Winnipeg authors of "It's Your Money, Honey" offer 5 fast finance tips for women

"Remember what we said about finding a great accountant...work those tax deductions and tax credits to your full advantage!"

—Laura McDonald and Susan Misner

Hey girls - do you start to yawn when people talk moola?  Do you change the channel when Debt Free Forever is on?  It's time to put your money where your mouth is!

Have no fear - two Winnipeg women are going to help you through it.  Laura McDonald and Susan Misner are the founders of Golden Girl Finance, an online financial resource for Canadian women.  They are launching their first book at 8 p.m. on Thursday February 9 at McNally Robinson. 

The book is called It's Your Money, Honey: A Girl's Guide to Saving, Investing, and Building Wealth at Every Age and Life Stage.

We cornered Laura and Susan at the bank and asked them to give us Five Fast Financial Tips:          

1.  Get engaged!  (And not with a big fat ring.)  Dip your toes in financial waters by learning more about the industry and its terminology.  There are a number of books and websites out there that discuss the world of finance in a down-to-earth kind of way, including GoldenGirlFinance.

2.  Surround yourself with your own circle of financially savvy friends and professionals.  Start aligning yourself with a team of professionals to whom you can turn in times of crises, in times of need (or even during good times, like having a new baby or landing a big job).  This includes a financial advisor with whom you have built a relationship, a lawyer who's got your back, and an accountant who knows the ins and outs of tax laws.

3.  If you're a parent, remember to put as much importance (or more) on your retirement savings as on your kids education savings.  Your kids can borrow for their education.  You can't borrow for your retirement.

4.  What is the biggest expense you're likely to have over your lifetime?  Taxes!  Remember what we said about finding a great accountant...work those tax deductions and tax credits to your full advantage!

5.  What is one of the causes of bankruptcy?  Lack of proper insurance.  Make sure your family is protected with a sound insurance plan.  Life insurance and critical illness insurance should be at the top of your list.

Publisher:  John Wiley & Sons