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Category: Featured Articles

  • Career Profile: Electric Motor System Technician

    Career Profile: Electric Motor System Technician

    Some people love to take motors apart and put them back together. Does that describe you? If so, you might want to consider becoming an electric motor system technician. This career is good for people who enjoy working with their hands and repairing mechanical objects.

    Motors are complicated machines, with many different parts that can break or otherwise go wrong. Electric motor system technicians maintain, test, and repair all kinds of electric motors, working mainly in repair shops and manufacturing plants. Knowing about electric parts such as transformers and switchgears is very important. Technicians might work with small motors like the ones in lawn mowers, or they might work on large machines in plants and factories.

    Certification requirements for electric motor system technicians depend on the province. However, most employers require a high school graduation and a four-year apprenticeship, which includes 1,500 hours of on-the-job training mixed with eight-week periods of classroom work each year. Besides their technical skills, electric motor system technicians need to learn how to estimate costs and determine the kind of repairs required for each motor.

    People in this trade often work around other people but not necessarily with them. They need to be quite independent and to be able to solve problems that come up. Still, they need to be able to work while other people are talking or making noise nearby. The job is not especially dangerous, but car parts might sometimes fall on workers and injure them, or technicians might cut themselves on metal parts sticking out from the motors. The job can also be very messy because of the oil that keeps the parts of the motor running smoothly.

    The best way to prepare for a job as an electric motor system technician is to practice taking motors apart and putting them back together. Shop classes are useful, and mathematics and English courses will help give you the skills necessary to calculate costs and to read more about your trade. Business management classes could also be useful for starting a small company.

    Even before the COVID-19 pandemic stopped many activities in Canada and around the world, the job prospects for electric motor system technicians were only moderately good. With so many businesses and factories shut down these days, it might take time for jobs to appear again. Still, every machine has a motor that occasionally needs repairs. The skills necessary for this job are also useful for other trades, and people can learn to do other work with only minimal training.

    Working as an electric motor system technician can be busy, but with quiet periods in between. Having other options is a good idea, especially in smaller towns where fewer people need this kind of help. In some areas, it might be possible to specialize in a certain kind of motor, although it is usually best to have a wide range of knowledge of the workings of many different types of motors.

    Electric motors are a part of everyday life in our society. If you become an electric motor system technician, you will help many people work and move around as they do their daily tasks.

    Bibliography:

    ALIS. “Electric Motor Systems Technician.” https://alis.alberta.ca/occinfo/occupations-in-alberta/occupation-profiles/electric-motor-systems-technician/.

    Government of Manitoba. “Electric Motor System Technician.” https://www.gov.mb.ca/wd/apprenticeship/discover/mbtrades/electmotorsystech.html.

  • Career Profile: Cabinetmaker

    Career Profile: Cabinetmaker

    Each day, people use kitchen cabinets, drawers, shelves, and many other wooden storage areas in their homes. They may never think of the people who make these shelves and cabinets, but building these spaces takes a special set of skills that people need to learn and develop. Working as a cabinet maker is a good choice for people who like to work with their hands and to manage a variety of tools.

    As the name implies, this job is about making cabinets and other wooden structures for kitchens and other rooms. Although the skills can translate well to some outdoor building tasks, cabinet makers generally work indoors. They read blueprints, choose the right tools and the type of wood that the customer wants, and cut the wood to the right shapes and sizes. This step involves using different types of tools, including manual and electric saws, sanders, and much more.

    Cabinet makers sometimes work on assembly lines in factories, putting together only a small part of a cabinet or shelf. However, working in a small business is also a possibility for people who prefer to work through the entire process of putting a cabinet together. The job can be physically demanding, since cabinet makers have to be able to lift heavy pieces of wood and manage tools that can be hard to handle. Each day, cabinet makers use nails, glue, screws, or clamps to join pieces together after cutting or sanding them down to the right size.

    Although being a cabinet maker is not as dangerous as other construction jobs, it has its own hazards. Sawdust can get into the lungs, and the glue used for putting the wood together can cause breathing problems. The tools can also be dangerous to the fingers and hands. In addition, the job can be quite physically demanding as people have to lift heavy items and be active for much of the day.

    Becoming a cabinet maker involves study and practice. Each area of Canada has its own requirements, but most people go through an apprenticeship program to get into this trade. In most cases, the apprenticeship involves four twelve-month periods of preparation for the job. These years include on-the-job training, technical training, and a final exam. In most of Canada, except Saskatchewan and Quebec, certification is available but not required. A high school diploma is also necessary. Salaries start at $39,000 and rise to about $63,000 with experience.

    Being flexible is important for people in this trade. Working alone is sometimes necessary, while at other times, cabinet makers work closely with others. The days can be long when a project needs to be finished, but people in this trade can generally work regular hours. As with other jobs in the field of construction, work tends to be busiest in the warmer seasons, but it can be busy at any time of the year. In the colder months, much of the work can often be related to replacing or repairing old or broken cabinets.

    Cabinet makers have an important role in making homes and other buildings function better. If you are good with your hands, it might be the right job for you.

     

    Bibliography:

    ALIS. “Cabinetmaker.” https://alis.alberta.ca/occinfo/occupations-in-alberta/occupation-profiles/cabinetmaker/.

    Careers in Construction. “Cabinetmaker.” https://www.careersinconstruction.ca/en/career/cabinetmaker.

    Payscale Canada. “Cabinet Maker Hourly Rate.” https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Cabinet_Maker/Hourly_Rate.

  • Career Profile: Educational Assistant (French version available)

    Career Profile: Educational Assistant (French version available)

    Suppose that you wanted to work in education but not as a teacher. Another option is to become an educational assistant. This trade can be a good choice for people who enjoy working with students but prefer not to take the professional route.

    Becoming a teacher can be a long and difficult process with uncertain results. Normally, teachers need to finish a four-year degree, and they might not be able to find work at the end. Becoming an educational assistant is a much shorter process. This trade involves an apprenticeship that takes about a year and a half to complete. Of the 2,700 hours required to complete the apprenticeship, 432 hours are spent on learning the theory, while the rest of the time is practical work on the job. Child psychology, group management, and other courses might be part of the theoretical work, and apprentices can also take courses related to their own particular interests.

    Many different types of work can be part of an educational assistant’s job. The work can involve helping individual students with their studies, working with sign language or braille, assisting teachers with running audiovisual equipment, supervising students in the library or on the playground, or sometimes helping in the school office. Having a special skill, like the ability to understand a different language, can be helpful.

    Working as an educational assistant can be stressful but rewarding for people who enjoy working with students. Some educational assistants might choose to specialize in one type of work, such as assisting students with physical disabilities, but others might decide to work with any students who require assistance. Having a calm and organized personality can be very helpful in this trade.

    Finding a job as an educational assistant might be difficult in small school districts or in low-income areas, but job prospects are likely to increase as people retire in the next few years. Cities are generally better places than small towns for finding work in this trade, but jobs can be available anywhere, depending on the needs of the community. Most educational assistants earn between $18 and $28 per hour, or between $33,000 and $58,000 per year.

    Normally, the work of an educational assistant is not very physically difficult, but it can be stressful. Being able to deal with children and their parents is important, and the job can become more difficult as people age, especially if they are working with young children. However, educational assistants can often continue in this work until retirement if they are reasonably healthy.

    In most classrooms, the teachers lead most of the classes, but they might sometimes ask the educational assistant to teach a lesson. If that happens, the assistant might need to do some preparation at home before the next day’s classes. Other preparations may also be necessary, but educational assistants generally are finished for the day once classes end and the students have gone home. However, people in this trade should be prepared for some irregular hours, especially if they need to go with a student to a school concert or other event.

    Working as an educational assistant can be a good alternative to being a teacher. If you enjoy working with students and helping them succeed, why not become an educational assistant?

    Bibliography:

    ALIS. “Educational Assistant.” https://alis.alberta.ca/occinfo/occupations-in-alberta/occupation-profiles/educational-assistant/.

    Job Bank. “Educational Assistant in Canada.” https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/occupation/25517/ca.

    Payscale Canada. “Average Educational Assistant Hourly Pay in Canada.” https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Educational_Assistant/Hourly_Rate.

    Skilled Trades Ontario. “Educational Assistant.” https://www.skilledtradesontario.ca/trade-information/educational-assistant.

     

  • December 2025 Scholarships – Apply now!

    December 2025 Scholarships – Apply now!

    Walsh / Di Tolla / Spivak Scholarship
    Scholarship Value: $10,000
    Awards Available: 10
    Award Deadline: December 31, 2025

    University of Waterloo Entrance Scholarships
    Scholarship Value: $20,000
    Awards Available: 150
    Award Deadline: January 15, 2026

    Automotive Women’s Association Scholarships
    Scholarship Value: $5,000
    Awards Available: 15
    Award Deadline: January 16, 2026

    President’s International Scholarship of Excellence (York University)
    Scholarship Value: $N/A
    Awards Available: 20
    Award Deadline: January 26, 2026

    Schulich Leader Scholarships
    Scholarship Value: $120,000
    Awards Available: 100
    Award Deadline: January 28, 2026

    Arts & Humanities Neen Hodgins Entrance Scholarship
    Scholarship Value: $80,000
    Awards Available: 1
    Award Deadline: February 14, 2026

    James Jenkins President’s Entrance Scholarship for Black Students
    Scholarship Value: $50,000
    Awards Available: 5
    Award Deadline: February 14, 2026

    SPIE Optics and Photonics Education Scholarships
    Scholarship Value: $11,000
    Awards Available: 72
    Award Deadline: February 15, 2026

    Commerce 1981 Entrance Scholarship
    Scholarship Value: $40,000
    Awards Available: 1
    Award Deadline: February 15, 2026

    Ontario Scholarships
    Scholarship Value: $10,000
    Awards Available: 10
    Award Deadline: February 28, 2026

    Jake Weitz Memorial Scholarship
    Scholarship Value: $1,000
    Awards Available: 10
    Award Deadline: March 1, 2026

    Jean Caya Scholarship
    Scholarship Value: $1,200
    Awards Available: 2
    Award Deadline: March 1, 2026 (estimated)

    Carleton University Prestige Scholarships
    Scholarship Value: $30,000
    Awards Available: 24
    Award Deadline: March 1, 2026

    Richard Lewar Scholarship
    Scholarship Value: $21,500
    Awards Available: 7
    Award Deadline: March 1, 2026

    BEGIN Program
    Scholarship Value: $30,000
    Awards Available: 3
    Award Deadline: March 31, 2026

    Jean Chretien Scholarship
    Scholarship Value: $5,000
    Awards Available: 5
    Award Deadline: March 31, 2026

    Algonquin College Tuition Contest
    Scholarship Value: $5,000
    Awards Available: 1
    Award Deadline: July 31, 2026

    Western Continuing Admission Scholarship of Excellence for Black Students
    Scholarship Value: $6,000
    Awards Available: 30
    Award Deadline: Ongoing

    Western Continuing Admission Scholarship of Excellence for Indigenous Students
    Scholarship Value: $6,000
    Awards Available: 30
    Award Deadline: Ongoing

  • Indigenous Student Scholarships for December 2025

    Indigenous Student Scholarships for December 2025

    SAA Native American Scholarships
    Scholarship Value: $10,000
    Awards Available: 5
    Award Deadline: January 31, 2026

    Western Continuing Admission Scholarship of Excellence for Indigenous Students
    Scholarship Value: $6,000
    Awards Available: 30
    Award Deadline: Ongoing

  • Green Christmas (French version available)

    Green Christmas (French version available)

    Most Canadians dream of a white Christmas. But perhaps we should be thinking of ways to add a little more green to this year’s holiday celebration.

    Every year, the cost of Christmas increases as the prices of products rise. The average Canadian household spends more and more on food, gifts and entertainment – often more than most families can realistically afford.

    But that’s just the financial cost. What about the environmental cost? We often forget about things like water usage, greenhouse gas pollution, solid waste and land disturbance. Think about how many tons of gift wrap are thrown away over the holidays, or how many hundreds of thousands of litres of water are used. What about the vast amount of electricity consumed to operate Christmas lights and TV, and DVD players so you can enjoy your favourite holiday classics?

    So what can we do to cut down on the environmental costs of Christmas? Here’s a list of nine ideas to try with your family this holiday season.

    1. Use environmentally friendly gift wrap. Foil and Metallic wrap are not recyclable, so remember to use paper that can be brought to your local blue bin after Christmas. To help cut down on financial costs, make your own wrapping paper using old newspaper, sale flyers, junk mail, calendars, maps or posters. You can also make your own cards, gift tags and bows using discarded ribbon.

    2. Turn off the lights when you are not home. When you are home and want to enjoy the tree lights, turn off all other lights, plug in the tree, light a few candles and enjoy a wonderful, cozy Christmas scene with reduced environmental impact. It’ll also help your family save a little on the power bill.

    3. Buy products that are environmentally-friendly alternatives to their counterparts. There are a number of cleaning products, candles, soaps, healthcare products and clothes that are considered green. When shopping, read the labels to see if what you are buying is environmentally safe.

    4. Buy second-hand gifts when possible and appropriate. Used video games and systems, books, CDs, DVD’s and board games offer a great way to reuse products. They also help make the holidays a little easier on the budget. Look for items that are in good condition and offer a guarantee.

    5. Use LED Christmas lights which will last longer than regular bulbs and use less energy.

    6. Recycle: It seems so obvious, but if each household recycled all of the boxes and packaging from gifts and food products, as well as plastic and glass bottles, milk jugs, etc., millions of extra tons of garbage could be eliminated from landfills.

    7. If you get a real Christmas tree, take it to a designated recycling area after the holidays so it can be turned into wood chips, which will be used in gardens and parks come spring.

    8. Use a reusable coffee mug when you go on Christmas shopping excursions, to local parades or friends’ holiday parties. This will cut down on the number of paper cups being thrown away. And if you make your favourite tea, coffee, hot chocolate or cider at home, it’ll also help you cut down on spending.

    9. Make your own gifts. Most people, parents and grandparents, especially enjoy receiving photo albums and calendars depicting fun family times. Perhaps you could make a Christmas scrapbook of Family Traditions that could be passed down to future generations. Make your own art if you enjoy drawing or painting, or if you enjoy sewing, make a gift using old fabric or clothing. Be creative. Making your own gifts is both environmentally friendly and financially feasible.

    Above all else, remember the true meaning of the holidays. Share in the joy of the season; rejoice in time spent with family and friends. Take a few minutes each day to be thankful for all you have and stop worrying about that which you don’t. ‘Tis the season to embrace the simple joys in life. And by making simple changes to the way you celebrate, you can help make this Christmas an especially green one.

  • Christmas Gifts in a Time of Environmental Crisis (French version available)

    Christmas Gifts in a Time of Environmental Crisis (French version available)

    The Christmas season is upon us once more. Serene snowfalls, joyful music, and uplifting movies are back, alongside the stress of your Christmas shopping list. This is exacerbated by the growing awareness of the climate crisis. The same endless consumption embodied by Christmas commercialism is a major driver of the destruction of our planet. How do we enjoy and partake in the holiday season without a heavy conscience? There is hope. Let us take a look at a growing number of options that allow you to simultaneously enjoy the holidays and reduce your impact on the climate and environment.

    Consumerism leads to excess waste, from countless returned goods to nesting dolls of plastic casings and covers. You can help combat this by buying no objects at all. Consider gifts that are instead either homemade or focus on experiences. When you reflect on gifts you have received over the years, the highly personalized ones often endure in our memories much longer than the flashy, expensive toys that provided an initial burst of excitement. A collection of pictures and videos, a personalized book, or an original song can speak volumes. Shared experiences at a concert, museum, or animal sanctuary are unforgettable.

    Purchased goods do not necessarily cause significant harm to the planet. Consider purchasing items that are second-hand, have a low carbon footprint, or are reusable. There are more and more household items and kitchenware being sold that can be used again and again. Many of these are everyday items of great practical value and will be a constant reminder of your relationship with the person. Another option is to look at gently used goods. As people try to live greener lives in an increasingly unaffordable world, the stigma associated with used products is eroding. It is a great way to give further life to an item that a friend or loved one can benefit from.

    You may still be cynical about engaging in the tradition of gift-giving. For many, it feels shallow, and it is frustratingly difficult to avoid a negative environmental impact. If you and your friends and loved ones feel similar, consider giving the gift of charity. CanadaHelps.org has a great, varied list of different charities, such as protecting wetlands and endangered species. You can donate to charities in honour of a special someone. This is a great way to take a positive spin on gifts that will help raise awareness of important issues for you and those on your gift-giving list.

    The messages of hope and love often conflict with the consumerism of each hectic Christmas. The holiday season does not have to be stressful and hypocritical. Focus instead on what you can do to better the lives of your loved ones and the world around you. Instead of endless piles of wrapping paper and plastic going into the garbage, consider homemade gifts or once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Give greater life to products with reusable or recycled goods. Explore different charities for which your dollars will make a lifesaving difference around the globe. There are many ways to partake in the holidays and stay true to its themes of family, love, and peace. You will feel good about it. Your friends and family will feel loved and appreciated. Most importantly, you will make a small but important contribution in the battle to save the Earth.

    Sources:

    Canada Helps. “Gift Guide.” https://www.canadahelps.org/en/gift-guide/

    Feltman, Rachel. “Gifts to save the planet.” Popular Science. https://www.popsci.com/best-eco-friendly-gifts/

  • Suggestions for Making the Most of Your Winter Break (French version available)

    Suggestions for Making the Most of Your Winter Break (French version available)

    Winter break is something many students (and teachers/instructors) look forward to after a stressful semester/first three months of the school year. People also get excited about celebrating occasions, including Christmas, New Year’s, as well as others that normally happen during this time. While these are great sources of enjoyment, there are also more ways to optimize the holidays.

    Here’s some advice on how to make the most of your winter break:

    Engage with Anything that Involves Self-Care

    People are often burnt out by the time winter break rolls around, especially when you’re a university student. This is why it’s definitely important to take care of yourself and recharge before school starts up again in January. Do anything that will help you relax. A good option (if you celebrate Christmas) is watching your favourite holiday movies/TV shows, as well as some you’ve never seen before. These could also help get you into the Christmas spirit.

    Self-care also means avoiding things that are stress-inducing. Though the holidays can be a fun time, this may involve a lot of preparation and planning for events, gift-shopping, decorating, etc., which many find quite draining. Therefore, don’t hesitate to rest whenever you see fit. For example, say someone invites you to attend something, and you don’t feel like doing so/are just too tired, politely decline. If this person knows you or is considerate, they’ll understand. Those who consider themselves “people pleasers” would likely find this difficult, but everyone should prioritize their own well-being.

    Spend Quality Time with Loved Ones

    Spend quality time with loved ones over the break. Many do so during family gatherings, including Christmas dinner(s). This is referring to friends as well. You could go somewhere (while staying safe) that your family members/friend group(s) have wanted to try but haven’t yet. If you prefer to stay in, holiday-themed games such as “Secret Santa” and “White Elephant” or playing various board games are great ways to bring people together.

    Continue with a Hobby (Or Take Up Other Ones)

    Now that you have some free time, do things you love. Are there any hobbies you miss doing or ones you’ve considered trying? Do you have a personal project in the works you’ve temporarily abandoned because other things took priority?

    Try Re-Connecting with Family Members/Old Friends

    It’s common for people to lose touch with each other for long periods of time, especially when everyone has busy schedules. As the holidays are often associated with coming together, consider contacting a person you haven’t seen in a while. Is there someone you’ve missed or would like to see again? Continuing these relationships with people could contribute to a more enhanced and fulfilling social life.

    Overall, winter break is a great time to participate in a special occasion and create new memories. Though fun, the holidays could also be used for checking in with yourself and seeing what you need, whether it’s time on your own or ensuring that you get more rest. If you take the advice above, you’ll likely make the most of your winter break.

  • How to Volunteer for the Holidays (French version available)

    How to Volunteer for the Holidays (French version available)

    Volunteering makes you feel good, helps those in need, and gives you great experience. People can volunteer all year round, but there is an extra desire to help out during the holidays. This is no surprise – ‘tis the season for giving and helping others. If you want to play your part in helping out the less fortunate, there are many ways for you to volunteer and give back during this festive time of year.

    There are things you can volunteer to do right away. This does not have to be through an organization, and can still have a huge impact on the people around you. Bake some holiday cookies and treats with your family and share them with neighbours, friends, and others in your community. Knit scarves or hats and leave them around your neighbourhood with little notes saying they are free for those in need. Knock on doors in your area, especially the elderly and those with accessibility issues, and ask if you can help with errands or tasks around the home. Think of what other strengths and skills you have to offer, and how you can volunteer all on your own to make someone else’s life a little bit brighter.

    If you are unsure or nervous about doing something on your own, there are a huge number of charities that you can go to for volunteering. Food banks such as the Daily Bread need help throughout December sorting food donations. Epilepsy Toronto needs volunteers for gift wrapping in malls across Toronto, as well as for their Holiday Fair in Nathan Phillips Square. The Salvation Army needs volunteers for its Christmas Assistance program to prepare toys, clothes, and food hampers for those in need. Check out the companies looking for help in your neighbourhood and reach out to them right away.

    It can be surprisingly hard to volunteer at many charities for the holidays. So many people want to do the same and they fill out volunteer forms months in advance. These spots fill up quickly! Instead, you can try to start your own little organization within your community. For example, a group of friends in Toronto started Yarn It Forward to work with others to crochet helpful items like scarves for those in need.  Get help from parents, family, and friends to hold your own neighbourhood fundraiser with food and activities to raise money for certain charities. Organize a clothing drive to gather used clothes, jackets, and other items that can be given to the less fortunate. This all requires more effort, but it can bring your neighbourhood together and help far more people than you could on your own.

    The holidays are a great time to volunteer. The homeless are dealing with the cold and many less privileged people are feeling lonely or sad seeing all the festivities around them. You can do a lot on your own, with your family or friends, or through a charity in your area. These are all great ways to really feel and be true to the spirit of the holidays.

    Sources:

    blogTO. “Holiday volunteer opportunities in Toronto.” https://www.blogto.com/city/2018/11/holiday-volunteer-opportunities-toronto-2018/

    Teotonio, Isabel. “Want to volunteer at a shelter this Christmas? Think again – do something else.” The Star. https://www.thestar.com/life/relationships/2017/12/11/want-to-volunteer-at-a-shelter-this-christmas-think-again-do-something-else.html

  • How to Avoid Overspending During the Holidays (French version available)

    How to Avoid Overspending During the Holidays (French version available)

    The holidays are approaching, and for many people this means holiday shopping.  Whether your family exchanges gifts, or gets together to eat lots of food, participating in holiday celebrations also often means spending money.

    Getting swept up in the holiday hustle and bustle is easy, which can lead to overspending – sometimes by a lot.  To avoid falling into the spending trap, it’s a smart idea to take some time before the holiday season to make a plan for yourself.

    Create a Budget (And Stick To It)

    The first part is fairly easy, but the second part can be trickier.  Examine your finances and work up a budget for how much you can reasonably spend during the holidays, without impacting your other major expenses.  If you are living at home, determine what you can spend without impacting your ability to save for the future or buy your own day-to-day necessities.  If you are at college or university and living independently, make sure your allotted holiday spending won’t impact your ability to pay for your essential living expenses, including rent, food, utilities, and school materials.

    Sticking to a budget isn’t always easy, especially when there are lots of holiday activities that you want to participate in.  To help you stay on top of your spending, make sure you have easy access to your budget so that you always know how much you’ve spent and what you have left available. You can do this through an app on your smartphone, a spreadsheet on your computer, or even a poster on the wall.  However you track your spending, be sure to keep it up to date.

    Here are three ways to keep your costs down over the holidays:

    1. Consider Making Handmade Gifts and Food

    In many cases, if you can make something yourself, it will be less expensive to buy the materials than to buy a completed item.  Your family and friends will also appreciate the effort of handmade gifts and homemade treats such as cookies.  You can also turn these into group activities and make part of the gift the time you spend with the people in your life.

    2. Look For Sales and Deals

    If you do want to shop, search for deals on the gifts you plan to buy.  Many stores offer sales and other discounts during the holiday season, so take a look online and at your local shops to see what is available.  Keep an eye on flyers for deals, and search online for coupon codes to use with online or in-person shopping.

    3. Suggest Low-Cost or Free Activities

    The heart of the holidays is really about spending time with family and friends.  Instead of costly gifts or activities, suggest low-cost or free ones.  Look around your city or town and you will find tons of outdoor options such as skating rinks, winter walks, and more.  If winter weather isn’t your thing, consider hosting a movie day at home rather than going to the theatre, or have a potluck dinner where everyone brings food to share.

    Do you have a large extended family?  Rather than buying gifts for each person, suggest having everyone draw names for whom to buy a gift for this year.  You could also propose a “white elephant” game, where everyone brings a small, inexpensive gift and then trades randomly or draws numbers to determine which gift they get.

    As you can see, there are plenty of ways to spend valuable time with family and loved ones during the holidays without a large price tag. By following these tips, you can avoid the spending trap and have a happy holiday season.

     

    Sources:

    Allocca, Steve. “Five Ways To Avoid Overspending During The Holidays.” Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesfinancecouncil/2019/12/10/five-ways-to-avoid-overspending-during-the-holidays/?sh=1d57ff12130f

    CIBC. “Not overspending during the holidays.” https://www.cibc.com/en/personal-banking/smart-advice/debt-help/resources/holiday-overspending.html.

    Gobel, Reyna. “8 Tips To Help You Control Holiday Spending.” Investopedia. https://www.investopedia.com/articles/pf/08/speding-holiday.asp.