Since its inception a few years back, the Family Day holiday has quickly become one of my favourites. As we all know, it is a long time between the New Years Day holiday and Easter. This holiday fits in perfectly at a time when it is truly needed and appreciated.

So, on Monday February 20th, my intention is to spend a wonderful day with the family in Niagara Falls at a world famous indoor water park. Any guesses, which one?

Traditionally, the month of February has always meant credit card bills. This year however is a little different, as we made an effort last year to use only one credit card or pay for purchases with cash. That lone credit card is the TrueEarnings Card from Costco and American Express, a no-fee card that earns you cash back each and every time you use it, be it for gas, groceries or golf. Whatever you use on the card for, it will reward you for your efforts. It allows me to continue towards my goal for 2012 of being financially responsible, leaving wiggle room in the budget for Family Day indulgences.

The true value of any credit card is measured on what the card has to offer. .I will be using my TrueEarnings Card in Niagara Falls on Family Day, for everything from the hotel and park passes to souvenirs and dinner at my favourite restaurant, The Rainforest Café.

What's not to like about a card that pays you to shop? Road trips cost money, but gas purchases are rewarded at up to 2%, and restaurants are a whopping 3%. The cool thing is there is no cap on how much you can accumulate, unlike some cards out there.

With a large family, I always try to buy things in bulk and what better place to do that than at Costco. They have substantial buying power and negotiate deals for us using that same bulk buying mentality. I, for one, will always shop with my pocketbook in mind. A Costco Executive Membership even has accelerated earnings potential, with up to 3% rewards available if combined with the TrueEarnings Card. No other card I know of is this simple. Simply spend and earn.

It is comforting to know that someone else is watching my back. It will let me be at my best on Family Day when I know I will be exhausted by days' end. Bring it on, and may you all have a great time no matter what your choices are with family and friends.

Happy Family Day...