Practical Money Matters

Parents take their children's financial future seriously, and technology provides an ever-evolving variety of fun and innovative ways to teach kids about money. However, some parents are concerned about limiting their kids' screen time, and others may be looking for more...

Whilst learning to discuss and manage money as a couple can be a challenge at first, figuring it out can pay dividends for years to come. It's beneficial to start communicating about money early in a relationship and to maintain open...

A friend and I were recently discussing family pets. Their family had recently adopted a dog, and he was pointing out that while his children had fervently promised to take care of the pet with the best of intentions, they didn't...

A birthday party is a fun way to recognise important milestones in a child's life. Family and friends are invited to join in the fun, and everyone enjoys a day of celebration. Behind the scenes, however, this can be a stressful...

Many parents face the same difficult question when raising a child. Should one of you stay at home while the other works? It's not a question to take lightly. The decision can have emotional and financial consequences and may have a...

You can break personal finance into three broad categories: income, expenses, and savings. Your personal cash flow statement lists your income and expenses, and a common goal is to end each month with a positive balance – with money left over...

Moving into a place of your own for the first time is a huge step. I remember my first post-college apartment move. It was nothing special, but it was mine. It came with a few new challenges and responsibilities and all...

Maybe your financial house is in order. Your debt is manageable or paid off. You have an emergency fund and now you're looking for ways to grow your wealth. Or perhaps you're planning ahead by learning about different investments options. Have...

It seems like every few weeks there's a new "must-watch" movie or show. Competition between traditional and new production companies is driving the wave of high-quality content. I can't complain, but it's also hard to keep up. I have an ever-growing...

The end of the year is a perennial period of self-reflection, and I enjoy partaking in setting a few New Year's resolutions. Unfortunately, I've (more than once) enthusiastically started a year with shiny optimism only to find myself falling short a...

Children and teenagers who received monetary gifts for the holidays are often excited to choose what to buy. Whilst they should be allowed to spend some of the money or gift cards, as a parent, you could also use these windfall...

Whether you're actively looking to make a move or being lured away by a recruiter, a new job offers many opportunities for growth. Discovering how different organisations run and tackling the learning curve during the first few months is part of...

Food shopping can quickly take over your budget despite your best intentions. Perhaps it's due to impulse purchases, unplanned shopping trips, food going bad or a combination of all three. If you're looking for ways to save money while enjoying nutritious...

Are you stressed about managing your money? Most of us are at one time or another. Whether you're trying to track your spending or invest spare change, fintech (financial technology) is here to ease your money worries. This is the promise of...

It's increasingly common to find classrooms filled with the blue hue of computer and tablet screens. Early education or postgraduate work, there's a shift towards technology-driven, or at least technology-aided, schooling.

If a close friend or family member is getting married it's an honor to be asked to join the wedding party. However, if your budget is tight because you're saving up for a financial goal, paying off bills or have had...

It's true–good health really does save money. A Towers Watson survey noted that employee wellness programmes saved employers an average of $100 in health care costs per worker. So, if you're going to get healthy, do it the smart way and make well-researched...

During a particularly cold winter or hot summer, you open your utility bill with a sense of dread. Is it time to consider your utility company's budget-billing plan? Maybe so but do your homework first. Here's how a utility company's budget-billing...

Have you ever thought about growing your own fruits and vegetables at home? For experienced gardeners, the cold months are when their imaginations get fired up; seed catalogs seem to blow in with the arctic blast, accompanied by companion mailings from...

Are you an advance planner or an improviser? Your travel planning style might save you money during the busy winter holiday travel season. Generally, families with children and a need for specific seating and direct flights may need to plan earlier...

If you, your partner or your family want – or need – to get out of town right now, how do you improvise a great last-minute trip without breaking the bank? Planning is essential. Embrace travel as a hobby – look for...

If your financial life is confined to boxes, file cabinets and various piles of statements and receipts which only you can navigate, it might be time for a little de-cluttering. Software- and Internet-driven advancements in money management not only provide paperless alternatives...

For many teens, there's nothing more exciting than receiving the first paycheck from a summer job – a sure-fire ticket to fun and freedom. It's also a great opportunity for parents to encourage proper money management. Parents or guardians need to do some...

Family vacations produce memories for a lifetime, but they can also teach kids great money lessons they'll need as adults. Involving kids in planning family vacations not only helps them appreciate the overall benefits of travel, but offers an opportunity for even...

Parents, if this is your first time at the back-to-school rodeo, let me share a few lessons my wife and I have learned the hard way. Chances are you'll be spending the next few weeks filling out piles of pre-enrollment paperwork,...

Summer vacation is right around the corner. I'm not a big believer in pre-planning every single detail – sometimes the best vacation moments are spontaneous. But unless your rich uncle is paying for the trip, you'll need to do a certain...

In today's world of Internet banking, smartphone shopping apps and web-based access to investment accounts, it's easy to forget that billions of people around the world – including millions in our own country – lag far behind when it comes to...