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th ei fp .c a Th e IF P -H al to n H ill s | T hu rs da y, D ec em be r 17 ,2 02 0 | 6 ABOUT US This newspaper, published every Thursday, is a division of the Metroland Media Group Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Torstar Corporation. The Metroland family of newspapers is comprised of more than 70 community publications across Ontario. This newspaper is a member of the National NewsMedia Council. Complainants are urged to bring their concerns to the attention of the news- paper and, if not satisfied, write The National NewsMedia Council, Suite 200, 890 Yonge St., Toronto, ON M4W 2H2. Phone: 416-340-1981 Web: www.mediacouncil.ca newsroom@theifp.ca IndependentAndFreePress @IFP_11 WHO WE ARE Publisher Kelly Montague Regional Managing Editor Catherine O'Hara Managing Editor Karen Miceli Distribution Representative Iouliana Polar Real Estate Kristie Pells Regional Production Manager Manuel Garcia Halton Media General Manager Jason Pehora CONTACT US The Independent & Free Press 280 Guelph Street, Unit 77 Georgetown, ON L7G 4B1 Phone: 905-873-0301 Classifieds: 1-800-263-6480 Fax: 905-873-0398 Letters to the editor All letters must be fewer than 320 words and include your name and telephone number for verification purposes. We reserve the right to edit, condense or reject letters. Published letters will appear in print and/or online at theifp.ca Delivery For all delivery inquiries, please e-mail lpolar@miltoncanadianchampion.com or call 905-234-1019. OPINION TO LEARN HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR OWN CONTENT VISIT THEIFP.CA I was honoured to give a 'State of the Town' address to the Halton Hills Cham- ber of Commerce via Zoom on Dec. 8. My address focused on the town's response to and challenges of COVID-19. Please visit the Town of Halton Hills website at hal- tonhills.ca, where you can find my speech. And, as pandemic rules and regulations change rapidly, please visit our CO- VID-19 page for all the lat- est updates. This has been an ex- traordinary different and difficult year for all of us. COVID-19 sure has given us all a punch in the gut. So many of our town events have been can- celled. There are too many to name. Yet, we still have local organizations doing a great job trying to give our community some bit of normalcy. For example, the Georgetown Lions Club and the Acton Fire Fight- ers' Association have been creative in bringing Santa Claus to town with drive- by parades. This, I am sure, has put a lot of smiles on kids' fac- es. Light Up the Hills vol- unteers again lit up our parks on Dec. 1 to give us some sense of normalcy for the holiday season. I know from speaking to many of you over the past several months that local businesses are feeling the impact of the pandemic, particularly those in the hospitality and tourism in- dustries. That is why, more than ever, it is important to shop local. The big box stores and the online retailers will do well. Remember, local busi- nesses are the ones that sponsor local events, kids' teams and employ your friends and neighbours. As the holiday season is here, it's a time for those who can to give generously to local charities, food banks, and more. Every dollar donated stays in our town and helps families get through this unprecedent- ed time. I want to thank all of the front-line workers and es- sential workers, grocery store clerks, municipal staff, teachers and many more. Remember to be kind as they are all doing their best. Lastly, on behalf of coun- cil, I want to wish a Merry Christmas and happy holi- days to all of you. Rick Bonnette is the Mayor of Halton Hills. Follow him on Twitter @RickBonnette1 and In- stagram rick_bonnette1. COMMUNITY SPIRIT REMAINS STRONG, DESPITE PANDEMIC THANKS TO THOSE WHO ARE STRIVING TO GIVE US A SENSE OF NORMALCY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, WRITES RICK BONNETTE The Nov. 29 full beaver moon, named for the time of year when the beaver begins setting up shelter for the winter ahead, hangs over Georgetown. Do you have a great local photo you'd like to share? Send it to sleblanc@metroland.com, along with a brief description. Tony Fortunato photo SNAPSHOT Life is all about prob- lem-solving. This way of thinking can easily be applied to- ward organizing your per- sonal finances in a manner that serves your financial objectives. Do things finan- cially that allow you the op- tion of living the life you want. For example, assume you have two young chil- dren. Both parents hope someday the children will have the benefit of a strong post-secondary education. OK, let's problem solve. How is this going to hap- pen? University is more ex- pensive than college, so we will use that as our exam- ple. The cost per year, plus or minus, can be $25,000. A four-year degree would cost $100,000. It's simple arithmetic. A degree costing $100,000 now will most like- ly cost more by the time your children leave high school, so accounting for inflation, what is the amount of money you need to accumulate? Visualize your life many years down the road. What will your income be? What are your normal living costs? Will you likely be able to write a cheque for some or all of the cost of university? Please do not be discour- aged. The figure will seem high. Determine how much money you could put aside now on a monthly basis. What is your expected rate of return? Suddenly saving a reasonable amount monthly and investing wisely for many years is far from overwhelming. The same logic can be applied to other life goals. This includes buying a sec- ond property and prepar- ing for retirement. Using your problem- solving ability can help make your life goals more attainable. Peter Watson, of Watson Investments MBA, CFP®, R.F.P., CIM®, FCSI offers a weekly financial plan- ning column, Dollars & Sense. He can be contacted through www.watsonin- vestments.com. PROBLEM-SOLVING: YOUR PATH TO FINANCIAL SUCCESS USING SIMPLE ARITHMETIC CAN HELP US MANAGE OUR PERSONAL FINANCES, WRITES PETER WATSON PETER WATSON Column RICK BONNETTE Column