By Sheila Walkington
It seems like everywhere I turn these days there’s an article about debt and how much trouble we’re in.
Canadians owe $151 for every of $100 of after tax income we earn. Families are spending 10-12 times what they earn on housing. The US government is 13 trillion dollars in debt.
13 trillion dollars! That number is so hard to fathom that it almost become meaningless. Which may just be the point. Continue reading
By Sheila Walkington
I worked for many years in banking and as a traditional financial planner helping clients with their investments and retirement plans. While I enjoyed this work, I saw that many of my clients were struggling with debt and how to manage their day to day cash flow. I was also increasingly uncomfortable with a compensation model that was largely dependent on selling mutual funds and insurance to my clients.
I realized that I needed to come up with a new model of providing and being paid for providing financial guidance and advice. So in February 2004, I became a fee-only Money Coach, a profession that was so new, CBC Radio interviewed me as one of the first Money Coaches in Canada. Continue reading
By Karin Mizgala
Money usually shows up tops on the list of marital stresses. Financial issues are cited as one of the biggest causes of divorce. What we earn is rarely discussed in “polite company” and most people find negotiating salaries stressful.
Curiously most of us are more comfortable talking about sex than money. Surely sex would seem to be a touchier topic than money? Continue reading
By Karin Mizgala
A recent survey done by ING Direct, the Canadian subsidiary of the Dutch online bank, found that 41% of Canadians said that saving a small amount per week would make them happier and help them reach their most important goal – paying off debt. However very few Canadians are actually setting the money aside. 36% said that they don’t save any money on an annual basis and 54% said they live pay cheque to pay cheque. Continue reading
If you are wondering what you should be doing with your investment portfolio in these volatile times, this podcast will be a huge help.
Listen to our Let’s Talk Money Podcast to find out what you need to know.
Investing in Volatile Times Podcast
Featuring Karey Irwin, CFP, Investment Funds Advisor with Leith Wheeler Investment Funds.
For more information or questions, you can reach Karey at www.LeithWheeler.com
There’s nothing that obliterates happy vacation memories faster than a holiday spending hangover. And it’s all too easy to overspend.
There are countless ways we justify our overspending on holidays: “It’s the only time I’ll ever be here in my life, I deserve this, I’ll never find this to buy at home.”
We know, we’ve used those excuses ourselves and we hear them from our clients.
To help you avoid that holiday hangover, we’re sharing our top tips to help keep spending under control. Continue reading
Money doesn’t grow on trees. Money equals power and success.
It’s easier to spend than save money. There is a limit to how much I can earn.
What ideas shape your relationship with money? Explore what you believe about it and how to change those beliefs.
Listen to our Let’s Talk Money Podcast to hear the how we develop and reinforce our beliefs around money – and how to change them.
with special guest Krysta Chapman, Mindset Coach and Change Strategist with Drop In the Pond..
Clients retiring early have always asked if they should start taking their Canada Pension Plan before they turn 65, but the changes to CPP have added a few more wrinkles to making that decision.
There are several changes but what stands out is the one that reduces CPP even more for people who opt to take it earlier. That creates a dilemma. Do you take the money and run? Or do you hold out until you’re 65 when your Canada pension payments will be higher? Continue reading
We’ll spend hours agonizing over the perfect dress, endlessly debate menus, venues, flower arrangements and all the other elements that go into the big day and yet discussing money often doesn’t make the agenda? But it really should be near the top because it’s an issue that outlasts the honeymoon.
Prenuptial agreements used to be just for the rich and famous but an increasing number of brides and grooms are signing prenups. There are many and varied reasons people opt for prenups, including children from a previous marriage, business ownership, estate planning, one partner bringing in considerable debt or conversely, bringing in considerable assets. Prenups or cohabitation agreements as they are sometimes called may also be a good idea if you plan to live together even if you don’t plan to marry. A family lawyer can advise you on what’s best for your particular circumstances. Continue reading
Whether you are transitioning through divorce or just thinking about the possibility, it’s important to know your rights and responsibilities as soon as possible.
Listen to our Let’s Talk Money Podcast to hear the most important things every woman should know before making decisions that could be financially and emotionally devasting.
with special guest Sheila Keet, a family law lawyer who specializes in collaborative divorce.
A revolutionary step-by-step money management system where you will learn how to:
Combining practical financial tools, tips and resources with insights into the emotional and psychological challenges of today's money culture, this thought-provoking book will help you bring more joy and ease into your financial life.
