menu_open Columnists
Peta Wales

Peta Wales

The Province

We use cookies to provide some features and experiences in QOSHE

More information  .  Close

Spring break: How to prioritize family fun and financial stability with planning Use spring break planning to teach kids money lessons. Avoid payment-focused thinking, and keep long-term goals on track.

Spring break: How to prioritize family fun and financial stability with planning Use spring break planning to teach kids money lessons. Avoid payment-focused thinking, and keep long-term goals on track.

Canucks Preview: Three things to watch as Hurricanes warning issued Canucks: Elias Pettersson's struggles pain him. Does he need a trade? 'I...

02.03.2026 10

The Province

Peta Wales

Here's how to turn a debt-free dream into reality Debt payoff doesn’t require perfection. Practical tips and simple strategies to tackle credit cards, loans and old bills and start your journey. Find out more.

Here's how to turn a debt-free dream into reality Debt payoff doesn’t require perfection. Practical tips and simple strategies to tackle credit cards, loans and old bills and start your journey. Find out more.

Canucks Live: Pettersson the centre of attention; trades hard to come by league wide; Hurricanes hit town 'I stabbed him': Vancouver...

23.02.2026 30

The Province

Peta Wales

Why every homeowner needs an emergency plan, not just an emergency fund Homeownership changes your finances. Even when money is tight, learn how to rebuild savings with an emergency plan while balancing debt and retirement goals.

Why every homeowner needs an emergency plan, not just an emergency fund Homeownership changes your finances. Even when money is tight, learn how to rebuild savings with an emergency plan while balancing debt and retirement goals.

Canucks Live: Pettersson the centre of attention; trades hard to come by league wide; Hurricanes hit town 'I stabbed him': Vancouver...

16.02.2026 10

The Province

Peta Wales

Want to make more family time despite financial drawbacks? Here's how to navigate that choice Facing a choice between income and family time? Explore tips and strategies to balance finances, well-being, and family priorities for lasting happiness.

Want to make more family time despite financial drawbacks? Here's how to navigate that choice Facing a choice between income and family time? Explore tips and strategies to balance finances, well-being, and family priorities for lasting happiness.

Canucks Live: Pettersson the centre of attention; trades hard to come by league wide; Hurricanes hit town 'I stabbed him': Vancouver...

02.02.2026 10

The Province

Peta Wales

Is re-amortizing your mortgage a smart strategy or costly habit? Every time you renew a mortgage you’re exposed to the prevailing market interest rates. If rates have risen, even resetting the amortization to 30 years may not reduce payments to the level you expect, potentially causing immediate budget strain.

26.01.2026 20

The Province

Peta Wales

What to do when family celebrations test your financial boundaries Struggling with financial pressure from family celebrations? Discover how to set clear priorities and respectful financial boundaries with loved ones.

19.01.2026 40

The Province

Peta Wales

Here's how to handle debt when there’s no room left in your budget When your finances are strained, focus on maintaining stability even if keeping up with every contractual payment feels important. Negotiating and following through with smaller payments can help maintain positive relationships with your creditors and ensure you have options later.

12.01.2026 20

The Province

Peta Wales

That new year budget burnout is real: Here's how to deal with it

05.01.2026 50

The Province

Peta Wales

Why a three-month financial reset is smart for the new year Tackle debt, build savings, learn financial skills, and create lasting momentum for your money goals. Find out how.

29.12.2025 20

The Province

Peta Wales

Here's how to regain financial control when festive burnout strikes Holiday burnout fuels overspending and January debt stress. These practical steps will help to regain control

22.12.2025 10

The Province

Peta Wales

Here are the best methods to help seniors avoid scams Protect your loved one from phone, online, and in-person scams: practical tips to safeguard their finances while preserving independence and peace of mind.

15.12.2025 10

The Province

Peta Wales

It's the 12 Days of Christmas — personal financial edition Take stock of your finances during the holidays by using these simple strategies to manage money better and reduce stress to plan for 2026

08.12.2025 10

The Province

Peta Wales

The truth behind the 3 most common credit score myths Practical tips to rebuild your credit with confidence, no hacks, quick fixes or costly repair services needed.

01.12.2025 10

The Province

Peta Wales

One month before Christmas: Try the single-budget strategy for savvy spending

24.11.2025 8

The Province

Peta Wales

Black Friday bling without the bills: How to shop smart and avoid debt To keep your Black Friday holiday spend from ruining your budget, start by totalling the purchases you charged to your credit cards and treat that amount as your repayment target.

17.11.2025 10

The Province

Peta Wales

Holiday financial survival: How to keep traditions joyful without breaking the bank Start the money talk early this holiday season. Learn how to adapt gift giving traditions, ease financial stress, and keep the focus on connection.

10.11.2025 10

The Province

Peta Wales

Raising money-savvy teens: Practical, low-pressure ways to help Learn how to make everyday money talks, saving goals and banking basics part of growing up with confidence

03.11.2025 7

The Province

Peta Wales

Points, perks, and pitfalls: Why chasing credit card bonuses can cost you more Credit card rewards can look like easy money, but chasing bonuses, perks and points can lead to debt, stress and a lower credit score if you’re not careful.

27.10.2025 9

The Province

Peta Wales

Five misconceptions about credit scores that can end up costing you

22.10.2025 7

The Province

Peta Wales

Trick, treat, teach: Use Halloween party planning to educate kids about money

22.10.2025 7

The Province

Peta Wales

Trick, treat, teach: Use Halloween party planning to educate kids about money Help kids learn about money this Halloween with age-appropriate party planning tips that build financial confidence for spending and saving.

21.10.2025 20

The Province

Peta Wales

Trick, treat, teach: Use Halloween party planning to educate kids about money Help kids learn about money this Halloween with age-appropriate party planning tips that build financial confidence for spending and saving.

20.10.2025 6

The Province

Peta Wales

Five misconceptions about credit scores that can end up costing you Separate fact from fiction about credit scores and how they are calculated. You'll get a good rating with consistent habits, not quick fixes.

13.10.2025 10

The Province

Peta Wales

How to make Thanksgiving work well when money is tight Make Thanksgiving rich in gratitude, not expenses. Find cost-conscious ideas for hosting, decorating, and celebrating meaningfully.

06.10.2025 10

The Province

Peta Wales

How to make the most of a third paycheque windfall Learn practical strategies to split a third paycheque between debt, savings, and enjoyable experiences.

29.09.2025 4

The Province

Peta Wales

Tips on the transition to living alone without risk to your financial future Commit to tracking every expense for at least a month to see how quickly the extras add up. Without a roommate to share costs, even small day-to-day spending can have a noticeable impact.

22.09.2025 10

The Province

Peta Wales

How the small steps of a three-month money reset can deliver big relief By assigning a clear timeline and supportive structure to your financial goals, the lock-in makes steady progress feel achievable, energizing, and far less overwhelming.

15.09.2025 10

The Province

Peta Wales

Can stress and anxiety about debt be a good thing? Yes. Here's why Reframe your debt. Learn why early debt stress can be a strength. Practical tips to shift your mindset and pay off credit card debt.

08.09.2025 10

The Province

Peta Wales

How to achieve a fresh financial start this fall Explore budgeting, consolidation, insolvency and credit counselling options, plus how to find trusted help and avoid costly traps.

01.09.2025 10

The Province

Peta Wales

What to do if you miss a credit card payment Avoid common mistakes that make debt worse. Learn smarter steps to protect your finances and get back on track. Find out how.

25.08.2025 10

The Province

Peta Wales

Are finances tight? Here's how to make back-to-school shopping magical for your kids Peta Wales: Rethink back-to-school spending: Cut costs, shop smarter, teach kids valuable money skills, and start meaningful traditions without debt.

18.08.2025 10

The Province

Peta Wales

From cramped to comfortable: Strategies for family life on a budget Peta Wales: Practical solutions for families in small condos: manage debt, mortgage and strata fees; save space; balance budget for financial relief.

11.08.2025 10

The Province

Peta Wales

Are you hiding your shopping habits from your partner? Here are some quick fixes Manage personal spending and build trust while dating — and have open money talks for a strong, transparent relationship.

04.08.2025 8

The Province

Peta Wales

How to plan financially for the long-term care of an adult child Use government benefits, insurance and tax tools to protect everyone's financial well-being.

31.07.2025 10

The Province

Peta Wales

Housing costs breaking your budget? Here are ways to fix that

31.07.2025 9

The Province

Peta Wales

Housing costs breaking your budget? Here are ways to fix that Blend practical strategies such as negotiating better terms, exploring government programs, or making lifestyle adjustments, to ease the financial strain

28.07.2025 10

The Province

Peta Wales

How to plan financially for the long-term care of an adult child Use government benefits, insurance and tax tools to protect everyone's financial well-being.

21.07.2025 10

The Province

Peta Wales

Buy now, pain later? How to use buy now, pay later plans wisely Buy now, pay later options, risks, and practical tips to manage payments and ensure future financial stability. Read more here.

14.07.2025 10

The Province

Peta Wales

Is a fatal budgeting flaw leaving you short? How to fix this There are tips and tricks to make budgeting easier, even for those who are diligent about skipping takeout, paying off their credit cards each month, and saving for their children’s education

07.07.2025 10

The Province

Peta Wales

How to manage finances when you and your partner have income disparity Sharing expenses can be a challenge, but communication, clear expectations, and practical steps will lead to success.

30.06.2025 10

The Province

Peta Wales

How to afford that dream car without crashing your budget Finance a luxury car without derailing your budget. Use smart loan strategies, maximize the down payment, and shop for the best rate

23.06.2025 10

The Province

Peta Wales

How young adults can successfully navigate economic uncertainty Create a detailed budget, diversify income, avoid high-interest debt, and be flexible to tackle high living costs and unemployment

16.06.2025 10

The Province

Peta Wales

Taking a gap year before starting an apprenticeship program? What to know Ensure a financially sound gap year and bright future with clear financial goals, options to earn and learn, and a focus on experiences to enhance a career.

09.06.2025 10

The Province

Peta Wales

How to manage your finances when faced with an unexpected eviction notice Start by creating a detailed budget to prepare for potentially higher rent and associated housing costs. Search online for resources that provide reputable guidance for navigating financial difficulties.

02.06.2025 20

The Province

Peta Wales

Scared of credit? How to build your score without stress Being credit invisible comes with risks and has long-term financial drawbacks. But you can use credit wisely to build a good credit score.

26.05.2025 10

The Province

Peta Wales

How to make property tax and utility bill payments more affordable Enrol in payment plans, apply for grants, and avoid high-interest payment tools for property tax and utility bills.

20.05.2025 5

The Province

Peta Wales

Cost-per-use budgeting: Smart money hack or hyped up trend? Prioritize long-term value over price to make intentional decisions. Here's how and why.

12.05.2025 10

The Province

Peta Wales

Debt settlement can create a brighter financial future. Here's how Debt settlement can balance using a lump sum with addressing debts, pursuing education, and elevating financial well-being.

05.05.2025 10

The Province

Peta Wales

How to navigate financial decisions when facing a career shift Starting this new chapter in your lives should be filled with hope and excitement, but financial uncertainty can cast a heavy shadow.

28.04.2025 10

The Province

Peta Wales

Erase your debts and get a fast credit fix? How to separate bankruptcy fact from fiction Bankruptcy is often misunderstood. Myths like erasing all debts or ruining credit forever cause confusion and fear.

21.04.2025 9

The Province

Peta Wales