Tag: financial planning

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Be a brand advocate–a love letter to TD bank

TD BankIn the past few years, I’ve become a huge brand advocate for TD Bank. The main reason is I love the people at my branch—they’re friendly, professional, always easy going and helpful, and it’s just a lovely place to do business.

I wasn’t always a fan. Ten years ago I bashed the big banks, but TD slowly won me over with their excellent service, friendly staff and convenient services.

I like they little things they do, like giving out doggie treats to dogs and free cake on customer appreciation days. I love my TD Travel VISA and the convenience of my chequing and VISA accounts and online banking. Whenever I’ve had to call any of their call centres, their people have been terrific.

I’m also impressed by how much TD supports small and big causes. They set up a table in my local branch for a local business to showcase their work each month, and they do great work to support the environment.

I’m such a brand advocate now that even when they do things I don’t like or make a mistake, I don’t mind. A few years ago, they jacked up the rates on safety deposit boxes. I know this isn’t the business they want to be in, and they gave me lots of notice so I was fine with that. I’m even OK with most service fees because I appreciate the services I’m getting and I know they have to make money.

This week’s Happy Act is to be a brand advocate for a product or service you love. Like their Facebook page or write a nice comment online, but make it personal, too. I tell the people who work at my TD branch all the time how great they are and how much I appreciate their service. It doesn’t have to be a big brand, it could be your local pizza joint (George and Mary at Bubba’s Pizza in Kingston—you’re the best!)

And TD, if you’re as good as I think you are, let’s see if you’re one of the first to comment on this post.

 

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Take the Financial Weight Loss Challenge

Piggy bank with workout headbandMost people spend more time planning their next vacation than planning their finances. I’m passionate about travel, but I’m equally as passionate about taking control of your finances.

This was instilled into me long before I started working in the financial services industry. I remember my Dad saving his quarters, dimes and nickels in piles of jars on his dresser to pay for our family vacation each year.

Since then, I’ve lived by a few simple money mantras: live within your means, pay yourself first, buy insurance to take care of your loved ones. But just like everybody else, I know there are other things I should be doing to improve my financial health.

That’s why I was so excited when we came up with the idea at work to promote the launch of our new social media channels and Financial Literacy Month with a Financial Weight Loss Challenge.

The idea is simple. Think about the one thing you know you should do about your finances that you’ve been putting off and take action in the month of November. We recently met with our financial advisor to increase our savings for the kids’ education and our retirement, but there’s two other things on my list: finishing a spreadsheet of all our policies and switching cell phone providers (anyone with any tips on this one, let me know!)

Money can’t buy happiness, but it can buy you peace of mind.

This week’s #HappyAct is to take the #FinancialWeightLoss challenge. Take action this month to take control of your finances and lose the weight of whatever financial decision is weighing you down. Challenge your friends and family members by sharing the Financial Weight Loss challenge post on the Empire Life Facebook page (and like us while you’re there). We’re also running a contest where you can win either a $100 VISA gift card or iPad mini. Be sure to share what one action you are going to take.