Financial THERE is such an information overload these days people need . a break every so often. They need to be reassured they can still live a fulfilling life by dealing with rhe big Picture, even if they arent up to getting the fine details right all the time. Readers remind me cf this whenever ] write about how my wife Mandy and I break loose from our normal rou- tine of investing, saving tax - and doing all the other proper money management things. er my recent column on spciiding money on a fancy tour in Austratia and raising . Champagne toasts to cach other as the sun set on Ayres Rock, readers wrote to say they were pleased to see this . evidence of balance in our lives. And they told me of oe their eect fon- financial ; : cho. your, investment portfolio you As we come to the end of nor only the year bur also the millennium, it's good to remind ourselves we always have choices in how we man- age both the personal and financial aspects of our lives: @ The choice between (1) spending and enjoying now vs. (2) saving to have more _ money to spend and enjoy later, This balance must be reviewed and adjusted regular- ly, and will depend on family, health, work and similar tac-. tors. - S The choice of how much of BUSINESS commit to (1) taking risks and worrying (perhaps prompted by greed) vs. (2) sticking to what you know best — in other words, common sense. @ The choice between (1) keeping up to a level of spend- ing you feel is expected of you, even if it means always being in debt, and (2) having the courage of your convictions to live on fess — discovering where the true quality of life lies. 8 The choice beeween (1) sac- rificing family to w vorkaholism, and (2) perhaps stil having a mortgage at retirement ~ fore- going “success” —- bur the kids want to come home every Christmas. S The choice between (2) giv- ing your kids every material thing vs. (2) teaching them self-reliance and how to live within their means. @ The choice NOT to always do che “right” thing in your financial /consumer life yet still Wednesday, November 24, 1999 — North Shore News -— 17 ways about feel gucd about yourself as long as you can accept the consequences. G The choice (1) to count on things “somchow working * ys. (2\ to take control of your own destiny — knowing that whatever happens, at feast you did the best you could at the time. Mike Grenhy is a columnist and independent personal financial adviser: he'll answer questions in this column as space oOney allows but cannot reply person- ally.Contact him at P.O. Box 50029, South Slope R.P-O., Burnaby, B.C. V5] 5G3; e-mail «, OSTEOPOROSIS RESEARCH CENTRE sone density testing predicts fracture The future in osteoporosis care. Although few BC women have had access to bone density testing, experts recommend evaluation of postmenopausal women at risk. FREE bone density testing is offered to volunteers: eligible for an” osteoporosis clinica! trial. In addition, consultation with a UBC Osteoporosis expert, study treatment, follow-up and travel expenses for 2 years will be provided. Research Tet: 604-877-3262" . Contre St. ‘Vincent’ s Hospital ’ Please call today 604-878-1741 HA 749 West eard ‘Ave. Vancouver HO CARE