Money Mentors

This document is one of a series developed by Money Mentors, a not-for-profit credit counselling and money management organization based in Alberta.

Here, the focus is on saving money by having a staycation, which means staying at home and pretending to be a tourist on vacation in the community.

In this brief document, the authors offer tips for achieving goals by saving over a relatively long time frame.

They use as an example a couple whose current monthly spending includes a large amount for dining out and entertainment. They want to maintain part of this lifestyle, and save for their children’s education, a big vacation, and their retirement.

This fact sheet offers tips for saving money on clothing, hair and beauty, and fitness.

The authors say that most women are interested in looking good, and whether that interest comes naturally or is socialized is a question for anthropologists and sociologists to debate. The question they deal with is how to achieve great looks for less.

This fact sheet is one in a series developed by Money Mentors, a not-for-profit credit counselling and money management organization based in Alberta.

Among the tips the authors provide are reconsidering personal budgets; refinancing or consolidating loans; borrowing from family or friends; negotiating with creditors; and declaring bankruptcy.

Financial planning can be a challenge for people who work seasonally, are self-employed, or rely on commission sales. In this fact sheet, the authors provide tips for maintaining financial stability in the face of variable income.

This short document offers tips for dealing with both the emotional and financial fallout of divorce.

The authors encourage people to reach out for help; educate themselves; protect their own financial situation and their credit reports; meet with a money coach; protect themselves legally; and get ready to start fresh.

This brief document is one in a series developed by Money Mentors, a not-for-profit credit counselling and money management organization based in Alberta.

The authors note that money can cause conflict in any relationship, and it can be a challenge when two people merge into one household. But, with some planning and communication, conflict can be reduced.

This fact sheet offers a 10-point plan for getting personal finances in order.

The suggestions include tracking spending; calculating net worth; getting a copy of any credit reports; developing an emergency fund; starting a savings account; checking interest rates; shopping for deals; and contributing to a retirement fund.

In this fact sheet, the authors present nine practical suggestions for saving money.

The suggestions include focusing on one or two areas to cut back on; setting tangible goals, like saving for a specific item; setting up an automatic withdrawal for savings; going on a savings “crash diet” for a month; and saving small change in a jar.

This fact sheet, aimed at people who are facing problems with debt repayment, is one of a series prepared by Money Mentors, a non-profit credit counselling and money management organization based in Alberta.