A Challenge for New Clients: How to Choose a Trusted Advisor

If you’re in business for yourself, you have a unique opportunity to build wealth in an asset class that others don’t have: equity in a business enterprise that some day may be sold for millions of dollars. In addition, that business can spin off income for family members that can provide significant tax advantages, done well. Understanding how to realize on this asset requires the help of a trusted financial advisory team. Who should be on that team and how do you find them? This is a challenge your next new business clients may wrestle with. Here are some tips on how you can open discussions to help them:

Now that the rush of tax season is over, how did your clients do? Were they faced with a big tax bill or did they receive a refund? Perhaps they feel as if they’ve had a less than stellar fiscal year, but they shouldn’t feel discouraged. As you know, mid-year is a great time to review financial goals and to make necessary changes now to ensure a better outcome next year. 

This year’s Distinguished Advisor Conference marks the fourteenth year of DAC. It’s become a great tradition in the world of financial education, and there has never been a better time than now to attend. At this year’s conference in Kelowna, B.C., our speakers will be presenting information and solutions that are relevant to today’s issues. 

Here’s a true-to-life case study: Let’s suppose that you, as a bookkeeping services professional, have a client named George, who is the owner-manager of a family-run restaurant. Working with George is his wife, brother, sister-in-law, a couple cousins and his teenaged daughter. While the business is going well, his marriage isn’t. 

Grant McPhail, CLU, CHFC, GBA: Wealth Advisor and proud grandpa

On June 16, the Auditor General rapped CRA’s knuckles, stating that their response to income tax appeals and objections is too slow. And since 65% of them are settled in favor of the taxpayer, the CRA needs to work harder at finding ways to solve issues before they go the appeals route.

Are you planning to sell a personal residence, such as your cottage, in 2017? If so, refresh your tax compliance requirements by making an appointment with a tax specialist before you sell.