November/December 08

Economies move in cycles, and we just happen to be in the low ebb of one right now. Generally, I think that in the last few years, there has been a feeling that money will continue to grow in order to pay our bills, and that if we invest a few dollars here and there, we should expect it to grow exponentially. Times have drastically changed, but now is not a time to panic or get overly worked up. Now is the time to reflect on where we are and where we want to be.

I believe that our lives are like our own personal businesses. We have income and expenses, and we should plan to have some profit left over for
re-investment in our future. If we do not, we need to reexamine our plan. That may mean making some changes, but the long term benefits are that we will be prepared for the day when we go into another low ebb in the economic cycle or when we want to some day call it quits and hit the golf course or fishing spot each day instead of the desk. If you don’t have a plan, do yourself a favour and sit down to make one. Speak to a financial advisor or planner who can help you (see our pages for some of them). Do something but don’t be caught doing nothing. This does not mean stop spending, stop going out to eat, stop driving your car or buying a new one, but make sure that you don’t look back in a few years or 20 years and say “I should have made a plan.”  

It seemed relevant that our November/December issue feature someone on our cover who has impact on all of our lives each day (and Santa was tied up for some reason). When I got the opportunity to speak with our Premier about being interviewed for Winnipeg Men Magazine, his response was not only wonderfully positive, but he began to provide ideas for how we might shoot the cover. It is this energy and passion about our province that continues to put Mr. Doer at the helm of the ship. Put aside your political views for a few moments, and understand that he truly loves this province and has only our best interests at heart.

Enjoy our holiday issue of Winnipeg Men (and Winnipeg Women Magazines). This is our biggest issue to date and has tons to read for everyone. Our editorial team has done an amazing job of putting together the most comprehensive gift guide we feel has ever been done in Winnipeg. It will give you lots of ideas for everyone you need to buy for this season. We even feature what to drink, which wines to take to a holiday party and what to wear so you look stylish.

Lastly, I am writing this a few days before Remembrance Day and thinking about my grandfather who fought in the Second World War and my great-grandfather in the First World War. To those reading who are veterans—thank you. To those reading who are currently in the military—thank you. To the families of those in the military—thank you as well for your support, you are a big part of what our veterans and military officers do for our country. Lest we forget.

Stay healthy, stay fit and enjoy the holiday season. Here’s to what promises to be an interesting 2009.