Spring returns grudgingly to the farm. I looked up from reading the other morning to see a moose peering thru the window at me. An unbelievably imposing creature but a gentle soul. The cows have returned, the snow disappears, and life goes on. Sadly, my mother passed away after a brief illness in February. She enjoyed 91 years of great health, meaningful work in nursing, and a large family. We all miss her greatly.
I am sure most of us are discouraged by the current political environment. The effect on our lives through the current policies of partisan politics will be felt for some time. In case they are out ideas for wasting our tax dollars on idealistic save the planet goals, I could suggest that looking after our people might be a good idea. The fallout of the pandemic has had a considerable effect on the mental health of Canadians. Many small family-owned businesses are gone. Employment training, policing, education, and health care are all in dire need of good management and appropriate resources. Many societies around the world are suffering from a lack of basic needs and yet it seems we are restricted from developing our abundant resources like energy and food to aid them. We in Western Canada are very fortunate to be sitting on vast resources that could be used to meet the needs of those less fortunate.
The world economy is awakening. Companies that have suffered from supply chain shortfalls are recovering the inventory that they need to supply us with goods and services. The cost of money is normalizing (increasing) and will benefit the people, seniors, and savers who have gone without. Despite, the great left and right divide in politics think tanks such as the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives and the Fraser Institute can still find common ground on what is best for the citizens of the country.
Some things never change but tend to go out of style from time to time. With the escalating cost of living, it has become very difficult to spend less than what you make. Take control of your finances. Minimize taxes by utilizing tax-deductible accounts. Pay off credit card debt and try to accelerate mortgage payments. Establish monthly savings for future needs like retirement and education. Make sure these accounts are balanced and diversified.
Review your insurance coverages. For families that rely on both incomes the temporary or permanent loss of one of them can be a disaster. Spend time with your family sharing and teaching the lessons you've learned about succeeding in life.
Tough times come and go, I believe that these times too shall pass.
Enjoy the Spring and Summer to come. Thank you for your trust in us to serve your financial needs.
Warm Regards,
Don