Natalee Ducharme, MBA

01/04/2026

Lately, I’ve been really fortunate to have the time to reconnect with something I’ve always loved: philosophy.

I’ve been revisiting the work of Alan Watts, who had this beautiful way of reframing change; not as something to resist, but as something to participate in. One line that’s been sitting with me is his reminder that “the only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.”

I’ve been thinking about that dance a lot.

In a way, we’re all dancing; moving through our own rhythm; trying to find the beat that feels true to us. Some days we’re looking for people to dance with, a community to move alongside. Other days, we’re learning how to listen to our own music, our own passion, our own direction.

And so often, we tell ourselves we’ll be happy once we find the “right” rhythm; once we reach the next milestone; once life finally lines up the way we imagined. But the dance is always happening now. The music is already playing.

Lately, I’m learning to appreciate the present step; to move with change instead of bracing against it; to trust that clarity comes from participation, not pause.

Here’s to staying open; staying curious; and enjoying the dance.

11/14/2025

🍁 November is Diabetes Awareness Month

Did you know? If you're living with diabetes, you may qualify for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC). It can help ease the financial burden of managing your health.

-It's a non-refundable tax credit
-It can be retroactively claimed for up to 10 years

Learn more about qualifying: https://bit.ly/4453ckD

Questions about how the DTC or other financial solutions can support your health journey? Let's connect!

11/13/2025

Is your wallet feeling more 'oh no' than 'ho ho ho' this season?

Don't let holiday spending get you down, sleigh your budget with these tips:
-Make a list, check it twice (budgets are nice!)
-DIY gifts = extra merry & bright
-Shop sales (or regift) like a frugal elf would

You can also use your TFSA for short-term saving. It's like a magic sack for your holiday cash. Remember, the best gift is time together. Create memories, not debt this holiday season! 🏡❤️

Want to chat about keeping your finances festive all year round? Reach out before 2025 gets away.

11/12/2025

Need content to better understand the financial landscape? I have valuable resources for you.

The opinions expressed in this article are of the fund company that owns this content and do not constitute professional advice or recommendation. Please seek advice from a qualified professional, including a thorough examination of your specific legal, accounting and tax situation.

July 02, 2025 How important is timing entry into the market when investing your money? Cet article se penche sur trois approches pour planifier quand investir.

11/11/2025

As the leaves change, maybe your tax strategy should as well.

Here's an autumn action plan to consider:
-Harvest tax losses to offset gains 📉
-Max out your TFSA contributions 💰
-Review your charitable giving strategy 🎁
-Explore income splitting opportunities 👥
-Consider prescribed rate loans for family members 💸

Don't leave your hard-earned finances to chance. Let's connect to create a personalized year-end tax optimization strategy that aligns with your current goals. Remember, small choices can have a big impact on your financial future. Reach out today.

11/07/2025

Financial literacy isn't just about understanding money — it's about making informed decisions for a brighter financial future.

November is the ideal time to focus on:
• Building a strong financial foundation
• Understanding investment basics
• Planning for long-term goals

Want to improve your financial literacy? Let's connect to explore how you can achieve your financial goals.

You can also learn more about your money habits here >> https://bit.ly/3LwSw84

11/07/2025

Saving for your first home? Connect with me to create a strategy so you can get your keys sooner.

Transcript: What is an FHSA? Simply put, the First Home Savings Account, or FHSA, is a new type of registered savings plan. The FHSA allows first-time home buyers to save towards their first home, in a tax-free savings vehicle. How does an FHSA work? To open an FHSA, you must be a Canadian resident, be at least 18 years old and under age 71, and not have owned a home in the current or previous four calendar years. You can contribute up to $8,000 per year to the account, up to a total of $40,000. You can use your contributions and any investment growth for a first-home purchase. However, if you don’t use withdrawals for a first home within 15 years, they’ll be considered taxable income. What are the advantages of an FHSA? The main advantage of an FHSA is that it allows first-time home buyers to save for a home purchase in a tax-efficient way. Contributions to the FHSA are deductible for tax purposes, similar to an RRSP. And you don’t have to pay tax on either the contributions or investment earnings, as long as you don’t over-contribute. That means the money can grow faster over time. Another key benefit is that the withdrawals you use for a first home are also tax-free, when you use them to buy a qualifying first home. If you’re a first-time home buyer, the FHSA can make it easier for you to save for a down payment and purchase a home sooner, than if you had saved in a regular, taxable account. For more tips and tools, visit sunlife.ca.

11/05/2025

Curious about RRSPs? Let's break it down!

In less than 2 minutes, learn RRSP basics including:
- How it can help you save for retirement
- The tax benefits of contributing

Watch the video to get started and reach out to discuss your personal RRSP strategy.
https://bit.ly/48ZAANd

Transcript: What is an RRSP? Simply put, a Registered Retirement Savings Plan, or RRSP, is a type of savings account that helps Canadians save for their retirement. How does an RRSP work? You can hold a variety of investments in your RRSP, like: stocks, bonds, GICs, and mutual funds. Any contributions or growth within your RRSP help you defer taxable income. This means you can defer taxes this year when you contribute, and defer taxes on any investment growth, until you choose to access the funds. For most, withdrawing from your RRSP at a later point in life means paying less tax. Think of it this way: you’ll probably be in a lower tax bracket when you’re retired in your 60s or 70s. So you’ll be paying less tax when you withdraw from your RRSP at that age. What’s your RRSP contribution limit? Your yearly contribution limit is 18% of your earned income, plus unused room from earlier years. Any money you put into an RRSP, up to the limit, reduces your taxable income for that year. Your RRSP contribution limit is calculated each year and will appear on the Notice of Assessment you receive after filing your taxes. For more tips and tools, visit sunlife.ca.

Find out, in simple terms, what an RRSP is and how it can help you save for retirement. Learn More: https://www.sunlife.ca/en/investments/rrsp/simply-put-wha...

11/03/2025

A TFSA is more than just a savings account!

Watch this short video that breaks down TFSAs in easy terms. Discover:
- How it can help you save for various goals
- The tax advantages it offers

Let's discuss how a TFSA could fit into your financial picture!
https://bit.ly/3X7hZaH

Transcript: What is a TFSA? Simply put, a tax-free savings account, or TFSA, is a type of savings account to help save for any need. How does a TFSA work? A TFSA doesn’t have to be a savings account at a bank. A TFSA can contain a variety of investments like: bonds, stocks, mutual funds, and exchange-traded funds. Money, or contributions, that you put into a TFSA, are made with after-tax dollars. This means you’ve already paid income tax, and won’t need to pay again when you make withdrawals in the future. Plus, you won’t pay tax on any investment growth in your TFSA. Whether you’re saving for a dream vacation, your first home, or your retirement, a TFSA can help. What is your TFSA contribution limit? A contribution limit is the maximum amount you can add to your TFSA each year. The annual TFSA contribution limit changes from year to year. The federal government determines these limits. You’re entitled to the lifetime contributions for every year after you turn 18 and are a Canadian resident. For example, let’s say you don’t have a TFSA and were 18 in 2009, when the government introduced the TFSA. In this case, if you were a Canadian resident throughout that entire time, you’d have full contribution room available. But if you became a Canadian resident in 2015, you’d start gaining contribution room then. The best way to find out how much you can contribute to your TFSA is through the Canada Revenue Agency. Whenever you need it, a TFSA is a smart way to save, and see your savings grow – tax-free. Find more tips and tools at sunlife.ca.

Find out how a TFSA is a smart way to save and see your savings grow – tax-free. Learn More: https://www.sunlife.ca/en/investments/tfsa/what-is-a-tfsa-video/

11/03/2025

Every sunset marks an ending, but also a beginning.

The more I work with people planning for retirement, the more I see it: being financially ready doesn't always mean being personally ready.

There's often a gap between the numbers and the meaning - between financial security and a sense of purpose.

That's the gap I want to bridge.

Because retirement isn't an ending. It's a transition.