When you’re looking at your monthly expenses, the first thing you’re going to look at is how much you need to spend each month just to stay afloat, which is to say what you’re spending on keeping the lights on.

It’s no secret that I’ve been delaying my retirement planning. Part of this is due to the fact that I have a pension in my future (though I’m not sure I can count on that entirely) and this past year I’ve been focused on paying off debt.

It has been well researched and documented that most people that are smart with their money, credit and other finances are able to make better than average decisions because they are in good mental and physical health.

There used to be a certain stigma attached to laminate flooring. In the past, it was thought of as a ‘cheap’ option; a more affordable alternative to real hardwood. However, that stigma has well and truly been abolished.

But, while I was outside planting, I noticed our deck is looking kind of old and the wood in some areas is falling apart. This time our deck is going to be made out of resin composite wood.