She's grown in size since her birth and acquired some friends along the way. She's had some money troubles, gotten in a few fights and had her share of both good and bad times. She's maintained a fairly good relationship with her mother even though they aren't as close as they used to be. Her closest friend is probably her next door neighbor -- even though they've had a few spats over the years. She's been described as beautiful, bi-lingual and open-minded.
And she's about to turn 147.
Her name is Canada!
That's right. Canada Day is coming up on July 1. Proud Canadians will be gathering with their friends and family to celebrate the birth of our nation all those years ago.
So raise a toast to John A. MacDonald, Sir Wilfred Laurier, Laura Secord, Billy Bishop, Terry Fox, Wayne Gretzky and all the other Canadian heroes we look up to.
And in true Consolidated Credit fashion, utilize these truly Canadian ways to ensure that you and your family have a financially secure future.
•Keep your stick on the ice -- If you aren't ready to fire a shot on the net, you'll never score a goal. The same is true for your financial success. You need to be prepared for both the good times and the bad times. Save your money and create a nest egg that you can rely on if you lose your job or have another financial hardship. But also have a plan for the money you earn when times are good. That means budgeting, keeping track of your earnings and investing wisely for your future.
•Don't go over Niagara Falls in a barrel -- If the daredevils could see where they were headed, they'd probably bail out before plummeting over Niagara Falls. The same is true when you are headed towards a financial cliff. Credit card debt is similar to that wooden barrel - it takes you over that cliff but blocks you from truly seeing what is happening. Examine your credit card statements and be aware of your financial situation. When you see you are heading towards a financial disaster, don't ignore it. Deal with the small problems before they become bigger ones. That means avoiding debt if you can, and paying your bills on time and in full every month.
•Think of the igloo -- When Inuit hunters are out on the ice, they are more concerned with their needs than their wants. An igloo is the perfect shelter for them as it provides the basic necessities of life. Think of this example as you go about your daily life. Focus on what you need and separate those things from your wants. Enjoy the simple things in life and avoid making large purchases that don't fit in with your budget or that need to be financed by credit.
If you have any more Canadianized savings tips, please let us know in the comments section below. And, have a good day, eh?
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