I worked in retail/business banking, finance, and wealth management from 2008 until 2025. I am also one of the few fully licensed financial planners I’ve ever known. (It’s not actually a requirement to work as a financial planner). I have two special needs children who are both diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. After my divorce in 2022, more of the parenting responsibilities fell on me and the banking industry consistently required me to work 50+ hours a week. This put me at odds with my children’s development needs, who were desperate for more at home support. So earlier this year I made the decision to retire from banking and start my own business. I am now self employed and work in the community as a professional behavioural interventionist and respite care provider; a behavioural interventionist and respite care provider specializes in assisting other families, typically also with neuro-diverse children, to meet their family needs. This has been deeply rewarding as a parent and as a job but came with a few sacrifices. Firstly, my overall level of income dramatically declined, secondly the way business income works is that it’s harder to verify on paper. I’ve always been passionate about sustainability and transitioning to a greener lifestyle. I first learned about the greener home loan program when I was inquiring with a local vendor about installing solar panels. It was explained to me that the government would provide financing on the basis of qualifying projects. It was not explained to me that the loan would also be income tested, in order to qualify, my income would have to 44% of my all calculated expenses, which is currently does not.
So this income qualification has sadly eliminated me from the program. Of course I’m still interested in energy efficiency and upgrading my home. I would like to participate in available provincial and other rebate programs if we were to install a qualifying product.
