Main

Children

May 15, 2013

Canada's youth have spending power

Dollar signYoung money.

According to a new report from BMO Economics, Canada's youth will have more spending power than their parents over their lifetime.

Years ago, it seemed the younger you were, the worse off you were.

But now it seems the kids will be all right.

Continue reading »

May 07, 2013

How much is mom worth to you?

1395713_25902915Can there really be a price tag attached to the role of being a mother?

Well, according to a recent survey conducted by Leger Marketing for Wal-Mart Canada, the job of mom is worth about $161,287.

That translates into about $3101.67 a week or $441.88 per day.

Continue reading »

May 02, 2013

Teach your kids some financial know-how

1068543_26845306While you're teaching your kids about the ABCs and 123s, make sure you throw in some saving and investing tips.

It's never too early to start teaching your children basic money know-how that will give them the foundation to build some financial savvy for the future.

Serge Pepin, vice president, Investment Strategy, BMO Asset Management, says, "The sooner parents start talking to their kids about money, the better prepared they will be when they start saving and investing for the future.

"Even very young children can benefit from learning basic investing skills and the importance of setting financial goals."

Continue reading »

April 17, 2013

Money talks with your kids

TalktokidsTalking to your kids about the birds and the bees is all a part of them growing up.

But did you know that talking about money is just as important.

According to a new poll by BMO Financial Group, 96 per cent of Canadians believe teaching children about money matters is key to a healthier economy.

Continue reading »

March 29, 2013

Don't break your budget for Easter

1391192_20157018Eggs...check. Baskets...check. Chocolate...check. Presents...check. Budget...what budget?

Believe it or not, Easter is the second biggest gift-giving holiday occasion for Canadians next to Christmas.

From organizing an Easter egg hunt for your kids to buying gifts, flowers, food, candy, visiting relatives -- it all adds up. And, if you didn't already have it included in your annual household budget you may be stretching it a little bit.

Continue reading »

March 28, 2013

Funding post-secondary education

298822_6140There's much to be said about a good education.

But if you're late getting out of the gate, how do you plan on funding your child's post-secondary education?

Graduating high school students, like my daughter in Grade 12, are just now starting to get their acceptance letters to colleges and universities. And, according to a new report by BMO Wealth Institute, a four-year university degree can cost upwards of $60,000 and yet three-quarters of Canadian parents are not prepared and only half have taken advantage of Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs).

Continue reading »

March 08, 2013

March Break doesn't have to break the bank

1095865_74207826While some Canadian families are heading off to warmer destinations or even ski trips for March Break there is still plenty to do without having to break the bank.

Personally speaking, I have never taken a vacation during March Break. My children and I have always stayed local and have still had fun.

The average household debt is sitting at 164 per cent, so why go crazy spending money you don't have to keep up with the Jones' just because it's March Break.

Continue reading »

March 07, 2013

What students should be studying at the School of Life

Elisabeth Donati, author of The Ultimate Allowance, looks at kids these days -- and by kids she actually means anyone under 30 -- and wonders what exactly they're being taught at home and at school.

"Our children aren’t learning how to take care of themselves … emotionally, mentally, physically, spiritually or financially," she maintains.

"They aren’t learning how to think through problems and solve them. And they aren’t learning how to think globally for the most part. Everything is geared toward solving problems individually when in reality, we solve problems best when we work on them together."

Donati decided to compile a list of what she would want kids to learn in her school, if she started one. Here’s a sample what she's come up with so far.

Continue reading »

February 19, 2013

Tax tips for families

Cra-1Filing taxes may not be child's play but child's play may give you a tax break.

If you have children, there may be some tax benefits you can take advantage of when filling out your income tax return this year.

For instance, if your children play sports such as soccer, baseball or even participate in dance classes you may be able to claim up to $500 per child for a non-refundable tax credit of up to $75 for each child. It is a great incentive to get your children involved in physical activity and it helps offset your user fees. And, if your child qualifies for the disability amount you may also be able to claim an additional $500 as long as a minimum of $100 is paid for registration or membership fees for a prescribed fitness program.

Continue reading »

February 12, 2013

Does having a second income really pay off?

Does it pay for both parents to work when the kids arrive or for one to stay home?

Well, lifestyle issues aside, there's clearly no right or wrong answer -- but it does pay to do the math, says Andy Dappen, author of Shattering the Two-Income Myth.

Some of his numbers are a bit dated for this economy, but the exercise is certainly worthwhile, maintains one stay-at-home mom, who blogs at On One Income, and concludes that the few extra dollars just weren't worth it.  

When considering whether two paycheques will pay off, you have to figure out how much of the lower earner's salary will be eaten by dual-income expenses.

For instance, the "working tax" on a second income includes childcare costs, work-related expenses, lost perks, and additional household costs. You may also find yourself in a higher tax bracket where you end up giving the government a bigger percentage of your overall family income.

Continue reading »

advertisement

Gordon PowersGordon Powers

A long-time fund company executive, Gordon Powers now heads up the Affinity Group, a financial services consulting firm. Gordon was a personal finance columnist for the Globe & Mail for many years, has taught retirement planning...

Jason BucklandJason Buckland

The modern-day MC Hammer of money, Jason can often be seen spending cash that isn’t his with the efficiency of a Wilt Chamberlain first date. After cutting his teeth as a reporter for the Toronto Sun, he joined the MSN Money team with...