Get Nailed: 5 Tips for Summer Building Projects

If there is one thing you can be sure of it's that you can't build your fence in the Winter time. No, no. You can't build your fence, repair your deck or make a treefort for the kids in the heart of January. Really, there is only one season where the air is warm enough and the days long enough to tackle this type of project: summer. So to help you make the most of the short days available for all of your summer ambitions, we've compiled a list of 5 great building project tips.

1) Make a Self Build Schedule

You know that old saying, "if you fail to plan, you plan to fail." Well - don't let this happen to you. There is nothing worse than staring out at a half finished project all winter, or having a weekend project stretch out over the whole summer. So before you even hammer that first nail, make sure you throw together a little timeline to keep you on track.

2) Get the Proper Equipment

We know you could probably McGuyver anything to do the trick in a bind, but not only does it take more time - it is usually unnecessary. If you can't afford to buy the right saw/sander/drill/level or anything else ask around, because one of your friends, neighbours or family members probably has what you're looking for. Just do yourself a favour and amass all the right tools before you get going- this way you won't run into any unnecessary delays.

3) Know the Code

We've all heard horror stories of someone building a beautiful fence only to be forced to take it down because it didn't match the code or regulations for the area they lived in. Don't be that guy. Read up on what all the rules are in your subdivision, city or town before you get going, and get the necessary approvals in advance if you need to.

4) Measure Twice, Cut Once

This one is so basic it's funny to put it in writing - but seriously! Many construction heartbreaks can be avoided by taking that extra time to double check your work before going all the way.

5) Get a Team Together

No one wants to go it alone- it's more fun, quicker and probably better for the final outcome if you bring a couple of friends together to help you. Not only does it build community (it's a great way to get to know your neighbours) but it makes the work better. Recruit people to help you build, and allow yourself to be recruited when others need help. Together we can build awesome things.

You might be thinking "Princess... what do you know about building projects?" But as you can see, even a Princess knows a thing or two about how to make something awesome. Hope you have fun in your backyards this summer, or wherever your building projects may take you. Remember, if you need extra tools for the job we've probably got what you need at one of our Cash Canada locations. We always have many tools on hand, so come on down and take a look!

Wish It Forward Fund

Cash Canada has long been in the business of supporting the communities we're active in through fundraising and non-profit initiatives. Well, because of the substantial way in which our business has grown, we are now able to do this on an even larger scale. Our desire is to lend a helping hand to individuals, families and organizations that need support.

In order to do this, we have created the Wish It Forward Fund. I - ladies and gentlemen- am the spokesperson for this fund. I guess they like me a little bit over at Cash Canada! The mission of this initiative is to "spread kindness one act at a time." So far we've already done some kindness spreading- we gave a laptop to a lady who needed one for school but couldn't afford it, we bought some baby formula for an expectant mother, and we set up a Christmas tree and provided a TV and video games as a Christmas gift to a family who couldn't afford it. 

This is a grassroots movement with no administration fees attached. It is simply our company trying to find ways to do good in the world. In fact, 100% of the funds raised through our special sales and fundraising efforts go straight into our efforts to do good.

Keep your eyes peeled so you can be a part of all the good we hope to do!

Boys Will Be Boys Contest

Well, well, well, if it isn't all of my friends in the Pawn Kingdom! Thanks for stopping by today to my little blog (which I hope you'll share with your friends by the way). Today I want to talk to you about the Boys Will Be Boys Contest I'm currently running.

Now - you all know how much fun the Pawn Princess for A Day Contest was. (Or at least I hope you do, because if you didn't know about it or get involved, let me just say, you sure missed out!) Last month we spent a couple of weeks pouring through all the submissions of the adorable little princesses out there while you guys all voted for them. Then from all of the eligible entries we drew a winner! That little princess will get an expense paid trip with her mom to Edmonton and a luxury weekend for the both of them. Plus they'll get to hang out with meeeeee!!! (We all know that's the real prize here, right?)

Anyway, that was so much fun we figured we'd better give the boys something to compete for as well! No one loves a competition as much as men do- so boys, this one is for you! Post a picture of your best father-son duo (or could be stepfather/uncle etc). Once your entry gets 10 votes you'll be automatically entered into the drawing to win an expense paid trip to Edmonton with accommodations at the Fantasyland hotel, admission tickets to the great attractions as West Edmonton Mall, and a $500 spending spree (plus lots of other REALLY COOL STUFF). Don't wait! Share this link, submit your photo, and get voting!

Good luck guys!

Gearing Up for May Long

Hello friends in the Pawn Kingdom! It's your esteemed Pawn Princess here just dropping in to check up on you as you make your plans for the May Long Weekend! Ah, that May Long weekend. If any long weekend was a breath of fresh air, it's this one. It seems to me that no matter what is happening or what the weather is like, somehow the May Long Weekend always seems to have a knack for truly signifying the start of summer. I want you all to enjoy your upcoming long weekend so much, so I'm here to give you some great tips.

Book Those Campsites Early

There's nothing worse than discovering on Thursday or Friday night that the place you want to camp is completely booked up. So do yourself a favour and book a site today! Many campsite will take payment over the phone, so you can be sure to secure your spot in advance.

Staying Home? Make it a Productive Weekend!

If you're not going camping but are going to stick around the city for May Long, use the extra time to get some stuff off of your to-do list. You'll feel so good about yourself! Set aside part of one day - Saturday, Sunday, Monday, you name it - and commit a few hours to finishing a project that keeps nagging you. Then you'll be able to enjoy your weekend knowing you made the most of it and you won't have that mental strain of thinking "I SHOULD do this" because you'll have already done it!

If You Need Cash, Find Some Items to Pawn!

Maybe you're planning to do some home repairs, perhaps you want to head out to the lake and get a great campsite, or maybe you're doing a road trip! Whatever it is that you plan to do on the long weekend, if you need some extra cash to get ready for it know that we're always here for you and would love to help you out and get you the money you need so you can really make the most of your weekend.

Think of Cash Canada When Shopping For Your Supplies

We probably have everything you need in store for an amazing long weekend - whatever your plans may be. We have lawn equipment if you want to do lawn care, we have tools, we have sporting equipment. Do you need a tent? A BBQ? Whatever you need, there is a pretty high chance we have it either at your local store or at the Sales Centre. So make a trip down and let the treasure hunt commence! You'll get a better deal at one of our stores than anywhere else, and you know that's the truth!

Pawn Princess for a Day!

It is my firm belief that every girl deserves to be a princess for at least a day. As a professional princess myself I can tell you that nothing is more exciting than putting on that long shimmery gown and touring the Pawn Kingdom in style. It truly is an experience like none other and that's why - once a year- I like to invite a mom and daughter duo to come along with me. I love seeing the excitement and the experience through the eyes of a child.

This always brings me to a certain conundrum: how will I decide just who to bring? I love everyone so much that it is impossible to narrow it down to just one mother daughter team. And so, I have devised a contest. All you have to do is upload a photo and when it receives 10 likes in the voting category, it will be automatically entered into the draw.

You could win an entire mother daughter getaway which includes transportation to Edmonton, luxury hotel, breakfast in bed, and a limo tour of the pawn kingdom.

Tell everyone you know and get involved! It is my favourite contest of the year and I just want everyone to take part. Enter here: http://woobox.com/gfjedu

4/20 Sale and Contest

I love celebrating things - so I thought to myself, what can I celebrate in April? I know it's a little unorthodox but... I want to celebrate 4/20. Sure, you thinking it's not a real holiday. But you know what? I'm a princess and I can do what I want. So I'm making it a celebration.

Come down to the store and take advantage of the awesome 4/20 sales we've got going on. And don't forget to enter my little 4/20 Facebook contest so you can win yourself 20,000 Pawn Princess Loyalty Rewards Points. I'll be giving away 20,000 points to 4 winners every day up until 4/20.

Celebrate good times, c'mon!

Three Great Items For Pawn Loans In Your Home Right Now

Short on cash? Need a bit of extra dough to tie you over? In times like that, many people turn to pawn loans as a great way to quickly get the cash you need to help you get through to your next pay day. At Cash Canada Financial, pawn loans are our specialty. Obviously! We want to get you the money you need when you need it, and we’re serious about that. So that’s why we’re going to help you out right now. We’re going to do you a favour here – we’re going to give you some ideas on what items you might have inside your home that will be optimal to pawn. Ever wondered what the secret is to a great pawn item? Well, wonder no more because we’re ready to dish out.

Gold

Gold is one of the best items to pawn – hands down. Why is this, you ask? Because of the nature of gold, we are able to determine its actual value before we lend you money against it. There really is no guesswork involved, which means as long as you pay your loans back, you’ll always be able to get the same amount of money on your gold when you bring it in to pawn. Not only this, but we feel confident lending you more on gold than other items, because the value of gold is a more or less steady assurance. 

New, Brand Name Electronics

While we can’t lend you as much on electronics as we can on gold, if the electronic you are bringing in is relatively new and popular, we can use it to help you get the money you need. Clean, charged and well working electronics are best. Make sure that, whatever item you bring, you are able to turn it on! If we can see that it works, we can lend you money on it!

Power Tools

Power tools, especially clean ones and desirable brand names, are a very great choice to bring in to the store. When you bring them, make sure you don’t forget any batteries, chargers and accessories. Not only does bringing a tool in with the complete package increase its value, but it is also necessary for us to make sure the tool is in working order before we lend on it.

Multiple Items

It doesn’t matter how much money you are trying to get- it is always great to bring in multiple items when you come in. If you have two gold chains – bring them both. If you have an electronic and a power tool, bring them both. Spreading your loan out amongst several items makes it easy for you to get your items back out of pawn. We want you to get your stuff back! So bring in several items that you won’t miss for a while, and spread out your loan amongst all of them. 

Take Advantage of Springtime

I know many of you out there are busy huddling together for warmth during our frigid Canadian winter and at times like these I know we all have basically one thought on our minds: when will it be spring? Yes, it is quite impossible not to long for the beautiful and inspiring days of spring when we’re in the thick of it with winter here. So, just to indulge ourselves a bit, let’s talk about spring today and all the wonderful potential for change that the season brings in our lives!

Use The Momentum Of Spring To Make The Changes You’ve Always Wanted To

Spring is such a wonderful time of year because, quite naturally, everything is new again! Use this natural rhythm to make changes in your life that you’ve always wants to make but haven’t done yet. Sometimes all you need is a bit of spark to get started – and nothing provides that more than the promise of spring. Start preparing to make changes now so that you can really roll into them full steam once winter is over.

 Take the Term “Spring Cleaning” Seriously

How long has it been since you’ve done a true “spring cleaning?” I say this year, really maximize that term to it’s full potential and clean out your place! Find whatever you aren’t using and sell it online or at a garage sale. You’ll be thankful for the extra room in the place and also for the cash in your pockets.

As we struggle through winter and set our sights on the new season and all it brings, let us focus on becoming new in a variety of ways this spring. Let’s make new habits, new environments and new changes in our lives that improve our standard of living. What new changes are you planning to make in your life with the coming of a new season? Let us know in the comments below!

Save Money This Easter

Hello everyone! The Pawn Princess here- just dropping in to help you all prepare for Easter this year! With the holiday just around the corner, many families are wondering what they can do to create a perfect and practical Easter celebration in their home. Fortunately, I’m quite the expert when it comes to these things, and given that, I have a couple ideas to share with you from Easter’s past that will undoubtedly serve to enhance your celebration with your family this year. Here are some simple tips to a perfect Easter:

Take Advantage of All the Family-Orientated Community Events

Easter is a great time of year simply for all the free family activities that can be found within the local community. Many churches and community centers host free plays, Easter egg hunts, or family days that are an excellent way to get out of the house and make some memories together without putting a strain on your pocketbook. Make Easter weekend a unique one by hitting up some of these once a year events.

Enjoy Natural Beauty

One of the most spectacular things about Easter is that by the time it rolls around, it really feels like we’ve turned a corner into spring. Lots of times pussy-willows can be found on the trees, and the smell of spring is in the air. Keep with the theme of new life and take a nature walk in a local ravine or down a nice trail. If you like traditions, you can even incorporate this into your yearly Easter celebrations (trust me, it feels great after Easter dinner). Few things are more perfect than a nice spring stroll with those you love- it’s a really simple and enjoyable way to grow closer to one another.

Eat a Lighter Meal

Of course the trend these days is to scale back portion wise when it comes to meals in order to pay attention to the ol’ waist size. When planning this year’s Easter meal- consider that. Make or buy less desserts and cut back on the heavy foods on your table. Also, release yourself from the pressure of having to cook absolutely everything. Focus on a few favourite dishes and forget the rest. Not only will your tummy thank you, but your bank account will too.

Keep It Simple

One thing about big family celebrations is that they sure don’t have to be intricate to be memorable. Somehow, getting a large group of people who are related to each other together under one roof really goes a long way in creating some memories, if you know what I mean. Nothing can outshine the- lets call it excess of personality- that families seem to inherently have. So instead of trying to compete with this by hosting an elaborate meal, fussing over many decorations, or trying to be the perfect host – embrace it! Make the family the main event, since trust me they’re going to be anyways.

These are just a few tips that I’ve found are helpful along the way in creating the perfect Easter celebration. Do you have any tips of your own? What does a perfect Easter celebration look like in your home? Tell us in the comments below! 

Treasure Hunt

Need Adventure? Try A Cash Canada Treasure Hunt!

It may seem really strange to say this, but honestly, hunting for treasure at different Cash Canada locations could possibly be one of the most entertaining adventures you’ve had in a long while. I’m not just saying this because I’m the Pawn Princess but because it’s the truth. If you’ve ever gone on a little Cash Canada treasure hunt yourself then you know what I’m talking about. If you haven’t – then it might be a little activity you want to consider!

You never know what you will find!

Find Interesting Items

One of the greatest things about the adventure of shopping at Cash Canada is that you end up finding the most random and entertaining items. There is a lot of unique stuff that turns up at the stores- sometimes you find vintage items you thought you’d never see again, and sometimes you find crazy one off items that you didn’t even know were ever created! If you want something unique for your home or an item that has a real story behind it, Cash Canada is the place to find it!

Get Awesome Deals

It goes without saying that all of our items are priced to sell. So even if you want a more normal item- like stuff for your kitchen or electronics or sports equipment, you can still go on a little treasure hunt at the stores to find your own type of treasure: a great deal. You’d be amazed at the types of deals there are to be had if you look around for them. The best part about finding a deal? Telling your friends. So it’s really like two deals in one – you’re saving money, and you have a great story to tell. So much treasure!

Find Everything In One Place

Now with the opening of our Sales Centre, we’ve made the hunting process a lot easier by consolidating a lot of our product under one roof. You can stop by the Sales Centre and do all your hunting in one place. It’s like the one stop shop of treasure hunts. Honestly, nothing really beats the exhilaration of finding something really cool at a store or of getting a great deal. It actually feels like finding a pot of gold. Hunting for treasure at Cash Canada is an activity that never fails to provide many great stories. Don’t believe me? Get out there and try it!

Have you ever found some great treasure at Cash Canada? Tell us about it on my Facebook! Or, sign up for my newsletter to receive a no-strings-attached $10 gift certificate.

Sales Centre Grand Opening

Today we have the pleasure of announcing on the blog the opening of a brand new Cash Canada store!! The new store – to open on March 1, 2013 – is our Sales Centre. With over 3,500 square feet of strictly merchandise for sale, this store represents a brand new and exciting endeavor for Cash Canada. Never before have we created a store specifically for sales! We’re so excited to launch this store and provide you with amazing deals as well as simplify your shopping experience. Read all the details below so you can catch the vision of what we’re starting and then come on down to our Grand Opening Celebration on March 1 and 2 to get yourself a great deal and take part in the fun!

What Kind of Stuff Can You Buy At The Sales Centre?

Plans for the store include stocking it with an absolutely huge selection of merchandise brought in from all the other Cash Canada stores. You can be sure that there will be an massive selection of Blu-Rays, DVDs, and video games – these are always customer favourites and we’ll be keeping the Sales Centre full of them! However, the selection will not be limited to these items. Any type of item you are used to finding in our other stores will likely also be at the Sales Centre, the store simply represents a collection of all our finest items to simplify your shopping experience. With new merchandise arriving at the Sales Centre daily, the store will be the type of place you’ll want to check in at often and hunt for that hidden treasure- there is always a deal to be had!

How Will The Items Be Priced?

Everything at the Sales Centre is priced to sell. We want to keep a steady rotation of merchandise flowing through the sales floor, so if we put something on the floor and it doesn’t sell fast enough, we’ll keep dropping the price until it does sell! This means there will always be unreal deals for you to discover as new merchandise comes in and merchandise already on the floor continues to be discounted.

Pawning Items

Because the Sales Centre is so distinctly focused on sales, it will not do pawn loans. This allows the staff to focus on getting you the stuff you want at the best price. However, we will take extension payments on pawn loans at this store if you want to buy yourself a little extra time for your loan.

The Grand Opening

The store will officially open its doors with a grand opening celebration on March 1 and 2, 2013. This historic event will definitely be one for the record books. Everything in the store will automatically be 20% off and the Pawn Princess will be present handing out $10 gift certificates. Plus you can use your Pawn Princess Loyalty Rewards Points you already have and collect additional points with every purchase! Come down and you could walk away with an amazing deal you’ll be telling all your friends and family about. This is an epic moment in Cash Canada history that we want you to be a part of!

For more information on the Sales Centre including the location, hours, and deals- check out the store's Facebook page!  Plus, to receive the Pawn Princess Loyalty newsletter and a free $10 gift certificate just click here.

What Is A Gold Loan?

An important Cash Canada promotion that everyone should know about is the free gold loans that we will be giving out for a limited time. Most basically, we will be giving out loans for free if you use gold as collateral. That is a great deal, no? I’m going to go into detail on this whole program below, so stay with me and then after that go get all that gold you’re not wearing and take it down to the store so you can get a smoking deal on a loan.

What Is A Gold Loan?

A gold loan is just like any other pawn loan you could get at Cash Canada, except with a gold loan you are specifically using gold as collateral and nothing else. Since gold does not depreciate in value like a TV does, we are able to lend you more on your gold than we are able to lend you on other miscellaneous items. Also, because we believe so much in the power of gold and because we believe so much in you, we lend twice as much on gold than other pawnbrokers do. We’ll lend on any type of gold. We’ll lend more money on gold. This makes gold a great thing to bring into the store when you’re in need of some cash.

Why Pawn Your Gold?

Selling gold is a popular idea and a great way to get more cash when you’re in need. However, with our program and with our free gold loans promotion, there is no need to outright sell us your gold. Wouldn’t you rather keep your gold jewellery and get the money you need? We want you to keep your gold as well. So that is why we have worked hard to make our gold loans program one where you can borrow just as much as you need and then, when the loan is repayed, you can get your gold back. Gold will continue to go up in value, so it is in your best interest to hold on to it and make it work for you in the future!

If You Would Prefer To Sell Your Gold

Of course, if you aren’t interested in getting your gold back and would prefer to sell it, we will also buy it from you. All the information on how to sell your gold is available here, and you can actually download an express Gold Selling Kit here.

Bringing in gold is a very easy, sure-fire way to get the cash you need, when you need it. Gold is a very steady option and a great item to use as collateral. By pawning your gold, you get to have your cake and eat it too- which means you get the money you need and you get to keep your gold. This is a wonderful way to make those ends meet and still hold on to the items you hold dear. Take advantage of it and see you in store soon!

For more information and to be connected to all the latest Pawn Princess happenings, “Like” us on Facebook and sign up for our newsletter to receive a no-strings-attached $10 gift certificate.

Pawn Princess Loyalty Rewards Points

Today I’m going to talk to you about a wonderful program we have here at Cash Canada called the Pawn Princess Loyalty Rewards Points. You may have heard the name thrown around before, and heck, you may even have some points of your own. But do you really know what they mean and everything they can do for you? On the chance that you don’t, I’m going to fill you in. So listen up, there are plenty of aspects to this program that you can take advantage of.

What Are Pawn Princess Loyalty Rewards Points In The First Place?

These points are things you collect using your Pawn Princess Loyalty Rewards Points Card in store when you are purchasing an eligible item or using one of our services which qualify for points. How it works is that you get five points for every dollar spent on loan charges and cheque cashing fees and two points for every dollar spent on purchasing merchandise and layaways. Fairly easy to collect, I’d say. During February of 2013, you can also win them by “liking” the Pawn Princess of Facebook and entering our sweepstakes. A lot of points up for grabs in this contest, so head on over there and do yourself a favour by entering.

How Do You Start Collecting Points?

Starting your points collection couldn’t be easier. Simply go to your nearest or favourite Cash Canada location, provide for the staff your updated information, and receive your card. Cash Canada will issue one card per account that you personally can use when you make purchases or access services.

What Do These Points Get You?

These points – which are, as you can see, extremely easy to collect, can be redeemed in store to pay for merchandise or toward the payment of loan extensions and service fees. Basically, with these points you can get free stuff. Who doesn’t want free stuff? You want free stuff, I know you do.

It is so simple to collect points. All you have to do is go into the store, provide your updated contact information, and get a card. After that, just show your card during all of your transactions to collect points. It is a fairly simple system that I encourage you to take dull advantage of- it is not hard to collect many points and before long you will find yourself able to get something for free. Which feels great, doesn’t it?

For more information and to be connected to all the latest Pawn Princess happenings, “Like” us on Facebook and sign up for our newsletter to receive a no-strings-attached $10 gift certificate.