12-Minute Ways to Have a Better Day (Revisited)

The 12-Minute Series was originally posted in 2012.

We’ve decided to republish it integrally because we believe it can still help as everyone aspires to make things better.

Let’s hope it stirs up the discussion and stimulates you to change the world 12-Minute at a time!

This article was originally posted on July 12, 2012

Here are some simple 12-Minute Ideas to help things go smoothly; to have a brighter and merrier day.

Sometimes, 12-Minute it’s all it takes!

1-Wake Up 12-Minute Earlier

This will allow you to take time to smell the roses and relax before you start your morning routine or

to take a little more time before you embark in a busy work day.  

2-Take 12-Minute to Breathe

Take a break during an hectic day and just breathe!

3-Invest 12-Minute to Plan Your Day

Plan you day early in the morning or the next one late at night.

New Year and Dividend Income Update

Just a quick word to let you know that, for the new year, comments and figures have been added to several pages of our blog.

These pages have been updated:

Escaping 9-to-5

Investing Goals

Portfolio

Watch List

Monitor List

As a bonus, here’s a chart of our Dividend Income since 2013:

Our 24-Day Trip to Italy

Even though it dates way back to the hot summer of 2012, I’ve decided to write again about this fantastic trip to Italy because this adventure was so significant to us.

It really strengthened the bond in our small family. It was the first time in good old Europe for Lady C (my daughter) and me…our first time outside the Americas in fact. Lady N (The wife) already had been to Europe but never in any Italian cities.

We will forever cherish plenty of incredible memories from of our 24-Day trip to that old yet still modern country (Wow! 24 multiple of 12! I have to admit I didn’t really plan that one).

This trip also had great influence on me as a writer. Traveling and being exposed to foreign cultures is often inspiring. But this peculiar trek really gave me a boost to continue writing. Some pretty good new ideas also came out of it.

Later that year, I was able to finish my first book (Doux Espoirs written in French). Some of the characters and a lot of settings in my story we greatly inspired by what we lived in Italy. These experiences really gave a new flavour to my book and new life to my desire to continue writing.

So, let’s get into the thick of it!

Special RRSP Tax Considerations for 2015

For our Canadian readers, after the joy of the holidays comes the joy of …RRSP season!!!

Many may think I’m wacky but I kind of like RRSP season as it often rhymes with investing money and reducing taxes. It’s always a delight for me to torture my brain and find the best way to save as much as possible on taxes.   

My passion for RRSP reasoning will be well served this year as matters are even more complicated due the transition between the conservative and liberal governments.

Doing a thorough analysis would still be a nightmare so let’s limit ourselves to my family’s situation to help grasp some of the implications. I hope it will inspire you to explore your own RRSP tax conditions afterwards and complete all relevant research.

Before we go into the thick of things, I’ll remind you that I am not an investment or tax professional of any kind. The intent of this blog is not to give specific tax-related or investing advice. Before investing yourself, we suggest you to do all necessary research and consult a licensed financial professional if need be.

 

One Major Change

Because of the unusual transition situation, should we increase or reduce RRSP contributions this year? That is the question!

Starting in 2016, the liberals will reduce the middle tax bracket from 22% to 20.5% (for taxable income between $45,282 and $90,563 in 2016). They will also introduce a new tax bracket of 33% for taxable income over $200,000 but this measure won’t affect us with our more modest revenue. 

12-Minute Meetings (Revisited)

The 12-Minute Series was originally posted in 2012.

We’ve decided to republish it integrally because we believe it can still help as everyone aspires to make things better.

Let’s hope it stirs up the discussion and stimulates you to change the world 12-Minute at a time!

This article was originally posted on June 12, 2012

Sometimes, meetings can be a drag, especially when your boss likes to listen to himself for endless and countless hours. Furthermore, he’ll probably be upset afterwards because you missed some of his points and you lacked time to complete all your work.

Maybe someone could introduce him to the 12-Minute Segment Rule.

Use The 12-Minute Segment Rule

During a meeting, each speech or presentation should be limited to 12-Minute segments because for most people, the optimum concentration period is only 12 minutes. Beyond that, the average person won’t be able to focus and follow explanations.  

Season’s Greetings

Happy Holidays to Everyone

Not my intention to brag (it will probably sound as if I’m doing it anyway) but I’m now off and will only work next year!

I know…I know…Next year is only a couple weeks away…

Still, I’m very proud to take 12 consecutive business days off !!!

If you include weekends, I’ll be out of the office for a total of 18 days…a welcome and well deserved break!

Like me, I sincerely hope everyone will be able to spend quality time and have fun with friends and loved ones during this busy and sometimes crazy holiday season. I also wish you and your family to have more happy and productive moments in the upcoming brand new year!

A Touch of Star Wars Optimism

On a different note, call me optimistic, but I recently noticed great signs that our world is improving; things may not be moving as fast as we would like…yet the overall situation seems to be steadily getting better!