Tax rules change in 2017
Estimated reading time: 20 seconds
What usually happens when tax rules change? People end up paying more taxes.
New tax rules coming on January 1, 2017 will likely forever change the unique tax benefits currently available to Canadians with Participating (“PAR”) Whole Life Insurance policies….and Ottawa will collect more taxes.
Benefits - read the fine print today!
Estimated reading time: 30 seconds
Company benefit plans always get too little attention…until premiums go way up or something goes wrong.
They are usually under-appreciated by employees who don’t understand their true value and begrudgingly regarded by employers as necessary and expensive ways to retain and attract good employees.
Fearing the future
Estimated reading time: 40 seconds
According to a survey by Market Probe Canada, 82% of Canadians are concerned that the cost of long term care will significantly reduce their retirement income and assets, and more than half are afraid of becoming a burden to their family.
To make matters worse, they don't have a great deal of confidence in the government's ability to help them if they need long term care in the future. (Can’t say I blame them - read this)
Happy (Belated) Tax Freedom Day
Estimated reading time: 30 seconds
Canadians celebrated Tax Freedom Day on June 10th.
The Fraser Institute, a leading think tank, calculated the total tax burden imposed on the average Canadian family by our three levels of government.
In Praise of Mothers
Estimated reading time: 45 seconds
Happy (Belated) Mothers Day!
This post is dedicated to my late mother Frances Halpern, of blessed memory, who passed away at age 82 in 2007 after many years of failing health.
All in the family
Estimated reading time: 40 seconds
I was a guest speaker last month at a Toolbox Seminar hosted by Toronto-based lawyers Gardiner Roberts LLP.
My presentation "Creative Uses of Life Insurance in Family Business Buyouts" was attended by a few dozen lawyers, accountants and other planning professionals.
How Much is Enough?
Estimated reading time: 40 seconds
Wallis Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor famously declared "You can never be too rich or too thin."
When it comes to receiving payouts on insurance claims, I have yet to hear someone declare
“I had too much insurance” when I deliver the cheque.
RRSPs and Hypnosis
Estimated reading time: 30 seconds
RRSP season is now in full swing.
We are inundated with soothing ads encouraging us to save now for a dreamy retirement with an RRSP.
Free Money
A real deal at the big box store?
Estimated reading time: 40 seconds
People like me shop at big box stores for good deals on many useful products.
From tires to toilet paper, consumer-friendly pricing explains the packed parking lots and overstuffed shopping carts.
Strategies for kids with special needs
Estimated reading time: 60 seconds
The grandparents of a special needs child contacted me recently wanting to do something “different” to provide for their grandson and his parents.
The boy was born with a severe disability requiring special care - an emotional and financial challenge for any family.
Best Doctors got BETTER
Estimated reading time: 50 seconds
You’ve probably heard of Best Doctors - widely known for medical advisory services and second opinions. Best Doctors has been available for individuals and as an add-on for group benefit plans.
Founded by Harvard Medical School physicians in 1989, Best Doctors operates globally from its base in Boston, affiliated with Centers of Excellence around the world. With the help of more than 53,000 medical experts, they help patients navigate the healthcare system ensuring the right decisions and the right care.
CBC Marketplace strikes again
Estimated reading time: 45 seconds
CBC Marketplace has warned consumers again about Canadian banks offering imperfect advice and unfriendly insurance products.
They went undercover seeking financial advice from the country's top 5 banks and financial institutions….and….spoiler alert….the results are scary.
Tax Time Blues - Be Prepared
Estimated reading time: 35 seconds
After a long and miserable winter, Canadians now face the annual dread called tax time.
Some taxpayers are in ‘search and sort’ mode right now, looking for the receipts and documents required for their personal income tax return.
Charity begins at the office
Estimated reading time: 30 seconds
I love my job!
It allows me, on a daily basis, to help people get properly protected from whatever lies ahead.