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.   

Divorce can be a huge set-back in one’s financial plan. In Canada, 38% of marriages end in divorce, and 42% of those end between 10 and 24 years of marriage.* With the help of qualified and knowledgeable financial and taxation advisors, the financial hit of divorce can be minimized.

Special report from Christopher Misener, Senior Director, Strategic Partnerships, CIBC. A few months back I joined Knowledge Bureau with Evelyn Jacks on a countrywide CE Summit tour where I was able to meet with tax professionals and discuss the future of accounting technology and showcase the latest digital banking platform technology for small and medium-sized businesses. Here's an accountant’s story on why it matters:

2019 Business Builder Retreat host Joanne Sigurdson will join Evelyn Jacks, Jenifer Bartman, Dean Cockell, and Dan Collison to discuss ways to grow your business to new successes – and greater value - while you take better care of yourself, too. Joanne shares why BBR is a must-attend event for you this fall:

Hussein Hallak CEO & Founder of Next Decentrum will be joining us on Day 1 of DAC to discuss Reshaping Your World: Blockchain, Cryptocurrency and Cybersecurity. It’s just one more reason to make sure you don’t miss the September 15 early-bird registration deadline to attend in Puerto Vallarta this November. Hussein has a very compelling story to tell you.

Imagine a completely tax-free retirement; one in which you don't have to focus on planning for after-tax income at all. This is an opportunity that is being missed by millennials when a TFSA is used as a short-term savings account rather than for long-term wealth accumulation.

It can be financially devastating and it’s seniors and the most vulnerable - those who don’t understand the taxpayer relationship with the CRA – that are the most frequent victims of a CRA phone scam that is extracting thousands of dollars from unsuspecting people. It’s important for professionals to share guidelines with clients to help all family members recognize whether or not they’re legitimately being contacted by the CRA.