The Importance of Provincial Budgets: Elbows Up and No Bracket Creep!

Some of the right things are happening in Nova Scotia, from the perspective of improving standards of living in that province.  And that’s important news because according to the Fraser Institute, Canadians have suffered the worst five-year decline in their standard of living over the 2020-to-2024 period since the Great Depression.  It notes, our Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per person decreased by 2.0% (0.4% annually) ; this despite aggregate GDP growth of 1.5% over the period.  Further, all ten provinces are experiencing stagnation, which is unique in our history.  So what’s the good news in Nova Scotia, at this critical juncture?

It's your last chance to take advantage of these special offers to meet your 2020 professional development goals before month-end. Get new credentials or train your team, by taking any two online courses from Knowledge Bureau for only $995. It’s a savings of $595. Plus, for a limited time, you can get more study time for half price. Act by January 31!

You could come as our guest to DAC Acuity 2020 in Niagara Falls October 28-30. All Knowledge Bureau graduates who completed an online program as a designate in 2019 or by January 30, 2020 can enter our draw to win one free enrolment to DAC Acuity 2020. But act fast! Entries will only be accepted through tomorrow.

The Sussexes and their quest for financial independence has been all over the global news.  Their dilemma is not that uncommon to many couples their age.  What does it take to embrace financial independence and why is that so critical in an individual’s true evolution into adulthood?  It’s a question many financial advisors may find themselves discussing with affluent families across Canada.

Canadians have trouble understanding a whole gambit of financial concepts like inflation, interest rates, credit reports, stocks, risk, debt and loans, according to the 2014 Canadian Financial Capability Survey*. In the most recent edition of survey, released November 26, 2019, there are emerging signs of financial stress for some Canadians, especially those who don’t have a budget or financial plan. This week, KBR starts a new series on financial basics to help.

Tax season 2020 will officially begin on February 24, when the CRA opens the gates for electronic filing. Unfortunately, some taxpayers will find themselves with an unwanted tax bill this tax season, whether through an unintentional miscalculation on their original return or because they are misrepresenting themselves on their claims. In either case, there can be expensive consequences. The Voluntary Disclosure Program can help. 

Did you resolve to make your professional development a priority in 2020? January’s not over yet and it’s not too late to start this year out on the right foot! We can help you meet your goals or train staff in your busy office, with a special offer that’s available only until January 31. Chart your pathway to valuable new credentials by taking any two online courses from Knowledge Bureau for only $995. It’s a savings of $395. Learn more: