Here are 4 of the most common financial goals we hear and what to do to make them SMART. A goal that is specific becomes measurable. Once it’s measurable, you can ensure it’s attainable and realistic.

At the start of a New Year – and in this case, a new decade! – many people set New Year’s Resolutions. Although well intentioned, these goals fail weeks later. It’s often because these resolutions are far too generic and lack proper planning.

As yet another year draws to a close and a new decade begins, it’s time to reflect on the past 12 months, how you’ve fared with paying off debt, managing your budget, and what you’d like to do with the year ahead.

Looking for the simplest way to track your money? Our income & expense alternative budgeting tool will help you manage your finances with ease. 

Working towards your financial goals is a great, proactive move, but if goals are unrealistic, you could be setting yourself up for disappointment and veering off track.

From paying off debt to creating an emergency fund and getting savings in the bank, your financial fate hinges on key money management basics. Getting familiar with the fundamentals of how to manage money lays the groundwork to achieving your financial goals.

Managing money as a couple can be tricky to sort out with two incomes and two financial situations merging. While you’re trying to manage money jointly, there could be major disparities in pay, previous debt loads and differences in budget and lifestyle expenses.

The severe winter storms in both Canada and the States should cause us to think about our finances. Three smart money management tips gleaned from Old Man Winter include saving on heating costs, planning for emergencies, and preventing costly health and medical expenses.

Facing a pay cut is scary, but there are steps you can take now to protect your money and finances. Here’s what to focus on when your income will be reduced.

Personal finance experts swear by a cash-only diet to kick start challenging goals. It’s often recommended because it force you to do two important things…

It’s always surprising how so many people seem to be doing fine with their finances and then within a fairly short amount of time they encounter serious financial difficulties…

Today the Bank of Canada raised the interest rate that all banks base their Prime rate on, and if this continues, what can you do to protect yourself from rising interest rates? Here are 7 ways…

When life presents us with challenges, we think “We can handle it.” And sometimes we wonder, “Maybe I need help immediately.” This is no different for our personal finances…

Getting our finances in order is a common New Year’s resolution, and one of the best things you can do to achieve this is to know how to set financial goals.

Financial freedom is something many of us hope to achieve in the future, and developing good personal finance habits now can make a world of difference down the road.

Canadians are becoming more and more indebted. Debt will follow you for a long time and can affect your credit rating. Getting a credit card, a job or even an apartment can be difficult…

Knowing how to manage money better is a key to achieving your financial goals. Knowing how to mange your finances takes some time, but incorporating these tips will set you on the right track.

A while ago we shared some common money mistakes people make, and a lot of you asked for more money tips. So, here are eight more money mistakes that keep a lot of people in the “being broke” cycle.’><meta name="twitter:site" content="@CrdtCounselSoc

Financial literacy isn’t something we are born with, but it is as important a life skill as reading, writing and arithmetic. As parents struggle to do the best they can, they often don’t…

Moving across the country from Vancouver to Toronto for your spouse’s work might be an exciting career opportunity, so plan ahead to make the transition time and budget as easy as possible.

Clean up your finances with these spring cleaning tips. How to save and spend less on cable, cell phone bills, bank fees and more.

Rather than playing catch up each year with a loan, you need a plan that will allow you to make monthly contributions without borrowing…

Taking action instead of worrying about your financial situation and debt problems will get your retirement back on track and make your golden years truly golden…

When we see a friend, employee, co-worker or family member struggling to cope with everyday life it’s hard not to become concerned. Thinking that there might be more involved…

Creating special occasions to justify our spending can be extremely costly. So, here are 5 tricks to keep your cash safe from yourself with some wise words from a lucky leprechaun…

From high consumer debt levels to interest rate hikes, Canadians need to change how they plan financially for retirement and more importantly, start actively planning for their golden years…

New Year’s resolutions are easy to break so change your language: instead of resolutions, refer to them as goals which imply progress, steps, measurable achievements, setbacks and successes…

Life events happen to us all, they can either be positive or devastating. Preparation is the key to surviving these unavoidable life events financially intact…

As with any travel plans, you’re wise to consider the financial implications of your decision ahead of time, and then prepare accordingly. Here’s a checklist to get you started…

It’s become so normal to owe on credit cards, lines of credit and loans that most people don’t know how to live without debt…most have grown up seeing debt as a normal part of living…

In the excitement of buying a first home, many people spend more time deciding on paint colours than on establishing a contingency plan for when their circumstances will change…

Wouldn’t it be great to wake up and know exactly what the day held in store for you? Financially speaking, wouldn’t it be great to know what the next few months or years might mean to you?…

It’s not how much you make, but what you do with what you’ve got. Proper money management doesn’t involve a magic formula; it simply means getting the most from the money you have…

There are a few things to consider when you’re thinking about making large purchases, like TV’s and electronics, south of the border…

While some people are proactive and plan for the unexpected, the vast majority are reactive, living paycheque to paycheque rather than planning ahead – you may be setting yourself up for disaster…

Tempting as it may be, procrastinating to file your taxes will only make it worse. Filing late might mean that with interest and penalties, your balance owing is only that much more painful…

Have you ever wondered what the best things are that you can do for your financial future? Here is our list of the 7 smartest things anyone can do for their finances…

Without a plan to reduce your debt level, your debts, unfortunately, may not face retirement at the same time you do…

People have financial problems for all sorts of reasons. The simple truth is that many people’s finances are completely disorganized. If you can’t find your bills, how are you supposed to…

Why does it feel like managing my money is so much work? It’s hard to stay focused. What can I do?…