Jacqueline

Q: So glad we came across SoloMag.com.  Why do you think it is so important to offer this type of resource?

The population seems to be steadily growing in the singles category and I believe it’s important to encourage single women to really focus on themselves instead of putting so much pressure on them to meet someone and settle down. Marriage isn’t necessarily for everyone and while I hope that our readers all find happiness and contentment in whatever lifestyle they choose – I also want to encourage them to embrace their single status and take advantage of it. Relationships are work – including the one you have with yourself. It’s important to do the things that make you happy with no regrets, and waiting for Mr. Right to do the big things that you dream about might cause you to miss out entirely.

Q: What is the number one request you receive from your readers and how do you service their needs?
More content around single women who are living a fulfilling single life and more resources and information for things they can do alone – travel, child-rearing, etc. So we look at providing more profiles and articles that focus on these women and their situations. I think we all need to feel a sense of community – especially when being single can make you feel alone at times. Solomag is hoping to help build a community for single women.

Q: What percentage of Canadians is single and why do you this is a lifestyle shift for many individuals?
I saw a stat in the National Post (Canadian newspaper) a few years ago; at the time it was a shockingly high number – 51%.  We look at this number not as a rising number due to lack of opportunity to meet someone but rather we are starting to see that there are so many things we can do on our own and we have so much more freedom to do so (traveling for work, relocating, taking the trip of your dreams the way you want it to be, etc). Women’s attitudes are changing when it comes to partnerships and settling down. We are no longer willing to settle in order to have the traditional family role. The family role model is changing as well. So women are willing to take bigger risks in order to lead their lives the way they want. This doesn’t mean they aren’t interested in meeting someone and partnering up. It means they are looking for a partner who will enhance and add value to their lives instead of becoming the center of their existence.

Q: What are some of the obstacles - -  legal, medical and financial - -  that unmarried individuals face in Canada, and are any reform policies being implemented to better accommodate their needs?
If you click here and read the article "Through sickness and through health" we see that the government is starting to recognize the lifestyle of singles, especially when it comes to health care. Singles are now able to take advantage of Compassionate Care if they or a loved one becomes devastatingly ill and need someone to help them. A big fear of singles is being alone during a situation like this but they can now designate a close friend or family member to help with that role.

Financially there are the usual hurdles of trying to get a mortgage on a single income and even more challenging is trying to get a mortgage as a small business owner on a single income. Financial Institutions are only just starting to really recognize this market through their products.

Single women managing it all on a single income are less likely to spend their money on financial advice. We are also not the best at budgeting our finances because it takes away all of the fun. We work hard and we deserve to play hard and pamper ourselves.

Financial institutions now have built in calculators to help us to take a pulse check on your financial health. Automatic payments into RRSP programs are helpful in forcing us to put money towards our retirement. Most importantly though, we need to be more educated in stocks, bonds and investing overall. There is a real need for more education outside of industry courses.


Q: Who are some of the most inspiring local singles that you have had the good fortune of interviewing?
Jennifer Galardi who is a very spirited workout diva, talented entrepreneur and nationally recognized star of six best-selling dance/fitness DVD's. She is motivated and makes exercising fun. She’s also American!

Erin Bolger is Canada’s own Pastry Pro and has recently launched her incredibly funny and very tasty book – The Happy Baker – A Girls Guide to Emotional Baking. This is a great cookbook for single women that teaches the joys of baking - with some fabulously witty recipe names. She recently won the Gourmand Cookbook award for best dessert cookbook in Canada.

I have had the pleasure of interviewing so many inspiring women who took great risks to pursue their dreams. We profile them in our Career section under “Solo Profiles.” They all fill me with admiration, hope and possibility!

Q: In terms of solo travel, what are some must-see off-the-radar cities or spots you recommend to those planning to visit?
If you’re coming to Canada you should always try to find those places that are off the beaten path. In Ontario and British Columbia – don’t miss out on wine country. Experience great wines and the vineyards are always putting on some great events such as Yoga in the Vineyard or Shakespeare in the Vines. Prince Edward County is just south of Ottawa and is rich with beauty, culture and a list of things to do that will keep you occupied for days.  Old Quebec City is just glorious – beautiful architecture, rich Quebec culture and history and fabulous food and wine! The best thing to do when coming to Canada is to try to find some great travel blogs that share real ‘insider’ information. It’s always better to find out where the locals love to eat and play.

Q: Some of the best dating sites are operated out of Canada. Which ones do you recommend to our readers?
Lavalife and eHarmony are the biggest sites that I hear the most about. I have personally been to about 7 Lavalife wedding in the past few years. Online dating is hard and it takes a tough constitution but the proof is in there that it does work for some.

Q: Any special events or promotions you would like to pass on to our readers?
Nothing at the moment but I will be doing a lingerie give away – I will have this info by early next week.

Q: Any other words of wisdom?
You may not be single forever so embrace it and enjoy the freedom while you have it because if you can’t enjoy spending time with yourself – how can you expect anyone else to enjoy spending time with you? My mom told me that and it has been the most valuable advice I ever received.