Investment

How to get the most from your savings

Saving for the future is the cornerstone of wealth management but it can be trickier to get to grips with than it seems. There are a wealth of different types of product on the market to choose from but the first step starts with identifying what your personal reasons for saving are. We all have a different purpose or objective, be it saving for a house, your child’s future education or even for your retirement and we will be able to support you in choosing the most appropriate savings option for your own situation.

With this in mind, let’s take a look at some of the more common products available:

Products with guaranteed interest

This option is best suited to those who prefer a lower level of risk, as it offers the protection of your original investment with the opportunity to earn interest at a predetermined, albeit probably lower, rate. These products have the benefit of offering you peace of mind and security from market fluctuations that may diminish the amount of your original investment.

Many factors will influence your return, including the interest rate itself, the amount of your investment, length of the term etc.

Mutual funds

These products are ideal for those looking to invest in the longer-term as they are subject to fluctuations in the market which can vary, sometimes losing value in the short term but potentially offering higher returns in the longer term than products with guaranteed interest payments.

Take your time to research the funds available on the market which are targeted to your own investment strategy.

Segregated funds*

Similarly to mutual funds, segregated funds are market-based but offer additional benefits due to the fact that they are insurance contracts.

A big plus of this time of investment is the fact that your savings will be protected and you will be guaranteed to receive between 75% and 100% of your initial investment, less withdrawals, back upon the maturation of your contract or in the event of your death. Some segregated fuds also offer an income which is guaranteed for life.

Tax-advantaged savings plans

There are a couple of common plans, as follows:

    • An RRSP (registered retirement savings plan) offers you a personal savings and investment account which also benefits from tax benefits.
    • A TFSA (tax-free savings account) provides the opportunity to save for the future, without paying tax on any growth.

Talk to us, we can help.

Contact

Latest News

The Health Spending Account for Business Owners and Incorporated Professionals

Discover a game-changing solution to manage medical expenses efficiently - the Health Spending Account. As a business owner, reduce tax burdens and provide tax-free benefits to yourself and employees. No monthly premiums, cost-effective, and hassle-free reimbursement process. Unlock the full potential of your healthcare budget now.

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.

The Five Steps to Insurance Planning

It’s essential to have enough insurance to give you peace of mind and make sure you are sufficiently insured. Working with an insurance agent can help make sure you are adequately insured. The five steps to insurance planning are: • Finding an insurance agent • Meeting with your insurance agent • Reviewing your insurance options • Purchasing insurance • Filing a claim (when necessary) An insurance agent can help you understand your policy covers, how much your deductible will be, and all the steps involved in filing a claim.

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.

Do you have enough for retirement?

Many of us dream of the day that we can retire and have the time to ourselves that we have dreamed of for so many years. But, to have a genuinely contented and relaxing retirement, you need to ensure that you have the means to afford it. So, now's the best time to consider the three critical stages of retirement planning. 1) Accumulation 2) Pre-retirement 3) Retirement

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.

When should I buy life insurance?

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 – 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

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.

*A description of the key features of the applicable individual variable annuity contract is contained in the Information Folder. Any amount that is allocated to a segregated fund is invested at the risk of the contract holder and may increase or decrease in value. Product features are subject to change.