18 — Wednesday, February 17, 1999 - North Shore News north shore news == BUSINESS ay. it’s never toc THOSE recent surveys about people’s person- ai financial habits reveal some scary information: % One person in nine is bet- ting on a lottery win to help provide the. money needed in retirement (Compas poll for the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce). B Almost wo of every five retirees report they don’t have enough savings to pro- vide the lifestyle they had dreamed about (CIBC). © More than half of the people polled said they won't contribute ro an RRSP this season — mainly because they worry more sbout day-to-day finances than retirement (Environics survey for Royal Trust). @ More than two people out ~ of five said they ended last year feeling their financial health had declined (Strategic Counsel survey for Manulife). @ More than four of five felt they should have a proper financial plan — yet three of five said they don’t have such a plan (Manulife). Are you in any of those groups? Be honest, now. There's nothing wrong with count- Highwater origins clarified A Feb. 3rd edition of Commercial Avenues incorrectly identified the founder of Lower Lonsdale’s Highwater Tackfe. 7 The story identified -Bob Fuller as having founded the store. While Fuller did at one time own a tackle shop in the same location, it had litte resemblance to the current store. in fact, the store was opened under its current “ name by Dave Steele 15 years ago. The name itself came from one of Steele’s own fish- ing preferences. “I named it Highwater because ] enjoy fishing higher waters in the rivers, that’s one % of the reasons,” said Steele . who continues to operate the ; store. “Higher water usually indicates fish are coming in.” Mike renby money matters ing on a lottery win to put gold into your golden years — as long as vou are OK with the risk of not having enough money to make your retirement dreams come true. Many people who come to me for advice wish they had moved sooner to improve their finances. “But it’s never too fate,” I reassure them. “You made this or that decision in the past because you felt it was the right thing to do at the time. Forget the regrets, you can’t go back. “Learn from any mis- takes. And move forward from here.” You can’t be perfect at everything. For example, I wish I had sacrificed an RRSP contribution when our son Matt was young instead of waiting until he was 21 to take him to te ate for Disnevland. Use this RRSP and tax time of the year to write down one of the following; keep this note with your financial papers: B “I/we can’t save/invest more right now because ... @ I/we will manage in the future by...” M1 Ave took /will take these steps to deal with the future's financial needs: ... ” Do whar's right tor you -~ but do something, even if it’s taking (and writing down) a reasoned decision saving ro do nothing. Repeat this process a¢ feast once a vear. — Copyright 1999 Mike Grenby Mike Greuby is a colus- nist and independent personal financial adviser; he'll answer questions in this column as space allows but cannot reply personally — contact him at P.O. Box 50029, South Slope R.LO., Burnaby, B.C. V5] 5G3; e-mail and see previons columns at Mike’s Web site, . Perey APU Mortgage Lender / when the banks say “no” / when speed counts / low rates and fees “Celebrating our 15th Anniversary. Call ine for a quote today” 687-2020 Lender Broker fees may apply “Early Bird” Special! Call now and SAVE up to $245 ona 1999 Golf Pass 922-9576 & Opening day March 12th %& Variety of passes to choose from % Benefits include merchandise and dining discounts offer valid until February 28, 1999 Corporate Passes also available www.furrycreck.com One side of you needs to know your investments are guar- anteed and you won't ever lose your principal. The other side wants the growth potential that mutual funds offer. Now you can bave both, Don’t miss this workshop! Date: Thurs. Feb 18 @ 7:00 pm Participants: Investors who like the security of a Guaranteed investment Certificate, but need stock market returtis to boost their nest eggs. Dan Helm. 5a. MBa, Vice President Financial Consultant To Reserve: Tel: 925-5550 OS Merrill Lynch Merrill Lynch Canada Inc. is 1 member - CIPF Cast your vote in today’s paper! ESTATE PLANNING SEMINAR a “= F “4 ~j x The Seniors’ Foundation of British Columbia is presenting an Estate Planning Seminar. - at the North Shore Winter Club 1325 E. Keith Ave., North Vancouver on Wednesday, March 3, 1999 - from 9:30a.m. to 12:00p.m. A panel of professionals will present important information regarding Wills, taxation and other estate planning issues. There is no charge but please call 1-800-377-5566 to register. “Eight intimate cruises, with only 28 other Passengers, will explore different routes throughout the spectacular Refreshments will be served. 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