With housing prices skyrocketing in many places across North America, El Paso has become one of the biggest markets for out-of-state homebuyers. The average home price as of the second quarter of 2021 was $374,900, while homes in the Texas border city averaged just $197K. With a price difference like that, it’s no wonder houses …
Why Out-of-State Buyers Are Flocking to Live in El Paso, TX Read More »
When you have a family, you also have bigger financial responsibilities. Coming up with a wealth management strategy will help ensure financial security for everyone. Depending on your family’s needs, there are several ways to achieve your financial goals, both traditional and not as traditional. Start by looking into these four:
Whether you want to stop living paycheck to paycheck, or you’re hoping to build a nest egg for your child’s future, you’re not alone if you want to start getting your family’s finances in order. A stunning percentage of Canadian families have grappled with financial fallout over the last year, with one-third admitting that they think they will …
Financial Freedom As A Family: How To Get Family Finances In Order Today Read More »
Keeping a family grocery budget reasonable can be pretty challenging…especially when the kids are going through a growth spurt! But if you’re looking for ways to save a little more on groceries, making sure your food lasts as long as possible is a must. After all, throwing out food is basically throwing away money…and nobody …
Are you curious about how inheritance tax works? While most people understand money basics, like paying off a Payday Depot loan or calculating basic income tax, inheritance tax can be a little more complicated. Whether you’re concerned about taxes you may have to pay after a loved one passes, or you’re worried about a potential …
Whether you’re starting a business from scratch or growing an existing venture, it takes money to turn dreams into reality. There are all kinds of issues that can be avoided by ensuring the cash flow you need is available. But finding that money can be one of the biggest challenges your small business might face. …
Whether you’re working only to pay your bills, or having the time of your life at your dream job, living paycheck to paycheck can be hard to handle. It not only keeps you from planning your future, but it also holds you in a state of perpetual worry. Getting out of this financial pickle can …
With my oldest just a few years away from his high school graduation, his college education is at the front of my mind. And that means I’ve already started to look into potential financial solutions that will ensure he can get the education he needs for future success. Financial aid is not something only students …
3 Questions to Ask Your Student’s College About Financial Aid Read More »
If you’ve ever received an email or letter offering you a new credit card, the offer may have included the fact that you were pre-approved or pre-qualified for the card. These terms seem similar, and are often considered to be the same when customers receive credit card offers in the mail (or via email), but …
Understanding Pre-Approved vs. Pre-Qualified Credit Card Offers Read More »
When it comes to the difference between good credit and bad credit, I have first-hand experience. In fact, I went through a bankruptcy and then dedicated years to rebuilding my credit score, which is now over 800. So, I know just how much your credit score matters. A good score can mean lower interest rates, …
If you love sewing and have a good level of skill, it’s only natural to consider using your talent to make money sewing for others. People who can sew have never been in higher demand, so you’re in a great position! And the best part is that it’s actually very affordable to get started. You’ll …
When the weather gets warmer and summer gear comes out of storage, it can often cause your home to feel a little cluttered. Spring cleaning is the perfect opportunity to free up some storage room and earn a bit of extra money on the side. Think about all the old Christmas gifts stuffed up in …
Finding cute outfits for our kids is one of the most fun things about being a parent, but sometimes it can sure seem like they need new clothes all the time! Whether your child’s going through a growth spurt or plays so hard their clothes end up destroyed, keeping their wardrobe stocked can take a …
No matter how prepared you thought you were for retirement, it’s likely that the last year had some impact on that. 2020 was definitely not easy on North Americans planning for retirement! Some people lost their jobs. Others lost investment money as stock prices crashed. And still others simply lost faith in the strength of …
It’s something no parent wants to think about: a house fire. But every kid needs to learn about fire safety, and parents are encouraged to create and practice a fire safety plan with their kids, including an exit plan and safety advice to keep one from breaking out in the first place. As a parent, …
Keeping Your Family Financially Secure in Case of a Fire Read More »
When starting a business from home, it’s important to remember that there’s no way to be at the same level as a longer-running business. As a new enterprise, you start off at a distinct disadvantage, one that can take a long time to overcome if you’re doing business traditionally without any means of addressing the …
How to Give Yourself a Head Start When Starting a Home Business Read More »
Buying a home is no small feat, and for many, it takes years of family saving and planning. If you’re ready to move towards purchasing a house, use these tips to help you save up a little quicker! Find Out How Much You Can Realistically Afford When it comes to saving for a home, first …
It’s tough saving money in the winter. There are always additional expenses: higher heating bills, snow tires, holiday spending, and more. But every dollar you can save helps in the long-term, and small amounts can add up fast! Try these 5 frugal living tips to help you save more this winter season: 1) Canadian Debt …
Save Money This Winter with These 5 Frugal Living Tips Read More »
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of The Co-operators. All opinions are 100% mine. Even though financial literacy wasn’t something I was ever taught in my younger years, running my own business meant that I had no choice but to figure it out! From budgeting for less profitable months to tracking …
Three Questions To Ask When Planning For Retirement Read More »
With my oldest starting high school this year, I’ve realized that his post-secondary education is just around the corner. And in Canada, that’s an expensive prospect! The average cost of a four-year university degree in Canada is just under $80,000 in total, and like most parents, I don’t want my son crippled by student loans …
Meal delivery services have exploded onto the scene over the last few years. Social media feeds are brimming with sponsored ads of pre-packaged food, and we all know someone who swears by the quality of chef-designed meal plans. But are meal kits worth the hype, or more importantly, the money? In a survey conducted by …
Meal Delivery Services – Can They Really Help You Save Money? Read More »
If you’re trying to save money, analyzing the cost of your utilities is a great place to start. Paying your electricity bill is essential, of course, but you may be paying more than you need to! To try to lower your bill and save money, try these five tips that can help you conserve electricity. …
5 Useful Tips to Save Electricity and Reduce Your Monthly Electric Bill Read More »
Disclosure: I have partnered with YMC and TELUS and have received compensation for this post. All opinions are my own. In June, our family celebrated a milestone that I’ve been anticipating all year…we officially have a teenager in the house! I’ll be honest; I’ve been nervous about my oldest son Zack’s teen years for a …
Getting Your Teen a Smartphone? Five New Ways TELUS Helps Keep Families Connected Read More »
So, you’ve decided to have a baby. Congratulations! Raising a baby is a wonderful experience, but it can also be expensive. Going through all those diapers alone costs a fortune in the first couple of years! But don’t worry, because there are plenty of effective ways to cut expenses here and there. Caring for your …
For a small business owner like me, the use of analytical software can be incredibly important. Like many people, I need quick and effective methods to analyze the large amounts of data that can help make my site better and more functional. The best data analysis software is capable of delivering that fact-based data in …
The Top 3 Statistics Software Programs For Business Owners to Try Read More »
There is a happy medium between a stay at home mom who doesn’t work at all and a workaholic mother who misses out on time she wishes she could spend with her family. And for a lot of parents, that happy medium is a job that can be done from home! Working from home gives …
List of Flexible Online Jobs for Stay-at-Home Moms Read More »
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of the PC Insiders subscription service. All opinions are 100% mine. After giving birth to Cormac, I was surprised by how long it took my body to recover. My energy level was very low and I couldn’t seem to get rid of that last …
Getting Healthy and Saving Money in 2019 With My PC Insiders Subscription Read More »
As a busy mom, you have enough to handle over the winter months. With the hustle and bustle of the holidays and the arrival of colder weather, household costs can start to climb quickly. During the holiday season, it is pretty common to want to save money anywhere possible. One way to save is by …
3 Ways to Save On Your Energy Bill During the Winter Read More »
That promotion you’ve been angling for has finally become a reality, or you’ve found a dream house in your dream neighborhood, and it means moving to a totally new city. First things first, congratulations! But as exciting as such a big event is, moving is also a lot of work. And it’s even worse when …
How To Make A Big, Scary Move Easier On Your Family Read More »
Today, more and more people are turning to online stores for their shopping and other purchases. Instead of visiting department stores and merchandise outlets, shoppers now choose to just browse and scroll from the comfort of their own homes. I love being able to shop in my pajamas! And with everything from clothes, appliances, televisions …
5 Tips to Deciphering the Validity of a Trusted Review Read More »
Keeping kids entertained at the best of times can be a struggle. With their interests changing and their concentration moving from one activity to another, ensuring that you have plenty on hand ready to keep them focused when it’s needed is a must – but what do you do when things are getting tough financially? …
Top Tips For Keeping Kids Entertained On A Shoestring Budget Read More »
When it comes to investments, coin collecting can be a fun and lucrative choice with a little research and knowledge. Recently, American Eagle silver dollars have become a popular choice for investors and collectors alike. Wondering if the coin might be worth a look? Here’s some facts to keep in mind and help you decide. …
Looking for a Unique Investment? Consider Buying American Eagle Silver Dollars Read More »
Where has the time gone? We’re already in the middle of September, the leaves are slowly changing, the days are cooling down and the kids are back in school. The start of a new school year is a hectic time for any parent, and it can be even harder than usual to keep track of …
Brought to you by Interac Association and TheCo. With two school-aged boys and a newborn in the house, I’ve expressed quite a bit how important it is for me to stay organized as the new school year kicks off. But saving money on my budget is every bit as important to me right now…especially with …
4 Must-Try Ways to Save Money When Shopping for a New School Year Read More »
If there’s one universal truth about parenting, it’s that raising kids is expensive! I’ve mastered all kinds of ways to save money over the last eleven years of raising kids, and every extra dollar in my pocket helps ensure that we have more money for family fun! Of course, with my years of practice, I …
Make Money Online Easily with These 3 Websites Perfect for Busy Parents Read More »
When it comes to back-to-school shopping, I am passionate about saving every dollar I can. With two boys in grade school and a new baby as well, every extra cent counts right now! Value Village has always been a go-to for me when it comes to getting that all-important back-to-school wardrobe without breaking the bank. …
Back-to-School Clothes Shopping for Two for Just $50? This is How I Made It Happen! Read More »
There are many ways to save money on monthly expenses, from getting rid of cable television to finding a cheaper cell phone plan. While cutting out some of these incidentals can save a couple of hundred dollars a month off monthly expenses, there are other ways that you can save money that may take more …
Welcoming a new baby into your home is a special time. So chances are that you want to try to create the best nursery ever for your bundle of joy. While this is completely understandable, it’s not financially achievable for many people. After all, the decorations and furniture in a nursery soon become obsolete as …
How To Save Money When You Create a Child’s Nursery Read More »
So far, 2016 has been a year of change, adventure and fun at every turn. And those are all themes that are going to be continuing for the rest of the year too. With my upcoming wedding on October 1, a honeymoon in Ireland, a move to a new city later in October and the …
Spring cleaning is one of those yearly events that I always used to put off as long as possible. But now, living with a man that not only loves a clean house but also works hard to keep it that way, I’ve had no choice but to embrace the cleaning lifestyle and make spring cleaning …
Save Time and Money Cleaning Your Car, Home and Yard with P&G Printable Coupons Read More »
March is always synonymous with spring but in my self-employed life, it’s also synonymous with taxes! Organizing a year of income and expenses is always something that I’ve had a love/hate relationship with. On the one hand, I love seeing how successful my year has been. On the other hand, going through all that information …
Having a child head off to university for the first time can be pretty overwhelming. In addition to dealing with all the emotions of seeing a child leave home for the first time, there’s also a lot of extra expense! It will probably just take time to get a handle on those conflicting feelings of …
Help Your Child Save on the First Year of University with 3 Easy Tips Read More »
Ever since I started filing my taxes, I’ve been the do-it-yourself type. Each year I’d pick up my tax booklet at the post office, work through the forms and mail in my completed return. Initially that job was pretty easy. With a single T4 and not many deductions to claim, filing really couldn’t have been …
I’m Preparing My Taxes Online for FREE with H&R Block Online Tax Software #HowToRefund Read More »
If there’s one thing I’m notorious for, it’s using any excuse to have a celebration. And in my opinion, one of the best days for celebrating is February 29! After all, it only comes once every four years, so why not make the most of it? From a little family party to a movie night …
Celebrate Leap Day with Huge Savings from Ebates.ca Read More »
While I haven’t always been a saver, it’s something I’ve become passionate about since having children. There are so many different ways of minimizing expenses and maximizing savings, and I’ve tried almost all of them. But one of the easiest and most useful tips I’ve found when it comes to saving money is that little …
Earn Cash for Purchases, Social Shares and Much More with Caddle Read More »
It wasn’t that long ago that I had absolutely no interest in couponing. Even though I knew some people managed to save huge amounts of money using coupons, the process seemed like one that was far too time consuming and complicated for me. But then I redeemed my first few free product coupons and realized …
Couponing For Beginners! 5 Couponing Myths Dispelled with Help from RetailMeNot.ca Read More »
For some parents, back-to-school season is one that tugs the heartstrings and has them wiping away tears. For others, it’s a time to finally relax and take some time for themselves after a busy summer entertaining kids. But if there’s one thing that every parent knows about the new school year, it’s that it can …
Save on Back-to-School Shopping with 5 Tips from RetailMeNot.ca-Giveaway Read More »
I’m a huge fan of garage sales and in a small town, there are a lot of them. In fact, one of my favourite summer activities is cruising around town looking for deals at local garage sales. I especially like looking for kids’ toys and over the years, I’ve found some great ones! Since my …
Over the last few years, with a lot of work, I’ve managed to build up my savings quite a bit. Initially, I kept all the money in a basic savings account at my regular bank. I didn’t even realize how foolish that was until a friend suggested I look into banks that paid a higher …
Get a Jump on Your Savings with a Tangerine TFSA Kick Start Savings Account Read More »
The deadline for filing income tax is almost here and if you still haven’t filed, TurboTax Canada is the quickest and easiest way to ensure that you get the job done on time. There are plenty of benefits that Canadian families can claim and often, those benefits are specific to certain provinces. Make sure you …
Find Provincial Tax Benefits You Can Claim with Help from TurboTax Canada Read More »
Even though paying income tax is a pain for many people, the taxes we pay are what allow us to live such a comfortable life and that’s a privilege many don’t have! But there’s no question that it can be frustrating filing all that paperwork and potentially paying a large amount of money owed too. …
I am one of those odd people that loves tax season, and this year is no exception. I’ve always done my taxes myself and enjoy both the challenge of the process and the chance to see how well I’ve done in the year. There are all kinds of life events that can make a difference …
Get Your Taxes Finished with 3 Quick Tips for All Life’s Stages #LSSS Read More »
Tax time is in full swing here in Canada, and that means that it’s time to organize paperwork and start filling out forms to ensure the maximum possible refund, or the minimum possible payment! This year I’ll be using TurboTax to help me file online and I’m so excited to finally see for myself how …
Don’t Forget To Claim These 4 Often-Missed Canadian Tax Deductions Read More »
I have to admit that I have a bit of a hoarding tendency. To me, objects are memories and whether I’m looking at the grotesque clay mask I made in art class in Grade 7 or the railroad spike I found while crossing the old trestle with a group of friends in Grade 9, seeing …
Get Nostalgic While You Make Extra Money with Used.ca #FirstCrush Read More »
Filing taxes is something that I’ve always done myself, and to be honest I really rather enjoy it. While it does take a lot of work, it’s also a chance for me to see how well I’ve done financially in the previous year and how my business has continued to grow. But one of the …
Top 5 Tax Benefits for Canadian Families Filing an Income Tax Return from TurboTax Read More »
I am a huge fan of shopping at Amazon and I am most definitely not alone. Amazon opened its doors as an online retailer during the early days of the Internet. Long before everyone had credit cards and debit cards, the website gave shoppers the option of placing an online order and mailing in payment …
I still remember how shocked I was the first time I learned that Canadians throw out an average of 13% of the groceries they purchase. I was only a teenager at the time and the thought of all that wasted food was incomprehensible to me. But as an adult, I’ve experienced firsthand how easy it …
Eliminate Food Waste with 3 Simple Tips and Take The #GLADFreshFoodChallenge Read More »
A few weeks ago I shared some of the character traits that make me a Savvy Spender. Whether I’m buying or selling, it’s all about minimizing expense and maximizing profits for me! And that’s why I fell in love with UsedRegina.com as soon as I discovered it. There are so many things that make shopping …
Getting the Best Deals Every Time at UsedRegina.com #UsedHelps Read More »
If there’s one thing that I love, it’s saving money. And one of my favourite ways to do that is to buy and sell secondhand items. There are all kinds of ways to find the perfect BIG deal, and when it comes to finding fab deals, I fit the profile of Savvy Spender perfectly. Buy …
I’m a Savvy Spender! What’s Your BIG Deal Personality? #UsedHelps Read More »
It took me a few years and a lot of tough lessons, but at 33 I have become a fairly efficient money manager. Planning for the future and striving for financial independence is such an important part of being an adult, and while there are all kinds of ways to do that, they don’t all …
Three Money-Saving Tips to Increase Financial Independence Read More »
We are lucky to live in a country that’s full of opportunities, and as a parent, I’ve seen firsthand how many different options I have when it comes to helping my children grow and develop. But all that choice can be overwhelming too as I struggle to decide what opportunities are worth the investment of …
When I was a child, I was never quite sure what I wanted to be when I grew up. Or rather, I always knew what I wanted to be, but my decision changed with each passing week. Back then I was sure, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that I could be absolutely anything I …
What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up? Saving For Your Children’s Education Read More »
The tax deadline is drawing near, people are filing their paperwork and for many, tax season means a refund cheque coming in the mail! It can be tempting to take that money and use it to buy a much-coveted item like that new flat-screen television, but I’ve found that one of the most beneficial moves …
Tax Benefits of a Registered Education Savings Plan Read More »
If you haven’t done your taxes yet, the April 30 deadline is closer than you think. Do you know what credits and deductions you can claim? Do you know which parent should claim childcare expenses? If you have a lot of questions about your taxes, you’re not alone. Last year, H&R Block Canada received more …
Answers to Your Top Ten Tax Questions of 2013 from H&R Block Read More »
When my first son was born, I soon learned this major life milestone would impact me in more ways than one. Aside from the joys of motherhood, it would also change my tax situation for the better. If 2013 was an exciting year for you thanks to a first child or first home, here’s a …
Tax Tips for Life’s Major Milestones from H&R Block Read More »
People from all income levels are feeling the pinch of a sluggish economy. The cost of goods and cost of living keep rising, but wages do not keep up with costs. The purchasing power of the dollar continues to decrease. Ten years ago it was possible to fill a cart with groceries for $50. Today, …
I do a lot of online shopping and so I’ve spent quite a bit of time figuring out how to get the best bang for my buck online. I started shopping at Walmart.ca about six months ago and it didn’t take long before I was hooked. With easy online ordering, free shipping with no minimum …
Saving Time Holiday Shopping with the Newly Redesigned Walmart.ca #WalmartOnline Read More »
Christmas is almost here and that means for most parents, it’s time to shop! I used to love in-store shopping when I was in my twenties and sometimes it can still be pretty enjoyable. But for the most part, shopping after having kids became frustrating and usually completely exhausting. And shopping with fussy kids in …
Get Rewarded this Christmas for Shopping in Comfort with the Aeroplan eStore Read More »
A well stocked pantry means easy access to quick and healthy meals on busy days, no need to panic when friends or family drop by at the last minute and even sustenance in case of a power outage during a storm or other emergency event. Keeping the basics on hand can even help you save …
Anna’s Budget Tips-Stocking Your Pantry for Less Read More »
There are all kinds of expenses that can pop up for a family, from unexpected car repairs to a planned family vacation. That’s why family savings are so important. Having a savings account for the family doesn’t have to just be money that’s saved for emergencies either. It can be saved for special treats and …
Rainy day funds, retirement accounts, college savings…they are all part of responsible financial planning, but allocating money towards them doesn’t always feel that exciting. Teaching children to save will serve them well throughout their lifetimes and sticking to a budget is much easier when all members of the family are on board. But how can …
Anna’s Budget Tips-Ways to Make Saving Fun for the Whole Family Read More »
Do you ever wonder what Mom REALLY wants for Mother’s Day? Ebates Canada recently commissioned a study to find out what moms would most like on Mother’s Day compared to what they actually receive. Spa treatments and vacations are at the top of a mom’s list of wants, and flowers and gift cards are what …
Get Mom What She Really Wants this Mother’s Day and Save Money Too at Ebates.ca Read More »
It’s only natural to want to look and feel your best. Expensive beauty products tempt all of us at one time or another from the pages of magazines, websites, stores, salons and friends’ recommendations…and all too often come with seriously high price tags. Here are a few tips for cutting costs when it comes to …
It doesn’t take long for your little ones to realize that the green paper in your wallet has a special ability to get them things. Before long, they start wondering what it is and how it works. If you want to help your kid out in a big way, teaching them the basics of how …
Helping Your Child Discover the Basics of Money Management Read More »
If you are like most busy parents, refinancing your mortgage is the last thing that you think about on a daily basis. Instead, you may be caught up in the details of day-to-day life, such as if your son will pass his math test or how much your daughter’s braces will cost. Of course, your …
3 Ways Mortgage Refinancing Can Help Canadian Families Read More »
We can all agree that raising a family is one of the greatest experiences ever but it can also be quite expensive. With after school piano lessons or hockey on the weekend, extracurricular activities can start to add up. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce your tax bill this season and help with some child-related …
Tax Tips for Busy Canadian Families from H&R Block-Giveaway Read More »
Most of us consider insurance a notion similar to taxes – we pay a lot of money, yet see little return for that money. Some forms of insurance such as life insurance are optional, though it’s risky for us to live without a plan. On the other hand, auto insurance is a requirement for us …
Happy 2013! There’s nothing quite like the start of a new year to give you a renewed sense of hope, purpose and motivation to accomplish just about anything. Tap into the power of this season and get your family budget in shape for the new year. A little effort now could really pay off by …
It’s the most wonderful time…but also that time of year that might just make you want to grab your cash and credit cards, crawl into a hole and not come out until after New Year’s. Between parties, decorating, travelling or hosting out of town guests, requests for year-end charitable donations and, of course, gift giving, …
Anna’s Budget Tips-Keeping the Holiday Gift Giving Under Control Read More »
Bringing a smile to your kids’ faces doesn’t have to cost a penny and will likely leave you with a big grin that lasts all day as well. Here are a few free ways to surprise, delight, and completely crack your kids up! 1) Do Something Silly! Mom and Dad could swap clothes before coming …
Anna’s Budget Tips-Five Free Ways to Make Your Kids Smile Read More »
There’s a chill in the air and the leaves are starting to change in many parts of the country. You can almost hear the witches cackling, ghosts wailing and skeleton bones rattling…Halloween is just around the corner! Because Halloween is only the beginning of the holiday season, it’s easy to go overboard on spending – …
Anna’s Budget Tips-Have a Super Spooky Halloween on a Budget Read More »
Is there a room in your home in serious need of a makeover? Maybe a guest room is being transformed into a nursery, home office, or craft workshop. Maybe it’s time to transition a little kid’s room into one suitable for your big kid or teen. Or perhaps the use isn’t changing but the living …
Anna’s Budget Tips-How To Give A Room A Facelift On A Budget Read More »
One of my most memorable events from my childhood was when my room received a full makeover that included the purchase of a new single bed, new bedding and new paint. It was my first experience with the world of interior design and I remember so clearly looking through catalogues searching for the perfect blanket …
It’s Worth Buying High Quality When It Comes to Your Child’s Bed Read More »
With Memorial Day behind us it’s unofficially summer…otherwise known as yard sale season! Yard sales can be a great source of bargain treasures and a lot of fun for those who enjoy the thrill of the hunt. Check out these yard sale tips for making the most of those early mornings spent digging through other …
Food generally makes up a large chunk of the household budget, so it is a good target when looking to save money. I have found that I am able to feed my family for a lot less when I create a weekly meal plan. When I know what I’m going to be making for dinner …
Anna’s Budget Tips-Save Money with a Weekly Meal Plan Read More »
Move over Tupperware and make way Pampered Chef because there’s a new home party business on the rise and it is taking Canada by storm! Gold Party Canada is already operating in every other province across Canada and last night, as part of the company’s Saskatchewan launch, I was able to attend an information session …
A Golden Opportunity in Home Party Businesses with Gold Party Canada Read More »
Using Coupons for shopping is one of those things that can be both easy and difficult at the same time. Using a coupon or a coupon code is a quick and hassle-free to save money, but finding that coupon is a whole different story! One of my biggest frustrations when I am looking for coupons …
Find the Newest Canadian Coupons at CouponCodes.ca Read More »
If picking a mortgage sounds like a great big headache to you, you’re not alone. However, shopping for financing for a home is often complicated and frustrating simply because it’s difficult to know where to start. Want to know how you can pick the right mortgage for you? Here’s how. Let the mortgage pick you. …
