Happy New Year!  Welcome to 2023!

Another year has flown by, and as we reflect on the past year and the things that we may not have accomplished, there is the hope that we can also look forward to a new, fresh year full of possibilities.  We are all weary of waiting for the pandemic to be truly over.  Don’t let another year pass you by.  Let’s start planning to turn our dreams for the upcoming year into reality.

What’s your best way to avoid the challenges and problems that might arise during your journey? A solid action plan.  This quote by Greg Reid outlines a great approach that can be applied to both our professional and personal goal strategies: “A dream written down with a date becomes a goal. A goal broken down into steps becomes a plan. A plan backed by action makes your dreams come true.”

Your dreams of creating a society that benefits everyone, leaving no one behind, become a reality through donations of time, money, or talent.  When we give, it not only uplifts society’s most vulnerable, it ensures a community where we all can thrive.  Charities are working throughout the year to fill the gaps and provide dedicated resources to help the most vulnerable. When you donate to a cause you care about, you will know that your decision to donate has a tangible impact on the lives of those the charity helps. You become an important part of building a safe and healthy community full of promise and opportunity for you and your loved ones.

When your charitable giving is planned out in advance with the advice of your financial advisor, tax consultant or lawyer, you can identify the best method to maximize your gift by considering possible tax benefits and the reduction of taxes on capital gains. Another option to consider is the inclusion of a charitable bequest in your will, which will not affect your everyday cash flow. Providing you an opportunity to leave a deeply important gift, regardless of your current income. Whether you want to leave a bequest as a tribute to a family member or to create a legacy that honours your life’s lessons and blessings, you have the power to make a lasting impact on a cause that matters to you and builds the future you wish to see for your children, friends and community.

The opportunities before you this year are endless.  Take some time to think about your dreams for the future. Do you want to improve your financial wellness and grow wealth? Can you gain peace of mind and security for yourself and your family by ensuring a will and life insurance are in place?  What kind of resources does your community need to foster happy and healthy lives for everyone? What kind of legacy do you want to be remembered by? What gift do you wish to provide for future generations?

Clarify your goals by talking with your loved ones, write, and rewrite them to provide yourself the time to define clear and concise goals to give you momentum and purpose.  Determine exactly what you wish to achieve.  An action plan is designed to guide your way to accomplishing your goals.  It turns your vision into actionable goals and steps; it helps you stay focused and motivated. Go ahead and start planning for what you want to accomplish in 2023 today!

In 2023, YMCA Simcoe/Muskoka and United Way Simcoe Muskoka are committed to ensuring communities across the region become stronger, more inclusive, and more sustainable as we move forward out of the pandemic years.  This includes providing access to education, resources and tools that will support the overall well-being of Simcoe Muskoka residents. Together, we are launching a financial health series that will help individuals and families take control of their fi­nancial wellbeing. The series will have 4-6 sessions across the Simcoe Muskoka region, each providing tips and information that will prepare residents to weather the current economic climate.  Our goal is to deliver low-barrier access to fi­nancial wellness education, covering topics like financial literacy, income tax basics, ­financial planning, life insurance, wealth management, wills, and bequests. To learn more or to discuss your personal planned gifts, please contact:

Susan Kulkarni CFRE
Relationship Manager | Major and Planned Gifts
United Way Simcoe Muskoka
705-726-2301 ext2401 | skulkarni@uwsimcoemuskoka.ca