Marching Forward with Frugality & with Savings 2015 frugal chatter

[Natalka]

[jasperandchar]

Morning everyone,

Logan will be sleeping in his new room tonight (so happy as this was 1 goal for March) .

Dh has a range of motion assessment late this morning which hopefully will give a better picture of his workplace injury from years ago and how or what is causing his worsening conditions and limitations. He is going to ask for a copy of the report (fingers crossed they give him a copy) as he meets with his specialist on April 7th.

After dh's assessment we are going to use the "free" dog wash facility which is part of the new Pet Smart facility in the same town as dh's assessment so Chester will have a bath, it should be interesting as he hates getting a bad and it turns into a rodeo where I get soaked and so does the whole washroom .

It's snowing here and to think yesterday was such a beautiful day .

Dh wants to run into WM to purchase a movie (he is a movie buff and get's a monthly budget for that) and I'll pick up some more popcicles and pm NF flyer at $1.97 I can't go wrong.

Wishing everyone a wonderful day.

I've send my bank an email requesting that my bank fees for my primary account be waived, waiting for their reply as I indicated they have more to lose than I do so should be interesting to see what they say .

Question???

I am considering switching to PC financial, anyone have any feedback on their services, banking accounts, or other suggestions for no fee banking such as Tangerine, etc.

Also do they send you cheques and also how do you switch your balance from your current bank to your new bank, do you submit a request to PC financial or must you do a physical withdrawal and deposit into the new financial institution or can it be done electronically some how through my transfer options with Scotiabank, sorry when I switched from TD to Scotiabank, Scotiabank did all the leg work that's about 10 years ago, however, they forgot to inform me that TD charged a handling fee . I did however need to send voided cheques to everyone that did automatic deposits and withdrawals which was fine.

THANKS

[Andit]

Good morning, everyone.

Had a fun time yesterday with friends, but it was bittersweet. One of the gang is very ill. I'm grateful that she made it out, even tho she was clearly not well, it's likely the last time I'll get to see her.

Another friend is going in for major surgery tomorrow - she had a similar operation last year, but it didn't work out properly. Last year she spent 3 months in rehab, hopefully this time things work and she can be back home in a month.

Can use all the prayers you can spare for these ladies. If you met them, you'd love them.

bff is coming by tonight to take me out for a raspberry beer (after my usual Monday night gang gets together). I think D heard the sadness in my voice and wants to cheer me up. Going to spend the day trying to work on my priorities. There are a few friends I've been meaning to get in touch with, but life keeps getting in the way. I should know better than to put things off.

Sorry for sounding so melancholy. Too many unhappy things going on at once right now.

Better go squish the brats. That's always the best way to start the day.

Hope everyone has a wonderful day.

[Frugalbigmama]

Happy Monday! I can say that since it is a short week and we close early Thursday as well for the long weekend So will be busy but at least it should fly by! Tonight's plan is to finish the boys room (this has been dragging on!) but at least we have a dresser now for the other bedroom so should be smooth and quick! Bought paint at the Rona sale yesterday so the plan the next month is: New flooring (tile) layed in entrance and main bathroom. Re-paint main bathroom. Re-paint entrance and hallway/stairs up stairs. Paint trim and doors. (and put new trim up in entrance and bathroom) Just need the mud etc for the tile work as we have everything else. Can't wait till it's done

[Frugalbigmama]

Oh and did shopping for work and received 19310 in SDM points. Woohoo! Almost have enough for 2 redemptions at the highest level! That is the goal for mid summer so I'm ready for the fall/Christmas shopping/stocking up

[jasperandchar]

@Andit hope all goes well for both your chums, sending prayers for them and speedy recoveries, enjoy your get to together today and enjoy your raspberry beer, sounds interesting

[jasperandchar]

@Frugalbigmama you are so lucky to get the points for purchasing items for your work, I guess it works out your time for the points (wink), I am also happy to report I have enough points for a 1 redemption at highest level and quickly working my way to the 2nd, like you super excited now that I know how to get the most points for my shops.

[sweet sparrow]

Had a fun time yesterday with friends, but it was bittersweet. One of the gang is very ill. I'm grateful that she made it out, even tho she was clearly not well, it's likely the last time I'll get to see her.

Another friend is going in for major surgery tomorrow - she had a similar operation last year, but it didn't work out properly. Last year she spent 3 months in rehab, hopefully this time things work and she can be back home in a month.

Can use all the prayers you can spare for these ladies. If you met them, you'd love them.

@Andit, I'm so sorry to hear about your friends. Prayers are on their way and a very big virtual hug to you.

I am considering switching to PC financial, anyone have any feedback on their services, banking accounts, or other suggestions for no fee banking such as Tangerine, etc.

Also do they send you cheques and also how do you switch your balance from your current bank to your new bank, do you submit a request to PC financial or must you do a physical withdrawal and deposit into the new financial institution or can it be done electronically some how through my transfer options with Scotiabank, sorry when I switched from TD to Scotiabank, Scotiabank did all the leg work that's about 10 years ago, however, they forgot to inform me that TD charged a handling fee .

@jasperandchar, I have both PC financial and Tangerine. PC is okay and has been handy. The only thing I dislike is being chased to sign up when I see their recruiters in a PC store. With PC, you can use CIBC bank machines or PC machines without a service fee. With Tangerine, I have to seek out a Scotiabank, but it's effortless and quick when I transfer money between checking and savings. If you ever get e-money transfers, it sends you an email notification, which I love. The transfer between accounts at PC is probably good too, but I don't have a savings account to compare. Tangerine had much better bonus offers at the time.

Tangerine will give you 50 free cheques, PC is unlimited - which is perfect for daycare for us, without giving them access to my bank information. I think the cheques are the only reason I haven't closed the PC account yet.

I never completely dropped my bricks and mortar bank (one of the big five) as I have free banking as long as I keep my balance over a certain amount. I haven't used it for years, and I keep in case there's something I need like a bank draft (if purchasing a big ticket item like a car), need to get rid of a lot of coins, exchange for a different currency, get free coin rolling paper, or travelling and can't find a Scotiabank or PC around.

When you transfer money, you write a cheque to yourself and mail it for $100 which they deposit into your account. They take all the account information from the cheque. If you transfer between bricks and mortar banks, ask if they will cover the transfer fees. DH and I switched from CIBC to TD and they were happy to cover the costs and deposit the money in your new account.

Promotions: These run from time to time, and are just to give you an idea of the kind of promotions Tangerine runs. I know these are basically over but they will have new ones starting soon. If you're not exact on timing though, they won't credit you the amount. I opened LO's savings account with them and received a $50 bonus card in the mailfrom them for opening it the next week. Since I didn't call in at the time with the code, LO was out $50.

$50 referral bonus - $50 for you when you use an Orange code fromsomeone else who has a Tangerine account until March 31st, 2015. I think this is normally $25.

http://www.tangerine.ca/en/landing-page/bonus50/index.html
$50 bonus for opening a savings account with $100 deposit by March 31, 2015.

$25 bonus for setting up an automatic savings program with your savings account by March 31, 2015.
http://www.tangerine.ca/en/landing-page/payday/index.html

$120 bonus when your payroll deposit is switched to Tangerine by March 31st, 2015

[Frugalbigmama]

Oh and I splurged and bought a new garbage can on wheels! (received my annual increase and a bonus!) When I moved into my new house almost 5 years ago the lady left me the garbage can (she was moving out West so left me lots of things) It was a cheap thing but did the trick. I vowed to use it for years. The handles broke off last year lol. But waited for a deal on one on wheels and found it yesterday on sale/clearance at Home Depot. I sure know how to splurge eh? Anyway we are going to clean the old one out and use it as a rain barrel for the garden

[Frugalbigmama]

Went to look at shoes at lunch and found nothing. But went to Food Basics and spend $11 and change. Used up the Buy 2 get 1 free on smartfood coupon that expires tomorrow (my teen loves this so now I have it tucked away ) Small tubs of Rolo ice cream were on for .99 cents each so grabbed one each for my boys. Selection brand snack bags (75 ct) on for .88 so grabbed a bunch for the stock room (grabbed one on weekend to make sure I like them and I do )

[jasperandchar]

jasperandchar[/URL], I have both PC financial and Tangerine. PC is okay and has been handy. The only thing I dislike is being chased to sign up when I see their recruiters in a PC store. With PC, you can use CIBC bank machines or PC machines without a service fee. With Tangerine, I have to seek out a Scotiabank, but it's effortless and quick when I transfer money between checking and savings. If you ever get e-money transfers, it sends you an email notification, which I love. The transfer between accounts at PC is probably good too, but I don't have a savings account to compare. Tangerine had much better bonus offers at the time.

Tangerine will give you 50 free cheques, PC is unlimited - which is perfect for daycare for us, without giving them access to my bank information. I think the cheques are the only reason I haven't closed the PC account yet.

I never completely dropped my bricks and mortar bank (one of the big five) as I have free banking as long as I keep my balance over a certain amount. I haven't used it for years, and I keep in case there's something I need like a bank draft (if purchasing a big ticket item like a car), need to get rid of a lot of coins, exchange for a different currency, get free coin rolling paper, or travelling and can't find a Scotiabank or PC around.

When you transfer money, you write a cheque to yourself and mail it for $100 which they deposit into your account. They take all the account information from the cheque. If you transfer between bricks and mortar banks, ask if they will cover the transfer fees. DH and I switched from CIBC to TD and they were happy to cover the costs and deposit the money in your new account.

Promotions: These run from time to time, and are just to give you anidea of the kind of promotions Tangerine runs. I know these are basically over but they will have new ones starting soon. If you're not exact on timing though, they won't credit you the amount. I opened LO's savings account with them and received a $50 bonus card in the mailfrom them for opening it the next week. Since I didn't call in at the time with the code, LO was out$50.
$50 referral bonus - $50 for you when you use an Orange code fromsomeone else who has a Tangerine account until March 31st, 2015. I think this is normally $25.

http://www.tangerine.ca/en/landing-page/bonus50/index.html
$50 bonus for opening a savings account with $100 depositby March 31, 2015.

$25 bonus for setting up an automatic savings programwith your savings account by March 31, 2015.
http://www.tangerine.ca/en/landing-page/payday/index.html

$120 bonus when your payroll deposit is switched to Tangerineby March 31st, 2015

@sweet sparrow thank you very for all the information....gives me a lot to think about as they both have pros and cons....

It is so ironic that if I choose Tangerine I would have access to the scotiabank machine who is whom I'm wanting to leave if they don't waive my fees

but I do like the option of unlimited cheques.

BUT to clarify could I write cheques from my scotiabank account and drain my accounts and deposit them in PC or Tangerine via either CIBC or Scotiabank machines? Or do I need to mail the cheques like you said? And do the cheques need to be in $100 counts (as per your comment) or was that just an example?

Thanks again

[Frugalbigmama]

I love PC Financial and have been with them for years. Yes it sucks if you like to go talk to a teller (you don't have that option) so you have to plan ahead if you want to order a money order etc. But free banking, free cheques and free PC points are awesome

[monkeydoodle]

Day 8 of spending diet: juice boxes for the kiddo (1.99) and throat lozenges for me (1.01)

[jasperandchar]

great job @monkeydoodle

[Granger]

Found textbook for my course to borrow from someone. Savings of $100 to me! Yay!!! Ugh, now I have to go read it. Reading about reading...boring.