Ambassadors: Featured Posts

Cyberattacks and fraud are escalating. In 2023, Canadians lost $554M due to fraud, with financial loss expected to cost almost $10.8 trillion globally this year. However, there has been a long-standing belief Boomers are more likely to fall prey than any other generation. But when it comes to falling for scams, every age group is equal. Baby boomers are no more likely than any other generation to fall for a scam. Here are a few basics to ensure you stay cyber-safe and avoid potential scams and scammers. These scammers have upped their game. And finally, if you feel you have released too much personal information, don’t be embarrassed or ashamed because it happens to smart and tech-savvy people all the time.

For the fourth consecutive rate announcement, the Bank of Canada did exactly what we expected it to do and left the bank rate unchanged at 5%. Inflation is tamer and has decelerated but has not yet hit the desired 2% target. The job market has proven more resilient than anyone initially thought. Yet, the private sector has been scaling back on hiring for the past three months. We don’t know with certainty if our economy is headed toward a soft landing or a mild recession. A far more sensible approach is to set yourself up for success and control what you can in an environment where you feel you have no control. Explore all of your funding options to free up some cash.

Conventional wisdom tells us that older Canadian women are reluctant to talk about their finances because it’s “not polite.” However, HomeEquity Bank is working to smash this stigma and empower Canadian women 55+ to take charge of their financial future by encouraging them to ask the right questions and considering all the financial solutions available to them. While older Canadian women are often stereotyped as financially “vulnerable,” HomeEquity Bank’s research found that women reported improved financial wellness scores as they aged: 63% of older Canadian women reported a financial wellness score of 60+, compared to only 46% of younger women. If you fall into that camp, HomeEquity Bank’s new Financial Wellbeing tool is designed to help you get a measure of your financial wellbeing and provide you access to customized resources.

This spring, the World Happiness Report released its latest country rankings. Canada ranks 15th, between Austria and Belgium, which is not bad, particularly when compared to the United States, which comes in at 23rd. Still, emulating the Finns is worth doing. Their strengths revolve around being kind and concerned about each other rather than focusing on competition. Research shows that loneliness or social isolation can be linked to an increased risk of dementia, heart disease, stroke and death. Not surprisingly, the Finns are excellent at dealing with loneliness, combined with most aspects of ageing. Still, the Finns have devised an inexpensive method of helping older Finns age at home: virtual lunch groups. It’s simple, effective, and inexpensive to deliver this at-home free service.

I’m beginning to understand the unique role pets play in the lives of children and older people. Recently, our gentle giant of a dog, Rufus passed away. But size didn’t actually define him. It was Rufus’ quiet, kind, and gentle spirit that made him the pet he was. He was a rescue dog. In the neighbourhood, he was well-regarded, and we met many of our neighbours on outings with Rufus. For older people and for children, pets not only keep us company, but they can also provide the loving and emotional support that everyone enjoys. Simply having Rufus in the room always brought a smile to my face. I’ll never forget our Rufus and will always honour his secure place in our beating hearts.

For decades, I have been shopping at the local mall. A decade or two ago, the Oakville Mall was bustling. Today, the mall is a lonely place to while away a few hours. For older people like me, the shuttering of malls are unhappy events. Recently, The Toronto Star ran a story about the fading away of malls and the closure of stores and food outlets that communities once relied upon for a cup of coffee or a friendly spot to meet friends for a meal. Adding to these difficulties, my community in West Oakville is being gentrified. Neighbourhoods and neighbourhood malls are changing. Still, it’s a good reason to get outside and socialize with the folks who live nearby.

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.