Every once in a while, a bit of life advice comes our way – things like “happy wife, happy life,” or why the glass should be half-full and not half-empty.

There’s more to life than money, so Save with SPP decided to roam the Internet in search of more life tips.

From the Inc. website, we find this bit of advice – “don’t dwell on the past, and don’t daydream about the future, but concentrate on showing up fully in the present moment.”

There’s also this thought – “don’t make assumptions…. if you don’t know the situation fully, you can’t offer an informed opinion.”

A third idea is that “life is not so much what you accomplish as what you overcome.”

The Thrive Global blog provides us with a few more deep thoughts.

“Your life is your responsibility,” the blog begins. “There is one person and one person alone over which you have control in this life – and that is yourself.”

As well, a classic one, “your word is your bond.” The blog explains that “our words can bring us together or tear us apart. Remember this power before you speak.”

“Release,” the blog advises, “the idea that things could’ve been better any other way. There’s no point in wondering what if… there is only the way things are.” The blog goes on to point out “it’s useless to try and make sense of the past,” which in itself is only “a recollection kept alive by your belief in its importance.”

There’s some more interesting advice from the Live Bold & Bloom blog.

“Have the courage to live a life true to yourself, not the life others expect of you,” the blog suggests.

Another interesting thought is “remember you’ll always regret what you didn’t do rather than what you did.” The blog explains further that “no one grows and develops by staying in their comfort zone.”

And finally, quoting David Foster Wallace, the blog notes that “you’d worry less about what people think of you if you knew how seldom they do.” This is a wise variation on the idea that it isn’t all about you, at least in our opinion.

Final thoughts from the Life Hack blog.

“Most things are not as bad as you think they are,” the blog begins, adding “don’t make things worse than they really are.”

“Be considerate of others,” the blog continues. This includes things like arriving on time, the blog explains.

And finally, “the power of habit can transform your life.” The blog explains that developing a good habit that you repeat daily “can transform your life.”

Common threads running through this collection of ideas would appear to be being self-aware, considerate to others, and conscious of your own actions and behaviours.

When it comes to our own favourite topic, saving for retirement, an axiom to think about is “pay yourself first.” There will always be bills to pay in life, but you can look after your long-term you by putting a little bit each way on the road to seniorhood.

A great place to stash those loonies is the Saskatchewan Pension Plan. Open to all Canadians with available registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) room, SPP invests your savings in a low-cost, professionally managed pooled fund. When it’s time to collect those savings as income, your choices include getting a monthly annuity payment for life, or the more flexible Variable Benefit.

Check out SPP today!

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Isn’t it funny how that new apartment, condo, or house seems to get smaller with each passing year?

It’s not because the place is shrinking – it is usually because of all the stuff you have accumulated. So rather than packing up everything and moving to a bigger, more expensive place, Save with SPP sought out some expert tips on how to save big by decluttering the space you’re already in.

The Becoming Minimalist blog  offers some great tips on how to take on the overwhelming task of decluttering.

Decluttering is a financial thing rather than a neatness thing, the blog notes. “The idea of living a simplified, uncluttered life with less stuff sounds attractive to many,” the blog advises. Many have “considered the benefits of owning fewer possessions: less to clean, less debt, less to organize, less stress, more money and energy for their greatest passions,” the blog states. However, the blog continues, the big question is “where in the world do I begin?”

On their list of top approaches to decluttering are giving the job a solid five minutes per day, giving away one item every day, filling one trash bag every day, and “the four-box method.” In every room, the blog notes, place four boxes – one for trash, one for giveaway, one for relocation, and one for keeping.

The Home Storage Solutions blog  suggests getting rid of the easiest stuff first, namely garbage, things that are broken or don’t work, duplicates, and “items not used for a year.”

The Life Hack website says clear floors first, then countertops. Move onto furniture last. Again, the advice is “toss, donate, or keep.” To clean a closet, take EVERYTHING out and then go through those same three steps – get rid, give away, or hang on – before you put things back in.

If you find you’ve got a lot of things to give away, why not hold a garage sale? The proceeds from clearing your living space can be tucked away in a Saskatchewan Pension Plan account, invested, and then enjoyed thoroughly in the future when you’ve retired! For more details, visit www.saskpension.com.

Written by Martin Biefer

Martin Biefer is Senior Pension Writer at Avery & Kerr Communications in Nepean, Ontario. After a 35-year career as a reporter, editor and pension communicator, Martin is enjoying life as a freelance writer. He’s a mediocre golfer, hopeful darts player and beginner line dancer who enjoys classic rock and sports, especially football. He and his wife Laura live with their Sheltie, Duncan, and their cat, Toobins. You can follow him on Twitter – his handle is @AveryKerr22