Travelling out of Country this Year: Here are the changes to OHIP that you need to be aware of:

Starting January 2020 the Ontario government’s OHIP coverage for some types of out of country medical costs has changed or been eliminated.  While the previous emergency coverage was minimal -  a maximum of $400 per day, this coverage has now been eliminated.  It will now be the travellers sole responsibility to cover any medical costs associated with out of country treatments while travelling.  Keep in mind the past coverage of $400/day would not typically have covered the cost of a trip to the emergency room in the US which averaged at a cost of over 2,000/ visit.

If you will be travelling it is important to research and get private coverage NOW more than ever.

First you should explore any existing coverage that you may already have.  This coverage could be through an employer sponsored extended health care plan, a program offered through your credit card or any private coverage that you may already have or that is available to purchase.

All programs differ in coverage and in cost so it is important to read the fine print to see which one best applies to you and your family.  Don’t forget that some policies will not cover you for what they may determine as “risky behaviors”, such as bungee jumping or scuba diving.

It is also very important to be totally honest when applying for private coverage.  Depending on your age you may be asked health questions which will help determine the cost of your coverage.  Obviously the better health you are in the lower the cost will be.   Please note that in case of a claim, the insuring company WILL check back on your medical records to make sure you did not have a pre-existing condition that was related to your emergency while travelling and they WILL deny your coverage.

Most companies will also state that you need to call their 1-800 number BEFORE you seek any treatment or they may not cover your costs.

To make it easy for our clients to obtain a quote for travel insurance we offer a link on our website to the Manulife travel insurance HERE. 

We encourage you to shop around as this coverage may not be the best plan available for you and your family.  It’s important to read the fine print.  We encourage you to look at all of your options!

Below we have included links to a summary of the changes published by the Globe and Mail and also a link to the OHIP website for further research.

Click Here to see in the link from the Globe and Mail

Click Here to see the link from Ontario Government OHIP

-Jodi

20 Year Trends Retrospective

Looking Back

Sometimes when the world feels like it's going a little crazy, it's good to look back and see how far we've come and what we have walked through.

This is a good example of how historic events have affected markets and how they march on despite it.

-Jodi

Tax Free Savings accounts- Are they taxable upon death? Who should I name as a Beneficiary?

 What’s the best option when it comes to naming a spouse as a beneficiary on your (TFSA) Tax Free Savings Account assets?

Should you leave your (TFSA) to your spouse / common-law partner, Children or someone else?

If you name your spouse as a beneficiary on a (TFSA) you have two options:

1) Name your spouse / common-law partner as a successor annuitant

or

2) Name your spouse / common-law partner as a beneficiary.

I know it sounds the same, but there is a subtle difference. In Ontario you’re allowed to name a regular beneficiary and / or a successor annuitant.

Successor Annuitant Designation

If you name your spouse as the successor annuitant, upon your death they become the new holder and the tax-exempt status of the TFSA is maintained. All of this is done without affecting any of their TFSA contribution room this makes it clean, simple, and seamless. Yes, you read that correctly, they can have maxed out their own TFSA and still transfer your entire TFSA to their plan.

Also by naming your spouse as a successor annuitant means that you avoid probate fees since these assets will pass outside your estate and directly to your spouse / common-law partner. This is usually the best option if you have a spouse.

Beneficiary Designation

When you choose to name your spouse as a regular beneficiary it is a little more complicated. The TFSA assets still passes outside your estate to your spouse on a tax-free basis, but things aren’t quite as straightforward.

Your spouse can transfer the TFSA upon death to their own TFSA, as long as this occurs during the ‘rollover period’. This rollover period ends on December 31st the following year. Transfers during this period are ‘exempt ‘ and again will not affect your spouses TFSA contribution room.

Note: the transfer amount can only be equal to the fair market value of your TFSA at the date of your death. This rule also applies when you’re transferring to a Non-Spouse (such as your child or friend). Any growth on the assets after your death will be taxable. To avoid unwanted taxes we suggest to make this transfer as quickly as possible.

When transferred to a spouse they will be required to complete an extra step .They will need to declare the contribution, so it may be exempt eating up their own contribution room. They will need to send the CRA (Canada Revenue Agency) form RC240, Designation of an Exempt Contribution Tax-free Savings Account (TFSA) within 30 days of the contribution to their own TFSA to ensure that the contribution does not affect their own TFSA contribution room.

Designation of a (non-spouse) Beneficiary - Child or friend

The TFSA assets still pass outside your estate to your selected beneficiary on a tax-exempt basis except the same rules apply as above. The growth is taxable, the transfer is not as easy but is simple.

The beneficiary would receive your TFSA in cash. They can then add the money to their existing TFSA, as long as they have the contribution room ( see below for a chart of the limits over the years), or they can open one if they do not already have an existing plan. As mentioned above the rules still states that any growth on the assets after the date of death will be taxable. To avoid unwanted taxes it is always best to make this transaction as quickly as possible to limit as much growth as possible.

So in Summary—What is the best strategy when it comes to selecting your spouse to inherit your TFSA assets?

We suggest you consider designating your spouse as successor annuitant.

If you’re like most people, you may not remember whether you designated a beneficiary or successor annuitant or both when you set up your TFSA originally. If you opened your account back when they started in 2009, you really may not recall.

There’s no harm in double checking with your financial advisor. It’s easy to make any necessary changes if they are needed. If your just getting started, now you know which beneficiary to choose.

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Here is a breakdown of the two designation types in a chart:

Here is a list of Contribution amounts since 2009 (last updated, January 2019)

Learning a new skill can help you to relieve your own stress

Wealth means nothing if you’re too stressed to enjoy the lifestyle you’ve dreamt of. Here are some tips for keeping both your mind and body healthy. 

Recently I have learned 2 new tips to help me keep myself more relaxed, less stressed and more focused. The amazing part is I treat myself as needed.

1)  Breathing- I know that we breathe an average of 15 times per minute, and it is something that we don’t even think about. However  in the past year I’ve read about using a breathing technique to help relax your mind to help you fall asleep. I have used it for this purpose and it truly  does work. The technique is known as the 4-7-8 Breathing Exercise. More recently I read the same technique which is explained in detail here is used to diminish stress, help focus and calm your mind. I have currently only tried it a few times to help with focus, but feel better afterwards and will definitely keep this tip front of mind.

2) Tapping- I was skeptical of this method. I know it sounds interesting, and very different. However, during a conference a few weeks ago, Alex, one of the founders of the technique was there to have 7,400 women try this out. Just prior to the start of his talk I had gotten up to go for a walk as my I-T band in my left leg had tightened up and I was feeling discomfort while sitting.

As Alex talked us through the process, explained in detail here. I relaxed, and by the time we were finished, the 7 rounds which took about 7 mins, I felt my I- T band pain was much less. Alex finished his talk and when I got up to go for lunch I no longer felt the pain, it was gone. There is a Free App called “Tapping Solutions”. I downloaded it for free, you can pay a monthly fee for some items listed, I only viewed / used the free samples available.

Once you read the explanation you will see that this is something that you could do anywhere without the App. One suggestion, you may wish to do it in a room alone. If done publicly you could have some questions as to what you are doing. For me, if I really needed to do it and was on a plane, stuck in a window seat, I would, simply because it works and I would rather be asked about it than sit uncomfortably for an entire flight.

Personally, I plan to keep these two techniques as tools to help relax and relieve subtle pain when I can. There is nothing worse then being uncomfortable. Besides you can’t enjoy your dreams if you’re stressed, can’t sleep and aren’t able to focus on the amazing things life has to offer.

I have already shared the breathing technique with my kids 10, and 15. It also has helped them to fall asleep. I will be sharing these as well so they too can keep these handy tips in mind when feel they need them.

-Michelle Currie

Yoga as a Remedy for Our Stressed, Sedentary Digital Age

Yoga can help to alleviate the stress, anxiety, and aches and pains that come with the digital age. Here are some yoga moves you can do anywhere, even at work.

Most of us spend the majority of our days on our phones, computers, tablets, and in front of our TVs. We also spend the majority of our days sitting or reclining, whether in our cars, at our desks, or on our couches. Just as humans are not meant to be wired all the time, we are not meant to be sedentary for most of our days. It’s not a coincidence that we are restless, stressed, anxious, and suffer constant back and pains.

Office, Desk, or Cubicle Yoga: 4 Essential Moves to Reverse “Computer Crouch” and “Mouse Arm”

For a typical office job of answering telephones and working at a computer, there are a couple of poses that you should do often.

Every 15 Minutes, Sitting Moves:

1. Elbow Hold:

Put your arms up over your head and hold your opposite elbows. Then move your held elbows in four directions: forward and backwards, from side to side, and in small back and forward bends. Do this for 20-30 seconds every 15 minutes.

2. Arm Twists:

Put your arms straight out to the sides with your thumbs up. Rotate our arms forward and then backwards so your thumbs are moving in a circular motion. Do this 10 times. Then repeat with your arms rotating in opposite directions from each other. Do this 10 times as well.

Every 30 Minutes, Standing Moves:

1.       Baby Backbends: Stand up and clasp your hands behind your back. Arch backwards gently as you open your chest and roll your shoulders back and behind you. Then turn your head side to side, 5 times. Then bend your ear towards your shoulder, 5 times on each side.

2.       Arm Circles: Put your right hand on your right shoulder. Extend your left arm straight out to the side and bend your wrists so your fingers point towards the floor. Move your left arm around in a circle about 5 times each way. Then repeat this on your right side.

Changing Career Paths

How Often Do People Change Careers? Experts like to talk about how often people change careers during their lifetimes. This figure usually ranges from between three and seven times. Sometimes the change is by choice, and sometimes there is a factor in place.

When Workopolis recently asked Canadians how many career paths they had followed, just one in four replied “one.” A clear majority had switched directions at some point – whether because they had discovered a new field they felt passionate about, or because they hit roadblocks such as alack of advancement, cutbacks or layoffs

So, if you are contemplating a career change, you’re not alone. And whether a leap into another profession is by choice or necessity, smart financial planning can help protect your household budget and keep you on track towards a comfortable retirement.

-Jodi

Valentine's Day is for Everyone!

This year, be someone’s Valentine. Actually, be a lot of people’s Valentine. Spread the spirit of the day to those who make your life sweeter with a genuine expression of gratitude towards them and maybe even a token of your kind thoughts. Valentine’s Day isn’t just for lovers. No one needs to be left out. It’s for everyone who realizes that the beauty of the day isn’t in the dinners, flowers, and diamonds — it’s in the smiles, kind words, and happy moments we give.

 -Michelle

Decluttering is good for the Soul, Finances and Home

de·clut·ter

/ˈdēklətər/

verb

gerund or present participle: decluttering

1. remove unnecessary items from (an untidy or overcrowded place).

   "there's no better time to declutter your home"

It’s that time of year when you are trying to plan out your NEW YEAR. As well as find a place for all your new items from Christmas.

It’s easy enough to collect things throughout the year, let alone this busy time of year.

Decluttering is good for the Soul; your finances and your sanity!

Decluttering can seem overwhelming, but we have a few tips to help out.

Click below for Info on a January Decluttering Challenge, because it’s never too late.

Click below to read about Decluttering your Finances; What to Toss: What to Keep

 Jodi is a certified financial planner so you can check that box.

Also if you feel like you have investments all over the place and are having trouble keeping track, we can help you simplify.

• Special note for our Clients: February 6th , 2019

  IS OUR SHREDDING DAY

  -See your Invite for details.

Michelle Currie

TFSA Limit for 2019

New TFSA Limit for 2019 and other updated amounts

Just announced the new TFSA limit in 2019 will be 6,000 – raised from the current 5,500 in 2018.  This means that if you have never contributed to a TFSA (and have been eligible to contribute to the plan) you may be able to deposit $63,500 in 2019.

The current maximum RRSP contribution in 2018 is $26,230 (based on income) in 2019 it will be raised to $26,500

New Tax Brackets in 2019: the basic personal amount for 2019 is $12,069, up from $11,809 in 2018.

OAS Threshold: If your net income exceeds $75,910 in 2018 you will repay part /all of the OAS pension.  The amount for 2019 is $77,580

-Jodi

Reading is a Fundamental part of success!

Motivate yourself and help break the cycle of negativity, judgement and emotional burnout!

Get over your fears and motivate yourself to a healthier you!

I recently came across a Facebook Group where they were reading the book " Girl, Wash your Face" I was intrigued when I saw all the inspiring comments. I constantly could feel the passion and encouragement people found.... As the months went by I began to follow the Author (Rachel Hollis) on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. I found that I really enjoyed her and the inspirational video's and Pod casts she was posting. She made me want to do better for Me! She covers various topics, has tons of passion and positive advice and I started to want more !

I was inspired, so I went out and bought the book. I planned to start reading it over Canada Day long-weekend while we were on a camping adventure. The Friday, I dove right into it and just couldn't get enough. WOW! The reminders I needed were there. It was filling me up with empowerment, passion and excitement. There were quotes, and helpful pieces on everyday motherhood stresses and the worries we carry.

I took a lot of positive points and have tried to act on them. Now here we are and it's the end of August, and I could read it again already.

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If you are looking for a new book to read this fall, I recommend this one!   

GIRL, WASH YOUR FACE

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Be Inspired to keep moving forward through the struggles of life. Remember to fill your own cup as often as you can. Look for the good. Try your best today, no excuses!

Here are a few videos and Quotes from the Author Rachel Hollis. They are a constant positive reminder for me and I think they are good for everyone!

Quotes

"The difficult seasons we walk through are how we learn to build up strength to manage any situation.          - Rachel Hollis   GIRL, WASH YOUR FACE

"Nobody- not a voice of Authority, not your mama, not the foremost expert in your area-gets to tell you how big your dreams can be. They can talk all they want....but you get to decide if you're willing to listen".  -Rachel Hollis

"I Hope, Pray, wish, cross my fingers and toes that you will look around and find an opportunity to be your own hero"  -Rachel Hollis

"Turns out, the most beautiful things in my life were never on my to-do list." - Rachel Hollis

Videos

Why did i write Girl, Wash your Face

The video EVERY Woman should watch, (I Think this applies to ANYONE!! any Age)

I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did!

Michelle Currie

How the Beach Benefits Your Brain, According to Science.

HEALTH is WEALTH

GOOD FOR THE BRAIN, GOOD FOR YOUR OVERALL HEALTH.

Why It Matters:

• Alzheimer’s disease carries with it immense physical, emotional and financial burdens.

• There’s a link between diet, exercise, social engagement, and brain health.

• Keeping your brain active and healthy may fend off dementia in later years.

Click here more information on all of the above points.

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How the Beach Benefits Your Brain, According to Science

There is something soothing about the sound of ocean waves, the smell of salt water, and the feeling of warm sand beneath your toes. Having grown up near the beach, I always classified my happiness on the beach as no more than nostalgia. Yet, recent studies prove that a beach-type environment can have a profound impact on our brains and mental health.

Although few people deny the importance of brain health, most of us don't focus as much effort on taking care of our brains as we do our bodies. The misnomer that physical fitness trumps mental health is at our detriment. The reality is that we need balance, both mentally and physically.

Numerous studies help us appreciate why the beach may be the premier destination for us to unwind and recharge our minds. 

Listen to Crashing Waves

Several months ago I partook in a deprivation float (the practice that many superstars such as, Steph Curry swear by). As my mind reached a meditative state, I could not help but hear a sound similar to that of waves crashing gently on the beach. This repetitive sound that was created as a result of  my rhythmic breaths and my ears being submerged in salt water instantly put me at ease.

"These slow, whooshing noises are the sounds of non-threats, which is why they work to calm people," says Orfeu Buxton, an associate professor of biobehavioral health at Pennsylvania State University. "It's like they're saying: "Don't worry, don't worry, don't worry." The sound of waves can help you achieve a meditative state, which is proven to heal and strengthen your brain.

Remove the Blues

Studies have shown that different colors often produce different psychological, emotional, and physical effects. The color blue, for instance, is often used in marketing material to convey a sense of calmness. The Global Healing Center advises individuals to actually surround themselves in blue as a way to reduce stress. 

According to Richard Shuster, PsyD, clinical psychologist, he agrees that blue has a profound calming effect on people. "Staring at the ocean actually changes our brain waves' frequency and puts us into a mild meditative state," says Shuster. 

Smell the Ocean Mist

When you first step out on the sand and allow your lungs to be filled with salty misty air, your brain may be receiving instant benefits. The negative ions (oxygen ions with an extra electron attached, produced via water molecules) in the ocean air can actually help calm your brain.

Negative ions have been shown to have a pronounced anti-depressant effect as well. As early as 1932, American research engineer Dr. Clarence Hansell noticed that the mood of one of his colleagues fluctuated in response to the type of ions - cheerful when subjected to positive ions and gloomy when subjected to negative ones.

Subsequent studies have found that the act of negatively ionized air -- the kind you receive when you get outside for a gulp of fresh air -- can alleviate symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD).  

Feel the Sand Between Your Toes

Grounding, otherwise known as walking barefoot, has been proven to have a number of stimulating benefits to our bodies and minds. The reason is that our feet contain a rich network of nerves and acupuncture points. Our feet are able to absorb free ions on the earth surface in much the same way that our lungs are able to absorb ions in the air.

A report in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine shed some more light on these benefits. The earth is negatively charged, so when you walk barefoot, you're connecting your body to a negatively charged supply of energy. The result is one that many of us feel as soon as we kick off our shoes. Walking barefoot on the beach can trigger tingling warm sensations produced as a result of us "grounding" to earth.

"There are all these cognitive and emotional benefits that we derive every time we spend time by water" said Wallace J. Nichols, a marine biologist and best-selling author of the Blue Mind. "Once you get into it, you realize that it's chemistry, it's biology, it's physiology. It's deeply personal but it's also strong science."

In 2012, a University of Exeter study found that simply living within close proximity to a beach improves one's health and wellbeing. While it may be unreasonable for some of us to uproot and move to a beach town, prioritizing getting outdoors and connecting with the earth will still help you stay mentally fit. 

I feel like this is important information to remember at any age.

See here for the direct links were my information was gathered

https://knowledge-place.wealthmeethealth.com/individual/be-smart/article/good-for-the-brain-good-for-the-body/

https://www.inc.com/anne-gherini/how-beach-benefits-your-brain-according-to-science.html?cid=sf01001&sr_share=twitter

Thanks for reading, Enjoy your summer!

Michelle Currie

EMBODY SUMMER

10 Ways to Let It All Hang Out

Summer’s here and it’s the time of year when you’re being called to enjoy the warmth and fun of the season. As a child, you may have waited all year for school to let out just so that you could swim in the lake with your friends, have outdoor parties, and lose ourselves in three months of fun. As an adult, you may or may not have the luxury of time and freedom to spend your days in a hammock enjoying the afternoon shade, but you can steal some time back to have some good old-fashioned fun.

As an adult, you may have long forgotten what it’s like to not have a care in the world—to sleep in as late as you want, to spend an entire day at the beach, or to take a real vacation. (You know, the kind where it’s all play—no work.) You may have spent your life building a career and/or building a family of your own, which means your attention is usually focused on doing, going, accomplishing, and achieving so that “someday” you can enjoy life. In today’s crazy world, it’s hard enough to carve out an hour for yourself at the end of a day, let alone giving yourself permission to fully embody summer. Those days seem a distant memory, when you weren’t rushing off to work to spend 8 to 10 hours in an office while the kids are away at camp or your friends are lunching and hanging out poolside.

But what if you could throw caution to the wind and steal back some time to let it all hang out? Wouldn’t that make the summer season just that much more enjoyable? Here’s the thing: you can do just that if you choose to put joy, happiness, and fun into the mix while still honoring your responsibilities. Adulting doesn’t have to mean life outside your work is over. In fact, you can improve your physical, emotional, and mental health exponentially by taking a break, peddling around the park, and daring to be young again at heart.

We can talk about why it’s important to have fun and we can cite research and data that proves how much better off we’ll be by enjoying life, but let’s just get right into the nitty gritty of some fun ways to spice it up this season to help bring a little of that inner you out to play. Here are 10 ways you can embody summer and bring some fun into your days.

1. Give Yourself Permission to Have Fun

First and foremost, you’ve got to give yourself permission to unwind, let loose, and enjoy life. This can be the single most difficult thing for you to do because the weight of expectation and responsibility can feel too heavy a burden to unload. At the end of the day, if you’re not giving yourself permission to have some fun, then what is all the work and worry for?

2. Go Someplace You’ve Never Been

Pack a bag, pull out a map, hop in the car, and drive. Whether it’s a day trip into the mountains, a picnic in the park, or a vacation to a destination resort, find someplace new to visit. New places bring new perspectives on life. A change of scenery can do wonders for the mind—sparking creativity and igniting inspiration. Be willing to go someplace you’ve never been. You never know who or what fun might await you there.

3. Make a New Friend

Talk to a perfect stranger. Engage in conversation with a friend of a friend at a social gathering. Connect with that interesting person from yoga class. Make a commitment to meet one new friend this summer and make a date for coffee, lunch, or a walk on the beach. Get to know this person, learn about their interests, and expose yourself to the newness and excitement that comes with enjoying their company.

4. Buy a New Outfit and Rock It

Who doesn’t love a new outfit that makes them look good and feel confident? Take yourself shopping for something perfect (even consignment and thrift stores have some chic steals!), and then create the perfect opportunity to rock it. Maybe it’s a romantic date night with your love, an afternoon romp through wine country, or a night out dancing with your girlfriends—make this outfit (and yourself) come alive! Ladies—don’t forget the power of a bright pink lip for extra “pop.”

5. Exercise Outdoors

This is so simple yet so underrated. If working out is part of your daily routine (and it should be!) get your jam on in the outdoors. There’s nothing quite so invigorating (besides rope swinging into a cold river) as exercising in nature. A run through wooded trails, a swim in the ocean, yoga in the park, or cardio and weights in the backyard can be just what the doctor ordered to change up your daily routine in summer months.

6. Lighten Up

This can mean different things to different people. When I think of lightening up, it conjures up images of not taking life so seriously all the time. Yes, you have roles and responsibilities, but let’s face it, you’re also here to experience joy, happiness, and a carefree sense of freedom and wonder in your life. Lightening up could mean dumping some of the unnecessary burdens, whether they’re mental or physical. Off-load old baggage, cut loose toxic relationships, and clean out your closet (literally or figuratively) so that you can breathe in the exhilaration of the summer season. 

7. Do Something Daring

Can you recall a time in your life when you did something that was so bold, so daring, that it simultaneously scared you (in a good way) and excited you? Maybe it was taking a risk and kissing that one person you were totally into, or perhaps it was the day you moved to a new city or went skydiving. Think back to how nervous you were to do “the thing” and how absolutely ecstatic you felt after having done it. Find something you would love to do—something that, when you look back on having done it later, you’ll think to yourself, “That was SO crazy, and it was SO worth it!”—and then go DO IT!

8. Take Breaks in Your Work Day

Even the shorter blocks of time you can peel away in your work day can make the biggest difference in how you experience summer. Get breakfast at an outdoor café before heading into work to change up how you start the day. Pack a blanket and brown bag it for lunch outside in nature rather than sitting at your desk. Take 15 minutes to walk around the block to get some fresh air and clear your mind instead of powering through for several straight hours. Meditate in your car for a midday reset.

9. Try On a Fresh New Look

Tired of your same old look? Take yourself in for a total makeover. Head to the makeup counter and have one of the pretty ladies give you a fresh, dewy look to change things up. Donate clothes you never wear and take yourself shopping for some new duds. Peruse magazines or do a Google search on trendy new summer cuts and head over to the salon to give your locks some fresh, new lines. It needn’t be anything dramatic—unless that’s what’s calling you—and a new look can be an invigorating way to embrace the summer season.

Gentlemen—this is not just for the ladies. If you could use a solid refresh, this is a great time of year for you to step out with a new look as well!

10. Spoil Yourself

Remember, at the end of the day, to treat yourself to the things you truly enjoy. You are the number one most important person in your world. You have to nurture and care for yourself before you can expect to do the same for others, so take the time and be willing to invest in your self-care. Date yourself. Buy yourself fresh flowers. Sleep in. Get a facial. Go see live music—often! Take an entire day to read a great book under the shade of a tree.

Summer is here and it’s calling you to get out of your normal routine, have some fun, and let it all hang out. After all, you work hard, you’re doing an amazing job, and you deserve it. 

Bonnie McPhail

The Secret To Happiness Has Nothing To Do With Money

Some people just ooze happiness: They always seem to be smiling and having fun, and let negative emotions and experiences roll off their backs. But if you think there's no way you could possibly ever be that way, you're wrong. Science proves that you do have the power to change your outlook on life. And it isn't hard, either: Most of the tips that follow are as simple as cracking a smile once in a while (yes, that's one of the tips). Here's to a happier you!

Michelle Currie

Watch your wallet and eat Healthy with these budget friendly tips in mind.

Wealth means nothing if you don’t have your health, here are some tips for keeping your eating clean. 

Here are some cost saving strategies for buying organic produce. Buying organic food can be an expensive endeavor.  Watch your wallet and eat healthy with these budget friendly tips in mind. 

1)      Know ‘The Dirty Dozen’ and ‘Clean 15’ (See Below).  It isn’t necessary to purchase every single item organic, prioritize your spending on foods you care most about and foods that come highly recommended for buying organic because they have the highest level of pesticide residue.  The least pesticide covered can be purchased non-organic.

2) Try to buy in season.

3) Planning out your meals ahead of time is a great way to save money and time.

Bonnie McPhail

WHAT A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER CAN DO FOR YOU!

2018 marks my 10th year as a Certified Financial Planner. Although I've been in this business for 21 years now, 10 Years ago I decided to go the added mile for my clients and myself and take the education to become a certified specialist in financial planning. It was one of the most challenging periods of my life, taking courses with a young family at home, while being in the office full time, but so worth it.

CFP's follow a strict code of ethics and must maintain many hours of continuing education each year. 

To learn more about what a CFP can do for you and what it means to me, please see the following links.

• Benefits of working with a financial professional

• Video- A Matter of Trust

• Video- What is a Financial Planner

Jodi Dark

New Year Resolutions

Regardless if your New Year’s Resolution was to exercise more, eat healthier or improve your savings plan… give yourself some time.  It takes 21 days to form a habit!  Stick with it to reap the rewards😊

Bonnie McPhail