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.   

What options do your clients have for receiving their Registered Pension Plan (RPP) entitlement, as they approach retirement? The Canada Revenue Agency has just released some guidelines that may help.

Share the gift of education with your clients this holiday season! By discussing the six essential tax tips your clients need to know for 2019 and beyond, you can help Canadians become more informed on the tax-efficient decisions that will improve their financial health in the new year.

New data from Statistics Canada shows that government transfer programs have a positive impact on getting Canadians out of low-income status. But for some demographics, these positive effects have declined over time. It’s a timely topic, as the holiday season reminds us that the most vulnerable demographics, which includes women and seniors, may not have the resources to enjoy the holidays or share with their families.

It’s an advisor’s duty to help protect their clients from financial abuse, and seniors are most vulnerable to this. In fact, according to the Ontario Human Rights Commission, 62.5 percent of elder abuse cases are financial. What can you do to give your senior clients the gift of financial protection this holiday season?

Rosanna Sternat has attended the Distinguished Advisor Conference (DAC) for six consecutive years, and was most inspired by Knowledge Bureau’s first annual Business Builder Retreat. She shares how the educational experience has benefited her public accounting practice in Selkirk, Manitoba.

Will Bank of Canada Interest rate setting impact your holiday euphoria? Bank of Canada’s Steven Poloz announced today that the overnight rate would remain at 1.75%.