It’s September and that means back to school! School often starts at home and having a discussion about basic financial education doesn’t have to wait until your children are grown and have their first job.

There’s no such thing as one-size-fits-all when it comes to money – yet all too often, financial advice can feel impersonal and unresponsive to unique circumstances or goals. For Harjit Sandhu with IG Wealth Management, the client – and their individual needs – always takes priority.

Down with debt! But what is the best way to get debt down? I just helped a friend consolidate her debts to reduce her interest costs significantly – rolling a personal loan, car loan and most expensive of all, outstanding credit card balances, into a single personal loan at a lower rate.

The ability to retire comfortably is all about creating enough cash flow to cover your living expenses for the lifestyle you want to experience during retirement. With this in mind, it is imperative that you are properly set up financially and emotionally for the steps ahead.

In her 15 years with the AdventureSmart program, B.C. executive director Sandra Riches said the severity of waterfall-related incidents last summer was extreme. Its part of the reason why shes highlighting tips on how to visit a waterfall safely this season.

I’ve been on several hiking and camping trips with dogs over the years and they have never detracted from those experiences, only added to them. Dogs notice things in a way that humans can’t. I find that by merely watching them and noticing what draws their interest another layer is added to my experience in wild places. They hear sounds that I can’t and respond to scents that are too weak for my nose to detect. A hike with a dog can be a reminder to listen to our other senses and not focus too much on only what our eyes can see, but also on what we can smell, hear and touch. Which is why I can completely understand the upset caused by the recent dog ban at Joffre Lakes Provincial Park. A decision I imagine was not made lightly but was made to keep the interests of the majority of visitors and wildlife that calls this location home at the forefront.