Posts by Boomer
Can We Fix The Economy?
At this time of year many corporations are announcing their profits and governments are handing down their budgets. On the one hand, the economy seems to be forging ahead. On the other hand, governments are preaching restraint. In the meantime the media loves nothing better than doom and gloom and uses fear tactics that cause…
Read MoreQuick Cash Solutions: A Dangerous Game
“I will gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today.” – J. Wellington Wimpey What are friends for? Payday seems an eternity away and you only have two loonies in your wallet. All your credit cards are maxed out and you need some quick cash. What do you do? Just ask your friend to loan you…
Read MoreI’ll Admit It – I Am A Tightwad
I wouldn’t exactly call myself cheap (although some family members may disagree) but I hate to spend money unnecessarily and I like to consider myself thrifty or frugal. To promote my thrift I like to read books or articles with money saving tips but I’m invariably disappointed with the advice. Suggestions to turn out the…
Read MoreHow To Put Your Kids To Work
Are you tired of your kids always asking for money? Allowing kids to earn their own money can be a fun and prosperous venture even for the very young. Young adults who start their own business, or work in other employment, benefit from increased confidence, learning to take direction, time management and organizational skills as…
Read MoreI Hate Paying Fees
It may be selective memory, but I don’t remember having to pay any kind of fees in my younger days. Now it seems that no matter what you buy, there’s a fee attached. I will do anything possible to get out of paying fees – or at least minimize them. I hate bank fees My…
Read MoreHow To Set Up A DRIP
Many companies offer a DRIP, or dividend reinvestment plan, which permit stockholders of record to buy additional shares directly from the issuing company with money earned from dividends, instead of receiving the dividend in cash. Most DRIPs are free of charge while some charge a nominal fee for reinvestment. A DRIP is a great way…
Read MoreIs Our Old Age Security Program Sustainable?
On January 27, 2012 Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced that changes would be made to the Old Age Security program. It appears the government is planning to gradually change the OAS system so that the age of eligibility is raised to 67 from age 65. Opposition Liberals and NDP say such a move would financially…
Read MoreHow Much Do We Spend On Our Pets?
Pets play a major role in the lives of Canadians. In fact the pet industry has topped $8.9 billion a year. Not counting all the rabbits, parakeets and geckos out there, more than half of Canadian households (53%) own a cat or a dog with 13% owning both. Pets Are Considered Family Members An Ipsos…
Read MoreHow CARP Benefits Aging Canadians
What is CARP? Yes, I know it’s a fish but CARP also stands for Canadian Association of Retired Persons. It is a national advocacy organization that serves the needs of Canadians age 50 and over. According to CARP’s website, their mandate is to enhance the quality of life for all Canadians as we age, and advocate…
Read MoreDo You Have A Locked In RRSP?
Locked In Retirement Accounts (LIRAs) were created to transfer vested pension funds that you take with you if you leave your employer prior to retirement, such as when you change jobs. The commuted value of the pension is transferred to a locked-in plan and must remain locked-in to be available when you retire to provide…
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