Ask any woman and she will tell you that Queen Esther’s year of beauty treatments would have cost a King’s Ransom. Like people in Esther’s day, men and women still spend a small fortune on beauty products and treatments today. While it’s true that beauty is only skin deep, studies have shown that if a person looks good, they feel better, leading to a more fulfilling life. But … [Read more...] about Looking your best on a budget
Life
Navigating the facets of everyday life including managing finances, growing old, being single, staying healthy and more.
CRA My Account
You know you waaaant it! It’s a good bet at this time of year that you have income taxes on your mind. Maybe you have yet to file your return and you’re stressing about that, or maybe you have already filed and are anxious for your refund. Either way, this a great time to set up your Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) My Account, if you haven’t already. There are many reasons to … [Read more...] about CRA My Account
A matter of Trust
New trust reporting rules may catch some unawares Are you the holder or beneficiary of an informal ‘in trust for’ (ITF) account? Are you named on an account or property title with your parent or adult child purely for convenience and/or estate planning purposes? Do you own a home together with your spouse but only one of you is on title? Beware: newly adopted legislation … [Read more...] about A matter of Trust
Adam Smith, father of compassionate economics
Many people nowadays have little idea how Adam Smith’s economic ideas have shaped their lives for good. Can a rediscovery of the real Adam Smith rescue our muddled Canadian economy? In 1776, Smith’s second book The Wealth of the Nations was so popular that he became known as the Father of Economics and the Father of Capitalism. For some people today, Capitalism has … [Read more...] about Adam Smith, father of compassionate economics
God’s gifts of kindness and generosity
Last month I was surprised to receive this email from a regular reader: “I wanted to let you know I mailed you a little package – I hope you like it! You have been exceptionally kind and inspirational to me and have truly helped me. For all of that, I am filled with gratitude. Thank you, and God bless you.” Wow! We had connected through my website, had emailed back and … [Read more...] about God’s gifts of kindness and generosity