Serving Canadian Christians
Charitable giving: Being generous when times are tough
|
|
In difficult economic times like these, it's natural to search for ways to cut expenses and reduce the pressure on your family income. Among the many ways to lower expenses, the easiest may seem to stop making donations to your favorite charities. Full Article
|
Top 10 Financial Tips for Women
Knowing how to manage your money will protect you financially, help you reach your goals and help you sleep soundly at night too! Full Article
Plan ahead for April Showers
As we move through life, each stage brings its share of joy and challenge. Just as April showers bring May flowers, it is often only after hard work, perseverance and planning that we see the benefit of our efforts.Full Article
Teaching Kids to Share the Plenty
As you celebrate God's blessings during family gatherings, why not use the holidays and your time together to teach your kids about sharing with others? Here are some tips for helping your family live generously. Full Article
Where does all your money go?
Many Canadian families suffer "Hole-in-a-pocket" syndrome, meaning the money they earn seems to slip away leaving no trace. As a result, plans we may have for our family, our home, our church and our future are set aside. "We can't afford it" is frequently heard, even when our family income suggests that the plans are - or should be - affordable. Full Article
Life insurance - Children change everything
There is nothing like a new addition to the family to get parents and grandparents looking ahead to the future. Much of what lifes ahead is unkown, but there are some things like life insurance that can help secure your child's financial future. In addition to having life insurance on each parent, in many cases, insuring the life of a child can make sense and can also offer many long-term benefits for your child and the whole family. Full Article
Retirement planning: There's no time like the present
No matter what stage in life you find yourself, now is always the best time to save for your retirement. As we start a new year, and with the RRSP deadline quickly approaching, now is the perfect time to put a financial plan in place if you've still got that on your 'to do' list. Full Article
A Penny Saved: The Small Stuff Pays Off
In these uncertain economic times, most people like to discover ways of saving money, especially if they make little impact on their current lifestyle. Here are ten such ideas. Taken together and applied over a few months, they could make a noticeable difference to your families budget. Full Article
Build a Budget
To most of us the word "budget" falls into the same category as "diet." It sounds negative, oppressive and generally not much fun. So let's banish the B-word and look at it from another angle. It's Not a Budget - It's a Road Map. Full Article
Prioritize Your Debt
Many of us shudder at the word "debt." The text suggests weakness and servitude, obligations and liabilities. Some of us recall Dickensian stories of debtors' prisons. Being "in debt" sounds sinful. Full Article
What to Pay First?
Some people may find their debt situation so overwhelming they retain a credit counselor to handle things for them. Most of us can deal with the situation through a mix of planning and determination. To strengthen our determination we can turn to Proverbs 21:5 - The plans of the diligent lead to profit. Full Article
Dealing with Creditors
Be Realistic. Do not offer a payment amount or schedule that cannot be achieved.
Be Reasonable. Outstanding debt represents a potential loss to the creditor. They have a right to expect payment under most circumstances.
Be Reassuring. Express your serious intention to resolve the problem. Creditors do not want their concerns to be treated frivolously. Full Article
Ways to Reduce Spending
It is not only possible to enjoy maximum pleasure from the rewards of our labour and ambition while spending minimal amounts of money to achieve them - it is essential. So do not consider these suggestions as a reduction in joy and comfort for you and your loved ones. Think of them as a means of improving both, with the added bonus of building financial security and freedom from stress due to overpowering debt. Full Article
