Author Archives: Issa

High-Tech School Supplies: 9 Ways to Save

August 16 5:32 am ,

Memories of Manila Waldorf School

Guest post from Andrea Woroch.

Do you remember the days when school supplies consisted of pens, pencils and a few notebooks? Sure, the occasional highlighter or Trapper Keeper may have found its way into the mix, but nothing needed charging, wi-fi or 4G to work properly. Now there are entire generations who know nothing of these archaic ways, back when notes were taken by hand.If your heart sank when you saw the prices of supplies your kids consider essential, you’re not alone. The National Retail Federation estimates a whopping $83.8 billion will be spent on K-12 and college essentials this year. Despite this alarmingly high figure, lots of parents are searching for ways to buy those gadgets with the hopes of not overspending. Before you begin back-to-school shopping, consider these tips to cut costs on high technology.

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Posted in: Consumer Tips, The Beginning , Tagged:

Winter is coming

August 3 5:14 pm ,

Summer in winter

Indeed it is.

When I had my first taste of winter here in Canada, it took my breath away.  Vancouver does not have the negative 40 degrees that they have in Toronto or Winnipeg, or snow that is waist deep. But because I spent my whole life in summer and winter has barely touched me, I shivered and shied away from the cold. It was only through layers upon layers of clothing, heavy and sometimes uncomfortable (put it on, take it off, repeat), that I found my refuge, thankful for warmth it (and the thermostat) evoked for me. Toasty, that was how I wanted it.

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Posted in: Promos , Tagged: ,

What is your why?

July 16 2:23 pm ,

Getting to the why

I attended the 3-day seminar of the Rich Dad Academy in Vancouver and learned a lot. This is what I love about seminars – and why I keep going to them – I get insights and learn new ways – more effective ways – of doing things. In the next few days, I will be sharing them with you and I hope your lives will be enriched too.

Some of us plod along this world not knowing what we are here for. We walk our paths, fall into our usual pattern, surprise ourselves some of the time, and when the excitement dies, wonder why we still have that big hole in our chest. The answer is not within, but without – that is, outside of us.

Who do you live for? What do you live for?

Is it your children or your family? (but please do not have that reason just because every other person says it should be so)

Do you dream of making it big? (does it get you awake nights, to plot, to plan, to see in your mind’s eye how that could be)

Is it money – a lot of money – so you can make a difference in your life and in the world? (have you seen need, have you felt need, do you want to erase it from yourself, your memory, the world)

Is it recognition? Is it acceptance? (what happened in your early life that made this matter in your now)

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Posted in: Canada, Life Stories, Wealth Attraction , Tagged: , ,

13 ways to save on medical expenses

July 16 1:12 pm ,

Autumn up close

Guest post from Andrea Woroch.

In a landmark decision last week, the U.S. Supreme Court voted 5-4 to uphold the Affordable Care Act, allowing for the continued implementation of the act’s policies through 2014. The effect of this decision continues to unfold and will be a hot topic during November’s elections.

Despite the enormity of this decision, Americans are still struggling to pay for rising medical bills. The typical family spends an average of $19,000 each year on health care. Though that’s far from money down the drain, there are ways to cut your costs in the interim of the health care law coming into full effect.

Health care is a good investment in your future, but you’ll want to consider the following 13 ways to curb medical costs from biting deeply into your budget.

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Posted in: Health, Insurance , Tagged: , ,

Why I keep reading Game of Thrones

July 6 3:40 pm ,

Direwolf, Bran's

Spoiler alert.

I would have stopped when Robb and Catelyn Stark died at the hands of the Freys – if I could. That scene affected me much. I remember putting down the 3rd book of A Song of Ice and Fire, Storm of Swords that day, feeling terribly wronged. I have come to love the Starks – who hasn’t? – and followed the lives and the trials of these honourable, flawed, and wonderful men and women (and children!) who bravely played the hand that fate dealt them, making the right – but would turn out were wrong – choices here, and then there.

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Posted in: Book Review , Tagged: , , , , , , ,

We are here to build, not destroy

July 2 4:54 pm ,

Soar

There are those who will always see the glass as half empty.

There are those who will only see the ugly in the situation – and commit it to memory – so they can remind you of it, and catch you unaware.

(sometimes you get caught unaware – when you are your weakest – and that is okay)

There are those who will say something awful and make you feel bad – while keeping a straight face and looking well-meaning and well-intentioned, their barb carefully placed, making you feel, of course, awful.

(not realizing that words have a way of sneaking up on the speaker)

There are those who will compare and look at you with envious eyes. Not measuring up, they strike out and lash out.

Who are not happy for some reason – the weather, their jobs, other people – and want to share their un-happiness.

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Posted in: Random Thoughts , Tagged: , , , ,

Do you want to be him?

June 27 2:27 am ,

Different colors and hues

I am talking about your boss.

Look at him. Do you want to be him? Because you will be him in 5 or so years.

This was whispered to me a long time ago and I was confronted with the question.  Did I want to become my boss? More importantly, was I in the right path?

The right path would, well, feel right – if you like what you see. The responsibilities, the demeanor, the family life, the stresses, the pressures, the rewards – of your boss – will be yours one day.

Can you be him? Do you want to be him?

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Posted in: Life Stories, Random Thoughts, The Secret , Tagged: , , ,

10 Ways to Save on Summer Road Trips

June 27 2:23 am ,

Need for speed

Guest post from Andrea Woroch.

Roadtrippers everywhere are rejoicing in their ability to control costs as the airline industry continues to add fees. These days, everything from carry-on luggage to the privilege of herding your kids down the jetway before the masses will cost you some extra cash.

However, road trips can get pretty pricey too, unless you plan ahead. Consider these 10 money-saving tips before you embark on your next cross-country adventure.

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Posted in: Travel , Tagged: , ,