Your Digital Estate Plan

I find that the beginning of the year is when most people stop and take a stock of their finances. Maybe its because December was an expensive month, or perhaps its because tax season is around the corner. Whatever it may be, it’s also a good idea to review your Estate Plan and contemplate your […]

Setting Your Holiday Budget

With the holiday season in full swing, many Canadians are out rushing to stores to purchase the perfect gifts for their loved ones. Whether you are shopping well in advance or plan on doing some last-minute shopping, having a budget and sticking to it will keep you from feeling the holiday blues. In Canada, 2019 […]

The 2019 Canadian Federal Election and Your Wallet

As a Financial Planner I pay close attention to Provincial and Federal budgets and elections.  Since the next Prime Minister will be announced in less than a week, I felt it would be a good idea to summarize how the 3 major parties’ platforms (election promises) will affect your personal finances. Let’s take a look: […]

Biggest Mistakes Investors Make when it Comes to Fees and Advice

Over the past 5 years there has been a lot of discussion around investment fees.  Seems like you can’t turn on the TV without watching a commercial discussing investment fees, retirement planning, investing etc.  That’s because people’s finances are the construct of the lives we lead today and aspire to have tomorrow.  In todays information […]

6 Disability Insurance Myths Debunked

There is a lot of misinformation circulating when it comes to disability insurance. In order to make smarter decisions regarding your coverage, you need to know the facts and the options available to you. To help keep you on track, here are six common myths about disability insurance and why they are false. Myth 1: […]

5 Insurance Myths Debunked

Talking about death is rarely a comfortable conversation because people tend to avoid discussing what will happen at the end of their own life. However, this is not the only reason people don’t look into buying life insurance early enough. Myths and misconceptions about life insurance are aplenty, which is preventing thousands of Canadians from […]

What is Group Insurance?

Group insurance is a benefits package offered by a union, professional association, alumni association or employer to its members/employees. Since the organization is purchasing insurance for a large number of people using a wholesale approach, the cost of the policy per person is lower than an individual policy. Policyholders can contribute to the insurance premium […]

Pension decisions when you leave a job

When you leave one job for another, or even when you retire, there are many decisions that need to be made about your pension. There are two main types of pension plans, defined contribution and defined benefit. With defined contribution plans, during your employment your company provides you with a regular lump sum of money […]

Termination and Severance Pay

When you leave your job, you may receive a termination and/or severance pay. When your departure is involuntary every jurisdiction stipulates how much notice you must receive. Commonly, the company will pay you in lieu of actually working through the notice period. This termination pay is considered employment income for tax purposes. You may also […]

Legal Issues when Leaving Your Job

If you have voluntarily left your job there will probably not be any legal implications. However, in situations where you have been laid off or dismissed, the situation can be more complicated and independent legal advice may be warranted. Although your advisor can certainly provide you with information and guidance, there can be employment, tort, […]