1. Individual and Family Resource Management:
Finding the Balance
Created by: Chris Kolba, Social Worker, Community Liaison, mother, former student, employee, etc
Modified by Robyn Mitchell May 2013
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2. Introduction
Purpose : to understand how individuals and families acquire and manage resources (get and use what they need), what happens when they are unable to do so, and effective and ineffective ways of coping with this.
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3. Resource Management
Using resources to meet wants and needs…financial and otherwise
Effects of the loss of financial security-how does it effect resources
How people cope with financial stress…good and bad
So I can add my own notes to self here
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4. What do we mean by “resources”?.....
The tools that individuals have, can access or create to meet the goals they have made for themselves and/or their families.
Resources are of two types:
Tangible
Intangible
They are a means to an end but not the end.
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5. Tangible Resources Library Schools, college, university, other
Health Services
Parks and Recreation
Community Resource Centres
Money
Shelter
Food
Clothing
Furniture
Material Goods
Equipment
Vehicles/transportation
Electronics
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6. Intangible Knowledge Interests Skills Attitudes Health Time Energy
Interpersonal Relationships
Networks
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7. Resource Acquisition Must consider Wants versus Needs…
Throughout the lifespan (infancy, preschool, school age, youth/adult, senior years) people have needs and wants
Parents and others provide all of the resource needs of infants. As children grow, they acquire resources on their own.
So, as infants, we are mostly a bundle of needs. We don’t go searching for resources when we pop out of the womb. However, if we are fortunate to live in a reasonably safe and economically stable country, then are needs will be met for us by our family and other services. The doctor or midwife will make sure we are in good health, we will then be given to our parent/s or guardians who will keep us safe, warm, fed and loved to the best of their ability.
At a very young age however, we begin to set our own goals, and they are not always the same as those of our parents.
What were some of your goals as you were growing up? What tools did you acquire to reach those goals?
Some of our goals are to satisfy basic needs. Others are to satisfy wants. Brainstorm on white board needs.
Goals of today…
What tools do you require to get there? (Go back to slide 5 and 6)
What benefits does the Canada Pension Plan provide?
The Canada Pension Plan is a contributory, earnings-related social insurance program. It ensures a measure of protection to a contributor and his or her family against the loss of income due to retirement, disability and death.
There are three kinds of Canada Pension Plan benefits:
disability benefits (which include benefits for disabled contributors and benefits for their dependent children);
retirement pension; and
survivor benefits (which include the death benefit, the survivor's pension and the children's benefit).
The Canada Pension Plan operates throughout Canada, although the province of Quebec has its own similar program, the Quebec Pension Plan. The Canada Pension Plan and the Quebec Pension Plan work together to ensure that all contributors are protected.
EI- maternity or parental benefits, unemployment, disability –
OAS – This allowance is available to most Canadians when they reach the age of 65, income tested. Guarunteed Income supplement is for very low income seniors and is part of the OAS benefits.
Veteran’s Allowance – The War Veterans Allowance (WVA) is a form of financial assistance available from Veterans Affairs Canada. In recognition of war service, qualified persons are provided with a regular monthly income to meet basic needs.
WVA is based on income, family status and number of dependants. Recipients are paid at a single, couple or orphan's rate. Persons in common-law relationships also qualify for the same rate as married individuals.
Provincial
Employment and Income Assistance – needs tested – If an individual is unable to earn enough income to live on they can apply for EIA. This is a financial program of last resort, when all else fails. The rates are very low, and people relying on EIA usually utilize other resources to meet their basic needs. (Example – Rent for a two person family is Current rents – anyone been looking lately for a place to live?) EIA has programs and services to help people find meaningful employment, such as the Rewarding Work program. Often, workers aren’t aware of all of these programs. Community organizations that do advocacy work, can help to insure applicants receive all that they are entitled to, to work towards a good quality of life.
Manitoba Child Benefit - For low-income, working families of up to $420 tax free each year for every child. Monthly payments will begin in January For a single parent of three children working full or part time and earning $15,000 or less, this totals $1,260 with partial benefits for parents who earn $15,000 to $20,000.This pays a child.
Manitoba Shelter Benefit - The MSB is currently available to renters in the following income eligible groups:
Single renters who are over 55 years of age or couples where at least one person is over 55 years of age.
Persons under 55 years of age with one or more dependents under 18.
Individuals who are under 55 and have a disability, have a spouse or common-law partner with a disability or have an adult dependent with a disability living at home.
Worker’s Compensation – If you are injured on the job – eligible to apply.
Child Care subsidy – Based on income. Families can receive up to the full child care rate of a day. How much they receive depends on how much their income is. (There is often an additional charge to families of 2.00 to 2.40 a day. If they are on EIA, EIA pays 1.oo of that amount)
Canada Student Loans, Manitoba Student Loans, Bursaries, Scholarships
Employment related insurance and benefit programs – or example through my work I contribute to a pension plan every month. My employer matches my contributions. I also pay LTD, in the event I am unable to work due to a disability, which pays a percentage of my monthly income. Through this, I also receive health and dental benefits. Although this does not earn income, I am not spending other earned income.
Investments – House, GIC’s, RRSP’s, (making your money make money for you)
Loans and Credit Cards - This income usually costs money, or interest. Interest rates vary from as low as 3% to as much as 28% (possibly more).
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8. Setting Goals Set goals for self/family
Decide on which goals are important
Consider your values-
values. A, noun. 1, values. beliefs of a person or social group in which they have an emotional investment (either for or against something); ...
Here is a list of examples of some values:
Use or build on resources to reach your goals
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9. Some sources of income:
Allowance
Employment – self or employee
Minimum wage
Government programs
CPP, EI, CTB, UCCB, OAS, Veterans Allowance- federal
EIA, MCB, MSB, WCB, Child care subsidy-provincial
Canada student loans, Manitoba student loans/bursaries
Band allowances
Federal sponsorships for immigrants/refugees
Employment related insurance/benefit programs
Investments (your money earns income for you)
Loans, credit cards (sources of debt)
Inheritances or gifts
What benefits does the Canada Pension Plan provide?
The Canada Pension Plan is a contributory, earnings-related social insurance program. It ensures a measure of protection to a contributor and his or her family against the loss of income due to retirement, disability and death.
There are three kinds of Canada Pension Plan benefits:
disability benefits (which include benefits for disabled contributors and benefits for their dependent children);
retirement pension; and
survivor benefits (which include the death benefit, the survivor's pension and the children's benefit).
The Canada Pension Plan operates throughout Canada, although the province of Quebec has its own similar program, the Quebec Pension Plan. The Canada Pension Plan and the Quebec Pension Plan work together to ensure that all contributors are protected.
EI- maternity or parental benefits, unemployment, disability –
OAS – This allowance is available to most Canadians when they reach the age of 65, income tested. Guarunteed Income supplement is for very low income seniors and is part of the OAS benefits.
Veteran’s Allowance – The War Veterans Allowance (WVA) is a form of financial assistance available from Veterans Affairs Canada. In recognition of war service, qualified persons are provided with a regular monthly income to meet basic needs.
WVA is based on income, family status and number of dependants. Recipients are paid at a single, couple or orphan's rate. Persons in common-law relationships also qualify for the same rate as married individuals.
Provincial
Employment and Income Assistance – If an individual is unable to earn enough income to live on they can apply for EIA. This is a financial program of last resort, when all else fails. The rates are very low, and people relying on EIA usually utilize other resources to meet their basic needs. (Example – Rent for a two person family is Current rents – anyone been looking lately for a place to live?) EIA has programs and services to help people find meaningful employment, such as the Rewarding Work program. Often, workers aren’t aware of all of these programs. Community organizations that do advocacy work, can help to insure applicants receive all that they are entitled to, to work towards a good quality of life.
Manitoba Child Benefit - For low-income, working families of up to $420 tax free each year for every child. Monthly payments will begin in January For a single parent of three children working full or part time and earning $15,000 or less, this totals $1,260 with partial benefits for parents who earn $15,000 to $20,000.This pays a child.
Manitoba Shelter Benefit - The MSB is currently available to renters in the following income eligible groups:
Single renters who are over 55 years of age or couples where at least one person is over 55 years of age.
Persons under 55 years of age with one or more dependents under 18.
Individuals who are under 55 and have a disability, have a spouse or common-law partner with a disability or have an adult dependent with a disability living at home.
Worker’s Compensation – If you are injured on the job – eligible to apply.
Child Care subsidy – Based on income. Families can receive up to the full child care rate of a day. How much they receive depends on how much their income is. (There is often an additional charge to families of 2.00 to 2.40 a day. If they are on EIA, EIA pays 1.oo of that amount)
Canada Student Loans, Manitoba Student Loans, Bursaries, Scholarships
Employment related insurance and benefit programs – or example through my work I contribute to a pension plan every month. My employer matches my contributions. I also pay LTD, in the event I am unable to work due to a disability, which pays a percentage of my monthly income. Through this, I also receive health and dental benefits. Although this does not earn income, I am not spending other earned income.
Investments – House, GIC’s, RRSP’s, (making your money make money for you)
Loans and Credit Cards - This income usually costs money, or interest. Interest rates vary from as low as 3% to as much as 28% (possibly more).
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10. Other than income Food banks Community Resource Centres Shelters
Gardening
Bartering
Housework/child raising
Savings Circle – Seed
Winnipeg:
Food Banks - Winnipeg Harvest was founded in 1984 by Lee Newton, and the warehouse opened its doors in Currently, Harvest distributes food to over 40,000 people each month.
Community Resource Centres – Wolseley Family Place (hand out brochures) and review annual report. (10 minutes)
Emergency Shelters – Salvation Army, Booth Centre, Main Street Project, Siloam Mission (most provide a meal and a bed…as the homeless population increases, this has become more of an industry.)
Gardening – but be careful. There are start up costs, but once a fertile garden bed has been established, it can save money. Composting decreases costs and can replace the need for chemical fertilizers. Last summer I did not buy greens (lettuce, spinach, swiss chard) or zuchinni, for three months. I estimate this saved me about There is also the satisfaction that comes from growing your own food, and giving some of it away.
Bartering – Rather than pay for a hair cut, you get a friend to do it, and you in turn help her with her resume, or do some repairs on their car. Start a Bartering Circle.
House work and childrearing – savings. Say you are in a two adult earners household and you have one child. One of you is a truck driver and the other a teacher. Both of these jobs are very demanding. You have decided to put the kids in child care, and pay for a cleaner to come twice a week. The rest of the chores you share. The cost of child care, remember is plus 2.40 a day. In a four week period, the cost is ( minus any subsidy you are entitled to).
Your combined net income is (60,000.00). Use the Manitoba Child Care Subsidy estimator.
The cleaners come for 3 hours 2 days a week week. This costs a week.
The truck driver has been laid off. 35, of the net income came from her income. Your remaining household income is
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11. Financial Insecurity Causes Loss of a job, or a demotion
Convergys, Pine Falls...
Separation/Divorce/Death
Illness/Injury
Increase in family size
Natural or other Disaster such as
war (refugees)
Mismanagement of resources from individual to global level
Other?
Child Care subsidy – Based on income. Families can receive up to the full child care rate of a day. How much they receive depends on how much their income is. (There is often an additional charge to families of 2.00 to 2.40 a day. If they are on EIA, EIA pays 1.oo of that amount)
Canada Student Loans, Manitoba Student Loans, Bursaries, Scholarships
Employment related insurance and benefit programs – or example through my work I contribute to a pension plan every month. My employer matches my contributions. I also pay LTD, in the event I am unable to work due to a disability, which pays a percentage of my monthly income. Through this, I also receive health and dental benefits. Although this does not earn income, I am not spending other earned income.
Investments – House, GIC’s, RRSP’s, (making your money make money for you)
Loans and Credit Cards - This income usually costs money, or interest. Interest rates vary from as low as 3% to as much as 28% (possibly more).
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12. Effects  can be of many kinds:
Physical
Emotional
Psychological
Social/Relational
Spiritual
Look at – financial worried are the number one stressor, next to workplace stress. Full Compass Survey CMHA website. (gender, age)
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13. Physical Move to a new location or home-homelessness
Stress related physical illnesses:
depression diabetes hair loss heart disease hyperthyroidism obesity obsessive-compulsive or anxiety disorder sexual dysfunction tooth and gum disease ulcers cancer (possibly)
It’s been estimated that as many as 90% of doctor’s visits are for symptoms that are at least partially stress-related!
Change in “family” make up
Working at a new job, or two jobs
Differentiate between healthy (eustress) and unhealthy stress
When faced with chronic stress and an overactivated autonomic nervous system, people begin to see physical symptoms. The first symptoms are relatively mild, like chronic headaches and increased susceptibility to colds. With more exposure to chronic stress, however, more serious health problems may develop. These stress-influenced conditions include, but are not limited to:
In fact, most
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14. Emotional and Psychological
Loss of self esteem
Depression
Irritability and restlessness
Loss of leisure/recreational activities (applies to all three)
Stress
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15. Social and Relational Increased stress and conflict with family
Change in activities and companions outside of the home
Separation/divorce
Change in social status-loss of friends
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16. Coping with Financial Difficulties
There are effective and ineffective ways to cope when you experience financial stress….
Can you think of some of each?
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17. Coping…Well? Avoid paying bills
Don’t answer the phone when creditors call
Get more credit cards
Borrow money
Gamble
Steal, wheel and deal
Use excessive drugs and alcohol to release stress
Don’t keep track of your money
The only man who sticks closer to you in adversity than a friend is a creditor.  ~Author Unknown Who goeth a borrowing Goeth a sorrowing. ~Thomas Tusser Before borrowing money from a friend, decide which you need most.  ~American Proverb
GAMBLING HANDOUT
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18. What to do Take stock –income and expenses
Differentiate between needs and wants
Work out a repayment plan with debtors
See if bank can help you
Contact counsellor –financial or otherwise
Debt consolidation, orderly payment of debt, bankruptcy
Individual, couple, family counselling
Get rest, exercise, eat healthy, and think positive…
Spend time with supportive people.
Find ways to reduce costs and/or bring in additional income
…. OR…..
Calculate Net income – minimum wage – use Revenue Canada website. (Payroll deductions online calculator)
(minimum wage and living wage for all - single parent family 3 kids aged 2, 3 and 8. two parent family 3 kids, single adult, two adults) parents – sources of income
Payroll deductions online calculator – do for gross incomes to get net…look at budget
Now look at budget (Page 19)
Read handout from Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives. Acceptable Living Level. (Mention Resource sheet-handout)
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19. Grow a money tree! (… oh, don’t we only WISH!!!)
Now, on a more realistic note…..
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20. Budgeting Budgeting Guidelines for After-Tax Income
-          Develop your budget with the money you have available after gov’t deductions from your pay cheque, but before voluntary deductions such as RRSP, pension and other savings.
-           If you have expenses such as high debt payments, childcare, school expenses or giving you need to reduce your spending in other areas to accommodate these higher expenses.
This guideline is only a starting point. Based on your income and family circumstances, your allocations may be different.
35%            HOUSING – mortgage, taxes, rent, insurance and hydro
5%              UTILITIES – phone, cell phone, electricity, cable, internet
10-20%      FOOD – groceries, personal care, baby needs
15-20%      TRANSPORTATION - bus, taxi, fuel, insurance, maintenance, parking
3-5%           CLOTHING - for all members of the family
3%               MEDICAL – health care premiums, specialist and over the counter medications
5-10%         PERSONAL & DISCRETIONARY - entertainment, recreation, tobacco, alcohol,  eating out, gaming, haircuts & hobbies
5-10%         SAVINGS – Plan to save money for expenses that don’t occur every month.    Having a little extra available is a good.
5-15%         DEBT PAYMENTS – Many people find that their budget is quite tight because their monthly debt payments are closer   to 25% of their net income.
CCPA Fast Facts – How a Living Wage Can Reduce Poverty in Manitoba. (read high lighted section)
Acceptable Housing and Core Housing Need The term acceptable housing refers to housing that is adequate in condition, suitable in size, and affordable.
Adequate housing does not require any major repairs, according to residents.
 Suitable housing has enough bedrooms for the size and make-up of resident households, according to National Occupancy Standard
(NOS) requirements. Enough bedrooms based on NOS requirements means one bedroom for each cohabiting adult couple; unattached household member 18 years of age and over; same-sex pair of children under age 18; and additional boy or girl in the family, unless there are two opposite sex children under 5 years of age, in which case they are expected to share a bedroom. A household of one individual can occupy a bachelor unit (i.e. a unit with no bedroom).
Affordable housing costs less than 30% of before-tax household income. For renters, shelter costs include rent and any payments
for electricity, fuel, water and other municipal services. For owners, shelter costs include mortgage payments (principal and interest), property taxes, and any condominium fees, along with payments for electricity, fuel, water and other municipal services. A household is in need if its housing does not meet one or more of the adequacy, suitability or affordability standards and it would have to spend 30% or more of its before-tax income to pay the median rent of alternative local market housing that meets all three standards.
Average rent for one bedroom apartment is or more? On social assistance a single adult is allowed $ a month for rent. Average bachelor apartment rents are $ or more. As the size of the unit increases, or the safety of the home or the neighbourhood increases so does the rent.
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21. Sometimes less is more
People make choices to make do with less, sometimes because they want to, at other times because they have to.
Making do with less should still insure the meeting of basic needs
Richard Corey – Simon and Garfunkel
Alternatives Magazine articles –get some
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22. You Are the One
The willingness to accept responsibility for one's own life is the source from which self-respect springs.  ~Joan Didion
We have not passed that subtle line between childhood and adulthood until... we have stopped saying "It got lost," and say "I lost it."  ~Sidney J. Harris
When you blame others, you give up your power to change.  ~Author Unknown
"I must do something" always solves more problems than "Something must be done."  ~Author Unknown
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has. Margaret Mead
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23. Words of Wisdom
Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent.  It takes a touch of genius - and a lot of courage - to move in the opposite direction.  ~E.F. Schumacher (Thanks, Arly!) Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.  ~Confucius Simplicity is making the journey of this life with just baggage enough.  ~Author Unknown
Advertising has us chasing cars and clothes, working jobs we hate so we can buy shit we don't need.  ~From the movie Fight Club, based on the novel by Chuck Palahniuk
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24. You can never get enough of what you don't need to make you happy
You can never get enough of what you don't need to make you happy.  ~Eric Hoffer Material blessings, when they pay beyond the category of need, are weirdly fruitful of headache.  ~Philip Wylie The trouble with simple living is that, though it can be joyful, rich, and creative, it isn't simple.  ~Doris Janzen Longacre People love chopping wood.  In this activity one immediately sees results.  ~Albert Einstein
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