Southern People

- On paper or online, track your current spending to determine how much money you are spending on an annual basis. (Your monthly bank and credit card statements can provide much of this information, but record cash expenditures as well.

(1) When interest rates rise, does the price of existing regular bonds climb as well? (a) Yes; (b) Only when the current rate is more than four per cent; (c) Only when the current rate is more than seven per cent; (d) No.

Stock-pickers crystal balls may be very slightly less murky this year, compared to a year ago. There are some signs that China's economy may be heading for a soft-landing, U.S. politicians managed to avert a headlong rush over the so-called fiscal cliff on New Year's Day (but kicked some very serious, politicized debt issues two months down the line) and there are occasional slow advances as Europe tries to deal with its fiscal mess.

A frequent financial planning question is whether to contribute to a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) or a Tax Free Savings Plan (TFSA). With the ratio of Canadian household debt to annual disposable income at a new high, limited resources are forcing many to choose one over the other.

Everyone forgets things from time to time. Periodically forgetting where you left your keys is likely not indicative of a bad memory. But some people find themselves forgetting things more frequently, a troubling development for those who can't explain their sudden loss of memory.

Achieving a healthy weight is a common New Year's resolution. Set yourself up for success with these simple, easy steps from Alberta Health Services (AHS). 1. Set Goals for Healthier Eating Goal setting helps change behaviours like your eating habits.