Category: Uncategorized (page 3)

If you work in the health care industry, you know how critical it is that everyone has access to a doctor for illnesses and preventive care for matters like cancer and heart disease. However, many health problems are influenced by our environment and personal living circumstances. Canadians need to stop thinking of health as something that just comes from the doctor’s office.

According to Canada’s Department of Justice, seven per cent of seniors report some form of emotional or financial abuse. As our population ages, elder abuse has become a serious and growing concern.

Elder abuse exists in many forms, including physical, sexual, psychological or financial abuse and neglect. The perpetrators are often family members, caregivers or friends. Constable Trevor Zwarich from the Winnipeg Police Service says some of the warning signs of abuse include a sudden change in behavior or appearance, such as deterioration in personal hygiene, untreated bedsores or a sudden onset of physical injuries or repeated ‘accidents’ causing injuries.  There could also be a change in banking activities and legal documents, or a lack of money to pay for rent, utility bills or food.

Emotion and psychology affect everything we do. Decisions we make about money are no exception, and how we choose to invest, save, and spend can all be affected by our beliefs, feelings and state of mind.

For instance, although stock market changes are generally consistent with valuations, investors rarely act as rationally. Investors that hear positive reports about a particular investment will flock to drive up the stock price beyond what it’s likely worth, while negative news can considerably devalue the price as investors quickly flee elsewhere.

As adults involved in the lives of our children, we have the opportunity to help them learn about managing money and set them on a track for future financial success. According to the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada, 78 per cent of parents have tried to teach their children about money and two thirds of them do not feel that they have been successful at it. Trying to start a conversation about money may seem daunting, but it’s not as difficult as you might think, and you can get the conversation started through three key steps: modeling, guiding and practicing.

Critical illness insurance pays a tax-free lump sum benefit upon the diagnosis of a critical illness after the survival period has been satisfied. In most cases, the survival period is 30 days. A basic policy typically covers heart attacks, life-threatening cancer, and strokes. You can also add coverage for other conditions or illnesses, including Alzheimer’s disease, loss of independent existence or multiple sclerosis, to name a few. Some companies also offer critical illness coverage for children to cover childhood-related critical conditions such as cystic fibrosis or cerebral palsy.

Tax-Free Savings Accounts (TFSAs) should be on your personal savings radar. Since they were first introduced by the federal government in 2009, TFSAs have been recognized as a great vehicle for tax-free savings growth. While every Canadian resident over the age of 18 is eligible to open one, there are a few things everyone should know about how these accounts work before choosing to save using a TFSA.

Maryanne wanted to move out on her own, ideally to a home she owned, but the barriers associated with life with a disability were making her goal much more difficult to accomplish. So when she learned that she could draw on the resources at SMD Self-Help Clearinghouse to build her economic strength, she saw an opportunity that would help her goal come true.

The third Wednesday in April every year – April 15^th in 2015 – is Talk With Our Kids About Money Day.  On the ‘Talk Day,’ families and teachers can make a point of talking with kids about money, whether round the table, at bedtime, in a classroom, reading or watching TV.

The Family Tax Cut (FTC) is the big news in family tax filing this year. That’s because your family may receive a refund that is up to $2000 bigger. But the provisions are complex, so we have put together a brief overview to help you get started.