Personal Finance

For those lucky Canadians eagerly awaiting their income tax refund to arrive, either in their bank account or by Canada Post, it is time for some reflection.  If you are expecting something back from the Government of Canada consider the following six tips to make the most of your tax refund.&n... Read the rest of this article

Why is it we know we should have emergency savings but we don’t put that knowledge into practice?  One of the first things credit counsellors always advise clients is they need to set up an emergency savings account.  Over the last couple of decades we have become comfortable using a... Read the rest of this article

It’s that time of year again - the dreaded April 30th income tax filing deadline is looming.  Part of being financially organized is reducing stress by getting your taxes prepared before the due date.  For all of us procrastinators here are some steps to keep April stress free and ma... Read the rest of this article

We’re just a week or so into the New Year and you may already be struggling with your new year’s resolutions.  If you read our last blog you may have noted the tips for success.  Even with implementing these suggestions you might be ready for some motivation to keep you going. ... Read the rest of this article

Have you ever wanted to change a habit or set a goal to accomplish something but you seem to get off track part way along?  Consider what happens when you veer from the path you chose.  Who was with you?  What was happening?  If it was someone that sent you in a different directi... Read the rest of this article

Resolutions have their origin in many early religions that focused on annual self-improvement. As we come to the end of another year many will reflect on the year just past and direct their thoughts on New Year’s resolutions for the coming year.  A New Year’s resolution, as defined ... Read the rest of this article

Holiday mode is upon us. Thanksgiving was full of family visiting and great food, Halloween is right around the corner and before you know it Christmas advertising will be bombarding us. The spending season adds more stress so pause now to rethink your reason for spending. In contemplating this &... Read the rest of this article

Has “living the dream” caught up with you?  A recent Harris/Decima poll commissioned by trustees Hoyes, Michalos and Associates suggests that current high debt to income ratios of Canadians at 152% indicates that we are very comfortable with debt.  Debt has become a part of lif... Read the rest of this article

Stand in line – there’s a huge group of us in the same position! The definition of procrastination is “to put off doing something, especially out of habitual carelessness or laziness”.  Needlessly putting off important tasks takes on huge importance especially when it... Read the rest of this article