You probably don’t let unopened mail pile up on your kitchen counter for years. Or keep every receipt you’ve ever touched “just in case.” But many of us do exactly that—digitally. If you’ve used the internet for a while (20 years? 25?), you likely have old online accounts, email subscriptions and profiles that you only vaguely recall signing up for. Not to mention all the web sites we visit – today, three weeks ago, six months ago. Technologists call it  “digital dust.”  It i

The first age is our childhood, the second is adulthood – career, family, one or both. And the third? Well, retirement is increasingly seen as a fresh start, not an endpoint. And along with travel, pickleball, even some part-time work, a growing number of people are making learning a part of this next chapter. Whether it’s expanding digital skills, exploring art history, understanding climate science, or joining a regular discussion group, lifelong learning is recognized now

Imagine a neighbourhood where everyone knows your name, meals are enjoyed together a few times a week, and you live in your own home. That’s cohousing in a nutshell — a modern housing model that appeals to all ages. But it can be particularly attractive for those aged 60 or older looking for something between total independence and a traditional retirement residence. BC, as it happens, is home to nearly half of Canada’s 20+ completed or developing cohousing projects. 1 Commu

Solar energy is no longer a fringe player in the global energy mix. In the past decade, solar has moved from expensive and experimental to mainstream and competitive. Solar is the fastest-growing source of electricity worldwide and a cornerstone of global decarbonization efforts. China, the U.S., and India are leading the charge, but Canada’s solar journey is slower — with both potential and challenges ahead. Global Snapshot: Solar Is Growing Fast By the end of 2024, annual g

Helping adult children financially isn’t new but as the sums get bigger giving should be planned carefully. Home sweet loan It’s no surprise that a growing trend in family financial aid is driven by the cost of housing. Thirty years ago, the average Canadian home cost 4.9 times the average family income. The same house today will cost the average family 8.4 times more than they earn. 1 And the median sale price for single detached home on Vancouver Island was $835,000 in the

The world continues to move towards decarbonizing despite political and economic hurdles. According to the most recent International Energy Agency (IEA) Global World Energy Outlook, global investment in clean energy technology and infrastructure hit USD$2 trillion in 2024, twice the amount for fossil fuels. A growing share of investments in clean energy and technology are in electrification. What’s Electrification? Electrification means replacing technologies powered by fossi

Guests enjoy a warm welcome at their Airbnb suite, taking in the lush views, though they remain mindful of the house rules that might influence future bookings. More than a year ago CRA announced it would deny certain tax deductions (including repairs and property taxes) if a short term rental (STR) property was not compliant with provincial or municipal regulations and licensing. Hosts had until December 31, 2024 to become fully compliant. If that deadline was met, CRA will

In the fourth quarter of 2024, North American financial markets exhibited notable performance across both equities and fixed income sectors. Leading up to, and immediately following, the US election equity markets gained ground before eventually tailing off in the lead up to Christmas. The TSX concluded the quarter with a total return of approximately 3%, defying earlier expectations. This robust performance was broad-based, with seven out of eleven sectors posting gains, led

The threat of US tariffs is making an old topic suddenly new: interprovincial trade barriers. Can our political leaders find enough common ground to cut them significantly and boost our economic resilience? They should – but it’s complicated ......... In 2019 the International Monetary Fund estimated that eliminating them all could lift Canada’s per capita GDP by as much as 4%. Another estimate suggests the economy would grow by $200 billion. (1) Yet in a political federatio

There is probably and AI app for that Get more exercise. Learn Spanish. Start budgeting. Depending on the source, our custom of making New Year’s resolutions is somewhere between 300 and 3,000 years old. Which means the habit of not sticking with them is likely just as old. But an increasingly popular one is skipping alcohol for a month – or longer. And the global drinks industry is serving up options.  Dry January isn’t exactly new. Some Brits claim they invented it in 2013,

There is probably an AI app for that

Can surplus office space help solve the housing crisis?

Today, we’re tackling a question many Canadians face as they approach retirement: When is the right time to start collecting Canada Pension Plan (CPP) benefits?   While the legal retirement age is set, many wonder if they should begin CPP payments early or hold off for a bigger payout. Making this decision involves more than just knowing your current financial needs; it’s about understanding how the timing of CPP benefits can impact your long-term financial security. For a mo

Today, we're diving into a question that’s relevant for Canadians at every stage of life but is especially impactful for those early in their financial journey: When is the right time to buy insurance? For many, insurance can feel like a future concern, but in reality, getting coverage early is one of the smartest financial moves you can make. Whether you’re just starting your career, buying a home, or building a family, the right insurance can provide a foundation of securit

Welcome to another edition of Wealth Wednesday ! Today, we’re uncovering a powerful yet often underestimated tool in investing: the magic of compounded returns. Compounding is one of those financial principles that can seem slow and steady at first but reveals its true potential over time. When harnessed correctly, compounded returns can turn modest investments into impressive wealth. For women building significant financial legacies, understanding compounding is essential. L

In this week’s Wealth Wednesday , we’re diving into a topic that doesn’t always get the attention it deserves but can have a profound impact on financial well-being: preparing for the unexpected financial toll of a serious illness. While we often assume our healthcare and insurance coverage will be sufficient, the reality is that many of the costs associated with critical health issues aren’t fully covered. For affluent women who prioritize long-term financial security, addre

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), a common yet under recognized health disorder, affects nearly a billion individuals globally. Characterized by disrupted breathing during sleep, OSA can significantly impact one’s quality of life and increase the risk of serious health conditions such as heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and kidney disease—ailments that can lead to unexpected financial strain due to medical expenses. Link Between Sleep Apnea and Financial Well-being: Historical In

Market Highlights The third quarter of 2024 was eventful as global interest rate cuts dominated headlines and volatility picked up ahead of the election. Despite huge swings during the quarter, the equity markets ended higher; the S&P 500 (in CAD) gained +4.43%, and the S&P/TSX Composite gained +10.54%. In addition, the Canadian Universe Bond Index rose +4.66% during the quarter as interest rates fell. Major Themes and Events in Q3 2024 Major central banks cut key policy inte

Market Highlights Q2 ended with underwhelming market performance across asset classes, with Canadian dollar appreciation being the most noteworthy change. Within equities, the dispersion in returns amongst different equity sectors continued with different catalysts moving markets:  The S&PS00 finished up 6.6% in CAD as mega-cap technology companies had a strong quarter The TSX Composite Index with heavier weights in financials and energy ended the quarter up 1.1% With inflati

The first quarter of 2024 got the year off to a strong start with the S&P 500 (in CAD) and S&P/TSX Composite gaining 13.34% and 6.62%, respectively. Ql 2024 saw financial markets navigate through a landscape marked by escalating geopolitical tensions and evolving central bank policies that continue to focus on inflation. Inflation reports remained persistently higher than expected, contributing to fluctuations in bond yields and currency markets; the Canadian Universe Bond In