Entries by Financial Tech Tools

Estate Freeze

April 1, 2022 in , , /by

No business owner likes to think about handing over their business they’ve built from the ground up. But the fact of the matter is, you will have to do it eventually. Even more concerning, what if you were to become ill or incapacitated? Making a decision of this magnitude during trying times would not be ideal.

For the business owner, an estate freeze can be an integral part of your estate planning strategy. The purpose of an estate freeze is to lock-in (freeze) the value of the business, freeing the successor from the tax liability that may arise should the business’ value increase.

Saskatchewan 2022 Budget Highlights

March 25, 2022 in , /by

On March 23, 2022, the Saskatchewan Minister of Finance announced Saskatchewan’s 2022 budget. We have highlighted the most important financial measures you need to know, with an emphasis on:
• An increased Saskatchewan Value-added Agriculture Incentive.
• An increased Saskatchewan Technology Start-up Incentive tax credit.
• Changes in Education property taxes and what the PST is charged on.
• Financial commitments to healthcare and child care.
Budget 2022 includes no changes to personal or corporate tax rates.

2022 Financial Calendar

January 4, 2022 in , , /by

Looking for an “at a glance” document covering all the important dates you need to know to stay on track with your financial planning in 2022?

Our 2022 financial calendar (which you can easily bookmark or print out) makes sure you’re always in the loop! It lists important dates, including:

• Payments dates for the Canada Child Benefit, CPP, OAS, and the GST/HST credit.
• When TFSA contribution room starts again.
• Tax filing deadlines.
• Charitable contribution deadlines and the last day to contribute to registered investment accounts.
• When the Bank of Canada interest rate announcements are.

2021 Personal Year-End Tax Tips

December 7, 2021 in , /by

The end of 2021 is quickly approaching – which means it’s time to get everything in order, so you’re ready when it comes time to file your taxes.

We’ve broken this article into the following sections to make it easy to find the tax tips you’re looking for:

• Individuals, including details on COVID-19 benefits and important tax credits.
• Investment considerations, including how to best contribute to TFSAs, RRSPs, and RDSPs.
• Families, including how to claim childcare expenses and make the most of RESPs.
• Retirees, including essential details about applying for CPP and OAS.

2021 Year-End Tax Tips for Business Owners

December 1, 2021 in , , , /by

We’re approaching the end of the year, so it’s time to review your business finances. We’ve put together an article highlighting the most critical tax-planning tips you need to know as a business owner.

We’ve focused on:
• How to determine the right salary and dividend mix.
• The best ways to handle compensation.
• How to make sure you can take advantage of the small business deduction.
• What you need to know about depreciable assets and charitable donations.
• How to make the most of Covid-19 relief programs.

The Five Steps to Investment Planning

December 1, 2021 in , , /by

An investment advisor can help you figure out what the right investment choices are for you.
The five steps to investment planning are:
• Meeting your investment advisor
• Determining your goals and expectations
• Developing your investment plan
• Implementing your investment plan
• Monitoring the plan
The sooner you start planning for retirement, the sooner you can get there! An investment advisor can help you get there quicker.

When should I buy life insurance?

November 1, 2021 in , /by

Life insurance is something you can use at any age. Whether you’re in your 20s or approaching retirement, you can benefit from having life insurance. Our article, “When should I buy life insurance”? can help you understand:
• What the two main types of life insurance are – term and permanent
• When term insurance is better for you and when permanent insurance is
• How life insurance can benefit you at different ages
• What costs life insurance can help your loved ones’ cover

“Final Pivot” – COVID-19 Emergency Benefits expire October 23rd, replaced by targeted supports

October 22, 2021 in , /by

On Thursday, October 22nd, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland announced the “final pivot in delivering the support needed to deliver a robust recovery.” This “Final Pivot” means several existing pandemic support programs for individuals and businesses will expire on October 23rd, 2021:

–  Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) 
–  Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) 
–  Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)