Spending with Intention - Part 1

Part of my theme for 2012 (Live With Intention) is to Spend with Intention.

Part 1 of Spend with Intention is to spend our money in OUR country in stores that are Canadian owned and operated.



I feel very strongly that we should not shop in other countries and especially in the US. Living close to the border to the US, many of my friends spend a great deal of time shopping in the States.

I hate that they are supporting another country's economy.

For me, the worst part of watching my friends spend their hard-earned Canadian dollars in the US is that if the roles were reversed and US residents were coming up here to work, my Canadian friends would not have jobs. By shopping in the US, their money is creating jobs in the US.

And I understand that prices are cheaper in the US. I get that. Still, is saving money that important? Really? And how much are you actually saving? It takes time to drive down to the US. And of course there are the border line ups you have to wait in. And now you need a passport to go into the US, even if you are just driving across... And then there is the expense of the gas you burn to go down there. Is it REALLY worth it?


A while ago, I went for coffee with a wonderful friend of mine. As we were catching up, the conversation turned to using coupons to assist with the family grocery bill.

She said, "Have you ever shopped in the States?"

I said, "Well, I have a 'thing' about spending my money in my own country."

Just then a man at another table leaned over and said, "Thank you for saying that!"

He went on to explain that he sells tractors locally. He has found that many of his customers are now shopping in the US where the prices are cheaper. This means that he, a hard-working Canadian, is losing out on income made from commission. So his family is doing without because he is not making as much as he used to.

And THAT is why I believe we need to keep OUR money in OUR country supporting OUR people and OUR economy.

Recently, I was chatting with a lady about keeping our money in Canada. She said she agreed completely! But as she was walking away, she turned around and said, "But I do find I do most of my shopping in the US."

REALLY???



I also let my actions SHOW that I want to keep my money in my country. My children asked me to take them shopping in the States before Christmas and I said no. I told them they could ask their Dad if he would take them... But that I would be doing my Christmas buying and spending in Canada.

So, there it is... I hope this gives you something to think about, to ponder before you take your next trip down to the States to do some shopping - be it in your vehicle or on-line.

Living (and Spending) With Intention,
Nic