon even and own no cell phone!
3) What expenses do you think you could cut without noticing much difference in your daily life?
This is tough since we've already cut so much. The extra cell phone is one that comes to mind however I'm sure the cancellation fee will be big. I only use this phone to call him in the morning to see when he will be home. It would be cheaper to call him from our house phone, although its long distance it will still be less than our cell bill. We usually travel together so we will always have access to a cell phone. Hopefully my husband's company will be giving them a new truck that includes Sirius radio so we can cancel his subscription.
4) What suggestions do you have to save money in other areas of your life, like shopping and going out?
I like to shop at the end of the season for next year's clothes which I will continue to do. We don't go out much and whenever we do we try to arrange my parents to babysit for free.
5) How much do you want to set aside for fun money? What are some ways you would spend it?
We set aside $10 each per week for fun money. I have been saving most of it in my savings account. I don't have plans for it currently other than making it grow. If I'm going to spend it, it would be on magazines probably.
Chapter Five: Deflate Your Debt: Six Simple Steps To Get You Back In the Black
1) How do you think you’d feel if your debt was gone? How would that change your life?
Incredible! I could then focus on savings.
2) What kind of “good” debt do you have? “Bad” debt?
I consider all debt to be "bad" but I think the question is looking for my mortgage and car loan. I also have "bad" debt in the form of a credit line which is a combination of student loans, old car loan, credit card debt, and home improvements.
3) What’s the most you remember ever charging on a credit card? Why did you charge so much?
$2500 on our honeymoon. Part of me is glad we went away but to be honest we didn't enjoy it as much as we could have. I was 3 months pregnant so I couldn't drink and we had next to no spending cash. We figured at the time if we didn't go then it would be forever until we could go with a baby on the way.
4) What did you learn from reading your credit reports and checking your score(s)?
I have not done this in years. I should do this again.
5) What are three steps you can take now to improve your credit score(s)?
Although I do not know my actual score, I'm sure its pretty good.
Chapter Six: Make More Dough: Easy Ways To Earn Extra Income
1) Do you know what people in similar positions to yours are earning?
I babysit for $25/child/day. Lots of people charge $30-$40/child/day but since I am in a small town its uncommon to charge as much. Lisa is only here for 7 hours and she naps while she is here. I provide lunch and snacks. If I was to charge more I feel I would need to do more like take them on field trips or something but that's too many kids for one adult to control so I don't venture far.
2) Do you think you are getting paid what you are worth?
I am comfortable with the payment arrangement. If I was doing all kinds of trips and crafts I would certainly ask for more.
3) Have you ever asked for a raise? Why or why not?
No, see above answer.
4) How much do you want to be earning next year or five years from now?
Next year I expect to earn the same and then once Avelyn starts school I plan to quit babysitting.
5) Are you happy in your job? Why or why not?
Meh. It's not my first choice of work, the mother came to me and asked if I would take her daughter on. I keep the babysitting going for Avelyn's sake as they are the same age and will attend school together. Avelyn can be a shy kid and I think this friendship will help ease the transition when she starts school.
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