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.

Adorable adoptables are looking for homes

Meet Scrambled.

She is a 2.5-month-old, medium cross-breed looking for her forever home. This egg-cellent little lady is full of snuggles, kisses, and goofy antics. She loves to tumble and play and tell her stories all day. If your looking to add a furry family member who is good with everyone she meets, head to the shelter to meet this bundle of joy

Baby Bell is a one-year-old. domestic short-hair who is the purrfect 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 too much activity going on. Could she be the right fit for you?

Parcels piling up?

It’s delivery o’clock. That time of year when packages pile up at the door. After Black Friday and Cyber Monday, the deliveries seem endless and we often forget everything we’ve ordered. During the holiday shopping season, it’s nearly impossible to keep track of the gifts, deals, rewards, stocking stuffers and decorations we’ve purchased from various places.

Add holiday revelry, parties, long to-do lists, and increased stress, and you may not be thinking entirely straight when you get a text message stating your package is stuck at the border. You might immediately think of the limited-edition item you went out of your way to buy for a loved one. If it’s stuck at the border, the big surprise will be ruined. You desperately wanted the recipient to feel an extra bit of holiday magic. You get upset and anxious to fix the problem — and you click on the link in the text.

But the link was fake; and so was the text. They were part of a scam, designed to work exactly like it did — by preying on emotion and holiday stress.

Scammers take advantage of this season to lure victims into clicking on links, making phone calls and providing information. They will send messages that explain an array of issues — your package is stuck at the border, the driver cannot find your house, the address information is incomplete, and many more. They may include a link for you to click or provide a phone number. It’s important you don’t take any of the actions requested. Clicking on a link could lead you to malware and open to hackers. Calling the number will often lead to a “customer service representative” asking you questions they can then use to steal your money or identity.

Exploring Christmas Markets: Part 2

Part 2 of 2: This story is the second in a two-part series about Winnipeg’s Christmas market scene. You can read the first part here.

Third + Bird Winter Market is a cozy and magical experience taking place just outside Winnipeg. Wander through the van der Meer Garden Centre in Ile des Chênes, where they transform the space into a wonderland featuring more than 60 local vendors, fir and balsam trees, and sparkling lights. With the comforting aroma of hot brewed beverages wafting through the air.

This market blends the charm of an artisan fair with the natural beauty of a garden centre, creating warm and inviting surroundings to support independent makers. Keep an eye out for Santa and Mrs. Claus, who will be on-hand to take photos with kids of all ages. Don’t forget to step outside for marshmallow roasting around the bonfire. (Dec. 12-13) www.thirdandbird.com/wintermarket

The fourth annual Pitâw Mīno Muskîki Indigenous Handmade Holiday Market takes place at Winnipeg’s historic Via Rail Union Station. The market is organized by Pitâw Mīno Muskîkî (which means ‘brings good medicine’) a collective co-founded in 2022 by three Indigenous women. Browse goods from more than 90 Indigenous makers showcasing 100 per cent handmade crafts, jewelry, paintings, baked goods, clothing and accessories, and more.