Institute of Private Finances.

Unfortunately, Latvian households must take into account that the relatively careless summer season is about to be followed by autumn, which will bring increased costs in several items of households’ expenses. This means that financial planning will become essential for an even larger part of our population. Read more »

During the recent weeks I have thought about Latvian youths, the new generation, so to speak. Firstly, because it is the end of study year, which has always been a point of reference in my life. I must have inherited the habit from my school years when I used to make a brief stop somewhere in May to look back at what has been achieved in the first part of the year. It seems that such habits may last forever. Read more »

Can you guess which are the few hours which generate most income for me each year? It is those which I spend on filling in and filing my tax return with the State Revenue Service! If the amount of overpaid tax refund received annually from the State Revenue Service (“SRS”) is divided by the time spent, the income earned in one hour is pretty impressive! Read more »

It’s another New Year with new resolutions. I have written before that here at the Institute we believe it is better to make a resolution than not to. Anything that motivates you can become a step towards development, improvement and progress. Read more »

As the streets are being decorated and the irresistible scent of home-made ginger-bread lingers in our kitchens no further evidence is needed to assure us that Christmas Eve is approaching. At the Institute we always say that festivities are there to be enjoyed and celebrated. However, today I was approached by a friend of mine, who asked me if all the enjoyment and celebrations are not contradicting the responsible planning of family budget we are promoting? I said that actually it is quite the opposite – celebration does not necessarily involve spending. And even if it does, you can always plan for it in a responsible and purposeful manner. Read more »

Time flies! Just a while ago we celebrated Lāčplēsis Day (War Heroes’ Remembrance Day) by lighting up candles on the November 11 Embankment, yet another celebration is approaching – on November 18  we celebrate the Proclamation of the Republic of Latvia, which this year happens to be on Thursday. For many of us this means holidays from Thursday to Sunday – four days that we can spend for rest, entertainment and leisure time with our families and friends. Read more »

As far as heating is concerned, Latvia’s residents can be divided into two categories: those who are willing to pay and enjoy warmth as soon as possible and those who are looking for alternative ways of keeping their homes warm in order to postpone the heating bills’ due date. Read more »

Runājot par siltumu, Latvijas iedzīvotāji visbiežāk iedalās divās grupās: vieni mīl siltumu un gatavi par to maksāt, lai tikai apkures sezona sāktos ātrāk, otri meklē risinājumus, kā sildīties citādā veidā, lai tikai attālinātu brīdi, kad jāsāk maksāt apkures rēķini.

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September is traditionally associated with resuming studies and starting of a new school-year, therefore this month the Institute has engaged in topics related to sending children to school, extracurricular activities and the financial aspects thereof. However, I was engaged in the above topics also for a different reason – due to an interesting book I have been reading recently. Read more »

Septembris allaž ir bijis Zinību mēnesis, tādēļ institūtā šomēnes esam aktīvi pievērsušies tādām tēmām kā bērnu došanās skolā un ārpusskolas aktivitāšu apmeklēšana, kā arī šo gaitu atspoguļošanās ģimenes budžetā. Taču tēmai par vecāku ieguldījumu sava bērna attīstībā sanāca pievērsties, arī vakaros pēc darba lasot kādu ļoti interesantu grāmatu. Read more »