Ambassadors: Featured Posts

The U.S. issued an Executive Order imposing a 25% tariff on all Canadian imports, except a 10% tariff on Canadian oil, electricity, and natural gas. This is effective on Tuesday, February 4th. The Prime Minister announced on Feb. 1st a 25% tariff on $155 billion of US goods. As of Tuesday, the first tranche will apply to $30 billion of US goods. Canada will be challenged economically, households will be hurt financially, and the landscape will likely change forever. However, while we can’t change what has happened, we can change how we respond.

After reflecting, I would say “yes” without hesitation if you asked me if I thought I was happy. I found happiness in the fleeting moments after presentations, conversing with a colleague, or in the process of simplifying a concept. I have realized happiness has often come from external experiences or achievements. Joy, on the other hand, comes from inner fulfillment, gratitude, or even spiritual depth. It is personal, can be profound, and sometimes offers contentment amidst struggles.

The “golden triangle of happiness” is genuine and, according to a new survey by HomeEquity Bank, achievable. The “Golden Triangle of Happiness” is a concept developed by researchers at Deakin University and Australian Unity. The golden triangle focuses on the factors that make people happy – financial control, relationships and connection, and purpose. The balance and intersection of these three elements can lead to a genuinely fulfilling retirement.
The golden triangle of happiness is, in many ways, the golden opportunity for our golden years—and your golden years are right now, regardless of age.

The demographic landscape has shifted too. Out of a population of 41.6 million, baby boomers—those born from 1946 to 1965—now number roughly nine million. We boomers lived through an extraordinary stretch of history: the rebellious sixties, second-wave feminism, humans landing on the moon, and astonishing advances in medicine, science and technology. We enjoyed more than 80 years without a large-scale world war and, broadly speaking, a flourishing economy.

As we draw closer to the end of the year, I find myself thinking more often about the future. Not in a far-off, abstract way, but in the very practical sense that comes with aging: How long can I stay in my home? What will it take to manage well, to feel safe, and to continue living in a place that brings me comfort? These questions drift through my mind more frequently now, surfacing whenever I’m out walking or even just making tea.

While everyone I know was worrying about the election and tariffs, my husband and I were fixated on collecting our new puppy. His name is Teddy. Teddy is an eight-week-old, 8 and 1/2 pound Bernedoodle. My husband and I first met him a few days before the election, and it was love at first sight. I held this little dog in my arms, and it was nothing but kisses. How could I resist? Although, in the back of my mind, I realized a puppy would transform our lives.

When HomeEquity Bank approached me four years ago to be their spokesperson, I did a lot of research into the company. My reputation and personal integrity are important to me. I didn’t just want to be a face and a name. I wanted to believe in what I was endorsing.

Kurt Browning, a Canadian figure skater and the celebrity spokesperson for HomeEquity Bank, partners with his dog to describe the benefits of a CHIP Reverse Mortgage and how it can help you retire in the home you love.

Kurt Browning, a Canadian figure skater and the celebrity spokesperson for HomeEquity Bank returns to tell you more about the CHIP Reverse Mortgage.

What do you want your 80-year-old future self to be doing in 10 years’ time? What do you want your 80-year-old future self to look like? What purpose and meaning do you want to have in your life? I’m in the process of transforming from an over-weight 70-year-old into an active, ageless athlete.

Not long ago, scientists, doctors, and elite runners thought it was impossible for a human being to break the 4-minute-mile barrier. Until a dreamer by the name of Roger Bannister came along one day. He trained hard and succeeded in breaking through the 4-minute barrier. People have been conditioned to believe that when they reach age 65 or 70, life is over, and they need to retire and rest for the rest of their lives. An artificial age barrier was created and accepted by everyone until some Retirement Rebels showed up. Like Bannister, they weren’t willing to accept the existence of this artificial age barrier and decided to challenge it.

The Ironman is regarded as one of the world’s toughest endurance races, and fewer than .01% of the world’s population have completed one. To earn a finisher’s medal you need to complete the swim, bike and run, , with no breaks and completed under 17 hours. The race will push your body and mind to the limit taking you way out of your comfort zone and keeping you there for the duration. Can a 70-year-old like me do it – you betcha but you need some strong WHYs to make it to the finish line .