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.   

Changes announced by Bank of Canada last week will make getting a mortgage easier for new home buyers in Canada as of April 6, 2020. It’s important for tax and financial advisors to understand the new guidelines in order to assist Canadians with sound debt management strategies.

It’s Leap Year 2020, and it's a day that only comes around once every four years. So, do something remarkable with your education by gaining new credentials to earn a second or independent income, or shore up the skills in your independent practice. But hurry! Take advantage of our Leap Year tuition offer by February 29 to save $595 on any two certificate courses. Our graduates share insights on our four recommended areas of specialization that they believe are Leap Year worthy.

Are financial professionals having the conversations required to prepare clients for Black Swan events that could dramatically change balance sheet valuations? That requires acuity – a sharpness of thought and vision - the theme of this year’s Distinguished Advisor Conference in Niagara Falls, October 28-30.  We are now inviting proposals on topics to be delivered by sponsors and partners to the event. Here’s why you should join us.

Is it better to invest your money into your TFSA or RRSP? It’s a choice many have to make between now and the March 2 deadline for RRSP contributions.  The date is important because missing it means you could miss out on increased Canada Child Benefits, or be subject to an expensive clawback of EI or OAS benefits.  We’ve done some calculations for you so here’s what you need to know:

It is definitely a retirement haven,  and up until February 18th,  BC was somewhat of a tax haven as well.  Unfortunately, the top 1% of income earners in BC will pay $216 million more taxes starting January 1, 2020, as a result of yesterday’s provincial budget.  The top tax rate and income bracket has increased 3.7% from 16.8% to 20.5% on taxable incomes over $220,000.  This is a change that will affect marginal tax rates on various income sources, including retirement income, and taxable income on final returns of deceased taxpayers, as shown below:

The spousal RRSP is one of those often-overlooked gems in a long term retirement income planning strategy; one that you shouldn’t overlook in the RRSP top-up discussion before the March 2 deadline. It’s the contributor who gets the RRSP deduction based on his or her own RRSP room, but it’s the annuitant spouse that will draw on the money later, according to special rules. Here are six basic “must-know” tips: