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Live For Today But Still Plan For Tomorrow

Life seems to be a bit of a balancing act. We need to make sure that we are enjoying the here and now, without neglecting to save for our future. Although none of us are guaranteed another day, we live in anticipation of waking up every morning and carrying on as usual. So although we need to plan ahead, it is just as important that we make sure to live a little in the present, too.

This is something I really struggle with sometimes. I get so carried away with saving for future goals like travel, our next vacation, and retirement, that I do not often let myself spend money on the things I enjoy right now. I make a lot of sacrifices, which I anticipate will pay off in the long run, but again, who is to say that I will still be here tomorrow? That being said, I do not expect my personality will change that much. I will likely be just as frugal as before, most of the time, but I am going to make myself enjoy my money a bit more while I have it.

August 23, 2010

General

Take Advantage Of Your Employee Benefits

Are you an employee? If so, it’s very important that you understand all the benefits that come alongside your salary or wage. As an employee, especially if you work for a large company, you may be surprised at just how many benefits you may be overlooking. In order to ensure that you are taking full advantage of all your benefits, request benefits information from your employer and read through the material carefully.

If you are lucky, your employer will be willing to match contributions you make up to a certain percentage into your RRSP. If this is the case, be sure to open an RRSP through your company’s group plan as soon as you are eligible to receive the free money. If you already have an RRSP set up outside of your work, consider diverting the contributions over to your work plan where you are eligible for the benefits and use your other RRSP only if you want to contribute over and above what the company will match.

August 21, 2010

General

Are You A Victim Of The Golden Handcuffs?

After talking to a lot of people about their life goals and dreams, it has become obvious to me that most people are chained to their current jobs due to the benefits and salary. They have lots of other things that they would like to pursue and do, yet they feel that they must continue to work at a job that pays well and possibly has a pension plan. I refer to this type of lifestyle as the golden handcuff syndrome. From conversations I have had with various people recently, I have heard many people say that they would do a different job if they could find one that paid them as well as their current job. Others have said if money wasn’t an issue, they would feel free to pursue their other life goals, but due to their need for a salary, they don’t have the freedom to do the things they love.

It’s clear that many of us are doing what we’ve always been taught to do: work, earn money, pay the bills, and be responsible. I guess I hope that there is something more out there than just paying the bills.

August 13, 2010

General

Get Free Stuff From My Coke Rewards

Free stuff is always fun, and I recently received an email about My Coke Rewards and the free stuff they are giving away right now. Apparently there’s a promotion going on where they will be giving away one million points over the next two months that can be redeemed for all sorts of fun prizes.

The email I received with the details is as follows:

“I thought you and your readers would be interested in the following information about the launch of Coca-Cola’s My Coke Rewards Million Point Giveaway—its biggest points giveaway to date. During the Million Point Giveaway, My Coke Rewards is thanking its members by awarding thousands of free points every day that people can redeem for things they love, including portable DVD players, gift certificates and free Coca-Cola products.

August 9, 2010

General

Should I Lease Or Buy A Car?

It is the age old question, do you lease or buy? It is a thought that comes across most of our minds when we are looking for homes or cars. Big questions emerge such as; will I pay more to lease it? Wouldn’t I want to own it outright if I am making a monthly payment on the car? What exactly are the perks when leasing a car? Those and many more questions should be addressed before you sign your name on the dotted line.

Alright, let’s be honest. Who really enjoys stepping onto a car lot and getting bombarded by pushy, aggressive sales people? Even if you mentally prepare yourself for the challenge ahead, you can never fully understand all the curve balls that come your way. Sure, you start with the fun part – the test drive! You feel the leather under your hands, enjoy the new car smell, and play with all the gadgets on the dash board, but you know what is to come. The minute you step out of the car here it comes. PAPERWORK! Be prepared because they are going to want to know just about everything. You’ll also have to contend with those three little numbers that mean so much to our society… the credit score.

July 16, 2010

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