Bev MacLean's blog

In an era where screens dominate our daily lives, a silent epidemic is sweeping the globe. Digital eye strain, a condition once relegated to the fringes of occupational health concerns, has emerged as a significant public health issue affecting millions worldwide. As our reliance on digital devices for work, education and social interaction intensifies, so too does the risk to our ocular health.

Recent studies paint a stark picture. Up to 50 per cent of computer users could develop digital eye strain. This condition, characterised by a range of ocular and visual symptoms, including...

Buying a house is the largest purchase most Canadians will ever make and finally paying off the mortgage is likely to be a game changer.

But before the temptation to splurge on a pricey new car or a luxury vacation takes hold, experts say it’s important to review your financial plan for this next chapter to ensure you’re on track for wherever you want to go.

Nancie Taylor, an investment adviser with Meridian Credit Union in Fonthill, Ont., says repaying your mortgage opens up opportunity for all kinds of things.

“My job isn’t to tell them, you should do this and this and this,” she said...

If you’ve been scrolling through headlines lately, you might’ve seen a flurry of posts screaming about a “federal law” kicking seniors off the road come July 2025. Cue panic, Facebook debates, and the occasional “back in my day” comment thread. But take a breath—because the reality is a bit less dramatic and a lot more complicated. The law focuses on regular check-ins for older drivers, not blanket bans. Think of it as fine-tuning the engine.

The short version? Ottawa isn’t the one pulling the strings here. Driver licensing in Canada has always been a provincial and territorial...

Houseplants can do more than add a pop of colour to your home. They also help circulate oxygen! A human typically uses around 550 litres of oxygen per day. A medium-sized houseplant can produce 5 millilitres of water per hour. While it may not provide all the oxygen you need, having multiple plants in a living space can help with air filtration. And as mentioned, they’re beautiful to look at! 

From the Monstera plant, which may look like Swiss cheese, to the gorgeous and colourful Nanouk plant (also known as the “Wandering Dude”), there are multiple options when it comes to making your...

For many aspiring homeowners, saving enough for a down payment can feel like an overwhelming, sometimes impossible, challenge. Have you ever wondered, “Can I buy a home with no down payment?” What if we told you that buying a home with no down payment is not only a possibility but a reality? Before we dig in, let’s clarify that, technically, the down payment isn’t exactly non-existent; it just comes from other sources. Here are some methods and strategies to help you achieve home ownership without a traditional down payment.

Can I Buy a Home with No Down Payment?

The short answer is,...

Considering Buyers with Allergies and Asthma

Looking to sell your home and you have pets? It’s important to think about the needs of buyers who might have asthma or allergies. In this blog, we’ll offer some advice about keeping your home ready to show when you have pets. It’s estimated that in Canada, 1 in 5 off all adults have some form of spring allergy, while roughly 4.6 million adults suffer from asthma. This blog will take a look at life with pets, asthma, and allergies, and how to prepare your home for viewing guests.

Allergies can range from seasonal sensitivities to more severe...

The first Monday of August is a holiday for people in many parts of Canada. It is a statutory holiday in some provinces and territories but in others it has another legal status. It is often called the August Holiday, Civic Holiday, Provincial Day, or other local names, such as Terry Fox Day in Manitoba.

Is Civic/Provincial Day a Public Holiday?

Civic/Provincial Day is not a public holiday. Businesses have normal opening hours.

Celebrate Civic/Provincial Day

On the first Monday in August and, in some places, throughout the first week of August, various events are held to...

    What to Consider Before Taking the Plunge
~ An In-Depth Guide to Making the Right Second-Home Decision in Your Golden Years ~

For many retirees, buying a vacation home is a lifelong dream—one that conjures visions of lazy beachside mornings, mountain views with coffee in hand, or sunny afternoons on the golf course. A second property can offer a personal getaway, a family gathering space, or even a source of rental income. But before you sign on the dotted line, there are many important factors to weigh. A vacation home in retirement is both an investment and a lifestyle decision, and...

With energy prices climbing and environmental concerns becoming harder to ignore, more Canadians are looking for ways to make their environmentally friendly homes greener without sacrificing comfort. The good news? You don’t need a major overhaul to see a difference. Simple upgrades like boosting insulation and upgrading heating and cooling systems can significantly cut energy bills. Plus, buyers are increasingly drawn to environmentally friendly homes with sustainable features, making these improvements a smart long-term investment. Whether you’re looking to save money, reduce your...

Ah, the Canadian dream. For many, it involves trading the city’s relentless pace for the gentle lapping of waves against a dock, the scent of pine needles, and the cozy crackle of a fireplace. The allure of a personal oasis –whether you call it a cabin, a cottage or a camp – is stronger than ever. As we look toward 2025, the landscape for buying these coveted recreational properties is shifting. Before you mentally hang your “Gone Fishing” sign, let’s explore some emerging trends in the market, to help you find your perfect home away from home (or maybe, your new primary home!).

What’s...