Emergency savings, contingency fund? Who has one? How much do you have? I suspect the answers are along the lines of: What? How do I get one? How much do I need? Without any warning, an emergency such as a sick family member, job loss or car repairs can throw a wicked curve ball. Few […]

Most of us face a cash crunch every now and again and this can cause anxiety. Many of us receive a steady pay check however those who don’t have a stable source of income often wonder whether there will be enough in the account to pay the bills at the end of the month. Cash […]

The key to cash flow is knowing what’s coming in and what’s going out! For many of us, what’s coming in is fairly steady. We’ll take a look at managing cash flow for self-employed, contract or part time income next time. That leaves us with what’s going out … expenses. The most important piece of […]

I’m wrapping up a week of single parenting while my other half traipses around China visiting Shanghai, Shenzhen and Hong Kong. While I don’t envy the 15 hour flights and managing the 12 hour time change, he is staying in some lovely hotels and is without the regular ‘routine’. I’ve had a great week with […]

I suppose the first question is ‘Have you done your taxes?’ and the second question ‘Why do them?’. A) If you owe money, pay Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) promptly to avoid penalties and interest. B) If CRA owes you money then it would be nice to get it sooner rather than later.

I was pleasantly surprised to receive the kids’ Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) statements and see that they are accumulating a tidy sum.  They are young at 4.5 and 2.75 (can’t forget that 1/4!) years old and post secondary education seems like a long way off. At least it feels like we’re on the right […]

If I have a budget, why do I need a financial plan? This is a common question.

Today I had the privilege of meeting a unique group of women. Participants in a program called Dream Seeds. The women aged 16 to 28 are wise beyond their years. Clear on where money stands in their lives, they are realistic about the requirement of the mighty dollar to pay for necessities but firm in […]

Are you going to receive a tax refund? Do you know what you’re going to do with it? Depending how much it will be, you may be able to do a couple of things on your list. A little treat for you and something for your bank account. Here are a few ideas: Pay off […]

It does take some effort and the desire to make choices but reaching financial goals can be quite straightforward. Here is a quick ‘how-to’.