www.insideHALTON.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Thursday, September 6, 2012 · 8 Problematic growth of personal debt and excessive spending R etirement planning and the ultimate dream of financial independence are being challenged by the significant growth of personal debt. New data released last week suggests the debt problem is growing. Canadians have historically been fiscally conservative. We worked and saved in order to invest enough money that would produce sufficient income to enjoy our retirement years. We spent what we could and when the money was not available the spending stopped. Those days are gone and we are now in a new age of consumerism where the simple Dollars & Sense By Peter Watson UPSTAIRS It's no wonder nearly four in ten travellers dream of exploring Africa the continent delivers some of the most jawdropping travel experiences imaginable. In Tanzania travellers can witness herds of elephant thundering across the savannah grasslands, or admire a pride of lions lounging in the sun. In Kenya, travellers can visit some of the most remarkable game reserves in the world. And in South Africa, experiences range from fascinating city life to enthralling game reserves. In 2013, Globus is delivering experiences of a lifetime with five Small Group Discovery tours (vacations of 20 or fewer people) as well as 10 new destinations on seven itineraries with pre-packaged independent vacations through Monograms. Some of the experiences in store for Globus travellers are: Visiting a local Masai village, enjoying a bush breakfast in Serengeti National Park, visiting a local home, farm and school in the Mto Wa Mbu village in Tanzania, taking a Cape Melay cooking class in South Africa and getting within steps of a clan of wild meerkats to watch them play. And since all that sightseeing is sure to work up an appetite, Globus has sought out some memorable dining experiences including a lunch at a winery in the Cape winelands and a meal at the famed Mount Kenya Safari Club, overlooking the majestic mountain. As always, Globus has been careful to mix the right combination of planned activities and free time. Every itinerary includes a blend of outdoor adventure such as game watching from the comfort of Land Rovers cultural immersion, luxury accommodations and time to simply relax and enjoy the scenery. Globus' touring vacations of Africa range from 10- to 15-days and feature Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa. New for 2013 is the 13-day Exploring South Africa vacation. On this Small Group Discovery tour, travellers will explore Cape Town, Franschhoek, Oudtshoorn, Knysna, Johannesburg and Mthetomusha Private Game Reserve. Globus is offering an Early Booking Incentive on 2013 Globus or Monograms Africa vacations. Call us for further information. WE'VE MOVED GLOBUS AFRICA! lack of funds does not curtail our spending. Credit bureau TransUnion released a report late last week that showed the average Canadian household non-mortgage debt reached $26,221. This is an annual increase of 2.4 per cent. The magnitude of the size of the debt is better understood if we put it in its proper context. Canadian debt is growing faster than our income. Debt figures, when measured against the size of our economy, show we are at the highest debt levels in history. Our household debt is among the highest in the world and ahead of the U.S. During the past decade, Canadians have See Developing page 9 (Delivery Available) Hopedale Mall, 1515 Rebecca St., Oakville t ravel@mctavishtravel.com OR visit www.mctavishtravel.com McTavish Travel · 905.827.1100 Ont Reg No 1437985 Call us for reservations! · Sashimi Lunch All You Can Eat · Snow Crab Dinner All You Can Eat 15% off for a group of 10 people or more. Cash only. Party room available $13.95 $20.95 Take out 20 % Cash only. Valid with coupon only Not valid with lunch specials off . 111 Trafalgar Road, Oakville, L6J 3G3 (905) 842-8333 · www.eesushi.ca Friday, September 7th & Saturday, September 8th Come join us this Weekend! · · · · The Oakville Lifestyle Home Show Glen Abbey Rec Centre - 1415 Third Line Allows light in, Blocks the heat Amazing 30 year warranty! Your PERMANENT Awning Solution Patio Covers & Enclosures Visit Us At Booth #7 Enjoy maintenance-free outdoor living, all year long www.naturallightpatiocovers.com 877.707.7427