2018! Do you remember when you were a kid and 2010 was so far away? And now, here we are 2018 with two more years until 2020. Each year I name my year, I give it a title, something to keep me mindful of my goal(s). This year the title is “Frugality Continues” my path to financial freedom. I’m not going to get preachy, (well maybe a little), but I like to call it passion. wink

Working in the mortgage industry has allowed me the opportunity to work with many clients that had lifestyle challenges, personal finance challenges, and blindness problems. What does this mean; first, I am not judging.  I am the last person to throw stones; I have been there. Some people are blind to their spending and their participation in choosing what a need and a want were. Some of you may be thinking that I am speaking about you? I promise, I’m not.  I’m thinking about a hundred clients that I am wrapping up in a family that I will call Jack and Jill and their kids James and Janice.

Over the next year, I will be sharing stories about the Solvent family and their adventures in financial literacy. The purpose is to assist my readers with financial wisdom,  support, and tips on how to keep your money in your pocket. A couple of thoughts.  I will be running a contest each month for the best money saving tip. It must be simple and easy for anyone to do, so send in those suggestions. I’ll also be looking for questions.   They will be kept anonymous so ask away. There’s a link below to a special email box. The prize each month will be fun and frivolous.

My January tip: Collect ALL the bills and statements in your home for the last six months. I mean all of them, the hydro, gas, Visa, chequing account, Rogers, all of them. Now pour yourself your beverage of choice, again, I won’t judge. If you have a budget, excel sheet, great. If you don’t, go to my website, I have one there.

Now let’s look at where your money is going. How often do you go to Tim’s? How much are you paying in bank fees? How much are you paying in interest? Where can you shave some costs? I know for our home, it was increasing our internet and ridding ourselves of cable. When you take a six-month look at your spending, it’s amazing what you will discover; I challenge you to do this.

If you email me that you’ve completed this challenge and tell me your one thing, the one thing that you will change that will make a difference in your bottom line; I’ll send one luckey person a reward. WARNING: looking at your spending for six months is not for the faint of heart, it’s tough. But you can do it! I’m here for you.

Before I leave you to get on with your expense review, I want to let you know that I have left Oriana Financial. What does this mean to you? Nothing! My contact information has not changed, I am still a mortgage agent, only now, with the team of Debbie Belair of DLC Smart Debt. You will be seeing some more communication in the coming weeks. Have a great 2018! I am here to support you on your financial path.

Happy New Year,
Jacquie