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.   

How financially literate is the global population? Not very, according to two important reports, and that’s a big problem. There are significant economic consequences to this knowledge gap that underscore why financial education is essential for everyone.

Young advisors are the future of an industry that’s rapidly transforming, and Knowledge Bureau will be honoring an up-and-coming change-maker at November’s Distinguished Advisor Conference in Quebec City. Nominations for the Distinguished Young Advisor Award are being accepted until August 31, 2018.

Inflation has hit its highest point since February 2012’s 2.6%. It now sits at a lofty 2.5%, and is expected to hold steady until the second half of 2019. Poorly understood, inflation, together with high taxes and rising interest rates, is a great wealth eroder.

Addressing workplace diversity and inclusion is a core approach for achieving the higher standards of care demanded of today’s tax consultants and financial advisors. But what does it take to rise above our “Canadian Privilege” to achieve better results for a changing demographic landscape in your advisory practice?

Will the CPP be enough to provide security in retirement? That’s a big question for many who face higher premiums for the mandatory plan starting in January of 2019. But to get the most out of your CPP, it pays to get some professional advice.

Complex new tax rules were introduced for 2018 and 2019. Tax accountants, wealth advisors, and taxpayers will need to follow the “after-tax lifeline” of an invested personal or corporate dollar with 12 planning strategies.