February 2025 – No Pricks Allowed

Prick-Free Budgeting: Ditch the Stress, Keep the Fun (Ep. 18)

By No Pricks Allowed | February 27, 2025

Are you tired of looking at your finances and feeling more stressed than when you started? What if budgeting didn’t have to be tedious or restrictive?

In this episode, Aaron Buchner dives deep into the world of budgeting with a refreshing twist. He tosses out the traditional rulebook and discusses how understanding and prioritizing your expenses can unlock a life where financial planning doesn’t mean living on spreadsheets! Aaron unravels the mystery behind the dreaded “B word” – budgeting – and how it can be a tool for freedom rather than limitations.

Aaron discusses:

(07:36) Why budgeting doesn’t mean cutting out all fun
(10:24) The “ad-hoc” budget approach and why it fails
(13:35) Guardrails over strict budgets: flexibility in spending
(15:09) Smart shopping tips for family savings
(18:51) Busting the myths around fixed vs. variable expenses
And more

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The Benefits of Critical Illness Insurance (Ep. 17)

By No Pricks Allowed | February 13, 2025

Why should you consider critical illness insurance as a part of your financial strategy?

In this episode, Aaron Buchner tackles the often-overlooked topic of critical illness insurance. He explains why this form of insurance is not just an ‘extra’ but a crucial part of securing your financial future. His discussion explores the impact of unexpected medical expenses, especially for Canadians who believe healthcare is entirely covered.

Aaron discusses:

(02:32) Why Canadian healthcare isn’t entirely “free”
(04:22) What critical illness insurance actually covers
(08:01) The financial impact of using retirement savings to cover medical expenses
(09:48) Comparing investing versus insurance costs for peace of mind
(18:53) Balancing financial planning with current lifestyle needs
And more

Tune in to find out how planning for the unexpected can keep you on track toward your dream retirement without compromising your enjoyment of the present.

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