When Nancy asked me to blog, she asked me to chronicle the ups and downs of my financial life. Not the most glamorous topic. Especially this time.

Taxes are filed and I’m waiting for a tax return, thanks in part to a little advanced planning.

With that in mind, this is the time of the year I look forward into my personal 2006/07 financial year. I know that I want to contribute to my RRSP, my community, meet major anticipate bills like holidays, car insurance and repairs and extra-curricular activities like my son’s sports.

This is as much fun as entering purchases into a expense tracking spreadsheet (like Kat, I’ve been struggling with this one as well). I know my car insurance requires me setting aside about $100 per month, RRSP is $50 a month (not a lot, but it does add up). At least twice a year, I get three paycheques in a month, allowing me to set aside the better part of a grand to take care of my son’s extra expenses.
Planning my contributions to my communities is always fun and is probably fodder for another blog.

None of the planning is down to the dime. It is done in broad strokes so I can relax knowing I should hit my big expenses and goals without a last minute scramble. Plus, I know some of these activities will pay off with tax deductions.