Skip to main content

All Of Your Important Documents. All In One Place.

Infographic - All of Your Important Documents, All In ONe Place

Do you have any questions? Speak to an RBC licensed insurance advisor, call 1-800-769-2568. We’ll help you get it.

Do you have any questions? Speak to an RBC licensed insurance advisor, call 1-800-769-2568. We’ll help you get it.

All your important stuff. All in one place.

Note About Storage

  • The best place to store your important documents at home is in fire-proof folders placed in a fire-proof safe, hidden from view.

Property Deeds & Ownership Forms

    • Take extra care of your belongings by keeping the paperwork safe. Secure your mortgage papers, property information and real estate deeds.

Marriage Certificates

      • “Till death do us part” also applies to important documents. Keep your marriage certificate and/or divorce papers in your safe. You’ll also want to protect other legal documents like prenuptial agreements, alimony or child support agreements.

Financial Accounts Information

      • You may do most of your banking online, but you should still keep a record of information and investment documents
        in your safe. You or a family member may need to access accounts in the event of an accident.

Birth Certificates

      • Birth certificates are often used to verify identity. Make copies and keep them tucked away with the originals so you
        know where to find them if you need them.

Tax Returns (6 years)

      • If you back up your tax returns electronically, that’s great. Keep doing that. But you should also secure hard
        copies to be extra prepared in case you’re audited.

Living and Last Wills

      • In the unfortunate event something happens to you or a loved one, wills and insurance documents need to be accessed. While your lawyer retains the original of your will, you should place copies in your safe. Let your beneficiaries or trustees know how to access them should they need to.

Passports

      • Take care of your passport. Replacing a lost or stolen passport is time consuming and expensive. Keep all your
        family’s passports secure and together to avoid a potential nightmare.

Social Insurance Cards

      • Never carry your social insurance card in your wallet or purse. If it gets lost or stolen, your identity may be compromised. Lock it up and only take it out when you need it. Your child’s SIN will be issued as a paper document, so it’s important to keep that safe as well.

Appraisals

      • It’s a good idea to protect your appraisals. If you’d like to sell your home or other high-value items one day, appraisals help you confirm value. An important note: your insurance company will ask for a copy of your appraisal for certain high-value items you’d like to add to your policy.

Irreplaceable Photos/Letters/Cards

      • It’s easy to store copies of photographs, letters and cards on your computer. But it’s a good practice to keep the originals safe in one place. After all, these documents are perhaps the most precious, and they simply cannot be replaced.

Medical Records

      • Keep medical documents like vaccination records and health card copies in a safe place. Knowing where these are can make any health-related event much smoother.

RBC Insurance — All your family insurance needs, all in one place.

Great Rates and Expert Advice on Home Insurance

Get a free online quote* for coverage to protect you, your property, and your belongings from the unexpected.

Learn More

*Home and auto insurance products are distributed by RBC Insurance Agency Ltd. and underwritten by Aviva General Insurance Company. In Quebec, RBC Insurance Agency Ltd. Is registered as a damage insurance agency. As a result of government-run auto insurance plans, auto insurance is not available through RBC Insurance in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and British Columbia.

This article is intended as general information only and is not to be relied upon as constituting legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. Information presented is believed to be factual and up-to-date but we do not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or any of its affiliates.

Share This Article

Topics:

Home Security

Read This Next

Life sometimes brings unexpected or unprecedented events that can be emotionally and mentally trying. A messy divorce, a serious illness, a devastating injury, the loss of a spouse or family member can all be traumatic in their own ways.

Watching someone you care for deal with loss may trigger feelings of helplessness if you’re unsure of what to say or do. Fortunately, there are number of ways to show your support and care for someone who’s going through a traumatic situation.

1. Be Available

Everyone reacts differently during hard times. The Canadian Mental Health Association suggests, “One of the most important things you can do is to simply be there for your loved one. Grief can feel overwhelming, but support and understanding can make a huge difference.”

Your friend may want to talk to you more often than usual or they may pull away and want to be alone. In either case, make sure they know that you’re there for them when and if they want to talk by phone, email, text or even video chat. The situation may feel awkward, but to support your friend, you need to be present, even if you can’t physically be there.

2. Listen Actively

As your friend talks through and processes their emotions, the best thing you can do is actively listen to what they are saying, according to Healthlink BC. Active listening means paying attention to the meaning behind their words, thinking about what they’ve said and responding in a way that shows you understand what they’re trying to communicate.

In some cases, your friend may not need or want you to respond right away or at all. You may have opinions, advice or thoughts to share, but hold on to them and just listen until your friend invites you to join the conversation.

3. Don’t Take Negative Reactions Personally

Traumatic events can trigger lots of emotions; your friend may be feeling angry, anxious, irritable, fearful, sad or emotionally numb. A difficult situation could make them feel helpless or like they’re not in control, which could lead them to lash out negatively towards friends and family.

If that happens, it’s important to remember that those reactions are natural, says the Mental Health Commission of Canada. “It is very important to reassure the person that stress reactions are normal responses to abnormal events.” While it may feel as though the reactions are directed at you, they’re not necessarily personal attacks. You can support your friend by letting them know that it’s okay to feel the way they do and encouraging them to feel their emotions in a healthy way.

4. Help Maintain Structure and Routine

Your friend may feel as if their world has been turned upside down and one way to help them is by reinforcing routines and habits. For instance if a friend is having a difficult time with self-isolation and maybe even the loss of a job, when the time is right you might encourage them to participate in activities or hobbies they enjoyed before like exercising, cooking, or learning something new like knitting or painting.

5. Be Mindful of Your Words

When someone is experiencing grief, there are some things they may not want to hear. As you talk to your friend, consider your words carefully. Avoid offering silver linings, trying to fix the situation or asking for more details about a situation than your friend is willing to share. If you’re not sure what to say, the safest course may be to say nothing at all and just continue listening.

6. Take Care of Yourself

Self-care may be as important for you as it is for your friend during a difficult time. You may want to be there for them 24/7, but you can’t be a good support system if you’re worn down or burned out, according to the Crisis and Trauma Resource Institute. Even professional caregivers may develop compassion fatigue, which is characterized by emotional, mental and physical exhaustion associated with caring for another person through a traumatic event. As you care for your friend, remember to take time for yourself regularly to recharge your batteries.

The mental, physical and emotional health of yourself and your loved ones is important.

 

RBC Disability Insurance

Help ensure your expenses are covered if you get sick or injured

Learn More

*Home and auto insurance products are distributed by RBC Insurance Agency Ltd. and underwritten by Aviva General Insurance Company. In Quebec, RBC Insurance Agency Ltd. Is registered as a damage insurance agency. As a result of government-run auto insurance plans, auto insurance is not available through RBC Insurance in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and British Columbia.

This article is intended as general information only and is not to be relied upon as constituting legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. Information presented is believed to be factual and up-to-date but we do not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or any of its affiliates.

Share This Article

Topics:

Mental Health Relationships

Read This Next

Appointing a legal guardian for your children can offer some reassurance if something unexpected were to happen to you. Taking the time to research and thoroughly plan for this decision is important; this person should be someone you trust unequivocally, and someone you believe will raise your child with the same values and lifestyle that you would provide. In addition to drafting a will that names your chosen guardian, a life insurance policy may provide a financial cushion for your child, and a living trust is another option to help safeguard their future.

As you investigate the process of designating a legal guardian, here are the most important things to consider.

Choosing a Guardian

The primary issue to consider with legal guardianship is who will act as guardian.

Sounding out family members and friends can give you an idea of whom in your inner circle may be willing and able to accept a guardianship role if necessary. If you have more than one person you are considering and has expressed interest, these questions can be helpful in making a decision on guardianship:

  • Is this person someone whom you trust?
  • Does your child (or children) trust this person, and do they have a close relationship with them?
  • Is this person equipped mentally, emotionally and financially to handle the responsibility of raising a child full time?
  • Are they committed to continuing to raise the child the way you and your child are most comfortable with? For example, would the child be able to go to the same school, attend the same church, take part in the same activities, and be able to maintain their circle of friends?
  • Where would the child live? Would the legal guardian move into your home or would the child move into theirs?
  • Ultimately, who would be best for your child?

If you have two people who would be a great fit and want to be assigned guardianship, you might give them the choice of being a primary guardian or a successor guardian. The successor guardian can take over if the primary guardian isn’t able to continue caring for your child.

How Will My Child Be Supported Financially?

Planning with a guardian in mind is generally focused on providing the financial means to cover the expenses associated with raising children. Ask yourself:

  • What assets or resources do you have in place to pay for the child’s care? (This might include bank accounts, trust accounts, life insurance benefits, custodial accounts, an RESP or an RRSP.)
  • Who would have control over these assets? Would you want the legal guardian to have direct access to the money or would you rather have someone else in charge of financial decisions, such as your lawyer or financial advisor?
  • How do you want those assets to be used for your child’s care? For example, should a set amount be put aside to help with post-secondary costs?
  • How much will the legal guardian need to pay for your child’s care on a day-to-day basis and are the assets you have in place enough?

The assets you already have may give your legal guardian a good starting point for caring for your child financially, but look at your plan overall to see what else you may need.

Life insurance, for instance, may help. Your policy may be used to pay for funeral and burial expenses, but a life insurance benefit can also provide your child’s legal guardian with money to cover basic living expenses or pay for other costs, such as post-secondary education

When buying life insurance, there are three key questions to ask:

In choosing a beneficiary, remember that you can’t name your minor child directly. You could, however, name their legal guardian or a trustee if you’ve established a living trust on your child’s behalf. With a living trust, the trustee is bound to manage any assets transferred to the trust according to your specific wishes.

Review The Plan You Made for Your Child’s Guardian Regularly

A legal guardianship plan isn’t necessarily set in stone. Life changes or financial changes, such as having another child or inheriting a large amount of money, could require an update to your plan.

Even if you don’t experience those kinds of situations, it’s a good idea to check in with your guardianship plan at least once per year. Review your will and trust documents if you’ve established a trust. Check your life insurance coverage to make sure that it’s still sufficient to pay for your child’s care.

Finally, check in with the person you’ve chosen as a legal guardian to make sure they’re still comfortable with, and capable of, caring for your child. Ideally, they’ll never need to step into that role, but you want to be sure that they’re prepared to do so if necessary.

When it’s feasible, make some time to speak with your lawyer about a will and assigning a legal guardian and speak to an RBC Insurance advisor to discuss the best options for your family’s needs.

 

RBC Life Insurance

Protect Your Loved Ones With Dependable Life Insurance

Learn More

*Home and auto insurance products are distributed by RBC Insurance Agency Ltd. and underwritten by Aviva General Insurance Company. In Quebec, RBC Insurance Agency Ltd. Is registered as a damage insurance agency. As a result of government-run auto insurance plans, auto insurance is not available through RBC Insurance in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and British Columbia.

This article is intended as general information only and is not to be relied upon as constituting legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. Information presented is believed to be factual and up-to-date but we do not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or any of its affiliates.

Share This Article

Topics:

Parenting Relationships Wealth Management

Read This Next

While it may be admirable to resolve to kick a bad habit or work to improve a particular area of your life, it can be tough to make big changes quickly.

Taking time out for yourself to focus on self-improvement, growth and happiness is vital. Here’s a tip, consider not tackling everything at once. Instead, take small steps toward changes that you can stick to over time.

How to Build a Habit: Start Small

There’s no shortage of information out there on how to build habits. What most of those articles, books and guides have in common is the recommendation to start small.

Writer James Clear explains that you should not only start with a small step forward, but also an easy one. He points to research that says willpower is like a muscle, and you can wear it out.

To solve the problem, says Clear, “Pick a new habit that is easy enough that you don’t need motivation to do it.” From there, keep it small! Clear’s next step is to improve gradually by looking for one percent gains, not massive leaps of progress.

Clear also suggests breaking habits up into bite-sized pieces (like meditating twice a day for 10 minutes per session, rather than sitting down for 20 minutes once) and letting go of perfection. Overall consistency, he says, is more important than never making a mistake.

Tiny Changes Can Transform Your Life

Not sure where to start? Consider some of these easy ways you can incorporate positive change into your life, and make self-improvement a daily habit:

Want to learn something new? Do a lesson a day. Belle Beth Cooper of Buffer shared how she learned French by using the Duolingo app — and committing to one 5-minute lesson every morning.

Read more, one page at a time. Many people want to read more, but find picking up and finishing an entire book a little daunting. Don’t worry about the whole book. Just read one page every day until reading becomes a habit.

Add more good stuff in (rather than trying to restrict the bad). If you want to make a lifestyle change with your diet, focus on trying one new healthy food every week — then put that food into your normal rotation. The more good you add in, the less room there is for poorer dietary choices.

Contribute more to savings and investments, a little at a time. You know you want to save a certain percentage of your income each month for the future. You don’t have to do it all at once; try to increase your savings by just one percent each month!

Cut back on spending (but don’t feel like you need to eliminate everything). Love your daily latte? Try simply cutting back to treating yourself on a Monday to get your week started, rather than buying a takeaway coffee every day — then take the money you didn’t spend and save it instead!

Pick a Monthly Theme for Self Improvement

Not everything can be broken down into micro-steps toward progress.

If you do set one of those big audacious goals for yourself, consider how you can break the challenge down month by month. This gives you a 30-day window in which to focus on a specific aspect of your larger goal.

Choosing to completely revamp your health and fitness routine, for example, is a massive undertaking. But you can break it down by assigning a specific goal to each month.

Month one, you might commit to abstaining from alcohol and desserts. Month two, you could dedicate yourself to cooking at least 80 percent of your meals at home from whole foods (not processed, prepackaged dinners). Month three, you might want to commit to hitting the gym 4 times per week — and so on throughout the year.

Or, perhaps you want to get serious about your finances. Month one might be a time to review your situation and make a game plan. Month two could be devoted to tracking your spending and keeping to a detailed budget. Month three might call for a list of financial to-do’s that will help you reach success, like getting life insurance coverage or building an emergency fund.

There’s nothing wrong with setting giant goals for progress — just make sure you find some way to break them down into manageable pieces. Take it one step at a time, and you’ll be on your way to creating habits that stick and changes that leave you feeling happier and more successful.

Having issues with procrastination? Check out this article to help fight procrastination.

 

RBC Life Insurance

Protect Your Loved Ones With Dependable Life Insurance

Learn More

*Home and auto insurance products are distributed by RBC Insurance Agency Ltd. and underwritten by Aviva General Insurance Company. In Quebec, RBC Insurance Agency Ltd. Is registered as a damage insurance agency. As a result of government-run auto insurance plans, auto insurance is not available through RBC Insurance in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and British Columbia.

This article is intended as general information only and is not to be relied upon as constituting legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. Information presented is believed to be factual and up-to-date but we do not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or any of its affiliates.

Share This Article

Topics:

Health and Wellness Mental Health

Read This Next

According to a 2018 survey of more than 2,000 Canadian internet users by Public Safety Canada, between 5% and 12% of Canadians have experienced identity theft and financial loss as a result of online activity. One of the reasons identity theft isn’t higher, despite the volume of online shoppers, is an increased digital literacy surrounding protecting data online. According to the report, eight out of ten Canadian internet users say they think it’s important to protect their personal information online.

While shoppers increase their online shopping literacy, scam artists and fraudsters evolve the ways they steal personal data. Here are seven tips to help you stay ahead in safeguarding your information while shopping online.

1. Look for “https” in the address bar

One of the simplest ways to help protect yourself while shopping online can be to make sure there’s an “https” and a lock icon in the address bar. Websites with “https” and the lock icon in the address bar use technologies like Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) or Transport Layer Security (TLS) to encrypt information sent through it, like your credit card number, making it more difficult for hackers to steal.

2. Use public WiFi with caution

Free public WiFi can be the Holy Grail for comparison shoppers, but when it comes to buying online, convenience can quickly dissipate into disaster. Public WiFi can be unsecured or use shared passwords, making it easier for malicious hackers to capture your information before it’s encrypted, even if you are using an “https” site.

Another way they could steal your data is by setting up fake “free WiFi” accounts mimicking the store you’re in. It may look legitimate, but you’ll have no way of knowing if nefarious data collection is going on behind the scenes. If you’re planning on doing online banking or shopping, avoid public WiFi and wait until you’re home.

3. Avoid setting up an account for easy checkout

Online retailers often offer to save your information, “For easier checkout next time.” While this can be convenient and streamline the shopping process down the road, no retailer can be completely immune from data breaches. One way to protect your identity is to avoid setting up an account altogether and checkout, “As a guest.” When accounts are necessary, use a password that includes a long string of random letters, numbers, and symbols.

4. Use a credit card with identity protection

Credit cards, generally speaking, tend to provider better security for consumers when shopping online, especially when combined with identity protection. If a thief somehow steals your number and is able to use it, you can report the incident and have your credit card provider investigate. Identity protection services, like FirstReport, provides monitoring from both Equifax Canada and TransUnion Canada, so you get early warning of potential identity theft, no matter which credit bureau the warning originates from.

5. Get an extra layer of protection with Verified by Visa

Like https, Verified by Visa offers another layer of protection, asking you to punch in your Verified by Visa password in order to confirm your identity. Many major retailers like Best Buy and IKEA include Verified by Visa protection for online shopping.

6. Make online purchases with pre-paid Visa Gift Cards

For those without credit cards, pre-paid Visa Gift Cards can be a game-changer; and they can be a good way to thwart scam artists. Like any gift card, funds can be loaded onto the pre-paid Visa with the added bonus that it can be used anywhere Visa cards are accepted including online, by phone or in-store. Once the funds are depleted the card is no longer functional; the cards also store no personal information and can be replaced if lost or stolen.

7. Review your credit statements for suspicious transactions

In addition to ensuring you’re secure while shopping, you should also keep tabs on how your card is being used so you can spot any suspicious transactions. While most cards offer alerts or notifications when a big purchase is made, be sure to review your account balance and credit card statements frequently (at least once a month) to ensure unknown transactions aren’t slipping by. Call your financial services provider if you notice anything “off” in your statements.

There’s no question online shopping is here to stay. But don’t let the convenience of buying online turn into the inconvenience and potential financial fallout of losing your identity.

Understanding the different parts of your insurance policy can be confusing. We’ll help you get it.

Contact an RBC Insurance Advisor to learn more. Call 1-877-749-7224. Call 1-877-749-7224.

Great Rates and Expert Advice on Home Insurance

Get a free online quote* for coverage to protect you, your property, and your belongings from the unexpected.

Learn More

*Home and auto insurance products are distributed by RBC Insurance Agency Ltd. and underwritten by Aviva General Insurance Company. In Quebec, RBC Insurance Agency Ltd. Is registered as a damage insurance agency. As a result of government-run auto insurance plans, auto insurance is not available through RBC Insurance in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and British Columbia.

This article is intended as general information only and is not to be relied upon as constituting legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. Information presented is believed to be factual and up-to-date but we do not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or any of its affiliates.

Share This Article

Topics:

Security

Read This Next

Do you think life insurance is only for someone older than you? Or that it’s only something you need to think about when you’re married or start a family? Turns out, now might be the opportune time for you to get a policy.

Here are six reasons why getting life insurance earlier makes sense. 

1. Cheaper Premiums

There are many factors that affect life insurance premiums but your age and your health are arguably two top determinants, so why not lock in low premiums now? When you buy a term policy the rate is set and you pay the same premium for the duration of your policy term.

Some policies allow you to add on extra insurance later on or extend the life of your term policy if you need to. Sitting with an insurance advisor can help you determine what makes the most sense for your current lifestyle and life plans.

2. While You’re Still Eligible

Certain illnesses or health conditions can render you ineligible for most life insurance policies. Taking advantage of the now, while you’re hopefully still healthy, might prove to be beneficial. If you wait until later on in life, and unfortunately get sick in that time, you may no longer be eligible.

3. You Own – Or Plan To Buy – A Home

Being a homeowner is a great accomplishment, you have an asset you should be proud of. When you die however, the last thing you want is to leave a family member with the burden of paying for your home. That’s why having life insurance in place that can pay off the mortgage balance is important.

Buying a term life insurance policy to pay off your mortgage or adding to an existing term, permanent, or universal policies to cover the cost of your home may help protect your family.

4. You’re Getting Married Or Starting A Family Someday

Taking care of your family is important. Having a life insurance policy in place will help ensure that if something happens to you, you’ve equipped your family with the financial support they may need to stay in your current home, keep up with day-to-day expenses, help cover debt, and more. Most families budget and plan their lifestyles based on both incomes so a sudden and unexpected change in those plans could leave your spouse in financial hardship.

5. You’re Looking To Invest

Certain types of permanent life insurance policies can be used as a means to invest or save. A whole life or universal life policy are the two primary types of permanent insurance that allow you to accumulate investments inside the policy. With some participating whole life policies, you’re also entitled to dividends from the insurance company.

Two pros with these policies are one, your investment grows in a tax-sheltered basis within the policy. The second is that you can borrow against your life insurance policy’s cash value if you need money to, for example, buy a home, cover unexpected medical expenses or pay for your child’s education.

6. You Have Student Loans

If you have student loans, you may want to consider getting life insurance. While government student loans forgive your debt if you die, private student loans may become the responsibility of a co-signer in the event that something happens to you.

Since most people take out student loans when they’re relatively young and healthy, you may be able to get an inexpensive term life insurance policy to cover the value of your student loans during the standard 10-year repayment plan.

Different choices or plans for your life could determine when, how much and what kind of life insurance would make sense for you. The earlier you get a policy may help you save money, plan for your family and invest in your future.

Do you have questions about life insurance? We can help you get it. Speak to an RBC Insurance advisor.

Or call us at 1-866-223-7113.

Or call us at 1-866-223-7113.

 

RBC Life Insurance

Protect Your Loved Ones With Dependable Life Insurance

Learn More

*Home and auto insurance products are distributed by RBC Insurance Agency Ltd. and underwritten by Aviva General Insurance Company. In Quebec, RBC Insurance Agency Ltd. Is registered as a damage insurance agency. As a result of government-run auto insurance plans, auto insurance is not available through RBC Insurance in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and British Columbia.

This article is intended as general information only and is not to be relied upon as constituting legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. Information presented is believed to be factual and up-to-date but we do not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or any of its affiliates.

Share This Article

Topics:

Family Home Work Life

Read This Next

Swear you’ll start it tomorrow? You may not be alone. 58% of Canadians are kept awake at night worrying about what would happen to their family’s finances if they weren’t around to provide for them, according to a 2018 poll conducted by Ipsos on behalf of RBC Insurance. And yet, only 4-in-10 say they planned ahead by getting life insurance.

Here are four things you may be thinking, and how to stop listening if a little voice is saying “You can put it off until later.”

“I’m too tired.”

When the daily grind slows to a halt and the kids are finally in bed, it can be hard to muster the energy to think strategically about tomorrow, let alone twenty years from now. Research released in 2017 by workflow management software company, Redbooth, indicates that nighttime may not be the right time to tackle a big project. Data collected over two years from the company’s hundreds of thousands of users, shows a surge in task completion between 9-11 am, a drop after lunch, and a significant decline after 4 pm. Make time to look at important issues.

“I’m overwhelmed.”

[quote-callout content=”Breaking down difficult tasks into manageable sub-goals might be the difference between getting started and staying stuck.” display=”all” position=”right”]

If the big picture seems too big, try starting small. Breaking down difficult tasks into manageable sub-goals might be the difference between getting started and staying stuck. If you have a goal of losing 50 lbs, as an example, start off by planning out the first 10 lbs, then reset your goals once that milestone was met.

“I’m too distracted.”

Turns out, phones may be making it harder to concentrate on the task at hand. A 2017 study published in the Journal of the Association for Consumer Research, measured participants’ cognitive capacity when their smartphones were on their desks, in their bags or pockets, or in another room. Results showed that the greater the distance placed between a person and their phone, even when not in use, the higher levels of working memory and fluid intelligence they displayed.

“I find it boring.”

Organizing your finances or planning for the future doesn’t have to spark joy, but that doesn’t mean it has to be a snore either. Upping the fun factor may make the process more enjoyable and leave you less prone to procrastination. If music’s your jam, crank it up! The right music may be a major motivator, producing power-related cognition and behaviors, including abstract thinking and making a first move according to a 2014 study by researchers at Northwestern University. If a little air makes you feel fresher, open a window or step outside. In 2017 researchers from Harvard, Syracuse University, and SUNY, found that increased ventilation resulted in better decision making, planning, preparation, and strategizing among workers.

“I don’t know where to start.”

Even when you can see the finish line, the starting line might not be totally clear, especially when it comes to something as important as planning for your family’s future. Start by making a small goal and work towards that first. Check out this article on how tiny changes can help transform your life.

 

RBC Insurance

We make it easy to find expert advice, money-saving tips, and a range of insurance options for every moment of life.

*Home and auto insurance products are distributed by RBC Insurance Agency Ltd. and underwritten by Aviva General Insurance Company. In Quebec, RBC Insurance Agency Ltd. Is registered as a damage insurance agency. As a result of government-run auto insurance plans, auto insurance is not available through RBC Insurance in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and British Columbia.

This article is intended as general information only and is not to be relied upon as constituting legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. Information presented is believed to be factual and up-to-date but we do not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or any of its affiliates.

Share This Article

Topics:

Mental Health

Read This Next