26 - Wednesday, January 27,1999 — Nortn Shore News north shore news «A USINESS Keeping a simple strategy TOO many people make too many new year’s resolutions — and then feel bad when they fall short. So this year focus on just one or two financial strate- gies you can turn into an action plan that will suc- ceed, @ Know where you are going. Financial planning is like hotiday planning. . First you must decide you want to drive to Aspen, or fly to Mexico or Florida, for example. Only then can you figure out the best way(s) to get there. So: “IT want my moncy to [underline one] eliminate debr, buy a car or furniture, educate the chil- dren, buy a first or another house, fund an early retire- ment. i Reduce debr. This is the best investment for most people: paving off a 10% debt is the same as earning a guaranteed return of between abour 13% and 20% interest before tax — and THE B.C. Women’s Hospital and Health Centre Foundation has named four West Vancouver women to their board of direc- - tors. : Diana Becker, Andrea ‘Shaw, Gayle Stewart and Linda Thorstad will join the board of Canada’s largest : maternity centre and the only place in B.C. where experts focus entirely on meeting the health needs of women of all ages. : The areas in focus include " osteoporosis, breast health, recurrent pregnancy loss, . family violence, incontinence, reproductive psychiatry and sexual assault. Becker is founder, presi- money matters you won't find any other absolutely sate investments like that. Refinance expensive debt (c.g. rake out a personal “Whether you are single or have a family, hold a monthly money meeting.” loan to pay off credir cards) — provided you won't run up thar debt again. Increase automatic weekly or month- ly debt payments by (for example) 10% every three dent and CEO of the Dubrulle Culinary School. She is also on the VSO’s Lover’s Ball committee and is a sponsor of the Breast Cancer Foundation. Shaw is the managing director of cerporate consul- tants AJ. Shaw and Associates, A registered nurse with a degree in cducation, she has volunteered her time for the United Way, Face the World Foundation — and Canuck Place. Stewart is vice president of corporate communications at BC Tel and also volunteers with the Jack Webster Foundation as well as the marketing committee of Science World. ; Thorstad is a vice presi- dent of corporate relations at Viceroy Resource Corporation. She is also on the board of governors of Science World and UBC and has done work for the 1998 B.C.’s Children’s Telethon Campaign. North Vancouver's David J. Waliin has joined the cora- mercial litigation department of Clark, Wilson. He will continue his prac- tice in the areas of corpo-_ rate/commercial litigation months, Make your money work for vou. Set up an automatic monthly saving /investing program. Choose RRSP/RRIE and non-regis- tered instruments you understand bur also learn about other options. Diversify, and balance guar- anteed with growth invest- ments. Pat your home equity te work: rent out part of your home, run a home-based business, borrow to invest if you can tolerate the risk. B Pay less income tax. Choose from the dozens of legal ways to save tax — from earning tax-deferred capital gains by allowing growth assets to grow, to shifting income fo family mentbers in lower tax brack- cts. Read a tax tips book, meet with an accountant. @ Review mouthly. Whether you are single or have a fam- tly, hoki a monthly money uweting. Keep notes — especially about problems and insurance defence matters at the Vancouver-based firm. He can be reached at the firm ar 643-3157, — Robert Galster North Shore business and proposed solutions, Stay on top of vour finances and aryake sure your advisers — banker, broker, accountant —— stay on their toes, too. B Insure properly. Don't automatically send in renew- al premiums for car, home, lite, disability and any other insurance. Review vour needs; phone your agent to make sure you get the best insur- ance value for your premium dolar. For example, re-qualify medically for a term insur- ance policy to save hundreds if not thousands of dollars in premiums. — Copyright 1999 Mike Grenby Mike Grenby is a colum- nist and independent person- al financial adviser; he'll auswer questions iu this cal- unit as space allows but can- uot reply personally — con- tact him at P.O. Box 50029, South Slope R.P.O., Burnaby, B.C. V5) 5G3; e-mail and see previous columns at Mike's website, . “Sinall_ Business _ Entrepreneurship Program Join a growing number of individuals enjoying self- employment through this government-assisted Entrepreneurship Training Program. Areas of instruction include the following: @ Accounting & Finance @ Computer Application & Career Transition Skills @ Marketing Business Writing @ Sales & Promotion M@ Business Plan Development This program is funded by Human Resources Development Canada and is open to individuals who currently receive or have received El benefits within the past three years. Sests stiii available in our January session! To register, call: Tirn Thompson 258-889! Ferry Byrnes | 984-1711 2055 Purcell Way North Vancouver, B.C. V7] 3HS The Entrepreneurship Progrom is offered through Consinuing Education at Copdana College. NCE SCENIC WILDER Eight intimate cruises, with only 28 other passengers, will explore different routes throughout the spectacular ‘West Coast of British Columbia. See bears, dolphins, = _g Killer Whales, waterfalls, and so much more. CAPRIL / MAY / JULY / SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER ) STARTING FROM ONLY * SOME RESTRICTIONS MAY APPLY. North Vancouver-Lonedale Liberal Riding Assn. 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