Knowing what you need is the key to debt-free life: TV host
Gathering as much information as possible helps
FOR CANWEST NEWS SERVICE
Gail Vaz-Oxlade has met her share of people who can't face reality when it comes to their finances.
The host of 'Til Debt Do Us Part, the TV show that brings Vaz-Oxlade together with couples needing help to put their financial house in order, says the show is successful because people relate to her straight talk. "They want the truth and when they hear it they go 'Oh, OK, I can do that.' "
That common-sense approach will be evident when she begins her 10th and final season Friday on Slice. "It is incumbent on you to know what the frick you are doing," says Vaz-Oxlade with her signature blunt talk. "We have totally lost the ability to tell the difference between a need and a want."
In addition to her show, Vaz-Oxlade has a website (www.gailvazoxlade.com) with an active blog and discussion section and a new book due in December titled Debt Free Forever: Take Control of Your Money and Your Life, which will provide readers with a step-by-step guide to getting rid of debts. To really get a handle on your financial affairs, Vaz-Oxlade says people should read as much as they can, from many different sources.
Visit popular blogs and websites, particularly Canadian sites featuring information on interest rates, mortgages and tax law and the specifics of Canadian markets and regulations.
As for books, Vaz-Oxlade says the best investment may be a trip to your local library. "Borrow a book, makes some notes, return it and borrow another book," she says. "Your personal finances are something everyone should educate themselves about. If you are going to bust your ass for that money, you should know what to do with it."
An increasing number of people are following that advice. The Edmonton Public Library's reference desk receives about 37,000 questions each week, and the three most popular inquiries all have to do with money -- how to make it and how to save it.
According to Mary Jane Bilsland, the library's manager of information services, help with job searches, resume writing and financial literacy make up the bulk of questions from library patrons. "People are coming in because they've had a change in circumstances -- retirement or job losses -- that has caused them to have a change in income and in priorities. They are trying to make good decisions about what to do with their money."
It's about more than just books.
Bilsland says library staff can help patrons access government grants and programs, direct immigrants to settlement services and community resources and help people find information on how to develop a family budget, consolidate debt and access financial resources.
The library also has computers with Internet access for patrons to use for their own work or pleasure and it's all free. Bilsland says a growing number of patrons come in during their lunch hour to use the computers to pay bills and take care of personal business that they can't do at home because they don't have a computer.
Cara Miller isn't surprised that more people are going online to get information on financial issues.
As the community leader for www.Canadian-Parents.com,an online parenting site with active discussion boards and blogs, Miller monitors all the conversations, from car seat safety to the best deals on back-to-school supplies. She's says no matter the topic, the conversation often veers around to getting the most for your money while raising kids.
By popular demand the site recently started a discussion board on issues specific to large families and Miller says budgeting is a theme that runs through many of the posts. "It is people just starting out getting ideas from people who have a little more experience, whose kids are a bit older," says Miller.
She says her involvement with the website began just like everyone else -- she visited it looking for information while her first child was an infant. "I was a lurker, I did more reading and learning than participating," says Miller, now a mother of four. Eventually she started offering a post or two and then became a regular contributor. "I've gotten to know a lot more about our community through Facebook and it strengths the relationships."
Miller says a lot of practical advice can be found in online communities. "On our fantastic Frugal Living board someone suggested you could find some great bargains from the 'marked down' table at the grocery store. It's true, I check it out now when I go to my local store."
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