Priority Pass

I took advantage of an offer exclusive to World Elite Master Card holders yesterday, and will never look back again!

Priority Pass Lounges are something that I have seen at airports when I travel, but I never knew how to get inside.

Last year, before a trip to New York I had phoned Master Card to ask questions about traveling outside of the country. I was told about the insurance that was available to me, and also that I was able to gain access for myself and a guest to the Priority Pass Lounges.

Inside the lounge are comfortable chairs and sofas. That alone was worth using the Priority Lounge. If you don't have access to the lounge card, you can pay a walk in fee which varies from $25-$50 depending on the airport and services. There was a bar with free drinks, and a small fee for the premium beverages. Coffee, tea, pop and bottled water was also available. Since you are through security, you can take it right onto the plane with you. There were also sandwiches, veggies and desserts along with WIFI. Some lounges also offer a shower and hot meals. 

Despite me being cheap and frugal, after this airport experience at the Priority Pass I would go out on a limb and suggest it is even worth the fee to sit in the Priority Lounge vs purchasing a meal at the airport and waiting for flights. 

A list of all available lounges can be found at https://www.prioritypass.com/ 

If you recall from last year's blog, my flight was cancelled and I ended up paying $500 Canadian for one night of accommodations at JFK airport. When I returned home, I was reimbursed. The great free travel insurance is another great perk.

March Budget

Here it is March 4th and I haven’t written my budget up for this month yet, oops.
Don’t worry it takes a few months to figure out how much you actually spend on the categories.   Look through your debit and credit card statements to add up your average in each category.

Sit down and make a quick list of everything that you will spend money on this month.  Your budget changes month to month but some things can be carried over.  
Some items carry from month to month depending on the need and bill cycle.
Here is a list of my categories:

Emergency fund ( 3-6months of expenses if you don’t have this started)
Dental procedure
Glasses
Clothes (this one builds up)
Gas
Car repairs, or new car fund ( if you plan to buy a car in the next bit let this build up. We just bought a car but will continue here to save for tires and services)
Power bill
Internet
Cell phone
Groceries ( this includes stock pile, end of the month I build on pantry items)
Restaurant (eating out)
Property taxes ( this builds up we pay annually)
Tax Free Savings Account
RESP
Parking at airport
Cleaning
Kid activities ( 2 activities need to be paid after March break)

OTHER CATEGORIES
Housing (mortgage, rent)
Car payment
Medical/dental plan