Bev MacLean's blog

    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...

Making a memorable first impression begins at the front door. In 2025, bold front door colours are emerging as one of the easiest and most impactful ways to elevate your home's exterior and enhance its curb appeal. Whether you're refreshing an existing entrance or replacing an outdated one, a carefully chosen colour can add personality, increase perceived home value, and even attract potential buyers.

We’ve rounded up expert-approved colour trends for 2025, along with design tips to help you style your entrance with confidence.

1. Bright Yellow

Featured: Tilton by Annie Sloan

Sunny and...

What do you know about Canada? Did you know that on July 1, 2025, Canada turns 158? Our country’s age dates to Confederation on July 1, 1867, when Canada officially became a country.

The name “Canada” likely comes from the Huron-Iroquois word “kanata,” meaning “village” or “settlement.”

Let’s celebrate Canada Day with some interesting facts:

Canada is the second largest country in the world by land mass and we’re renowned for our diverse landscape, rich history, and multicultural society.

History

Canada's journey to nationhood began with the passage of the British North America Act by the...

After seven straight interest rate cuts, the Bank of Canada decided Wednesday, April 16, to stay the course.

The Bank’s policy interest rate will remain 2.75%—marking the first time in more than a year the interest rate didn’t move.

Canadian homeowners and potential buyers have been benefiting from a stream of rate cuts that helped make buying a home more attainable and made payments less expensive for those on variable mortgages. At the beginning of April 2024, the policy rate was 5%.

“The major shift in direction of U.S. trade policy and the unpredictability of tariffs have increased...

It’s time to prepare for a new season with warmer temperatures, and don’t forget to celebrate Healthy Aging Month!

While genetics play a factor in our health, our choices and lifestyle do, too. When retirement closes the door to busy schedules and commutes, another door opens to hobbies and free time. It’s a great opportunity to have the time and attention to improve habits and adopt healthy activities.

Here are ten ideas to kick off Healthy Aging Month:

1. Take Control of Your Health:

From reducing stress to improving the numbers in your medical chart, it’s never too late to begin...

Being retired doesn’t mean you have to give up adventure. With a little planning, you can stretch your travel dollars to find more adventure than ever!

Dreaming of travelling extensively during retirement but wondering whether you can afford it? Good news: You can do it. The secret is finding ways to make the best use of your travel dollars without compromising on quality.

And money might not be your only question about travelling in retirement. What about your health? Check out these tips to find some answers:

1. Consider house-sitting

Many homeowners like having someone take care of...

Victoria Day is a federal holiday in Canada, traditionally observed on the Monday preceding May 25th each year. It was observed in Canada for many years prior to the country's Confederation, to celebrate Queen Victoria's birthday (who was born in 1819). It was declared an actual holiday in 1845 by the parliament of the Province of Canada. It wasn't until Queen Victoria died in 1901 that the holiday became a legal holiday. Victoria Day is not observed as a holiday in England, and is mostly a Canadian holiday however some parts of Scotland also observe the holiday.

Interesting Victoria Day...

Financial abuse is the most common type of elder abuse in Canada. It often begins after a health crisis or the loss of a loved one and is more likely to affect those who are isolated or in poor health. Financial abuse can be subtle, building over time, and may occur alongside emotional or physical abuse.

What is it?

Financial abuse involves the illegal or unauthorized use of your money, property, or assets. This includes theft, misuse of the power of attorney, or being pressured into giving away money, changing a will, selling your home, or signing documents you don't understand.

Who are...