Insights
Sometimes it takes a new set of eyes to identify solutions to problems before they arise. You tell us where you’re going, and we’ll get you there safely ensuring the right people are aboard to navigate the trip.
Understanding Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs) in Canada
Dive into the details of Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs)! This guide covers how RESPs work, eligibility criteria, benefits, and government grants such as the Canada Education Savings Grant. Learn how to open an RESP and safeguard your child’s educational future.
Why A Buy-Sell Agreement Is Vital For Your Business
A buy-sell agreement is a legally binding document that sets out what must happen to a business if one or more of the owners is no longer involved. It is crucial for businesses as it protects both shareholders and the business itself in the event of a partner’s departure. A buy-sell agreement provides many benefits, including maintaining business continuity, minimizing disputes between remaining co-owners and the family of the departing owner, decreasing stress and uncertainty for all business owners, and protecting business assets and liquidity with a solid financial and tax plan.
Life Insurance after 60- is it necessary?
You may have had life insurance for as long as you can remember. You knew it was important to make sure that your family would be taken care of and be able to pay their bills if anything happened to you.
But now that you’re over 60, your children are grown, and your mortgage is paid off, you may feel you don’t need life insurance anymore. However, there are some circumstances under which it may still make sense for you to have life insurance:
• You still have substantial debt.
• You have dependent children or grandchildren.
• You want to be able to leave a financial legacy.
Demystifying MER’s (Management Expense Ratio)
Investing in a fund involves knowing its associated costs, and the Management Expense Ratio (MER) is a crucial factor to consider. The MER is a percentage of the total assets in the investment fund that covers the fund’s operating and management costs. It’s important to note that the MER is subtracted from your investment returns, so a higher MER will result in lower net returns for you. For example, if a fund’s expenses amounted to 2% of its assets, its MER would be 2%. It’s crucial to understand the MER of a fund to make informed investment decisions and ensure that you’re getting the most value for your money. In this article and infographic, we will break down the various components of the MER to help you better understand it.
First Home Savings Account (FHSA): What You Need to Know
Are you looking to buy your first home in Canada? The First Home Savings Account (FHSA) could help make it happen. This savings plan allows first-time home buyers to save up to $40,000 tax-free, with contributions being tax-deductible. In this article and infographic, we cover everything you need to know about FHSA, including eligibility requirements, contributions and deductions, qualifying investments, withdrawals, and transfers.
Tax Tips You Need To Know Before Filing Your 2022 Taxes
It’ll be time to file your 2022 taxes soon, and you must take advantage of every tax credit and deduction you can! Our article covers the following:
• Canada Workers Benefit.
• Claiming home office expenses.
• The tax deduction for zero-emissions vehicles.
• Return Of Fuel Charge Proceeds To Farmers Tax Credit.
• Eligible Educator School Supply Tax Credit.
Federal Budget 2023 Highlights
On March 28, 2023, the Federal Government released their 2032 budget. This article highlights the following financial measures:
• New transfer options associated with Bill C-208 for intergenerational transfer.
• New rules for employee ownership trusts.
• Changes to how the Alternative Minimum Tax is calculated.
• Improvements to Registered Education Savings Plans.
• Expanding access to Registered Disability Savings Plans.
• Grocery rebate.
• Deduction for tradespeople tool expenses.
• Automatic tax filing.
• New Canadian Dental Care Plan.
British Columbia 2023 Budget Highlights
On February 28, 2023, the B.C. Minister of Finance announced the 2023 budget. We have highlighted the most important financial measures you need to know:
• Tax credit changes.
• Increases to the B.C Family Benefit.
• Carbon tax changes.
• Other important tax changes.
• Healthcare and housing spending.
TFSA versus RRSP – What you need to know to make the most of them in 2023
When looking to save money in a tax-efficient manner, Tax-Free Savings Accounts (TFSA) and Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSP) can offer significant tax benefits. The main difference between the two is that TFSAs are ideal for short-term goals, such as saving for a down payment on a house or a vacation, as its growth is entirely tax-free, while RRSPs are more suitable for long-term goals such as retirement. When comparing deposit differences, TFSAs have a limit of $6,500 for the current year, while RRSPs have a limit of 18% of your pre-tax income from the previous year, with a maximum limit of $30,780. In terms of withdrawals, TFSAs have no conversion requirements and withdrawals are tax-free, while RRSPs must be converted to a Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF) at age 71 and withdrawals are taxed as income.