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:

Bring Your Relations with Customers to a Higher Level - Rick Green, Master Financial Advisor, AB

"Happiness is not in the mere possession of money; it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort." Franklin D. Roosevelt

Leaving a job can be a painful experience if it’s not your idea.  Often legal challenges erupt. That can be costly. . .but can the CRA provide any relief when legal fees skyrocket?

What do commissioned sales people and Uber drivers have in common?  They each will want to know the difference between an automobile, a passenger vehicle and a motor vehicle, especially if they are keen on claiming all the deductions possible against their income this tax season.  Especially when using a car for salaried work, commission sales or self-employment, it pays to file an audit-proof return, as these claims are often audited.

Along with the sweeping changes to require individuals to report the disposition of their principal residences after 2015, changes to the rules for trusts that own property that is the principal residence of a beneficiary have also changed.  Be prepared to discuss changes in eligibility and to get valuations of property done now.

Seventy two percent of the responders agree that the 18% limitation restricting contributions to an RRSP should be raised for lower income earners. However, there were several varying opinions on how this should be done and what else could be affected.  Below are some of the comments shared by voters: