Testimonials

I began considering retirement before the pandemic hit. Then last fall after working for over 35 years I retired. I realized this is the first time in my life that I have been presented with a limitless amount of time that was completely unstructured. This was retirement.

I was not sure how to go about preparing for it and then how to plan my life during retirement. 

Despite receiving years of advice from my parents and older friends concerning retirement issues I was unable to pull together a well thought out organized plan.  I knew that I needed guidance in order to make my retirement the best years of my life. After all, this was what I worked for! 

Having spoken to Wendy Lacroix at a Trade Fair for Seniors I knew she was the most knowledgeable and qualified professional to help me with planning for and living my retirement. At the Trade fair Wendy presented with me a book on retirement planning as a starting point. I have since lent it out to coworkers of mine. Although the book helped me plan some things it was not completely comprehensive. I needed personal customized help. 

Looking at what was available for this type of support within Nelson I was happy to engage Wendy to help me construct an organized, progressive plan. 

I recently attended a workshop put on by Wendy covering how to evaluate the needs of one’s living space during retirement and make decisions on where and how to live. 

  The workshop covered how to declutter, organize and eventually downsize one’s residence for retirement.   I found that Wendy was well organized and comprehensive using herself as an example.    Wendy also provided a forum to discuss the ideas of other participants. Wendy was a person I could really relate to. 

Henceforth I look forward to working with Wendy in order to facilitate a customized and practical  retirement for myself. 

Sally Glock

I have known Wendy for many years as we are both members of St. Saviour’s Anglican Church in Nelson. I have always admired and respected Wendy as a community aware person skilled in her caring approach in looking out for others. I know her involvement with the Rotary has been valuable in support of volunteering, especially with youth.

When Wendy wrote the columns in the newspaper about retirement I read every one and often cut them out and made bookmarks, as they have been useful for further reference.  Over the years she has been helping Nelsonites focus and understand the parameters of retirement. I have been actively following her advice and have been decluttering and downsizing many aspects of my life. Last year, my husband and I even sold our wonderful little casita in a pacific coast beach town in Mexico, because it made sense financially and with our ageing concerns, it was the right thing to do! With careful thought we put thousands of dollars into upgrading our mortgage free duplex in Fairview, where we plan to retire in our elder years. In reflection, I am sure that Wendy’s bright light shining on a future reality, helped us make that important decision?

I was grateful that Wendy included me in her email blog and my recently widowed girlfriend and I attended her workshop one Saturday in December 2022. Wendy gave a good session, and offered books for reference. One thing I really liked, is that she offers wisdom by revealing various directions and showing how to answer important questions. She does not tell you what to do, rather she suggests a couple or an individual look at their unique situation, consider the options and she gives the courage to take the steps into a future planned, as best one can. Wendy has gained much knowledge on retirement. Her gentle nature and forth right approach shows her genuine concern to help people look ahead  in their life path.

Submitted by Bonnie Holland, Nelson B.C.