Avoiding probate is a topic that regularly comes up in conversations here in my office. Unfortunately, all too often the tail (probate fees) is wagging the dog (estate planning). Proper estate planning takes the cost of probate into consideration and, where it makes sense, proper estate planning will take steps to avoid those costs, but cost savings shouldn’t be the main … [Read more...] about The danger of avoiding probate through the use of joint accounts
Life
Navigating the facets of everyday life including managing finances, growing old, being single, staying healthy and more.
Conversion therapy, Canadian freedoms at risk
LGBTQ2+, SOGI 123, swift changes in conversion therapy law, and a rapidly shifting culture, are among some of the most controversial topics of our day. But did we expect the loss of many basic Canadian freedoms to partner alongside this list of controversies in our free land of Canada? ‘Bill M 218-2019: Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Protection Act’ has been raising … [Read more...] about Conversion therapy, Canadian freedoms at risk
Building your support team for aging, part 1
You may not think of yourself as a project manager, but in a way, aging well is your focus project once you enter “old age”. They say there are three stages to old age – young old (55-65 years of age), middle old (66-85) and old old (85 and older). When you are in the young old stage, it’s time to start project planning how you will thrive as you age. One of the ways to think … [Read more...] about Building your support team for aging, part 1
Hearing loss
Psalm 139 tells us that our bodies are ‘fearfully and wonderfully’ made and you need not look any further than our ears to see the truth of that statement. Our ears are a combination of mechanics and electrical impulses that allow us to hear the faintest of whispers or the roar of thunder. How we hear is truly amazing. Sound is transmitted via soundwaves entering the ear canal … [Read more...] about Hearing loss
All that glitters – investing in Gold
Gold holds an unusual and fascinating allure in the investment world. Admittedly, even to me, the thought of gold ingots stored in a safe house just sounds kind of cool. It’s times like these that I start fielding questions such as, “should I have some gold in my portfolio?” At the time of writing, an ounce of gold is priced at $1,499.23. That’s an increase of $313 … [Read more...] about All that glitters – investing in Gold