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.   

When someone in the family is very sick – and markedly restricted in their daily living activities — the tax system can help with some financial relief to pay for the costs of care. One of the most lucrative of the various tax provisions is the Disability Tax Credit (DTC). In fact, it can amount to over $2,000 a year in some cases. But, claiming it is subject to significant scrutiny by the CRA, so it’s worth a trip to see a DFA-Tax Services Specialist™ for help. Here’s what you need to know:

Just over 2 million Canadians are enrolled in post-secondary schools in Canada and about half of them incur debt to get through school. According to a recent survey by Maclean's magazine, nearly two thirds of them don't have an RESP.  Fortunately, at least a third of them do. Here's how withdrawals from an RESP work:

Is the next recession just around the corner? This week, as G7 leaders grappled* with both jittery stock markets and potential recessionary winds, the talented speakers at the 16th annual Distinguished Advisor Conference (DAC) are preparing to challenge financial advisors to consider how resilient their clients’ financial affairs will be in this time of political and economic uncertainty.

Michelle Crouse, Wealth Advisor and regular attendee of the Distinguished Advisor Conference (DAC) shares some of the highlights and provides insight on how learning from the DAC speakers has helped her in her practice.

We are pleased to offer our current and prospective students a new way to pay for their tuition fees with Knowledge Bureau, and avoid expensive credit card fees.  E-Transfer is now an available payment option for online studies or in-class add-ons. It’s a convenient option to help you keep credit card balances down, too.

What is the best way for all Canadians to maximize their “economic opportunity” to build wealth? It’s a topic that is increasingly receiving attention both here and in the United States. Good jobs and a minimum income is an important solution, but it’s not the only one. Access to education is critical, too.