Yoga as a Remedy for Our Stressed, Sedentary Digital Age

Yoga can help to alleviate the stress, anxiety, and aches and pains that come with the digital age. Here are some yoga moves you can do anywhere, even at work.

Most of us spend the majority of our days on our phones, computers, tablets, and in front of our TVs. We also spend the majority of our days sitting or reclining, whether in our cars, at our desks, or on our couches. Just as humans are not meant to be wired all the time, we are not meant to be sedentary for most of our days. It’s not a coincidence that we are restless, stressed, anxious, and suffer constant back and pains.

Office, Desk, or Cubicle Yoga: 4 Essential Moves to Reverse “Computer Crouch” and “Mouse Arm”

For a typical office job of answering telephones and working at a computer, there are a couple of poses that you should do often.

Every 15 Minutes, Sitting Moves:

1. Elbow Hold:

Put your arms up over your head and hold your opposite elbows. Then move your held elbows in four directions: forward and backwards, from side to side, and in small back and forward bends. Do this for 20-30 seconds every 15 minutes.

2. Arm Twists:

Put your arms straight out to the sides with your thumbs up. Rotate our arms forward and then backwards so your thumbs are moving in a circular motion. Do this 10 times. Then repeat with your arms rotating in opposite directions from each other. Do this 10 times as well.

Every 30 Minutes, Standing Moves:

1.       Baby Backbends: Stand up and clasp your hands behind your back. Arch backwards gently as you open your chest and roll your shoulders back and behind you. Then turn your head side to side, 5 times. Then bend your ear towards your shoulder, 5 times on each side.

2.       Arm Circles: Put your right hand on your right shoulder. Extend your left arm straight out to the side and bend your wrists so your fingers point towards the floor. Move your left arm around in a circle about 5 times each way. Then repeat this on your right side.

Our Summer Hours Have Arrived

Reminder we start our Summer Hours this week.

For the Months of July and August.

They are as follows:

Monday - Thursday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

Friday's 9:00 am to 2:00 pm

Some important points to remember:

1) If you call on a Friday Afternoon after 2:00pm we will return your call on Monday Morning.

2) As always exceptions will be made. If you need a meeting after hours we will be more than happy to accommodate your request.

Enjoy the awesome summer and be safe!

Going Meatless made Easy

The recently revamped 2019 Canada’s Food Guide recommends this, as well. Two of the main tweaks to the guide includes having lots of fruits and vegetables (think half your plate) and eating plant-based proteins more often than ones derived from animals, such as meat, fish, dairy and eggs.

Why should you reduce your meat consumption? There are plenty of reasons, but let’s start with the health rewards. Research studies show vegetarians generally eat fewer calories and less fat, weigh less and have a lower risk of heart disease than non-vegetarians. So cutting back on your usual meat-heavy diet can have health benefits. A recent review of studies on plant-based diets published in Progress in Cardiovascular Disease, found that the risk of death by cardiovascular disease is reduced by 40 percent, among other heart-healthy benefits. And here’s encouraging news if you feel it’s impossible to give up meat. You don’t have to follow a strict vegetarian or vegan diet in order to benefit from more plant-based meals. A 2018 study conducted at Erasmus University Medical Center in Rotterdam, Netherlands, found a link between plant-based diets and a lowered likelihood of being overweight or obese when you’re middle aged. So swap meat occasionally and you’ll still benefit from eating more plants.

Besides the health benefits of eating more plant-based foods, there’s also the environmental impact of a carnivorous diet. Producing the meat we eat takes a huge toll on the environment because it requires more fertilizer, pesticides, transportation and land to raise the animals. And we haven’t even touched on the greenhouse effects from animals that produce methane gas or fertilizers that release nitrous oxide.  Raising animals to consume is causing an estimated 18 percent of the greenhouse emissions linked to global warming. Growing plants to eat calls for alot less fossil fuel, water and land.

How to Eat Less Meat

One of the easiest ways to ease into eating a more plant-forward diet is to plan for Meatless Monday. It can, of course, be any day of the week (or aim for two days a week!) that you prefer.  The key, I’ve found, is establishing a set routine, so you can easily wrap your head around adopting a new habit. Knowing that every Monday is the day I’ll be eating meatless meals will put me in the right mind frame to plan my grocery shopping and recipes around this schedule. Here’s an added bonus to consuming more plant-based proteins in place of meat; they tend to be less expensive than meat, so you can save money on your grocery bill, too.

5 Delicious Ways to go Meatless

There are plenty of delicious, satisfying recipes to try, and once you discover a few that you enjoy, they can become part of your regular rotation of meatless meals. A few that will not have you missing meat whatsoever:

It’ll be BBQ season soon and these portobello burgers with pesto, provolone and roasted red peppers comes together so quickly. They’re a great option to have on hand at summer parties for the vegans and vegetarians on your guest list, and a simple lunch to whip up for yourself.

I know tofu can be a bit of an acquired taste, but if you’ve only had it prepared in a way that was supposed to mimic, say, a beef burger, then it’s time you tried it as an ingredient in and of itself. This sweet and spicy crispy baked tofu is fantastic as a side dish, but I also like to add them to a rice or quinoa bowl or a salad. It calls for firm or extra-firm tofu, which is often more palatable for people who don’t like the squishy texture of soft tofu.

If you’re an Instant pot devotee, this Instant Pot lentil soup is for you! It comes together in less than 20 minutes and is loaded with a variety of veggies! Plus, lentils are a great source of protein; a half-cup of cooked lentils provides about 12 grams of protein.

Snacks packed with protein can help you feel satisfied and allow you to power through your busy day, without the crash and burn you’ll have after wolfing down a doughnut mid-afternoon. Instead of beef jerky or a boiled egg, some plant-based snack options that are easily portable include edamame (one cup provides 17 grams of protein, plus vitamin K and folate), and apple slices dipped in nut butter, giving you sweetness, fibre and antioxidants from the apple, plus protein and potassium from the nut butter.

If you’re like me, when you think breakfast, you think eggs and bacon. Break out of that habit with some recipes in this round-up of vegan breakfast ideas. The gingerbread waffles and Greek chickpeas on toast sound unusual and flavourful and will be a nice break from the same old classic breakfast.

Bonnie

Mom

There are many different kinds of Moms, all equally as special. Maybe you have fostered or adopted a child, maybe your pets are your children, maybe your a Step-Mom aka bonus Mom, maybe you have just been there for someone and loved them unconditionally. Either way that makes you a Mom in my books.

Mom’s do a lot for their families whether they are blood related or not. Mothers work hard taking care of their loved one(s). If you have lost your mom, I am sorry. Please know she is with you, in your heart and memories forever.

A Mother’s love is unconditional even when you aren’t with them. Even when they are mad at you they still love you. That is something you shouldn’t forget. Never take your mother for granted, because one day she’s gonna be gone and you don’t ever know when. It could be tomorrow, in a couple of days, in a couple of weeks, years, it could even be today. The point is your mother loves you and you should so your love and appreciation for her. It will only takes a couple of minutes to stop what your doing and go tell your mom that you love her. Text her, or call her and tell her.

If you need a reminder of all mom’s do, check out this video also shown below.

Mom:

Here’s a funny reminder of all that moms do:

World's Toughest Job NOTE: MUST WATCH UNTIL THE END

Job Posting: Director of Operations Job Requirements: Excellent Negotiation Interpersonal skills Degree in Medicine, Finance and Culinary Arts Mobility. You must be able to work standing-up most or really all of the time 24 Hours a Day, 7 days a Week, 365 Days

SALARY: NOTHING

Make sure you Thank your Mom and tell her you love her.

Michelle

Changing Career Paths

How Often Do People Change Careers? Experts like to talk about how often people change careers during their lifetimes. This figure usually ranges from between three and seven times. Sometimes the change is by choice, and sometimes there is a factor in place.

When Workopolis recently asked Canadians how many career paths they had followed, just one in four replied “one.” A clear majority had switched directions at some point – whether because they had discovered a new field they felt passionate about, or because they hit roadblocks such as alack of advancement, cutbacks or layoffs

So, if you are contemplating a career change, you’re not alone. And whether a leap into another profession is by choice or necessity, smart financial planning can help protect your household budget and keep you on track towards a comfortable retirement.

-Jodi

Reverse Bucket List – an exercise in gratitude

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.

2019 Federal Budget

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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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 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

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

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

This play on nachos packs a fibre punch.

SWEET POTATO BLACK BEAN NACHO BAKE

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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

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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

Decluttering is good for the Soul, Finances and Home

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

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….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

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

TFSA Limit for 2019

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

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.”

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