Walmart Women's Rights Blunder

Walmart is the latest to be exposed for its questionable attitudes towards women, thanks to one professor with a long memory and, well, receipts.

Professor Nick Kapur tweeted excerpts from a 1995 Associated Press article published in the Tuscaloosa News about a Walmart store in Miami pulling a T-shirt from shelves. Why? Because they featured “Dennis the Menace” character Margaret, and read, “Someday a woman will be president.” 

According to the article, the store nixed the shirt after a lone customer complained about it. The woman who designed the shirts, Ann Moliver Ruben, noted that a buyer for Walmart told her that the shirt “goes against Walmart’s family values.” (Because the only part of the White House a woman belongs in is the kitchen, amirite? Ugh.)

Ruben, a Florida-based psychologist said she designed the shirt to have a positive message for young girls. Thankfully, the shirt was later put back on the shelves after a backlash from women’s groups. That was only 21 years ago. Thank goodness attitudes are changing, but Geez Louise, it's a painfully slow process.

Tuesday night, Hillary Clinton became the first woman in American history to be nominated for president by a major political party. The Walmart of 1995 might be oh so offended at such a historical occasion, but that’s the great thing about society moving forward: We can look back on the past and realize just how dumb we were — and how far we’ve come.

UPDATE: Danit Marquardt, new Director of Corporate Communications at WalMart, recently responded with the following statement: “Wow, it still pains us that we made this mistake 20 years ago.  We’re proud of the fact that our country – and our company – has made so much progress in advancing women in the workplace, and in society.” Nice recovery Danit.

Maxy Sez : How to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes Complications

By Everyday Health Editors

You probably fear the dangerous and even life-threatening complications of type 2 diabetes — but by being vigilant with your blood-sugar control you can prevent them.

Your type 2 diabetes puts you at an increased risk of a range of serious health problems, including heart attack, high blood pressure, stroke, vision loss, dental problems, and foot problems. By keeping your diabetes in check — most importantly, keeping your blood sugar at a healthy level through diet, exercise, and medication — you can prevent many of these serious complications. 

You can also help avoid these dangers by learning to recognize a problem and what to do about it if it develops.
The most common complications of type 2 diabetes include:
Heart disease is the top cause of death in people with diabetes. Heart attack symptoms may appear suddenly or be subtle, with only mild pain and discomfort. If you experience the heart attack warning signs, call 911 immediately.
Stroke. of the stroke warning signs.
Nerve damage, or diabetic neuropathy, due to uncontrolled high 
As with a heart attack, immediate treatment can be the difference between life and death. Call 911 immediately if you experience any blood sugar is another potential consequence for those with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes can also make it more difficult for your body to fight infections, causing skin problems.
Kidney disease.
Type 2 diabetes increases your risk of kidney disease, or diabetic nephropathy, a condition in which the blood vessels in your kidneys are damaged to the point that they cannot filter out waste properly. If left untreated, dialysis (a treatment to filter out waste products from the blood) or even a kidney transplant may be necessary.
Eye problems. People with type 2 diabetes are at risk of several eye conditions, including diabetic retinopathy (which affects the blood vessels in the eye), glaucoma, and cataracts. If left untreated, these conditions can cause vision loss.

Hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia.Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) are the two most common, yet threatening, diabetes-related complications, which is why checking your blood sugar regularly (as indicated by your doctor) is crucial to diabetes management.

Avoid Complications of Type 2 Diabetes:
The key to preventing many of these type 2 diabetes complications is to maintain good blood sugar control. To do this, eat right, exercise, monitor your blood sugar as recommended by your doctor, don't  smoke, and commit to making small, healthy choices every day.

Always report any unusual signs or symptoms to your doctor and other members of your care team. Together, you can work to prevent these diabetes-related health complications.

Holocaust survivors remember .... We need to be reminded now and then

Bladeless fan ... How to make Dyson fan DIY

This guy has found a cost-effective way to stay cool this summer

When the blade-less fan was introduced to the masses a few years ago, heat sufferers rejoiced. Such a practical and well-designed device seemed like a no-brainer when it came to escaping the heat.

Minus one thing: the price tag. Well, thanks to one clever maker on YouTube, a blade-less fan is entirely feasible as a DIY project.

 



The end result apparently works 15 times more efficiently than a normal fan and looks surprisingly polished, considering the contraption is made up of a flowerpot and a water jug.

In his instructional video, Rulof Maker demonstrates how to put the pieces together. He uses a grinder to slice up the bottom of a water cooler jug. He then inserts a large vase inside and tops it with a Plexiglas cap and a scrap piece of plastic from the jug, which fits inside the rim of the plant vase.

In order to blow the air inside the device, he adds a smaller plastic vase from which he trims the top off. Using wood boards, he secures a microwave fan inside the smaller vase. Cutting a circular hole on the side of the water jug, he then secures the smaller fan vase with glue.

At the end of the video, Rulof explains how the air flows as a result of the Venturi Effect.

Brings a whole new meaning to the word “chill”.

‘A dimple appeared in my left boob’: One woman’s tale of breast cancer



It was a simple enough tweet from a new Twitter account named My Left Boob. 

“A dimple appeared in my left boob not sure when. I’ve noticed it in the last few days. Googled! Now can feel lump. Dr’s appt at midday.”

From there, the story of Claire Warner’s 14mm grade 3 invasive ductal carcinoma slowly unravels as you scroll. The 41-year-old mother of two spotted the dimple earlier in June but waited until the 30th to finally make an appointment to get it checked out. It was a tweet about another U.K. woman, Lisa Royle, who had also spotted a small dimple on her breast that helped set off the alarm bells. If she had not read that fateful tweet, she may have put off the exam even longer.

Lisa Royle, from Manchester, posted the picture on her Facebook page last week, and since then it has been shared more than 55,000 times and received more than 32,000 likes.

The image shows a slight dimple just visible on the underside of Mrs Royle's left breast. 

The 42-year-old, urged other women to take time out of their busy lives to check their breasts for the signs of cancer. She had a mastectomy a few days after this photo was taken.

Warner shared her own picture on Facebook along with a description of her diagnosis hoping to warn others and encourage them to check themselves.

“Ok, here goes,” she writes. “PLEASE READ and more importantly LOOK!”

She then goes on to describe a picture taken of her left breast. 

“This is a picture of my left boob. The small purplish bruise is where I had a biopsy taken. The minuscule dimple up and to the left of it is a rare and little-known symptom of BREAST CANCER.”

“I can’t feel the lump, even now that I know it’s there. I’m not ill. My only symptom is this dimple.”

After more than 9,000 shares, Warner pulled down the Facebook post and decided to share her journey through Twitter. Note: the original post can be viewed here. She also created the hashtag #CheckForTheDimple so others can share their stories.
Ms Warner may just have saved a few lives. Before reading this, I would not have been too alarmed at finding a dimple. We have been so programmed to fear only the 'dreaded' lump. Sister-friends get an exam and an annual or bi-annual mammogram.

On the road with the PICs

Parmesan–Panko Chicken Tenders

Most kids are hooked on breaded chicken of some sort. So here's a pan-fried version that's much healthier than drive-through or frozen-food options. Using chicken breast tenders makes these look like fast food, but you'll feel so much better about feeding them to your kids. The crispy, crunchy panko breadcrumbs lend incredible texture.
Serves 4 (serving size: 3 chicken breast tenders)
Total time: 31 Minutes
1-1/2        pounds chicken breast tenders (about 12 tenders)
1/2           teaspoon kosher salt
1/4           teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/8           teaspoon garlic powder
2              large eggs, lightly beaten
1              cup panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
1.3           ounces grated fresh Parmesan cheese (about 1/3 cup)
2              tablespoons canola oil, divided
2              tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley (optional)
4              lemon quarters (optional)

1. Sprinkle chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Place eggs in a shallow bowl. Combine panko and cheese in another shallow bowl. Dip chicken in egg; dredge in breadcrumb mixture.

2. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon oil; swirl to coat. Add half of chicken; cook 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until browned and done. Remove from pan. Repeat procedure with remaining oil and chicken. Sprinkle with parsley, and serve with lemon quarters, if desired.
Contributed By Elsie C . 2nd shift Waitress 

Barbecue  Smoked Salmon:

This whisky-scented smoked salmon combines the virtues of hot smoking and cedar planking. The dry brine in a sugar-salt mixture seasons the fish wonderfully. Cedar planks are available at grill stores and cookware shops. For gas grilling, place drained, soaked wood chips in a disposable aluminum pan directly on the burner of your grill.
Serves 4 (serving size: 5 ounces cooked salmon)
Total time: 6 Hours
1/2         cup Scotch whisky
1           (1-1/2-pound) 3/4-inch-thick, center-cut skinless salmon fillet (preferably wild)
1           cup brown sugar
2           tablespoons coarsely cracked black peppercorns
1           tablespoon kosher salt
1           teaspoon grated lemon rind
1           (15 x 6 1/2 x 3/8–inch) cedar grilling plank
1-1/2     cups hickory wood chips
Coarsely cracked black peppercorns (optional)
Lemon slices (optional)

1. Combine whisky and salmon in a large zip-top plastic bag. Refrigerate 1 hour, turning occasionally. Drain; pat salmon dry.

2. Combine brown sugar, pepper, salt, and rind in a large bowl. Place one-third of sugar mixture in bottom of an 11 x 7–inch baking dish. Add fish; top evenly with remaining sugar mixture. Cover with plastic wrap; refrigerate 4 hours. Rinse fish well; pat dry.

3. Soak grilling plank in water 1 hour; drain. Soak wood chips in water 30 minutes; drain.

4. Remove grill rack; set aside. Prepare grill for indirect grilling, heating both sides to medium and leaving center with no heat. Maintain temperature at medium (325°). Toss wood chips on coals. Place grill rack on grill. Place salmon, skinned-side down, on plank in center of hot rack, away from the heat. Cover; cook 30 minutes or until desired degree of doneness. Serve with cracked peppercorns and lemon slices, if desired.
Contributed by : James L . Security 1st Class 

The  Perfect Pound Cakes

Give your go-to pound cake recipe a breather and try one of these pound cake recipes from scratch.
You'll need a heavy-duty stand mixer with a 4-qt. bowl and paddle attachment for this recipe.
Prep:  15 Minutes     Bake: 2 Hours 40 Minutes
Makes 10 to 12 servings

4          cups all-purpose flour
3          cups sugar
2          cups butter, softened
3/4       cup milk
6         large eggs
2         teaspoons vanilla extract
1. Layer Ingredients and Mix. Preheat oven to 325°. Place flour, sugar, butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla (in that order) in 4-qt. bowl of a heavy-duty electric stand mixer. Beat at low speed 1 minute, stopping to scrape down sides. Beat at medium speed 2 minutes.

2. Pour and Bake. Pour into a greased and floured 10-inch (16-cup) tube pan, and smooth. Bake at 325° for 1 hour and 30 minutes or until a long wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack 10 minutes. Remove from pan to wire rack, and cool completely (about 1 hour).
Contributed by : Hattie  D. Human Resources

Maxy sez : 7 Ways to Travel Safely When You Have Type 2 Diabetes

Whether you’re taking a weekend road trip or flying off on an international adventure, traveling with type 2 diabetes requires a bit of planning for a safe and successful journey. Preparing well in advance can help ensure you have everything you need to manage your care away from home and let you focus on enjoying your trip.

Talk to Your Healthcare Provider :
Let your physician or healthcare provider know that you are traveling and ask about any special insulin instructions or precautions you should take, especially if you are traveling to a different time zone. Make sure you have prescriptions for your medications and supplies in case you need to have them filled away from home. It’s also a good idea to have a letter from your provider that says you have diabetes and includes a list of your medications and supplies, as well as an emergency plan. Share this information with your traveling companions.

Do Your Homework :
You probably won’t need it, but know where to find medical care. Before you leave home, locate a diabetes physician, hospital and emergency care at your destination. If you are traveling overseas, the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers publishes a list of local English-speaking doctors. Visiting a country where English is not the primary language? Learn how to say “I have diabetes” and ask for orange juice and medical care in the native language.

Pack More Medication Than You Need :
Pack twice as much medication and supplies as you need, including insulin, syringes and test strips, as well as a first aid kit and glucose emergency kit. Don’t put these items in the car trunk, which can get extremely hot, or in checked baggage, which can get delayed or lost. Keep them in a carry-on bag that travels with you at all times. Also carry your emergency instructions and prescriptions from your physician with you.

If You’re Flying, Prepare for Security Checkpoints :
At the airport, let Transportation Security Administration (TSA) representatives know that you have diabetes. They will allow you to bring more than 3.4 oz. of medications with you. Keep medications in their original packaging with your name on them, and put them in a bag by themselves for easier screening. Also have your doctor’s letter ready to show. For more information about current screening policies, visit the TSA Web site.

Bring Snacks :
Ward off low blood sugar by stashing snacks. When you’re on vacation, you may not always know where the nearest grocery store is, and at any rate, you won’t want to interrupt a tour or activity because you need to find food. Keep a supply of energy bars, trail mix, fruit and glucose tablets handy when you are on the go.

Test Blood Glucose More Often Than Usual :
Travel, different foods and mealtimes, activities and changes to your sleep schedule all can affect your glucose levels. Test them more often than you normally would, especially before and after meals.

Take Care of Your Feet :
Airplane travel can cause your feet and ankles to swell, so talk to your health care provider about wearing compression socks on the flight. Check your feet often, especially if you walk more than usual on your trip. Wear cotton socks and comfortable shoes that are broken in; if you wear sandals, don’t choose styles with a strap between the toes, as this can irritate your feet. It’s not advised to go barefoot, but if you do, inspect the bottom of your feet closely after walking to ensure there are no lesions or cuts in the skin.

Have a safe and successful trip!

Athena Philis-Tsimikas, MD, is an endocrinologist and the corporate vice president for the Scripps Whittier Diabetes Institute at Scripps Health in San Diego.

Somethimg new from The PICs from working cooks HMmmmmm good !

Slow-Cooker Balsamic Chicken

5-Ingredient Slow-Cooker Balsamic Chicken
Total time 
4 hours   15 mininutes 
This slow-cooker balsamic chicken is a perfect recipe for a hot summer day. Serve with your favorite fresh summer vegetable, and you have a wonderful meal.
Who says you can't have  to  eat take out  because  you work 8 hours . 

2-1/2     pound  boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 12)
1-1/4    cups balsamic vinaigrette dressing
1           teaspoon chopped fresh garlic
1/2       cup grape tomatoes, quartered
1/4       cup fresh basil leaves, coarsely chopped

1 .  Spray 3 1/2- to 4-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. Place chicken thighs in slow cooker, layering if necessary. Top with 1/2 cup of the dressing, and sprinkle with garlic; refrigerate remaining dressing for later. Cover and cook on Low heat setting 4 to 4 1/2 hours or until juice of chicken is clear when thickest part is cut (at least 165°F).
2 .  Remove chicken to rimmed serving dish, and discard cooking liquid. To serve, drizzle remaining 3/4 cup dressing over chicken; top with tomatoes and basil.
Jasmine  W.  Blackjack Dealer  
*************************
You Won’t Know It’s Not Potato Salad

Prep / total  time :    2 hours  5 minutes      12 servings 
You just might be fooled by the cauliflower sneaking into the veggie-packed salad in place of potatoes!   

4    eggs
2     bags (1 lb each) frozen cauliflower florets1-3/4   cups reduced-fat mayonnaise or salad dressing
1     bag (10 oz) Cascadian Farm® organic frozen peas & carrots

1         teaspoon granulated sugar
1         teaspoon salt
1/4      teaspoon pepper
1/4      teaspoon paprika
1         tablespoon cider vinegar
1         teaspoon yellow mustard
1         cup chopped celery (2-1/2 stalks)
2/3     cup chopped onion (about 1 medium)

1 .  In 2-quart saucepan, place eggs in single layer; add enough cold water to cover eggs by 1 inch. Cover; heat to boiling. Remove from heat; let stand covered 15 minutes. Drain eggs. Immediately run cold water over eggs until completely cooled. Peel and chop eggs.
2 .  Meanwhile, in large (4-quart) microwavable bowl, place frozen cauliflower and frozen peas and carrots; cover with microwavable waxed paper. Microwave on High 20 to 25 minutes, stirring once halfway through microwaving. Drain vegetables in colander; rinse with cold water to cool. Place colander over same large bowl; refrigerate at least 30 minutes or until cooled.
3 .  In small bowl, mix mayonnaise, sugar, salt, pepper, 1/8 teaspoon of the paprika, the vinegar and mustard; set aside.
4 .  Remove vegetables from refrigerator; discard any liquid in bowl. Pat drained vegetables dry with paper towels; chop any large cauliflower pieces into 3/4-inch chunks to resemble chopped potatoes. Place cauliflower, peas and carrots in same bowl. Add celery, onion and chopped eggs.
5 .  Pour mayonnaise mixture over salad; stir until vegetables and eggs are well coated. Sprinkle remaining 1/8 teaspoon paprika over salad. If desired, cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour or until well chilled before serving.

Lottie  B . Cage cashier 
More coming your way More coming your way ... these are only  two of them ... what fun 
Gregg  taste  the  dishes  and told them he was going to invite  them  on the road show .  More  dishes to come .
The PICs

Why do humans kiss?

On International Kissing Day, ( July 6th) we wanted to know where this unusual act of affection came from.

Surely everyone remembers their first kiss, in all its embarrassing or delightful detail - and while kissing continues to play a big role in new romances, in the animal world, it doesn’t exist.

In some cultures it is replaced by the rubbing of noses, as with the New Zealanders and Laplanders, by the rubbing or patting of the arms, breasts, or stomachs, or by one man striking his own face with the hands or feet of another.
Of course the simplest answer is that it just feels good but surely there must be more to it.

Philematologists, the scientists who study kissing, ( There are actually doctors who only study kissing?) aren't exactly sure why humans started locking lips in the first place but the most likely theory is that it stems from primate mothers passing along chewed food to their toothless babies.
Some of the oldest evidence of a kissing-type behaviour comes from Hindu Vedic Sanskrit texts from over 3,500 years ago. Kissing was described as inhaling each other's soul.

The lip-to-lip contact may have been passed on through evolution, not only as a necessary means of survival, but also as a general way to promote social bonding and as an expression of love.

Kissing allows us to get close enough to a mate to assess essential characteristics about them, none of which we’re consciously processing. In the animal kingdom, most creatures don’t need to get so up close an personal because of a greater sense of smell and also – in some cases – extremely pungent urine.
So what’s smell got to do with it?
A study published in 1995 showed that women, just like mice, prefer the smell of men who are genetically different from them. This makes sense, as mating with someone with different genes is likely to produce healthy offspring.
As it turns out the importance of smell increases when women are at their most fertile.
So if you want to find a perfect match, you could forego kissing and start smelling people instead but curiously, this probably isn’t socially acceptable in most modern cultures.
This is all well and good but there is more to it. Our lips are packed with nerve endings, making them one of the most acutely sensitive regions of your entire body.
Kissing unleashes a host of feel-good chemicals, helping to reduce stress and increase social bonding.

We are pretty satisfied with the explanation that humans kiss because it feels good.
'HAPPY KISSING DAY!'



Mateo pleads his case - A born lawyer



Maxy sez : 10 Warning Signs of Low Blood Sugar

By Melissa Johnson Reviewed by Erin Palinski-Wade, RD, CDE
Hypoglycemia can cause both short- and long-term complications. Know the signs so that you can treat the condition as soon as you're aware of it.
Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is common among people with diabetes and can occur even when you're carefully managing the condition.

Hypoglycemia happens when the amount of blood glucose (sugar in the blood) drops to a level that's too low to sustain normal functioning; in most people, this is defined as a blood-sugar level below 70 mg/dl.

A study review in the June 2015 issue of PLOS One found that among those with type 2 diabetes, this is a far too common occurrence: individuals had an average of 19 mild episodes of hypoglycemia a year, and nearly one severe episode per year on average. Low blood sugar was particularly common among those taking insulin.

This decrease in blood-sugar levels can cause both short-term complications, like confusion and dizziness, as well as more serious, long-term complications.

Left untreated, it can lead to a coma and even death. To prevent hypoglycemia and its dangerous side effects, it's crucial to monitor your glucose levels and treat low blood sugar as soon as you become aware of it. And pay attention to these telltale signs of dipping blood sugar levels to make sure yours stays under control:

Ravenous hunger: 
If you've already eaten but still aren't satisfied, or if you suddenly, inexplicably feel as if you're starving, your body is signaling that it needs more glucose — preferably 15 grams from a carbohydrate-rich food source. Two tablespoons of raisins, 4 ounces of fruit juice, and hard candy (see package to determine how many to consume) are all good sources.
Feelings of anxiety:
 When glucose levels fall too low, your body tells the adrenal glands to release the hormone ephinephrine (also called adrenaline), which signals the liver to make more sugar. The excess ephinephrine creates an "adrenaline rush," which can make you feel anxious.
Restless nights. Nocturnal hypoglycemia, which is very common, can cause a number of sleep disturbances. Symptoms include night sweats, nightmares, episodes of waking suddenly and crying out, and feelings of unrest and confusion upon waking. A snack before bed can reduce the frequency and severity of sleep disturbances.
Shakes and tremors. The central nervous system starts to malfunction when glucose levels are off balance. As a result, it releases catecholamines: chemicals that encourage glucose production and also produce these symptoms.
Emotional instability:
 Mood swings and sudden emotional episodes not typical of your normal behavior are among the neurological symptoms of hypoglycemia, including irrational outbursts, random or hysterical crying, uncontrollable anger, and a strong desire to be left alone. Mild mood changes that may not be as severe, such as general irritability or becoming easily annoyed, can also be a signal that your blood sugar may be dropping.
Sweating:
 This symptom is controlled by the autonomic nervous system (the part of the central nervous system that governs the skin, among other things) and is usually one of the first signs of hypoglycemia. The excessive perspiration comes on without warning, regardless of how warm or cold the external temperature may be.
Dizziness and light-headedness:
 If you experience these common symptoms of hypoglycemia, heed them and treat the hypoglycemia quickly. Dropping blood sugar levels can also cause you to faint, so if you feel yourself start to swoon, sit or lie down immediately to avoid injuring yourself.
Wandering thoughts. Because the brain is especially sensitive to a drop in glucose, you may experience a sense of confusion and an inability to concentrate on one thing at a time.
Vision problems:
 If your vision suddenly becomes blurry or you see double, a drop in blood sugar may be to blame.

Slurred speech. Your sugar-starved brain may not allow you to detect a change in how you sound, but others will notice a difference. To someone else, you may sound as though you've had a few too many cocktails — even though you haven't touched a drop.

Reality with an ironic twist

What's more important to you....Your retirement or your kids' college fund ??

Canadians are more adamant about saving for their child’s education than other western nations according to a global report by HSBC.

The survey of 6,241 parents in 15 countries, including 434 Canadians, found that 72 per cent of Canadian parents have started saving for their child’s education compared to 65 per cent in the U.S., 53 per cent in Australia, 46 per cent in the UK and 43 per cent in France.
Cynthia Kett, principal of advice-only planning firm Stewart and Kett Financial Advisors Inc. in Toronto, says the findings are in line with what she’s experienced among clients.
“I would say that the majority of our clients – almost all – who have young children are saving for their children’s ‎post-secondary education,” she says. “If they haven’t started yet, they intend to do so.”
But parents aren’t the only ones footing the bill. While 96 per cent of those Canadian parents surveyed expect to be the main contributor to funding their child’s education, half expect their kids to contribute if they go to university. In fact, 39 per cent of parents say their university-aged children are already helping to pay for college, making Canada stand out in this regard among the other countries surveyed.
Of course the funds may come with strings attached.
The survey found that nearly two thirds (62 per cent) of Canadian parents say they do have a preference when it comes to the career path their kid pursues. The after-school programming stereotypes are alive and well with fathers being the most likely to point their kids towards a certain career based on it earning potential whereas those mothers surveyed took a more balanced approach ranking individual strengths first, followed by the child’s choice and finally, income.
More important than retirement
Lower income households have a greater propensity to invest in their kids schooling over investing in their own retirement. According to the survey, 53 per cent of Canadian parents with household incomes below $65,000 say helping to pay for their kids education is more important than retirement, compared to four in 10 households above that income cutoff.
The sentiment bodes well under the Liberal government’s plan to increase the maximum Canada Student Grant for low-income students to $3,000 per year for full-time students, and to $1,800 per year for part-time students while halting loan repayment until students have graduated and are making at least $25,000.
But it doesn’t have to be either/or when it comes to retirement savings.
“By having a financial plan to meet their family’s overall needs and reviewing it regularly, parents will be better placed to support their children’s studies without compromising on their own long-term financial goals,” Betty Miao, executive vice president and head of retail banking and wealth management for HSBC Bank Canada, said in a news release announcing the findings.
That’s where registered education savings plans come into play, adds Kett.
“Parents want to take advantage of the Canada Education Savings Grants offered by the federal government through RESPs,” she says. “Where else can you get a guaranteed 20 per cent rate of return on your savings?”
Her advice for the three in ten who haven’t gotten around to saving for their children’s education:

“Start now, track your spending for a while to see where you can reduce expenses to enable education savings (and) implement pre-authorized periodic transfers to RESPS and/or other savings accounts,” she says.  

The earlier you start, the more you will have to offer your kids when the need arises. Also, if you start the fund when the kids are babies, your contributions can be smaller and therefore easier to handle. The interest will compound over a longer period of time. The hard part is not slacking off on the payments when things get a little tight. Our kids are the future and it would be a blessing if they had more on the ball than us.

Grillin' Giggles