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Reverse Bucket List – an exercise in gratitude

Unlike a traditional Bucket List, try a Reverse Bucket List.  Sit down and write down all of the things you have already accomplished.

When you approach a reverse bucket list from a gratitude perspective it really starts to take off. You may realize that just because an item doesn’t sound like a big deal to others, that doesn’t mean it was not special or important to you. Once your list is done,  reflect on it for a while, you may realize how grateful  you are for the adventures and pride in  your accomplishments.

 

Click here for an example of a Reverse Bucket LIst

https://www.bohoberry.com/reverse-bucket-list/

Bonnie

Unlike a traditional Bucket List, try a Reverse Bucket List. Sit down and write down all of the things you have already accomplished.

Unlike a traditional Bucket List, try a Reverse Bucket List. Sit down and write down all of the things you have already accomplished.

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2019 Federal Budget

2019 Federal BUDGET SUMMARY

Effective for 2019 and subsequent taxation years, the budget proposes to introduce….

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BUDGET SUMMARY

Measures for Individuals

Canada Training Credit

Effective for 2019 and subsequent taxation years, the budget proposes to introduce the Canada Training Credit, a refundable tax credit to assist working Canadians with the cost of professional development. The credit is the lesser of eligible tuition and a new notional account.  Eligible individuals will accumulate $250 each taxation year in a notional account.

To be eligible individuals must:

• file a tax return for the year;
• be at least 25 years old and less than 65 years old at the end of the year;
• be resident in Canada throughout the taxation year;
• have net income under the third federal bracket $147,667 (for 2019)

The lifetime maximum is $5,000, which expires the year an individual turns 65 years of age.

The federal tuition 15 per cent non-refundable tax credit will still be available on the difference between the eligible tuition fees and the refundable Canada Training Credit.

Home Buyers Plan

Effective March 21, 2019, the 2019 budget proposes to increase the withdrawal for first time home buyers under the Home buyers Plan from $25,000 to $35,000 ($70,000 spouse/common-law partner) from their registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) to purchase or build a home, without being taxed on the withdrawal. The withdrawal must be repaid over 15 years, starting the second year following the year in which the withdrawal was made.

Also, individuals experiencing a marriage breakdown generally would not qualify as first-time home buyers under the Home buyers plan.  However, the proposals will allow these individuals to now qualify as first-time homeowners to access $35,000 from their RRSP to purchase a home.

Change in Use of Multi-Unit Residential Properties

When a taxpayer’s property changes use from an income producing to principal residence or vice versa the Income Tax Act (ITA)deems the taxpayer to have disposed of, and reacquired, the property at fair market value.   An election is available to defer the deemed disposition until the property is sold, offering a tax deferral if an income producing property had an inherent gain or, as in the case of a principal residence, 4 additional years can be designated for tax exemption, provided certain criteria are met.

Under the current rules these elections are only available for complete changes in use and not partial changes of use.  Generally, multi-unit residential properties such as a duplex could not benefit from use of these elections.

Effective March 21, 2019, the budget proposes to extend the elections to partial changes of use that are currently available for complete changes of use. 

Additional Options in Creating Retirement Income from Registered Plans

To provide Canadians with greater flexibility in managing their retirement savings, Budget 2019 proposes to permit two new types of annuities for certain registered plans:

  • Advanced life deferred annuities (ALDA) will be permitted under a registered retirement savings plan (RRSP), registered retirement income fund (RRIF), deferred profit-sharing plan (DPSP), pooled registered pension plan (PRPP) and defined contribution registered pension plan (RPP); and

  • variable payment life annuities will be permitted under a PRPP and defined contribution RPP.

The measures will apply to the 2020 and subsequent taxation years.

a) Advanced Life Deferred Annuities (ALDA)

When an individual chooses to purchase an annuity with registered funds, the tax rules require commencement of the annuity by the end of the year in which the annuitant reaches age 71. Budget 2019 proposes to amend the tax rules to permit an ALDA to be a qualifying annuity purchase, or a qualified investment for certain registered plans. An ALDA is a life annuity that can be deferred until the end of the year in which the annuitant attains 85 years of age. In addition, the Budget proposes the following requirements and limits:

  1. The value of the ALDA is not included for purposes of calculating the minimum amounts required to be withdrawn from registered plans for the year after purchase

  2. An individual will be subject to a lifetime ALDA limit equal to 25% of the value of all property in the plan (subject to adjustments), and a lifetime ALDA dollar limit of $150,000 from all qualifying plans. This limit will be indexed to inflation for tax years after 2020, rounded to the nearest $10,000

  3. An ALDA must meet several other requirements and conditions

  4. A 1% per month penalty tax will apply if ALDA purchases exceed their ALDA limits

b) Variable Payment Life Annuities (VPLA)

A VPLA will provide payments that vary based on the investment performance of the underlying annuities fund and on the mortality expectation of VPLA annuitants. This option was not previously available and gives PRPP and defined contribution RPP members additional options in creating an income stream in retirement.

Registered Disability Savings Plan -Cessation of Eligibility for the Disability Tax Credit

Registered Disability Savings Plans are used to help Canadian individuals with disabilities save for retirement, provided they qualify for the disability tax credit and other conditions are met.  To encourage savings the Government offers grants and bonds (a combined lifetime maximum of $90,000) until the year the individual beneficiary turns 49 years of age. Currently, if an individual beneficiary loses the disability tax credit, by election the account can remain open provided a medical practitioner certifies the DTC is likely to be reinstated based on the nature of the beneficiary’s disability.

The 2019 Federal Budget proposes to eliminate the medical certification requirement including the requirement to close the account when the individual loses the disability tax credit.  This will help retain the grants and bonds in the account that would under the current rules be required repaid to the Government. In addition, a tax deferred rollover of a deceased parent or grandparent’s registered retirement account (RRSP/RRIF) will be permitted until the end of the fifth calendar year following the loss of the DTC which is not allowed under the current rules.

The 2019 Federal budget also proposes to creditor protect RDSP’s from seizure in bankruptcy exempt contributions made 12 months prior to filing

If an RDSP beneficiary becomes DTC ineligible the issuer will not be required to close the account on or after March 20, 2019.

Kinship Care Providers

Kinship and close-relationship care programs are alternatives for foster care for children in need of protection.

The Canada Workers Benefit is a refundable tax credit that supplements the earnings of low-income workers and improves work incentives for low-income Canadians.

Effective for the 2019 and subsequent taxation years, Budget 2019 proposes to extend the meaning of a parent of a child to a kinship care provider for purposes of them being able to claim the Canada Workers benefit, provided all other criteria are met.  Under the proposals there is no requirement if the caregiver receives financial assistance from a government under a kinship care program.

In addition, financial assistance payments in this capacity are not taxable or used for income tests for benefit and credit eligibility.

Donations of Cultural property

Medical expenses are subject to a 15 per cent non-refundable tax credit exceeding the lesser of $2,352 or 3% of net income. Budget 2019 proposes to extend the meaning of medical expenses to include other classes of cannabis purposed for medical reasons once legal sale is permitted under the Cannabis Act. This measure applies to expenses incurred subsequent to October 16, 2018.

Contributions to Specified Multi-Employer Plan (SMEP) for Older Members

Budget 2019 proposes to amend the tax rules to prohibit contributions to a SMEP in respect of a member after the end of the year the member attains 71 years of age and to a defined benefit provision of a SMEP if the member is receiving a pension from the plan (except under a qualifying phased retirement program). The proposed changes will ensure that employers do not make pension contributions on behalf of older SMEP members in situations from which they cannot benefit. This is more aligned with how other defined benefit RPPs operate.

Individual Pension Plans (IPPs) & Pensionable Service

Upon termination of membership in a defined benefit registered pension plan, the income tax rules allow for a tax-deferred transfer of all or a portion of the commuted value of the member’s accrued benefits in one of two ways, as either a transfer of the full commuted value to another defined benefit plan, or as a partial transfer of the commuted value (subject to prescribed transfer limits within the Income Tax Regulations), to a locked-in retirement savings plan (or similar plan).

Budget 2019 proposes to prohibit IPPs from providing retirement benefits in respect of past years of employment that were pensionable service under a defined benefit plan of an employer, other than the IPP’s participating employer (or its predecessor employer). Any assets transferred from a former employer’s defined benefit plan to an IPP that relate to benefits provided in respect of prohibited service will be a non-qualifying transfer that is required to be included in the income of the member for income tax purposes.

This measure will prevent a member from transferring 100% of their defined benefit plan to a newly created IPP, instead of the restricted transfer of assets to the locked in plan. This measure applies to pensionable service credited under an IPP on or after Budget Day.

Refining Mutual Fund Trust Taxation

When a mutual fund trust disposes of investments to fund a redemption of its units, any accrued capital gain on the investments is realized by the trust and is subject to tax. The unitholder may again be taxed upon the disposition of units on any accrued capital gains. A capital gains refund mechanism (CGRM) provides a refund to the mutual fund trust in respect of tax that the fund had paid on its capital gains attributable to redeeming unitholders. Since the method is based on prescribed formula, it is an approximation and does not always relieve double taxation. Methods have been developed to more effectively match the capital gains realized by the mutual fund trust on its investments with the capital gains realized by redeeming unitholders. However, the Government continues to refine the process to reflect more accurate and fair tax policy and has introduced two new rules in Budget 2019.

  1. Deny a tax deduction to the mutual fund trust to the extent that capital gains triggered in the trust are greater than the capital gain realized upon the redemption of units by the unitholder (subject to meeting certain conditions). This eliminates a tax deferral that existed previously

  2. Deny a tax deduction to the mutual fund trust in respect of an allocation made to a unitholder on a redemption if the allocated amount is ordinary income and the unitholders proceeds are reduced by the allocated amount. This eliminates a character conversion that has been occurring.

These measures will apply to taxation years of a mutual fund trust that begin on or after March 19, 2019.

Carrying on Business in a Tax-Free Savings Account

Effective for 2019 and subsequent taxation years, the 2019 Federal Budget proposes that the joint and several liability for taxes owing on income earned from carrying on a business within the TFSA also be the responsibility of the TFSA holder and not just the trustee (i.e. Institutions) under the current rules.  Under the proposals the trustee’s liability is limited to property held in the TFSA and distributions from the date of the notice of assessment.

Tax Credit for Digital Subscriptions

Budget 2019 proposes a temporary, non-refundable 15 per cent tax credit on amounts paid by individuals for eligible digital news subscriptions. This will allow individuals to claim up to $500 in costs paid towards eligible digital subscriptions in a taxation year, for a maximum tax credit of $75 annually. Eligible digital subscriptions include amounts paid to a Qualified Canadian Journalism Organization (QCJO), a status necessary for the non-refundable tax credit.

Measures for Corporations

Business investments in zero emission vehicles

Effective for eligible business acquisitions on or after March 20, 2019 available for use before 2028 (subject to a phaseout) Budget 2019 proposes a CCA rate of 100% for eligible zero-emission vehicles.  Subject to certain conditions, passenger vehicles up to $55,000 (plus sales tax) can be fully written off.

To be eligible for the first-year enhancement a vehicle must:

  • Be a motor vehicle as defined in the ITA;

  • Would have been included in Class 10, 10.1 or 16;

  • Be a hybrid (subject to certain criteria) or fully electric;

Small Business Deduction – Farming & Fishing

A reduced rate of tax is available on the first $500,000 of active business income earned by a Canadian-controlled private corporation (CCPC). Existing rules prevent the multiplication of this limit, including situations where certain amounts that are earned by a CCPC come from sales to a private corporation where the CCPC (or certain persons) hold a direct or indirect interest. However, certain income of a CCPCs farming or fishing business that arises from sales to a farming or fishing cooperative corporation is eligible for the small business deduction.

To provide greater flexibility to farming and fishing businesses, Budget 2019 proposes to eliminate the requirement that sales be to a farming or fishing cooperative corporation in order to be excluded from specified corporate income. As such, this exclusion will apply to the income of a CCPC from sales of the farming products or fishing catches of its farming or fishing business to any arm’s length purchaser corporation. However, consistent with the existing rules, amounts allocated to a CCPC as patronage payments from a purchaser corporation will not qualify for this exclusion.

This measure will apply to taxation years that begin after March 21, 2016.

Character Conversion Transactions

New rules introduced in 2013 known as character conversion transactions, effectively eliminated the use of forward contracts as a means of converting the returns on an investment from ordinary income into capital gains, of which only 50 percent is taxable. As a result, any gain that arises from a derivative forward agreement is taxed as ordinary income rather than a capital gain. An important exception to this rule applies to certain commercial transactions, such as merger and acquisition transactions. New character conversion transactions have been developed as an attempt to misuse the commercial transaction exception. As a result, Budget 2019 proposes an amendment that introduces an additional qualification for the commercial transaction exception to ensure that taxation on these transactions remain taxable as ordinary income, and not capital gains.

Possible Changes to Taxation of Employee Stock Options

Employee stock options are provided to employees as an incentive. A stock option grants an employee the right to purchase stocks of the employer at a set price. Once exercised, the difference between the set price and fair market value of the stock is included in the employee’s income as a taxable employee benefit. This benefit however can be reduced by a stock option deduction of 50% of the difference, which has the effect of the benefit being taxed similar to a capital gain. The Federal Government is looking to limit or “cap” the amount of stock options subject to the deduction at a value of $200,000 of the fair market value of the stocks obtained by the option. Any value over the $200,000 (for example in a case of options exercised and worth $300,000) would have the difference taxed as 100% income to the employee. More details will be provided by the summer of 2019.

Previously Announced Measures

Budget 2019 confirms the Government’s intention to proceed with the following previously announced tax and related measures announced on November 21, 2018;

  • provide for the Accelerated Investment Incentive,

  • allow the full cost of machinery and equipment used in the manufacturing and processing of goods, and the full cost of specified clean energy equipment, to be written off immediately,

  • extend the 15 per cent mineral exploration tax credit for an additional five years, and

  • ensure that business income of communal organizations retains its character when it is allocated to members of the communal organization for tax purposes.

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A Photo book for every memory and occasion

A Photo Book For Every Memory And Occasion

Upload Photos From Anywhere

Upload photos from your computer, Facebook, Instagram.   Keep them for FREE on Mixbook for as long as you want.

Start As Many Projects As You Want

Create Personalized Photo Books and Albums of Incomparable Quality

Create Personalized Photo Books and Albums of Incomparable Quality

Upload Photos From Anywhere

Upload photos from your computer, Facebook, Instagram. Keep them for FREE on Mixbook for as long as you want.

Start As Many Projects As You Want

Mixbook is FREE to use and there are no contracts or subscription fees. You only pay for the printed books you order.

Explore Themes

Your Book, Your Way

Choose your preferred format, size and cover style, and we'll take care of the rest! You'll be delighted when your books arrive and have a lasting keepsake for years to come.

Start your book now

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Valentine's Day is for Everyone!

This year, be someone’s Valentine. Actually, be a lot of people’s Valentine. Spread the spirit of the day to those who make your life sweeter with a genuine expression of gratitude towards…..

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This year, be someone’s Valentine. Actually, be a lot of people’s Valentine. Spread the spirit of the day to those who make your life sweeter with a genuine expression of gratitude towards them and maybe even a token of your kind thoughts. Valentine’s Day isn’t just for lovers. No one needs to be left out. It’s for everyone who realizes that the beauty of the day isn’t in the dinners, flowers, and diamonds — it’s in the smiles, kind words, and happy moments we give.



 -Michelle

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When do I have a capital gain and what is an ACB?

When you sell an investment that has increased in value you may realize a capital gain.  As an investor you realize this gain when you sell all or part of your investment.  The gain is calculated when you subtract the selling price of the investment from your ACB (Adjusted Cost Base).…..

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When do I have a capital gain and what is an ACB?  (This is for Non Registered Accounts only)

 When you sell an investment that has increased in value you may realize a capital gain.  As an investor you realize this gain when you sell all or part of your investment.  The gain is calculated when you subtract the selling price of the investment from your ACB (Adjusted Cost Base).  The ACB isn’t always the purchase price but is the amount of the investment that has already been taxed.  If you’ve received a distribution from your investment at any point when you have owned it you will have been taxed on this in the year you received it.  This will then increase your ACB.  This prevents you from being taxed twice on a gain.

 You may also incur a capital gain if a fund manager sells an investment that has gone up in value.  In this case the fund realizes a capital gain (which is calculated the same way as above), this gain flows through to the investors holding the fund.  As a result you may receive a tax slip for these gains even though you did not sell any of your investment.  This will increase your ACB so once again you will not be taxed twice on these gains.

 Your ACB can change if you:

  • Buy units of the same fund at different times. Your cost will then be averaged out which will affect your ACB.

  • You receive a distribution. It won’t matter if you receive this distribution or reinvest it, you will still be taxed in the year you receive it.

  • You receive return of capital. This occurs if your investment pays you a return of capital, this portion is not taxable to you because you’re taking your own money out, therefore when you sell your investment any return of capital is subtracted from your ACB which will increase your capital gain.

Any questions please give us a call.

Jodi

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This play on nachos packs a fibre punch.

Perfect for the SuperBowl. This play on nachos packs a huge veg and fibre punch with the added protein of black beans. Tons of flavour, lots of fun, great for a party

SWEET POTATO BLACK BEAN NACHO BAKE

SWEET POTATO BLACK BEAN NACHO BAKE


Perfect for the SuperBowl. This play on nachos packs a huge veg and fibre punch with the added protein of black beans. Tons of flavour, lots of fun, great for a party


Serves 6 

WHAT YOU NEED:

3 medium sweet potatoes, washed and cut into 8 to 10 wedges

1 head cauliflower, cut into florets

1 small red onion, cut into thin wedges

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons prepared taco seasoning

½ teaspoon ground cumin

2 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 can black beans, rinsed

1 ½ cups grated cheddar or nacho cheese

Salsa verde (regular salsa will also work)

Plain greek yogurt or Skyr

Prepared guacamole

½ cup crumbled light feta cheese

3 green onions, thinly sliced

Pickled jalapenos

Cilantro

Lime wedges

Hot sauce

WHAT YOU DO:

Preheat the oven to 425ºF and place the sweet potatoes, cauliflower, and red onion onto a large rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle and toss the vegetables with olive oil followed by the taco seasoning and ground cumin. Spread the vegetables into an even layer and bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until the veg are just tender and golden, flipping about halfway through.

Remove the pan from the oven and stir in the minced garlic and rinsed black beans. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes.

Transfer the veg and black bean mixture to a large cast iron skillet and layer on the grated cheese. Place the pan into the oven for another 5 to 10 minutes to melt the cheese.

Top with salsa verde, dollops of the yogurt or skyr and guacamole, and scatter with the feta, green onions, pickled jalapenos, and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges and hot sauce and dig in!

Bonnie McPhail

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Decluttering is good for the Soul, Finances and Home

decluttering

  1. remove unnecessary items from (an untidy or overcrowded place).

    "there's no better time to declutter your home"


It’s that time of year when you are trying to plan out your NEW YEAR. As well as find a place for all your new items from Christmas.

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de·clut·ter

/ˈdēklətər/

verb

gerund or present participle: decluttering

  1. remove unnecessary items from (an untidy or overcrowded place).

    "there's no better time to declutter your home"


It’s that time of year when you are trying to plan out your NEW YEAR. As well as find a place for all your new items from Christmas.

It’s easy enough to collect things throughout the year, let alone this busy time of year.

Decluttering is good for the Soul; your finances and your sanity!

Decluttering can seem overwhelming, but we have a few tips to help out.

Click below for Info on a January Decluttering Challenge, because it’s never too late.

Click below to read about Decluttering your Finances; What to Toss: What to Keep

 Jodi is a certified financial planner so you can check that box.

Also if you feel like you have investments all over the place and are having trouble keeping track, we can help you simplify.


  • Special note for our Clients: February 6th , 2019

    IS OUR SHREDDING DAY

    -See your Invite for details.


Michelle Currie

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Investing for success

Around our office we believe in investing for success.

The most important thing to us is that you are completely comfortable with your investments.  Part of that means understanding what you are invested in and what risks, if any, you are comfortable with. Saying that even our most seasoned clients can get the jitters when the markets are going down…

Around our office we believe in investing for success.

The most important thing to us is that you are completely comfortable with your investments.  Part of that means understanding what you are invested in and what risks, if any, you are comfortable with. Saying that even our most seasoned clients can get the jitters when the markets are going down….especially the ones who lived through 2007/2008!!

We find that our most successful and relaxed (lol) clients are in the correct asset allocation (mix of investments) and we try to match that to suit their comfort level and their goals.  Sometimes that can be tricky business!

For anyone that needs a reminder here is a great brochure on how to Invest for Success:

 

Click here

 

We love to see our clients succeed!

Jodi

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Tree Decorating Tips

At this festive and busy time of year, try to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures of the Holidays:  your favourite song or treat, an evening walk to enjoy the lights, decorating your home, wrapping gifts and your own special traditions.  If you’re wondering how to trim the perfect tree, here are some helpful guidelines put out by Michaels.

These magical moments created with family and friends will linger in your home into the coming year.

Merry Christmas,

Bonnie

At this festive and busy time of year, try to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures of the Holidays:  your favourite song or treat, an evening walk to enjoy the lights, decorating your home, wrapping gifts and your own special traditions.  If you’re wondering how to trim the perfect tree, here are some helpful guidelines put out by Michaels.

These magical moments created with family and friends will linger in your home into the coming year.

Merry Christmas,

Bonnie

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TFSA Limit for 2019

Just announced the new TFSA limit in 2019 will be 6,000 – raised from the current 5,500 in 2018.  This means that if you have never contributed

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New TFSA Limit for 2019 and other updated amounts

Just announced the new TFSA limit in 2019 will be 6,000 – raised from the current 5,500 in 2018.  This means that if you have never contributed to a TFSA (and have been eligible to contribute to the plan) you may be able to deposit $63,500 in 2019.

The current maximum RRSP contribution in 2018 is $26,230 (based on income) in 2019 it will be raised to $26,500

New Tax Brackets in 2019: the basic personal amount for 2019 is $12,069, up from $11,809 in 2018.

OAS Threshold: If your net income exceeds $75,910 in 2018 you will repay part /all of the OAS pension.  The amount for 2019 is $77,580

-Jodi

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What Exactly is a TFSA (Tax Free Savings Account) ? Should I put money in a TFSA or a RSP?

We have clients that have heard the name but most people don’t know exactly what it is.  A common question around our office is “What is a TFSA?” Usually followed by “I thought I could only invest it in a savings account.”

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We have clients that have heard the name but most people don’t know exactly what it is.  A common question around our office is “What is a TFSA?” Usually followed by “I thought I could only invest it in a savings account.”

Here’s where I usually say “Pretend your TFSA is a box that can hold any type of investment and it can stay in that box tax free and you won’t have to pay tax on anything you take out of the box”…see it doesn’t have to be confusing!  And I’m sure my clients are now nodding and saying yes I’ve heard that one before.

 

Here’s an article to explain more about the TFSA

https://www.fidelity.ca/fidca/en/valueofadvice/gvga/tfsa

 

Then we most likely will hear “Well should I put money in a TFSA or in a RRSP”  Good question and it totally depends on your unique situation.  (Yes, in our office every clients situation is unique because no two people’s finances and goals will ever be the same!  Kind of like a fingerprint.)

Here’s an article that may help you decide which plan may be best for you.

https://www.fidelity.ca/cs/Satellite/doc/tfsa_compare_rrsp.pdf

 

When in doubt call us, we will be able to help!

Jodi

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Overcome a lack of confidence about money and investing

It’s an everyday occurrence around our office.  Women come in and apologize to us for their lack of investment knowledge.  All I have to say is “ladies, you’re not giving yourself enough credit.  You know more than you think!”

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It’s an everyday occurrence around our office.  Women come in and apologize to us for their lack of investment knowledge.  All I have to say is “ladies, you’re not giving yourself enough credit.  You know more than you think!”

I find that in order for women to feel confident they need to have a lot of knowledge on a subject. 

Here’s an article listing 5 things to help overcome a lack of confidence about money and investing.

 

https://www.fidelity.ca/cs/Satellite/doc/tl_women_and_money.pdf

 

You Go Girl!  You Got This!!

Jodi

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Plan for your future. Be your Best Self before you start 2019 #90dayChallenge

This is a Great Idea to work on being your best, and to help plan for it. I think this would benefit anyone at anyone at any age. Whether your Female or Male, in your 50’s or 20’s. We all can take something from this.

Rachel Hollis has started a 90 day Challenge. Now, the actual Challenge started October 1st and takes you to the end of 2018. However, there is no reason you can’t start today or any day for that matter. The idea is improve yourself leading up to 2019, instead of waiting

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This is a Great Idea to work on being your best, and to help plan for it. I think this would benefit anyone at any age. Whether you are Female or Male, in your 50’s or 20’s. We all can take something from this.

Rachel Hollis has started a 90 day Challenge. Now, the actual Challenge started October 1st and takes you to the end of 2018. However, there is no reason you can’t start today or any day for that matter. The idea is improve yourself leading up to 2019. Instead of waiting to start working on yourself on January 1st. This way you can already be at a “better you” by the time January 1st comes, therefore you will get further ahead in the 2019 year.

Review the Challenge below I have added a link to Rachel’s site for you to check out.

I believe even if you took one of the “5 to Thrive” Idea’s listed below and added them into your life it would make a difference. For Example “Writing down 10 things you’re grateful for every single day”. I am doing this, and it definitely does give you a different perspective on day to day life, you are always looking for the good.

Someone, posted a message publicly already during the challenge; saying that at the end of the challenge you would have listed 900 things your grateful for. That itself is amazing and inspiring.

Below are the details on how to sign up if you’d like to. It is completely free!

I have also posted a Motivational Message shared from Rachel as well.

I hope you enjoy!

Michelle



 
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Ups and Downs

Enjoyed an exciting family trip down the Ottawa River this summer White Water Rafting.  With the excellent direction of our guide we powered through the rough water exhilarated and unscathed!

Enjoyed an exciting family trip down the Ottawa River this summer White Water Rafting.  With the excellent direction of our guide we powered through the rough water exhilarated and unscathed!

Through the ups and downs in the rough waters of investing, we all need some direction from time to time.  If markets are making you nervous don’t paddle alone.  Call us we’re here to help you navigate!

Bonnie

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All your years of hard work and determination paid off!

Congratulations Bernie, All your years of hard work and determination paid off!

 Read the article here to find out all about it.

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Bernie dropped into the office today to show us his Gold-Medal.

 —Read the article here to find out all about it —

Congratulations Bernie, All your years of hard work and determination paid off!

 

Jodi

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Reading is a Fundamental part of success!

Motivate yourself and help break the cycle of negativity, judgement and emotional burnout!

I recently came across a Facebook Group where they were reading the book " Girl, Wash your Face"

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Motivate yourself and help break the cycle of negativity, judgement and emotional burnout!

Get over your fears and motivate yourself to a healthier you!

I recently came across a Facebook Group where they were reading the book " Girl, Wash your Face" I was intrigued when I saw all the inspiring comments. I constantly could feel the passion and encouragement people found.... As the months went by I began to follow the Author (Rachel Hollis) on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. I found that I really enjoyed her and the inspirational video's and Pod casts she was posting. She made me want to do better for Me! She covers various topics, has tons of passion and positive advice and I started to want more !

I was inspired, so I went out and bought the book. I planned to start reading it over Canada Day long-weekend while we were on a camping adventure. The Friday, I dove right into it and just couldn't get enough. WOW! The reminders I needed were there. It was filling me up with empowerment, passion and excitement. There were quotes, and helpful pieces on everyday motherhood stresses and the worries we carry.

I took a lot of positive points and have tried to act on them. Now here we are and it's the end of August, and I could read it again already.


If you are looking for a new book to read this fall, I recommend this one!   

GIRL, WASH YOUR FACE


Be Inspired to keep moving forward through the struggles of life. Remember to fill your own cup as often as you can. Look for the good. Try your best today, no excuses!

Here are a few videos and Quotes from the Author Rachel Hollis. They are a constant positive reminder for me and I think they are good for everyone!

Quotes

"The difficult seasons we walk through are how we learn to build up strength to manage any situation.          - Rachel Hollis   GIRL, WASH YOUR FACE
"Nobody- not a voice of Authority, not your mama, not the foremost expert in your area-gets to tell you how big your dreams can be. They can talk all they want....but you get to decide if you're willing to listen".  -Rachel Hollis
"I Hope, Pray, wish, cross my fingers and toes that you will look around and find an opportunity to be your own hero"  -Rachel Hollis
"Turns out, the most beautiful things in my life were never on my to-do list." - Rachel Hollis

Videos

Why did i write Girl, Wash your Face

The video EVERY Woman should watch, (I Think this applies to ANYONE!! any Age)

I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did!

Michelle Currie

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