Bob and Lisa are wondering just how their retirement will turn out. After all that's happened over the past few of years, their RRSP accounts aren't what they used to be. Even in the best of times, the accounts weren't as large as they could have been, at least for all their post-retirement desires.

Now that summer has officially arrived, many of us start to think about home renovations, garden projects and summer vacations. But while we often know what we want to accomplish, sometimes we are not sure where the money will come from. If you're planning for a large expense this year, consider some of the following issues:

Create a household budget that will help you establish control over your finances. This will help you determine what current expenditures need to be eliminated or adjusted so you can achieve your short-term goals.

Today, the average Canadian family is involved in more activities than at anytime ever before. Between work, and school, and family recreation,and other social activities there often isn't much time left over to just BE a family.

There is hope for those who want more "quality" out of life if they are willing to sacrifice a little "quantity." Most families believe they NEED two incomes to survive financially, and in certain circumstances this is true.