Why do so many of us resist setting up a financial plan? The reasons I most often hear are: "I don't have enough money to plan", "I don't know where to go", "I don't trust financial planners", "I can't afford it", "I don't believe in planning", and on it goes. But I believe the biggest reason is fear. Fear that we'll have to come face to face with our money - how we make it, how we spend it and how we manage it. Our relationship to money holds a veritable Pandora's box that most of us aren't crazy enough to want to open!!! And with so little formal education about money management in our upbringing, most of us feel woefully inadequate when it comes to money. So, like most other Canadians (only 37% have a written financial plan according to a recent Financial Planning Standards Council survey) we avoid dealing with our financial lives, at least for another day. But avoidance generally brings pain and if there are leaks in your financial boat, one day it will probably sink. Even a very simple financial plan will help you avoid financial pitfalls and will provide peace of mind and yes, even joy, around your money.

Financial planning doesn't have to be complicated and you don't need a financial planner to create a basic financial plan. If you want to do it yourself, there are countless resources in bookstores, on the internet and available through banks and other financial institutions. Before going it alone, make sure you have the time, energy and discipline to educate yourself, to put your plan in writing and to follow-through with it. If not, find a financial planner or money coach that you trust to help guide you through the process. Before signing on with a financial planner or coach, find out how he or she is compensated and what specific services they offer.

Some planners charge fees for financial planning/coaching, some earn commissions or fees when you invest or buy insurance from them and some are a mix of both. Ask your friends and family for recommendations, but make an informed decision based on your needs and what your gut tells you.

Whether you chose to work with a financial professional or not, a written financial plan with clearly defined goals is your key to living the life you want. So, what are you waiting for?

One of the best ways to start taking control of your finances it by educating and empowering yourself about money. The Women’s Financial Learning Centre offers a variety of financial planning and money related courses for women who want to learn more about money management, investing and financial planning. We are also offering a program for women entrepreneurs that will be launched in the Sunshine Coast in February. Let us know if you are interested in having us run this program in Vancouver.

Upcoming events in Vancouver:

• "Live the Life You Want With The Money You Have" on Wednesday February 1, 2006 6:30-8:30 pm

Upcoming workshops in the Sunshine Coast:

• "The Financially Enlightened Small Businesswoman" on Sunday February 5, 2006 10am - 4pm

Are you looking for unbiased financial advice? One of the reasons that people shy away from using a financial planner is they are afraid that the advice may be biased toward a particular product or service. LifeDesign Financial is a fee-only financial planning and education company and we don’t receive fees or commissions for financial products or services. We offer hourly consultations or service packages and can tailor a program to meet your unique needs and budget. Contact us today for a complimentary ½ phone consultation to find out how we can help you take charge of your money.

What can a Personal Chef do for you?

Chef Vivianne will create delicious, custom made meals for you using mainly Organic ingredients in her quest to create healthy, gourmet meals. She brings over 20 years of experience to the challenge of feeding people well and revels in creating customized meals for your unique needs. This ranges from meal packages for busy people on the go, to special event catering, providing gourmet, natural and delicious meals for you and your guests.

Chef Vivianne is committed to the health of the individual which she believes is intertwined with the health of the planet. As a Certified Chef and Herbalist, she experiments with Vegetarian, Vegan, and Ayurvedic cuisine, combining Traditional Chinese Medicine food energy philosophies with western style cooking, and creating menus for those with food sensitivities and health concerns. You can reach Vivianne at 604 876-7759 or vivianne@myprivatechef.ca.