Ginger Won't Snap

The Vespa Investigation

Toronto, coolness, environment, finance, local, money, personal, product review, shopping May 4th, 2008

A while back I blogged about possibly getting myself a scooter to get around the GTA in the pleasant months. I was hoping to get one pretty soon, especially since the TTC strike put a real kink in my plans.

However, after a little investigation into costs and logistics, I’ve decided to put off my purchase until at least the end of the summer.

This weekend I encountered a few people that asked me about scooters and the cost and stuff since they were interested too. I am by no means an expert, but here’s what I found out.

The Scooter

There are lots of brands out there to choose from! Vespa is perhaps the most popular and well-known, but other brands include Honda, Yamaha, TMC, Piaggio (Vespa), Kymco and more. After doing some research online I decided that a traditional Vespa was probably what would satisfy me the most. I didn’t want to be a brand whore, but I just couldn’t say no to the Italian styling, quality assurance and familiarity the brand presents. Though I did seriously consider the Yamaha Vino, and may still revisit it.

I spoke with a dude at the Vespa store here in T.O. and we assesed my needs. I wanted something with enough “get up and go” to take me from Toronto out to some of the surrounding cities/burbs, that could carry two people, had suitable storage and a possible top case or rack for more carrying capability.

The Vespa LX 150 in Plum fit the bill.

The Cost

Ahh, now the not-so-lovely part of the Vespa buying experience. The cost. It’s a whopper.

The list price for the LX 150 isn’t too bad. A little on the high side compared to other brands, but they can command what we marketers call prestige pricing because of the name and reputation they carry.

List Price: $5,700

And we mustn’t forget the freight, PDI and documentation costs involved in a new vehicle.

Freight: $250
PDI: $100
Documents: $75
Taxes: $796.25

That brings us to a total cost of $6,921.25 for a brand new Vespa.

One thing I will point out though, is that there is room for negotiating with this price. There is no way I would pay full price right off the bat. I would probably try for at least a grand off the list price, but I have no idea what I would actually get.

I did find out from the cute counter staff that it’s much cheaper to buy at the end of the fiscal year, for obvious reasons. Either that, or at the end of the season. I found out when their fiscal ends, but I shall keep it as my little secret so all the good bikes aren’t taken before I get there!

Additional Costs

Another thing to factor in when purchasing a scooter is that you will require an M licence, insurance and plates.

I would estimate insurance to be around $500/year. I estimate the M license process would cost around $200-300 total, and that the plates cost $20, then $42/year to renew.

This is starting to get expensive! And the testing process for the M license is time consuming. First you read the little motorcycle booklet and take a written test. Then you have a 90-day permit (M1, similar to G1) to learn how to ride your scooter sans passenger, alcohol and night-time driving. Then you take your M2 road test at some obscure location and have that license for the next 22 months, or 18 months if you take a safety course.

All the while you’re paying a premuium on your insurance because you are an inexperienced rider. What a bummer. The rates should go down after you get your full M though.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot. I’d need to buy a helmet for about $150, and any accessories such as rack or top case would cost more, too.

Summary

So there is my rundown of costs and hassles involved in getting a scooter. What I have therefore decided to do, is purchase one either new or used at the end of the season/fiscal year to help save me some money. My dad will store it in the garage and I’ll go for my license, etc. next spring. I’ll then be able to ride it for the entire spring, summer and fall next year

If I am paying approximately $50/month in insurance and $20/month in gas, I will still be paying less than the cost of my TTC pass! And scooters are pretty good on emissions, so I don’t feel as though I am creating too much pollution. I will be able to get around when I want and go where I want and have an easy way to carry things like groceries and friends. I can also park for free in the city of Toronto. Whoopee!

So, have I convinced you to buy a scooter yet?

Share and Enjoy:

Ginger

6 Comments

What’s In Her Purse?

beauty, personal, random, stupid May 3rd, 2008

A while ago I was asked what kind of stuff (junk) I keep in my purse on a regular basis. I was out shopping today and purchased a new cheapie white purse and was transferring my stuff over, so I thought I’d take a photo to share with you all!

I’m pretty sure I’m a packrat, but you know what? I’m always prepared, so nyah!

So what is all that crap, you ask? Let me list it!

- Roots mega-wallet. My lifesaver! It holds so much, and all my many, many cards!

- Gum
- Eight (count ‘em, 8!) lip products. I think I may have to purge a few… oi!
- Samsung cell phone
- Allergy pills
- Emergency Tylenol stash
- MAC cover-up
- Eye drops for allergy season and for dry eyes
- Pass card for work
- iPod Nano. Love it! It’s black but had never been outside of the ruff and tough case
- Vitamin B12 strips. Mmm, minty fresh!
- GoldBond hand cream. I don’t like it but can’t find a better cream that is that tiny
- CBC mini-notepad. Indispensible! I use this thing all the time. Used to have a Palm Pilot but paper works better!
- Pen (self-explanatory)
- Keychain with my swiss army knife and FRIES key sleeve… helps me identify the key to my inside apartment door quickly
- Clean & Clear blotting papers
- Almay pressed powder
- Hand sanitizer!

Needless to say I can’t use any of those cute little purses out there… but at least I’m not carrying one of those freaking Puma or Lululemon gym bags around as a purse! What up with that?

I also have a small green USB key I keep with me for work stuff, but it was in my computer while I was taking this photo.

I wonder what my purse contents say about me? Anyone want to hazard a guess?

To all the ladies out there: What do you keep in your purse? What kind of odd things do you keep, and how do you stay organized?

I’ve just started putting all my lip stuff, hand cream, etc. into a little baggie to keep it all together. The rest of the little bits go in the inside zipper pocket, and my iPod, keys and wallet float around the main pocket.

If I cart any more stuff around I think I might need to start carrying a duffle bag! eep!

Share and Enjoy:

Ginger

4 Comments

April Budget Challenge Update + May Goals

finance, money April 30th, 2008

Well, it’s the closing of the month and the beginning of another, what a great time for an update on challenges!

As you know, I’ve been participating in Krystal’s April budget challenge. I challenged myself not to spend more than $60 in the month on beauty products.

For me, this includes things like shampoo, hair products, makeup products, toothpaste, nail polishes, lotions & potions, and also going to the spa. I’m a bit of a spa snob and love going for little pick-me-ups usually once a month. This month I was able to abstain and save myself probably $60. Go me!

So out of the $60 I allowed myself, I spent a mere $35.95, or 60% of my budget. I always knew that I could do this, but I’m still happy to know that I achieved it without difficulty.

FB at Fabulously Broke is challenging herself to become a little “greener” for the month of May. I think this is a very admirable goal! I’d like to participate in it, but now that I think about it—I’m already pretty good in that area.

I think for May, I will do another financial challenge for myself. Because there are several expenses coming up that I must acknowledge, I can’t do a no-spend month. I think I will challenge myself in a “softer” fashion and make an effort to spend less overall, and to make better choices as to where I do spend. I will also try and stick to my JC foods more; I’ve had a couple of no-loss weeks due to indulgences, so I need to be more vigilant.

I also want to save more. I have decided to get myself a little Vespa scooter, but after visiting the dealership and speaking with my dad, I just can’t afford to spend $7000 cash at the moment. This has lead me to feel that I am just not saving enough in general, so I will challenge myself to figure out my fixed monthly expenditures and work out a new savings plan. I’ll give you guys an update on the Vespa decision later

Summary

My new monthly goals are as follows:
· Track spending in order to spend less
· Stay on track with Jenny Craig
· Revisit current saving plans & work out set monthly expenditures

I think that’s a fair list. So, what challenges are you folks up to this month? I know it’s a popular thing to do in the Blogosphere!

Share and Enjoy:

Ginger

1 Comment

I was Interviewed!

coolness April 29th, 2008

FB has done an interview of me in her blog! How cool is that?

She has posted it here. Go check it out!

Share and Enjoy:

Ginger

2 Comments

Investing in a Vespa?

Toronto, coolness, drama, environment, local April 26th, 2008

Anyone who lives in the Greater Toronto Area is probably now aware that the TTC did a sneak attack and went on strike at 12am this morning, leaving people at bars and clubs in the city stranded.

It has caused our city to come to a grinding halt and inconvenienced thousands upon thousands of riders who depend on the TTC to get them around.

This includes me.

This weekend, I *gasp!* actually had some social plans (I know! It’s crazy! Hermit Ginger actually having social plans?! Unbelievable.), so of course they had to go on strike. Of course they did.

That means 3 friendly outings today alone were botched, and my shopping plans for Sunday, too. I’m not too thrilled, as you can imagine.

But I guess I shouldn’t really complain too much. After all, it is the weekend and all neccessities such as grocery stores, pharmacy and laundromat are all within walking distance to me. I’ll be fine on that front, but it’s just injustice of the situation… I was finally going to be social and work on not being so awkward and the TTC had to ruin it. Thank gods I wasn’t clubbing last night.

This ridiculous strike has forced me to reevaluate my transportation options. Currently there is no possible way I can afford to either a) move closer to my workplace, b) walk or ride my bike to work (too far), nor c) afford a car.

So what else can I do when the TTC is on strike or having one of its many mechanical failures?

Coincidentally, when I received my May Metropass in the mail yesterday (on the discount plan) there was a coupon offering a membership with AutoShare for only $75 (AutoShare is a service that loans out cars for hours or days to its members, similar to ZipCars). This might actually be doable, it’s cheaper than ZipCars and there is a parking lot right by my house so I could certainly use it. It would cost me about $9.50/hour to rent a car, plus an annual fee of $35. That’s reasonable.

However, I’m not sure how easy it would be to reserve a vehicle during a strike. Hmmm. It would certainly make groceries easier though.

My other option, which I am seriously considering is purchasing a scooter. The Vespa brand definitely has the cutest, but they’re also the most expensive, so I’ve looked up some other brands and they’re much more affordable.

My dad has given me his blessing to get one, and is going to check to see how much it would cost to insure a scooter. I would have to get my M license but as I understand it I would be able to ride my scooter right away as long as it’s during daylight hours in the city.

I’ve googled a couple of shops in the area and I plan to go in and ask questions about the different types and brands, associated costs and the pros and cons of owning a scooter. I hope that the sales staff will be able to help me find the right scooter for my needs. I would love one that fits 2 people and has the luggage box on the back.

So far what I have learned is that it is economical and also less impactful on the environment to ride a scooter. It would give me more freedom and flexibility in terms of personal transportation, and I could use one for at least 6 months out of the year.

If I buy a used scooter I can get them for less than $3000, and most will only cost $4-10 per tank of gas. If I get a new scooter the pricetag would be much higher, but I would stay under $4000.

So now the hunt begins. Wish me luck!

Click here for the AutoShare discount for TTC MDP members.

Share and Enjoy:

Ginger

2 Comments

Evil Dead Reprised

advertising, coolness, local, swag April 23rd, 2008

So last night I went to see Evil Dead: The Musical again (!!!).

Only this time it was for an ad event. Metro newspaper was celebrating the re-launch of its website, so they bought the entire Diesel Playhouse out so they could offer us the tickets. We also got free food and Steamwhistle beer. Yumm!

You know the weird thing is, I couldn’t find ANYONE that wanted to come and see the show with me? Un-fucking-believable. Especially after my ravings on how great the show was. Erm… maybe I was too enthusiastic?

Anyway, I ended up inviting my mom who is quite possibly an even more rabid Fan o’ Freebies than me. I knew she couldn’t pass this up. I lucked out with the tickets, too. I stopped by the playhouse early and sweet-talked this really really cute guy into giving me the best seats in the house– primo Splatter Zone seats smack dab in the centre. It was pretty awesome.

I didn’t get as much blood on me this time, but was still artfully splattered. I also got a marginally better view of the production, and got to sit and chat with some of my pals from previous agencies.

We got a craptastic goody bag on our way out, and mom drove me home. Not too bad of a night.

In other ad-related news, I have a rep lunch tomorrow which should prove exciting, as well as a YouTube event going on at Tattoo Rock Parlour in the evening. If it’s worth mentioning maybe I’ll do a post on it later.

In other-other news, I’m doing better on my diet now. After a sinful week of indulgences I didn’t lose any weight, but I didn’t gain any, either. If I can get back on track this week I should be able to drop another 1.5 lbs. Wish me luck!

Share and Enjoy:

Ginger

1 Comment

Financial Update & Musings

finance, money, personal April 23rd, 2008

It’s that time again!

I’m finally getting around to updating my goal bars. I’ve received my tax return as well as my GST cheque, so I’ve thrown it into my savings. I had to use about $900 of it to pay of the monstrosity known as my MasterCard bill (Signed up for the Jenny Craig Rewards program… $450, eek!) but I still have a good portion left.

I dumped it into my condo fund but I may move it around a little bit once I sit down and think about it.

I am happy to report that my goal bars are looking much better now, and I am well on my way to reaching those goals. The only downside is that I crunched some numbers to see how soon I could afford to buy some property, and it’s not looking good. I had hoped that I would be able to have a $25-50,000 downpayment in a few years, but I just don’t make enough money. Man that chafes my ass.

Sometimes it’s hard to read other PF blogs, the people all have really great jobs that pay upwards of $40k. Somehow they’re still struggling with debt, or have just gotten rid of it, and are able to put away massive amounts of money for those causes. They just don’t know how good they really have it.

I make less than $40k for those that were wondering. While I do like to shop and spend, I also like to save and count my stacks of money like a scrooge. Imagine all the things I could be saving for, and how soon I could reach my goals if I were making more money! It would be awesome! But it’s just not a reality for me. There isn’t a big payout in my industry until you’re really high up.

Hmm, my thoughts aren’t coming out too clear in this post right now. I guess what I’m trying to express is my envy of all the other PF bloggers out there who make a decent paycheque. I don’t envy them their debt, but sometimes I wonder if they realize how good they could have it if only they didn’t get in debt in the first place? (This is not a jab at anyone, I realize that we all make mistakes or are forced into unfortunate circumstances and I applaud those that are making the effort to dig themselves out)

Now most of you know by now that I am in no way struggling to make ends meet. I am a savvy saver and smart spender and live a better lifestyle than most people my age. But still. What would I do if I didn’t get all my freebies?

Maybe I’m just impatient. I want more and I know I deserve it and can do it and it will eventually come to me, but I just don’t like the waiting. Maybe I’m too young. At 23 I feel old and like I should have accomplished a lot more, but at the same time I’m in a better place than most of my peers.

What do you think? Am I too impatient for money? Am I “still young”? Am I where I should be? Am I just plain old greedy? What do my older readers think of my situation and yearnings?

Share and Enjoy:

Ginger

4 Comments

Falling off the Bandwagon

health, personal, stupid April 21st, 2008

Oh man I am having some struggles, folks!

I’m afraid I’m going to fall off the JC bandwagon today… lately I’ve just been wanting to eat and eat for no particular reason, and nothing is really satisfying me. Hellllppp! I don’t know what to do!

I can’t tell whether it’s a craving or boredom that’s got me. Grrr stupid diets!

How do you keep your mind off eating when that’s all you want to do!?

Share and Enjoy:

Ginger

3 Comments

Beauty Budget Challenge Update

beauty, finance, money, personal, shopping April 21st, 2008

So I’m participating in the April Challenge over at Krystal’s blog. This month I have challenged myself not to spend more than $60 on health & beauty products. I know that seems like a lot, but with spring here it’s time to refresh everything. And I’ve also been running out of some of the things I use regularly.

Anyway, I’m just over halfway spent on the budget and we’re on the 2nd last week of the month, so I think I’m doing well! I was at under $30 before, but this weekend I visited Wally World and picked up some toothpaste, deodorant, etc. I did manage to get some razors for free! Gillette Mach 3 was giving away coupons at the Bloor station not long ago so I scooped one up. I don’t need a pink razor to do my legs, a man’s will do just fine, thank you!

I think I’ve been doing pretty well in abstaining from purchasing new eye shadows, moisturizers, etc. so far. Because of that money pinch I was in for a while I definitely could NOT afford to be buying fancy new stuff. I think it was good for me though. Pinching my pennies has forced me to look at my existing beauty collection and I’ve found some things I didn’t even know I had! So I’ve been trying them out lately and I’m surprised at how well everything is working out.

I must admit however that I did go to a Geox shoes outlet sale this weekend with mom. I bought 2 pairs for about $120, but that’s a good deal to me since they’re such good quality (and will keep my feet dry!) and are usually much more expensive. I’m fairly certain they’re last year’s styles, but I don’t really care since they look good on me and will work with my wardrobe!

So that gives you a bit of an idea on how my spending is going these days. I finally got my tax return and GST cheques which I promptly threw into my savings, and also paid my credit card bill with. I’ll have to update my goal bars when I get home tonight. I also made a Jenny Craig cost spreadsheet to help me keep track of my spending on the program, and also to help me create cheaper menus each week. This will help me save even more money.

I guess spring cleaning fever really has hit me! I’ve been cleaning up my place, my body and my finances! Watch out summer, here I come!

Share and Enjoy:

Ginger

1 Comment

TTC Strike!

local, stupid April 17th, 2008

It’s as I feared, the TTC will be going on strike on Monday. Again.

I’m pretty much screwed in terms of getting to work as I am totally dependant on the TTC to get me around. I am trying to see if V will be able to pick me up on Monday and drop me off, too. But I don’t know if it’s really out of her way to stop by my place or not.

Fingers crossed that this is over with soon!

Anyone with some interesting transit strike stories out there?

Share and Enjoy: