Lesser Slave Lake MLA Danielle Larivee was a special guest at the Financial Fair. Left-right are High Prairie office constituency assistant Cathy Wilcox, Larivee, Big Lakes Family and Community Support Services executive director Louise Myre, and High Prairie outreach worker Nancy Marquardt.

Richard Froese
South Peace News
Free tips and advice to control and invest money were plenty during the Financial Fair in High Prairie on Oct. 28.

“I’m happy with the quality of service providers who participated,” says Louise Myre, executive director of Big Lakes Family and Community Support Services, which organized the event.
“People who came were able to find help and information they needed.”

About 20 service providers offered information during the fair at the Elks Hall downtown.

Lesser Slave Lake MLA and Municipal Affairs Minister Danielle Larivee paid a visit for about one hour in the afternoon and praised the event.

“It’s great for FCSS to identify needs of the community and to take the initiative to pull together service providers and community organizations who can offer assistance to help people with their tough financial situations,” says Larivee.
“I know there are a lot of people having difficult times.”

Advice was offered by three brief presentations on financial stress, debt solutions and budgeting.

“Finances can cause a lot of stress and anxiety for people,” says Colette Elko, health promotions facilitator for Alberta Health Services.
“This can add up and negatively impact your mental health.”

Finding the source of the issue is valuable.

“It’s important to know where your stress is coming from and how you react to it,” says Verna Wittigo, mental health promotions facilitator for AHS.
“When you understand it, it’s easier to cope with it and resolve it.”

Solutions to control debt were offered.

“Make sure you’re tracking where your money is going,” says Jordan Day of BDO Canada, a limited liability partnership.
“Before you start cashing in assets, consider financing your debt and try to get a lower interest rate.”

He also suggests that people offer a settlement to a creditor.

Tips for budget were also presented by Heart River Housing.

“Define your wants versus your needs,” says Shirley Matula, tenant liaison co-ordinator.
“You need three things, food, water and shelter, and prioritize the rest.”

She also advises people to better use their debit card or not have one at all.

“The problem is, when you use a debit card, you don’t actually see your money balance declining until it’s gone.”

When people go shopping for a few items and they know it will cost no more than $10, she says they will often buy and spend more with their debit card.

“Leave your debit card at home,” Matula says. “Take no more than $10 with you to the store. You will soon learn to buy only what you went to buy and not be tempted.”

RBC provides information from client advisor Malin Senkoe, left, and branch manager Henry Chang.

Mark Goutier, left, chats with Robert Buchan, owner of the Co-operators in High Prairie.