Canadian GDP dips in May.
Hopefully it was weather related and not a sign of a new trend.
Just imagine what happens to GDP when housing starts to take a turn downwards.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Don't be shy...
Do the poll>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>I know exactly how many of you waste some time on this blog, so get voting. Lets see of our collective wisdom is right or not
Thoughts to Think On
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Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Widget : How Much Tax Can I Save ?
Half of year 2011 has already passed. Have you ever thought of your next tax filing yet ? If you only take a look by next year, then it may be too late for you to optimize anything anymore. Try below widget and see how much the impact may be for you ! Just enter your total annual income and see how much tax you can save simply by planning early !!
Monday, July 25, 2011
What are we going to get this month?
Well she is heading for a MOA of between 9 and 10 this month.What about Vancouver?
Anyone want to guess at the Average price change with the dropping sales?
We know the HAMs are super active in the West Van and Van West area still, so prices could still go up. Also anecdotally those selling to the HAMs have been down-sizing. An interesting new dynamic in the housing market! It used to be entry buyers pushed everything else along like a train with the locomotive at the rear.
Now we have top priced properties being picked up the way the gull swoops down to pick up a fish form the waves, and then those sellers are moving down into the middle of the pack.
Such are the dynamics of Vancouver RE.
Anyone want to guess - heck why don't we put up a poll.
Malaysia Best Rates 2011 July 25 Update
Fix Deposit
Affin Bank still offers the highest 3.6% for 12 months. 3.1% to 3.35% is common with all other banks. 1 month FD is mostly at 3% to 3.05%. Most of the foreign banks continue to offer lower FD rates.
Base Lending Rate
Most banks offers 6.6% now except JP Morgan Chase offers the lowest at 6.2%.
Saving Accounts
The Bank of Nova Scotia offers 2.05% while Bangkok Bank and Bank of Tokyo offers 2%
CIMB Air Asia Saver Account offers 1.6%
Don't forget you can get a simple widget
like above to show on your blog / web site.
Car Loan
Maybank continues to offer the lowest car loan rate starting from 2.7%. However, this is NOT a standard rate apply to all applicants. The actual rate can range up to 4.3%. Alliance bank on the other hand offers 2.8% to 3% which may be a better deal in general sense.
Bank Muamalat offers 2.85% for both New and Used cars but it requires an admin charges of RM600.
CIMB offers 3.25% for used cars.
Don't forget Car Loan rate is Fix Term Rate
which is effectively a MUCH HIGHER
than variable term rate
like House Loan and Fix Deposit.
House Loan
There are too many factors in considering a good house loan, so we don't think its fair to simply summarize them here.
Our advice is to source for at least 3 offers, preferably a mix of local and foreign banks.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Whistler
Based on the sales from July 10-17.
List/Sales = 15% (33/ 5)
Total inventory = 783
One of the 5 sales 100K (12%) under list price.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Income Tax : Plan vs Not, how much difference ?
Income Tax, to plan or not to plan. Or more precisely, plan now before year end or only worry about it when you file tax next year ... How much is the difference actually ?
Says my annual income in 2011 will be $40,000. If I plan well now ie.
- buy a $1,600 life insurance
- pay $5,000 for my parent medication
- buy $1,00 reading materials
- ...
I would most probably end up paying $12 tax. That means I can most probably claim back quite a sum of money depends on how much my monthly tax deduction is.
On the other hand, if I do none of the above to optimize my tax, I will most probably be paying $937 for my tax. That is a difference of $925 !!
Will you be interested to earn or save $925 just by reading article like this to get yourself well aware of how you should spend some of your money which is beneficial to you and your family anyway ?
If you annual income is $60,000 the tax difference btw plan vs not is $1,991
If you annual income is $80,000 the tax difference btw plan vs not is $3,606
| Annual Income | $40,000.00 | |||||
| POTONGAN | Best Case | Min Case | ||||
| 1 | Individu dan saudara tanggungan | 9000 | 9,000.00 | 9,000.00 | ||
| 20 | Insuran nyawa dan KWSP | 6,000 (Terhad) | 6,000.00 | 4,400.00 | 1600 | |
| 2 | Perbelanjaan Perubatan Ibu Bapa | 5,000 (Terhad) | 5,000.00 | 0.00 | 5000 | |
| 5 | Yuran Pendidikan (Sendiri) | 5,000 (Terhad) | 5,000.00 | 0.00 | 5000 | |
| 7 | Pemeriksaan perubatan penuh | 500 (Terhad) | 500.00 | 0.00 | 500 | |
| 8 | Pembelian buku, majalah, jurnal dan penerbitan | 1,000 (Terhad) | 1,000.00 | 0.00 | 1000 | |
| 9 | Pembelian komputer peribadi untuk individu | 3,000 (Terhad) | 3,000.00 | 0.00 | 3000 | |
| 10 | Tabungan bersih dalam skim SSPN | 3,000 (Terhad) | 3,000.00 | 0.00 | 3000 | |
| 11 | Pembelian peralatan sukan untuk aktiviti sukan | 300 (Terhad) | 300.00 | 0.00 | 300 | |
| 12 | Yuran langganan Jalur Lebar | 500 (Terhad) | 500.00 | 0.00 | 500 | |
| 22 | Insurans pendidikan dan perubatan | 3,000 (Terhad) | 3,000.00 | 0.00 | 3000 | |
| 3 | Peralatan Sokongan Asas | 5,000 (Terhad) | ||||
| 4 | Individu Kurang Upaya | 6000 | ||||
| 6 | Perbelanjaan perubatan penyakit yang sukar diubati | 5,000 (Terhad) | ||||
| 13 | Faedah pembelian rumah … | 10,000 (Terhad) | ||||
| 14 | Suami/Isteri/Bayaran alimoni kepada bekas isteri | 3,000 (Terhad) | ||||
| 15 | Suami/Isteri kurang upaya | 3500 | ||||
| 16 | Anak di bawah umur 18 tahun | 1000 | ||||
| 17 | Anak menerima pendidikan sepenuh masa | 1000 | ||||
| 18 | Anak diploma Ijazah | 4000 | ||||
| 19 | Anak Kurang upaya | 5000 | ||||
| 21 | Skim anuiti | 1,000 (Terhad) | ||||
| 36,300.00 | 13,400.00 | $22,900.00 | ||||
| Taxable Income | $3,700.00 | $26,600.00 | ||||
| Tax Saving | ||||||
| Tax Payable | $12.00 | $937.00 | $925.00 |
Government pulling in it's horns
It had to happen. The cookie jar is slowly being closed. The spend-and-pay later that Governments embarked on when the speculators bust the system in 2008 (and got their 100 cents on the dollar back) is slowly being withdrawn.
The US of course is the big kahuna of spend and don't tax , which has brought them near the abyss.
Well it looks like they may have a deal, but a nasty one, which ends up hitting the middle class while CUTTING, yes cutting taxes for the wealthy and the corporations.
Crazy I know, and under a Democratic President who has been called 'socialist' by his right-wing opponents (of course anyone who suggests free school milk for poor kids is a socialist to those Atilla-the-huns).
A Video for Your Viewing Pleasure
This is what we let the kids watch last night. They loved it! This is when cartoons were good:o)
Have a great Thursday!
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Few More Bits of the Laundry Room
I have been lazy when has come to finishing up the laundry room. I have 2 more shelves to complete...one of which will be majorly awesome when it's done:o) Then there is the accessorization of said shelves. Anyway, I thought I would share a few things that are complete.
I found this bookshelf at a yard sale. It was falling apart and the previous owner had attempted to strip 4 layers of paint off of it. Needless to say, I had my work cut out for me. I used the Chalk Paint that everyone raves about.
Here are my thoughts on Chalk paint.
#1-it's expensive.
#2-if you have a business where you have to bust out refinished furniture on a weekly basis, then buy it. It dries quickly and very easy to work with...if you are a person such as myself who just revamps for fun, skip it. You can get a similar effect with spray paint and it's much cheaper.
#3-you can't roll it on b/c it goes on too thin, and the 2-coat coverage doesn't cut it. The bookshelf needed 4 coats....I realized on the 3rd coat I needed to brush it on.
Anyway, one can covered the bookshelf and the bench.
Speaking of the bench, I made a new bolster pillow for it.
And here the two pieces are in the little corner. One of the shelves I haven't finished working on will go above the bench.
I saw this "reminder" on another blog the other day, and decided I needed one for us as well. Theirs was on the door. I wanted mine to be above the door so it could be bigger. It's a great reminder every time we leave the house.
I found this picture at a thrift store for $3. The shelf was given to me by my mother. I added the glass knobs so that my clients could hang their coats or purses on it...by the way, you do know that I do hair out of my laundry room right? I'll share pics of that spot later on:o)
Here is a "little" treasure I picked up the other day...isn't it so cute?
And another treasure. The frame needs a little work on the top. It's missing some trim, but I thought it was beautiful, so I got it anyway.
I hope to have the rest of the laundry room completed by the end of the week. I have a big gathering at my home next week, so that gives me a deadline to finish:o)
Have a great Wednesday!!!
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Slippery Carney
My picture could have many connections to the Bank of Canada announcement today.Of course, as everyone knows, they stood 'pat' on rates. No increase, even though we know inflation is running at over 3%, we just cannot bring ourselves to even increase rates from 1 to 1.25%.
Would 0.25% make any difference? probably not. But it would at least send a very mild message that the B of C was not just all talk like that idiot Bernanke, but could actually inconvenience speculators a tiny little bit.
These low rates, are indeed like butter. Butter makes everything more tasty, even broccoli, but too much of it is bad for you.
These below-inflation rates are good for a pump, but long-term they completely distort the economy, as money flows away from prudent behaviour into risky speculative behaviour. Didn't they teach you that at Goldman Sachs Mr Carney?? That is the temple of speculation after all.
Think about it. He wants us to save. OK so we save $1000. So now you want to buy a GIC to at least keep up with inflation of 3% with a 30% tax rate.
So what do you do? Buy a seven year bond? I wouldn't advise it, because well before then we will be dealing with rampant inflation of maybe 7-8% a year, and 3% will look mild . However (Chad this one is for you) I think we have a year or two before we even start seeing that start to happen.
So you can spend it, buy property, throw it at the stock-market or...but why save it. The Bank of Canada is telling you that as a saver YOU have to bail out all the excess speculation. Meanwhile it will ask all the speculators, pretty please, pull your horns in..or we will..damn it we might just...stand pat!
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Facebook Page
Remember when I got off of Facebook a few months ago? Can I just say how liberating that has been? I have spent a lot less time caring about who just ate at which restaurant, and who just wiped their hind parts...really, people will put ANYTHING on Facebook.
I am back on the social networking bandwagon, but in a slightly different way. I have been on Facebook for a while now, but I am using it strictly for coupons.
I had several people catching up on my post updates through FB and then I disappeared:o)
I have a new page opened up that is for Fussy Monkey Business.
So if you get the urge to "like" me on Facebook, go for it! I like it when people like me:o)
And if you "friend request" me, don't get your feelings hurt when I don't "friend" you...like I said earlier, I am using it just for coupons and now updates for my blog.
Hope you all had a fantastic weekend! I have some new treasures I will be sharing with you all soon!
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Play mat for Baby
First of all I want to start off by saying THANK YOU to everyone for your comments and compliments. You guys are so sweet. You know how to make a girl feel good:o)
I did get an apology, so all is forgotten.
On to other stuff....
This is a play mat that I made for my cousin who is having a baby in September.
I found this pattern on etsy HERE.
Close up of sweet Mrs. Owl...should have moved her over a bit...her eye is a little blendy with the background.
Backside of the mat.
Easy to roll up and pack away in your diaper bag.
To find this pattern, visit The Punky Monkey at etsy. She has so many cute patterns! It was easy to follow, and easy to construct....Thank you Punky Monkey!
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Ruffle Bottom Dress
Another dress for your viewing pleasure...I hope;o)
A bad shot of the hair bow I made to match the dress.
Happy Wednesday to you all!
A Word
In my last post, I shared with you all an outfit that I made for E and S.R. I thought they were sweet, and so did several others who saw them donning their new apparel last week.
The outfits were made to be a little nerdy, but little ones can pull anything off, right?:o)
I am aware that not everyone has the same taste. I see things online and out in public that I don't like, and I think to myself, "Wow! Really?" But I say them to myself.
The old saying "Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never hurt me" couldn't be further than the truth.
Yesterday a reader posted a mean comment and it wasn't necessary.
For that reader, I have this to say:
My children were very excited about these outfits. They are always grateful for anything that I make them.
As long as they are happy with what I make them, and keep requesting that I make things for them, I will continue to do so, gladly.
I said a prayer for you last night, dear reader...that the Lord would help you to think before speaking, or in this case, typing. That He would open your heart to others feelings.
I say this so that you will think before insulting someone else.
I offer a comment section so that my readers can communicate with me. I find it sad, that some feel the need to use it as a venue to insult.
To all you other readers, thank you for your kind words of encouragement, and your interest in what I do.
You guys are great!!
This was the first time I have been insulted on my blog. I am sure it won't be the last..however, this will be the last time I acknowledge any insults.
I will continue to keep doing what I love, and making cute things for those I love!
For anyone who has had this "problem" in the past....
pray and move on:o)
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Clothing for the Kids
I am in the midst of making clothes for the kids today. Busy, busy, busy.
This year S.R. gets to go to preschool with E...sniff, sniff...and I wanted my babies to have matching outfits. Here is something I whipped up last week.
We had a little fun with the camera;o) I hope to have lots to show you in the next day or two:o) Have a great rest of the day!!
Participating in:
Participating in:
Thursday, July 7, 2011
We Have a Winner!
Congratulations to
Randi
She said:
New blog follower here. Found ya through Someday Crafts. I was wondering if I could add vinyl to a cup like that, lol. Perfect timing! :)
Thanks to everyone who participated in the giveaway, and a big thanks to Holly from Vinyl Designs!!
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Personalized Cup Giveaway & A Linky Party
I hope you all had a fantastic 4th! We sure did!
To celebrate the fantastic-ness of the long weekend.....
how about a giveaway?
My friend Holly is offering one Fussy Monkey Reader a chance to win a
Personalized Vinyl Cup.
The winner will get to choose their favorite design & have their very own super cute cup.
I have two and I LOVE them...I take them just about every where I go, and am always getting compliments!
I thought these two designs were really cute.
Lovin' the flops:o)
So here's how to enter:
You have the chance to enter 3 times!
1. Be a follower of Fussy Monkey Business...if you aren't, it's reeeeally easy to become one;o)
leave a comment here
2. Head over to Holly's Etsy Shop, 'ahmaher', and pick your favorite design & tell us about it
leave a comment here
3. "Like" Vinyl Designs on Facebook & tell her Fussy Monkey Business sent you
leave a comment here
The giveaway winner will be announced on Thursday. If you can't wait that long to see if you are the winner, and want to purchase a cup, Holly has been gracious enough to offer my readers a 10% off coupon code for the duration of the giveaway...
Just use fussy10 to get your 10% off.
Good luck!!
This giveaway is now closed.
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I thought I would do another linky party today....no rules, just link up:o) Can't wait to see what you all have been up to!
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Friday, July 1, 2011
Saved by the Bell!
I said in this post that if May was NOT the high point I would shut this blog down. The graph was too parabolic, the fundamentals were too out of line, there is nothing to comment on when one has crossed into the world of fantasy.Inventory has been rising steadily and while we all know that prices can still rise with higher inventory as the wealthy buyers (eg HAM money) skew the market...I had decided that if the lunacy didn't at least take a break in June I would call it quits and another bear blog would have admitted defeat and closed.
Well by a hair all three averages are down this month, so unfortunately for you guys the blog keeps rolling. Condos especially have taken a big dump from April's high.
Thanks Larry for being the first one out with the data again.
HANDY LITTLE CHART
I received this in an email from a friend the other day. Some of you may have seen this chart before. Hopefully you will find it uplifting:o) GOD HAS A POSITIVE ANSWER:
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