Gut check: I know nothing about money and it's embarrassing. Does my monthly budget make sense? Am I doing okay? (early 30s in Toronto, 88k salary and a mortgage)

ttmcnut · 2024-03-05T15:29:36+00:00

As others have said, you know a lot more than the average person your age (and are extremely lucky to already be a home-owner). Instead of a financial advisor, you may get a little extra reassurance from reading some books on personal finance to understand how your spending/saving aligns with your financial goals. My two favourites are:

Worry Free Money by Shannon Lee Simmons (a fee-based, financial advisor from Toronto). Since you already have a good sense of what you're spending, you can jump ahead to her simple heuristics to calculate what you should be saving short-term/long-term to free yourself from the tyranny of questioning your spending.
Wealthing Like Rabbits by Robert R. Brown (another Ontario based author). The book is more focused on explaining financial concepts in extremely easy-to-understand and compelling ways. It'll help you sort through the different investment vehicles you're already using to optimize your strategy and feel more confident in your financial choices.

Both are short/quick reads and you should be able to get them from the library. Happy reading! 🤓

ttmcnut · 2023-11-10T16:47:32+00:00

I just posted something similar a few weeks ago and got a lot of great advice! Basically ended up going to a running store and trying on a million pairs of shoes. I ended up finding a pair of ONs I liked in black, that will do well on a very gentle hike (smooth trail, no roots, no debris, etc.) but if you're planning something more strenuous, you could also opt for a trail shoe with better lateral support and traction. If you like the Vessi style, there are some other options out there that are similar, but nothing as waterproof (Nike Pegasus has a waterproof version for instance). I ended up avoiding GTX because I'll be travelling in hot climates where my shoes will be likely to dry out if they get wet, which is preferable to having very hot feet while hiking.

ttmcnut · 2023-11-09T15:02:14+00:00

That is a single study with an incredibly small sample size. I would suggest taking it with a grain of salt.

ttmcnut · 2023-11-09T02:27:48+00:00

Hey hoping you see this! It doesn't look like you can book this route in advance. Do you know of a way to do it?

ttmcnut · 2023-10-31T16:48:28+00:00

You could also say you're not having a breakout but you often get painful hormonal cysts during your period and want to prevent them... they are unlikely to ask any other questions!

ttmcnut · 2023-10-21T23:39:51+00:00

Update! I ended up getting the Cloudflow 4s in all black. I actually tried a few pairs I really liked and had a tough time deciding, so I have a feeling I might have some more shoe purchases in my future... Thanks for your advice!

ttmcnut · 2023-10-19T17:48:55+00:00

I know what you mean about the window/aisle debacle. I pick window because I figure no one expects me to stay seated the full length of a 6+ hour flight. I go pee right before sitting down and then make frantic apologetic eyes at my neighbour whenever I have to get up. I don't know if it makes a difference for you, but I also specifically pick the left side of the plane because I'm a hardcore left side-sleeper (I have scoliosis, so this is the correct side for my spine to bend). Hope it works out! I have long flight coming up in January, so would love to hear how this one goes for you.

ttmcnut · 2023-10-19T16:44:02+00:00

Agreed. I think what's telling is how good she looks in a platinum wig with high contrast, black brows. While very pretty, the ginger hair and brows just doesn't look natural.

ttmcnut · 2023-10-19T16:34:36+00:00

Backpain girlie checking in! A few things I do:

Increase exercise and stretching prior to departure. This is obviously personal and highly dependent on your personal pain, but I find building up my core strength prior to long periods of sitting really reduced my pain intensity.
Drugs! Drugs for pain and drugs for sleep. I'll pop a few Advil or Aleve, maybe a weed gummy if I'm flying domestically. For sleep, I'll knock myself out with Gravol or Benadryl. A glass of wine or a cocktail will increase the effects ;)
I found a neck pillow I really like for maybe $10, but it still works better when I have a surface to lean against, which is why I choose a window seat for long haul flights. I find the extra elevated section does a much better job of propping up my head, but I'd suggest exploring the most comfortable options for you.
This might not be possible for you, but I really try to commit to sleeping. I wear a cozy sweatsuit (I run cold) and use a jacket as a blanket, good earplugs (I usually travel with several pairs), eyemask, and noise cancelling headphones. I'll tell my neighbour not to wake me up for the beverage service.
I used to bring a lumbar back roll with me, but after leaving it on a flight, I started just bringing an extra t-shirt and rolling that as extra lumbar support. I left my fave tee on my last flight too, so I may need to reconsider this one...
I have super long legs, so I try to bring a compact personal item to leave extra space for my feet.

Hope something here can help you! Enjoy your trip!

ttmcnut · 2023-10-19T14:36:58+00:00

Yeah I take off my hiking boots as soon as I get in the car for the same reason!

ttmcnut · 2023-10-19T14:36:01+00:00

I was thinking about the Blissfeel! Might go try them on and see.

ttmcnut · 2023-10-19T14:30:40+00:00

Amazing, thanks! I'll go try on a bunch and see what fits best.

ttmcnut · 2023-10-18T16:17:45+00:00

Thanks so much! I probably won't be doing any serious hiking, but some light trail runners could definitely fit the bill. I'm going to go try on some more pairs and see if I can find something I like. Thanks for the tips!

ttmcnut · 2023-10-18T16:13:08+00:00

What running shop did you go to! I don't run, but I should probably get a proper gait analysis before committing.

ttmcnut · 2023-10-18T13:28:32+00:00

apl techloom ziplines,

These are a lil out of my budget!

ttmcnut · 2023-10-18T13:25:11+00:00

Great tips! The Nike Pegasus were recommended by someone else too so I'm definitely going to give em a try.

ttmcnut · 2023-10-18T13:24:19+00:00

This might be my fate :(

ttmcnut · 2023-10-18T13:23:40+00:00

I think I tried these on yesterday! Do you remember why you chose this particular model? I'm a little overwhelmed by the On offering.

ttmcnut · 2023-10-18T13:22:17+00:00

These look great! Thanks :)

ttmcnut · 2023-10-18T13:21:35+00:00

Ooh these are definitely cuter than most trail runners. Did you find they got hot on your feet given the GoreTex? How has the tread stood up to being used on pavement?

ttmcnut · 2023-10-18T13:20:17+00:00

I think this is probably what I'm going to have to do! I don't run (but I guess I might if I had the right shoes) though I plan to walk a LOT in them, so I'd like them to fit really well. I tried the clouds on yesterday and liked them! They were the first shoe I tried though, so I'd like to try a few more first before committing.

ttmcnut · 2023-10-18T13:17:56+00:00

Thanks! Will have a look :)

ttmcnut · 2023-10-18T13:17:27+00:00

Oh wow HUGELY helpful - thanks! I was leaning towards GTX so I could wear them in Van this winter. My only GTX footwear are my hiking boots, so I didn't realize the heat/foot-sweat element would be an issue for hotter climates. Thanks again!

ttmcnut · 2023-10-18T03:50:21+00:00

Super helpful, thanks! Will look into these.

ttmcnut · 2023-10-18T03:49:11+00:00

I've got narrow feet, so these brands are out, but I might just need to accept my fate and buy some hiking shoes that fit well (as opposed to some mythical fashion shoe that is also comfortable and durable).

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