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

Investing for success

Around our office we believe in investing for success.

The most important thing to us is that you are completely comfortable with your investments.  Part of that means understanding what you are invested in and what risks, if any, you are comfortable with. Saying that even our most seasoned clients can get the jitters when the markets are going down….especially the ones who lived through 2007/2008!!

We find that our most successful and relaxed (lol) clients are in the correct asset allocation (mix of investments) and we try to match that to suit their comfort level and their goals.  Sometimes that can be tricky business!

For anyone that needs a reminder here is a great brochure on how to Invest for Success:

Click here

We love to see our clients succeed!

Jodi

Tree Decorating Tips

At this festive and busy time of year, try to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures of the Holidays:  your favourite song or treat, an evening walk to enjoy the lights, decorating your home, wrapping gifts and your own special traditions.  If you’re wondering how to trim the perfect tree, here are some helpful guidelines put out by Michaels.

These magical moments created with family and friends will linger in your home into the coming year.

Merry Christmas,

Bonnie

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

What Exactly is a TFSA (Tax Free Savings Account) ? Should I put money in a TFSA or a RSP?

We have clients that have heard the name but most people don’t know exactly what it is.  A common question around our office is “What is a TFSA?” Usually followed by “I thought I could only invest it in a savings account.”

Here’s where I usually say “Pretend your TFSA is a box that can hold any type of investment and it can stay in that box tax free and you won’t have to pay tax on anything you take out of the box”…see it doesn’t have to be confusing!  And I’m sure my clients are now nodding and saying yes I’ve heard that one before.

Here’s an article to explain more about the TFSA

https://www.fidelity.ca/fidca/en/valueofadvice/gvga/tfsa

Then we most likely will hear “Well should I put money in a TFSA or in a RRSP”  Good question and it totally depends on your unique situation.  (Yes, in our office every clients situation is unique because no two people’s finances and goals will ever be the same!  Kind of like a fingerprint.)

Here’s an article that may help you decide which plan may be best for you.

https://www.fidelity.ca/cs/Satellite/doc/tfsa_compare_rrsp.pdf

When in doubt call us, we will be able to help!

Jodi

Overcome a lack of confidence about money and investing

It’s an everyday occurrence around our office.  Women come in and apologize to us for their lack of investment knowledge.  All I have to say is “ladies, you’re not giving yourself enough credit.  You know more than you think!”

I find that in order for women to feel confident they need to have a lot of knowledge on a subject. 

Here’s an article listing 5 things to help overcome a lack of confidence about money and investing.

https://www.fidelity.ca/cs/Satellite/doc/tl_women_and_money.pdf

You Go Girl!  You Got This!!

Jodi

Plan for your future. Be your Best Self before you start 2019 #90dayChallenge

This is a Great Idea to work on being your best, and to help plan for it. I think this would benefit anyone at any age. Whether you are Female or Male, in your 50’s or 20’s. We all can take something from this.

Rachel Hollis has started a 90 day Challenge. Now, the actual Challenge started October 1st and takes you to the end of 2018. However, there is no reason you can’t start today or any day for that matter. The idea is improve yourself leading up to 2019. Instead of waiting to start working on yourself on January 1st. This way you can already be at a “better you” by the time January 1st comes, therefore you will get further ahead in the 2019 year.

Review the Challenge below I have added a link to Rachel’s site for you to check out.

I believe even if you took one of the “5 to Thrive” Idea’s listed below and added them into your life it would make a difference. For Example “Writing down 10 things you’re grateful for every single day”. I am doing this, and it definitely does give you a different perspective on day to day life, you are always looking for the good.

Someone, posted a message publicly already during the challenge; saying that at the end of the challenge you would have listed 900 things your grateful for. That itself is amazing and inspiring.

Below are the details on how to sign up if you’d like to. It is completely free!

I have also posted a Motivational Message shared from Rachel as well.

I hope you enjoy!

Michelle

Ups and Downs

Enjoyed an exciting family trip down the Ottawa River this summer White Water Rafting.  With the excellent direction of our guide we powered through the rough water exhilarated and unscathed!

Through the ups and downs in the rough waters of investing, we all need some direction from time to time.  If markets are making you nervous don’t paddle alone.  Call us we’re here to help you navigate!

Bonnie

All your years of hard work and determination paid off!

Bernie dropped into the office today to show us his Gold-Medal.

 —Read the article here to find out all about it —

Congratulations Bernie, All your years of hard work and determination paid off!

 

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

Back to School tips for Everyone!

While it's still summer, many students are getting ready to head back to school. Young ones may be going to preschool and  others off to university / college.   You may be thinking of what they'll need to bring to school or you may be trying to figure out how to pay for it.  See below for a few tips on how to save if you're just starting down this road, as well as a few tips to help prepare for packing for the move away to school.

Preparing for Kindergarten

If you’re a parent or a grandparent, here’s a one pager on how a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) can take some of the stress out of figuring out how to pay for these expenses.

Back to school tax tip: Understand and use the RESP

https://docmgt.dynamic.ca/documentdownload/getdocument/10917

Also a little article on how to help your little ones with kindergarten anxiety

https://www.coffeecupsandcrayons.com/10-ways-to-ease-kindergarten-anxiety/

Packing for College or University

If you're trying to make a list of things to help you prepare for the move away to university or college, here’s some things to consider bringing with you.

https://www.hercampus.com/life/campus-life/what-bring-college-best-college-packing-list-ever

Wishing you all the best for whichever path you're on!

Jodi

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

Planning for the future- Estate Planning

Many people enjoy taking time off during the summer and hopefully it is while we are having nice sunny days!

In the case that you do experience a rainy day it may be a good time to do some homework on your estate plan.

Pull out your will (if you have one) and make sure it still reflects how you would like your assets distributed.

Here are some things you should consider:

Click here for a Will Planning Checklist

Also use this time to update your personal records.  In case of emergency let your loved ones know where you keep your important documents and keep this booklet with those papers. 

Click here for Personal Record Keeper

Don’t forget to write in your digital accounts and passwords as well as things like air miles and rewards points.

After all you don’t want your facebook profile living on long after you’re gone.

Happy Planning

Jodi

Summer has arrived!

SUMMER IS HERE!!!

The kids are done school, and the craziness of summer begins!!

This also means that our Summer Hours are in effect,  so we can all enjoy some time with our families.

Our Summer hours for the months of July and August are:

• Monday - Thursday: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

• Friday: 9:00 am to 1:00 pm

Remember:

1) Hope, our receptionist, is here daily from 8:30-5pm. Feel free to drop by if you simply need to drop off or pick up something.

2) If you call on a Friday afternoon after 1:00 pm, we will return your call on Monday.

Enjoy the summer and be safe!

Jodi, Bonnie and Michelle

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

Going Paperless!

Frequently we are asked... Should I go Paperless?..... How can I eliminate all the paper that comes to my house? 

We can help you set up online statements from HollisWealth. (See Below for a Step by Step Tutorial)

We've done some research as well and  here are 3 benefits of going paperless.

1) Help the Environment: Making paper uses a lot of water, a lot of trees and a lot of chemicals. The process also releases some nasty compounds into our air and rivers, including cancer-causing toxins. By reducing our need for paper, we can make the environment a little bit cleaner.

The typical household sent or received an average of 20 bills, statements and checks per month in 2006. If every household switched from paper billing to viewing and paying bills online, the environmental benefits would be significant.

By making this small change we would:

• Save 16.5 million trees (2.3 million tons of wood).

• Decrease emission of greenhouse gasses by 3.9 billion pounds, the equivalent of taking 355,000 cars off the road.

• Reduce fuel consumption by 26 million BTUs.

2) Decrease Clutter: Going paperless provides a fantastic opportunity to organize the paper that's currently cluttering your home office and kitchen counters. To get rid of paper documents, you'll first make electronic versions of them. The process requires an initial investment of time, but in the long run your documents will be easier to find. What's more, you'll eliminate clutter, which can save you time on a daily basis.

3) Gain Security: A paperless lifestyle involves a lot of backups. You can save documents on your computer hard drive, an external hard drive, removable media such as CDs or DVDs, or an online data storage center similar to the cloud. This way if disaster strikes, you'll have a better chance of recovering paperless documents than their paper counterparts.

We've taken some snap shots as a Tutorial to help you receive the HollisWealth / Investia Statements electronically.  Please see them below. 

We've taken some snap shots as a Tutorial to help you receive the HollisWealth / Investia Statements electronically.  Please see them below. 

( PLEASE NOTE YOU MUST HAVE already registered for online access. If you have not yet done so, please follow the Blog titled " Registering for HollisWealth ONLINE ACCESS TODAY")

That's it!,  It was that simple :)

Now you can keep going if you like. You may register to go paperless with each of the Fund Companies you're invested with.

You may find instructions on your current statements advising you how this can be done.

If your having trouble, or if you find it easier, each company will also walk you through the process over the phone.

I have included some fund company Phone #'s here as a directory, if i am missing a phone # you need feel free to call us at the office.

*Before you call make sure you have their account # for your account with them, the rest of the security questions should be simple such as your name, your financial advisors name, your home address etc.

AGF Mutual Funds: 1-800-268-8583

B2B Bank: 1-800-263-8349

CI Investments: 1800-563-5181

Dynamic Mutual Funds: 1-800-268-8186

Edgepoint: 1-866-818-8877

Fidelity Investments: 1-800-263-4077

Franklin Templeton: 1-800-387-0830

IA Clarington: 1-888-860-9888

Invesco: 1-800-874-6275

Mackenzie Investments: 1-800-387-0614

Manulife: 1-888-790-4387

If you have any questions, please contact our office.

Michelle Currie