Listen to Lena

Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion

TD Canada

Listed… Loved… Lost. The Role of FOMO in Home Buying.

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It’s a time in our lives we try not to dwell on, and yet, it’s also a lesson we won’t soon forget.

That time we entered two bidding wars on homes for sale… and lost.

Thinking back, I recall the sense of urgency we felt when we first found what we believed to be our “forever home”. In a booming neighbourhood, close to the best schools and just the right modern styling to suit our tastes, it was love at first sight – and we fell, hard. As fates would have it, a similar property was also for sale, just one street over – ensuring we’d have two chances to score the home of our dreams.
virtual-tour-203394-02“You should visit soon. Homes like this sell on average in 3 days. There is an 75% chance that this home will be sold within one week of listing.”

Okay, no pressure. I mean, I wasn’t quite ready to pack up my house, but of course we’d find a way. And since the boys were still relatively young, changing schools wouldn’t necessarily impact their social development. …

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Financial Literacy: Teaching Kids about Dollars and Sense

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Before my boys could walk, they learned how to shop.

I’ve been taking my boys shopping with me for their entire lives. Whether it’s a full grocery run on a busy Saturday morning or a simple mall detour for a pair of gloves, my sons have always tagged along. Some friends are amazed, the usual question being, “How do you stand the whining and begging and asking for stuff?”

(I don’t always stand it – sometimes, you can find me having an up close and personal “talk” with one of the kids. And sometimes, there’s a bit of growling involved, too.)

For the most part, however, shopping with my boys is manageable, for the simple reason that from the start, I’ve made financial education a priority. My 7-year old can identify the difference between items on sale and items on clearance. My 5-year old can do simple math to determine the amount of savings on reduced prices. And both of them know the official “shopping rule” in our family: Don’t ask mom for something if it’s not on sale. This includes toys, treats and such. Seriously, no point in wasting breath – I won’t even consider it.

(Found this old photo of Ryder shopping the sale aisle… and selecting an item with a red sticker! Way to go – I’ve taught him well! He knows when to ask mommy for a treat!)
IMG_1073-1024x614Kids’ understanding of money concepts grows as they do. The following guidelines, courtesy of TD Canada’s Smart Money Toolkit for Parents, can help you tailor money lessons to your child’s age and developmental stage. …

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Imagine: The Freedom to Travel Anytime, Anywhere.

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Sounds blissful, doesn’t it?

For most Canadians, travel is an affordable luxury. With so many destinations, budget options, package deals and ways to book a vacation, a holiday is within reach, even if it’s a staycation in your own city.

But for those struggling with their vacay fund, there’s one foolproof way to ensure well-deserved time off is within reach: reward yourself. With the TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card, you can earn THREE (3) TD Points for every $1 you spend on purchases using your Card – that’s a return of up to 1.5% on your purchases!

And, if you apply by January 4, 2016 and are approved, you could get this special welcome offer:

– A Welcome Bonus of 20,000 TD Points when you make your first purchase with the Card – that’s worth $100 in travel savings through Expedia For TD

– A $150 credit from Expedia For TD when you make a travel purchase of $150 or more through Expedia For TD using your Card by June 15, 2016

Now that you know how to make travel a possibility, let’s inspire you with where to go and what to do! Join the @TD_Canada #TDInfiniteTravel Twitter Chat on November 19, 2015 at 8PM EST!
TDInfiniteTravel GraphicIn addition to a fun travel chat with a “Travel Anywhere, Anytime” theme, we’ll also be giving away 5 (five) Amazon.ca gift codes valued at $50 each. There’s no RSVP for this chat; simply tweet to win!

Ready for a Change? Join the #TDAeroplan Twitter Chat!

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There is it. That moment when you look at the calendar and realize that summer is on its way out the door, ushering in the brisk, fresh fall weather. Yes, the days will get shorter and the nights will be cooler, but fall happens to be my favourite season for travelling; you can appreciate the beauty of the Canadian landscape without fighting the opposing elements of summer and winter.

To answer the questions of where to go and what to do, join the #TDAeroplan Twitter Chat. We’ll share some of our favourite Canadian destinations that are perfect for weekend getaways (with or without kids). From a classic mountain retreat in the Rockies to a scenic stay in a European-inspired village, these laid-back escapes promise relaxation and offer a unique appreciation of the season!
TD AeroplanTo thank you for participating, we’ll be giving away some pretty amazing prizes! RSVP below for a chance to win, and see you on Thursday night. …

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Spoiler Alert: Life’s Milestones Typically Happen Out of Order

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First comes love…. then comes marriage…. then comes Lena with a baby carriage.

Okay, so I managed to stick to the script. But for a large percentage of the Canadian population, life’s milestones typically happen out of order. Think about it: the once traditional sequence of life events used to read like a “to-do” list – finish school, get married, buy a house and have kids. However, this sequence is far less common now than it was for past generations. In fact, a recent TD survey found nearly six in 10 (58 per cent) Canadians have completed or are on track to complete their life’s milestones in a different order than they originally expected.
kissMore specifically, Gen X Canadians are more likely to complete or be on track to complete them in a different order (64 per cent) than Millennials (52 per cent).

I can attest to this. I have girlfriends who have purchased their own home, returned to school, and had a baby – all before getting married. And to tell the truth, I am in awe! I took great pains to plan, budget and save accordingly based on my life’s own milestones, and for the most part, they followed a predictable timeline that I was equipped to handle. Therefore, I salute those who are able to swim against the current to achieve their own life goals, especially they happen out of the typical order.

Of course, while the order of life’s milestones may vary, thinking ahead about your goals and putting a financial plan in place can help manage the financial impact of these significant life moments, whenever they occur. We know that preparing for life’s big moments requires planning and saving, and regardless of your age, it’s never too early to build a financial plan and set goals for your future. …

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#TDThanksYou Then and Now

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From test drive, to owning a ride.
From building blocks, to building a business.
From tree house, to first house.

Think about your then and now. And then think about how far you’ve come.

At TD Canada, they’ve been there through some of their customer’s biggest life moments. To say thank you, they turned a trip to the bank into a journey through their years together.

What are some of life’s major moments that have inspired your then and now? Join us for the #TDThanksYou Twitter Chat on Thursday, August 6th at 8:00pm EDT. We’ll celebrate your best throwbacks, recall the times you felt lucky in life, and of course, have a heartwarming chat centered around gratitude.
TDThanksYouTo thank you for joining us, we’ll give away five (5) x $100 Amazon Gift Cards. To participate in the chat, simply follow @TD_Canada and join your hosts @Listen2Lena, @FeistyFrugal, @Kidsumers and @SassyModernMom while tweeting on the #TDThanksYou hashtag. …

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