Not just because it’s getting to be close to tax time, but the people that can save a penny here, a dollar over there and cut without regard are quickly becoming the most valued job qualifications around these parts nowadays.
One can bet the Alberta government is top of the list for using the accountants, economists, business analysts and consultants in an attempt to determine how best to right the sinking ship that is this province’s revenue stream.
Oil and gas companies have already put their ‘financial departments’ to use in slashing millions in spending for 2015 to go along with the jobs that went those projects as well as thousands of various other jobs as they ramp down on present operations.
And one can’t forget about the other companies, those that serve the energy sector is a variety of ways – from delivering parts to trucking away waste water or products. Those companies are also likely going to their accounting specialists to help them pare down expenses, find who they really need to hang onto and derive enough revenue to survive until the oil prices rise again.
However, there continues to be a segment of the population that remains left out of the equation, left to fend for themselves as the advice they need is usually too pricey, the people that can least afford to lose more money.
It’s the workers that are in jobs that make just enough to scrape by or maybe not even that.
It’s the families that depend on that one wage earner, who is doing all they can to try and stay ahead of the game, but doesn’t have the resources to keep the bills from piling up nor the expertise to figure out what their is so much month left at the end of the money.
There are some things out there that are free for these people to take advantage of, yet they are not always accessible in small communities.
In the big cities, there are volunteer organizations that provide free financial advice and even assist with making a month budget. However, rural areas rarely – if ever – can get that kind of help out here and most local organizations don’t have the ability to provide it.
Talking to a local bank for help only works for as much as the suggestions they can make. For someone who isn’t able to change their circumstances, telling them to move or get a different job and make more money isn’t going to improve things.
Everyone knows times are going to be getting tougher, it is simply too bad that those hurting the most are going to continue to be hit hard as they don’t have the finances to change it.
