Canada Needs a Financial Plan

According to a July 23 publication by the Fraser Institute, we are getting poorer here in Canada and the prospects for economic growth are looking grim.  This should be of concern to every Canadian concerned about their “real income” – that’s their purchasing power – and by extension - their ability to fund consumption now and for important family milestones in the future:  retirements, education and homeownership.  It’s grim, but there are practical suggestions for a turn around plan. Here’s a synopsis of the report.   

Calling all graduates! If you graduated from a Knowledge Bureau Designation, Diploma or Certificate Course after July 1, 2019, we’re inviting you to attend your Virtual Graduation Ceremony at 9:00 AM CST on October 30. Be sure to RSVP now.  It’s free to attend, and we look forward to honouring your tremendous educational achievements this year.

Get in on the secret and see what’s in the  DAC-in-a-Box!  The first kits have shipped out, and we’re encouraging all attendees to make their big reveal in the Whova event app. Show us what you’re most excited about receiving by sharing a photo; it might just enter you to win a special prize! But shhh…. Let’s keep the secret between us in Whova.  Not registered yet?  Share in the fun: enrol by October 15.  Here’s a sneak peek: 

During these tough financial times, when loan deferrals end and taxes are due, many more Canadians will face financial hardship. That makes the last quarter of the year an important one for proactive client conversations. What can tax and financial advisors do? If the issue is a disputed tax reassessment an important tool is to use the Taxpayer Relief Provisions.  

It was neck-and-neck all the way.  When we asked our readers in the September KBR poll if they thought a Minimum Basic Income should be introduced in Canada, 48.6% of participants said yes, while 51.4% said no. Their comments, which demonstrate just how complex this issue is, speak for themselves…

Tax professionals have had an important say about CRA’s services, but the best news coming out of the CRA’s recent comments on results is that communication will become easier. The Dedicated Telephone Service (DTS) Annual Survey revealed most pros were satisfied with the service they received using this phone line, but also had a number of service standard improvement suggestions, which the CRA has promised to address.  Here’s what the pros said:

Knowledge Bureau is pleased to announce that Frank Ryan, B. Sc. (hons), MBA, P.Geo., CEBS®, ISCEBS Fellow, Financial Advisor & Certified Employee Benefits Specialist of Ryco Financial in St. John’s, NL , has been selected as the 2020 winner of the Distinguished New Advisor Award. The award will be presented virtually at the Distinguished Advisor Conference (DAC) on October 28th.