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(NC) Teaching kids about money is as important as teaching them to read and write. But how can parents start early to develop their children's financial know-how?

The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) suggests that as soon as kids can count, parents can introduce the basics about money, such as the value of different bills and coins, where money comes from, and how to use jars for savings and spending. As kids grow older, parents can add concepts like income, expenses, budgeting, and defining financial goals, for example, saving for a special purchase.

Talking about money when children are present allows them to become familiar with financial terms, and helps them understand household expenses that are part of the family budget and the difference between needs and wants. Lessons they'll need as adults to make smart financial decisions.

The Manitoba Securities Commission's Make it Count resource helps teach these basic lessons. FCAC's life event, Teaching Children about Money, shows parents how to provide basic money management skills as children grow. An interactive online resource developed by FCAC in collaboration with the British Columbia Securities Commission. The city teaches young people financial skills that will serve them throughout their lives. It can be taught in a classroom or used individually. All these resources can be found through itpaystoknow.gc.ca.

November is Financial Literacy Month and presents opportunities for Canadians of all ages to enhance their financial knowledge. Organizations across the country will host events that help build money management skills and knowledge. You can find events in your area on the calendar of events at itpaystoknow.gc.ca/flm.

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(NC) With recent statistics suggesting that more Canadians are in debt and taking longer to pay it off, saving for the future might seem next to impossible. But personal finance experts say that if you have the right support and resources, digging yourself out of the red and saving for the future might not be as difficult as you think.

"There is a huge misconception out there that working with a financial advisor is only for those who have a lot of money," says Wade Stayzer, the vice president of retail and investment services at Meridian, Ontario's largest credit union. "But the reality is that working with a trusted financial advisor is the first step to getting your finances on track - no matter what your bank balance looks like."

A trusted financial advisor can coach you on ways to get out of debt sooner and minimize the amount of interest you're paying on your current debt. And very importantly, they can help you create a realistic budget to ensure you're living well within your means. They can also help you put a plan in place to save for big ticket items like a first home or renovations, as well as save for the future.

Meridian offers tips to help you tackle your debt and save for your financial future.

  • Create a personalized financial plan: Work with a trusted financial advisor to create a plan. Be honest with your advisor and give them the full picture, making sure to include everything, such as daycare and commuting costs. It's important to meet with them at least once a year to re-evaluate your plan and make any adjustments necessary to keep you on track to reaching your financial goals.
  • Be strategic: Pay off the debt with the highest interest rate first, while paying the minimum on the rest of your debts. Once that first debt is paid off, concentrate your efforts and funds in paying the next debt with the highest interest rate.
  • Invest automatically: Saving for the future today isn't difficult if you put your savings on auto pilot. Many financial institutions provide pre-authorized contribution (PAC) plans, which automatically transfer funds from your chequing account into your savings investments on regular intervals. PACs are a great tool for contributing to RSPs and if you coordinate the withdrawals to align with your payday, the money won't even be missed.
  • Make financial resolutions: Be more proactive about your personal finances and start getting organized for the new year now. Determine what your goals are and work with your trusted financial advisor now to build a plan that will set you up for financial success next year.
  • Take advantage of other resources: You can get some great budgeting advice from a variety of sources including software programs that help you track your day-to-day spending.

"Many financial institutions like Meridian," says Stayzer, "also offer online household budget calculators that you can use to keep track of your expenses."

More information is available online at meridiancu.ca.

Attention editors: This article is for distribution in Ontario only.

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We spend hours in the kitchen socializing, keeping the family organized, and, of course, cooking and eating. As the center of the home's activities, the kitchen should be as fun as it is functional. With just a few supplies and a free weekend, you can cook up a whole new look for your kitchen. 
 
Warm up the walls
Changing the color and texture of walls is an easy way to add some spice to any kitchen. Paint the walls a deep red or blue for a dramatic look, or make your space feel light and airy with a coat of sunny yellow or subtle taupe. Feel free to experiment with decorative painting techniques, such as stripes, geometric patterns or textured finishes.
 
After you've freshened up the color and texture of your walls, express your personal style through a few new accessories. An antique clock, a picture collage or shelves with colorful canisters are decorative, as well as functional.
 
Change up the cabinets
Liven up basic cupboards by switching the hardware - it's a simple way to give your existing cabinets a whole new look. Use crystal knobs for a vintage touch, or add stainless steel handles for an ultra-modern, sleek appearance.
And, don't forget about the functional aspect of your cupboards - install shelf liner to ensure cabinets stay clean and well-maintained. Shelf liner protects cabinet shelves and drawers from wear and tear, prevents scratches and keeps spills or drips from damp dishes from causing damage to surfaces.
 
"I recommend using shelf liner in any kitchen renovation project," says Danny Lipford, home improvement expert and host of the Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford television series. "It's simple for any homeowner to install and can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth or thrown in the washing machine. My favorite is Easy Liner from Duck brand - it offers an array of non-adhesive and adhesive shelf liners that are stylish and practical for use in any kitchen."
Cook%20up%20a%20whole%20new%20look%20for%20your%20kitchenThe most popular variety, Smooth Top Easy Liner has a smooth surface that catches messes and spills as they happen, making clean-up a breeze, while the non-slip, gripped underside keeps the liner firmly in place.
 
Transform your table
Create a delightful dining space with a few changes to your kitchen table. Use a staple gun and a bright fabric to recover your chairs, making items you already own look like new additions to your home. You can even create a new tablecloth using the leftover fabric. Then, design your very own placemats using Smooth Top Easy Liner for a decorative touch that's easy to wipe clean as well as replace. 
 
Make sure to add a chic centerpiece - a vase of fresh flowers, a glass bowl filled with fruit or a collection of candlesticks - to transform your existing tabletop and create a focal point for guests as they enter the room.
 
Brighten the basics
Adding color from floor to ceiling is a great way to improve the overall feel of your kitchen. To start, try adding accessories to areas of your kitchen that feel blase. Bring in color at the highest points of the kitchen by adding faux plants or interesting knickknacks to the space above cabinets. Then, look low and consider the floor. Placing a colorful area rug beneath the table can bring additional interest and color to the kitchen, while also protecting the floor against scratches.
 
Window treatments are another effective, eye-catching way to make any kitchen pop, whether you're adding new valances, cornices or even long panels. When choosing fabrics, make a statement with bright colors, or choose an unexpected, bold pattern for a contemporary approach. Sophisticated stripes, pretty plaids or fun florals are also a nice choice for kitchens. Follow these tips to make your kitchen as chic as your dinner is delicious - you'll create a flavorful design that will look good enough to eat.
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While online investing offers a level playing field to women and men, there are differences between how the genders tackle their investments. The largest motivator driving women to become more involved in managing their investments is a life event. For men, it's knowing how much money they have now, compared to what they will need in the future.

"Women tell us their engagement is rooted in the future use of the investment such as saving for a child's education; men on the other hand are more driven by achieving the target amount they have set for themselves," said Michael MacDonald, vice-president of strategy at RBC Direct Investing. "The key motivator for each gender differs, but both recognize the importance of being knowledgeable and involved."

Confidence also continues to be a divergent factor between the sexes. Men are more likely than women to agree that they are good investors. MacDonald adds that there are many resources available to build that knowledge and gain confidence. For example, RBC Direct Investing offers to its online investors:

• Practice Accounts, a no-risk way to test investing strategies and develop investing skills.

• Portfolio tools, to help online investors build their portfolios and chart their progress.

More information is available online at www.rbcdirectinvesting.com.RBC is a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund.

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Your home is your paradise, and if you are planning to renovate your home, go for the changes that not only catch your eye, but that they are also comfortable for you and your family. Remodeling is associated with adjustments in every nook and cranny of the home. If you are going to change the flooring of your home, there are some tips for flooring different parts of your house.

Bedroom flooring:

There are plenty of options when it comes to flooring in your bedroom. Being the most private and personalized part of your home, your bedroom is the place which uses a big part of your budget whenever you are remodeling your home; you can use carpet, tile, hardwood, bamboo, cork or laminate. Play with different materials in different rooms; you can opt for striped light and dark shades in your boy's room so that if your son is going to create mess ( which is unavoidable), the flooring can withstand the burden, and also the flooring can bear heavy traffic of the folks coming in the bedroom. For more powerful scratch and water resistant flooring, you can choose laminate.

Living room flooring:

Most of the traffic in a home happens in the living room, with people coming in and out of the house. It is highly recommended that the flooring should be strong enough that it can endure all such wear and tear done with your furniture, or to the increasing and decreasing ratio of visitors. For this purpose you can opt for hardwood flooring. Being classy and sophisticated in look it is the perfect choice for your living room whenever you are remodeling your home.

Kitchen flooring:

Design the floor of your kitchen in such a way that it not only looks pretty, but also gives a practical impression. You can choose from vinyl, tile, natural stone, wood, cork or laminate. A floor covering that is water resistant and durable such as tile, is the best choice to protect against potential water damage. Make sure when you choose your floor to order a little extra of the product, in the event that you drop something like a pot on your floor. If the flooring material is damaged, you will be sure to have enough to repair the floor because often, floor manufacturers have high turnover of their products, to insure a continual buying cycle. Most flooring contractors add 5-10% additional square footage of the flooring product to their purchase order to insure they have enough for the project and to provide the client with a little extra flooring for future use.
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Property Photo: 23032 BILLY BROWN RD in Langley
We are thrilled to say we have just SOLD a property at 23032 BILLY BROWN RD in Langley.
BEDFORD LANDING! This Home is A MUST SEE! 4 Bedrooms! 4 Baths! Stunning Quality Finishing Throughout! Incredible OPEN PLAN Design with Living & Dining Rooms with attractive Picture Windows! Fabulous Kitchen with Lovely cabinetry and an Oversized Breakfast Island! Open to Great Room - making it PERFECT for Entertaining! Walk-out to Sundeck & Private South backing Yard! Master Bedroom boasts 5 pce Ensuite & Vaulted! Bedrooms up - both with Ensuite Access! Fully Finished Basement with Sep Entrance! "L" shaped Rec Room! Bedroom! Storage! 4pce Bath! Roughed in for Suite! WOW! Loaded with Upgrades -- New Hardwood on Main! Central Air! 9 Ft Ceilings! Freshly Painted Outside (2014)! The list goes on! Don't Wait -- You'll LOVE IT!! WOW!! BE FAST ON THIS ONE!!
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Property Photo: 310 16085 83 AVE in Surrey
We are thrilled to say we have just SOLD a property at 310 16085 83 AVE in Surrey.
YOUR WAIT IS OVER!! Welcome to "FAIRFIELD HOUSE"! This Corner Penthouse is a MUST SEE! 1239 sq. ft! 2 Bedrooms & Den! This is an incredible home and shows "pride of ownership" throughout! Spacious Living Room with Gas Fireplace & walk-out to the lovely corner south balcony! "Open Plan" Dining - makes it perfect for Entertaining! Lovely Kitchen with new stainless steel appliances, white cabinetry and sunny South facing Eat-iI Arrea! Bonus Open Plan Den! The Master Retreat with spacious walk-in closet & luxurious 5pce Ensuite! 2nd Bedroom also a good size! New Flooring in Kitchen & Bathrooms! Laundry Room! Upgraded Fixtures! Situated in one of Fleetwood's Most Sought After Complexes! Walking distance to Library, Rec Centre, Shopping, Schools ..... Don't Wait -- You'll LOVE IT!!
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When mid-morning or afternoon hunger hits, that dreaded energy drain can make us reach for a little boost. It is tempting to grab indulgent snack foods, so it's wise to plan out well-portioned, healthy snacks ahead of time.

These perfect portion ideas from the Almond Board of California make smart snacking decisions easy:

• A nutritious snack is packed with nutrients and has fewer than 200 calories.

• Energy-boosting snacks should contain protein, fibre and very little added sugar.

• A perfect portion of almonds is one ounce (28g) or 23 almonds - about a handful - and contains 3.5 grams of fibre and 6 grams of protein.

• One tablespoon (15 mL) of almond butter has about 100 calories, 1 gram of fibre and 2 grams of protein to help keep you satisfied until your next meal.

Try these power-pairings for the ideal mid-morning or mid-afternoon pick-me-up:

• Whole-grain bread or apple slices with almond butter;

• A small handful of whole natural almonds and dried fruit;

• Sliced turkey with mustard;

• Low-fat Greek yogurt or cottage cheese and granola;

• Air-popped vegetable chips or soy chips and hummus;

• Handful of whole natural almonds and an ounce of cheese;

• An ounce each of dark chocolate and almonds.

Or, assemble this bite-sized snack. With only three ingredients, it is simple to prepare, plus the 6 grams of protein and 3.5 grams of fibre will provide you with energy during those mid-morning or afternoon slumps.

Dried Figs Stuffed with Almonds and Cream Cheese

Makes 2 cups

Ingredients

½ cup (125 mL) dried black or golden figs

¼ cup (50 mL) reduced-fat cream cheese¼ cup (50 mL) whole natural almonds

Directions

Make a lengthwise slit in each fig, not cutting all the way through. Spread a teaspoon of cream cheese inside each hole, and stuff with one or two almonds. Serve.

More information is available online at AlmondBoard.com.

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Have you ever stopped to consider how much thought and effort went into the design of the spaces you visit every day? You may not realize it, but your favorite restaurants, neighborhood grocery store and go-to movie theater follow some very specific design principles in order to create a unique space that is both visually appealing and user-friendly.

Much like home designers, commercial architects and interior designers think of spaces in their totality. To a commercial designer, every area - from the entryway to the public bathrooms to the behind-the-scenes storage areas - must be considered when working on a new project. One way commercial designers help create a unique look and feel throughout public spaces is through the use of repetition. Repeating a pattern, color or texture in more than one area of a space lends a feeling of continuity. 

According to Judd Lord, director of industrial design at Delta Faucet Company, this attention to detail makes commercial environments a great place to look for design inspiration.

'Highly-designed commercial spaces allow people to get a sense of what their own home may feel like in terms of color palette, textures, combination of materials and accents prior to actually committing to a design,' Lord says. 'For example, visiting high-end hotels can provide a great way to 'live' in a particular design aesthetic to see if it suits you.'

The next time you stay at a hotel, look for hints of repetition. You may find that the orange sofas in the lobby, for instance, carry through to your guest room pillows or decorative accents. Or, perhaps the wrought iron door handles match the window hardware perfectly. The small touches that regularly go unnoticed help to create a distinct sense of place in commercial spaces. When deciding what design elements to incorporate into a commercial building, designers consider not only how certain aspects can enhance overall design aesthetic, but also how they can be used to promote functionality in the space. For example, when designing an entryway, commercial designers must think about who will be using the space and for what purpose. While a banquet hall designer may prefer curving staircases to help create the feeling of grand luxury suitable for weddings and debutante balls, it is likely that they will also incorporate an elevator to ensure the space is accessible to all guests.

The important role functionality plays in commercial buildings is perhaps demonstrated most readily when taking the public bathroom into consideration. For instance, a single-room bathroom with a plush sitting area and vanity mirror may enhance the shopping experience for customers at a high-end boutique, while busy shoppers at large malls may prefer multiple stalls to help avoid long bathroom lines. For both of these spaces, innovative products can help enhance the bathroom experience through increased functionality. For instance, on Delta faucets that feature Proximity Sensing Technology, the entire faucet acts as a sensor, activating the flow of water instantly and effortlessly when it detects the presence of your hands. Faucets that employ this type of technology are more dependable than traditional infrared sensors - which can be unreliable in low-light or when wearing dark clothing and are more susceptible to vandalism that can impair the functionality of the faucet and make the bathroom experience a little easier for consumers in public spaces.

Building materials must also support the overall purpose of a space. Residential building materials are often chosen solely to help portray a specific design aesthetic, while materials used in commercial developments must be chosen with both durability and esthetics in mind. Everything, from the floorboards to the light switches, must be able to withstand the wear and tear of repeated use as these spaces may be visited by thousands of people per day. While a small amount of wear in a private home may make the environment feel more welcoming and warm, the public tends to regard the same amount of wear in a commercial space as being aged and out of date.

The next time you are out shopping at the grocery store, try to appreciate the smallest design details, such as the layout of shopping aisles that make it easier for you to navigate the store and return home more quickly. Attention to these details not only helps a business operate efficiently, but also creates a better experience for you, the consumer.
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