The “green” movement has been around for some time now and eco-friendly cleaning products are prevalent on the store shelves. They claim to be made from natural ingredients that are better for the environment, but the small packaging, plastic containers and, especially, single use products such as wipes are still ending up in our landfills.
ECO-Friendly Cleaning Products
I used to believe that a good cleaning and disinfecting could only be achieved with the strongest chemicals, and for the longest time that’s what I used to clean my house.
Then I remembered that when I worked for our General Hospital when I was going to school, the small kitchens on every ward had smooth stainless steel cupboards and counters and they were wiped down with just plain vinegar.
In those days there were no weird hospital diseases and super bugs, and if they could be kept clean with only soap and vinegar I should be able to use the same in my home. Most houses are not as filthy as the TV commercials suggest, and I certainly don’t need to use CLR to clean some spilled sauce off my kitchen counter.
Use Regular Household Products
White vinegar, either full strength or diluted with water, will clean and deodorize just about anything from windows, counters, bathroom surfaces and appliances (note: vinegar will etch marble and granite and will attack the grout around tiles so don’t use it on these surfaces).
It will dissolve soap scum, remove hard water deposits and cut the laundry detergent in the washing machine so you can eliminate fabric softener. For a stronger cleaner add ammonia or washing soda (Borax) and dish washing liquid and you can clean heavily soiled walls and floors.
Baking soda is an abrasive and can be used on kitchen and bathroom sinks and bathtub rings. Pour down drains to keep them clear. Rubbing alcohol mixed with water and vinegar can bring a sparkle to windows, mirrors and chrome.
Re-Use And Save Money
Pick up a few plastic spray bottles, sponges and a squeegee from the Dollar Store. You can get a big bag of soft cotton cloths (called shop rags) from the hardware store to use instead of paper towels.
I used to use cloth diapers after my kids were done with them (disposable diapers were rarely used then) and there was nothing better than a well washed, lint-free flannel diaper to dust and polish furniture. It’s too bad that they fell apart a long time ago. Then I realized you don’t need to have a baby to buy cloth diapers, but sadly they are not made the same any more.
You can get all this for under $50. The bottles, cloths, etc. are reusable and the cleaning solutions come in large containers so everything will last for quite a long time.
With this eco-friendly cleaning method you can save money, eliminate breathing in chemicals, reduce the impact on the environment and still have a clean house. A winning solution in every way.
This time of year is exciting for me because I’m a huge NFL football fan and they are right in the middle of the playoffs. I would love to go to a Super Bowl one year and experience first hand all of the hype surrounding one of the most popular sporting events in the world.
If you’ve seen the commercials, Visa has just finished running a contest where the winner would receive a trip to the Super Bowl for life (too bad it was only for residents of the United States). That would be my dream for sure! Let’s take a closer look at the contest:
The Prize
One winner will be chosen to win tickets (for two) to the NFL Super Bowl for the lifetime of the winner. Every year beginning in 2011, the winner will receive the following: roundtrip coach class air transportation for the winner and one guest from the major U.S. airport nearest winner’s home to the major U.S. airport nearest the city of the applicable game, hotel accommodations (one room, double occupancy), rental car, and two tickets to the applicable Super Bowl game. The winner will also receive a cash payment of $3,400 each year that may be used toward the payment of taxes on the trip (based on the value of the trip at the time it is awarded).
Total Approximate Retail Value of the Grand Prize is $493,678
Lump Sum Payment
As an alternate to the Trip for Life prize, Grand Prize winner has the option to select a one-time lump sum payment in the form of a cheque for $200,000, and a five day/four night (Feb 3rd-7th, 2011) trip for two to see Super Bowl XLV in Dallas, TX.
The package includes two tickets to see Super Bowl XLV in Dallas, TX, scheduled to take place on February 6, 2011, roundtrip air transportation (coach) for two from the major U.S. airport nearest winner’s home to Dallas, TX transportation to and from airport, hotel and game, hotel accommodations (one standard room, double occupancy).
Total Approximate Retail Value of the Alternate Grand Prize is $215,595
Cash For Life
There is also the popular Cash For Life Lottery, which rewards the lucky winner with an annual payment over a period of 25 years, or else with a larger lump sum payment up front. I found a poll over at Red Flag Deals where the readers were asked to choose between $1 million every year for 25 years, or a one time cash payment of $17 million. 68% chose the lump sum payment.
To me, a lump sum payment is the most attractive option because you just never know what will happen in the future. The Super Bowl tickets for life is an amazing prize, but I don’t want to be like the guy in the commercial who proudly says that he’s missed weddings, anniversaries, and birthdays because of his annual committment.
I would take the Cash For Life prize as a lump sum payment as well since I could buy whatever I needed right away, and then I could simply invest the rest in dividend paying stocks to make my own cash for life.
Most of us do dream of winning the lottery and enjoying the freedom to be able to spend our money on whatever we desire. Unfortunately a small percentage of Canadians actually expect to retire from a lottery win. Now I don’t subscribe to the Lotto Max retirement plan myself, but I have to admit that a lump sum payment of $1,000,000 or more sounds like financial freedom to me.
At the beginning of each year I take a look at the previous year-end financial statements and review my portfolio. I use a spreadsheet that tracks the performance of my savings and investments and this assists me in deciding whether to make changes in the coming year.
First of all I note that I have excess money in my savings and trading accounts that needs to be invested. In the next several days (or weeks) I’ll do some research to decide what stock(s) I can purchase.
I also have a high interest savings account that I call my “accrual” account. This is where I make regular deposits to cover my annual insurance premiums, Christmas and other gifts, vacation and other special purchases. Since I recently bought a new car, this account balance has been reduced a fair bit and will need to be replenished to cover some other purchases I have in mind.
I have a couple of mutual funds with low balances that I should finally get rid of. Their balances have barely changed in the last few years and I have kept them way too long. I need to stop procrastinating and transfer the funds into a more productive investment.
Related: How To Use A Stock Screener To Find The Best Stocks
I’m happy to note that all but two of my stocks have increased over last year’s balances. I generally focus more on the dividend income, but it’s gratifying to see an increase in value as well. Some examples of my holdings (in no particular order) are as follows:
| Stock | Shares | Avg Cost | Dec 2009 Bal. | Dec 2010 Bal. |
| TD* | 1510 | $15.82 | $99,570 | $121,892 |
| RCI.B | 200 | $11.26 | $6,512 | $6,902 |
| EMA | 100 | $20.90 | $2,506 | $3,133 |
| TRP | 100 | $20.72 | $3,615 | $3,799 |
| FTS | 100 | $24.99 | $2,866 | $3,391 |
| RET | 100 | $13.53 | $1,533 | $1,775 |
| SAP | 100 | $25.80 | $3,075 | $3,946 |
| REI.UN | 100 | $16.12 | $1,984 | $2,195 |
| COS.UN | 100 | $17.93 | $2,974 | $2,644 |
| POW | 100 | $29.74 | $2,912 | $2,761 |
*Note: As part of an employee savings plan, my TD shares had no actual cost to me apart from being a taxable benefit. I realize I’m quite over-weighted, but to me this replaces the pension plan I won’t receive.
Since my dividend returns are substantially higher than anything I would receive from GIC’s or bonds I don’t bother tracking the annual yields and I’m happy to report that my dividend amounts have increased by a whopping 25.5% over last year, and my yield on cost is up substantially.
For my house value I use the annual tax assessment I get from the city. It may not be entirely accurate but it suits my purpose since I’m not inclined to get a property appraisal every year. The tax department claims that my residence has increased in value by $17,000.
My credit card always has a balance when I do this exercise from holiday spending, but I always pay off my credit card balance in full when my statement arrives so it doesn’t accrue any interest. On the other hand, my line of credit has reduced quite a bit and I expect it to be completely paid off within the next year.
Overall, I’m pleased with the results. My net worth has increased over $50,000 even with some large purchases and my debt/equity ratio is less than 5%. With a bit of tweaking, the implementation of a new personal budget, and a plan for investing both my dividends and new deposits (together with a good economy), I would like to anticipate a very profitable new year.