December! The month of light, laughter, and love. Let’s make it magical.

December can be a magical month. So rather that post about retirement I will take the month to change formats and talk about how we remember December tI hope to post about the Scents, Sounds, and joys of the Season. I hope that my posts celebrate the simple joys that bring warmth to winter’s heart.

There’s a certain whisper in the air as the calendar turns to its final page, isn’t there? The world outside may be growing cooler and the nights longer, but December arrives with a promise, a promise of light in the darkness, warmth in the chill, and a gentle, persistent magic that asks only that we open our hearts to it.

For many of us, the holidays can feel different than they did in years past. The frantic pace, the long shopping lists, the pressure to create a "perfect" day. it can overshadow the simple joy. But this year, let’s make a pact. Let’s gently sweep away the stress and recapture the true enchantment of the season. The magic isn't found in a perfectly wrapped present; it’s tucked into the quiet moments, the familiar scents, and the love we share.

So, how do we find it? We begin by engaging our senses, the very gateways to memory and joy.

Close your eyes for a moment. What does December smell like to you?

Perhaps it’s the sharp, sweet scent of a fresh-cut pine tree filling the living room. Maybe it’s the warm, comforting aroma of cinnamon and cloves simmering on the stovetop. Or it could be the buttery richness of shortbread cookies, baked from a recipe passed down through generations.

These scents are more than just pleasant; they are time machines. They have the power to transport us back to childhood Christmases, to the bustling kitchens of our mothers and grandmothers, to moments of pure, uncomplicated happiness. This December, lean into those scents. Bake those cookies, even if it's just one small batch. Light a cinnamon-scented candle. Let the fragrance of the season be your constant, comforting companion.

The soundtrack of December is a symphony of joy. It’s the familiar, beloved carols that we know by heart, the ones we can sing even if our voices are a little quieter now. It’s the rustle of wrapping paper, the clink of glasses raised in a toast, and the cherished, perhaps slightly scratchy, recording of a favorite holiday special playing in the background.

But the most beautiful sound? It’s the sound of connection. It’s the laughter shared over a cup of tea with an old friend. It’s the voice of a faraway loved one on the phone, hearing the smile in their words. It’s the simple, wonderful sound of a story being told. Make time for these sounds. Put on that music, call that friend, share those stories. Your laughter is a light that the world needs.

The holidays, at their core, are about love. And love is a verb; it’s something we do. The magic of this season multiplies when we give it away.

Your love doesn’t need to be a grand, extravagant gesture. Its power is in its sincerity.

• It’s in the warmth of a handwritten card, a tangible piece of you sent through the mail.
• It’s in the offering to share a simple meal with a neighbor who might be feeling lonely.
• It’s in the patience of listening to a child’s excited, rambling story.
• It’s in the soft glow of a candle lit in the window, a silent welcome to all who pass by.

These acts of kindness create ripples. They connect us, reminding us that we are part of a community, a family, a shared human experience. In giving love, we often find we receive it tenfold.

This December, let’s be intentional. Let’s move a little slower, breathe a little deeper, and hold onto the moments that truly matter. Let the twinkling lights remind you of the stars, constant and beautiful. Let the laughter of loved ones be your favorite carol. Let the love you give and receive be the greatest gift under any tree.

The magic is here, waiting patiently in the quiet of a snowy morning, the warmth of a shared memory, and the gentle rhythm of a grateful heart. Let’s welcome it together.

Welcome, December. Let’s make it magical.

Five Quick Pension Check-In Tips

Over the last three posts I have taken a quick look at pensions in Canada  JJust a reminder an a word of caution, I am not a financial planner or an expert in finance, these are my thoughts based on some research and life experience. Take my views with a grain of salt, and do your own research, and talk to your own financial advisor  before you make any changes or moves. So in summary, here is a quick check list for you..

1. Read your annual statement.

Look for your plan’s funding level (for defined-benefit plans) or your account balance trend (for defined-contribution plans). A steady or improving number is a good sign.

2. Visit official sources.
Check your plan’s website or annual report, not social media. Large plans like OMERS, HOOPP, or Teachers’ publish clear updates on performance and stability.

3. Track your CPP online.
Sign in to My Service Canada Account to view your Canada Pension Plan contributions and future benefit estimates. It’s quick, secure, and updated regularly.

4. Ask questions.
If something on your statement is unclear, contact your plan administrator. You’re entitled to straightforward answers about your pension.

5. Take the long view.
Pensions are built for decades, not days. Market dips happen, but well-managed plans are designed to recover and grow over time.

Stay informed, stay confident,  your pension is working for you!

Keeping an Eye on Your Pension: How to Track What Matters

After a lifetime of work, you’ve earned the right to feel confident that your pension will be there when you need it. But with so many headlines about markets, inflation, and government budgets, it’s understandable that retirees sometimes wonder, “How can I be sure my pension is doing okay?”

The good news is that you don’t have to be a financial expert to keep track of your pension’s health. A few simple habits can help you stay informed and confident ,  without the stress of trying to follow every market update.

Whether you’re receiving a workplace pension or are still contributing, your plan should send you an annual statement. This document tells you:

• Your accrued benefits (what you’ve earned so far)
• Your estimated retirement income
• The funding level of the plan (how well its assets cover future obligations)

If your plan is a defined-benefit pension, meaning you’re promised a set monthly amount for life, the statement might include a note about the plan’s funding ratio. A ratio of 100% or higher means the plan is fully funded, which is excellent news. Many Canadian public and corporate plans are now above that level.

If you’re in a defined-contribution plan or RRSP, your statement shows how your personal investments are performing. Look at the long-term trend rather than short-term swings.

Most large pension plans, such as OMERS, the Teachers’ Pension Plan, HOOPP, and others ,  post quarterly or annual performance summaries on their websites. These are written for members, not investors, and they clearly outline how the plan is doing.

If you belong to a smaller corporate or union pension plan, your human resources department or plan administrator can direct you to official reports. Don’t hesitate to ask for plain-language explanations ,  you’re entitled to understand your benefits.

For the CPP, you can check your personal statement of contributions and benefits through My Service Canada Account. It shows:

• How much you’ve contributed each year
• The estimate of your future monthly benefit
• Any gaps or corrections needed

If you’re already receiving CPP, you can review your monthly payment information and ensure everything matches your records.

The CPP Investment Board (CPPIB) also publishes detailed quarterly and annual results on its website. These reports are transparent and easy to understand, highlighting long-term sustainability ,  not just market headlines.

Social media and coffee-shop conversations can spread misinformation quickly. When you want reliable pension news, stick to:

• The Government of Canada and Service Canada websites
• Official updates from your pension plan or investment board
• Trusted financial outlets like the Financial Post, Globe and Mail, or Benefits and Pensions Monitor

If you see a worrying claim online, look for a credible source that confirms it before assuming it’s true.

Pensions are built for the long term ,  often 40 years or more. Markets will rise and fall, but strong plans are designed to weather those cycles. Checking once or twice a year is plenty; more frequent monitoring can create unnecessary anxiety.

By understanding where your pension information comes from and what it really means, you can focus on what matters most: enjoying retirement and feeling secure about your future income.

The Canada Pension Plan: Built to Last for Generations

 If you’ve been hearing rumours or social media chatter that the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) is “running out of money,” you’re not alone. Many retirees and soon-to-be retirees have raised that concern lately. The truth, though, is far more reassuring: the CPP is not only stable,  it’s one of the strongest public pension systems in the world.

A World-Class Fund

The Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) manages the CPP fund. It operates independently from government, with a clear mandate: to grow the fund and make sure Canadians’ pensions are secure for the long term.

As of mid-2025, the CPP Fund had over $650 billion in assets invested around the world ,  in stocks, bonds, real estate, infrastructure, private equity, and renewable energy projects. That global diversification is one of the reasons it consistently performs well, even when certain parts of the market dip.

Over the last decade, the CPP has earned an average annual return of about 9%, after costs. That’s a strong record, especially given the mix of market conditions and global uncertainty in recent years.

Regular Checkups for Long-Term Health

Every three years, the Chief Actuary of Canada performs a full financial review of the CPP. The latest report, released in 2022, confirmed that the CPP remains fully sustainable for at least the next 75 years, even under conservative assumptions about the economy, wages, and demographics.

That means the contributions working Canadians and their employers make today will be enough to fund benefits for current and future retirees for decades to come.

Unlike some pension systems around the world that rely heavily on government budgets, the CPP is self-financing. It doesn’t depend on tax revenue,  the money comes from payroll contributions and investment returns. This structure makes it more resilient to political and economic changes.

Why You Can Feel Secure

The CPP’s strength comes from a few key factors:

• Professional management: The CPPIB is staffed by world-class investment professionals, not politicians.
• Diversified investments: The fund isn’t tied to one region or one type of asset.
• Independent oversight: Regular audits and transparent reporting keep everything accountable.

Even when markets fluctuate, the fund’s long-term strategy ensures stability. Remember, pension investing is a marathon, not a sprint.

A Promise That’s Being Kept

For retirees, the CPP remains a reliable, inflation-adjusted income that lasts for life. For those still working, it’s comforting to know that their future benefits are backed by a well-managed, fully funded system.

So, if you hear someone say “the CPP is in trouble,” you can confidently reply:

“Actually, the Canada Pension Plan is one of the most secure retirement funds anywhere ,  and it’s built to take care of us for generations to come.”

That’s something all Canadians can feel good about.