Comments for Nancy Zimmerman: a canadian money coach (not a financial planner!)

Comment on Need some free tax advice? You want it, we got it! by M

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 03:00:24 +0000

what’s up with income splitting? it seems to be a controversial issue among feminists and now there is talk of expanding income splitting to roomates instead of just married couples. What is it supposed to do?

Comment on Need some free tax advice? You want it, we got it! by K

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 02:10:35 +0000

Me, my sister and my uncle are sharing the cost of keeping my father housed in a care facility because his gov’t monies & pension do not cover the monthly fee. My understanding is that we cannot claim our contributions because my father is not a dependent who resides with any of us. Is this true? Thanks!

Comment on Need some free tax advice? You want it, we got it! by harrietglynn

harrietglynn — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 02:57:01 +0000

I have a question: Is there an adoption expenses tax credit? We adopted in 2009 and have paid various expenses to an adoption agency, are any of them tax deductible? Our adoption will be finalized in 2010.

Comment on Money coaching tip: January 26, 2010 Spend money on your health by nancyzimmerman

nancyzimmerman — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 22:13:04 +0000

@Angela To my utter amazement, I find myself embracing an active lifestyle *more* up here than I did in Vancouver. Go figure! And about cold weather, I’ve found getting good “gear” makes all.the.difference. By that I mean: I have, and use, good wool underwear from Land’s End. I also bought some yaktracks, little rubber/wire things for the underside of boots which means I no longer fall down! And a dene (aboriginal) friend has lent me indefinitely some hide and fur mitts.
Last, I wear contacts instead of glasses way more because they don’t steam up like glasses. In short, I ensure I’m kept warm and the whole gorgeous, bright winterland is available to me.
What I did was brainstorm a whole set of activities with a friend, and have selected a handful that work for me. These ranged from swimming to riding horses to Wii-Fit. Then I selected 3 which I thought I’d enjoy. I plan to switch in 3 months, just to keep life interesting.
@Maureen DOES THAT MEAN YOU’RE COMING TO VISIT??

Comment on Money coaching tip: January 26, 2010 Spend money on your health by Angela

Angela — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 16:54:31 +0000

I do yoga, meditate and like walking. However, since moving to Ontario (from the UK) I’ve really struggled with the long cold winters and the very hot summers here and I find I do a lot less exercise than I used to. Nancy I’m really curious about how you cope with the cold weather? – I noticed you said you were buying snow shoes. Are you someone who celebrates winter? I could really do with some hints and tips on moving in winter – the only option I’ve thought about lately is mall walking but it seems so soul less compared to walking in the countryside! But walking outside is sooo cold for me at the moment – just not that enjoyable. Plus there isn’t a lot of countryside in the city I live in … any suggestions much appreciated.

Comment on Money coaching tip: January 26, 2010 Spend money on your health by Julie

Julie — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:38:48 +0000

Great post!
I echo Andrew’s sentiments :
“Being healthy is the best insurance you can buy.”
Your post reflects my thinking and call to action the past year…
I have included mental health in this, investing more into simplifying and stream-lining my life, rather than always being on the run, always too busy.

Comment on Money coaching tip, Jan 29, 2010: Run, don’t walk, Run to open a … by brad

brad — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 11:51:13 +0000

I have two minds on this as well. Like many others I’m using my TFSA (which I now have $10K in as of the beginning of January) as my emergency fund, and it’s at ING earning 3% for now (I’m sure they’ll drop that rate very soon).

But I’ve always wanted to set aside a little “mad money” for direct investing in stocks — money that I wouldn’t be too sad about losing if the stock tanks, but which could grow considerably if I’m lucky. And $5,000 per year is just the right amount for me to do that. I’ve heard stories of people whose $5,000 TFSA investment in individual stocks is now worth $30,000 after one year, but I’ve also heard stories of people whose $5,000 TFSAs are now worth $500. You have to go into it with both expectations.

In four years when my TFSA emergency fund is big enough to really serve as my emergency fund (I’m figuring $30K would be a big-enough emergency fund for me, covering my living expenses and mortgage payments for quite a few months if I lose my job, and also covering major unexpected repairs to the house), then I’ll start playing with my TFSA money.

Comment on Money coaching tip: January 26, 2010 Spend money on your health by cade

cade — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 11:44:16 +0000

well spoken Nancy! for many years while friends and co workers spent their money on partying and cab rides (i would hope) from parties and sleeping in the next day i have spent mine on snowboarding, hockey,yoga and the gym.i spend alot of time outdoors with my dog and exploring nature. i am always into any activities that keep me fit and challenged like rockclimbing bowling rollerblading and any recreational team sports. i also invest in vitamins and greens or vega powder for added nutrition. i have free weights at home ,an indo board and a bosu ball. i am 42 but pass easily for much younger in fact i get id’ed on the rare occasion i do order an alcoholic beverage. i grew up being active but all my siblings have not continued with their active lifestyles and smoke and drink and it has definitely taken its toll. another thing i invest in is meditation cd’s and inspiring books and on and off, a therapist, as well as massages and foodie nights with friends because i do believe alot of illness (esp chronic) is stress related . it is so important to have a mind,body,soul connection so i strive for that.thank you for writing this because i have in the past been mocked by friends and family who see me as ‘wasting’ money on these practices, however i think booze and drugs are a waste of money and energy and they are much more expensive short term and long term than any of the things i enjoy!

Comment on Money coaching tip: January 26, 2010 Spend money on your health by Maureen

Maureen — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 06:32:39 +0000

hey, Nance…you are so right-but you know that! I hike, I walk, I know, like Bruce, exactly what I eat..well, 99% of the time. I measure my success by how my clothes fit, how I feel, exercise energizes me.
My yearly check ups confirm that all goes well with the bod.
It helps that I love to cook.
I love my job, so stress isn’t a huge factor. And I have a support system of family & friends to relate to, talk to, have fun with.
Next time I’m up, snow shoeing is on the agenda!

Comment on Money coaching tip: January 26, 2010 Spend money on your health by Karl

Karl — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 14:46:22 +0000

Food!