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.   

In the market for a new car before year end?  Take the time to visit your tax advisor first.  He or she can take the time before the holidays to help you consider your after-tax options and evaluate the best approach to acquiring this asset; as debt management is likely part of the equation.

Finance Canada will release new details on their “simplified” proposals on family income splitting today at 1:00 p.m. EST.  Knowledge Bureau Report will provide full commentary in its next edition and at the January CE Summits, which will travel to six cities in January.  Check out the detailed agenda and register now to secure attendance as this event sells out quickly.

Last month Statistics Canada released a report titled “Labour in Canada,” citing statistics from the 2016 census. Employment rates, average earning potential, part-time work trends, and the number of older workers still in the workforce all point to promising opportunities for employment in the tax and financial services industries especially, which offer high earning potential for this demographic.

Business leader, coach and Knowledge Bureau author Joanne Sigurdson hosted a workshop at Knowledge Bureau’s fall CE Summits that wowed the audience with new thought leadership and inspired the business builders who attended to “think bigger” as they contemplate their plans to expand their careers and businesses in 2018.

Canadians working in the financial services have been the largest contributor to the national earnings increase, according to Statistics Canada November 30 survey on Payroll, Employment, Earnings and Hours.  The gains were particularly impressive in the professional, scientific and technical services: average weekly earnings were up 3.4% to $1,354; growth driven by accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping and payroll services with notable increases in Ontario and Quebec.

The majority of tax and financial services professionals agree: CRA has stepped up audit activity on returns of average Canadian tax filers.  Knowledge Bureau Report’s November poll found this trend emphasizes the value that financial and tax preparers can offer to Canadian taxpayers, as they grapple with a less-than-satisfactory experience with their tax department.