Do you ever feel worried about something that you just can't shake from your mind? Perhaps you know that you have to deal with it eventually. Worrying about it doesn't make it go away, it just gets pushed away for now... but will come back and bite you sometime whether you like it or not.
I will not lie, It has taken me 10 yrs to deal with my Mom's death, compound that will my Dad's passing, my spouse being diagnosed with breast cancer among other things.. This past few months I have felt that there is no choice in the matter now. I must act now! If I don't will other areas of my life begin to fail? including my own physical and mental health. If you have been anywhere near me in the last month you will have probably noticed that I have come to a realization about my own life and the transitions that need to occur to move forward... a few tears have been shed.
I am not one to ask for help... "I can do, it's what needs to be done "has been a motto on mine for sometime. I now know that asking for help is okay, crazy! what was I thinking that I could do it alone.
I caught myself saying to someone.. I'm okay saying I'm not okay. Also, being okay is not okay. I want to be great! Just "getting by" in any area of life is not okay.. what is missing?, what needs to be done.? We all have the answers inside.
So.... I've been going to a counsellor and very thankful for being encouraged and finally having the courage to go. Making progress feels great! Reconnecting and slowing down to take a look at it all has made a big difference.
My advice, if you feel that something is on your mind, not sure how to deal, what to do? Talk it out with someone. Sometimes the leading up to a decision or lack of decision is the hardest part. You soon realize what was all the fuss about?
So that's me and my emotional life. What do you find is on your mind that you just haven't taken care of yet? Go do it!
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
What drives you?
I bring up this question because we are all so busy with our lives that sometimes we forget why we are doing certain things.
Brings me to why I have chosen this career path as a Financial Advisor. I think it's important that you know why.
Been a tough road for me.. oh about the last 10 yrs I guess. I actually have not really thought so until now.
Let me start with my story.
10 yrs ago I saw my Mom suffer from a terrible illness (ALS - Lou Gehrig's disease) She was only 53, I was only 23 when she died. I was young, finishing University and not really sure how to deal with all of this. I somehow managed to get by emotionally. This event in my life has made a huge impact in all sorts of ways.
Fast forward a few years and I have an amazing spouse, son, condo. Yipee! life is fantastic!
Then, my Dad passed away suddenly from a heart attack! 68 yrs old and should have lived a long life. A great Dad, big heart... Here is what happened though.. he was remarried and left everything to his new wife. The house yes, no life insurance, etc. As a grown adult no I did not expect a windfall however I would have expected him to think ahead and be better prepared for my brother and I, his grandson. You can't go back, so this is when I decided to make it my mission to help people now and in to the future to be better prepared for their families.
Okay, so if that wasn't enough, shortly after my spouse was diagnosed with breast cancer! Yes, she was 34 yrs old, we had a condo (mortgage payments), young son, other bills to pay.. you know... LIFE. So here it goes, luckily we had critical illness insurance! Yep, thankfully because what would we have done? Well, what we didn't have to worry about was money and how we would pay the bills, etc. That's what it's about. Making sure you've got plans in place to get through the rough patches of life.
Also, what about looking forward.. how will your retirement be? Will you be able to? Best time of your life? Well, having enough money to do the things you want to do will make it a whole lot better. You agree?
So, that's a bit of my story of why I do what I do. Of course I need to make a living for my family and I. I could be doing lots of different things, I will tell you though that this is what I have chosen to do, what I am driven to do. Helping you plan ahead, making sure you and your family are looked after.
Don't you think you owe it to yourself, your family to take the time now to make sure you've got plans in place?
I encourage you to contact me to discuss your situation. If there are areas of concern I'd be more than happy to help you.
Thanks!
Karen Di Venanzo
604-603-8571
karen.divenanzo@sunlife.com
Sunlife Financial
Brings me to why I have chosen this career path as a Financial Advisor. I think it's important that you know why.
Been a tough road for me.. oh about the last 10 yrs I guess. I actually have not really thought so until now.
Let me start with my story.
10 yrs ago I saw my Mom suffer from a terrible illness (ALS - Lou Gehrig's disease) She was only 53, I was only 23 when she died. I was young, finishing University and not really sure how to deal with all of this. I somehow managed to get by emotionally. This event in my life has made a huge impact in all sorts of ways.
Fast forward a few years and I have an amazing spouse, son, condo. Yipee! life is fantastic!
Then, my Dad passed away suddenly from a heart attack! 68 yrs old and should have lived a long life. A great Dad, big heart... Here is what happened though.. he was remarried and left everything to his new wife. The house yes, no life insurance, etc. As a grown adult no I did not expect a windfall however I would have expected him to think ahead and be better prepared for my brother and I, his grandson. You can't go back, so this is when I decided to make it my mission to help people now and in to the future to be better prepared for their families.
Okay, so if that wasn't enough, shortly after my spouse was diagnosed with breast cancer! Yes, she was 34 yrs old, we had a condo (mortgage payments), young son, other bills to pay.. you know... LIFE. So here it goes, luckily we had critical illness insurance! Yep, thankfully because what would we have done? Well, what we didn't have to worry about was money and how we would pay the bills, etc. That's what it's about. Making sure you've got plans in place to get through the rough patches of life.
Also, what about looking forward.. how will your retirement be? Will you be able to? Best time of your life? Well, having enough money to do the things you want to do will make it a whole lot better. You agree?
So, that's a bit of my story of why I do what I do. Of course I need to make a living for my family and I. I could be doing lots of different things, I will tell you though that this is what I have chosen to do, what I am driven to do. Helping you plan ahead, making sure you and your family are looked after.
Don't you think you owe it to yourself, your family to take the time now to make sure you've got plans in place?
I encourage you to contact me to discuss your situation. If there are areas of concern I'd be more than happy to help you.
Thanks!
Karen Di Venanzo
604-603-8571
karen.divenanzo@sunlife.com
Sunlife Financial
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Why do I care so much you ask?
An email I sent out recently to some friends I plan to see while visiting.
The reason for my email is because for those who don't know I am a Financial Advisor with SunLife. I now have a dual license for both Ontario and BC. I know this is a topic of conversation for some that maybe uncomfortable. But I help people with more than just life insurance which everyone needs regardless of age/status. RRSP's, savings, RESP's, long term care, critical illness. I'm reaching out to my friends and family and want to make sure that the people in my life have a back up plan in case of the "what if". We had the "what if" and Tracy needed to take 1 year off work to get well. Thank god we had critical illness insurance that gave her/us a payout of $100,000 tax free to focus on getting well and not having to worry about bills. And thankfully she had life insurance because now with her cancer, she can't get it for 10 plus years. "I couldn't image dying from breast cancer at the time and leaving my family behind to deal with financial worries" (In Tracy's own words) The older you are, the more expensive it will get. Some of you may have coverage through work. But unless you plan on being there for the rest of your life, you need a plan b. You can contact me via email so it's completely confidential if you are interested in talking about your options. We will be in Toronto from Nov 3-Nov 17 and am filling my scheduleAs your friend, I feel better knowing that I maybe able to help you with the "what if" in life.Thanks, hope this finds you well
Karen Di Venanzo
karen.divenanzo@sunlife.com
604 683 6905 ext 205
604 603 8571
The reason for my email is because for those who don't know I am a Financial Advisor with SunLife. I now have a dual license for both Ontario and BC. I know this is a topic of conversation for some that maybe uncomfortable. But I help people with more than just life insurance which everyone needs regardless of age/status. RRSP's, savings, RESP's, long term care, critical illness. I'm reaching out to my friends and family and want to make sure that the people in my life have a back up plan in case of the "what if". We had the "what if" and Tracy needed to take 1 year off work to get well. Thank god we had critical illness insurance that gave her/us a payout of $100,000 tax free to focus on getting well and not having to worry about bills. And thankfully she had life insurance because now with her cancer, she can't get it for 10 plus years. "I couldn't image dying from breast cancer at the time and leaving my family behind to deal with financial worries" (In Tracy's own words) The older you are, the more expensive it will get. Some of you may have coverage through work. But unless you plan on being there for the rest of your life, you need a plan b. You can contact me via email so it's completely confidential if you are interested in talking about your options. We will be in Toronto from Nov 3-Nov 17 and am filling my scheduleAs your friend, I feel better knowing that I maybe able to help you with the "what if" in life.Thanks, hope this finds you well
Karen Di Venanzo
karen.divenanzo@sunlife.com
604 683 6905 ext 205
604 603 8571
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Friends and family are what we should be grateful for.
Today was the CIBC run for the cure in Vancouver and across Canada. My spouse of 11 yrs is a breast cancer survivor. She was diagnosed at 34 yrs old (2 years ago) happy to report that she is cancer-free! I always believed she/we would get through it. Never once thought I would lose her. Call that optimism or just pure knowing or maybe just in denial that what we were about to face would ultimately change the rest of our lives. She tells our story much better....
She has become a frequent speaker at events.. the most recent was the opening ceremonies at the CIBC run for the cure in Vancouver today. Her message is clear and strong. It can happen to you, what if it happens to you? Know your body and be proactive with self exams. As a Mom with a young son it was the last thing we expected. You know what? We did get through it all with the support of friends,family and the excellent care she received.
Life throws us curve balls and the most important thing to remember is to always check in to what really matters... it's not the car, the phone, etc it's who you build relationships with. Reach out to the people you care about, ask for help when you need it. They will be there for you.
This is something I am finally able to do myself. Thank you to all our friends and family that have been there to support us in everything.
xoxo K
Monday, September 28, 2009
Health Insurance: Peace of mind in today's uncertain world
Most of you wouldn't gamble your valuables, your homes, or your families. But when you're not prepared for dramatic changes that may affect your health, you're gambling that you'll always have enough income to take care of the most important aspects of your life.
Sadly, many people lose this bet. Accidents and critical illnesses can strike at any time. And when they happen, the impact on lifestyles and finances is usually staggering.
What are the chances of you needing extra care? A quick view of some recent statistics shows how often Canadians face serious health challenges:
Every 10 minutes, a person has a stroke in Canada.
39 per cent of women and 44 per cent of men will develop some form of cancer. The good news is that cancer survival rates have increased significantly in recent years. The bad news is that all will require some level of care during the treatment phase of the illness.
Major illnesses such as Multiple Sclerosis, ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease), Parkinson's Disease or Alzheimer Disease are life-altering experiences for the individual, family members, and friends who may be called on for support. Alzheimer's and other dementias affect 1 in 9 people between the ages of 75 and 84, and 1 in 3 over age 85.
Falls and accidents among older Canadians are a leading cause of the growing number of elderly people in long-term care facilities. About 25,000 hip fractures occur in Canada every year, causing death in up to 20 per cent of the cases, and disability in half of those who survive.
You might want to ask yourself the following questions about your financial security:
How long could you afford your mortgage payments and regular bills if faced with a major medical emergency?
How would you meet extra expenses for medical equipment or medications not covered by your health plan?
Who would care for you, and for how long, if you became incapacitated?
If you can't answer these questions with confidence about the outcome, you need to increase your health insurance coverage. Studies show that removing financial stress at a time of serious illness improves survival rates. Health insurance does just that. It can provide security and financial stability during times of rapidly shifting priorities and worry.
Some of the available health insurance plans that can help get you through those worrisome times:
Critical illness insurance provides a lump sum benefit to the insured if they are diagnosed with one of the covered illnesses. The benefit can be used to pay down debt, such as a mortgage, or pay for care or treatment, or to cover the costs of home renovations to make wheelchair access possible.
Long term care insurance provides weekly payments if the insured is unable to do at least two out of six daily living activities (bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, continence, moving to or from bed or chair) or if they suffered from a senile dementia. An income plan allows the recipient to choose how the benefit is spent. Personal health insurance offers a preventative approach to medical and dental coverage. It's perfect for the self-employed, contract or part-time workers or for those without group insurance. Professionals and small business owners can realize tax advantages by having plans for themselves and their employees.
The average health care costs for Canadians increase as they reach their 60s and continue to climb as they get older. Medical advances are increasing life expectancy. As our population ages, there will be fewer working Canadians to support a larger retired population. As a result, the costs of health care will likely increase.
It's important that you assess your needs and all the health insurance options available before making any decision. Investing in health insurance will help offset financial hardship and bring peace of mind that will enable you to enjoy your future to the fullest.
Sources:
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, Annual Report 2004.
Canadian Cancer Society, 2007
Alzheimer Society of Canada, 2007
Osteoporosis Society of Canada, 2007
Sadly, many people lose this bet. Accidents and critical illnesses can strike at any time. And when they happen, the impact on lifestyles and finances is usually staggering.
What are the chances of you needing extra care? A quick view of some recent statistics shows how often Canadians face serious health challenges:
Every 10 minutes, a person has a stroke in Canada.
39 per cent of women and 44 per cent of men will develop some form of cancer. The good news is that cancer survival rates have increased significantly in recent years. The bad news is that all will require some level of care during the treatment phase of the illness.
Major illnesses such as Multiple Sclerosis, ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease), Parkinson's Disease or Alzheimer Disease are life-altering experiences for the individual, family members, and friends who may be called on for support. Alzheimer's and other dementias affect 1 in 9 people between the ages of 75 and 84, and 1 in 3 over age 85.
Falls and accidents among older Canadians are a leading cause of the growing number of elderly people in long-term care facilities. About 25,000 hip fractures occur in Canada every year, causing death in up to 20 per cent of the cases, and disability in half of those who survive.
You might want to ask yourself the following questions about your financial security:
How long could you afford your mortgage payments and regular bills if faced with a major medical emergency?
How would you meet extra expenses for medical equipment or medications not covered by your health plan?
Who would care for you, and for how long, if you became incapacitated?
If you can't answer these questions with confidence about the outcome, you need to increase your health insurance coverage. Studies show that removing financial stress at a time of serious illness improves survival rates. Health insurance does just that. It can provide security and financial stability during times of rapidly shifting priorities and worry.
Some of the available health insurance plans that can help get you through those worrisome times:
Critical illness insurance provides a lump sum benefit to the insured if they are diagnosed with one of the covered illnesses. The benefit can be used to pay down debt, such as a mortgage, or pay for care or treatment, or to cover the costs of home renovations to make wheelchair access possible.
Long term care insurance provides weekly payments if the insured is unable to do at least two out of six daily living activities (bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, continence, moving to or from bed or chair) or if they suffered from a senile dementia. An income plan allows the recipient to choose how the benefit is spent. Personal health insurance offers a preventative approach to medical and dental coverage. It's perfect for the self-employed, contract or part-time workers or for those without group insurance. Professionals and small business owners can realize tax advantages by having plans for themselves and their employees.
The average health care costs for Canadians increase as they reach their 60s and continue to climb as they get older. Medical advances are increasing life expectancy. As our population ages, there will be fewer working Canadians to support a larger retired population. As a result, the costs of health care will likely increase.
It's important that you assess your needs and all the health insurance options available before making any decision. Investing in health insurance will help offset financial hardship and bring peace of mind that will enable you to enjoy your future to the fullest.
Sources:
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, Annual Report 2004.
Canadian Cancer Society, 2007
Alzheimer Society of Canada, 2007
Osteoporosis Society of Canada, 2007
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Life is unfair
Holy crap! What is going on out there?
I just got off the phone with my partner Tracy to learn that the coordinator for the Vancouver relay for life just died. 41 yrs old, died in his sleep!! Heart failure. I can't even imagine what his family is thinking.... my heart goes out to them.
Another one to share.. My brother calls me this week to tell me that his best friend from grade 8 died as well. 35 yr old died of a heart attack! What is going on here? He has a spouse and young children. An entire life ahead of him, taken away... His family must be devastated.
I am concerned for my brother, who is overweight and does not eat the best. Our dad died recently of a heart attack at 68yrs old. Still way too young when the average life expectancy of people is roughly 76 yrs old.
Then I hear on the radio last night that 3 out of 4 kids are not getting enough exercise! Are we going to be hearing of teenagers having heart attacks?
It is no secret, I believe that everyone needs to take responsibility for themselves. Be responsible! Eat well, rest, exercise, go for check ups especially if you think you are predisposed to a certain condition. Somethings you just can't control. And you know what else? Think about your family, should you have died yesterday, or heard bad news from the Dr that you are unwell..... how will they manage? Will your kids have to struggle to go to University? Will your spouse need to sell the house? Work 3 jobs to support the family? Or maybe the better choice would be able to grieve at their own time without financial stress?
I cannot tell you enough that you just never know what will happen tomorrow.. you can control what you do today. Don't believe in life insurance? Ask your family what they would rather face? Imagine how they will feel if you just never got around to it... I'll do it later, but later never has a chance.
Hate to do this, and I'm not one to use fear as a way of educating the importance of insurance, however after hearing of these 2 scenarios I feel there is no other way.
Do you know that there are cost effective ways of insuring your life and protecting your family without breaking the bank?
My sincerest regards to the families that have lost loved ones. I know how painful it can be.. no matter how young/old they are.
Much love,
Karen
I just got off the phone with my partner Tracy to learn that the coordinator for the Vancouver relay for life just died. 41 yrs old, died in his sleep!! Heart failure. I can't even imagine what his family is thinking.... my heart goes out to them.
Another one to share.. My brother calls me this week to tell me that his best friend from grade 8 died as well. 35 yr old died of a heart attack! What is going on here? He has a spouse and young children. An entire life ahead of him, taken away... His family must be devastated.
I am concerned for my brother, who is overweight and does not eat the best. Our dad died recently of a heart attack at 68yrs old. Still way too young when the average life expectancy of people is roughly 76 yrs old.
Then I hear on the radio last night that 3 out of 4 kids are not getting enough exercise! Are we going to be hearing of teenagers having heart attacks?
It is no secret, I believe that everyone needs to take responsibility for themselves. Be responsible! Eat well, rest, exercise, go for check ups especially if you think you are predisposed to a certain condition. Somethings you just can't control. And you know what else? Think about your family, should you have died yesterday, or heard bad news from the Dr that you are unwell..... how will they manage? Will your kids have to struggle to go to University? Will your spouse need to sell the house? Work 3 jobs to support the family? Or maybe the better choice would be able to grieve at their own time without financial stress?
I cannot tell you enough that you just never know what will happen tomorrow.. you can control what you do today. Don't believe in life insurance? Ask your family what they would rather face? Imagine how they will feel if you just never got around to it... I'll do it later, but later never has a chance.
Hate to do this, and I'm not one to use fear as a way of educating the importance of insurance, however after hearing of these 2 scenarios I feel there is no other way.
Do you know that there are cost effective ways of insuring your life and protecting your family without breaking the bank?
My sincerest regards to the families that have lost loved ones. I know how painful it can be.. no matter how young/old they are.
Much love,
Karen
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Family Ties
This week my spouse and child spoke to a class of nursing students at BCIT. This was our 3rd visit. The teacher invited us because she loved our story so much. I shrug my shoulders and think no big deal, it's our life.... until we start to speak.
The class is full of 2o something yr olds sitting quietly. We start by bringing up how me met, the adventure of travelling to Europe, moving out West with only a few belongings. Our friends/family thought we were crazy... and we were! We talk about how we got pregnant.. life is good.! Then we talked about how illness/death affected us, brought our family closer together and what we have taken from the journey. (remember there is a 3.5 yr old drawing pics on the wipe board and dancing around) Makes it very interesting.
This time, there seemed to be a lot of questions about our boy growing up with 2 moms. I forget that this is not the norm because it's a non-issue for us. Our boy has 2 parents that love him so much that just happen to be 2 women. He has a Grandma and a Grandpa, a Nana and a Papa, a Grammy Hawk and Granddad Mark.. all whom are not "blood" related, instead they are chosen family. Aunts, uncles, cousins, and tons of friends. There is no shortage of love and support for this child and any more we plan to have I can assure you.
I know that in 45 min we made an impact on these kids. They will be slightly more prepared when working with a patient in the future to be mindful of families of all different kinds. As they build families of their own, I hope that they too find a deep connection that will stay strong in any circumstance. That they will also find a spouse that is loving, supportive, respectful. Be able to build strong friendships, and networks of people that they can count on. I am very grateful for the people I have in my life! I only wish the same for everyone else.
We always want the best for the people we care about the most. We expect the best life possible, unfortunately (and I know what that means) life can throw curve balls at us. That is why I have chosen a career that helps you always put your family first, no matter what.
After you read this, go give someone a hug! Cheers :)
Karen
The class is full of 2o something yr olds sitting quietly. We start by bringing up how me met, the adventure of travelling to Europe, moving out West with only a few belongings. Our friends/family thought we were crazy... and we were! We talk about how we got pregnant.. life is good.! Then we talked about how illness/death affected us, brought our family closer together and what we have taken from the journey. (remember there is a 3.5 yr old drawing pics on the wipe board and dancing around) Makes it very interesting.
This time, there seemed to be a lot of questions about our boy growing up with 2 moms. I forget that this is not the norm because it's a non-issue for us. Our boy has 2 parents that love him so much that just happen to be 2 women. He has a Grandma and a Grandpa, a Nana and a Papa, a Grammy Hawk and Granddad Mark.. all whom are not "blood" related, instead they are chosen family. Aunts, uncles, cousins, and tons of friends. There is no shortage of love and support for this child and any more we plan to have I can assure you.
I know that in 45 min we made an impact on these kids. They will be slightly more prepared when working with a patient in the future to be mindful of families of all different kinds. As they build families of their own, I hope that they too find a deep connection that will stay strong in any circumstance. That they will also find a spouse that is loving, supportive, respectful. Be able to build strong friendships, and networks of people that they can count on. I am very grateful for the people I have in my life! I only wish the same for everyone else.
We always want the best for the people we care about the most. We expect the best life possible, unfortunately (and I know what that means) life can throw curve balls at us. That is why I have chosen a career that helps you always put your family first, no matter what.
After you read this, go give someone a hug! Cheers :)
Karen
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