Posted by Sheryl on Mar 17, 2013 in Portfolio Toronto Star, Quality of Life, Retirement |
Peter McCabe / The Toronto Star
Ginette Jobin is easing into retirement, working comfortably for BMO from her home in La Prairie on the south shore of Montreal a few days a week.
By: Sheryl Smolkin Special to the Star, Published on Thu Feb 28 2013
Most people would like to gradually reduce their working hours rather than stop completely when they retire, according to a survey conducted for Desjardins Financial Security. But people with a higher income and more savings would...
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Posted by Sheryl on Jan 27, 2013 in Health, Portfolio/Saskatchewan Pension Plan, Quality of Life |
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3 Jan 2013
By Sheryl Smolkin
SHUTTERSTOCK: A gym membership is a good investment if you use it
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In the aftermath of the excesses of the holiday season, January is prime time for gyms seeking new members. People who have resolved to lose weight and get fit in the New Year sign up in droves. But by the end of February most of these “resolutionists” are rarely seen and regulars no longer have to contend with line ups for classes and cardio equipment.
Committing to...
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Posted by Sheryl on Nov 7, 2012 in Portfolio/Moneyville, Quality of Life |
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October 24, 2012
The more you pay for your hotel room, the more likely you will be charged for in-room internet access.
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We recently traded a week at our shared ownership house in Muskoka for two rooms at the Hyatt Olive 8 in downtown Seattle. I decided to turn off roaming on my BlackBerry for a week and use wifi wherever possible because I have yet to find a cheap, dependable data solution for cross-border travel.
But I was not...
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Posted by Sheryl on Aug 24, 2012 in Portfolio/Moneyville, Quality of Life |
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August 22, 2012
Even if you buy your ticket through a cheap travel web site, you’ll still have to call the airline to book a seat.
DAVID COOPER/TORONTO STAR
I fly several times a year and I’m very picky about where I sit. My budget doesn’t allow me to travel business class, but I always select aisle seats and I am prepared to pay for bulkhead or wing seats to get the added leg room.
When I was looking for direct flights to...
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Posted by Sheryl on Aug 24, 2012 in Portfolio/Moneyville, Quality of Life |
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August 13, 2012
Two in three Canadians buy their lunch out at least once a week. The majority of those who do, spend between $7 and $13 for each meal.
VINCE TALOTTA/TORONTO STAR
When I graduated from law school and finally got a job, I decided that I would never pack a lunch again. My reward for scrimping for so many years would be tasty, varied lunches prepared by somebody else instead of a squishy sandwich and a tired apple.
But it didn’t...
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Posted by Sheryl on Aug 12, 2012 in Health, Portfolio/Moneyville, Quality of Life, Retirement |
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August 13
Everyone wants a raise and to make more money. One of the easiest ways to do that is to take advantage of your employee benefits.
A study by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce last year puts the value of basic health and dental benefits, life insurance, and retirement savings plans at about 24 per cent of payroll. So, if you’re making $60,000, the value to you can be as much as $15,000.
Other perks like fitness subsidies, tuition...
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