Laura Chanin, Investment Advisor

When we think about retirement expenses, we often picture travel, hobbies and time with family.

But what about the costs that may come with staying healthy and independent?

A 2026 Canadian retirement survey found that 61% of Canadians listed cuts to government health-care services among their top concerns.

Although Canada has public health care, retirees may still need to budget for expenses such as:

• Dental and vision care
• Prescription medications
• Mobility or accessibility needs
• In-home support
• Assisted living or long-term care
• Travel health insurance

We cannot predict exactly what care we may need, but we can build flexibility into a retirement plan.

Because planning for retirement isn’t only about how you want to live. It is also about being prepared for the care you may need later in life.

Laura Chanin
302 - 1688 - 152nd St Surrey
604-385-1164

For many Canadians, their home is their largest asset. But having significant home equity does not always mean having enough income to enjoy retirement.

A 2026 Canadian retirement survey found that nearly half of Canadians no longer believe home equity is the best way to fund retirement.

Your home may be part of your plan, but it is important to ask:

• Would you be comfortable downsizing?
• Where would you move, and what would it cost?
• Could you manage the home’s ongoing expenses?
• Would you consider borrowing against your equity?
• How would your decision affect your estate wishes?
• Do you have enough accessible income for everyday living?

Being “house rich” can provide options, but those options need to be considered before they are needed.

A strong retirement plan looks at the complete picture. Your home, savings, pensions, income needs and the life you hope to enjoy.

Laura Chanin
302 - 1688 152nf St, Surrey BC
604-385-1164

More Canadians are rethinking what retirement looks like.

In 2025, a record 1.2 million Canadians aged 65 and older were working or looking for work. Among employed seniors, roughly two in five worked part-time, and most said it was by choice.

For some, continuing to work provides extra income. For others, it offers purpose, connection and a smoother transition into retirement.

Semi-retirement may also allow you to:

• Give your investments more time to grow
• Reduce how much you need to withdraw from savings
• Delay CPP or OAS, when appropriate
• Maintain structure and social connections
• Gradually adjust to a new pace of life

Retirement doesn’t have to mean going from full-time work to no work overnight. The right plan can help you create a transition that works for your finances and the life you want to live.

What would your ideal retirement look like? Working a little, travelling more or leaving work completely?

Laura Chanin
302 - 1688 152nd St, Surrey, BC
604-385-1164

If your income stopped tomorrow, what would happen to your family?

An illness or injury can affect more than your health. It can also affect your ability to work, pay the bills and keep your financial plans on track.

Disability and critical illness insurance can help provide:

• Income when you are unable to work
• Help with mortgage payments and everyday expenses
• Funds for treatments, travel or additional care
• Protection for your savings and retirement plans
• Peace of mind during recovery

Insurance cannot prevent the unexpected, but it can help give you the time and financial breathing room to focus on what matters most.

Getting better.

We offer:

• Critical illness insurance
• Disability insurance
• Life insurance. Term and permanent

Being prepared today can make a difficult time a little easier tomorrow.

Contact us to learn more about the coverage options available to you.

Laura Chanin, CFP®
302-1688 152nd St, Surrey, BC
604-385-1164

Markets can feel a little stormy at times.

Headlines change, uncertainty grows, and it can be tempting to react.

But every storm eventually passes. A thoughtful financial plan helps you stay focused on where you are going, even when the path feels uncertain.

You cannot control the weather, but you can prepare for it. Stay patient, stay focused, and remember that you do not have to navigate it alone.

Right Direction Financial

One of the questions I use to ask clients was, "When do you want to retire?"

Now it's, "What do you want an average Tuesday to look like?"

It's surprising how often people know the date they want to retire, but haven't thought about what life will actually look like once they get there.

Will you volunteer?
Travel?
Babysit grandchildren?
Start a small business?
Sleep in?
Learn to fish?
Take up painting?

The financial plan is simply the tool that helps make that vision possible.

The happiest retirees I've met didn't just retire from work. They retired to something meaningful.

If you're within 10 years of retirement, now is a great time to start planning both your finances and your future lifestyle. They go hand in hand.

What does your ideal Tuesday look like?

🍫 Happy World Chocolate Day!

Anyone who knows us knows that chocolate is basically one of my food groups.

Life is all about balance.

Save for the future, enjoy the present, and never feel guilty about treating yourself to a little chocolate once in a while.

Wishing you a day that's as sweet as your favourite chocolate!

~ Right Direction Financial Team