Personal Tax Planning Tips – End of 2020 Tax Year

To help our clients, we’ve put together a comprehensive article filled with great tips on how to get ready for 2020 tax season. Here’s a summary of our personal tax tips article: • Details about the different COVID-19 benefits programs and the tax ramifications of them • Information about family tax issues including the Canada Child Benefits and tips on how to split income. • Managing investments. Details about contributing to various savings plans such as a TFSA, RESP, or RDSP. Also tips on how and when to donate to charity and how to time the purchase or sale of investments. • Retirement planning. How to make the most of your RRSP, things to know if you’ve turned 71, and tips on RRIF conversion.

Applications for the new Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy starts today!

The new Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy is open for applications today! Unlike the previous program, this subsidy will provide payments directly to qualifying renters and property owners, without requiring the participation of landlords. CERS covers up to 65% of rent for businesses, charities and non-profits impacted by COVID-19. An additional 25% Lockdown Support is available during a public health lockdown order.

Retirement Planning for Business Owners – Checklist

As a business owner, one of your challenges is learning how to balance between reinvesting into the business and setting money aside for personal savings. Since there are no longer employer-sponsored pension plans and the knowledge that retirement will come eventually, it’s important to have a retirement plan in place. We've put together an infographic checklist that can help you get started on this.

Applications for Canada Recovery Benefit now open!

The Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) is now open for applications. If you are eligible for the CRB, you can receive $1,000 ($900 after taxes withheld) for a 2-week period. If your situation continues past 2 weeks, you will need to apply again. You may apply up to a total of 13 eligibility periods (26 weeks) between September 27, 2020 and September 25, 2021.

Five things your financial plan needs to succeed

Creating a financial plan for your clients is one of the most impactful things you can do to prepare them for the future. Although financial planning isn’t one-size-fits-all, there are a few things you can do to make your plans clearer and easier to follow:

Credit cards 101: What are credit cards and how do they work?

A credit card is a financial tool that lets you purchase everyday items without cash. Unlike a debit card, however, you’re not using your own money when shopping with a credit card but borrowing from a lender like a bank or credit union.

Panic buying, stockpiling and financial stress during COVID-19

The uncertainty caused by coronavirus can be felt around the world right now. In any health crisis, our first concern is for those afflicted and the wellbeing of ourselves and loved ones. However, business closures, cancelled flights and falling stock prices can also have dramatic effects on the financial wellbeing of families.

Managing Cash Flow in a Crisis

The COVID-19 pandemic has halted life as we know it. Daily routines are interrupted, and many people are concerned about how they will continue to make ends meet. Even those whose incomes haven’t been directly affected wonder how they should manage their finances to avoid future financial emergencies. The strategies below will help you gain control of your cash flow to manage income gaps and reduce financial stress.