How to financially prepare for a maternity leave
(NC) Preparation for a new baby often starts from the moment we see that first sonogram. Beyond the diapers, bottles and furniture to be purchased, there is one thing new parents should not overlook: the cost of maternity leave. If you're planning to take a year off work and haven't saved any money, it can be financially stressful.
To better prepare for this reduced income period, here's an overview:
New moms can take up to 52 weeks off from their jobs but it doesn't come with a full pay cheque. If you have worked at least 600 hours and your weekly earnings while on leave will be reduced by more than 40 per cent, you can claim Employment Insurance (EI) which provides a limited source of income during your leave. EI benefits are calculated as 55 per cent of your normal earnings up to a maximum amount. As of January 1, 2015, the maximum yearly insurable earnings amount is $49,500 which amounts to $524 per week. Some organizations offer a top-up to EI which can help, but it's usually limited to a certain number of weeks.
With this in mind, Wade Stayzer, the vice president of sales and service with Meridian, Ontario's largest credit union, offers the following tips to help with the costs of raising a child during the first year:
1. Assess who should stay home: If the mother is the breadwinner, it might make financial sense to have the father stay home to minimize the impact on the family's finances.
2. List all expenses: If you don't already have a household budget, track where your money goes each month and calculate costs for everything your new baby will need, such as diapers, formula, and more.
3. Calculate your maternity/paternity leave income: Determine if you are eligible for EI, how much you will receive, if your company offers a top-up, plus any other sources of income.
4. Start saving: If your anticipated expenses are significantly higher than your expected income, you should start saving before the baby arrives. The difference between your expenses and anticipated income is the absolute minimum you should be saving each month to fill the void during your time off.
Don't let the lack of preparation add more stress to an already chaotic life as a new parent, adds Stayzer. Having a financial plan in place before the new bundle of joy arrives will allow you to focus all attention on enjoying the precious moments without worry of making ends meet.
More information is available at www.meridiancu.ca.
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Give Comfort Food a Makeover
(NC) As temperatures drop, the urge to indulge in hearty classics takes over. Whether it's soup, stew, or mac 'n' cheese, you can satisfy your family's comfort cravings with delicious alternatives to old school favourites.
Swap ingredients and add seasonal vegetables to give classic dishes a makeover. Simple changes such as using sweet potatoes instead of regular spuds add more nutrients to your meals. Pastas like Barilla Protein PLUS add an array of benefits including 14 grams of high quality protein from chickpeas, lentils and egg whites.
Give this Barilla Bacon and Brussels Sprouts Penne recipe a try and share your favourite comfort food makeovers with us!
Barilla Bacon and Brussels Sprouts Penne
Serves 8
Ingredients:
• 1 box Barilla Protein PLUS Penne
• 2 pounds Brussels sprouts
• 8 slices raw bacon
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup shallots, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup chicken broth, low-sodium preferred
• 1/4 cup pecans, roasted and chopped
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Directions:
Cook pasta according to the package instructions. Preheat oven to 350°F. In a pot of boiling water, blanch Brussels sprouts for 5 minutes; place drained Brussels sprouts on baking pan in fridge to cool. Once cooled, cut sprouts in half. In an oven-safe skillet, cook bacon until crisp, remove and crumble; pour off all but 1 tablespoon of bacon fat. Add garlic and shallots to skillet and sauté until soft. To same skillet add olive oil and Brussels sprouts; bake in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes until caramelized. Remove from oven and add chicken stock; over medium heat, stir well and heat through. Add pasta, bacon and pecans, mixing well. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.
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