Blogs From Our Experts
Dollars and pets
Rodent Ranch. That’s one of the names we contemplated for our collection of pets when our two daughters were young. If it had twitchy whiskers, grasping claws and an insatiable appetite for electrical cords, it lived with us at some point in the girls’ first 16 years.
More than a few of the menagerie arrived as gifts during the holidays. If your family decides to adopt a new pet this season, it can offer your kids the perfect training ground to learn about budgeting and financial responsibilities.
Critter costs
Read More »
Cyber-shopping safety tips
Over the holidays I did a lot of shopping online. It’s so easy these days. Kids, however, don’t have access to online payment tools, so parents often help their kids make these purchases by using their own accounts and having their kids pay them back.
Unfortunately, recent research shows that kids often purchase online without their parents’ consent. A sort of “buy now – ask later” mind set. Or, if they expect you’ll say “NO” they may simply hope you don’t check your credit card statement.
Read More »
A Goat for Christmas
Several years ago, my mother started asking for goats for Christmas arguing that she’s at the point in her life where she doesn’t really “need” anything. Since then, I’ve given her several goats, some chickens, and yards of mosquito netting. I’ve also extended the idea to others in the family.
For those of you who also receive the Gifts of Hope catalogue from Plan Canada, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about.
The gift of giving
’Tis the season for mistletoe, dreidels, the late-night runs to the toy store after the kids have gone to bed. Ahh, the holidays….
I remember the first year that my children received an allowance. That meant they could save and shop for Christmas gifts on their own for the first time too.
Lunchroom economics
It’s no secret that obesity is a growing problem in North America and those most afflicted are pre-teens and teenagers. According to a University of Michigan Study, kids who eat school lunches were nearly 39% more likely to be overweight compared with 25% of youngsters who bring lunch from home.
You can counter this growing trend and teach your children about financial choices by introducing them to lunchroom economics.
Top Parenting Tips for Business Owners: Part Three
In my previous two posts, parenting expert, author and television personality Alyson Schafer brought us insight into how to balance home and work life.
In this final post of the series, Schafer offers tips on making sure you have time for your spouse or partner, dealing with guilt, and setting your priorities as a business owner and a parent.
Tip # 1 – On Family Businesses
• If you’re thinking about bringing your kids into the family business, don’t overburden them. For example, if you have a retail store, don’t force them to work the same crazy
Shopping cart of lessons
With the cost of food on the rise and two kids with growing appetites, our weekly trip to the grocery store is getting increasingly expensive.
What’s more, my son – who strangely loves to grocery shop – and my daughter – who hates the experience and complains that I never buy anything good – have both become a lot more vocal about what they want. Suffice to say, it’s not my most favourite activity.
