Bev MacLean's blog

Heading South This Winter? Here’s What Snowbirds Should Know

If you’re planning to escape the Canadian winter in Florida, Arizona or another warm-weather destination, it’s a good idea to review the current U.S. entry requirements before you leave.

For most Canadian citizens, a valid Canadian passport is the simplest travel document. Canadians travelling by land can also use certain approved documents, including a NEXUS card. Canadians generally do not require a visa for a temporary visit and may normally be admitted for up to six months, although the length of your stay is determined by...

Many older adults hope to leave something meaningful behind for their children, grandchildren, or other loved ones. This desire often comes from a lifetime of hard work, saving, and building assets such as a home, investments, or retirement accounts. Leaving a legacy can feel like a final gift of care and support to the next generation.

At the same time, it is important to remember that your first responsibility is your own financial well-being. A secure retirement allows you to live with dignity, independence, and peace of mind. Without careful planning, there is a risk of giving away...

Understanding Health Changes in Your 60s and How to Manage Them

Turning 60 is an important milestone and the beginning of a new stage of life filled with opportunities, experience, and wisdom. While many people remain active and healthy well into their later years, it's also common to notice physical and mental changes as the body naturally ages. The good news is that most of these changes can be managed with healthy habits, regular medical care, and a positive outlook.

Here are some of the most common health changes people experience in their 60s and simple ways to stay healthy and...

Quick Summary: Summer is a great time for older adults to explore new destinations, reconnect with family, and enjoy a change of scenery. But thoughtful preparation makes all the difference. This guide covers practical travel tips for seniors, from packing essentials and staying safe on the road to choosing the right destinations and making the most of every trip.

There’s something about a change of scenery that does wonders for the mind and spirit. For older adults, travel offers more than just a break from routine; it provides meaningful opportunities to stay mentally engaged, experience...

I talk to a lot of people who are either retired or close to it, and the same thing comes up again and again: it isn’t the big market crashes they regret. It’s the small, quiet decisions, the ones that felt fine at the time but quietly cost them later. The good news is that most of these regrets are completely avoidable if you see them coming.

Below, I’ll walk through 10 of the most common financial regrets I hear from Canadian retirees, and what you can do now to make sure they don’t become yours.

1. They didn’t save enough during their peak earning years

This is the regret almost...

Your dishwasher can clean far more than just your dirty dishes and silverware.

• The dishwasher can clean many household items beyond just dishes, saving time and effort.
• Household items like toothbrush holders, sponges, and light fixtures come out sparkling clean in the dishwasher.
• Using the dishwasher for items like pet toys and children's toys ensures they are clean and safe for use.
• The dishwasher is nothing short of a miracle. Not only is hand-washing dishes a chore that most of us could live without, but the dishwasher saves time and is far more water-efficient. What if you could...

June is Seniors Month - a time to celebrate and appreciate the contributions, experiences, and wisdom of older adults in our communities. It’s a meaningful reminder to recognize the important role seniors play in shaping families, neighbourhoods, and traditions, while encouraging us to connect, show gratitude, and support their well-being and independence.

It’s also an opportunity to reflect on what “home” means at this stage of life. As needs evolve, many consider downsizing, moving closer to loved ones, or choosing low maintenance, accessible living spaces that better suit their...

Gifting money to your children can be one of the most rewarding ways to support them, both financially and emotionally. Yet, making sure this gift has a lasting impact requires more than a quick decision. With insights on tax rules, strategies for maintaining family harmony, and tips for nurturing financial responsibility, this guide helps you navigate the rewarding yet complex journey of family — while keeping your own financial security in mind. Learn how to give thoughtfully, ensuring your gift truly benefits your children now and in the future.

In today’s financial landscape, many...

The majority of seniors wish to continue to live in their own homes for as long as possible. However, many homes are not designed to meet their changing needs as they age.

This checklist identifies adaptations that could help prevent accidents and enhance independence. It also gives some guidelines on how to hire a reputable contractor.

Kitchen

• Install lever-type faucets, or a faucet with a single lever to control flow and temperature.
• Install pull-out shelves under counter to enable you to work from a seated position.
• Lower existing cupboards.
• Install “D” type handles on cupboards or...

The moving boxes were barely unpacked when Nancy Schlossberg and her husband, Steve, joined a small group of recent retirees for dinner in their new city of Sarasota, Fla. When a former medical school dean asked Nancy, who had just stepped away from a 40-year career in higher education, about her retirement plans, she told him she hoped to consult with local nonprofits. “I’m excited to get involved and see how I can contribute,” she said.

The former dean gave her a weary smile. He’d hoped to assist in teaching a biology course after retiring, he said, but every attempt had gone nowhere....