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I received a number of emails from mortgage brokers this week.

There was some delighful tips on how to enjoy this Family Day holiday.

Here they are.

Be sure and check out the comment sections for additonal resources that I may discover and glean going forward. 

Our office will be closed on the 20th. 

Family Day Ideas

For those who celebrate Family Day, we thought we would highlight some ideas for special things you can do with your loved ones, and remind them how much you care!

Below are a few ways you can celebrate Family Day this year:

Cook a Meal Together: From making mini personalized pizzas to cooking up a brand-new recipe or baking something delicious, the kitchen is a great space for family time and making fun memories!

Get Crafty: Time to break out the glitter, glue and fun! Set up a craft station at your house this Family Day to entertain younger children – and reawaken your inner child! Don’t be afraid to get messy and create something fabulous.

Volunteer: A great way to make an impact (and bond with your family while you’re at it) is to volunteer your time together! Consider reaching out to a local organization or finding an event, such as a park clean-up, to participate in.

Try an Exercise Class: Want to enjoy your family and get a little exercise while you’re at it? Try joining a ZUMBA workout or an online exercise class! Not only is this a fun activity you can do with your kids from home, but it is a great way to teach them about health and start setting up healthy habits for life.

Record a Message: Sometimes, the entire family isn’t able to get together but recording a message together and sending it to those aunts, uncles and grandparents who live elsewhere is a great way to celebrate your family no matter where they are in the world.

No matter how you spend it, I hope you have a wonderful Family Day and I wish you and yours the best to come.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Family_Day_(Canada)

In most provinces of Canada, the third Monday in February is observed as a regional statutory holiday, typically known in general as Family Day (French: Jour de la famille)—though some provinces use their own names, as they celebrate the day for different reasons. The third Monday of February is observed as "Family Day" in the provinces of Alberta, British Columbia (BC), New Brunswick, Ontario, and Saskatchewan; as Louis Riel Day in Manitoba; as Nova Scotia Heritage Day in Nova Scotia; and as Islander Day in Prince Edward Island.^[1]

In Canada more generally, the third Monday in February has also been celebrated as Heritage Day, though this is not as an official holiday. This "Heritage Day" is observed by some in celebration of the country’s collective history, architecture, and cultural heritage.^[2][3]

In Quebec and the three territories, the third Monday in February is a regular working day. The same is true in Newfoundland and Labrador except in Corner Brook, where it is an unnamed civic holiday. In Yukon, however, one Friday in February (typically the last/near-last Friday)—rather than a Monday—is deemed Yukon Heritage Day.

Two-thirds of Canadians live in a province that observes a February statutory holiday. Some provinces have changed the observance day of their holiday to match the other provinces.^[4] As Family Day is not a federal statutory holiday, employees of the federal government (such as public servants and postal workers) work on this day in all provinces. The timing of Family Day also coincides with the United States' holiday of Presidents' Day (also known as Washington's Birthday, among other names).

https://www.destinationontario.com/en-ca/things-to-do/things-do-family-day-ontario

PS: Flag Day is coming up soon , February 15th , this should be a national holiday :) 

NATIONAL FLAG OF CANADA DAY - February 15, 2023 - National Today

https://nationaltoday.com/national-flag-of-canada-day/

Some of the history is not correct on this site, I have noted that to the Canadian Flag Education Centre, they will get it updated. 

Cheers! TLR

Came across this article in a few email newsletters that I receive from our mortgage associates. It's a good primer for the topic. Be sure and check out the comment section for future resource additions. ~ Tim

2023 Financial Resolutions

After the whirlwind economic year we have had, making your finances work for you is already top of mind for most Canadians as we head into 2023. Here are some ideas to make your finances work for YOU in the New Year:

Purge Expenses
One of the best goals you can have for the New Year is cutting out all those things that didn’t work the previous year. While we are not referring to your water or electricity bills, there are still many ways you can cut down on costs. For instance, have you recently looked at your phone plan? Consider decreasing services or comparing costs to get a cheaper plan with the same functionality. Are you someone that buys coffee each morning or goes out for lunch once a week? Are you actually regularly watching all those streaming services? Consider where and how you spend your money to determine areas to reduce costs!

Make a List of Goals
Once you have made your budget and reviewed your existing expenses for any opportunities to reduce costs, the next step is to make a list of goals! For some people this will include paying off that credit card or loan, but for others it could be saving up for a family holiday you want to take in the next 5 years. Whatever your goals are, be clear about them and make a resolution to achieve them!

Consolidate Your Debt
Are you dealing with multiple debt sources? From a car loan to a credit card bill, having multiple payments each month can add up and quickly become more than you can manage. If you are struggling with lofty bills and hefty interest rates on your credit cards or other bills, consider consolidating your debt into your mortgage for a single, monthly payment - typically at a lower interest rate!

Pay Fast, Buy Slow
Some great advice when it comes to managing your finances is to pay fast and buy slow! If you pay your bills as soon as they come in, versus waiting, you will have a better idea of where you stand financially at any given moment. You will also avoid any late fees or compounding charges. In coordination with this, you will also want to start buying slower and working to reduce any impulse spending.

Increase Your Income
While it may not seem possible, it can't hurt to look for ways to increase your income in the New Year. Look for promotion opportunities at work, discuss a potential raise or even consider a new job to ensure that you are financially covered!

KYS - Know Your Self

KYC - Know Your Client

KYP - Know Your Product

Christmas celebrations are happening through out the community. Please check out the comments for wonderful tips, stories that I will glean over the coming weeks. The first one I discovered in my email this morning from a realtor email has to do with decorating. Here is afew tips to help get you started. 

 Last night I attended Highway Pentecostal Church's Christmas Banquet, it was a wonderful evening, my mom's birthday, ( they sang happy birthday to her at the end of the program) Lot's of friends that I have not seen in a few years, and many new faces, lots to eat, double helpings and a plate of sweets that filled all remaining gaps. Here is a recording of some Christmas songs played near the end of the celebrations. Enjoy https://www.spreaker.com/user/omegastewardship/episode-19-hpc-dec-11-2022

Some resources that will look at grief. 

https://lisaappelo.com/25-ways-to-help-manage-grief-in-holidays/

https://www.fatherly.com/love-money/relationships/parenting-strategies-advice/secret-co-parenting-holidays/

Our office at Brock Shores Financial located  in Tincap will be closed starting Wednesday Dec 20th , reopening Monday Jan 8th 2018 .

Some of the team may be stopping in from time to time during the holidays as we prepare for the new year in-case you see some activity. I will be monitoring my email at advisor@timothyross.com  as I always do, so please reach out that way and I will do what I can to help.  Many of us will be travelling and enjoying times with our family, close friends  or simply exploring the shorelines on our adventures.

Our investment Firm's head office hours are listed below, in case of a desperate financial requirement for mutual fund business they are our backup team and available to take care of paperwork in our absence.

 Please contact me first and we will connect with our administrative folks in Kingston if such a situation arises.

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Prosperous Peaceful New Year !

Timothy Ross, CEO & Founder

Brock Shores Financial

#ImprovingFutures

Christmas Hours Dealership Professional Investments 2017

Hello Everyone,  Kingston Office Hours

We will be open all of the business days this year during the Christmas holidays.

December 22^nd – we will look to close a little early. Nothing set in stone, but most likely closing around 2pm.

December 27, 28 – Open regular business hours

December 29^th - we will look to close a little early. Nothing set in stone, but most likely closing around 2pm.

January 2^nd – Open regular business hours.

 Thank you,

 Mark Tavares, Compliance Officer

Professional Investments (Kingston) Inc.

Toll Free: 1-888-548-8868  Fax: 613.384.8919