My name is Richard Groves.  I’m 33 years old, a native of Kelowna, BC (one of the few who actually grew up here!) and I like long walks on the beach.  I met Ryan about a year ago through the Kelowna Jaycees (Jr Chamber).

I live a fairly frugal lifestyle.  I walk to work so I won’t have any vehicle expenses to worry about this week (the 50cc scooter isn’t insured..yet!),  I never really stopped eating like a Uni student (I’m pretty sure KD is a food group) and up to recently (i.e. buying a house) I had very few bills.  The rules of this Budget Challenge exclude ‘fixed’ costs, and things like condiments already in the fridge from being a part of the calculation (all I need is Kikoman and Tabasco anyways) so all I need to worry about are my variables.

My largest expenses this week will be social activities

Looking at my calendar for the week there are 2 big events.  The first being the regular Kelowna Jaycees (Jr Chamber) meeting on Thursday night at 7pm, at BDO (shameless plug) and the second being a card night with some friends.  Jaycees meetings are free to attend but beers cost $5 – sounds like this meeting I’ll be drinking lots of water and stealing sips from Lee’s ciders.  I’m told I’ll need $20 for cards to play + I can’t arrive empty handed.  I could bring a bottle of wine that I already own but I feel like that’s taking the easy route out.  I’ll get something that can be diluted into more liquid volume and no one will miss a few cans of mix from the work fridge during the week right?

Budget Essentials

Starting with the absolute essentials, I hit the liquor store on my way home from work. One mickey of golden Alberta Premium whiskey should do me for my card game (and maybe the odd swig before the end of the week).

Money left: $43.81

Next up, a bean salad recipe that’s been crept into my family’s cooking repertoire for years – super cheap, super quick

Cost (excluding dressing): $9.94

Prep time: <30 mins

Money left over: $33.87

Then a quick $7.85 trip to Bulk Barn (probably overbought here 🙁 )

Money left: $26.02

Finally a $5.98 Safeway stop.  They do a 10% off deal the first Tuesday of every month but you have to spend at least $50.  I didn’t quite make the cut.

Money left over:  $20.04 – Just enough for cards this weekend.

I’m all set.