I still can't believe this is my office

My first blog post. Ever.

Needless to say, but mentioned nonetheless, I’m only a little nervous typing into the world of online blogging. Each stream of writing is highlighted by its own style and blogging I’ve learned is no different. Rules are meant to be bent and others to be broken and while I’ve never blogged before, any excuse to be published without adhering to CP style rules is one I will take gladly. And so it goes!

As we’ve moved into late June, I took a look at my monthly bank statements and my blood began to exhaust with frustration. Monthly charges….of 8 bucks. Now I know what you’re thinking, 8 bucks is no big deal. But then again, that’s probably not what you are thinking because by reading this site, you are looking to save money. And 8 bucks could have bought me the following: A Chinese food lunch buffet, a month’s supply of toilet paper or flu medicine.

Instead I lost before I had! This could not continue.

So I called Scotiabank demanding my charges go away. Or so it seemed.

It turns out that my bank account has a debit card transaction limit of 15 transactions per month and every transaction after the 15 is 65 centuries (or cents as the pilgrims refer to it.) I had no idea this was the case and my CSR and I discussed different options available. So if you are like me and transact over their limit all the time then contact your bank and see what other options are available.

BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE!

Once I mentioned that I was a student, he said, and I quote:

“Oh, well that changes everything.”

It turns out that Scotiabank has a student account plan where you get unlimited transactions for $1.25 a month if you’re an active student. Now I don’t know if other banks have this, but if you’re a student and you get monthly charges like I did, then call your bank to see if you can make some, in the words of David Bowie, ch-ch-ch-changes!

Which brings me another point. Put your debit card away.

Thade also had a great post about saving money when going out to eat. And when it comes to fast food, there is one deal where you can’t go wrong and that’s Burger King. They have a different value meal every day priced at $4.29 and you just can’t go wrong with that. I recall the beautiful days at Mickey D’s when a Big Extra meal came to $4.59, but oh how the mighty have fallen.

Finally, two interesting tips I researched online. A woman in the States discovered two interesting ways of conserving water. She puts a bucket of water in her sink when she’s doing the dishes and then uses that water to water her flowers. Pretty cool, but she goes farther. She also washes her face BEFORE she goes in the shower. That way, she figures she does not waste all the excess water for just her face.

These strategies are certainly for the consumer who is looking to save in the tiniest amounts, but if you truly believe that every little thing counts, then clean your face before you step in the douche!

Excuse me recession, go screw yourself.