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Feb 17, 2012
Protect Your Kids from Identity Thieves
You're probably weary of being reminded to take precautions against identity theft, but here's a wrinkle you may not have considered: Identity thieves have broadened their reach by harvesting children's dormant Social Insurance Security numbers (SINs) and using them to illegally obtain jobs, credit accounts, mortgages or car loans and much worse.
Feb 8, 2012
Turn the Tooth Fairy visit into a teachable moment
Now more than ever, from the internet to the schoolyard, children are inundatedwith messages about gifts and gift giving for every occasion. It is not uncommon for toddlers to begin cashing in on their baby teeth long before they even know what money is or where it comes from.
Feb 3, 2012
Financial planners not just for the wealthy
It's not uncommon to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of important decisions we need to make concerning retirement accounts, investments, college savings and other complicated financial issues. That's one reason more and more people turn to professional financial advisors to help them navigate an increasingly complex economic world. And it's not just the wealthy who require these services; many middle-class families are turning to outside financial advice as well.
January 20, 2012
With budgeting, slow and steady wins the race
Budgets are like diets: No single approach works for everyone; overly complicated plans rarely work for long; and sometimes it takes a few tries before you get it right.
January 6, 2012
Financial resolutions you can live with
At this time of year, many people pause to reflect on what they'd like to change about their lives going forward – lose a few pounds, take a class, spend more time with the kids. Often, these goals revolve around personal finances.
December 23, 2011
Wealth Watchers
Anyone who's ever tried to lose a few pounds knows that not every diet works for every person. Similarly, it may take a few tries to find a system for managing your personal finances that you can stick to.
December 9, 2011
Cut your holiday gift costs
One interesting – albeit non-scientific – way to gauge someone's comfort level with the state of the economy is to ask how much they plan to spend on holiday gifts. In good times, people tend to spend more generously; during rough periods, they scale back.
November 25, 2011
Be realistic about holiday expenses
The holidays are the most challenging time of year to curtail spending, thanks to long gift lists, frantic last-minute shopping and higher-than-usual travel and entertainment expenses. Here are a few tips that can help you rein in holiday spending.
November 11, 2011
Canadian Sandwich Generation Feeling the Squeeze
Are you financially squeezed by caring for both your children and aging parents? If so, you're part of the so-called 'Sandwich Generation'.
October 28, 2011
Navigating marriage's financial minefields
As with all challenges in a marriage, often what starts as a small issue can fester and grow into a large problem, given enough time. It's not surprising that after being together a few years, some couples realize that the financial quirks they initially found amusing or simply ignored in their spouse now dominate their marital disagreements. In fact, money issues tend to top the reasons for divorce.
October 14, 2011
Help your parents stay on track financially
In many families, personal financial details aren't always shared freely, especially between generations. But if you're not familiar with your parents' financial situation, you may be doing them – and yourself – a disservice.
September 30, 2011
Give yourself a financial tune-up
As summer ends and fall begins, this is a good time to examine your current financial state. Ask yourself where you want to be by year's end and how you may need to change course now in order to reach those goals – looking back on what has been spent this summer and beyond. Here are a few action steps.
September 16, 2011
Financial literacy education needs a boost in Canadian schools
Financial literacy needs to play a larger role in schools and after school initiatives.
September 2, 2011
Be cautious posting personal information online
I have friends who swear by online social and professional networks like Facebook, MySpace and LinkedIn. Where else can you reconnect with long-lost former classmates, post vacation photos for friends around the world, share your resume with potential employers and perhaps even find love – all, without leaving your couch?
August 19, 2011
Turn the Tooth Fairy into a Teachable Moment
Thanks to cherished family traditions like birthday celebrations and presents from Santa and the Tooth Fairy, today's children are often bombarded with gifts from an early age. In fact, many kids begin cashing in on their baby teeth before they've even grasped the concept of what money is and where it comes from.
August 05, 2011
Slash your phone bills
Sometimes I miss the days before cell phones, e-mail and voicemail. Sure, they've simplified our lives in many ways – remember how frustrating it was trying to reach people before answering machines? On the downside, though, not only do we often feel compelled to be accessible 24-7, but it's expensive. After factoring in Internet service and cable or satellite TV, you might be paying thousands of dollars a year to be wired and wireless.
July 15, 2011
Stretch your back-to-school budget
Budget cuts have taken their toll on practically every public service, including school districts. Parents are probably already being asked to contribute more and more to fund their children's classroom and extracurricular activities. That means when it comes to personal budgeting, you have to do more with less.
July 1, 2011
Debit Cards 101
Fifteen years ago, only a few million Canadians carried debit cards. Today, more than 80 percent of us use them to withdraw cash, pay bills and make purchases at stores, restaurants and other merchants worldwide.
June 17, 2011
Tackling your kids' summer boredom
With millions of Canadian schoolchildren starting summer vacation, cries of "I'm bored" will soon ring out across the nation. Swimming lessons and trips to the mall can fill only so many hours. Before you give up and hand over the TV remote, consider some activities that can be productive, safe and fun for kids of all ages.
June 3, 2011
Credit 101 for your Undergraduate
If you've got teenagers heading off to University or College in the Fall, I hope you've done a good job educating them about the importance of personal financial responsibility and how to build a strong credit history. If not, better do it now.
May 20, 2011
'Saving' is the new 'spending'
One small silver lining from the recent economic downturn is that people have begun saving again. For decades personal savings rates hovered around 10 percent of after-tax income, but beginning in the late 1980s, rates steadily declined.
May 6, 2011
Before 'I do,' take these financial vows
With wedding season right around the corner, a lot of soon-to-be brides and grooms are frantically nailing down their wedding and honeymoon plans. Before you marry and mingle your finances, be sure to carve out time for some candid conversations about your respective credit histories, your savings and spending philosophies, and your long-term financial goals as a couple.
April 22, 2011
For Mother's Day, help mom get organized
With Mother's Day just around the corner, wouldn't you like to show your appreciation in a way that's more meaningful than buying your mom a box of chocolates or a bunch of flowers?
April 15, 2011
Don't skip vacation; just watch the costs
One of the first things many people trim from their budget during economic downturns is vacation. That's unfortunate because stressful times are when we most need to recharge our batteries. Taking on additional debt to finance a vacation is itself stressful, however.
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