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articles for March, 2007:

Basic Financial Moves for Spring

posted on Mar 31 2007 under mom life + style

By Michelle Vandepol; Author of Mother Mexico.

Spring cleaning your finances may sound intimidating, but it's really all about getting to the bottom of your goals. While a portion of working is the personal rewards a career brings, another good chunk of it for most of us is the financial rewards. Doing spring clean-up and inventory allows us to best use the resources we are providing for our families. Whether your goal is to takes the financial edge off, provide a get a way or two, or let you save for continuing your education; writing your goal down will help you brainstorm ways to get there faster.

 

Within the big frame of goal setting are all the little things we do day to day that either help or get in the way of our goals. That's where financial spring cleaning comes in. Now is a great opportunity to track day to day expenses to let yourself know where you are spending your money.

 

It isn't just your own lists that can help you. Check the stuff that comes in the mail too. Look over your credit card statements and automatic monthly debits to make sure you are not paying for unnecessary expenses (30 day free trials you signed up for, duplicate insurance coverage) They also might provide insight into spending habits you want to tweak, like the late night weakness for online shopping.

 

While all this paper chasing means facing reality; don't look at your statements and panic, even if you are far away from your goals. As you accept the situation you are in, you can make the choices towards the one you want to be in. If you are looking to cut expenses to establish that emergency account, pay down debt, or bolster savings; now is the easiest time of year to evaluate downgrading expenses. As the days get longer, you can gear up for summertime with a new money attitude.

 

You may want to cut out take-out to help with bathing suit season and your wallet. You may be able to do with a smaller cable or satellite or internet package if you are spending more time outside and less time sedentary. Put your gym membership on hold now that it's nice enough to go for a walk. Pull out the barbeque and have friends over instead of going out for dinner. Look for ways the season will help you cut back and use those opportunities to get ahead.

 

You can also save by spending - spending early, that is. Book your child's sports and summer camps by the early bird deadlines this time of year to save a bundle. The same goes for necessities like bathing suits and summer sporting equipment. Use the store's full racks this early in the year to ensure that you are not buying the leftovers at whatever price you can get them at in panic mode once into the summer.  

 

Some of your spending might not have to use cash or credit. While you are cataloguing your investments and income streams in preparation for tax time, don't forget to make a personal inventory of all rewards points accumulated. You may have enough for mini shopping excursions if not a getaway or dinner out. As you are spring cleaning your drawers, be on the look-out for your un-used or partially used Christmas gift cards. You can either splurge on yourself or if you can't think of anything you need, get a jump on spring and summer baby shower and wedding gifts.

 

On the flip side of the light stuff, see a financial planner if the financial totals you are facing make you think your finances might be careening out of control. The time to see a debt counselor is before things get beyond repair. Taking active steps towards your goals will help you in the year ahead. Along with financial papers, go the other biggies such as wills, and appropriate insurance. 

 

Even if you are not going to do the full fledged spring cleaning your mother did of her house, make sure you clear your junk drawers and shoe boxes of their receipts and credit card offer envelopes. Look through the receipts to make sure you are not overlooking any tax deductions and shred all the financial papers you don't need to file. Having those numbers lying around makes it that much easier for opportunistic identity thieves. If you are throwing those papers in the garbage currently, make it a spring resolution to stop and shred. You will be preventing a huge potential financial headache.

 

As in tackling anything you have been putting off, make a list of the jobs to be done and set up a reward for job's end. You will feel much better when your information is sorted and safe and you know where you stand financially. All that's left is to move in the direction you want to go.

 

> Michelle Vandepol is a regular contributor to YMC. She has penned articles on financial topics such as continuing education, government programs, and saving money for a variety of publications ranging from SUCCEED to Frugal Homemaker. Her debut novel, Mother Mexico, is available in the http://www.iuniverse.com/ bookstore.

 

 




Mom Spotlight - Julie Nolin - Anchor of CH News at 5

posted on Mar 31 2007 under mom spotlight

Mom Spotlight - Julie Nolin

Julie joined the CH news team in November 2006, as the anchor of CH News at 5.

She was born in Calgary, but raised in Lethbridge - where she attended both the university and college there. She has a diploma in Communication Arts. She's been working in the media since 1990, beginning as a newspaper reporter, photographer and editor - and making the transition to television in 1996.

Julie has worked at stations across the prairies, including Calgary, Saskatoon and Edmonton. Aside from her work as a reporter, producer and anchor - she was also a documentary director and writer for the award-winning program, "The Sharing Circle," for six years.

She followed her extended family to the west coast in 2005 - working as an anchor/reporter for CityTV Vancouver. She was laid off in July 2006, as a result of massive cuts to CHUM Television.

In October 2006, she was named the NAJA scholar to Wharton at the University of Pennsylvania, where she studied business journalism.

Julie and her husband have two sons, Nicholas and Benjamin. They're pleased to be on the Island… her brother lives in Victoria, and her parents live in Ladysmith.

Mom Spotlight - Julie Nolin

1) Please provide an overview of your job.

Actually being on television is only a small part of what I do. I anchor a 5pm news program, but my day begins at 10am. I'm in story meetings first thing — where I help to determine, and debate, which stories will be covered each day. I also help to produce the show, which takes hours to plan and write. I will scour newspapers, wire services, the internet, and television feeds like CNN to figure out what is making news that day. After an entire team works on those stories, then I'm able to promote them - through what we call "newsbreaks" which air during commercial breaks, along with radio reports on a local station (I write all of these as well). From about 3pm onward - I'm usually very busy writing and re-writing as much as I can in our 5:00 show. Sometimes during the show, there are things missing - and it may only be seconds before I appear back on-camera before these elements are complete. So, it can be an adrenaline-filled afternoon!

2) Provide an overview of your home life, how many children you have, childcare arrangement, if married your husband's career and how you share the responsibilities at home.

My husband has been extremely supportive. We have two boys, ages 7 & 12. For nearly eleven years, we moved around so that I could advance my career. In broadcasting, you have to live in a small city to "make your mistakes." Then you move up according to the size of the city and type of position. For many years, my husband was able to work from home as a political cartoonist. But, he wanted more - and decided to go back to school in Vancouver - while the boys and I stayed behind in Edmonton in 2005. That was very difficult, but it was definitely his turn! After studying 3D animation, he now works as a storyboard artist on a couple of kid's shows. Since we moved to Victoria, he's working at home once again - which is a wonderful thing for our two boys! My hours are finally more normal than ever before (10am to 6pm) - so we get to eat dinner together again, which wasn't the case for five years.

 

3) Could you discuss 3 tips for women who are developing/managing their careers.

I think the most important thing is to follow your instincts. When I was working in Calgary as a reporter, I wanted more… I wanted to be an anchor as well. I kept applying for positions within my station, but my boss was unsupportive. He told me that I had no potential as an anchor! A few short weeks later, a station in Saskatoon offered me an anchor/reporter job. My boss told me I was making a huge mistake by accepting the position - when in retrospect, it was the smartest thing for me to do, because I needed to go to a smaller station to "make my mistakes."

As well, knowledge is power. I have always tried to learn everything I can about my field. Thankfully, I have a technical aptitude - so for me it's not just about the aesthetics of television or writing well; it's also about knowing how a camera works, along with how shows are timed out. Because television is constantly changing, I look for training opportunities wherever I can.

And most importantly, face your fears. I was an extremely shy person in my early twenties, but I came to the conclusion that I didn't want to live my life like that. To think that I may have up to 60,000 people watching me at one time - would not have been fathomable when I was a shy young woman. Because I moved past those fears, I am a stronger person - and I am more confident as a result.

 

4) Of your female friends with children how many of them continue to work now that they have children.

I never thought I couldn't have it all. When all my friends were holding off marriage and kids for their careers, I decided to have both. Now many of them are winding down with their careers as they have kids, while my life has pretty much stayed the same. However, I don't believe many women are as lucky to have a husband like mine - and that makes a world of difference when you can support each other.

 

5) Can you offer any advice for achieving a balance between your family life and your career.

Sometimes work takes the priority - and sometimes family takes the priority. There isn't balance all the time… that's the reality. However, when your gut instinct that tells you one or the other is suffering - then you must take action. Is it ever easy? No, but I just wouldn't have it any other way… my life is full of adventure and passion, and hopefully I'm a role model for my children.




Social Networking for Moms

posted on Mar 31 2007 under mom life + style

How to make great mommy friends through online social networks.

All through life we have been making friends.  Strategies and social graces may have changed throughout the various stages of our lives, however, we still have a deep desire to connect and have fun with likeminded individuals. 

 

Now into motherhood, we are out there scouting the "mom market" looking for moms that are, well, just like us.  We want to find that perfect mommy group where we rally around each other for support through the good and the not-so-good life experiences.  We want to find moms that can relate to the joys of parenting and can help us laugh at things that we sometimes can't seem to do by ourselves.

 

Online social networking communities are really not that different than your neighbourhood playground.  You meet some moms, chat about your kids and your life and you become friends — or you don't. The primary difference with an online playground is in "the way" you meet other moms and initiate communication. Understanding the etiquette and structure of social networking sites can help us to connect with moms who closely reflect your style, values and goals.

 

Lurk before you leap.

Familiarize yourself with the online community, the philosophy and, yes, the moms!  Poke around the different channels of communication such as blogs, forums, and groups.  Each offers a different way of connecting and communicating with other moms.  Find an area that you feel comfortable in and watch from the sidelines for a while.

  

Plant yourself at home.

Once you feel comfortable within the community, get acquainted.  Edit your profile to give moms a glimpse into who you are and what you are interested in.  Perhaps you want to add a picture of yourself and/or your kids. 

 

Get out and play.

Get active in the community, start answering requests for advice, start asking for it.  Share your experiences and don't be afraid to laugh at yourself.  Join or start groups targeted to those who share your interests; perhaps you have a hobby or would like to get more exercise.  Remember, you can be totally "real" in online communities.  There is no pressure to be that person your coworkers see, your neighbours see, or even your in-laws see!

 

Meet friends.

By now, you will have your eye on a few moms, (yes, really is like dating, isn't it?).  Take the initiative and ask her to be your friend!  Social networking sites have made it super easy to build and manage your network of moms. Usually, you simply push a button and a request is sent off to establish a connection. 

 

Build friendships.

It is one thing to add a friend, and quite another to be one.  Once you have connected, begin to go back and forth through private messages or email.  Maybe you both can join the same group (online or off).  Get to know the individual within the mom.  Ask questions, and listen.  Allow her to vent, laugh and cry.  Pay attention to what is happening in each other's lives, and follow up on it.  Be supportive without feeling the need to tell her what to do or how she should feel.

 

Stacking your mommy network with moms that you really connect with is a key contribution to a happy experience of motherhood.  So get started, build your mommy network today. 

 

About the author:
Michelle Davies is the founder of MommyClub Inc., a comprehensive social network for Canadian Moms allowing likeminded moms to interact and share wisdom — both on and off-line.   MommyClubTM gives you access to events, resources, newsletters, blogs, friendship and more…all in one spot!   Join for FREE at http://www.mommyclub.ca/.




Financial Spring Cleaning

posted on Mar 31 2007 under money mom

This month I wanted to write about cleaning. You know how good it can feel to go through a junk drawer and clean out the mess, the same good feelings can come from looking at your financial affairs with the same intent. I think that many people would like to have a better grasp on their financial situation but the task seems somewhat overwhelming, so I would like to suggest a few things that can be done that will pave the way to more clarity.

 First , get your —– in a pile. I mean your paperwork of course! We as financial planners and the companies that we represent seem to like to keep the paper industry in business and we send out realms of paper. So it is quite likely that you have a collection of statements that may go back to the ice age. In most circumstances only the most recent document is relative.

 

 In the case of Life Insurance Policies, the "Anniversary Statement" is the document that you should have.  It will list the amount of coverage, whom the owner of the coverage is, the type of coverage, the beneficiaries of the policy and information on any value in cash in the policy , as well as investment information if it pertains to the policy. Review all of the information. It may be that you have had changes in your life since this policy was taken out, an example would be adding children as contingent beneficaries to a policy.

I THROW OUT ALL OLD STATEMENTS WHEN THE NEW ONE ARRIVES.

If you have not received a statement or you have old information, call either the agent or the Insurance Company to make changes.

 

Investment statements can be a real source of confusion, especially if you have investments with multiple institutions. While most companies have gone to semi- annual statements some still issue quarterly statements. 

Two questions to ask yourself regarding investments.

  • 1) Do you have a strategy
  • 2) Do you have annual meetings regarding your strategy

If you can answer yes then there should be no need to hold on to old documents, you are moving forward with a plan.

If you answer no, then you have a lot at stake.  You need to speak with someone who will help you to evaluate you goals and set you on a path to achieving those goals. This should help clean up and clear up some of the confusion surrounding a haphazard investment strategy.

 

This process of sorting, reviewing and making and necessary changes should be applied to other contracts such as Disability coverage, home and auto insurance creditor insurance. It is essential to make sure that the coverage is appropriate for your needs. Any changes to your situation such as a job change can initiate the need to make changes to certain financial plans.

 

April is the perfect time to "Spring Clean" your finances, as we all know April 30th is tax filing deadline and as my account likes to say. " You can't tax plan backwards".

 

Feel free to contact me with any questions. Vold.financial.group@londonlife.com

Please use Yummymummy  in the subject line.

Sincerely,

 

Shelly Vold CFP REBC




Introducing New Financial Information To Suit Your Lifestyle

posted on Mar 23 2007 under money mom

Connect Moms is pleased to present a new content addition to the Career Spa.  Three fantastic financial advisors are now contributing financial information suited to your lifestyle as a working mom.  Meet Jennifer Kirby of the Kirby Financial Group, Shelly Vold president of Vold Financial Group Inc. and certified financial planner with Freedom 55 Financial, Julie Tremblay.

 

Jennifer Kirby, BA(Hon),CFP,RHU,CLU Kirby Financial Group Inc.  Jennifer is a Certified Financial Planner and is the principal of Kirby Financial Group in Calgary. Jennifer can be reached online at Kirby Financial Group or via email at Jennifer@kirbyfinancialgroup.com 

 

Shelly Vold is the president of Vold Financial Group Inc. and the mother of three children. Shelly has been in the Financial Services Industry for 10 years. She holds a Certified Financial Planner Designation and a Registered Employee Benefits Consultant Designation. Most of her practice is focused on Women and  Business Owners. Shelly can be reached at vold.financial.group@londonlife.com

 

Julie Tremblay was born and raised in the Peace River region in northwestern Alberta, which was where she learned from her father, a hardworking farmer, the challenges and potential rewards of entrepreneurship as well as the value of saving for a rainy day.

After being involved on the administrative side of the financial services industry for four years, Julie joined Freedom 55 Financial as a financial advisor in July 2000. She helps her clients build financial plans, focusing mainly on the unique needs of young professionals, small business owners, and entrepreneurs. Using investment and insurance products, she helps her clients accumulate and protect their wealth over the various stages of their lives.

Julie holds the following degrees and designations:

- Bachelor of Management (Finance), University of Lethbridge

- Certified Financial Planner

Julie is also a member in good standing of the following professional organizations, and subscribes to their respective codes of ethics and standards of conduct:

- Advocis, Canada's professional association for all financial advisors and planners, and

- Financial Planners Standards Council

Julie has been involved with the University of Lethbridge Alumni Association for many years, is a founding member of the Bright Minds in Business Society (BMIBS), and is also a volunteer with Junior Achievement of Southern Alberta. She makes fitness a large part of her daily life, and enjoys spending her spare time with her friends and family. Please visit Julie's website: http://www.julietremblay.ca

 




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