Archive for Money

A Will Leaves You Prepared

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Grave Stone in St Leonards Church Heston dated 1716 © by Maxwell Hamilton

Do you have a will?

Recently a few of my friends have suddenly lost a spouse. I was very thankful to here that they had things in order, and am very thankful for the statistic that shows most Canadians do have a will. Quite a few people think of a will as something to be scared of or something that needs to be done later in life. They are wrong because things do happen; situations that can leave a person incapacitated or worse. These are the types of situations that require a discussion of wills, trusts and estates.It is better to be prepared for a situation so that you are leaving your family taken care of.

What is a Will?
A will is a legal document that carries out a person’s last wishes. It is a typed or handwritten document that makes it clear your wants and desires after you have died. It means your wealth and assets are given out how you wish.

Wills have been around for hundreds of years. First used by the Ancient Romans and refined by the British, wills have been long used to bequeath estates to benefactors that are specifically chosen by the writer of the document. The have been used to fight against royalty, save families and have been known to save thousands of animals with well-meaning donations and bequests.

Why Have a Will?
Creating a will is one of the most important things a person can do in their lives! The sooner you do it the better. Talking about death is a hard conversation that way too many people put off. The reality of life is, death; there’s nothing more certain. Writing a will doesn’t speed up the process, it simply leaves a person prepared for the inevitable; which could be the best decision they ever make.

A Legal Will can:

  • Protect your family: By personally directing your assets to your spouse, children or family, you can ensure that they thrive.
  • Name an executor: By naming an executor in your will, you can be sure that someone you trust is dealing with your precious possessions.
  • Help carry out your last wishes: Whether you always dreamed of having your ashes spread in the ocean or that the local humane society inherits your whole cash estate, your will can see to it that your dreams can come true.
  • Avoid long delays in settling your estate: When you have a legal will, there isn’t much to dispute.
  • Help you recognize your loved ones: If you always wanted to leave your cherished coin collection to your best friend, your will can ensure that it happens.
  • Appoint a guardian: Through your will you can state exactly who you would like to have raising your children in the event of you and your spouses’ inability.
  • Name your own beneficiaries: Your will can state exactly who gets what and how much. Without a will, your whole estate will go to a court appointed beneficiary and in some cases, this may not be your wish.

Without this simple legal document, many of these decisions will go through the court system called probate which can cost our loved ones and family time, effort, money and emotional well-being.

If you don’t have a will why not?

Did you know you can even prepare on your own? You can purchase a simple will kit and they are fully legal. You do not need to spend a fortune to be prepared for the future, may I suggest if you don’t have one please get it done soon.

 

Online Tools that Help Teach Kids Money

5857629766 ddc83a2466 Online Tools that Help Teach Kids Money

Piggy bank wearing glasses © by Images_of_Money

As host of the #cdnmoney chat on Twitter every Wednesday night at 7 pm, it is important for me that we have real conversations about things that matter. Money matters. Last night we talked about kids and money. It really was a good conversation and so many people had great ideas on teaching our kids about money. So what do we do when we feel a little lost in how to teach kids about money? There are some great games and other online tools that help teach kids these important concepts but remember like I said yesterday they will model what you do.

SandDollarCity.com, is for the 8-12 crowd, it is an online game set in an underwater village where kids manage a candy shop. It is a lot like Facebook’s popular Farmville and similar simulation games, it lets kids buy inventory, make store upgrades, handle expenses, etc.

Savings Quest is another online  game in which your child chooses a job, earns a paycheck, and chooses a savings goal. He must build a budget and handle other aspects of personal finances. Over a six month period (in the game, not in real life) he will have to work, handle expenses and save for a goal. This game can give your kids real life experience, it throws unexpected expenses at you just like in real life. Again this would be for that 8-12 crowd.

The Mint believes in educating American children about money because the lessons on saving and debt need to be urgently learned. The site has sections tailor-made for kids, teens, parents, and teachers. The tools consist of games that are built around earning, saving, spending, and giving. Lessons on how money moves are also imparted in an easy to grasp language.  Many of the lessons taught are perfect for our Canadian kids as well.

Planet Orange is a cool Canadian interactive financial game that reaches out to those in the 6-10 crowd. Kids can Join Cedric and Amy as they help them navigate the deep reaches of space and learn all about earning, spending, saving and investing. The game involves activities that focus on different features of money and the choices you have to make for completing the mission.

BMO Smart Steps, well it might not have all the bells and whistles for fun online gaming like those above, it is full of knowledge and great tips that will help you learn and teach important skills to your children all the way to adulthood.

Remember knowledge is power and we want our children to have money smarts so it is up to us as parents to teach money and have those all so important conversations. I hope these tools can help in a small way. So what are you teaching your children about money?

Monkey See Monkey Do – Teaching Kids Money

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See no evil Hear no evil Speak no evil © by mickeyvdo

Have you ever said to your teen money doesn’t grow on  trees you know? I have. After reading a recent  Post article on kids and money I am realizing how early we need to be teaching our kids some money skills. So what do kids need to know? For my teen age daughter I have been giving her an allowance for years now and there are certain expectations that go with it, as well we have had regular money conversations in our house. So what is it important for our kids to know? What do you want your child to know and how are you teaching them?

Kids will model our behaviors whether we like it or not, really it is a monkey see monkey do world. So if you do not have good money habits, it is likely your kids won’t have a clue either. So if you don’t have the skills learn them, and let your kids see you learning. Rachel regularly sees me devouring money materials. She has seen me learn to budget, calculate costs, smart shop and more. We want to model skills that will help our children in the long run.

So what do kids need to know.

1. They need to know money comes from earning it. Has your child had their first paid gig yet? Rachel’s first money earning gig was shovelling a neighbours walk. She earned $5. She thought that was a lot. She was 9.

2. They need to know how to save. Do they want something? Get an allowance? Let them save to get it, they will appreciate it so much more and they learn a great skill at the same time.Show them how to bank.

3. Thy need to know how to budget. I share my budget with my daughter and she helps me even with the shopping, she is learning what things cost and won’t have sticker shock when it comes time to move out.

4. They need to know the dangers of borrowing. Interest is a pain and has a high cost. I am trying to teach Rachel to live as debt free as possible. Carrying debt is a burden I don’t want her to know. I shared with her my bankruptcy and my mistakes so hopefully she can learn from that as well.

What do you think it is important for your kids to know when it comes to money and how are you teaching them?

 

 

Is Frugal an F Word?

5082197714 c471fb9d36 Is Frugal an F Word?

Wallet © by davidsteltz

This past weekend I was at a blogging conference, and I found myself refusing to label myself a frugal blogger. As I sat and really thought about it more, it is because even still I think of frugal as cheap and there is a huge difference between frugal and cheap and it is all in the mindset.

All weekend and even now I consider myself a smart consumer. Even when sitting down for dinner with Gail Vazoxlade, who many of you know I consider a money mentor, I again used the word smart consumer. But really, I was treating the word frugal as if it were a swear word and it is not.

A frugal minded  person has an attitude about money, spending, saving, and more precisely, where saving makes the biggest difference. They are the one who will save and buy something of value instead of buying solely on price. You know the frugal minded person may shop at the dollar store, but they will often save so they can buy something they know will last, and that is smart. I do this on a regular basis.

Frugal people know how things tally up, and know when to skip cents for bigger savings (like furniture, cars, things you need every day).

A frugal minded person thinks and gets more for their money. They are smart and know the  gimmicks and scams, they are the best shoppers and know how to compare prices, use coupons, promo codes and are never afraid to ask if there is a way they can do better.

Cheap people are always counting their pennies because they don’t know the  basic money rules. Cheap people need instruction. I was a cheap, when I was didn’t have an income, when I was that welfare mom. I needed money instruction, and I am glad I got some strong money lessons they have helped me to gain wisdom, and the strength to make better money choices.

Cheap and frugal are not one in the same, I am seeing that more clearly now, and I can say I am frugal and a smart savvy consumer too.

 

 

10 Things You Can Do to Get Out of Debt

123619819 0b0a2abc3c 10 Things You Can Do to Get Out of Debt

Eat Now, Pay Later © by inkynobaka

 

Ever feel like you are paying  for a meal you ate and put on your credit card months ago? You just might be. Personal consumer debt is on the increase. We all want that quick fix. You know many times for me, I have justified purchases without really being able to afford them.For me it was time to wake up and tackle my debt. Are you trying to eliminate the debt that is weighing you down? Do you really want to get rid of your credit card debt? Here are some suggestions on how:

1. Use some good old-fashioned common sense! Most of us got into credit card debt  because of how easy credit is to get. Then we use our cards without really even thinking about it. How about paying with cash, and not using your card? Trust me cash works, and you aren’t wondering how you are going to pay for that meal when the statement comes in. Become a smart credit card user or better yet stop using your cards.

2. Stop all impulse shopping. Do you shop with a list? Are you going to the mall and just browsing and when you spot a sale you just have to have it? Been there done that. Trust me you don’t need those new shoes or that new handbag if you have good ones in your closet at home. Really how many shoes or whatever does one person need.

3. Take a good look at your spending. Write down all your expenses. Are there ones you can cut or reduce? While you are doing this track your spending. With all of us carrying smart phones there are apps that will let you track your spending. Try it for a month. Don’t have an app then use an old fashion notebook and pen, but do track it. Think do I need it, or can I put that money towards debt reduction so I can have a better future.

4.Get a plan in place. Set a budget. I love using Mint. It has helped me keep a careful track of what is going on and helped me get things in place. I love the personal budget planner. ( this is not a paid endorsement).

5. Look for ways to save on your debt elimination. Can you ask for a better rate? Can you take advantage of a balance transfer offer? Carefully look at all of your options.

6. Always pay more on the card with the highest interest rate. You want that debt gone first trust me. Once that card is done, move on to the one with next highest.

7. Be a smart savvy shopper. You want to free up more money for debt reduction. Start using flyers for sales, comparing costs, and shopping around when you need to buy. Become a smart consumer.

8.Always Always pay your debt on time! If you don’t the interest rates will kill you literally, and think you lose your bargaining power as well because you now become a risk.

9. Keep a scorecard. Track your progress. I again love Mint for this. It allows me to see things very clearly.

10. Celebrate your victories. Find free things you can do to celebrate your money smart ways.Reducing debt does not mean you can’t enjoy life, it means you are being smart about how your going to enjoy it. Celebrate when you know you are making progress, it will help keep you on course.

25 Simple Ways to Save Money Right Now

3434625179 6ff6617aea 25 Simple Ways to Save Money Right Now

Canadian money, eh? © by Andrew Currie

We all want to save money simply. There are so many simple ways that we can save money each and every day, but many of us spend without thinking. Then when we do start to save, instead of really saving we simply shift where we are spending. Watch out for this. If you are saving only to spend somewhere else the simple fact is you are not saving you have just shifted your budget. Know where and how you are going to save the money when you follow these tips.

So what are some simple ways to save:

1. Make savings automatic from your paycheck. If you haven’t already you should be having at least a small percent of your paycheck coming out off the top and going into savings. Your goal should be at least 5% but ideally 10%.

2.Get rid of bank fees by keeping a balance. Most banks waive fees if you keep a certain balance. Find out what the balance you need is and make it a priority.

3. Make your own coffee or tea for work and brown bag it. We have all heard about the “lattee factor” where if you bring your own coffee instead of stopping at Tims or Starbucks,you can save about $500 a year, add packing your lunch and think 7*5=$35.00 and you can do the math. Practice both and you save big!

4. Use rewards credit cards. Personally I use a rewards Mastercard that is attached to Airmiles and that works for me. You can either get a rewards card or a cash back one. Shop around and find what works best for you.

5. Use coupons and coupon codes. Awhile back I wrote about where to find Canadian copouns and you can always google and look for codes that you can use to save.

6.Menu plan. I have planned my weekly menu for a long time now, it automates my dinner time and I am not looking in the fridge in the eveing thinking what am I going to cook now.

7. Shop from a list. Do you shop with a list? One of the best ways to save when you go to shop have a list and shop from it instead of mindlessly wandering a mall or grocery store.

8. Install CFLs to save energy. The first thing we did when we moved into this house was change the lightbulbs out, all ours are energy efficent.

9. Watch how you drive. Do you really need to take the car on that trip, can you do more then more thing when you go, are you watching your speed. The little things matter when you drive. 

10. When making a big purchase, do your due diligence. When purchasing a big ticket item for the home, you want to buy quality at a good price so do your homework, compare brands, compare store prices, look for sales. Google is your best friend when you have to do your research.

11. Buy quality products. Sometimes that dollar store item is ok, but really if you need it to last do not just look at price, look at quality or you will be spending money again in a very short amount of time.

12. Buy generic when you can.When shopping is there a generic substitute you can use? Often you don’t lose any taste points. Now there are a few things that I do buy only certain brands..ie Kraft Dinner is always Kraft. Chicken noodle soup is always Campbells and laundry soap is always Tide.

13. Look for rebates. Here again google comes in handy as do forums like Frugal Shoppers.

14. Use store reward cards. I collect both Air Miles and Optimum points. I cash in both every December for me the best reward has been grocery store certificates. I find they are the best value for your point. At Shoppers Drug Mart I use my points to buy holiday gifts for my family.

15. Don’t eat out. How many times do you eat in the average month? If you cut it in half think of your savings.

16. Use up them leftovers. How many times have things gone bad in your fridge and you were left wondering what was that? Have a left over night once, twice a week and use it up, think it is good for the budget and the planet.

17. Use your community resources. Do you rent movies, take lessons, buy books..all of these can be done in your community at the fraction of the price. Use the library, use parks and recreation programs, use free or frugal community services to save.

18. Look for free activities in your town or city. Here in Toronto almost every weekend you can find free events to attend. Most communities have free festivals, art installations etc. Make use of them.

19. Get rid of the cable..stream your tv.  I recently wrote a post on how to watch most of your favorite tv shows in Canada for free, you can even watch them on your tv.  Buy getting rid of cable you can save yourself almost a $1,000 a year.

20.Plant a garden. Instead of just buying veggies and fruit why not grow your own?

21. Hang your laundry to dry. Think you are saving money and helping the planet too.

22. Use Group buying sites. I love sites like DealPage that aggregate all the daily deals. Remember though it is not a deal unless you had already planned on making the purchase.

23. Use Twitter to save. I use the list feature on Twitter to follow some who are fellow money bloggers, to chat with brands who often point you to coupons, to find freebies and so much more.

24. Be content and grateful. Attitude is everything when it comes to money. Are you chasing the Jones’s or are you sincerly happy with what is placed in front of you right now.

25. Most of all avoid debt. Avoid at all costs.  Do you really need to buy that on credit? Do you really need those interest fees in your life? More and more consumers are carrying way too much debt and are just one emergency away from being bankrupt. Avoid debt whenever you can.


What are some of your favorite ways to save? 

5 Lessons from Gail Vazoxlade

 5 Lessons from Gail Vazoxlade

Gail Vazoxlade

Last Saturday, I had an adventure, I headed to Coburg, Ontario for “Lunch with Gail”. I got up at 4 am to catch the train and headed out of the city. My friend Marcy Berg (the owner of Mortages for Women) was my wonderful hostess for the day.

The lunch was a fundraiser for the Northhumberland Services for women. They offer not only emergency shelter, and second stage housing but a number of on going services. So it was great to go and support such a worthwhile cause.

I am glad I went. I learned some lessons from Gail. If you don’t know who Gail is well she is a leading Canadian money guru. She has hosted Til Debt Do Us Part and currently hosts Princesses, which is just starting to tape its new season. She is also an author with several titles under her belt. Her most recent Never Too Late.

I love Gail as she tells it like it is, she pulls no punches. If you are off your rocker she will gladly tell you so. If you get invited to lunch with Gail, go! You will laugh so hard you want to pee, meanwhile learning all along.

What did I learn?

Well the whole talk had one theme SAVING.There were 5 lessons that she shared that I thought I would share with you. There were other take aways but I thought I would share these.

1. There are 4 rules that we all should be living by. First, don’t spend more then you make. Time after time when I watched Til Debt Do Us Part, this was always the first thing she made sure people were doing. Second, SAVE for the future. Third, eliminate your debt. Now really, who does want to pay those interest rates? Not me. Lastly, prepare for emergencies. Do you have an emergency fund? I don’t and I know this is something I need.

2. Where does your money lie? Who among us has a Savings Account with one of Canada’s big 4 banks? Why? Really folks your money isn’t making you money. Now Iam actually going to suggest a bank-look at ING Direct when it comes to savings. They have a couple of products where you can earn higher interest. Gail simply said look Orange, but didnt say ING directly but I will.

3. Shop with a List. I have taught this here on the blog for a long time. If I didn’t shop with a list there is no way I could stay on budget or on task. Whether it be shopping for groceries or back to school list have a list of what you need and shop from it. Don’t get distracted by the bling.

4.Are you really saving? When  you get that 30% off are you really saving? How about when you use that coupon? You are only saving if you turn around and take that cash and put it in your pocket and don’t spend it some place else. You aren’t saving if you spend it some place else, you are just moving your money around.

5.A personal lesson. If you have read this blog for awhile you know last year I declared personal bankruptcy. I had too I was swimming in debt. I wrote about it in a 4 part series that was posted on Where Does All My Money Grow was kind enough to host on his blog. If you would like to read the series you can find it here. Well this month I was discharged from bankruptcy. The debt is now gone so During the Question and Answer, I asked about rebuilding credit: she told me of two options. One is a secured credit card: Capital One has one of these, another option was to talk to my bank about an RRSP loan. Both are viable options for those looking to rebuild credit after a discharge.

I was so glad I got to Coburg and “lunch with Gail”. I laughed and learned and got to share my day with some pretty great people. What lessons are you learning these days?

Developing Your Job Skills: Interning and Volunteering

If  you are into Social Media at all one of the leading guru’s and authors on  the industry Chris Brogan posted that he was looking for an intern. In the initial post he said it was mostly a research position for a project who’s budget was a little thin. Well it started a firestorm of conversation.

First 94 people, me included saw value in offering up our skills for the chance to work for Chris. Even though we would not be getting paid for this grunt work I saw it as a chance to learn, grow, develop and must importantly for me : network. Sometimes to get ahead you offer up a freebie.

For me I have always seen value in both volunteering and interning. Lets define both. I will let you know I see them as very similar and a great way to develop job skills and as one who is looking to change careers they are a neccesity.

When you are an intern the emphasis is one picking up job skills and learning.

A volunteer is anyone who gives up time and talent for a project.

Can you see why I think both are so similar?

I have done both.

As an intern I researched, designed and then implemented a new program for a non profit in Hamilton. I gained job skills and came up with a program that continues to help the homeless gain ID.

As a volunteer mom I organized an email program that helped my daughter’s school win a contest for funding. With that funding not only my daughter’s school but a poorer school got much needed new library books. As well while volunteering at the school library I created a parental lending library to encourage parents to be more involved in their child’s education.

These are just two examples of the work I have done for others without seeking compensation. Sometimes it is not about getting money. There is often hidden value.

For me I see value in developing my job skills and giving a freebie, do you?  For me it is not always the transfer of cash that has the greatest value.

6 Tips for Gift Giving Frugal Style

 6 Tips for Gift Giving Frugal StyleHere at my house there always seems that there is a gift that needs to be bought. Between birthdays, Easter, Christmas, Eid, anniversaries and Mother’s Day there is always something to be bought.

For me this week it is all about Eid. It is an Islamic tradition that one gets new clothes for the Eid after Ramadan. Well for me, Roo only got one back to school outfit that was new, and then we went to Value Village(second hand store) and got a few necessary pieces. She will now get another new outfit. When I shop I always go with a budget and to be honest I never go over. Usually I never spend more then $25 on a gift for any one person. When it comes to things like Roo’s birthday and Christmas she knows there is a price cap and we don’t ask for things like Wiis, or laptops.

So how am I able to keep things in check:

1. I have a birthday book: everyone is in there: along with the things they like: ie favorite color, author, music, and things they like to do.The book has saved me many a day.Ie. for the picky little princess I was able to do up a nice little gift basket with things from the dollar store all in her favorite color and she loved it.

2. For tweens and teens it is all about music and movies. I buy gift cards with points accumulated with Air Miles ( a points program here in Canada). A night out our s0me downloads make a great gift for them.

3. I have a gift box in my closet where I keep a few generic gifts that I can use in a pinch, all were things of good quality that I found on sale for over 50% off. This is were teacher presents often come from as well as hostess gifts when needed.

4. Homemade gifts are loved. I have done such things as hot choclate in a canister, soup in a jar, and canned applesauce to give as holiday gifts. I have also given Roo coupon books. With coupons like: pizza at home, movie marathon with mom, play hookey (1/2 day off school doing what she wanted to do), stay up late, board game night. and she loved it and cashed them all in.For things like Anniversaries or for seniors offer services like babysitting, snow shoveling or garden care. They are much appreciated.

5. Utilizing point programs. I collect Optimum Points from Shoppers Drugs, Air Miles and HBC Points. I often cash in points for gifts on a day when I can get more for my point value. An example of this a few times a year Shoppers has a special where you can get a higher cash value for your points. I do this and usually spend about $100 without any money coming out of my wallet. When I do this I come home with 5 0r 6 gifts. Bath stuff, jewelery, movies, Cd’s and chocolate. I cash in Air Miles for magazine subscriptions, Sobeys gift cards, and movie nights. With HBC I save for something I want.

6.Budget, budget, budget: Know your budget and dont go over it. If you are not working, and many are not this recession you scale back. You do not buy on credit. We all hate that credit card bill after the holiday. For me I like knowing I paid cash. I dont worry about the after effects of overspending or the interest.

All of these help me stay on track when the gift gremlins are at the door.

20 Canadian Blogs that Help You Be Money Smart.

Well I am just another mom on a journey and well that journey has me checking out all the Canadian content I could find. You see last week on Frugal Dad there was a list post of top Frugal Blogs.  I was well a bit surprised that no one north of the border made that list.

Now I do visit, read and comment on blogs south of the border because they do have many tricks that we can use up here. Now there is a big BUT coming, not always do they meet the needs or desires of the Canadian mom looking to save a loonie or two.

So I decided I needed we as Canadians needed a  special list, I hope you fellow Canucks find it useful. It is chalked FULL of Canadian content. Blogs that will help you be frugal, blogs that help you decide on investing, blogs that help you organize. Blogs that basically help, encourage and inspire me and I hope they do the same for you. Blogs written from a Canadian mindset.These are in no particular order.

1. Common Cents Mom- Yes my blog is one written primarily for moms looking to save, and I hope it becomes a blog you follow. I am about finding ways to save that leave cents in the wallet.

For the Frugally minded:

2. Squawkfox-is a lifestyle blog as the writer Kerry calls it. It is full of ideas that help you live larger on a budget.

3.Frugal Canadian Living-a Canadian’s guide to a frugal life.

4.Frugal Dreamer-blog of a 20 something who lives frugally.

5. Simply Frugal in Canada- great posts of some of the best deals, as well as many frugal posts.

6.Fablously Broke in the City- trying to balance saving and shopping

For the Best Bargains, Coupons and Freebies

7.Bargainista- this Toronto based Mom blogs some of the best bargains.

8.Bargain Moose- Anna loves to shop but doesn’t like to spend so she posts some great deals.

9.Smart Canucks-Canadian Freebies, deals, and coupons

Now for your money/ personal finance needs you want to follow these:

10. Gail Vax-Oxlade- a woman who know money, and debt, if you are dealing with both you must follow her.

11. Ellen Roseman- Toronto Star columnist who dishes straight talk on personal finance and consumer issues.

12.Four Pillars-these guys write about personal finance and investing with a few frugal posts as well.

13. Canadian Drean: Free at 45-engineer in his 30′s who dreams of being free at 45.

14. Get Rich Slowly- a blog devoted to sensible personal finance

15.Thicken My Wallet- a lawyer now writes about finance, small business and everything else.

16.Where Does All the Money Go- great blog on finance and so much more

17.The Money Gardener-a couple trying to grow their wealth, and their take on personal finance

Now the rest have their own niche or take on things that help me be money smart and I hope they help you too.

18. Organizing Junkie- host of Menu Monday one of the tools I use to save on shopping.

19. Give Me Back My 5 Bucks- one woman’s journey out of debt

20-The Asian Pear- another young woman who is trying to find the balance

Are there any missing from the list that you think should be here? If so let me know, who is on your list?