Start with making a list of what they enjoy; movies, the symphony, opera,  theatre, spa services, books, sports events, golf, flowers, entertaining, personal items (soaps, cologne, candles etc.).

But who wants a present that is the obvious gift card?  Gift cards aren’t bad, but they need a gift companion to make them interesting.

• Movies; consider add a subscription to the TCM (Turner Classic Movies) magazine, a book on which a great movie was based, a bag or tin of gourmet popcorn or an uncut DVD.
• Symphony or opera buff; add a CD of great music or a DVD of a classic performance.
• Theatre; include the biography of a great actor such as Alec Guinness, Grace Kelly, Frank Sinatra or Elizabeth Taylor.
• Spa services; include a premium nail file, pumice stone, hair turban, fluffy bath robe or a loofah with an appropriate quote about the joy of spoiling oneself.
• Books; add a bookmark, night light or a coffee cup that would compliment a good read.
• Sports events; add a team scarf, t-shirt or other memorabilia.
• Golf; add deluxe golf balls and tees (they are always useful).
• Flowers; include a “frog” (helps arrange flowers), dish towel with prints of flowers, flower printed note paper or a small vase.
• Entertaining; consider a gift of a party from a local caterer and add a good bottle of wine.
• Personal items; consider adding the gift of time. Add a home-made gift certificate of free dog walking, baby sitting, car washing or making their favourite casserole.

Remember to always include the gift receipt and wrap the gift with some personal flair. You can use button candies instead of ribbon, or a printout of a prized digital photo instead of standard paper. Let your creativity take the sting out of a gift card which says “I didn’t really try to find you a specific gift”.

• When is a sale not a sale? When the “regular price” is inflated, or when, as a senior you take advantage of “Senior’s Days”, only to find out that on the previous weekend it was $10 cheaper. Always ask”when is this item going on sale”? I always do this when buying the last item of a particular size or style in a store. Frequently it is in 3-7 days time. I then return, with my receipt and get an adjustment.
• When buying an expensive item; call at least 5 retailers. One may have it at 40% off, but it is still more expensive than another with a lower profit margin. But, get all the details; how much is the delivery charge? Do they have a non-refundable special order fee? Is there a surcharge for using your credit card? What is their return policy?
• Always check the “best before date”. I have seen great bargains on food that would take me 2 weeks to consume, but the “best-before date” is in3 days. No bargain, I will throw out most of the product.
• Remember the “Scanner Price Accuracy Voluntary Code”. This code awarded me with free ice cream bars. The advertised price was $4.99, but it was scanned as $7.99. I questioned the price (and, because it was less than $10, it was free). Most large retailers are part of this code.
• Always challenge your current provider when you see a deal at the competition. I regularly call Bell Canada and ask them to tell me why I shouldn’t switch to Rogers. I don’t want to change my email address; nor do I want to pay too much. They always make me a deal that allows me to save money and stay with them.
• Ask independent retailers if they offer a cash discount? They pay for debit and credit charges and will generally offer you a discount equal to that charge.
• In Toronto, there is a 5 cent charge for plastic bags, but buying garbage bags averages 10 cents or more. Always calculate your true costs and decide accordingly.
• Do not fall for the cheapest-on-the-surface price. I have seen movers whose hourly price is the lowest; and their movers are the least efficient. Research pays; every time.
• Your wallet is yours, no one else’s. Be smart, be frugal, and stay wealthy.

• A clear plastic egg carton; this item can be used for small hardware items (picture nails, staples, screws and bolts), office stuff (paper clips, thumb tacks and small clips), jewelry (earrings, brooches, small chains and spare watch batteries) and sewing items (buttons, needles and grommets). Secure the closure with an elastic band (also free with many vegetables).
• A suit bag that is given with many outfits; this is the ideal item for gift wrap materials. The length allows you to store longer rolls of paper along with ribbon and enclosure cards, and it takes very little space in your out-of-season closet.
• Glass jars (free with peanut butter, pasta sauce etc.); these are perfect for batteries, larger hardware pieces, and things you might collect (rocks, shells, matchbooks, beads and spare change). If the items are too attractive for a glass jar, use a vase that never seems to be right size for flowers.
• Zipper closure plastic bags (yes, can buy them, but deli meats, shredded cheese and many other items are packed this way). Turn them inside out and wash with dish detergent and very warm water. You can also pick up an extra couple in the airport security line. These are great for almost everything; manicure supplies, spare cables and shoe polish.
• Large envelopes (yes, if you get any junk mail, you get large envelopes). These are ideal for receipts, appliance manuals, insurance papers etc. If you don’t own a filing cabinet, just label the contents clearly and store on a book shelf.

• Use a travel “consultant”; generally they cost you nothing and provide expertise and support that the bargain sites see as frills. I recently booked a trip to Turkey; there was no additional cost and I saved over 20 hours on the computer. They know the deals and will always give you options. Always get travel insurance. It’s worth the pennies per day.
• Check your passport; most countries require that your passport expires 6 months from your date of departure. The fastest service in Toronto is at the office at Yonge and Sheppard. Others promise 5 weeks; Yonge and Sheppard promises 20 days (actually closer to 10 days). Ensure you have all required documentation.
• Review the weather and local culture. You don’t want to pack only shorts to a conservative country. Many countries (including Italy) require suitable clothing for admittance to revered locations (like the Sistine Chapel).
• Understand currency. US $’s and local currency is generally good (in many countries having at least $50 in American 1 dollar bills is great for tipping or baksheesh).
• Ensure your banking codes are no more than 4 digits; many overseas banks will not accept more.
• Inform your banks that you will be in another country. You may still have a small hassle, but not a major one.
• If possible (and, unless you are taking the ultimate luxury cruise) use carry-on only. You will be lugging bags filled with items you will never use, and waiting for luggage after a long flight when you could be on your way home.
• Be monochromatic; I pack black pants and a wide selection of coordinating tops.
• Depending on where you’re going; pack toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
• Call your doctor; they know about shots you didn’t think about.
• Take copies of all important documents; passport, tickets, credit cards (front and back), licenses, etc. If these are lost, the copies will expedite replacement. Put one in your luggage, another for a friend at home.
• I pack my own blend of trail mix so I don’t succumb to a $20 hot dog while hungry outside a tourist site. Also, it’s a great way to make friends, and gives you space for souvenirs.
• Use a money belt. The pickpockets in London are the most professional, but thieves are everywhere.
• Don’t give way to guilt. I remember a travel expert in Costa Rica telling us that if we give money to children, their parents will not send them to school. If you feel guilt; give to UNICEF.
• Don’t be bullied. You don’t need that carpet (I don’t care whether children made it or not). Remember to haggle, with good manners. You can say “it’s beautiful, but I can’t afford it”, you cannot say “it’s awful, who would buy it”. Respect is the key to good relations, no matter where you go.
• Only buy what is made in the country you are visiting. Don’t buy hats embroidered with Petra when they are made in China. Where possible buy non-souvenir souvenirs. I have a room key fob from the Nile ship, a cup and saucer from Alexandria, a political T-shirt from St. Kitts and an apron from a hardware store in Belize. Always offer to pay (you can decline if the price is too high), but most times they will be free or at an extremely low cost.
• Pack a fold up bag in your suitcase (it can hold your purse on the way home, plus fragile items).
• Be aware of the water, not just drinking, but tooth brushing etc.
• Want to conquer jet-lag? The best advice I ever took was taking a 2-3 hour nap when arriving; then go for a 1-2 hour walk. It reset my body clock.
• Read before you go. You don’t want to return and have some say “how did you like the most amazing X in the world?” Yes, you may have a guide, but how fast can you listen?
• Wear your bulkiest clothes to the airport. You’ll likely need these when returning home. Also wear comfortable walking shoes; unless you’re the ultimate beach bum, you’ll need them.
• Remember, stores exist everywhere. If you forgot it, you can buy it.
• My mother’s rule was always pack half as much as you think you’ll need and take twice as much money. Still applies. Happy travelling.

Moving is much like that. “Last minute deals aside”, you plan where you want to go, and when, well in advance. You book your trip with an insured, reputable company. They may not be the cheapest at first glance, but you know that your precious time won’t be destroyed by a plane that doesn’t fly, or a hotel that is under construction.

A move is more important, so your planning is even more important.  My mother planned her retirement home of choice 8 years before she finally moved.  She sampled the food, checked out facilities, activities and cost. After reviewing almost a dozen residences, she knew what was best for her. When sciatica hit, she activated her plan, and is thrilled with where she lives. There are over 100 retirement residences in Toronto, and over 600 nursing homes in Ontario. Each has its own pluses and minuses. Decide what is important to you. Spaces start at about 240 square feet, meal plans are variable, onsite health care varies widely and activities can be very wide or extremely narrow.

Some facilities require complete independence; others allow walkers and wheel chairs.  Some appear to be less expensive, but charge high prices for any level of personal care. Some have varying levels of care; others require that a resident moves if more care is required. Like booking a vacation you need to know how “all inclusive” the package is. Don’t wait until you need answers within days or weeks; do the research now.

It’s also time to get rid of what you don’t want to take with you.  Chances are your new space will be less than half what you are living in now. Start with family and friends, and then consider charities and causes that are dear to your heart. Today I visited the Sunday Market in Toronto; a place that specializes in selling off unwanted collectibles. Fabulous cups and saucers were marked at $10, which means they’ll sell for $8, and cost the vendor $2-$3. Consider whether gifting them would be better for you.

Some charities like ReStore (a division of Habitat for Humanity) will pick up items. Others will store rummage sale items for months before their sale. If you start now, you’ll be able to see your move as a new adventure; not a panic situation.

Plan, decide, relax and enjoy.

Review all those summery clothes. Did you wear them? If not, why not. If they didn’t fit, put them in the donation file. If you lose that weight over the winter, a new item will be a reward. Do the same for the outfits that just didn’t appeal. No matter what the original cost, or how new, if you don’t enjoy it, give it to someone who will. These items are just chewing up your space, and hiding what makes you feel good.

Check all the pockets. A pen may leak, a lottery ticket may expire or an important receipt may not be found before tax returns are due. Besides, you may find money.

Make sure all the ones you want to keep are “ready-to-wear”. Clean, press, replace buttons/zippers. It will take a little time now, but next spring it will be harder to find the missing button, and any stains will be almost impossible to remove.

Check for gaps in your wardrobe. While the summer sales are winding down, you may still be able to find that white T-shirt on sale, or a fabulous beach cover-up at less than half price. Just don’t buy anything because it’s on sale. Make your gap list to keep you on track.

Some stores will also be having pre-season sales, especially on items like winter coats. If the lining is shredding, or your boots were leaking last year, it’s worth a look while you’re picking up that T-shirt.

Clothes aren’t the only items that change with the seasons. Both inside and out, you should plan for the changeover.

You may want to swap your ice cream maker for the crock pot, or the dehumidifier for the humidifier.

You’ll want to clean and protect your air conditioner and ensure you have fresh filters in your furnace or air vents.

Gardens are too complex to cover with any depth, but they require special care to protect your precious greenery for next year. Make a plan now for the next 8 weeks and do a little at a time to avoid being overwhelmed.

Happy fall, Christmas is just 3 months (and change) away.

This is the best possible time to assess your stuff, and consider how you rarely you use it. One person’s clutter is another person’s lifeline.

Start with your closet. If you group your clothes by colour, you’ll a visual impact of how much you have. Do you really need or wear; 23 blue blouses? 6 pairs of black slacks?, 8 brown jackets? If you haven’t worn the item for a while, try it on and realistically assess how you look. If you need help, conscript a friend to give you advice. Chances are, you’re not wearing it because it’s no longer making you look great. Put it in the donation pile. Next review your shoes. If you were a 7 ½, and now an 8, realize your feet are not about to shrink. Forget how much they cost and focus on the fact those shoes could be part of someone getting a job, going to their daughter’s wedding or just feeling really good about themselves. Remember, you’re not trashing, you’re gifting.

Your kitchen is another great place to find re-gifting opportunities. Start with the top shelves. You put stuff there because reaching it is not an everyday need. Do you have bowls nested in one another? Is this where you keep vases that are used once in 5 years? Is this where you keep unopened gifts of; a fancy bottle opener, candle set, or small appliance? My mother gave me a crème Brule torch. It was interesting, but not needed. These items can generate money for those that need help. I can live without a crackled topping.

Review other items; cookbooks, DVD’s, jewelry and accessories. You’ll get 10 cents on the dollar for a typical resale (we all dream of Antiques Roadshow finds, like winning the lottery), and you‘ll get none of the donation elation. It’s in some ways like giving blood; we never want to need it, but we’d thrilled if somebody cared when we were desperate.

Remember, when you donate, the items must what you would use or want. If the item is unwearable, unusable or broken, it’s garbage. Don’t give away something that a charity has to dispose of; it costs them both time and money.

I had enough mugs to open a tearoom, until I heard that women’s shelters always need mugs. So I packed off 16 mugs, bone china and otherwise. Now I imagine them as part of a battered women’s tea and cookies introduction to her new, challenging life. My excess can bring comfort to someone else, and that’s a good thing.

Every time I travelled, I forgot to pack an umbrella. Therefore I amassed a collection. Some are now souvenirs (like the Paris skyline), but most are not. So someone will stay dry while I treasure the remaining 4 specimens. The word treasure is important. We all have items that have emotional weight. Don’t let the other stuff crowd your space; give it to what really matters to you. Look at everything and ask “If someone stole this, when would I miss it?”. If the answer is weeks or months, it’s not a treasure, but something that occupies your space, for no real value.

De-clutter, gift, and feel really, really good.

Currently a phone company launched a comparison advertising program that stated they were much less expensive than the competition. I am with that competition, and I really don’t want to change my email address etc. I also don’t want to pay too much. So I called my current provider and asked them to convince me not to switch. After 20 minutes, my monthly bill had decreased by over $20, my internet is 50% faster and I have 4 more “calling features”. Shop around, and give your favourite provider the opportunity to match the “other guys”.

Shopping for a car is generally painful. You shop around, read the fine print and suffer through the “I’ll have to talk to my manager” blather. There is an organization that will save you all that hassle. APA (Automobile Protection Association) will, for an initial membership of $68.25 (including tax, Ontario) match you with a dealership that gives you a great price with no haggling. When I first used them, I wasn’t trusting, so I took their quote to almost a dozen competing dealerships. I was open, told them the price I was willing to pay and none would meet it. Recently my daughter-in-law needed a new car. While some dealerships would match the price, they all had strings attached. Check them out. They can also get you a better deal on insurance and help you find a great mechanic.

The mechanic issue became personal when my dealership wanted to do $2,900 “worth” of work on my car. I needed a second opinion. My APA mechanic did the needed work for 1/3 the price.  The $1,000 part of the job was determined unnecessary. So I sent an email to my dealership who informed me that they never recommend unnecessary work and my car would cease to work within weeks. It’s now 18 months later and everything is fine.

We all like washable clothing, but let’s face it, we do fall in love with some items that are “dry clean only”. My dry cleaner charges $3.45 (plus tax) for all tops and bottoms including silk.  No, they don’t stuff sleeves with tissue paper, and their hangers are wire, not logoed plastic. But they are open 365 days a year, have contracts with some of the ritziest Toronto hotels and are truly nice people to deal with. Shop around; the best doesn’t have to be the most expensive. Ask your friends; test their expertise with non-treasured items, and save lots of money.

Use the public library. It’s free; you can get books, DVD’s, audio books and CDS. If your branch doesn’t have what you want, chances are another does. So, go on line, place a hold for your nearest branch and enjoy your culture at no cost. They also have computers available for your use. Try to avoid student-popular time frames.

More tips in the next blog, please send in your suggestions.