News Room

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.   

Relationship Breakdowns Can Be Taxing

Saul lost his job and was not able to keep up with his required support payments to his estranged family. He was required to pay $500 per month in spousal support and $1,000 per month in child support. He did not begin to know how to claim his arrears payments on his tax return. Fortunately his Tax Services Specialist could help.

Seniors See No Raise for Second Quarter

Old Age Security (OAS) and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) are indexed quarterly. However, the indexation factor for these purposes for the second quarter—April to June 2016—is nil so there will be no raise in the monthly benefit amount for that period. But that doesn’t mean consumer spending didn’t cost more last quarter, as reported by Statistics Canada, especially for food, alcohol and tobacco.

A Five-Step Process for Managing Tax-Efficient Wealth

As government budgets close one tax advantage after another, it pays to do some tax planning now as you complete your 2015 tax return. Tax time is a great time to prepare a financial assessment through a sound interview process with your advisors. That’s because it’s a great opportunity to review financial affairs of the family as a whole.

People in the News: Cecil Baldry-White

Cecil Baldry-White, CEO of Alitis Investment Counsel, believes there are six major challenges that wealth advisors face in attaining higher returns and longer term performance for their clients in today’s difficult investment environment, and he believes we must meet these challenges head on.

Insurance Strategies Course Updated and Improved

Small business forms the backbone of the Canadian economy, yet only a minority of businesses successfully pass to new owners. Sophisticated strategies are needed to ensure greater success in the transition of business ownership.

Panama Papers and Tax Systems Discussion

Recent Panama Papers leak started broad discussion on tax systems and the underground economy.
 
 
 
Knowledge Bureau Poll Question

Starting in July, CRA will provide legal warnings to recover more than $9 billion of overpaid pandemic recovery benefits like CERB. Do you think that is fair?

  • Yes
    140 votes
    83.33%
  • No
    28 votes
    16.67%