Winter no wonderland for many pets

Our pets have fur coats. Some have better fur coats than others but, in general, they have some protection from the weather.

Some breeds, such as huskies, malamutes, Great Pyrenees, Bernese mountain dogs and others were built for Winnipeg winters. Properly maintained, their coats will keep them warm and cozy, regardless of the temperatures. I have many clients who own dogs that go outside at 20 below and won’t come back in.

And then there are dogs like Leia, our Frenchie, who races down to the end of the ramp, pees, and runs right back up, even at -5 C. Meanwhile Rey, our Lab, wanders around the backyard, only coming in with the promise of a treat.

When properly outfitted, both can walk for extended periods. Leia needs more than the simple coat we put on Rey. She gets her puffy coat and usually a hat to keep the wind out of her ears. If it is warmer, she wears just her balloon boots but if it’s colder, she gets socks first, then the balloon boots. With that gear in place, she will take her regular walk and get her business done (she doesn’t like to poop in the yard for some reason — I guess she likes to make Mommy carry it around).

How much should you pay for financial advice?

I want to change advisers this year because I think I am paying too much. What should I be paying for a portfolio of about $500,000?

Thanks,

John

Many Canadians worry about the fees they pay their advisers and wonder if they’re paying too much regardless of the amount they have saved. Having been an investment banker for over 30 years, I can tell you that you do get what you pay for. However, fees, inflation, and future market volatility will always eat away at your retirement capital, decreasing your purchasing power, and eventually forcing you to modify your lifestyle as you age.

Jacks would love to meet you

Hi, my name is Jacks and am a very happy boy — 24 hours a day, seven days a week. I even wag my tail while I’m drinking out of my water dish or eating out of my food dish.

My favourite times of day are breakfast and dinner, as I love food. Although I’m not a high-energy dog, I really enjoy some exercise but like spending most of my day taking long naps, and you will often find me wherever all the humans are hanging out, especially snuggling on the couch. I would consider this one of my top hobbies.

I am fully house-trained and fully crate-trained. I am good with ­adults and older kids (ages 12 and up). I have a strong prey drive, so it’s best that I am not with smaller pets, and no dogs in my home is best. A fenced yard would be ideal.

While I do enjoy napping, I also love going for walks and do well with a harness.

Embrace the ‘soft life’ in 2026

Dear Money Lady Readers,

The ‘hustle culture’ is something my demographic (ages 50 to 65) and our parents have been used to all our lives — living by the motto that you can’t be successful unless you “work really hard and show up every day ready to overcome any obstacle, with a no-limit attitude.” We quickly passed judgment on anyone who didn’t seem to be working hard, and everything in our lives had to come second to our all-encompassing careers.

Sound familiar? There are tons of books out there printed in the 1980s, ’90s and early 2000s pushing the hustle culture. Suggesting you should create your own vision board; telling you to not limit yourself, and to (this one I love) “never settle for less than what you truly deserve.”

My generation was always told to “suck it up buttercup – stop complaining and get out there, get over it, work harder, and do more.” Well, that’s not the way life is now.

Travel rule No. 1 – pack like you’re on the lam

Growing up in a big family with little money, travel wasn’t part of my life. It seemed to me that seeing the world up close was a great privilege, and I often wondered what that was like. Now, as an avid traveller who has been fortunate to visit many amazing places, my aim is to make the most of every trip. No matter where I’m going, or for how long.

These days, I endeavour to make travel experiences the best they can be. I’ve learned what makes it easier, and most enjoyable.

Here are some tried-and-true tips I picked up along the way that I’d like to share with you. Starting with what to take, and how to get it there:

The first rule of traveling is to pack like you’re on the lam. While it might seem like a great idea to fill your largest piece of luggage with multiple wardrobe choices, several pairs of footwear, and every accessory you could ever want, the reality is that big bags are a burden.

Stay ‘scam safe’ in 2026

2026 is scheduled to be a lot of things for a lot of people. For some, it’ll be the year they get married. For others, it’s the year they put certain patterns, behaviours or mistakes to rest. It may be about setting boundaries or ambitious goals. People think a lot about the changes they’d like to make in their lives and usually, finances, health, wellness and relationships are at the top of those lists.

Resolutions serving these causes are fantastic and goals to strengthen these areas are admirable. But we should also be aware of threats. Threats that target us daily without us even knowing. These threats come through our social media feeds, our apps, our emails and other online behaviour. They’re insidious, consistent and unrelenting. Often, we don’t notice them. Our software blocks them, our security settings fend them off, or our brains warn us that clicking that link just doesn’t seem right. Once in a while, though, we see something that catches us off guard. We may be tired, we may see something convincing or new and we may not be up to date on the fraudsters and scams targeting our area.

This year, it’s time to make a new year’s resolution to stay scam safe. This involves a proactive effort to research new and prevalent scams that are getting even society’s brightest to bite. You can find scams on ScamTracker or read through the latest articles on BBB.org. It’s also wise to take some time to update your passwords. Create unique passphrases with special characters for your accounts. Where possible, turn on two-factor authentication and visit the “security” section of your email to see if any threats have been detected or devices you don’t recognize are currently using your account. If you do see any, you can log them off. It’s imperative to then change your password. It’s also a good idea to check your “forwarding” settings to see if any scammers have set up your email to automatically forward to theirs. Again, if you see any email address you don’t recognize, immediately delete it and change your password.

It’s important to exercise the same vigilance with social media. Visit your account settings and look for any unfamiliar information. Set up two-factor authentication to avoid losing your account. And scroll safely. Scammers are able to run ads on a variety of social media platforms. Photos and links look legitimate, taking the user to sophisticated-looking websites. Many people have fallen victim by clicking an ad for that perfect set of boots, the latest influencer-backed soft drink or even lawn care products. Social media is dangerous because your algorithm will serve you the exact type of products you’ve been proven to like. Those products can be real or fake. Be sure to shop with trusted retailers and to back out of any links you’ve followed from social media. Find the company independently online and see if they’re offering the same advertised deal. Some scammers are very good at mimicking reputable brands.

A clean slate for home improvement

The trees have come down; the decorations rest back in their boxes and all the extra lights and sparkles no longer adorn the nooks and crannies. With the magic of the holiday season stripped away, our bare homes remain. The flaws, previously concealed by garlands and bows, scream to us that it’s time to act on long put-off home improvement projects. Whether yours is cosmetic or functional, January is a great time to explore options.

First, establish a budget of what you can and can’t afford. You’ll be far more comfortable working within your budget once you know where your limits are. Next, consult local experts. Sometimes it’s hard to know where to start. Whether you’re looking for a home security system and have no idea what the options are or realizing you’ve never done any of the duct cleaning a home requires, asking an expert is the starting point.

A great place to start is the Winnipeg Renovation Show, which runs Jan. 16-18 at the RBC Convention Centre. There, you can peruse vendors, speak to experts on your particular problem or project and weigh different options.

With Winnipeg’s harsh winters and hot summers, online advice does not always apply to home ownership in our particular climate. But local business owners who have studied and worked here for years can better guide you in the right direction. Hundreds of companies that have operated successfully in Manitoba will be together at the Renovation Show with hands-on demonstrations. Find more information at winnipegrenovationshow.com

Tell a new story in 2026

Dear Money Lady Readers,

Today my husband read me my horoscope for 2026, and he said it sounds like me. Have you read yours, too? Most of us want to make changes in a new year to ditch old habits – stop smoking, lose weight, find a new job, the list could be endless.

So, is this the year you change the narrative of your life?

Often, the story of a new life is right in front of us but for whatever reason we can’t see it, can’t feel it, and certainly can’t imagine making the necessary changes. However, we all know that having the courage to change the course of your life will always bring new opportunities. A healthier life, less pain, a new career, more money, more love – it’s all out there for those who want a different story. Of course, this all sounds great, but making a change and keeping up the fight is always easier said than done. Sure, we all plan to make changes every January, with 58 per cent of us making a new year’s resolution every year. However, 87 per cent will give up and settle back into their old ways by the end of February.

New companions for a new year?

Cindy Lou is a four-month old shepherd cross who is looking for her forever home.

Prepare for your heart to grow three sizes when you meet this sweet little ‘who’. Cindy Lou is a friendly pup, full of love and cheer. She’s also a total water bug, always splashing around her water bowl, so we think she’d love to learn to swim this summer!.She can’t wait to find a family to adventure with, and to snuggle up with at the end of each fun-filled day. Could she be right for you? Come meet her today.

Baby Bell is a two-year-old domestic short-haired cat looking for love. She has been in our care the longest and we’re hoping it’s her turn to find her purr-fect match really soon. This pretty gal is the right blend of sweet and spicy. She would love to find a furever family who can appreciate both her snuggly and her sassy sides. She would do best in a calm environment without young children or other pets and not too much activity going on. Could she be the right fit for you?

The raw and the cooked

I talk with people every day about nutrition and their pets. It’s my job and my passion. But, as regular readers of this column know, I don’t always agree with the conventional wisdom that pets are meant to only eat little brown pebbles. Yes, I know it is convenient, it can be less expensive, and it is “scientifically formulated for your pet,” but, given all the pets I have seen flourish by changing their diets away from ultra-processed foods, I will always be an advocate for fres,h clean food.

Some veterinarians, and I applaud them for taking the time, have done research and will work with clients to ensure they are feeding their pets raw foods correctly. Those who have not done so, or are required by their workplace to discourage raw feeding, are often misinformed about the differences between raw-fed pets and pets fed processed foods.

I recently had a client tell me about being shown an X-ray of their pet’s gut, in which little white spots of bone were pointed out in the digestive tract. The client was told that this was dangerous. It sounds reasonable, especially coming from a professional you are paying. Unfortunately, the veterinarian was wrong in this instance.

Properly sized, uncooked bone fragments are vital parts of a raw diet, and they are something a dog’s gut is designed to process. The low pH of the gut (i.e., acid) dissolves these uncooked bones, from which the pet gets much of its mineral content.

Titus is a great listener

Hi, I’m Titus.

I’m a shy and gentle boy who loves quiet spaces, soft beds, and the company of patient humans.

I am working on being house-trained and also working on crate-training. It’s very easy to put me into my crate but I don’t like staying there too long. I need a crate to help me feel safe as I build confidence. My foster mom teases me and calls me Houdini because I like to escape from my crate and pen.

I live with my foster brother, Tucker, and we play great together. I might be more suited to a home with another dog to teach me how to become more confident. I like to play rough, but I don’t like overly energetic or pushy dogs because they can be overwhelming for me.

Have you considered a reverse mortgage?

Dear Money Lady Readers:

Many seniors have considered a reverse mortgage, but most have kept their thoughts a secret, not wanting to discuss it with friends or family, owing to the “shame” of having one.

First up, let’s address that shame square in the face. There is none! There is no shame in having to resort to a reverse mortgage if you’re running out of money and wish to age in place just a little longer. I am so tired of hearing from bankers who claim that it’s a horrible product that just forces seniors into boatloads of debt through the compounded interest that over time will suck-up the entire value of their home and leave them penniless and homeless.

Do you think that the Canadian banks that currently offer reverse mortgages (HomeEquity Bank and Equitable Bank/EQ Bank) would ever want that kind of bad press? There are matrices in place to ensure you cannot take out arbitrary amounts of your home equity at will, all based on your age, your home value, location, future value and your current debt situation. HomeEquity Bank is owned by the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System – Canada’s largest defined-benefit pension plan corporation – and EQ Bank, which has $137 billion in assets under management, owns Concentra Bank, which partners with 90 per cent of Canadian credit unions. There is also a new player on the Canadian scene this fall, as Home Trust just launched its reverse mortgage, which is called equity access reverse mortgage.

Have a great Canadian winter

Winter in Canada is something to celebrate. For a healthy dose of below-zero magic, lean into it with a thermos in hand, a toque on your head, layers of warm clothing, and an infinite sense of curiosity and adventure.

In Quebec City, winter makes an unforgettable entrance. The ‘Old Town’ almost doubles as a life-sized European snow globe, complete with cobblestone streets, old-fashioned store fronts, and twinkling lights. Glistening ice sculptures will catch your eye, and so will the view of the historic Château Frontenac looming in the background. It’s the perfect place to sip a hot beverage, indulge in decadent foods, and marvel at the beauty that the season brings.

Yellowknife offers a winter experience like no other. With the sun dipping below the horizon in the afternoon, and less than five hours of sunlight each day, the sky often rewards visitors with dazzling displays of Northern lights. They might even make you forget the biting cold that surrounds you, and each exhaled breath that visually suspends in the air before slowly dissipating into the darkness of night.

For splendid alpine scenes, Whistler delivers equal parts outdoor ruggedness and cozy indoor comfort. Snow-draped peaks set the stage for world-class skiing and snowboarding, while the village hums with firepits, the sound of boots crunching on fresh powder, and après-ski energy. Take a lap in snowshoes through silent forests, or a gondola ride that whisks you away to breathtaking vantage points high above it all, before settling in for an evening with cocktail menus and internationally inspired cuisine.

‘Buy now pay later’ not as convenient as it seems

Dear Money Lady Readers,

Have you been offered a BN-PL option at a store self-checkout or when shopping online?

It’s the latest thing this fall, offered by retailers, whether you’re buying household goods, car parts or even groceries. So, what is it you ask?

BN-PL stands for “buy now pay later” and is a new stream of business almost all financial institutions are getting involved in for 2026. With the rising cost of practically everything these days, banks, credit unions and even smaller companies that offer point-of-sale (POS) services have now realized there is an opportunity to capitalize on Canadians who are struggling.