Record Charitable Fundraising
Last Wednesday night Jewish Foundation of Greater Toronto held its Annual Volunteer Appreciation “L’Chaim” Event, zoom-style, to celebrate the amazing achievements of our community volunteers who helped grow Foundation assets to more than $668 million, including $179 million in planned gifts.
We also marked a historic milestone for @UJA Federation - surpassing the $80 million mark in Annual Campaign fundraising before the end of the calendar year, an unprecedented achievement.
Despite the COVID turmoil it’s been an historic year for our community and so many people have stepped up.
So proud to be a Trustee on the Foundation Board and Chair of the Professional Advisory Committee during these challenging times.
Hope this will inspire more philanthropy from caring communities across the GTA.
Please be in touch if we can help you, your non-profit, or foundation create enduring legacy gifts
Premiums jump in 3 weeks
Estimated reading time: 35 seconds.
Hope you are well and enjoying the final days of summer.
I am writing to let you know that Manulife announced a major premium increase (of up to 50% on certain policies) for permanent level cost (universal) life insurance effective Sept 23rd, just weeks from now. Other carriers will surely follow.
Considering the draconian tax law changes now under review by the government, permanent life insurance will become even more important as the most cost-effective way to pay higher taxes.
This matter deserves your immediate attention, especially if you have a rated policy due to existing health issues or have become uninsurable since taking out your existing term policy.
Your term insurance started off at a reasonable cost, but premiums will continue to rise sharply at each renewal and the policy will become cost-prohibitive and eventually expire.
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)
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.
5 Reasons why insurance companies don’t want you to review your policies
Estimated reading time: 30 seconds
Everyone knows that insurance companies pay attention to details.
The degree of due diligence they exercise before issuing a life insurance policy often includes a careful review of your driving record, financial profile and family health history.
Resolutions for 2014 - Get Your Financial House in Order
This is the only time of year when people make all kinds of promises to themselves; solemn vows to quit smoking, lose weight, exercise more, work less, work more, become more spiritual, etc.
Consider adding this resolution - get your financial house on order.
Use this list to get started.
Lisa’s Journey of Hope
Estimated reading time: 30 seconds
Lisa Glennie was a vibrant radio advertising sales rep at a Toronto station.
We met several years ago when I became her client.
A big-hearted cardiologist
Estimated reading time: 25 seconds
Charitable planned giving is my favorite professional pastime.
Given the choice, most people would prefer to pay less income tax and leave more to their favourite charities.