Managing Blood Sugar Spikes: Supplements vs. Balanced Meals Managing Blood Sugar Spikes: Supplements vs. Balanced Meals — Pros and Cons Blood sugar spikes can cause fatigue, hunger, brain fog, and long-term health issues like insulin resistance and diabetes. Many people seek ways to minimize these spikes, often choosing between taking health supplements or adjusting their meal composition. In this post, I’ll analyze the pros and cons of using dietary supplements to control blood sugar versus focusing on balanced meals rich in fruits, vegetables, proteins, and carbs. Using Health Supplements to Prevent Blood Sugar Spikes Pros: Convenience: Supplements are easy to carry and take anywhere, making them practical especially when on-the-go. Targeted Support: Certain ingredients like cinnamon extract, berberine, or chromium may help support insulin sensitivity and slow carbohydrate absorption. Immediate Effect: Some supplements can provide quick support in controlling ...
Understanding Your RESP Options
Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs) are designed to help parents save for their child’s post-secondary education. But what if your child decides not to attend college or university? Don’t worry—there are several options available to you.
1. Keep the RESP Open
RESP accounts can remain open for up to 35 years. If your child chooses to delay their education, you can keep the account open and wait to see if they decide to enroll later.
2. Transfer the RESP to Another Beneficiary
If you have another child, you may be able to transfer the RESP funds to their account, provided they are eligible. This allows you to still take advantage of the savings without penalties.
3. Use the RESP for Another Child’s Education
If you have multiple children, you may be able to use the RESP savings for another child who is pursuing post-secondary education. Family RESPs allow you to allocate funds among beneficiaries without losing government grants, as long as the new beneficiary is eligible.
4. Withdraw Your Contributions
You can withdraw your original contributions (principal) tax-free. However, government grants and investment earnings are subject to certain conditions.
5. Return the Government Grants
If the RESP is not used for education, the Canadian Education Savings Grant (CESG) and other government incentives must be returned.
6. Transfer to an RRSP
In some cases, you can transfer up to $50,000 of the investment earnings from an RESP to your Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) tax-free if you have sufficient contribution room.
7. Withdraw as an Accumulated Income Payment (AIP)
If no eligible students use the RESP, you can withdraw the earnings as an AIP. However, these withdrawals are subject to income tax and an additional 20% penalty.