Financial Jungle

A post by my adorable Financial Jungle Gal.

This year, my birthday falls adjacent to Mother’s Day. While jostling through Mother’s Day crowd presents its own challenges, I’m happy to have uncovered many birthday freebies with some help rummaging the Internet and our Entertainment Book for tips. Here are my findings:

1. Denny’s – Free meal. The only catch is you need to have a second meal of equal or lesser value and purchase two drinks. Cost: $17 (one Grand Slam Breakfast, tea, coffee, and tips) + $2 for 1 hour of street parking (no free spots in the parking lot after circling for a bit). Save: $9 (one breakfast)
2. Blenz Coffee – Free beverage. This depends on the independently-owned franchise. The two Robson Street locations honored this special, while I heard the Yaletown location does not. Thanks Miss604 for the tip! Cost: $2.21 (Felt guilty just getting a free coffee, so bought a rice crispy square). Save: $4.10 (one beverage)
3. Cineplex Entertainment – Free movie at Famous Players, Cineplex Odeon, or Galaxy, Theatres. If you’re lucky to have a connection who can purchase corporate discount movie tickets (thanks FJ’s brother!), you can take advantage of the free movie on your birthday coupon that’s included when you purchase four movie tickets. Cost: Pack of 4 tickets $27.32. Save: $12.50 (one movie ticket)

Honorable mentions:

1. Entertainment Book – 2-for-1 coupons. If you purchase the Entertainment Book, there are valuable 2-for-1 coupons inside and online. We used the discounted 50% off baked goods to a maximum of $5.00 at Fratelli Bakery on Commercial Drive. They have mini éclairs and individual mini cheesecakes. Perfect as I love cheesecakes and FJ doesn’t! More for me!
2. Japadog Hot Dogs. Well, there was no discount at this fabulous hot dog stand on the corner of Smithe and Burrard Streets. However, if you get a craving for a Japanese style topping hot dog (try the Terri-Mayo Dog, my favourite) and your best friend wants to treat you out for your birthday, then it could be free! Average hot dog price is $4.50.
3. eCards – Free greeting cards sent to your email. Environmentally-friendly and a quick way to stay in touch with friends scattered over the world. It brings a smile to my face just knowing that a friend was thinking of me and took a few minutes from their hectic schedule to create and send a card. Of course, phone calls are welcome too! Check out: www.bluemountain.com, www.hallmark.com, www.123greetings.com, www.greetings.yahoo.com

Possible discounts to be investigated later (Sources: Miss604.com and redflagdeals.com)

• Dairy Queen → Email coupon for your birthday - possible 2 for 1 16 oz. Blizzard?
• Orange Julius → 2 for 1 20 ox. Fruit Smoothie for sign up and receive “special coupon” on your birthday (Must set location).
• Old Spaghetti Factory - → Free entrée
  Need to fill out an in restaurant registration in advance of birthday and will be sent a complimentary meal coupon for the entire month of your birthday.
• Tony Roma’s – join birthday club for coupons.

Last thoughts: We spend my birthday prowling around Vancouver for the freebies and honorable mentions. Highly recommend the movie “Iron Man”. With the thrill of the hunt, we went home happy and satisfied that we saved $30.60.

Introduction: My wife, Financial Jungle Gal, has written the following piece out of her own free-will. She’s been busy as a bee fixing up my goof-ups in every post - including this intro. To show a token of my appreciation, I’ve decided to share the fame with her. Please give her a warm welcome.

“How Much is That Doggie in the Window?”

If you are a dog-lover, it can be hard to resist taking home every puppy that looks at you with its doggy eyes through the window. The puppy is small and cute, oh so cute, especially when it does funny things like rolling around with its roommate or trying to terrorize a toy. The breeder asks for $$$$ or the pet shop lists the sale price for $$$$$$, but how much does it really cost to own this dog?

Here is a list of common items that need consideration for Fido (estimates):

One-Time

• Dog: $500 to $1,500
• Pet carrier: $50
• Brush: $10
• Leash / Collar / Harness: $50
• Dog Mattress: $30
• Food & Water Dish: $10

Annual

• Food: $250
• Vet Examinations/Shots: $100
• Flea prevention (such as Program or Sentinnel): $100
• Dental Care (Toothbrush/Toothpaste): $15
• Shampoo & Towel: $15
• Toys: $50
• Treats: $70

Optional

• Dog Training Classes: $75
• Dog Grooming: $45 each visit
• Doggy Day Care: $25 per day
• Dog Walker: $20 per hour

Wow, this adds up!

Of course, Fido does not need all of these things. You can save money on doggy day care and doggy walkers if Fido has a companion at home all day (ex. Human companions (stay-at-home moms, dads, kids, retirees, or other pets), or Fido likes to sleep all day. Some inexpensive toys include old socks, worn shirts, paper toilet rolls, and tennis balls.

Why do we spend so much on our dogs? It is tough to put a price tag on the intangible benefits we receive from Fido’s unconditional love. So although we may spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on our furry friend, in the end having a well-adjusted pet is priceless.

Disclaimer: Just a dog lover’s two-bits. Estimated costs based on a toy-size dog.