Did you know that Canada currently has three professional accounting designations and three separate professional organizations, all geared toward generally the same thing?
 You likely knew that, but I will wager you cannot tell me the distinct differences between a CA, CMA or CGA.
Most of us think of accountants as those people who help us with [...]

A few weeks ago, we reviewed the recent changes in the Canada Pension Plan rules and how they affected choices people might make about taking their CPP early, or deferring to after 65. These choices have always been available with CPP, but the penalties and rewards for advancing and delaying have changed to make it [...]

This is our annual reminder to Canadians who spend significant amounts of time in the US each winter.
Snowbirds have an obligation to file a Form 8840 with the US government, if they have established a “substantial presence” in the US. The filing deadline is June 15.
Most folks don’t realize it, but all Canadians who visit [...]

In 2012, big changes were made to the Canada Pension Plan rules, with some additional evolutionary updates happening this year.  It’s time to review the rules to make sure your CPP plans and decisions are still optimal for you.�
The maximum benefit available in 2013 to a 65 year-old is $1,012 per month.  To receive the [...]

If you forget where you left your car keys, that’s normal. If you forget what your keys are for, you had better pay attention.”
That may be the most useful paragraph I’ve ever read to help me understand the effect of aging and other factors on cognition and mental functions. This was in a pamphlet produced [...]

Last week, we talked about offshore bank and investment accounts, how some people attempt to use these to hide income from Canada Revenue, and how this practice is illegal.
Today, we will look at something completely different – diversifying investments outside Canada. For most people, this is done through their investment accounts with Canadian institutions, and [...]

Many of the Canadians who file their tax returns by next Tuesday will be receiving refunds.  Many have received them already.
As a financial advisor, this always disturbs me slightly. Those people have provided an interest-free loan to the government since the money was either withheld from their regular paycheques, through other withholdings, or sent to [...]

If you have children or other people living in the US who might be beneficiaries of your estate, read on.  I meet more and more Canadians who are in this position, whose children have moved to America and may inherit a large amount of money someday.
We will also review the rules on Canadian testamentary trusts, [...]

Although pundits described the March 21, 2013 Federal Budget as a “sleeper”, there are actually a lot of measures aimed at people who do effective tax planning.
If any of these items ring a bell with your situation, do a bit more investigation or talk to your professional advisors.
Life Insurance
Policy arrangements that involve borrowing, either to [...]

Pop quiz – are you aware of the recent changes to Canada’s government retirement systems, and how those changes might affect you?
In January 2012, a new set of rules became effective for the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and these can change your best strategy for the timing of your application for benefits.
Starting July 1, 2013, [...]