Planning Your Lifestyle with YourStyle Financial

Doug Buss interviewed with Richard Rosin about planning your lifestyle with YourStyle Financial. Listen to the explanation of the four phases of planning.

Happy Holidays

As we quickly approach the holiday season, instead of wrapping presents we’re wrapping our heads around the latest changes. That pretty much sums up the last two years. However now is the time to remember to celebrate all the good things that have happened as well.

At Yourstyle Financial, we have been grateful to continue to help our existing and new clients – even if it’s virtual. We’ve had the opportunities to work with organizations like Businesses & Organizations Supporting Seniors (B.O.S.S) and Pros Know Expos. Just recently we were excited to host webinars for the Real Estate Agents explaining the latest changes allowing them to incorporate.

Now we are going to take some time to celebrate with our family and friends and will be closed from December 24th to January 3rd. We want to wish all our clients a very happy holiday season and a fresh start to a new year.

Happy Holidays!

Pandemic Creates Concern About Future Care

Aging is a fear most of us have. When we think about it, we like to think we’ll be taken care of and more importantly won’t be alone. Being alone became very common during the pandemic.  During this very isolating time, we had more time than ever to not only ponder our future, but watch the news to see what’s happening with others. This included seeing how the older population were being looked after and the results are in. We are not terrified of ending up in a long-term care (LTC) facility.

According to a survey by Angus Reid, the pandemic changed the way people view LTC homes and left 44% of people dreading the thought of ever being in one – even for one day. With 45% of Canadians showcasing their belief the industry requires massive change or a complete overhaul, it’s a day of reckoning for the Long-Term Care Industry. In another study, 70% of respondents said the country should invest more in healthcare, 39% supported an increase in staffing levels and 38% indicating a pay raise may make employment more attractive to qualified caregivers.

Planning for Perception or Preference?

Unfortunately, we are not bears and are not afforded the luxury of shutting ourselves down for a few months. At a time where all you want to do is snuggle under a blanket on the couch and binge watch all the shows you missed while doing yardwork, the demands of family, friends and work dramatically increase. Tis the season of holiday shopping, parties and entertaining. Tis the season to exert extreme drain on our energy, wardrobe and pocketbook. Tis the season to spend. Before you start making your list and checking it twice, it may be time to ask yourself why. Here’s a few scenarios:

Make it About Memories, Not Money

1. Grand Beach. This huge stretch of soft sand beach and sand dunes is only a one-hour drive from Winnipeg. This beautiful beach has been listed world-wide as an experience to be had and so many locals have yet to make the trip. It’s a great getaway for a day and offers camping, motels and cottage rentals for longer stays.
2. Birds Hill Park. Located a very short drive from the city, this vastly under-utilized year round provincial park offers a slew of activity choices. Paved and natural trails allow for biking, rollerblading and hiking. There are horse stables and quite often Polo games are available for viewing. There is a campground with choices of basic, electrical or full service camping and a beach with food and beverage options.
3. Little Limestone Lake. A little longer trip, but the closest to the Caribbean you can get when you don’t live near the ocean. It is the biggest and best marl, colour-changing lake in the world.
4. Whiteshell Provincial Park. Part of the Canadian Shield landscape about 1.5 hours east of Winnipeg, is a treasure trove of natural resources. This park is filled with wildlife as the wilderness is quite undisturbed. If you’re looking to spend time at the lake, there are beaches, waterfalls, rapids, diving, sailing, swimming and waterskiing as just a few choices.
5. Assiniboine Zoo. An absolute gem located right within the city and one of the most beautiful urban parks the zoo offers a plethora of experiences for young and old. Right now you have the chance to see the incredibly endangered snow leopards. The two little cubs are just settling into their new enclosure and are still awaiting their names. Included in the regular admission this summer, the new attraction Xtreme BUGS is being offered for a limited time. One of the biggest attractions, literally, is the polar bears whom you can see in action without travelling to the North.

This is such a small sampling of the destinations available in Manitoba. If you love to travel and experience the outdoors, this is a great place to do it without having to hurt your wallet. Now, get out there and experience all there is to do in Manitoba!

Dividing Assets During Divorce

A couple of weeks ago, we talked about how to financially prepare for divorce. Facing the topic head-on, while it’s a tough row to hoe, knowing you’re not alone can help. According to Stats Canada, 43% of marriages end in divorce before the 50th anniversary. Reading that, you may think “Who would divorce after being married that long?”. The answer is anyone. Life affects everyone and when you share your life with someone, it affects them too. While knowing this doesn’t make preparing for the emotional impact of divorce any easier, planning your financial decisions ahead of time can put you in a better position to move forward. In life, moving on is the key to moving forward.