We are expanding....

Hi there!

I have enjoyed my blogging experience so much that more Libro staff are going to blog too! We are going to do it on our new site WealthierMe.ca. Check it out for all of my future posts!

What does a wealthier you look like?

Tanya

Why don't we sit and enjoy..

I have a question... How many times in the summer do you actually sit and enjoy your deck & yard? I know we have once. The rest of the time we are working to improve or maintain it or running to some other activity.
Why don't we just sit and enjoy the hard work we have done. Relax our bodies and minds to be ready for the next time they really need to go in to action.

PLUS enjoying the back yard is really the most cost efficient way to enjoy the fading summer weather!

How do you enjoy your yard?

Keith Reinhart is the 2010 Young & Free Ontario Spokesperson!

Congratulations to Keith Reinhart - our first Young & Free Ontario spokesperson!

Here's a video from Keith's surprise party letting him know he got the job:

Check out YoungFreeOntario.com to follow Keith's year!

Back from Holidays.... phew!

I'm sorry - I've not written in a while.. the summer holidays are taking a tole on my time!

So I'm back from a week at the cottage.. and when I say 'I', it is actually my family and my husband's family! Oh controlled chaos but FUN!

Except, when it comes to the bill at the end of the week! There is parking for everyone, gas for boats, launching of boats, groceries, treats.... how do you figure it all out?

Keep it simple!

One person pay the bill! I know it's big but just think of the reward points on the credit card!

Then I figure out what it is per day, then figure out per adult and then pay the days you are there. For example, if the bill is $1000 for the week ($1000/7 days) that works out to $142.86 per day. Then, I work out how many adults where there each day. So Day ONE - 8 adults - ($142.86 /8)which works out to $17.86 per adult.

You must do each day separately if you have people coming and going... just like we did, but it keeps the week fresh, fun and fair for everyone involved. Once you have done each day you can add up the days each person was there and it will work out perfect!

Take time relax and enjoy the beautiful outdoors!

Final 3 ... time to vote!

The final 3 have been chosen for the Young & Free Spokester search. Please have a look and vote... and pass on to your friends!

Staying Cool!!

Ok, so it's STEAMING outside!

How do you stay cool without it costing an arm and leg?

The fan in the house is a small relief but some other options... the beach - pack a picnic, find a place to park for free and enjoy the lake!

In town and don't want to drive? Stratford is hosting the Keep it Kool program - free swimming, free skate (if you really want to cool down) and the Kiwanis Centre is open with air conditioning and satellite TV to enjoy! Check out your local community they may have their own program.

Another option is the library! Most libraries have air conditioning, a quiet place to read and web access as well!

If all else fails... fill the kiddie pool and just sit in your yard and enjoy! Any other tips on staying cool cheap?

Why Wait? Start saving now...

When it comes to saving, you may say "Saving? But I owe and I need... I can't save!"

Well if you don't start setting some money aside nothing will move forward.

I had to break a young person's heart today. He was in with his parents (who are poor money managers themselves) to see if he could get more money to fund his schooling. This poor gent has never worked... instead he has always played a competitive sport. He has worked for his parent's business but never has held a regular job. He recently finished his first year of school with no money. His parents have no money to help him and no equity to put up for security on a loan... so basically I can't help him at all.

What I can do is give him tips. Like work as many hours as you can, watch your spending, cut down on social outings or find free things to do. OR else you won't be heading back to post-secondary school.

What could have made this outcome different?

If mom and dad owned their home and could provide security - the chance of a loan would be good. If he worked a part-time job and put half of the funds away for school he may have had enough to cover meals or some of the costs instead of putting the full burden on the parents.
My question is what happens when child # 2 is ready to head away to school?

Start early - $50 a month adds up ... if you have a few years to save!