Giving Generously & Wisely
How can $897.50 be worth $1,500?
When charitable giving is met with a bit of strategy, everybody wins. Read Stephen's latest article here.
Socially Responsible Investments a Safe Haven In Stormy Economy
If the stock market were a roller coaster, you can bet the line to ride would be as short as the prospective riders are thrill-seeking. However, According to the Social Investment Forum, 65 percent of the 160 socially responsible mutual funds outperformed their benchmarks in 2009. Meanwhile, a majority of large-cap SRI funds — those which deal with companies valued in the billions of dollars — outperformed the S&P 500 over 10 years. Read More.
Price on Carbon Failing to Reduce Greenhouse-Gas Emissions
Alberta's carbon offsets are supposed to be real, measurable and provable, but may not be, a report says. Read More.
Managing Risk Like a Rock Climber
Leadership guru Jim Collins discusses how to thrive in a time of financial crisis.
"I'm absolutely convinced through my research that you do not need to choose between great success and really doing it in a very, very principled way. I know that for a fact." Read More.
Harmonizing Canada-US Standards
What does it mean for our border, our manufacturers and our food industry? A report on CTV news explains recent events: Watch the video. Some of the concerns are nothing new, however. Earlier this year critics were already vocalizing concerns about the integrity of Canada's food standards and what possible 'harmonization' may mean. Read More.
Cohousing – The Ultimate Personal Growth Experience
Local contributor Kathryn Hazel shares her musings on cohousing and how it changes one’s perceptions of our societal norms. Read More.
IDEAS? COMMENTS? WANT TO CONTRIBUTE? Let us know!
GREEN TIP: What to do with your old Level Ground Trading coffee bags? Drop them off at your local Thrifty Foods Customer Service desk. They'll ensure the packages are returned to LGT & recyled efficiently. Now that's teamwork!
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YOUR MONEY
Giving More for Less: Find out more on how changes in Canadian tax laws make charitable giving easier than ever. Read More.
Behavioral Finance (Why Watching CNBC Won’t Make You Rich): In recent decades, researchers explored why investors often make decisions that are contrary to their long term financial health. The answer, we believe, is that our decision making has not evolved much...Read More.
EVENTS
GREEN DRINKS: December 13, 2011 Join a diverse range of the Greater Victoria community. New faces are always welcome! Mingle, network, and chat about all things green! 5 pm - 7 pm Read More.
STEPHEN TEACHES AT ROYAL ROADS UNIVERSITY: January 28, 2012
Held at Royal Roads University, join Steve to learn how to manage financial risk and drive change. This course will give you the knowledge and tools to ask the right questions about investing, no matter your experience. Read More.
YOUR COMMUNITY
In the wake of Black Friday chaos, I am motivated more and more to give home-made gifts. Not only do I enjoy reducing all the waste that comes with conventional gifts (packaging, transport, new materials, etc) I find the time taken to be a little creative immensely satisfying. Nothing sets the holiday tone better than an evening spent channeling Martha Stewart rather than fighting crowds in malls, parking lots and discount stores. Seek inspiration here on Ecouterre’s website.
If time is short supply, shopping locally has many perks- supporting the local economy being the primary benefit. There is a uniqueness to locally-sourced gifts that make them all the more appealing, both to give and receive. No need to limit gifts to ‘stuff’- giving an experience, such as a pass to the museum or a cooking class, goes a long way. Why no forego gifts all together and give to charity? You are only limited by your imagination!
Here are some of our favorite local businesses with lots of ethical appeal:
-TZ
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