What if someone handed you $300? Today. Right now.
Chances are you’ve had a little something on your wish list that hasn’t quite made its way into your monthly budget. A new pair of boots, that little black dress, a spa day.
Whatever it is, you probably haven’t treated yourself because — like many women — you treat everyone else first.
Or, maybe you’re like me, and have no trouble treating yourself but you typically go over-budget in the process. Because you can’t just buy the special anti-aging face wash. Oh, no…you need the toner and the serum and the moisturizer and the eye cream, and, and, and.
So when I recently took up skiing, I put skis, poles and boots on my wish list. And a helmet. And goggles (pretty ones, obviously). And waterproof mitts. See the problem?
As usual, my wish list didn’t exactly fit into my monthly budget.
One way I’m starting to stick to a budget is by using prepaid credit cards. Instead of my regular credit card, which seems to know no bounds, I can opt for smaller denominations. That gives me two choices: buy less-expensive versions of my wish list items, or buy them in smaller doses and spread out the spending.
Of course, there’s also never any worry about interest charges or identity theft when using prepaid credit cards either, so those are a couple of big wins.
I don’t just love using prepaid credit cards, either; I love getting them. Gone are the days when I hoped and dreamed for store gift cards for my birthday or Christmas. No; I want choices! Options! FREEDOM of the Mel-Gibson-in-Braveheart variety!
After all, this girl has champagne taste, so I’ll hoard a few prepaid credit cards that I’m gifted to save up for something special. Like my new ski boots.
But enough about me. What’s on YOUR wish list?
Want to learn more? Visit the Canadian Prepaid Providers Organization (CPPO).
CONTEST
From now until February 5, 2016, at 11:59 p.m. ET enter to win a $100 #PrepaidMyWay credit card!
You MUST have a Twitter handle and reside in Canada to be eligible to win. Just follow me and RT (re-tweet) this. Every tweet is an entry and you can enter as many times as you like. Comments below answering “what’s on your wish list?” are considered bonus entries.
DISCLAIMER: I was compensated for this post. But all shopping problems, opinions and tips are my own.
Neal says
I have a snowmobile on my wishlist
Neal says
I have a snowmobile on my wishlist
Wanda Jean P says
I would love some new running shoes for myself
Wanda Jean P says
I would love some new running shoes for myself
Caryn Coates says
A FitBit is on my wishlist:)
Caryn Coates says
A FitBit is on my wishlist:)
wai man says
i like a ipad
wai man says
i like a ipad
Julie says
I’d love some new patio furniture!
Julie says
I’d love some new patio furniture!
Luminous Angel says
We are moving into a new place so everything is on my wish list!
Luminous Angel says
We are moving into a new place so everything is on my wish list!
طوبي للغرباء says
$100 #PrepaidMyWay credit card!
طوبي للغرباء says
$100 #PrepaidMyWay credit card!
hsibley says
I have a new pair of boots on my wishlist
hsibley says
I have a new pair of boots on my wishlist
Neal says
A paint sprayer is on my wish list
Neal says
A paint sprayer is on my wish list
Julie says
I would love an ipod!
Julie says
I would love an ipod!
FREDERIC BROWN says
I would buy some seeds to get a start on gardening when spring arrives
FREDERIC BROWN says
I would buy some seeds to get a start on gardening when spring arrives
Neal says
I need a new belt sander
Neal says
I need a new belt sander
Julie says
I’d love to get some new towels for the bathroom!
Julie says
I’d love to get some new towels for the bathroom!
loucheryl says
A new pair of running shoes! @loucheryl
loucheryl says
A new pair of running shoes! @loucheryl
Florence C says
I have new glasses on my wishlist
Florence C says
I have new glasses on my wishlist
Julie says
I have new earrings on my wish list
Julie says
I have new earrings on my wish list
Julie says
Some new books are on my wishlist
Julie says
Some new books are on my wishlist
sschool2010 says
A fitbit charge is on my wishlist! (@JustPlainSuzi)
sschool2010 says
A fitbit charge is on my wishlist! (@JustPlainSuzi)
Journeys of The Zoo says
A dehydrator and a small fryer are on my wish list (besides caviar and wine of course).
Besos, Sarah
Journeys of The Zoo
Journeys of The Zoo says
A dehydrator and a small fryer are on my wish list (besides caviar and wine of course).
Besos, Sarah
Journeys of The Zoo
Neal says
I have a new tent on my wishlist
Neal says
I have a new tent on my wishlist
Christine Holliday says
on my wish list? too long to list. I need a vacation!
Christine Holliday says
on my wish list? too long to list. I need a vacation!
Julie says
A porch swing is a huge wish of mine! I’ve always wanted one!
Julie says
A porch swing is a huge wish of mine! I’ve always wanted one!
Julie says
I would love new bedding!
Julie says
I would love new bedding!
Neal says
I want a 4 wheeler very badly but it’s a pretty farfetched wish…
Neal says
I want a 4 wheeler very badly but it’s a pretty farfetched wish…
Julie says
I have a laptop on my wish list!
Julie says
I have a laptop on my wish list!
Julie says
I need a new pair of boots so that’s on my wish list!
Julie says
I need a new pair of boots so that’s on my wish list!
sagehaven says
On my bigger wish list? A trip to an all-inclusive resort in either Mexico (our usual) or Jamaica (for something different) with my husband to celebrate our anniversary or his upcoming birthday! On my small wish list? A new purse from Danier!
sagehaven says
On my bigger wish list? A trip to an all-inclusive resort in either Mexico (our usual) or Jamaica (for something different) with my husband to celebrate our anniversary or his upcoming birthday! On my small wish list? A new purse from Danier!
jay nelson says
I want to take my family to the Telus Sparks Centre.
jay nelson says
I want to take my family to the Telus Sparks Centre.
Mandy says
On my wish list is a new humidifier/purifier for our house so the family can benefit from some cleaner air and all our dry skin will benefit from more humid air!
Mandy says
On my wish list is a new humidifier/purifier for our house so the family can benefit from some cleaner air and all our dry skin will benefit from more humid air!
Fan R says
IPad is on your wish list & may be some high heels boots.
Fan R says
IPad is on your wish list & may be some high heels boots.
Julie says
A weekend away is right at the top of my wishlist and I should be so grateful to have one!
Julie says
A weekend away is right at the top of my wishlist and I should be so grateful to have one!
luisa says
A new spring jacket is on my wishlist
luisa says
A new spring jacket is on my wishlist
favgreen(Rhonda W G.) says
On my wish list is new shoes for the Spring…
favgreen(Rhonda W G.) says
On my wish list is new shoes for the Spring…
joy says
i need some new fresh spring clothes!
joy says
i need some new fresh spring clothes!
David Chiu says
New kicks!
David Chiu says
New kicks!
Neal says
I’d say a new flat screen is on my wish list!
Neal says
I’d say a new flat screen is on my wish list!
Julie says
My wishlist has a new coat on it!
Julie says
My wishlist has a new coat on it!
Heidi M says
A new spring wardrobe (whenever spring arrives) is on my wishlist
Thanks for this contest
Heidi M says
A new spring wardrobe (whenever spring arrives) is on my wishlist
Thanks for this contest
linda says
A Kitchenaid mixer is on my wishlist this year! @Seaway77
linda says
A Kitchenaid mixer is on my wishlist this year! @Seaway77
Nicole Jubleew says
A new spring jacket is on my wish list.
Nicole Jubleew says
A new spring jacket is on my wish list.
hmrcarlson says
Some spring clothes for my kids is on my wish list.
hmrcarlson says
Some spring clothes for my kids is on my wish list.
Julie bolduc says
I would buy some new clothes
Julie bolduc says
I would buy some new clothes
Kiersten says
Good socks are on my wishlist!
Kiersten says
Good socks are on my wishlist!
Katrina Brady says
A roomba is on my wishlist. It’s been there for some time now LOL
Katrina Brady says
A roomba is on my wishlist. It’s been there for some time now LOL
Melinda Jana (@Sukki24) says
a DSLR is on my wishlist
Melinda Jana (@Sukki24) says
a DSLR is on my wishlist
Ira says
I have winter boots on mine. And a Disney cruise…
Ira says
I have winter boots on mine. And a Disney cruise…
elaing8 says
A deep fryer is on my wishlist
elaing8 says
A deep fryer is on my wishlist
Neal says
New tools are on my wish list.
Neal says
New tools are on my wish list.
Julie says
I’d love a new camera!
Julie says
I’d love a new camera!
Julie says
A new tv is on my wish list, ours is almost 20 years old so surely it’s time for an upgrade?
Julie says
A new tv is on my wish list, ours is almost 20 years old so surely it’s time for an upgrade?
Juliee Fitze says
A new fridge is on my wish list.
Juliee Fitze says
A new fridge is on my wish list.
michelle hebert says
a deep fryer is on my wish list
michelle hebert says
a deep fryer is on my wish list
Travelbuds says
At the top of my wish list right now is not glamorous but very needed. My washing machine died a few months and I have 2 elementary school kids. I hate going to the laundry mat to do laundry. I need a new washing machine.
Travelbuds says
At the top of my wish list right now is not glamorous but very needed. My washing machine died a few months and I have 2 elementary school kids. I hate going to the laundry mat to do laundry. I need a new washing machine.
Bobby B (@b_o_b_b_y_b_) says
still need winter boots, halfway through winter
Bobby B (@b_o_b_b_y_b_) says
still need winter boots, halfway through winter
Yuen C says
I wish to have a new winter jacket
Yuen C says
I wish to have a new winter jacket
ninabergeron says
a family vacation is on my wishlist
ninabergeron says
a family vacation is on my wishlist
Lana Hood says
I would like a slow cooker and a new purse.
Lana Hood says
I would like a slow cooker and a new purse.
anna key says
New base layers are on my wishlist!
anna key says
New base layers are on my wishlist!
tanyab79 says
A juicer or pedicure is on my list.
tanyab79 says
A juicer or pedicure is on my list.
Amber B says
a new winter coat is on my wishlist!
Amber B says
a new winter coat is on my wishlist!
nicolthepickle says
A car seat is on my wish list.
nicolthepickle says
A car seat is on my wish list.
Julie says
A massage is a big item on my wishlist!
Julie says
A massage is a big item on my wishlist!
Steph Bkn says
A pair of mukluks have been on my wishlist forever
Steph Bkn says
A pair of mukluks have been on my wishlist forever
Neal says
Planning a weekend getaway!
Neal says
Planning a weekend getaway!
Julie says
A sectional couch is on my wishlist!
Julie says
A sectional couch is on my wishlist!
Julie says
A spa day is on my wish list!
Julie says
A spa day is on my wish list!
Julie says
I have my eye on a new, fabulous purse!
Julie says
I have my eye on a new, fabulous purse!
lncleslie says
My wish list is for my first grandchild, born Nov 27, 2016 to live closer or money for gas so I can see her more!!
lncleslie says
My wish list is for my first grandchild, born Nov 27, 2016 to live closer or money for gas so I can see her more!!
Angela Mitchell says
I need a new pair of dress shoes to wear with my new dress that I got at Christmas.
Angela Mitchell says
I need a new pair of dress shoes to wear with my new dress that I got at Christmas.
Rebby says
I need a new pair of running shoes!
Rebby says
I need a new pair of running shoes!
Gloria says
My wish is for my daughter and me to fly to Calgary where my son is and have some family time
Gloria says
My wish is for my daughter and me to fly to Calgary where my son is and have some family time
Jessica M walker says
Painting and a little re-do to my bedroom is on my wishlist
Jessica M walker says
Painting and a little re-do to my bedroom is on my wishlist
amystackhouse says
We’re hoping a family trip to Ontario is in the budget this summer. I’d do some shopping that I can’t do in rural Nova Scotia 😉
amystackhouse says
We’re hoping a family trip to Ontario is in the budget this summer. I’d do some shopping that I can’t do in rural Nova Scotia 😉
LisaN says
a FitBit is on my wishlist!
LisaN says
a FitBit is on my wishlist!
Jen L says
I need a new pair of pumps for work 😉
Jen L says
I need a new pair of pumps for work 😉
LILLIAN BROWN says
I would like a new laptop
LILLIAN BROWN says
I would like a new laptop
aly3360 says
I have a new printer/scanner and a pair of running shoes on my wishlist!
aly3360 says
I have a new printer/scanner and a pair of running shoes on my wishlist!
Nicole C. says
My list includes going skiing at Searchmount Ski Resort in Sault Ste. Marie ON 🙂
Nicole C. says
My list includes going skiing at Searchmount Ski Resort in Sault Ste. Marie ON 🙂
Alexis M says
I want a good quality soy candle – thats whats on my wish list!
Thank you
Alexis M says
I want a good quality soy candle – thats whats on my wish list!
Thank you
silverneon2000 says
Not sure what is on my list but we like to go out to dinner sometimes so that would be something nice to do
Londia
silverneon2000 says
Not sure what is on my list but we like to go out to dinner sometimes so that would be something nice to do
Londia
Kristin K says
On my wishlist is a hand and thumb brace – for my carpal tunnel/tendonitis!
Kristin K says
On my wishlist is a hand and thumb brace – for my carpal tunnel/tendonitis!
Valerie Gibson says
A new pair of pants is on my wish list
Valerie Gibson says
A new pair of pants is on my wish list
Brenda Witherspoon-Bedard says
a guitar for my hubby is on my wishlist <3 xoxo
Brenda Witherspoon-Bedard says
a guitar for my hubby is on my wishlist <3 xoxo
Sean Cuthill says
My wishlist would include trading card collectibles.
Sean Cuthill says
My wishlist would include trading card collectibles.
Julie says
A new wardrobe is on my wishlist!
Julie says
A new wardrobe is on my wishlist!
Anne Taylor says
I have a pair of shoes on my wishlist!
Anne Taylor says
I have a pair of shoes on my wishlist!
Clare O'Brien says
A pair of nice winter boots.
Clare O'Brien says
A pair of nice winter boots.
Iulia Zwicker says
I have a new Coach purse on my wish list!
Iulia Zwicker says
I have a new Coach purse on my wish list!
kim says
Chocolate is always on my wishlist!
kim says
Chocolate is always on my wishlist!
Daniela Plume says
I Fitbit is on my wishlist
Daniela Plume says
I Fitbit is on my wishlist
Jennifer Ann Wilson says
I have a new outfit on my wishlist.
Jennifer Ann Wilson says
I have a new outfit on my wishlist.
Iulia Zwicker says
I’m have a new camera lens on my wishlist!
Iulia Zwicker says
I’m have a new camera lens on my wishlist!
Tammy Dalley says
a new tv is on my list
Tammy Dalley says
a new tv is on my list
Alan H says
A new winter coat for my wife
Alan H says
A new winter coat for my wife
Josh S says
A new laptop is on my list.
Josh S says
A new laptop is on my list.
Elizabeth Matthiesen says
hmm, on my wish list is a cleaning lady, now wouldn’t that be super? Besides that I’d like a good quality winter jacket that really does keep me warm in winter 🙂
Elizabeth Matthiesen says
hmm, on my wish list is a cleaning lady, now wouldn’t that be super? Besides that I’d like a good quality winter jacket that really does keep me warm in winter 🙂
michie2003 says
vacuum would be nice.
michie2003 says
vacuum would be nice.
Jenn ODonnell says
Mama needs new shoes! 🙂
Jenn ODonnell says
Mama needs new shoes! 🙂
Sarah says
On my wishlist are some new books and a nice comfy pair of pants.
Sarah says
On my wishlist are some new books and a nice comfy pair of pants.
lisa neutel says
on my wishlist an actifry also some new bras and always new boots and shoes
lisa neutel says
on my wishlist an actifry also some new bras and always new boots and shoes
Carol M says
A new printer
Carol M says
A new printer
Holly MacRitchie says
New wall art for my baby nursery is on my wish list!
Holly MacRitchie says
New wall art for my baby nursery is on my wish list!
LisaN says
A FitBit or other activity tracker is on my wishlist
LisaN says
A FitBit or other activity tracker is on my wishlist
Rachael Bhardwaj says
a juicer is on my wish list!
Rachael Bhardwaj says
a juicer is on my wish list!
Wendy hutton says
on my wishlist is some new drapes
Wendy hutton says
on my wishlist is some new drapes
aliyadaya says
A Keurig is on my wish list this year!
aliyadaya says
A Keurig is on my wish list this year!
Leanne S says
A Smart oven is on my wishlist
Leanne S says
A Smart oven is on my wishlist
Siobhan B says
I have a Kate Spade purse on my wish list!
Siobhan B says
I have a Kate Spade purse on my wish list!
Patrick Siu says
i wish for a vaccum
Patrick Siu says
i wish for a vaccum
Rebecca H says
A new winter coat is on my wishlist!
Rebecca H says
A new winter coat is on my wishlist!
naiddia p says
A laptop is on my wishlist.
naiddia p says
A laptop is on my wishlist.
millerkrazy says
My wishlist item is a whole new cozy king-size bedding / duvet set with lots of new pillows!
millerkrazy says
My wishlist item is a whole new cozy king-size bedding / duvet set with lots of new pillows!
ksceviour says
an ipad is on my wishlist,,I have yet to get one for myself!
ksceviour says
an ipad is on my wishlist,,I have yet to get one for myself!
Maritess S says
On my wishlist is a nice lamb leather jacket
Maritess S says
On my wishlist is a nice lamb leather jacket
Glogirl says
On my wish list is a black leather purse.
Glogirl says
On my wish list is a black leather purse.
Nate says
I wish for an ipad
Nate says
I wish for an ipad
ivy pluchinsky says
I need a new laptop! that’s on my wishlist
ivy pluchinsky says
I need a new laptop! that’s on my wishlist
Tracy D says
I would love to get a Michael Kors bag for the spring.
Tracy D says
I would love to get a Michael Kors bag for the spring.
Jenness M says
A new camera is on my wishlist!
Jenness M says
A new camera is on my wishlist!
Wanda Jean P says
I have a few small things on my wish list ..a new kettle and cookware
Wanda Jean P says
I have a few small things on my wish list ..a new kettle and cookware
voxworld says
A new pair of boots are on my wish list!
voxworld says
A new pair of boots are on my wish list!
Shane Smith says
a new acoustic guitar is on my wishlist #PrepaidMyWay
Shane Smith says
a new acoustic guitar is on my wishlist #PrepaidMyWay
LILLIAN BROWN says
I would like to have a decent camera bag
LILLIAN BROWN says
I would like to have a decent camera bag
Neal says
Chocolate is always a sure bet for me!
Neal says
Chocolate is always a sure bet for me!
Vesper says
books are always on my wish list
Vesper says
books are always on my wish list
Julie says
I want to buy an amethyst ring or earrings as a memorial piece to honor my Mom.
Julie says
I want to buy an amethyst ring or earrings as a memorial piece to honor my Mom.
Lisa o shea says
A ring light so I can finally start doing YouTube videos
Lisa o shea says
A ring light so I can finally start doing YouTube videos
Valerie Mallette says
New jeans and books are on my wishlist.
Valerie Mallette says
New jeans and books are on my wishlist.
Cheryl says
I would love this for Christmas shopping
Cheryl says
I would love this for Christmas shopping
jackieeman says
I would love a new handhag! I have my eyes on a Tory Burch!
jackieeman says
I would love a new handhag! I have my eyes on a Tory Burch!
Alayne Langford says
Omg shoes omg shoes are on my wish list!!
josephine evans says
New makeup is on my wishlist
Alayne Langford says
Omg shoes omg shoes are on my wish list!!
josephine evans says
New makeup is on my wishlist
Bailey Dexter says
My goal is to be at my grand baby birth! They live out of country and I have to fly there!
Bailey Dexter says
My goal is to be at my grand baby birth! They live out of country and I have to fly there!
prairiebelle says
I would love to get some cute storage boxes from ikea
prairiebelle says
I would love to get some cute storage boxes from ikea
caroline m. says
on my wish list are some new Le Parfait glass jars
caroline m. says
on my wish list are some new Le Parfait glass jars
Tina F says
I really need a hair cut and color WAY too much grey 🙂
Tina F says
I really need a hair cut and color WAY too much grey 🙂
Tricia Cooper says
I would treat myself to a massage!
Tricia Cooper says
I would treat myself to a massage!
Courtney says
I’d buy myself some new makeup from sephora!
Courtney says
I’d buy myself some new makeup from sephora!
angela m says
New winter boots are on my wishlist
angela m says
New winter boots are on my wishlist
ginette4 says
A pair of winter boots is on my list
ginette4 says
A pair of winter boots is on my list
Suzanne G says
On my wish list is a new Kate Spade bag.
Suzanne G says
On my wish list is a new Kate Spade bag.
Jennifer P. says
New snow boots are on my wish list – my favourite, and only pair, just cracked so now I have none! 🙁
Jennifer P. says
New snow boots are on my wish list – my favourite, and only pair, just cracked so now I have none! 🙁
Amy Heffernan says
On my wishlist is Minecraft game for my sons birthday coming up! Thanks!
Amy Heffernan says
On my wishlist is Minecraft game for my sons birthday coming up! Thanks!
Anne Taylor says
A pair of jeans are on my wish list!
Anne Taylor says
A pair of jeans are on my wish list!
Judy Cowan says
On my wish list is a new jacket for spring.
Judy Cowan says
On my wish list is a new jacket for spring.
Doris H says
New tee shirts and jeans are on my wishlist.
Doris H says
New tee shirts and jeans are on my wishlist.
andrea amy says
New sandals are on my wishlist.
andrea amy says
New sandals are on my wishlist.
kathy downey says
I have a new haircut on my wishlist
kathy downey says
I have a new haircut on my wishlist
Florence C says
Some new spring clothes is on my wishlist.
Florence C says
Some new spring clothes is on my wishlist.
michie2003 says
Vacation lol
michie2003 says
Vacation lol
Pam says
On my wish list is a new (fabulous) bra with matching panties.
Pam says
On my wish list is a new (fabulous) bra with matching panties.
Jeannie says
I have a pair of Cole Haan leather booties on my wishlist!
Jeannie says
I have a pair of Cole Haan leather booties on my wishlist!