Skip to content
Canada Flag

Canada Day Celebrate Our Freedoms

Canada Day is a celebration of the incredible country that is Canada—known worldwide for its natural beauty, cultural diversity, and unwavering commitment to peace and inclusion. From coast to coast, Canadians come together on July 1st to honour a nation built on resilience, opportunity, and kindness. Whether it’s our universal healthcare, breathtaking landscapes, or world-class talent, Canada continues to inspire pride in its people and admiration around the globe. Happy Canada Day!

Death die taxes cra new year

When Did You Die?

In estate planning, the exact time of death can have major implications for your estate taxes in Ontario or Quebec. Dying just before or after midnight on New Year’s Eve can affect which tax year your estate must file with the CRA, potentially delaying closure by a full year. This article explains how the declaration of death—especially when it occurs outside of a hospital—can impact the final tax return, estate administration timelines, and legal obligations. Learn what you need to know to avoid costly timing issues and get links to five authoritative estate tax resources for Ontario and Quebec.

Pension

Public Pensions (redux)

In this reflection on the state of pensions in Canada, I explore the evolving reality of retirement security. Originally written in 2007 and updated over time, the post draws on Statistics Canada data showing that over 4.6 million Canadians were part of employer-sponsored pension plans at the time—most of them in the public sector. While pension plans once seemed stable and sufficient, the author’s personal experience with the collapse of the Nortel pension reveals the fragility many Canadians face, especially in the private sector.

The updated section notes that as of 2023, more than 68% of registered pension plan (RPP) members are still covered by defined benefit plans, showing that while pension coverage has not vanished, its landscape is changing. The post serves as both a personal journey and a cautionary note: if you’re lucky enough to have a pension, be thankful—but always prepare additional savings (e.g., RRSPs) just in case.

Keywords: pension, retirement, defined benefit plans, RRSP, Canadian pension plans, employer pensions, CPP

Happy 20th Anniversary

With over 20 years of personal finance blogging, this site has evolved from a broad collection of thoughts into a focused financial and personal journal. Initially covering everything under the sun, the author now writes selectively about family and finances, disabilities (especially the RDSP), and unique financial insights. While monetization was never a priority, the blog remains an open letter to family and self about money.

Looking ahead, the focus is on rewriting and optimizing older content, using AI tools for SEO and social media automation. A growing interest in Money & Dementia will bring new perspectives, shaped by personal experiences with a loved one’s decline. Whether you’re here for financial wisdom or personal reflection, this blog continues to share meaningful insights for those navigating life’s financial challenges.

Keywords: Personal finance blogging, RDSP, family finances, financial insights, SEO optimization, money and dementia, financial storytelling

Verb the Noun

Verb the Noun! Financially

The “Verb the Noun” formula has become a staple of modern catchphrases, from political slogans to financial advice. This article explores its impact on personal finance, crafting memorable phrases like “Pay the Debt”, “Secure the Future”, and “Invest in Yourself.” While some phrases work well, others—like “Throttle the TFSA” or “Crunch the CRA”—may not be as effective. The takeaway? Catchy slogans can be fun, but real financial success requires action, not just words.

Keywords: Verb the Noun, financial catchphrases, money management, personal finance, saving, investing, debt repayment

Verified by MonsterInsights