Practice

Decorative pattern

Planning and Advice

The new normal

We’re deep in the woods, and many crystal ball polishers are pining for old times. The most daring are calling for a return to happy days by the end of this year. But those ball gazers are just looking for the next bubble, so they’re best ignored. Anyone predicating a business model on consumer spending […]

By Philip Porado |February 1, 2009

2 min read

Decorative pattern

Planning and Advice

To Clients/Prospects: The 2009 federal budget and your financial plan

Show clients that you are proactive by sending them this customizable letter about the Federal Budget. Dear [Client/Prospect name], As you know, Finance Minister Jim Flaherty delivered his federal budget on Tuesday in Ottawa. This budget has a few items that could affect your financial plan and present additional opportunities. In case you haven’t had […]

By Staff |January 27, 2009

2 min read

Decorative pattern

Planning and Advice

Budget 2009: Benefits for big and small businesses

Go out and buy computers. That was the Tory government’s clearest message to business owners in its 2009 budget released today in Ottawa. Included in the specifics is a 100% capital cost allowance (CCA) for computers bought between January 27 of this year and February 1, 2011. “It’s rather exciting, especially if you have computers […]

By Philip Porado |January 27, 2009

3 min read

Decorative pattern

Planning and Advice

Budget 2009: Modest tax-planning opportunities for retirees

The 2009 budget doesn’t offer much specifically for retirees. Nonetheless, the changes to tax brackets, increase on the senior age credit, and the home renovation tax credit are all advice opportunities to address with retired clients. The most significant long-term change is the 7.5% increase in the lowest income tax brackets, which will be increased […]

By Mark Noble |January 27, 2009

3 min read

Decorative pattern

Planning and Advice

Budget 2009: Message to families: Get off your wallet

Given the precarious position of his government, it comes as no surprise that Finance Minister Jim Flaherty focused his tax cuts on the broadest swath of the electorate: middle- and lower-income earners. But much less attention was paid to another key constituency that is traditionally a favourite of the Conservative Party: the family. What little […]

By Steven Lamb |January 27, 2009

3 min read

Decorative pattern

Planning and Advice

Restoring trust and confidence

I am starting to feel reluctant about using the words “trust” and “confidence” because our industry bandies these words around often and carelessly. We realize that these two words represent the essence of our business, yet we seldom step back and examine their true meaning. I’d like to take this opportunity to revisit the fundamentals […]

By Shawn O'Brien |January 22, 2009

6 min read

Decorative pattern

Planning and Advice

Innovative branding paths

While many dealers and advisors have chosen to go back to their roots, with town-hall meetings, seminars and more face-to-face meetings, to establish their expertise status, there are a few individuals and companies choosing to forge the unknown road. Over two years ago, Hosein Ansary chose to launch a magazine aimed at the Iranian community. […]

By Romana King |January 22, 2009

5 min read

Decorative pattern

Planning and Advice

To Clients: Buy low (An RRSP marketing letter)

In the aftermath of 2008 market returns, your clients might be a bit shell-shocked, and not at all aware that an excellent buying opportunity exists right now — just in time to open a TFSA or make their year-end RRSP contributions. Depressed equity prices allow clients to buy more shares with each dollar. You know […]

By Staff |January 14, 2009

2 min read

Decorative pattern

Planning and Advice

To Clients: Tax changes and free money

It’s that time of year again. Even if you’ve talked about tax savings strategies with your clients throughout the year, send them this letter to review the rules and opportunities they can take advantage of when they file their return this spring. Dear [Client’s name], You’ve probably heard all about tax-free savings accounts by now. […]

By Staff |January 14, 2009

3 min read

Decorative pattern

Planning and Advice

How to coach clients

It’s amazing what you can learn from sitting down and talking to people; and we consider ourselves fortunate to be able to speak at length with top advisors across Canada. In these Final Words, we share some of their insights into client service, and how advisor/client relationships have evolved over the years. Planning “A decade […]

By Staff |January 12, 2009

3 min read

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