Financial Security

By Jennifer McCulloch

I worked for over 30 years as a dog groomer but not only did I groom, I had to manage the pet store, which required me to make the orders, serve the customers and everything that went with that. I loved my job, but the downside was that there was no pension plan. Having no pension plan meant that after I retired, the only income I get is the Canada pension plan and the pension from Quebec.

The good thing is I started saving $50 a month and that gives me a little backup. I wish I had started earlier than I did.

Today, with the cost of living always rising, it becomes more difficult to make ends meet.

A life is meant to live. I have to be kind to myself and indulge in life's pleasures. Being on a fixed income you have to make sure you live within your means. Credit cards offer you hopes and dreams but then you have to pay for them. You have to use credit cards responsibly and get the best rate possible.

Young people today have to think a bit about tomorrow. If you're going to have children, you have to make sure that if something bad happens to you, that you have life insurance sufficient for their academic future.

Being happy at your job is very important, and so is saving a bit of money every month for your future.

Sometimes it's difficult, but once you get it set up automatically, I promise, you won't miss the small amount and it'll grow. You never know what curveball life will send you, so you have to be prepared. The younger we learn to save the better. We don't know when we will pass, but also we don't know how long we'll live, so we have to make sure we have enough for what we need.