I will never give in to old age
until I become old.
And I’m not old yet!
~ Tina Turner
American – Musician / November 26, 1939 – May 24, 2023
Porte Ponderings:
On the last Sunday of November I thought I’d pause to reflect on the quickly passing month.
My husband has been having health issues and needed to go to Victoria Hospital for nuclear testing. While I was waiting for him, a man came in, apologized for being late and explained to the nurses that he couldn’t stay for testing because he didn’t have the money for a bus pass and he was just using a transfer to stop in. They didn’t give out bus passes at that department. So I spoke up and said if they could still fit him in I would give him the money for a bus pass. They were able to accommodate him, so I gave him a $20 bill and said to enjoy lunch as well. We are so lucky we don’t have to worry about having enough money to buy a bus pass.
Meanwhile, I had to get a new hearing aid. The reconditioned one from my husband was no longer able to be re-programmed. Darn they are expensive. CAA discount was $1,400 so my advice it to get a CAA membership if you need a hearing aid. The Ontario Government kicks in $500. My medical plan is supposed to also pay $800 (every 5 years), but I still don’t have an approved claim from them. Insurance companies don’t stay in business by saying yes, but it’s very disappointing that they take the full 2 weeks before they let you know you’ve been approved or need more information. Although the remainder can be deducted on my income tax, you still have to put the cash out and only get a portion back.
On that note, I started to compile our medical expenses for the year. We have spent a record amount. I can’t imagine how we would have paid the expenses without our insurance plans. Being over 65 the government pays a large amount of our bills, but because of our income level they don’t pay it all. My private insurance from Canada Post also kicks in a portion of some of the approved items. Then finally because my husband is a Status Indian, his drugs are covered for the remainder (drugs on the approved list). However, the drug plans don’t pay for the electric lift required to get his scooter from place to place. And there is almost $2,000 remaining (if my insurance pays the $800) on my hearing aid. So out of pocket we’ve paid almost $8,000 of qualifying tax deductions this year. We are so fortunate to be able to pay the deductibles and additional costs.
So, instead of going for a vacation this year, I chose to get hearing aids. At least I have that choice.
I also updated my financials for my Photography business. My income and deductions come out even. So I’m not loosing money with my Photography business, but I certainly couldn’t rely on it for my primary source of income. It’s a good thing I have my CPC pension.
I have a birthday party today for my grandson. And am looking forward to spending time with family ❤
Christmas time next month and time to get ready to go south.
Luckily for me, the wonderful young lady who looked after my house last year, is able to do the same this year. The house will be occupied, the cats will have company living in with them, and she has a place to call home for 3 months. I have offered to “rent” a room to her, but she has too much pride to stay here while we are here.
Porte Photos 