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Latest News

2024 Year-End Tax Tips and Strategies for Business Owners

Discover essential 2024 tax strategies tailored for business owners! From optimizing compensation and preserving the Small Business Deduction to maximizing the Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption, these tips can help save on taxes while planning for your business's future.

2024 Personal Year End Tax Tips

Get ready for tax season with our 2024 guide! Discover actionable tips for families, retirees, students, and investors, including insights on TFSAs, RRSPs, capital gains changes, and much more. Don’t miss these strategies to make the most of your tax year.

Renewing Your Group Benefits Plan

Is it time to renew your group benefits plan? Discover how to maximize this opportunity by refining health, dental, and specialty coverages, staying on budget, and keeping your team’s priorities at the forefront.

Embracing a Work Optional Lifestyle in Retirement

"Discover the modern retirement trend - a work-optional lifestyle! Achieve financial freedom, pursue passions, and enjoy flexibility in your golden years.

Different types of life insurance explained

Whether you already have life insurance or are looking to get some, it’s essential to be familiar with the four most common kinds of life insurance available. Getting the best type of life insurance for you ensures that you are getting the coverage you want while providing financial protection for you and your family. These are the four most common kinds of life insurance: • Term life insurance • Permanent life insurance • Participating life insurance • Universal life insurance

What is disability insurance?

Discover how disability insurance can safeguard your income if you're unable to work due to injury or illness. Learn about the benefits, how it works, and why it's crucial for everyone, especially the self-employed.

Getting Ready for Money Emergencies

Facing unexpected financial emergencies? An emergency fund acts as your financial safety net, ensuring peace of mind without dipping into savings or incurring debt. Start small, build steadily.

Network of Professionals

As a financial advisor, my primary goal is to help you achieve financial clarity by accessing a network of dedicated professionals. Together, we provide personalized advice and services to help you make informed decisions and secure your future. Think of me as your financial coordinator, ensuring every aspect of your financial life works smoothly.

Empowering Your Family’s Financial Future: A Comprehensive Guide to Budgeting

Secure your family's financial future with effective budgeting. Learn how to gain financial clarity, achieve your goals, and prepare for emergencies in our comprehensive guide.

Stay Ahead in 2024: A Comprehensive Checklist for Federal Tax Updates

Explore the upcoming 2024 Canadian tax changes affecting investors, business owners, and high-net-worth individuals. From capital gains adjustments to new incentives, stay informed with our comprehensive checklist.

2024 Federal Budget Highlights

On April 16, 2024, Canada's Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Chrystia Freeland, presented the federal budget. While there are no changes to federal personal or corporate tax rates, the budget introduces: • An increase in the portion of capital gains subject to tax, rising from 50% to 66.67%, starting June 25, 2024. However, individual gains up to $250,000 annually will retain the 50% rate. • The lifetime exemption limit for capital gains has been raised to $1.25 million. Additionally, a new one-third inclusion rate is set for up to $2 million in capital gains for entrepreneurs. • The budget confirms the alternative minimum tax changes planned for January 1, 2024 but lessens their impact on charitable contributions. • This year's budget emphasizes making housing more affordable. It provides incentives for building rental properties specifically designed for long-term tenants. • Introduces new support measures to aid people buying their first homes. • Costs for specific patents and tech equipment and software can now be written off immediately. • Canada carbon rebate for small business

Tax tips to know before filing your 2023 income tax

Unlock the secrets to maximizing your 2023 tax returns with our essential guide. From the new Advanced Canada Workers Benefit to crucial deductions for families, ensure you're not leaving money on the table this tax season.

Exploring the Value of Group Benefit Plans for Your Employees

Unlock the potential of group benefits! Enhance employee well-being, reduce turnover, and boost your business with customized plans. Learn more.

TFSA vs RRSP – 2024

When looking to save money in a tax-efficient manner, Tax-Free Savings Accounts (TFSA) and Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSP) can offer significant tax benefits. The main difference between the two is that TFSAs are ideal for short-term goals, such as saving for a down payment on a house or a vacation, as its growth is entirely tax-free, while RRSPs are more suitable for long-term goals such as retirement. When comparing deposit differences, TFSAs have a limit of $7,000 for the current year, while RRSPs have a limit of 18% of your pre-tax income from the previous year, with a maximum limit of $31,560. In terms of withdrawals, TFSAs have no conversion requirements and withdrawals are tax-free, while RRSPs must be converted to a Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF) at age 71 and withdrawals are taxed as income.

2024 Financial Calendar

Stay ahead in 2024 with our comprehensive financial calendar! From tax filing to benefit distributions, we guide you through key dates like the $7,000 TFSA contribution and $8,000 First Home Savings Account. Bookmark now for a financially savvy year!

2023 Year-End Tax Tips and Strategies for Business Owners

Maximize your tax benefits as a business owner in 2023! Learn key strategies for salary vs. dividends, passive investments, and more.

2023 Personal Year-End Tax Tips

Maximize your tax savings! Discover expert tips on investments, family deductions, retirement, and more in our latest article.

Understanding Tax-Free Savings Accounts (TFSAs)

A Tax-Free Savings Account is a powerful tool to help you achieve your financial goals. Whether you're saving for a new home, planning for retirement, or investing in your children's education, a TFSA can be a valuable part of your financial strategy. The flexibility and tax advantages it offers make it a great choice for many Canadians. Remember, the sooner you start, the more time your investments have to grow tax-free. Every dollar counts when you're planning for the future, and a TFSA can help you make the most of your savings. Don't wait until tomorrow to start planning for your future. Contact us today to begin your journey to financial security today.

Protecting Key Talent using Group Benefits

Unlocking Success: The Power of Group Benefits in Safeguarding Your Key Talent Discover the secrets to retaining your organization's most valuable employees and gaining a competitive edge in today's dynamic job market. Learn how group benefits play a crucial role in fostering a knowledgeable and engaged workforce. From comprehensive health coverage to career development opportunities, this article unveils the keys to a sustainable future. Don't miss out on the chance to build a stronger, more prosperous tomorrow for your company. Read on and unlock the potential of group benefits!

What is Critical Illness Insurance?

More people are surviving serious medical issues such as cancer, a heart attack, or a stroke. And while this is good news if a critical illness happens to you – your recovery may come with costs that you don’t have the money to cover. This is where critical illness insurance can play a crucial role. Our article covers the key things you need to know about critical illness insurance: • What critical illness insurance is. • What you can use the money from critical illness insurance payout for. • How you can get critical illness insurance.

Investment Planning

We all have a different purpose or objective, be it saving for a house, your child’s future education or even for your retirement and we will be able to support you in choosing the most appropriate investments for your own situation.

First Home Savings Account (FHSA): What You Need to Know

Are you looking to buy your first home in Canada? The First Home Savings Account (FHSA) could help make it happen. This savings plan allows first-time home buyers to save up to $40,000 tax-free, with contributions being tax-deductible. In this article and infographic, we cover everything you need to know about FHSA, including eligibility requirements, contributions and deductions, qualifying investments, withdrawals, and transfers.

Tax Tips You Need To Know Before Filing Your 2022 Taxes

It’ll be time to file your 2022 taxes soon, and you must take advantage of every tax credit and deduction you can! Our article covers the following: • Canada Workers Benefit. • Claiming home office expenses. • The tax deduction for zero-emissions vehicles. • Return Of Fuel Charge Proceeds To Farmers Tax Credit. • Eligible Educator School Supply Tax Credit.

Alberta 2023 Budget Highlights

On February 28, 2023, the Alberta Minister of Finance announced the 2023 budget. We have highlighted the most important financial measures you need to know, with an emphasis on the following: • Tax credits. • Decreased education property tax. • Investing in education, tourism and infrastructure.

Financial Advice for Business Owners

We can help you determine where you are today financially and where you want to go. We can provide you guidance on how to reach your short, medium and long term financial goals.

Do you have enough for retirement?

Many of us dream of the day that we can retire and have the time to ourselves that we have dreamed of for so many years. But, to have a genuinely contented and relaxing retirement, you need to ensure that you have the means to afford it. So, now's the best time to consider the three critical stages of retirement planning. 1) Accumulation 2) Pre-retirement 3) Retirement

2022 Year End Tax Tips and Strategies for Business Owners

The end of 2022 is quickly approaching – which means for business owners, it's time to review tax tips and strategies to maximize your benefits.

Insurance Planning for Incorporated Professionals

For incorporated professionals, making sure your business is financially protected can be overwhelming. Incorporated Professionals face a unique set of challenges when it comes to managing risk. Insurance can play an important role.

Don’t lose all your hard-earned money to taxes

It’s essential to manage your tax planning properly – both while you are living and for after your death. You want as much of your money as possible to go to your beneficiaries, not the government. Our article contains three tips to help you do that: 1. Learn how to make the most of the lifetime capital gains exemption. 2. Figure out ways to decrease your end-of-life tax bill. 3. Look into Immediate Financing Arrangements.

Five Ways To Withdraw Money From Your Business In A Tax-Efficient Manner

You have worked long and hard to build up your business, and now you are ready to withdraw money from your business' bank account. But you don't want to get hit with a huge tax bill. So here are 5 ways to withdraw money from your business in a tax-efficient manner.

Financial Advice for Incorporated Professionals

We can help you determine where you are today financially and where you want to go. We can provide you guidance on how to reach your short, medium and long term financial goals.

Why Insurance Is So Important If You’re A Single Parent

Being a single parent is a lot of responsibility. Learn how the right types of insurance can provide you and your family with the financial protection they need.

2022 Federal Budget Highlights

On April 7, 2022, the Federal Government released their 2022 budget. Our article contains highlights of the various financial measures in this budget, divided into these sections: • Housing • Alternative minimum tax • Dental care • Small businesses • Tradespeople • Canada Growth Fund • Climate • Bank and insurer taxes

2021 Income Tax Year Tips

It’ll be time to file your 2021 taxes soon, and you must take advantage of every tax credit and deduction that you can. Our article includes information on a variety of subjects you need to know about, including what to do if you’ve had to repay COVID-19 benefits, how to plan ahead if you’re self-employed or retiring soon, and what you need to know if you have a home office or employer-provided benefits.

The Five Steps to Investment Planning

An investment advisor can help you figure out what the right investment choices are for you. The five steps to investment planning are: • Meeting your investment advisor • Determining your goals and expectations • Developing your investment plan • Implementing your investment plan • Monitoring the plan The sooner you start planning for retirement, the sooner you can get there! An investment advisor can help you get there quicker.

Estate Planning for Business Owners

What happens when the children grow up and they are no longer dependent on their parents? What happens to your other "baby"- the business? Estate planning for business owners deals with the personal and business assets.

Estate Freeze

No business owner likes to think about handing over their business they've built from the ground up. But the fact of the matter is, you will have to do it eventually. Even more concerning, what if you were to become ill or incapacitated? Making a decision of this magnitude during trying times would not be ideal. For the business owner, an estate freeze can be an integral part of your estate planning strategy. The purpose of an estate freeze is to lock-in (freeze) the value of the business, freeing the successor from the tax liability that may arise should the business' value increase.

Life Insurance after 60- is it necessary?

You may have had life insurance for as long as you can remember. You knew it was important to make sure that your family would be taken care of and be able to pay their bills if anything happened to you. But now that you’re over 60, your children are grown, and your mortgage is paid off, you may feel you don’t need life insurance anymore. However, there are some circumstances under which it may still make sense for you to have life insurance: • You still have substantial debt. • You have dependent children or grandchildren. • You want to be able to leave a financial legacy.

Federal Budget 2021 Highlights

On April 19, 2021, the Federal Government released their 2021 budget. Our article contains highlights of the various financial measures in this budget, divided into three different sections: • Business Highlights, including an extension to COVID-19 Emergency Business Supports, new programs to support job creation, and a change in interest deductibility limits. • Individual Highlights, including details on the tax treatment and repayment of personal COVID-19 benefits (such as CERB), eligibility changes to the Disability Tax Credit, an increase in OAS for those 75 and up, and support for job skills retraining. • Additional Highlights, including a proposed federal minimum wage of $15, changes to the GST New Housing Rebate conditions, and new or increased taxes in areas such as luxury goods, tobacco, and Canadian housing owned by non-resident foreign owners.

What’s new for the 2021 tax-filing season?

Tax season is upon us once again. But since 2020 was a year like no other, the 2021 tax-filing season will also be different. Due to all the changes in both where and how Canadians worked, the Canadian government has introduced some new tax credits and deductions to keep pace with these changes. Our article covers all of the following: • How to claim home office expenses • The new Canada Training Credit • Pandemic emergency funds • New digital news subscription tax credit

Accessing Corporate Earnings

One of the financial planning issues that business owners face is how to access their corporate earnings in a tax efficient way. Please contact us to learn how we can get more money in your pocket than in the government's.

Importance of a Buy-Sell Agreement

Working as a partnership between 2 or more individuals is never an easy task, and the situation only gets more complicated when one or more of them exits the business. Protecting not only the business, but your personal interests, as well as your family’s future are very important objectives for any business owner, and should not be overlooked.

2021 Financial Calendar

We’ve put together a financial calendar for 2021. It contains all the dates you need to know to make the most of your government benefits and investment options. Whether you want to bookmark this or print it out and post it somewhere prominent, you’ll have everything you need to know in one place!

Benefits of Consolidation

When putting together your financial plan, there is no question about the benefits of consolidation. The importance of having a financial plan is the ability to coordinate, consolidate and be able to implement your plan to achieve your goals.

Government of Canada to allow up to $400 for home office expenses

For the 2020 tax year, the Government of Canada introduced a temporary flat rate method to allow Canadians working from home this year due to Covid-19 to claim expenses of up to $400.

Business Owners: 2020 Tax Planning Tips for the End of the Year

It's a great time to review your business finances now that we are nearing year-end. We have listed some of the critical areas to consider and provide you with some helpful guidelines to make sure that you cover all the essentials. We have divided our tax planning tips into four sections: - Year-end tax checklist - Remuneration - Business tax - Estate

Highlights of the 2020 Federal Fall Economic Statement | Additional $20,000 CEBA loan available now

Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland recently provided the government's fall economic update. It included information on the government's strategy for dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic and its plan to help shape the recovery. We've summarized the highlights for you: • Corporate Tax Changes, including extensions to subsidy programs. • Personal Tax Changes, including additional Canada Child Benefit Plan payments and a new "Work from home" tax credit. • Indirect Tax Changes, including the proposal to charge GST/HST on services provided via digital platforms, as well as the temporary removal of GST/HST on face masks and shields. For business owners, as of December 4th, the CEBA loan has been expanded by an additional $20,000.

Personal Tax Planning Tips – End of 2020 Tax Year

To help our clients, we’ve put together a comprehensive article filled with great tips on how to get ready for 2020 tax season. Here’s a summary of our personal tax tips article: • Details about the different COVID-19 benefits programs and the tax ramifications of them • Information about family tax issues including the Canada Child Benefits and tips on how to split income. • Managing investments. Details about contributing to various savings plans such as a TFSA, RESP, or RDSP. Also tips on how and when to donate to charity and how to time the purchase or sale of investments. • Retirement planning. How to make the most of your RRSP, things to know if you’ve turned 71, and tips on RRIF conversion.

Getting the best from a financial advisor

Working with a professional to help you to make sense of your finances can be a wise move, but for this relationship to work effectively it is important that you understand what to expect from your financial advisor.

Business Overhead Expense Insurance

For business owners, making sure your business is financially protected can be overwhelming. Business owners face a unique set of challenges when it comes to managing risk. Insurance can play an important role.

Insurance Planning for Business Owners

For business owners, making sure your business is financially protected can be overwhelming. Business owners face a unique set of challenges when it comes to managing risk. Insurance can play an important role.

10 Essential Decisions for Business Owners

Business owners can be busy… they’re busy running a successful business, wearing lots of hats and making a ton of decisions. We've put together a list of 10 essential decisions for every business owner to consider.

Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy expanded to include more businesses!

On July 17th, Finance Minister Bill Morneau announced proposed changes to the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) that will expand the number of businesses that qualify for the program.

Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy extended into December!

On July 13th, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the extension of the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) until December.

Group Insurance vs Individual Life Insurance

While it’s great to have group coverage from your employer or association, in most cases, people don’t understand the that there are important differences when it comes to group life insurance vs. self owned life insurance.

CERB Extended | Business Owners who did not qualify previously – expanded CEBA starts June 19th

Great news for Canadians out of work and looking for work. The CERB will be extended another 8 weeks for a total of up to 24 weeks. The expanded CEBA will begin June 19th.

Insurance Planning for Young Families

For young families, making sure your family is financially protected can be overwhelming, especially since there’s so much information floating online. This infographic addresses the importance of insurance- personal insurance.

Small Businesses! Applications for Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance starts May 25th

The Application portal for the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) opens at 8:00am EST on May 25th

Expanded eligibility for CEBA $40,000 interest-free loan

The Prime Minister outlined the expanded eligibility for the Canada Emergency Business Account and highlighted companies such as hair salon owners, independent gym owners with contracted trainers and local physio businesses will now be eligible. "If you are the sole owner-operator of a business, if your business relies on contractors, or if you have a family-owned business and you pay employees through dividends, you will now qualify." - PM Justin Trudeau

Extended! Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy extended beyond June

On May 8th, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that they will extend the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) beyond June.

Apply for Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy starting April 27th | Calculate your subsidy

On April 21st, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that the Canada Revenue Agency will accept applications for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) starting Monday, April 27th. This new measure gives qualifying employers up to $847 per employee each week so they can keep people on the payroll.

New Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance | Canada Emergency Business Account Expanded

On April 16th, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced support for to help small businesses with their rent for the months of April, May and June. The program is being worked out with the provinces and more details will be available shortly.

Expanded eligibility for Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) & Boosted wages for Essential Workers

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced: "Today, we're announcing more help for more Canadians. This includes topping up the pay of essential workers. At the same time, we'll also be expanding the Canada Emergency Response Benefit to reach people who are earning some income as well as seasonal workers who are facing no jobs and for those who have run out of EI recently. Expanding the CERB to include people who earn up to $1,000 per month. Maybe you're a volunteer firefighter, or a contractor who can pickup some shifts, or you have a part-time job in a grocery store."

Applications for the Canada Emergency Business Account starts TODAY!

The new Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) is available starting TODAY and is available through major banking institutions. The CEBA will provide qualifying businesses an interest-free loans of up to $40,000 until December 31, 2022.

Rules changed to allow more struggling business owners access to CERB, Wage Subsidy. Summer jobs program increased to 100%

A big win today for some small business owners who previously did not qualify for the $500/week Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) or the 75% Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS).

Tax Loss Selling

Over the last few weeks, the financial market has taken a downturn amidst fears over Coronavirus. Understandably, you are concerned with your portfolio, it’s important to stay level-headed to avoid making financial missteps. However, staying level-headed doesn’t necessarily mean you sit there and do nothing. In fact, one consideration you can look is taking an active tax management approach. Tax loss selling is a strategy to crystallize or realize any capital losses in your non-registered accounts so it can be used to offset any capital gains.

Coronavirus & Market Uncertainty – $82 billion in aid for Families and Businesses

On March 18th, the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, announced a further $82 billion in support including $27 billion in direct support for Canadian workers and businesses. This is in addition to the $20 billion announced days earlier which includes $10 billion available through the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) to help small and medium-sized businesses.

Coronavirus & Market Uncertainty – $82 billion in aid for Families and Businesses

On March 18th, the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, announced a further $82 billion in support including $27 billion in direct support for Canadian workers and businesses. This is in addition to the $20 billion announced days earlier which includes $10 billion available through the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) to help small and medium-sized businesses.

When and Why You Should Conduct an Insurance Audit

As our lives grow and change with variable circumstances, new additions, and job transitions, our needs for insurance will also evolve. Additionally, economic fluctuations and external circumstances that influence your insurance policy will need frequent re-evaluation to ensure that you are making the most appropriate and financially favorable decisions. Talk to us we can help.