ADORED reading this. I've been thinking about money a lot too! And am definitely making 2025 a year of more thoughtful spending (or even like our dear pal Nicole says, anticapitalist living!)
Ooo very intriguing, friend! And I'm glad you enjoyed this one! For whatever it's worth: yours has been my favourite Substack to read/follow along with in 2024. 😘
I loved it, a lot more profound than it seems at first look.
I feel so lucky with my stable income, even if I know all the things I am exchanging for it. It is reassuring to see that we are all looking for more balance.
The first line of feedback feels fun, Kellya: more profound than it seems. I totally agree, and it exposes a lot too. I can understand appreciating your stable income! There's a lot to be grateful for with that, in this world.
...and yeah, TYOL! It has been such a gift to me, including financially. ❤️
Love! As always! I love libraries and want to keep them going too! Today I got a notice for a book I returned...sigh! Last week my little cousins from BC came to visit and had great fun using the potato sack race game and medals kit I borrowed! This morning I was reading....Consider this Reflections for finding peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab and Big by Vashti Harrison...both out of the vending machine library at our hockey arena! What did you borrow?!🥰🥰🥰🚗🚗🚗💞💞💞💖💖💖
Ooo you borrowed games! That's so fun! We don't have that at my little branch, but I do love going through the kids' book area. I borrowed a couple Judy Blume books! A novel, CALL OF THE PENGUINS by Hazel Pryor. It's the second in a little series about an older Scottish woman who loves penguins (like me!) and travels to Antarctica to see them. Honestly, SO FUNNY. And the librarian told me the second book is the best in the series. And I've never read QUIET by Susan Cain before, so thought I might flip through that too!
Have you ever read The Great Penguin Rescue? Dyan is going back to work with them in the wild in 2025 I think https://thepenguinlady.com/. Super nice person as I have seen her talk.
I guess around this time of the year, what with the yearend activities and festivities fast approaching, like yourself most of us are thinking of $$$. Here in Canada, things right now are getting a tad (shall we say) "dicey". Living expenses, especially here in Toronto as well as in Vancouver still continue to increase by quite a bit. I certainly feel for those folks who live on fixed incomes or who are currently on strike looking for higher wages, etc, etc. Fortunately our country's health care system helps defray some expenses, unlike most folks in the US who have to pay crazy health care fees.
Oh yes, and speaking of the US, last night Trump announced a new 25% import tax on ALL Canadian and Mexican goods coming into the states which will go into effect on the first day that he becomes president. That should really affect the Americans who will have to pay the increase costs, along with messing with the economies of both Canada and Mexico, who just happen to be large trading partners with the US. So it looks like an interesting time ahead where discretionary spending will definitely become more "discretionary" as we all hunker down to live within tighter budgets.
So, as another of your commenters Kellya has written: Yeah for The Year Of Less!
Finally, not trying to be a picky reader here, my friend, but I think your dispatch's footnote #2 needs one more 0 in the CAD amount.
So today's a bit of a down day in the life of my money but I guarantee you that tomorrow I expect to have turned it around 180 degrees. That just the way I go sometimes.
Hi friend! Yes, the news about the new import tax isn't great news for anyone, including our US friends, like you said. And it's ok to have a down day... they can't all be on the up. Just good for us to know the "why" behind it all. Also you're not being a picky reader! When you're writing 2,000 words, it's nice to have other editors looking out for you! So thanks for pointing to the missing 0.
As a fellow self-employed person who's regularly thinking about her money, I loved reading this dispatch, identifying with so much of it, and celebrating your wins alongside you!
Aww thank you, Hannah! You totally get it then! Also I hadn't thought about this until reading your comment, but it's interesting how we see some of this income stuff as "wins," probably especially when we are self-employed!? I wonder if that resonates for you. How/when do you feel like you experience wins in your work?
Thanks for this post Cait! This is a fabulous idea to take note of the money trail during a day. I feel that money is a part of my day more than it should be. Lately, I feel that it is flowing out more than usual. 😂 Tis the season. In the New Year, I am excited to finally put into place systems to streamline and support my finances. There are many moving parts, having one kiddo away at school, who continues to be supported by us. I love hearing about your thoughts.
I'm so glad you found this one interesting, Blythe! And I'm just glad I managed to piece it together finally, haha. As a writer, you might find it interesting that I didn't take notes/keep track of anything... I actually just went back and looked at my texts/transaction times! Then thought about what was true in each of those moments, and tried to show how my brain works!
Love this Cait :) Your blog and book started my journey into finances because you talk about it so openly. How money comes into our lives and how we use it affects us all. It is also wonderful to read your thoughts on money because it feels deeply healing. I look at my accounts everyday for a few seconds sometimes multiple times a day and sometimes none. I have an account with ING so I have automated up to $5 round-ups to go automatically into my savings each time I spend. I check my super (retirement fund) everyday especially after I get paid as once the amount didn't reflect what my employer was suppose to put in. A email and screenshots cleared it all up. I feel more excitement than anything and it's become neutral. I say my affirmations "I am grateful for all the money I have now."
Ahhh this all feels so healing, and like you're taking great care of yourself with your money, friend! I'm curious what your rounded-up money is being saved for? I do the same (but only up to £1) and use it to travel with Tall Man. I already have £120 for our next trip. ☺️
Thank you & that's awesome!☺️I call it "Money That Helps Me". Whether that be an unexpected bill or something I want to say yes to. I used it to get head space for 50% off. The only thing I've brought in the sales. Thanks to you again Cait for changing my feelings around advertisements of sales in my inbox. I unsub or I just delete them. Sometimes I open them but they have no gravitational pull on me. I remember too when I first started applying this technique I would be in the checkout putting details in and then cancelling it or closing the tab. IT FELT SO GOOD! You are healing people and I'm not surprised your books in any order are still grabbing people's attention. It is needed.
Ha, well let's see if I keep it, friend! My "new" car broke down last week, and repairs should be covered by the seller... but I am feeling financially STRESSED, to say the least. What I bought is staying in the box until I decide if I really want (and can afford) to keep it.
I try so hard to take the time to reflect on what this a day of spending usually is for me, but it tends to go off the rails relatively quickly. With 2 "kids" (AKA 16 and 18 year old girls), things tend to be very random. This was a wonderful read, and I am inspired once again to try and reflect. Thank you!
I used to hate Black Friday too and still do to some extend - until I discovered many of my personal care items will go in sale. These are things I am buying anyway so why not spend less.
I love love love hearing celebrations of "small" wins. Like something may not be a high $$ amount to celebrate on the outside, but the win and the feeling is huge. And hugely deserving of self celebration
I loved reading this! Please do this again {if you so choose :)}
Thanks for the feedback, Heidi! Even as I was writing it, I did think: I wonder if I could do this again. So this is helpful!
ADORED reading this. I've been thinking about money a lot too! And am definitely making 2025 a year of more thoughtful spending (or even like our dear pal Nicole says, anticapitalist living!)
Ooo very intriguing, friend! And I'm glad you enjoyed this one! For whatever it's worth: yours has been my favourite Substack to read/follow along with in 2024. 😘
Ahhhh, thank you!! I absolutely love writing here 🩵
I loved it, a lot more profound than it seems at first look.
I feel so lucky with my stable income, even if I know all the things I am exchanging for it. It is reassuring to see that we are all looking for more balance.
Yeah for The Year Of Less!
The first line of feedback feels fun, Kellya: more profound than it seems. I totally agree, and it exposes a lot too. I can understand appreciating your stable income! There's a lot to be grateful for with that, in this world.
...and yeah, TYOL! It has been such a gift to me, including financially. ❤️
Love! As always! I love libraries and want to keep them going too! Today I got a notice for a book I returned...sigh! Last week my little cousins from BC came to visit and had great fun using the potato sack race game and medals kit I borrowed! This morning I was reading....Consider this Reflections for finding peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab and Big by Vashti Harrison...both out of the vending machine library at our hockey arena! What did you borrow?!🥰🥰🥰🚗🚗🚗💞💞💞💖💖💖
Ooo you borrowed games! That's so fun! We don't have that at my little branch, but I do love going through the kids' book area. I borrowed a couple Judy Blume books! A novel, CALL OF THE PENGUINS by Hazel Pryor. It's the second in a little series about an older Scottish woman who loves penguins (like me!) and travels to Antarctica to see them. Honestly, SO FUNNY. And the librarian told me the second book is the best in the series. And I've never read QUIET by Susan Cain before, so thought I might flip through that too!
Have you ever read The Great Penguin Rescue? Dyan is going back to work with them in the wild in 2025 I think https://thepenguinlady.com/. Super nice person as I have seen her talk.
Enjoyed a day in the life of your money!
I hadn't heard of her! Thanks for sharing, friend!
Hi Cait !
I guess around this time of the year, what with the yearend activities and festivities fast approaching, like yourself most of us are thinking of $$$. Here in Canada, things right now are getting a tad (shall we say) "dicey". Living expenses, especially here in Toronto as well as in Vancouver still continue to increase by quite a bit. I certainly feel for those folks who live on fixed incomes or who are currently on strike looking for higher wages, etc, etc. Fortunately our country's health care system helps defray some expenses, unlike most folks in the US who have to pay crazy health care fees.
Oh yes, and speaking of the US, last night Trump announced a new 25% import tax on ALL Canadian and Mexican goods coming into the states which will go into effect on the first day that he becomes president. That should really affect the Americans who will have to pay the increase costs, along with messing with the economies of both Canada and Mexico, who just happen to be large trading partners with the US. So it looks like an interesting time ahead where discretionary spending will definitely become more "discretionary" as we all hunker down to live within tighter budgets.
So, as another of your commenters Kellya has written: Yeah for The Year Of Less!
Finally, not trying to be a picky reader here, my friend, but I think your dispatch's footnote #2 needs one more 0 in the CAD amount.
So today's a bit of a down day in the life of my money but I guarantee you that tomorrow I expect to have turned it around 180 degrees. That just the way I go sometimes.
Take care and enjoy the rest of your week.
Hi friend! Yes, the news about the new import tax isn't great news for anyone, including our US friends, like you said. And it's ok to have a down day... they can't all be on the up. Just good for us to know the "why" behind it all. Also you're not being a picky reader! When you're writing 2,000 words, it's nice to have other editors looking out for you! So thanks for pointing to the missing 0.
Aw Cait I just want to pop in and say congrats on your royalties. It’s just such a lovely thing to read. ✨💝
Thanks, friend! TYOL has been a huge gift to me, financially-speaking. I'm very grateful.
Yes I just feel like the book is taking care of you somehow… it’s a whole energy. ✨🪐
As a fellow self-employed person who's regularly thinking about her money, I loved reading this dispatch, identifying with so much of it, and celebrating your wins alongside you!
Aww thank you, Hannah! You totally get it then! Also I hadn't thought about this until reading your comment, but it's interesting how we see some of this income stuff as "wins," probably especially when we are self-employed!? I wonder if that resonates for you. How/when do you feel like you experience wins in your work?
Thanks for this post Cait! This is a fabulous idea to take note of the money trail during a day. I feel that money is a part of my day more than it should be. Lately, I feel that it is flowing out more than usual. 😂 Tis the season. In the New Year, I am excited to finally put into place systems to streamline and support my finances. There are many moving parts, having one kiddo away at school, who continues to be supported by us. I love hearing about your thoughts.
I'm so glad you found this one interesting, Blythe! And I'm just glad I managed to piece it together finally, haha. As a writer, you might find it interesting that I didn't take notes/keep track of anything... I actually just went back and looked at my texts/transaction times! Then thought about what was true in each of those moments, and tried to show how my brain works!
Love this Cait :) Your blog and book started my journey into finances because you talk about it so openly. How money comes into our lives and how we use it affects us all. It is also wonderful to read your thoughts on money because it feels deeply healing. I look at my accounts everyday for a few seconds sometimes multiple times a day and sometimes none. I have an account with ING so I have automated up to $5 round-ups to go automatically into my savings each time I spend. I check my super (retirement fund) everyday especially after I get paid as once the amount didn't reflect what my employer was suppose to put in. A email and screenshots cleared it all up. I feel more excitement than anything and it's become neutral. I say my affirmations "I am grateful for all the money I have now."
Ahhh this all feels so healing, and like you're taking great care of yourself with your money, friend! I'm curious what your rounded-up money is being saved for? I do the same (but only up to £1) and use it to travel with Tall Man. I already have £120 for our next trip. ☺️
Thank you & that's awesome!☺️I call it "Money That Helps Me". Whether that be an unexpected bill or something I want to say yes to. I used it to get head space for 50% off. The only thing I've brought in the sales. Thanks to you again Cait for changing my feelings around advertisements of sales in my inbox. I unsub or I just delete them. Sometimes I open them but they have no gravitational pull on me. I remember too when I first started applying this technique I would be in the checkout putting details in and then cancelling it or closing the tab. IT FELT SO GOOD! You are healing people and I'm not surprised your books in any order are still grabbing people's attention. It is needed.
Thank you for sharing! And any amount saved is incredible. It's also so lovely that you still inspire folks with your first book!
I can't wait to maybe one day know what your big purchase for yourself was! :D So glad this was a good money year for you. Love to see it. xo
Ha, well let's see if I keep it, friend! My "new" car broke down last week, and repairs should be covered by the seller... but I am feeling financially STRESSED, to say the least. What I bought is staying in the box until I decide if I really want (and can afford) to keep it.
I try so hard to take the time to reflect on what this a day of spending usually is for me, but it tends to go off the rails relatively quickly. With 2 "kids" (AKA 16 and 18 year old girls), things tend to be very random. This was a wonderful read, and I am inspired once again to try and reflect. Thank you!
I used to hate Black Friday too and still do to some extend - until I discovered many of my personal care items will go in sale. These are things I am buying anyway so why not spend less.
I love love love hearing celebrations of "small" wins. Like something may not be a high $$ amount to celebrate on the outside, but the win and the feeling is huge. And hugely deserving of self celebration
This is probably my favorite post yet! ❤️
Oh that's amazing feedback, Kelly! I can definitely imagine doing it again.
I read this at a coffee shop that overlooks a dog park. Perfection. Happy December friend! 🩷 🩷🩷❄️❄️❄️☃️☃️☃️