Category: Family Matters

A MoneySmart Guest Blog There are so many adventures to be had close to home in Manitoba. And when you’re close to home and exploring the land around you, it’s easier to find ways to save while still having a summer adventure that’s worth every penny. Here are just a few tips to help you […]

Are you ready to get out and about again? Or are you still wanting some armchair experiences?  Here are 10 ways for all Manitobans to experience some budget-friendly activities and some of the best our province has to offer. We have all been cooped up for the last 16 months through the pandemic, but with […]

As a marketer, I rely on the truism of the “two types of people in the world”: for example, there are those who “invest” in a premium brand of toilet paper and those who prefer to save on this necessity with econo-brands. Now follow me – and these two types of people – to the […]

Four Books To Give the Gift of Financial Literacy this Holiday Season – Pt. 2: For Adults COVID-19 has brought two financial extremes to light. There are people who are suffering great financial distress due to job loss, business closures and high levels of consumer debt. At the other end of the spectrum, there are […]

Four Books To Give the Gift of Financial Literacy this Holiday Season Part 1: Children’s Books Did you know that a children’s picture book can tell a hundred stories, and teach a few lessons too? Books can be a fantastic way to introduce kids to and teach them about the importance of financial literacy. When […]

When I first became a dad in 2011, my family and friends gave me two pieces of advice about kids that have proven true; Life comes in balance – the good and the bad – it will even out over time. Invest early in an RESP. While the first item is a bit more philosophical, […]

I began working as a babysitter for neighborhood families when I was 12. Sometimes there was one kid and sometimes there were upwards of four. My pay – .50/hour and $1.00 after midnight. This is when I started saving. When I was 15, I worked as a sales clerk at Marks and Spencer in St. […]

It’s amazing to me that when I’m waiting in line or at an event, I hear people talking openly about their dating escapades, very personal health issues or even private family matters. But have you ever noticed that in these situations you rarely catch people talking about their finances?  Maybe if it’s about a recent […]

People often ask me, “When should I start to teach my children about money?” Much to their surprise, my answer is, “When they’re old enough to count.” If we think about it, most parents teach life-long habits to their kids at an early age. We don’t wait until they’re 18 to teach them manners and […]

Nearly one year ago to this very day my 54-year-old partner had a heart attack. I wasn’t notified by the hospital but by his brother, which left me a bit baffled. Clearly, I wasn’t listed as the next of kin. Either Bill did not trust me, or his next of kin notification hadn’t been updated. […]