Essential tips and tricks for paying less tax and keeping more of your retirement income

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It’s important to make the most of your retirement income. To do so, you need to be aware of what income is and isn’t taxable, and also how to make the most of the tax breaks you’re entitled to. This article outlines the four main steps you need to take to ensure you keep as much of your retirement income as possible: 1. Make a financial plan. 2. Split your pension income. 3. Buy an annuity. 4. Be aware of retirement-related tax breaks.

Why you should buy mortgage insurance through your life insurance advisor

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Mortgage life insurance from the major banks can be significantly more expensive when compared to life insurance from an insurance advisor. As well, there are additional advantages to buying life insurance through your advisor including the ability to choose your beneficiary, flexibility and more. See our infographic to learn more about the differences between mortgage life insurance through the bank versus your insurance advisor!

2022 Alberta Budget Highlights

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On February 24, 2022, the Alberta Minister of Finance announced the 2022 budget. We have highlighted the most important financial measures you need to know, with an emphasis on: • Increasing the capacity of the healthcare system • Supporting Albertans to get back to work • Committing to the fiscal plan Budget 2022 includes no changes to personal or corporate tax rates.

2022 British Columbia Budget Highlights

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On February 22, 2022, the B.C. Minister of Finance announced the 2022 budget. We have highlighted the most important financial measures you need to know, with an emphasis on: • Supporting sustainable economic development • Offering stronger healthcare • Expanding child care options and lowering fees • Supporting capital infrastructure • Providing funding for affordable housing • Promoting clean transportation Budget 2022 includes no changes to personal or corporate tax rates.

Having Your Cake and Eating it Too

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Investing in an uncertain stock market is not for the faint of heart. However, fortunately for Canadians, Segregated Fund products offered by many life insurance companies provide a safety net for nervous investors. Fund products present some interesting opportunities for people looking to get more security in their investment portfolios without sacrificing their potential for growth.

TFSA versus RRSP – What you need to know to make the most of them in 2022

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TFSAs and RRSPs can be significant savings vehicles. To help you understand their differences, we have put together this article to compare: - TFSA versus RRSP - Differences in deposits - TFSA versus RRSP - Differences in withdrawals Understanding the differences between these two types of tax-advantaged accounts can help you better plan for future purchases and your eventual retirement.

2022 Financial Calendar

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Looking for an "at a glance" document covering all the important dates you need to know to stay on track with your financial planning in 2022? Our 2022 financial calendar (which you can easily bookmark or print out) makes sure you're always in the loop! It lists important dates, including: • Payments dates for the Canada Child Benefit, CPP, OAS, and the GST/HST credit. • When TFSA contribution room starts again. • Tax filing deadlines. • Charitable contribution deadlines and the last day to contribute to registered investment accounts. • When the Bank of Canada interest rate announcements are.

Pay Attention to your Beneficiary

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Naming a beneficiary is a valuable feature of life insurance and segregated funds policies so it is important to carefully choose your beneficiaries.

2021 Personal Year-End Tax Tips

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The end of 2021 is quickly approaching – which means it’s time to get everything in order, so you’re ready when it comes time to file your taxes. We’ve broken this article into the following sections to make it easy to find the tax tips you’re looking for: • Individuals, including details on COVID-19 benefits and important tax credits. • Investment considerations, including how to best contribute to TFSAs, RRSPs, and RDSPs. • Families, including how to claim childcare expenses and make the most of RESPs. • Retirees, including essential details about applying for CPP and OAS.

2021 Year-End Tax Tips for Business Owners

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We’re approaching the end of the year, so it’s time to review your business finances. We’ve put together an article highlighting the most critical tax-planning tips you need to know as a business owner. We’ve focused on: • How to determine the right salary and dividend mix. • The best ways to handle compensation. • How to make sure you can take advantage of the small business deduction. • What you need to know about depreciable assets and charitable donations. • How to make the most of Covid-19 relief programs.