Canadians may owe taxes to the U.S. tax department
Estimated reading time: 25 seconds
We pay a lot of taxes.
Canadians have grown accustomed to paying a widening burden of income taxes on what we make, consumption taxes on what we spend, and municipal taxes on where we work and live.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Mortgage Insurance? Avoid the Bank!
Estimated reading time: 40 seconds
We all know that smoking cigarettes is harmful to your physical health.
Did you know that Mortgage insurance from the bank may be harmful to your fiscal health?
The fleeting benefits of employee group plans
Estimated reading time: 45 seconds
It’s always very gratifying to get insurance coverage for people who have been told they can’t qualify.
The Financial Post recently published this article by Garry Marr that described my success in getting life insurance for cancer survivors.
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.