4tipstokeepyourbudgetontrack

(NC) Smart consumers know the value of establishingabudget–andstickingtoit.Butwith highinflationandrisinginterestrates,manyofus arestrugglingtostayontopofourfinances.Here arefourwaysyoucanbetterbalanceyourbudget.

Cutbackonenergyconsumption

Littlethingslikewashingyourclothesin cold water and air drying them on a clothesline canadduptosignificantsavingsonyourmonthly bills. You should also be aware of “phantom power” – the energy appliances use even when not in use. Only plug in countertop appliances likeyourtoasterwhenyouneedthem,andunplug your phone and other electronics as soon as they’re done charging. If you have a programmablethermostat,useittoturndownthe heatingorcoolingwhileyou’reoutofthehouse andovernightwhileeveryoneissleeping.

Automatebillpayments

With our busy lives, it can be easy to forgetlittlethings,likepayingeverybillontime. Butifyoumissabillpayment,you’llbecharged

INSPECTION Inspection of Herbicide Projects for Nagagami and Missinaibi Forests

The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) invites you to inspect the planned herbicide projects for the 2023 season. As part of our ongoing efforts to regenerate and protect Ontario’s forests, selected stands on the Nagagami and Missinaibi Forests (see map) will be sprayed with herbicide to control competing vegetation, starting on or about: August 1, 2023.

The project description and project plan for the herbicide project is available electronically for public inspection by contacting the offices of First Resource Management Group and GreenFirst Forest Products during normal business hours and on the Natural Resources Information Portal at https://nrip.mnr.gov.on. ca/s/fmp-online beginning June 28, 2023 until March 31, 2024 when the Annual Work Schedule expires.

First Nation and Métis communities and interested and affected persons and organizations can arrange a remote meeting with MNRF staff to discuss the herbicide projects. For more information, please contact:

Waurner Adema, R.P.F. Management Forester

Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry Chapleau-Wawa District

Wawa Work Centre

48 Mission Road Wawa, ON P0S 1K0 tel: 705-992-5603 e-mail: waurner.adema@ontario.ca

Denis Ayotte, R.P.F

Area Forester

GreenFirst Forest Products

(Agent for Missinaibi Forest Management Inc.)

175 Planer Road

Chapleau, ON P0M 1K0 tel: 705-206-0068 e-mail: denis.ayotte@greenfirst.ca a penalty and interest on the overdue amount. Avoid these extra fees by setting up automated payments for all your bills. Just make sure to regularly monitor your bank balance to make sureyoudon’tgointooverdraft.

Doityourself

It’s certainly convenient to hire a house cleaner or use a food delivery service to bring your dinner. But if money’s tight, you should considertakingcareoftasksliketheseyourself. Dependingonyourcomfortlevelwithtools,you canalsotacklesomehouseholdprojectsonyour own, like replacing a broken light fixture or changing the oil in your car.There are plenty of greatonlinetutorialstohelpyoulearn.

OptoutoftheRRO

Theregulatedrateoption,orRRO,isthe default energy rate for Albertans. The rate can spike significantly based on market conditions month to month, making it hard to predict the impact on your monthly budget. Providers like ATCOenergyofferfixedratesonelectricityatfar lowerrates,soyouknowyourpreciserateevery month and don’t have to worry about energy pricespikes.

Learn more about your RRO options at energy.atco.com.