Budgeting

Balancing financial priorities doesn’t mean sacrificing desires, but it may involve sacrificing the expenditures that don't serve you.

I spoke with the Financial Post about budgeting for a pet's whole life, and why I self-insure my own cat instead of buying pet insurance.

I spoke with Financial Pipeline about how to save for every stage of adult life, from your first job to parenthood and retirement.

I spoke with the Toronto Star about why EI often covers less than parents expect during maternity leave, and how to save for the gap.

I spoke with The Canadian Press about choosing a credit card that fits your lifestyle, from building credit to negotiating fees and using hidden perks.

I spoke with TVO Today about building an emergency fund by starting with the minimum cost of your life and treating savings like a bill.

I spoke with the Toronto Star about what financial plans cost, where to find affordable options, and how I keep my own fees accessible.

I spoke with The Globe and Mail about balancing your kids' education costs with your own retirement, and why my parents' 50/50 approach worked so well for us.

I spoke with The Canadian Press about budgeting for a pet as a young Canadian: treat them as a true dependent, plan for vet emergencies, and put yourself first.

I spoke with the Toronto Star about whether you can retire on CPP and OAS alone, and the ways to stretch your income if government pensions are most of your plan.

Budgeting is about creating a plan for your money to live life on your own terms, within your means.

I spoke with the Toronto Star about peer-to-peer loans for emergency cash: how they work, who they suit, and the fine print to check before you borrow.

I spoke with The Canadian Press about downsizing or moving in with family to save money, and why you need a clear goal before you make the move.

I spoke with The Canadian Press about employers adding egg freezing to their benefits, and the ongoing costs to plan for if you use this coverage.

I spoke with STOREYS about rent increases in Ontario's non-rent-controlled units, how much of your income should go to rent, and how to budget for increases.

I run a "low spend" challenge with my clients. I shared with The Canadian Press how a spending challenge can help you rein in mindless spending.

Bottom line: Stop spending all the money you have coming in. Embrace financial maturity and get your debt under control.

Money talks can be hard for couples, especially when debt and shame are involved. I shared with The Globe and Mail why those conversations need to start without blame.

Financial challenges millennials face, the changing meaning of retirement, the differences between tracking your spending and budgeting.