Credit Canada

Come the holiday season, I can’t help but think about George Bailey of Bedford Falls. Otherwise known as actor Jimmy Stewart, George and his townsfolk have become a staple of Christmas viewing as TV and cable networks air what the American Film Institute has labeled the most inspiring film of all time, “It’s a Wonderful Life”, directed by Frank Capra.

George Bailey offers a life lesson to all of us as a man who gives everything he has to family and friends, only to find that he is threatened with financial ruin; thanks to the dishonesty of Bedford Fall’s sleazy slumlord, Mr. Potter. But as George prepares on Christmas Eve to commit suicide by jumping off a bridge, his guardian angel Clarence Odbody arrives to save the day. (more…)

Lately we have been hearing loud and clear about how important it is to teach our children about managing and handling money. We know that in the school system these subjects are hit and miss and you are lucky if your child has a teacher who is willing to take this important task on.

Well, it so happens there is one elementary school teacher I know of who is up for the challenge. His name is Mr. Brian Barlow of Birchcliff Public School and he has introduced my daughter and her Grade Six classmates to an innovative and imaginative financial literacy program he developed many years ago.

This is how it works. Mr. Barlow issues Barlow Bucks (he creates his own paper notes) to each student at the beginning of the school term. The Bucks can be used to purchase items from the Barlow store, which mostly stocks school supplies such as pencils, erasers, markers, etc. In addition, each month, students are required to pay ten Barlow Bucks for the rental of their desk and chair. At the same time, students can earn Barlow Bucks by getting their homework done on time. They can also lose Barlow Bucks for lagging on their homework or for acting out in class. (more…)

In what some refer to as the 21st Century of Entitlement, we all know how demanding kids can be. I happen to have two at home. So far, they’ve told me the household needs a new computer printer, new software programs and why not throw in a new computer to get ready for another year of hitting the books. (more…)

There’s a new word on people’s lips this year: Staycation. And, no, it’s not a summer blockbuster starring Eddie Murphy as the unemployed patriarch of a family of misfits played by none other than Eddie Murphy. Staycation is the term for sticking around home this season and finding ways to enjoy yourself at the same time. It also can make your summer a hit in a big way. 

A staycation makes a lot of sense in a down economy. Travelling can be very expensive and sometimes you’ve just got to tighten the reigns and stay put. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun. Luckily, in cities and communities throughout Canada, you can have a terrific time without spending a lot. There is much to see and do for individuals and families alike.

For instance, I’ve already mapped out staycation options for my gang of rowdies, Chelsey (11) and Ben (13). We live in Toronto, and it is really quite amazing what you can discover and experience here while spending little or no money. (more…)