In the past the large life insurance companies offered career opportunities for young people and recent graduates as a sales person. After a careful screening, successful recruits would be chosen from a group of trainees, and given a sales position as a "career agent".

The career agent would receive the benefit of a complete training program from the sponsoring insurance company. This would include two weeks intensive product training, along with sales concepts, presentation techniques and of course closing skills. At first the new agent would be expected to speak with friends and relatives about their need for insurance products.

This was called "your natural market" and it took a lot of courage to approach these people. Often a stigma developed and life insurance agent became the "person you do not want to talk to". Your family and friends began to hide from you because they were afraid to say no or got tried of hearing about insurance all the time.

In the eyes of the insurance company if you proved yourself in the natural market then you had what it took to be a sales person for them. The new agent would then go into the field and starting knocking on doors in their surrounding neighborhoods looking to drum up interest for sales.

After pounding the pavement for a day or two the agent would begin to book some appointment to speak to the prospect about how insurance products can work for them.

The agent would have a series of product they were expected to sell. This included life insurance, RRSP, annuities, health insurance and even group benefits if they prospect was a business owner.

The sales manager would spend time working with new agent and even go on sales call with them in order to help them learn how to present their solutions and assist in closing the sale. A successful agent would door knock during the day and book two evening appointments and if they could sell 3 or 4 deals a week they would be able to earn a decent living and support their families.

Wow, things have changed. Most insurance companies no longer offer sales career opportunities and time has become the real commodity for Canadians. Customers are no longer satisfied with one option from one insurance company. The value of having a broker shop the competing companies is what today savvy customer is looking for. Add to this the fact that people do not have the time to have an agent visit them in their homes. HealthQuotes.ca on line fulfillment capacities have become a recipe for success.

HealthQuotes.ca saw these changes coming and has taken advantage of the web as a top source for Canadians looking to purchasing insurance products. HealthQuotes.ca made its first submission to a search engine, Altavista, back in 1997. Web searches for insurance products grow everyday.

If you search for insurance quotes on Yahoo, Bing and of course Google you will find HealthQuotes.ca as a page one number one result for insurance products. Products like health insurance, group insurance, life insurance, and travel insurance all appear as a top organic listing result.

On average HealthQuotes.ca gets over one thousand visits a day from customers looking for insurance solutions.

So a new career opportunity in the insurance business has arisen. Our agents no longer spend their time prospecting. Instead they focus on helping customers with the products that they are looking for. The stigma of not wanting to speak with an agent is being dispelled by our friendly agents because they do not push the customer to purchase insurance products that they may not necessarily be interested in buying at the time. Our agents help the customer with what they are interested in rather then following the agenda of the commission hungry sales manager.

If you have ever considered insurance as career path then please call us right away. I promise you will enjoy helping qualified customers with products they know they need and are ready to purchase.

Thanks for reading and I am delighted to speak with you about your opportunity at HealthQuotes.ca.

Ian Baker
The insurance Blogger.

The January earthquake in Haiti, followed shortly afterward in February by a major earthquake in Chile has shown just how charitable donations are essential and necessary world-wide. Haiti was struck by the most powerful earthquake it has seen in a century with a magnitude of 7.0. Chile was struck by a very destructive 8.8 magnitude earthquake. These 2 earthquakes alone left millions of people homeless and without food and water; thousands have sadly also died.

Fortunately, Canadians and people from all corners of the world swiftly began to donate money, as well as medical supplies and food. People also donated their time and expertise, from soldiers to doctors, nurses, etc. Due to the generosity of people all across the world, lives were saved and rebuilding will be able to begin.

The Canadian Revenue Agency offers tax deductions for donations to qualified charities as an extra incentive for Canadians to donate money and/or property. Donations that are made to Canadian registered charities or other qualified donees may help reduce the amount of income tax paid at the end of the year; make sure the charity qualified by visiting the CRA website. The Income Tax Act permits qualified donees to issue official donation receipts for donations received; qualified donees include:

•    Registered Canadian charities;
•    Registered Canadian athletic associations;
•    Tax-exempt housing corporations resident in Canada that only provide low-cost housing for seniors;
•    Municipalities in Canada under proposed legislation for gifts made after May 8, 2000, municipal or public bodies performing a function of government in Canada;
•    The United Nations and its agencies;
•    Prescribed universities outside of Canada;
•    Charitable organizations outside of Canada to which the Government of Canada has made a donation to in the tax year, or the previous tax year;
•    The Government of Canada, a province and/or a territory.

In order for a donation to be eligible as a tax deduction, ownership of property (cash, gifts in kind such as goods, land, securities, etc.) must be transferred voluntarily. Donations can be in the form of money, securities, land, properties, as well as life insurance policies. Gifts of services are not considered property and do not qualify for an official donation. If the registered organization/charity provides something of value in return for a monetary donation, the eligible amount of the donation for income tax purposes is usually reduced. The amount will be reflected on the official donation receipt; the monetary value of the gift to the donor will be subtracted from the amount donated. Currently, the first two hundred dollars donated is eligible for a federal tax credit of 15% of the donation; the federal tax credit increases to 29% of the amount over two hundred dollars. Donors are also eligible for a provincial tax credit; this varies among provinces.

To learn about how to use your life insurance to donate to charity, please visit our page on Charities and Life Insurance which has in-depth information on this topic.

Once again, tax season for Canadians is drawing near. As the past 12 months have been financially challenging for most people, choosing the right financial tax options are especially important this year. The deadline for getting a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) is coming up; many people now have to decide whether or not an RRSP is the right choice for them.

Canadians can now choose between a RRSP and a Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA). Each option offers its own advantages, as well as disadvantages. Having detailed knowledge about both choices is vital for making the best financial decision for your situation. As financial situations can fluctuate, what was the best choice last year may no longer be the best choice for this year; don’t simply rely on what has worked in the past.

The TSFA has become a popular financial planning tool since it was introduced. The TFSA is being recommended for those who make forty thousand a year and under; at this income rate there won't be very much saved on taxes. As well, there is a possibility of being penalized later on when a large amount is withdrawn from this retirement savings. The TFSA does not penalize any withdrawals at any time, making the money much easier to access if it is needed. The government declares how much can be withdrawn from a RRSP; these withdrawals are then considered income; money withdrawn from a TSFA is not.

When making under forty thousand the TFSA is considered the better savings plan; however when the yearly income grows past this point, this money can be withdrawn and then invested into a RRSP. Conversely, for those making the higher income now with the understanding of making significantly less in the retirement years, the RRSP can be the better savings tool then; it can later be withdrawn and then deposited into a TFSA.

It is important to remember that a healthy financial plan includes the fact that your planning must be flexible in order to accommodate the financial fluctuations that occur. Different financial savings products do become available; research your options every year to find out what is now available that would be beneficial for you. As well, during different stages of life, a different financial plan and budgeting will be needed. Such things as buying a home, starting a family, etc. can all have a major impact on our finances, as well as our financial savings strategy. Consult with a financial advisor or another professional who is educated and well versed in the financial field.

While some people view Valentine's Day as a day that focuses on love and romance, others may view Valentine's as nothing more than a time to make money by companies trying to cash in on 'yet another holiday'. Regardless of what your personal views about Valentine's are, it does seem that a 'successful' Valentine’s does seem to correlate with the amount of money spent. Some people want to have that 'one special night' that can easily run up a huge bill.

Spending a large sum of money on Valentine;s might also not fit in with the couple's yearly budget as. For couples who are planning to buy home, a car, etc. or planning their wedding, financial obligations may mean cutting back on other expenses. Many Canadians also have student loans that have now become payable as well. So while the romantic side of a person may be to spend the extra money and 'go the extra mile', i.e. buying a larger diamond ring that really isn't financial feasible. The more financially responsible thing to do may be to buy a'‘nice, but not extravagant' ring and use any extra savings towards the wedding, honeymoon, purchase of a home, car, etc.

While openly and honestly discussing finances may not be considered very romantic, it can be more beneficial in the long term. It is also important to realize that the larger diamond companies are at their high point in the advertising season; for them this is the number one season for the high sales items. The same also rings true with other expensive items such as cruises, honeymoon getaway packages, etc. This means that for approximately a month before Valentine's Day, the media will be bombarded with advertisements and commercials regarding all the romantic things to do and buy, as well as spending money to impress the other person. But it is also important to understand what each other considers to be a necessity and what is considered a luxury. For some it may be more important to save for a down payment for a home, for some it will be getting out of debt as quickly as possible, and for some others as well, it may be buying a new car or going on an expensive vacation.

Having a successful financial plan may be a little tricky and some hard work, but it doesn’t have to take the romance out of the relationship. By both people taking an equal share in the financial planning, both parties have an equal stake in the couple’s financial health. This can be a great opportunity in making the future plans meet realization, and therefore can actually be a positive bonding experience for both.

When it comes to reading the small print in financial contracts, very few people actually bother to read the document in whole. Whether the paperwork relates to business or personal finance, being able to have comprehensive understanding of the information included is inherent to making the best financial decisions possible. For those who cannot fully understand the language, and/or those who have difficulties with reading may suffer financial consequences if they sign a contract that is not in their best interests. For those who have competent literary skills, many tend to lose interest after a couple of pages and discontinue reading the contract.

According to the Canadian Council of Learning, almost half of Canadian adults have low literacy skills. This non-profit organization estimates that 12 million people in Canada are below the internationally accepted standard of literacy that is required to effectively cope in a modern society. The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development defines literacy in five different levels; they report that the average Canadian score is 2.5 within this range. The five different levels are:

•    Level One: Very poor literacy skills. Individuals operating at this level of literacy may not be able to correctly determine medicine dosage as given on the packaging, for example.
•    Level Two: The ability to deal with only simple, clearly defined materials that involve uncomplicated tasks. Individuals operating at this level of literacy may have developed everyday coping skills but are challenged with the acquisition of new skills. Individuals at this level may find it difficult to learn new job skills, for example.
•    Level Three: The ability to adequately cope with the skills required for everyday life and work in an advanced society. Individuals at this level of literacy have about the same level needed to finish high school and enter college or university.
•    Levels Four and Five: Very strong skills. Individuals at this level of literacy can successfully process complex and demanding information. Individuals who are in this range generally experience less unemployment, earn more money and rely less on government transfers.

There is no common denominator when it comes to literacy skills. People with low scores can be seniors or young adults, employed or unemployed, etc. Surprisingly, twenty percent of university graduates have literacy skills that score below level three. Many who score low have not completed high school, although some have pursued some form of post-secondary education.

It is important to fully understand and comprehend any and all forms of financial transactions. This includes life (and health) insurance policies. When purchasing life insurance coverage, make sure to read all written materials that are provided, and have a good understanding of what those materials mean. For individuals who may have problems understanding these types of documents, make sure you have someone who is trustworthy to fully explain the material before signing the contract. Individuals may also want to inform their insurance broker that they need further clarification of the contracts and policies as well.

As Canada is now facing an aging population, insurance companies are now focusing on preventative rather than reactive measures when it comes to potential health issues. Insurers are now building comprehensive databases of health information for the clients that they insure. These databases contain the details of health issues that can range from drugs that are prescribed, chiropractic visits, etc. This information will be used for the purposes of being able to more accurately predict those who may be at risk of having and/or developing major health issues, i.e. chronic diseases.

By focusing on preventative measures, insurers hope to be able to effectively intervene before the health problem becomes severe, which usually also means more expensive, in order to help the individual take action to either manage and/or prevent the health condition from becoming worse. Not only is this strategy beneficial to the person, but also to the insurance company by keeping costs lower. Some insurers are also planning to take even more immediate action; Manulife Financial is implementing a new program that will benefit providers by setting up a workplace clinic which will be able to provide employees with the resources to test such health concerns as cholesterol levels, blood pressure rates and body mass levels.

One of the issues that insurers are hoping to accomplish is to quantify the value of good health by attaching a dollar value to activities that promote a healthy lifestyle. By using this strategy, insurers hope to be able to convince employers to establish wellness programs for their employees that would ultimately result in the cost of employee benefits being reduced. This would ultimately save money for not only the insurers, but for the business, and of course the employees benefit from being able to access services that improve their health.

With new medical breakthroughs and treatments, Canadians now have a longer lifespan. However, living longer does not necessarily mean that this population is living a healthy lifestyle. Medical costs tend to rise for people as they age; they also tend to be more expensive for health conditions that are more advanced. Healthy living as well as early detection practices are beneficial not only for the individual, but for those who cover these expenses.

As life and health insurance rates are based in part by health status, premiums are lower for those who are healthy. Consult with your employer about ways to promote health in the workplace, and ways to encourage these practices.

2009 has definitely been a financial roller coaster ride for many Canadians. Many experienced financial stress; all the uncertainty did make many Canadians review their financial planning.

RBC recently did a survey through Ipsos Reid to assess how Canadians felt about their existing life insurance coverage. Out of more than 1000 Canadians polled, only 68% said that they felt confident that they had enough coverage for them and their family's needs. Adults who have children were more concerned about life insurance coverage in regards to the death and/or disability of a parent. 75% of parents polled said this is one of their biggest financial concerns.

As well, those polled showed that more than half of Canadians felt that they suffer from too much stress in their lives; parents felt particularly vulnerable to stress. 7 out of 10 Canadian households that have children admitted they experience too much stress; 51% of households without children reported these unhealthy levels of stress. They also are aware that high stress levels can contribute and/or exacerbate health problems as they get older.

When it came to the challenges of what these people would do to reduce their stress and lead healthier lives, the poll showed at:

•    55% were not willing to give up television watching time;
•    45% were not willing to give up eating red meat;
•    34% were not willing to give up their alcohol consumption
•    More than 75% of those polled felt they maintained healthy eating habits most of the time;
•    Men seemed to experience less willpower when it came to indulging in unhealthy behaviors; half were unwilling to give up red meat to add five health years to their lives, 4 in 10 women were willing to make the change.
•    39% refused to give up alcohol in order to improve their health; 28% were willing to.

As the holiday seasons have traditionally been a time when people eat foods that they know are bad for them, overindulge in alcoholic beverages, etc. this may also be time to reflect how your lifestyle suits your life insurance coverage. Especially owing to the uncertain financial times other safeguards such as savings may no longer be in place or at the right dollar amount. After the holiday season may be the perfect opportunity to review your financial planning strategy and make sure that your coverage is reflective of your needs for the upcoming year.

Despite the current uncertainty in the Canadian and global economy, the Canadian Real Estate Association claims that residential house sales in Canada actually reached the highest level ever for the month of October 2009. As well, the average sale price was up by over 20% from October 2008. This increase in residential house sales is being credited to low interest rates. Currently the average mortgage rate is 4.55, which is a decline from 5.41 which was the average for 2008. As well, consumer confidence is also being credited for the increase in residential home sales.

Out of all the provinces, British Columbia had the highest monthly gain in residential real estate sales; B.C. also had the most dramatic decline in sales last year. British Columbia has traditionally always had the highest real estate prices as well as the highest average mortgages. Vancouver's sales have risen to 117% over the past year. The Canadian Real Estate Association is now forecasting national activity in residential home sales will reach over 460,000 units in 2009 which is an increase of 6.6% from last year. The national MLS home price average is forecast to climb 4.2% in 2009; this will reach a record of $317,900.

This is the first time that residential home sales have increased in price since the spring of 2008. This means that purchasing a home may now be less affordable for Canadians, according to a new study by the RBC Housing Affordability survey. This survey measures the proportion of pre-tax household income needed in order to cover all the necessary costs of home ownership. This measure rose for all housing types in the third quarter, with standard bungalows and two storey homes seeing the biggest gain. Demand for housing has now outstripped supply since the recovery in real estate sales began last winter.

For those Canadians who want to take advantage of the low mortgage rates to buy a home, mortgage insurance coverage must also be considered. Most lending institutions require mandatory mortgage insurance. However, mortgage insurance does not have to be obtained through the lending institution, although almost all do offer this coverage. Term life insurance in an amount that covers the mortgage can be a better alternative to bank mortgage insurance. Term life also offers several advantages that bank mortgage insurance does not. Term life insurance offers the homebuyer the advantage of naming the beneficiary of the policy. When purchased through a lending institution, the mortgage insurance policy names the bank as the beneficiary. When using term life insurance the policy is owned by the homebuyer, not the bank.

Another advantage to using term life to insure a mortgage is the option of purchasing a policy that can be converted into whole life insurance upon completion of the term. This allows the homebuyer to buy a term life policy when they are in good health, and the rates are less expensive. Some convertible policies will not require any additional medical information, but will be based on the original health status.

When shopping for a home, and mortgage, consult with your insurance broker about using term life insurance to insure the mortgage and explore all the options. Many times term life insurance is also cheaper than the coverage offered by the bank. For more information on using term life insurance, please visit our mortgage insurance page.

With an estimated 2.6 millions being self-employed, the Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development has announced that the Government of Canada has introduced the Fairness for the Self-Employed Act. This new legislation is intended to extend Employment Insurance (EI) special benefits which will include maternity, parental, sickness and compassionate care benefits for those Canadians who are self-employed.

Traditionally, Canadians who are considered self-employed have had little and/or no income protection in regards to major life events. Situations such as sickness or injury, giving birth, caring for a newborn and/or a newly adopted child, or assuming the care for a gravely ill family member have usually only been covered for those who are employed by an employer and who are entitled to EI benefits through paying via their weekly deductions.

The Fairness for the Self-Employed Act is aimed at rectifying these situations which face not only those who have employers, but also those who are self-employed. This act is in response to the Federal Government's 2008 pledge to help provide improved economic security as well as support for all Canadians who are self-employed. These changes will allow self-employed Canadians to voluntarily opt into the EI program in order to be eligible for these special benefits. These special benefits are intended to closely mirror those that are currently available to salaried employees.

Through the new legislation, self-employed Canadians who opt into the EI program will be eligible to receive special benefits that are currently available to salaried employees such as:

•    Maternity Benefits. 15 weeks are available for birth mothers and covers the period surrounding birth; a claim can start up to 8 weeks before the expected due date.
•     Parental/Adoptive Benefits. A maximum of 35 weeks are available to biological or adoptive parents for caring for either a newborn or a newly adopted child; this may be taken by either parent or shared between them. If the parents are sharing, only one waiting period must be served.
•    Sickness Benefits. A maximum of 15 weeks are available for a person who is unable to work due to sickness, injury and/or quarantine.
•    Compassionate Care Benefits. A maximum of 6 weeks for a person who temporarily has to be away from work in order to provide care and/or support to a family member who is gravely ill and has a significant risk of dying.

In order to be eligible for these benefits, self-employed Canadians will be required to opt into the program at least one year prior to claiming benefits. They must also be responsible for making premium payments starting with the tax year in which they apply to the program, i.e. a program start date of January 2010 mean that claims can be made as early as January 1, 2011. In order to access EI special benefits, self-employed Canadians will need to earn a minimum of $6,000 in self-employed earnings over the preceding calendar year.

Self-employed people can also opt out of the EI program at the end of any tax year if they have never claimed benefits. For those who have claimed benefits they will have to contribute on self-employed earnings for as long as they remain self-employed. Self-employed Canadians will pay the same EI premium rate as salaried employees, but will not be required to pay the employer portion of those premiums as they will not have access to EI regular benefits.

Starting in 2010 Canadian banks will be prohibited from selling insurance products via their primary websites. Currently Canadian top banks such as the Royal Bank of Canada, Bank of Nova Scotia, Bank of Montreal, CIBC and the Toronto Dominion Bank offer their customers the option of purchasing insurance online from their main banking websites. The Minister of Finance Jim Flaherty announced that the new rules regarding the sale of insurance products over the internet will become applicable when the next budget comes into effect in early 2010. This will essentially reverse a decision that had been made in favor of the banks earlier this year.

The Bank Act prohibits the banks from directly selling insurance in their branches; however the Office of the Superintendant of Financial Institutions (OSFI) ruled in June that a bank website is not the same as a bank branch, thereby allowing for the sale of insurance products online. However, Flaherty considers a bank’s primary website a virtual bank branch, making the sale of insurance against the rules. Recently Flaherty faxed letters to the CEOs of Canadian banks requesting that they change their websites to preclude the sale of insurance; most banks have not complied with this request. Flaherty has stated that he intends to change the Canada’s Bank Act to prohibit banking websites to sell insurance, making this current practice illegal.

The Canadian Bankers Association, which represents 50 Canadian banks, claim that Flaherty made this recent change without any consultations with either the public or the banking industry. In an emailed statement, the CBA said they were “shocked that Mr. Flaherty would want to limit how and where consumers can access information about insurance.” Flaherty’s decision to amend the current legislation came as a result of Liberal MP Alexandra Mendes introducing a private member’s bill, which, in her opinion, would level the playing field between independent insurance companies and Canadian banks. The insurance brokerage industry has previously complained to the federal government as well as lobbied MPs about this issue.

While some members of the insurance brokerage industry are welcoming these proposed changes, others fear these new rules will impede Canadians from being able to make informed choices due to insurance information being restricted. The internet affords Canadians the opportunity to quickly and efficiently be able to compare insurance quotes, the type of insurance products offered, etc, without being pressured by a sales agent. Currently people can ‘surf the net’ and research the different types of insurance that are available, and can compare the not only the costs of available insurance policies, but to also compare the different types of policies available. This allows people to benefit from having the most information available in which to make their decisions. It also allows for people to become aware of different types of insurance which they may not have known was available. As well, a healthy competitive market means that the consumer benefits from no one specific company being able to monopolize the industry.

It is important for anyone contemplating purchasing insurance to do their own independent research and compare quotes as well as what those specific policies offer. While it may make sales a little more competitive for the insurer, it allows for the consumer to benefit.

The WC is an indicator of health risk that is associated with abdominal obesity. There are greater health risks associated with excess fat around the waist and upper body (also recognized as an ‘apple’ body shape) than with excess fat located in the hips and thighs areas (also recognized as a ‘pear’ body shape).A WC measurement of 102 cm. or more in the male population, and a measurement of 88 cm. or more in the female population is associated with the increased risk of Type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease as well as high blood pressure.

Other health conditions can interact with obesity that greatly elevates the risk of developing a wide range of chronic health issues. Age and family medical history as well as other health conditions such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure and/or high blood sugar levels combined with obesity all increase the likelihood of developing more serious diseases and/or medical conditions. Lifestyle choices such as poor eating habits, lack of physical activity and/or smoking not only increase the risks of chronic health problems, but actually exacerbate the burden on the individual’s health.

Achieving as well as maintaining a healthy body weight is essential for good health. Healthy body weight is usually achieved through healthy eating as well as regular physical exercise. Some helpful ways to help control body weight are:

• Find a way to incorporate regular physical activity into your daily routine. This can be achieved by such simple things as talking a walk during your lunch break, using stairs instead of the elevator, etc. Splitting up exercise time into shorter sessions starting with 10 minutes of activity 3 times a day may be easier to incorporate into your schedule. Set up an exercise routine that you can maintain; sporadically going to the gym is not going to give you the desired results.
• Make your meal portions smaller. Many times people are not aware of how much they eat and how many calories they consume because they think they are eating a regular sized portion. Start serving smaller portions; those who are still hungry can always have ‘seconds’. Avoid eating out in establishments that offer ‘all you can eat’ and/or restaurants that serve very large portions. As alcoholic and other sweetened beverages are high in calories avoid them and substitute instead non-sweetened beverages.
• Eat a nutritionally balanced diet. Pay attention to the labels on food products, many times what we think are low-fat and low in calories actually isn’t.

Remember that life and health insurance premiums are based on health status. Obesity, like smoking, lowers your health status meaning you may be paying higher rates. If you are obese, and have lost the weight, consult with your life insurance broker about this new development in your health status, you may be eligible for a reduction in your rates.

One of the longest ongoing health studies in the United States claims that obesity is now a bigger overall threat to adults’ health than smoking cigarettes. The study, which is conducted by researchers from Columbia University and the City College of New York, claims that obesity causes just as much, and possibly even more diseases than tobacco consumption. While smoking rates are starting to actually decline, obesity shortens the lifespan. While smoking generally impacts health in such ways as heart disease and/or cancer, the impacts of obesity are much larger.

The study was conducted over a period of fifteen years, and involved interviewing more than 3.5 million people. The study calculated the number of ‘quality adjusted life years’ (QALYs) that were lost due to obesity and smoking. Quality adjusted life years are a measurement of the quality as well as the quantity of a lived life; it assigns higher scores for good and/or perfect health and lower scores for illness, injury and/or death. The study showed that between 1993 to 2008 smoking in the American adult population decreased by 18.5%; meanwhile the proportion of obese American adults increased by 85%. There is no valid reasoning to suggest that these figures are not mirrored in the Canadian population. Statistics Canada has reported that two out of every 3 Canadian adults is either overweight and/or obese.

Obesity can cause such complex health problems such as:

• Type 2 diabetes;
• Liver disease;
• Coronary heart disease;
• Sleep apnea and/or other respiratory issues;
• Joint issues, resulting in joint replacements;
• Hypertension and/or high blood pressure;
• Stroke;
• Gallbladder disease;
• Osteoarthritis;
• Cancers such as breast cancer, colon and endometrial cancer;
• Mental health issues such as low self-esteem and/or depression.

Health professionals assess a person’s weight status by using 2 tools, the body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC). These tools are used on all adults 18 years of age and older, with the exception of pregnant and/or breastfeeding women. The BMI is calculated on a weight-to-height ratio. Rather than directly measure the amount of body fat in the individual, it is an indicator of the health risks that are associated with being either under or over weight. In the Canadian weight classification system, there are four categories of BMI:

• Underweight (less than 18.5);
• Normal weight (between 18.5 and 24.9);
• Overweight (between 25 and 29.9);
• Obese (30 and over).

This article will be continues in Part II.

Many Canadians think of the environmental impact when it comes to purchasing products, but how many think of being eco-friendly when it comes to planning a funeral? Although this concept is quite new in Canada, there are now 2 cemeteries (one in Brampton ON, the other in Victoria BC) that offer green burial services. This includes such services as quick interment (which makes embalming unnecessary), as well as caskets that are made from natural wood products, or even cardboard, which allow for a natural breakdown of the elements. Wildflowers are used in lieu of traditional gravestones as well.

Many Canadians have not even considered the environmental impact of a traditional burial and/or cremation. Consider that the average burial/cremation has the following impact on its natural surroundings:

• An average embalming consumes more than 15 liters of formaldehyde; North America typically uses over 4 million liters every year;
• The equivalent of the Golden Gate Bridge could be built every year with the amount of metal used in North America every year to build vaults and coffins;
• The amount of concrete used in traditional burials every year is sufficient enough to build a 2 lane highway between Montreal and Toronto, and back again;
• For a typical 10 acre cemetery, enough wood is used that is sufficient enough to build 40 homes; it also typically uses 1,000 tons of casket steel and 20,000 tons of concrete;
• Pesticides are commonly used in these traditional facilities;
• The average cremation uses 27 liters of gas, the box containing the body is incinerated at temperatures from 760 to 1150 degrees Celsius;
• The organs and soft tissue of a cremated body are vaporized and oxidized due to the tremendous heat used, and these gases are discharged through the exhaust system;
• The United Nations estimates that 0.2% of global emissions of dioxins and furans are contributed through worldwide cremation, as well cremation is considered the second largest source of airborne mercury in Europe.

For those who do not live near a green burial property, there are still ways to reduce the impact on the environment for traditional burials. The Natural Burial Association recommends:

• Plan your funeral ahead of time, and let your friends and family know of your intentions to have an environmentally conscious burial/funeral;
• Include these burial plans in your will, so that there can be no dispute about your final wishes;
• When selecting a coffin, try to choose one that is a simply made box out of local sustainably harvested wood, or even cardboard;
• If cremation has been selected, ask for the removal of teeth that have mercury fillings in them beforehand, so the mercury does not get released into the environment;
• Consider offsetting the greenhouse gas emissions with carbon credits;
• Ask for donations to your favorite charity (or environmental project) in lieu of flowers.

For more information on green funerals and the association between funerals and the environment, visit the Natural Burial Association.

The Government of Canada announced in September 2008 that $1.9 billion dollars, over 5 years, would be made available for housing and homelessness programs for low-income Canadians. As part of this initiative, the renovations programs were extended for an additional 2 years, up until March 31, 2011. These programs are available to Canadian seniors, those with disabilities, as well as low-income households; most are delivered by the Provinces and Territories.

The Home Adaptations for Seniors' Independence (HASI) offers financial assistance for seniors who require minor home adaptations that will allow low-income seniors to remain living independently and safely. Eligible adaptations are minor items that are related to loss of ability and daily activities. In order to be eligible these adaptations must:

• Be permanently installed/fixed to the dwelling;
• Improve the access to basic facilities in the dwelling;
• Increases the physical safety for the affected resident, i.e. handrails, easy-to-reach work/storage areas in the kitchen, grab bars in the bathroom, etc.

Either the homeowner or the landlord can apply for this assistance if:

• The occupant of the residence if at least 65 years of age and is experiencing difficulties with activities that are related to daily living that is brought on either by illness or advancing age;
• The total household income is or below the program income limit for that specific area;
• The home is a permanent residence.

Financial assistance for this program is available via a forgivable loan with a maximum of $3500. This loan will not be required to be repaid as long as the homeowner agrees to continue residing there for a minimum of 6 months (the loan forgiveness period). In the case of rental properties, the landlord must agree to not increase the rent of the property as a result of the new adaptations.

For Canadians with disabilities, financial assistance is available through the Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program for Persons with Disabilities (RRAP – Disabilities). This program is designed to help homeowners/landlords to make modifications to the property that will make the property more accessible to persons with disabilities, i.e. eliminate physical barriers and safety risks. Modifications must be related to housing as well as the occupant's disability, i.e. handrails, chair lifts, bath lifts, etc. All work to bring the home up to minimum health and safety standards must be completed in order to be eligible; if this amount exceeds the maximum forgivable loan then the owner must assume the additional costs.

Homeowners and/or landlords may qualify for this program as long as the property is:

• Already occupied, or will be occupied, by a low-income person with a disability;
• Is owned and has a value below a certain amount;
• If a rental property, the rent is less than the established levels for that specific area;
• Meets minimum health and safety standards.

Assistance for this program is in the form of a forgivable loan and will not have to be repaid as long as the terms and conditions of the program are followed. Homeowners must agree to continue to own the home for as long as the loan forgiveness period (up to 5 years.) Landlords must agree to an established rent that can be charged during the lifetime of the agreement as well as an occupancy restriction to a household with an income that is below a set CMHC level.

This program is set into 3 different geographical zones for Canada; loan amounts vary depending on the region:

Zone 1: Includes the southern areas of Canada; homeowners can receive a loan of up to $16,000, landlords up to $24,000.

Zone 2: Includes the northern areas of Canada; homeowners can receive a loan of up to $19,000, landlords up to $28,000.

Zone 3: Includes the far northern areas of Canada; homeowners can receive a loan of up to $24,000, landlords up to $36,000.

As well, areas that have been defined as remote may be eligible for additional assistance.

For additional information on these, as well as other programs, visit the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

Every week Canadians across the country become aware of yet another mail, telemarketing and/or internet scam, in which people are fraudulently separated from their hard-earned money. Reports regarding credit card and debit card fraud are also prevalent. It is important therefore that all Canadians are knowledgeable about not only guarding themselves against not only physical theft, but identify theft as well.

The majority of Canadians use debit cards instead of cash in many financial transactions. While many financial institutions will cover consumer loss due to fraud, the consumer may still be liable for some losses. In order to safeguard from fraud it is suggested that:

•    Photocopies are made of all cards and stored in a safe place.
•    Personal Identification Numbers (PIN) should not be easily determined, i.e. using a birthday, address. Instead, choose a PIN that is harder to crack.
•    Safely store bank records and ATM statements; when throwing these out, shred them before putting them in the garbage. It is possible for a thief to go through garbage in order to retrieve these statements and gain access to personal information.
•    Always thoroughly go through monthly bank statements and credit card statements; report any discrepancies, even if it is for a small amount.
•    Remember to take not only your card after the transaction, but the transaction record as well.
•    Never write down your PIN or reveal to another person; if you do, most card agreements will hold you personally liable for any losses.
•    Cover your hand when entering your PIN to prevent not only others seeing it but in case the ATM has been tampered with and a camera installed in order to record your PIN.

Many people can also suffer financial losses as well as ruined credit when their identity is stolen. Once someone assumes your identity, they can gain access to your financial information to not only take your money, but to conduct financial business under your name. In order to protect yourself against this, it is recommended that you:

•    Store all documents that contain personal information (i.e. passports, social insurance number, and birth certificate) in a safe. If an item such as a health card expires, shred it immediately upon receiving its replacement.
•    Get a copy of your credit report every year and review it thoroughly to make sure it matches your financial records.
•    When leaving your home for any period of time, have someone you trust pick up your mail every day. Bills have personal information and account numbers on them which can be stolen and used.
•    Don’t carry items such as a SIN card in your wallet; rather store it in a safe. Any documents that are not regularly used should be stored; therefore if your wallet gets stolen, that information has not been obtained by the thief.

Families in Canada who are raising children under the age of 18 are well aware of how expensive this can be. In order to financially help families with young children, the Canada Child Tax Benefit (CCTB) is designed to provide a monthly financial stipend in order to help meet these expenses. This benefit is available a month after birth right up until the month the child turns 18. For families who have the additional responsibility of raising a child that is severely mentally and/or physically impaired, the Child Disability Benefit is included in the CCTB. As well, the National Child Benefit Supplement is included for Canadian low-income families.

In order to be eligible for this benefit all of the following criteria must be met:

•    The child must be under 18 and residing with you;
•    You must be the person who is primarily responsible for the care and upbringing of the child, i.e. the child's daily activities, all medical needs and arranging for child care if necessary;
•    You must be a Canadian resident, and;
•    You or your spouse (including common-law) must be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident, a protected person, or a temporary resident who has resided in Canada for the previous 18 months.

Family net income is a factor in determining the calculation of the CCTB entitlement. Spouses (including common-law) will have their income added from their tax return to yours in order to obtain the family net income. However, families receiving the Universal Child Care Benefit will have this amount excluded from their net income. If however, a portion of this benefit must be repaid, that amount will be included in the adjusted family net income.

It is advised to apply for the CCTB immediately after the child is born, the child begins to live with you, or you become a resident of Canada. Payments for this benefit are only retroactive for 11 months, unless there were circumstances beyond the parent's control for not doing so. Even those who feel that they are ineligible due to their family income being too high should apply. The entitlement is calculated every July based on the family net income for the previous year, which is determined by tax returns. Tax returns must be filed every year by the parent and spouse even if there is no income to report.

More information regarding the Canada Child Tax Benefit can be obtained at Canada Revenue Agency.

For most Canadians, their mortgage is not only their biggest asset, but also their biggest liability. Therefore, it is imperative to understand all the financial jargon associated with your mortgage in order to make the best financial decisions possible. How you finance your home as well as the home-buying process can have a major impact on your financial well-being and future, especially in an era where certain financial products are no longer being offered and new products available. This rings true especially for first-time home buyers.

Understanding the 'financial language' can help Canadians choose the best mortgage option which fits in with their financial planning strategy. In order to help those who are planning on buying a home, we have provided a list of the most common terms, along with a synopsis of their meaning.

•    Amortization: refers to the period of time that the entire mortgage is to be paid; this is calculated with the assumption of regular payments.
•    Appraisal: Whereby a qualified person makes an independent assessment of the property worth.
•    Assuming a mortgage: The taking over of a previous owner's mortgage when the property is purchased.
•    Buy down rate: The portion of the interest rate on a buyer's mortgage that is assumed when your house is bought. If the home buyer doesn’t like the interest rate on their mortgage, the seller can offer to add a percentage of it onto their existing mortgage.
•    Capped rate: Usually associated with a variable-rate mortgage, this is an interest rate that has a pre-determined ceiling.
•    Closed mortgage: This type of mortgage cannot be prepaid, renegotiated and/or refinanced prior to maturity, unless specifically stated in the mortgage terms.
•    Closing costs: These costs are not included in the purchase price of the home and must be paid on the closing date, i.e. land transfer taxes, legal fees.
•    Closing date: The date upon which the sale of the home becomes final, with the new owner assuming possession of the home and the funds are transferred to the seller.
•    Conventional mortgage: Where the borrower contributes more than 20% of the property value as a down payment.
•    Convertible mortgage: This type of mortgage can be changed from short-term to long-term.
•    Debt service ratio: This is the percentage of the borrower's income that is used for the monthly payments of the principle, interest, taxes, heating costs as well as condo fees.
•    Default: Whereby the borrower breaks the terms of the mortgage agreement by either not making the payments and/or by late payments.
•    Down payment: Usually consists of 5-20% of the home value that the purchaser pays up-front.
•    Equity: The amount that a homeowner actually owns outright; it is calculated by the difference between the market value of the home and the amount owing.
•    High ratio mortgage: Where the borrower has contributed less than 20% of the property value for the down payment.
•    Home inspection: Whereby a qualified person performs a visual inspection of the home and makes a report of the true condition of the property.
•    Home insurance: Differs from mortgage life insurance, this is used to insurance not only the actual home, but its contents.
•    Interest adjustment: This is the amount of interest due between the date the mortgage starts and the date of the first mortgage payment.
•    Land transfer tax: This tax may be applicable on a land transfer depending on the province.
•    Legal fees/disbursements: Monies spent on such services like a real estate lawyer that are associated with the buying of a home.
•    Lump sum payment: This refers to an extra payment that is made in order to reduce the mortgage amount.
•    Mortgage broker: An individual/company who does not actually lend money, but rather acts on your behalf to find a lender as well as arrange the terms of the mortgage.
•    Mortgage default insurance: Type of insurance that is required for home buyers that have contributed between 5-20% of the home value as their down payment.
•    Mortgage life insurance: This insures the mortgage and pays it off in full should the mortgage holder die. Term life insurance can be used for this purpose as well, and offers several advantages.
•    Mortgage rate: This is the percentage of interest the home buyer pays on top of the loan principal.
•    Mortgage term: This refers to the length of time that the interest rate is guaranteed for the mortgage.
•    MLS listings: Computer websites/lists available to consumers that show listings of available homes within your region.
•    Offer to purchase/conditional offer: The written contract containing any stipulations and/or conditions upon which the buyer agrees to purchase the home.
•    Open mortgage: This type of mortgage can be paid off, renewed, and/or refinanced at any point in the mortgage. This type of mortgage usually has a higher interest rate.
•    Porting/Portable mortgage: The transfer of an existing mortgage from one home to a new home.
•    Pre-approved mortgage certificate:approved mortgage certificate A written agreement the home buyer can obtain before buying a home stating the amount of the mortgage as well as the interest rates that the buyer is approved for.
•    Pre-paid property tax/utility adjustments: The amount owed to the seller if they have already paid these items.
•    Pre-payment: Paying part of the mortgage ahead of schedule; depending on the mortgage terms, this may incur a penalty.
•    Property survey: A survey that contains the legal description of the property; this is usually required by the mortgage lender.
•    Refinancing: This refers to the homeowner increasing the amount of their current mortgage at a new interest rate.
•    Renewal: The option of renewing the mortgage once the original term has expired.
•    Sales tax: The taxes that are applied to the purchase price of the home; this varies depending on the province as well as the type of home bought (i.e. resale property, newly built).
•    Variable rate mortgage: The interest rate on this type of mortgage varies with the market and changes every month.

Canadians home buyers should always do their own research when it comes to mortgages as well as consult with professionals. Having a deeper understanding of what is entailed in the mortgage process can enable the home buyer to make a financial choice that saves them money, as well as suits their needs. To learn more about using term life insurance to insure a mortgage, please visit our page that specifically addresses this issue.

As the Canadian population ages, awareness needs to be raised surrounding the issue of elder abuse. It is estimated that between 4 and 10% of seniors in Canada experience or will experience some form of abuse. A study conducted by the Environics for Human Resources and Social Development Canada showed some alarming statistics. Among these were included that:

•    96% of all Canadians think most abuse directed towards the elderly is either hidden or goes undetected;
•    22% of all Canadians thought that they knew a senior who was experiencing some form of abuse;
•    9 in 10 Canadians thought that elder abuse awareness should be a high priority for the Canadian government in order to help seniors live safely and protect their rights;
•    67% of all Canadians felt that women were more susceptible to abuse as a senior than older men;
•    12% of Canadians have sought information regarding a situation of elder abuse either for a specific incident or for general knowledge;
•    1 in 20 Canadians have searched the internet for information regarding issues around elder abuse.

The Government of Canada has announced their support for 16 projects across Canada under the New Horizons for Seniors Program to raise awareness around this issue. Four million dollars will be invested in Canada-wide programs to bring attention to elder abuse as well as to provide education and resources for those at risk. Some of the planned projects are:

•    The National Initiative for the Care of the Elderly plans to undertake a national project that will produce and distribute materials intended for elder abuse prevention and detection as well as intervention tools and resources for seniors, families, communities and service providers.
•    The Community Legal Information Association of Prince Edward Island plans to develop and distribute legal information and resources for seniors and their families/caregivers as well as service providers.
•    The British Columbia Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres will develop awareness and educational materials and resources that are specifically targeted towards the Aboriginal communities to help reduce elder abuse within their population.

Elder abuse (or older adult abuse) is defined as any single or repeated acts, or lack of appropriate action that occurs in a relationship where there is an expectation of trust, which causes harm and/or distress to an older person. Financial abuse is the most common form of elder abuse, which includes frauds and scams, as well as the improper use of Power of Attorney. Neglect is the second most common form of elder abuse. Neglect occurs when the person who has custody or care for a dependent adult fails to meet the basic needs for that person. Signs that a senior may be suffering from neglect include:

•    Malnourishment, dehydration, emaciation;
•    Mentally confused;
•    Not dressed appropriately, unkempt appearance, soiled surroundings;
•    Medications not administered properly;
•    Unexplained open sores;
•    Lack of safety features in the home;
•    Being left unsupervised and/or without assistance when it’s required;
•    Not keeping scheduled doctors appointments and/or other obligations on a regular basis.

Signs that a senior may be being abused financially are:

•    Large amounts of money being taken from a bank account;
•    Suspicious signatures on cheques and/or other legal documents;
•    Unexplained debt;
•    Financial statements suddenly not being mailed to the senior's residence;
•    The senior suddenly unable to pay bills and other daily household expenses;
•    An unexpected change in a will;
•    Unexpected sale of the home;
•    Missing personal belongings, i.e. jewelry, clothing;
•    The senior being asked to sign legal papers without an explanation as to what they are signing;
•    Not remembering making financial payments, transfers;
•    Someone speaking for the senior and not allowing them to speak and/or answer questions;
•    Sudden isolation from family and/or friends;
•    Anxiety when discussing financial matters.

It is important to also be aware of any unexplained physical injuries, such as bruises, swelling, welts, lacerations, fractures, etc. While seniors can experience an increased number of falls, injuries that are consistent with being restrained will be very different, i.e. rope burns, grip marks. Emotional changes such as sudden low self esteem, agitation, sleep difficulties and unexplained fearfulness can be indications that the senior is experiencing psychological abuse.

If you suspect that a senior you know may be experiencing some form of abuse, contact a senior service in your province/territory. Seniors Canada is run by the Government of Canada and offers seniors information on a wide variety of topics. This includes finances, care facilities, health and wellness issues as well as legal matters. They also provide information for the caregivers of seniors.

Under the proposed taxation changes, Canadians can now claim a non-refundable tax credit on their 2009 tax return based on expenditures (must be eligible) incurred for labor performed and/or goods acquired for home renovations. The dates must fall between January 27, 2009 and before February 1, 2010 in respect of an eligible dwelling.  The HRTC is applicable to eligible expenditures of more then $1,000 but not more than $10,000; this will result in a maximum credit of $1350 ($10,000 - $1000) x 15%).

In order to determine if you are eligible for the HRTC consider the following factors:

•    The dwelling must qualify; any dwelling that you own and is used either by you or your family can qualify, including your home or cottage.
•    Eligibility for the credit is family based; a family will be allowed a single credit that may be shared within the whole family. If 2 or more families share the ownership of an eligible dwelling, each family will then be eligible for their own separate credit, each up to $1,350. This will be calculated on their respective eligible expenditures.
•    The expenditures incurred in relation to a renovation/alteration to an eligible dwelling (or the land that forms part of the eligible dwelling) must be of an enduring nature and integral to the building.
•    Expenditures must have been incurred after January 27, 2009 and before February 1, 2010, according to agreement entered info after January 27, 2009.

An eligible dwelling must be a housing unit that is eligible to be an individual's principal residence for the individual or one or more of their family members between January 27, 2009 and February 2010. It is eligible where it is owned by the individual and ordinarily inhabited by same individual, spouse, common-law partner, and/or their children. If a portion of the home is rental property (i.e. basement), only renovations that are done to the family's personal space will be eligible for this credit. If renovations are made that are considered common areas (i.e. roof) then the expenses will be divided between personal use and income earning use.

As all expenses must be supported by receipts, so make sure to securely save these items should they be required. Documentation like agreements, invoices and/or receipts must clearly identify the type and quantity of the goods purchased, and/or the services provided. Make sure the information you intend on submitting has:

•    Information that clearly identifies the vendor as well as their business address. If they have a GST/HST registration number, make sure that is included.
•    Description of the goods and the date in which they were purchased.
•    The date of when the goods were purchased, and/or when services were performed.
•    Description of the work performed; make sure the address of the dwelling is included.
•    The amount of the invoice and proof of payment. Receipts and/or invoices must indicate paid in full or be accompanied by other proof of payment, i.e. canceled cheque, credit card statement.

Eligible expenditures include, but are not limited to:

•    Kitchen, bathroom, basement renovations;
•    New carpeting and/or hardwood flooring;
•    New additions, i.e. garage, deck, shed, fence;
•    Re-shingling of a roof;
•    New furnace, boiler, fireplace, wood stove, water heater, water softener;
•    Painting of exterior and/or interior of home;
•    Adding a new driveway or resurfacing of a previous driveway;
•    Window coverings that are directly attached to the window frame, whereby the removal would alter the nature of the dwelling;
•    Laying of new sod;
•    In ground or above ground swimming pool;
•    Fixtures such as lights, fans;
•    Cost of permits, professional services, equipment rentals.

A worksheet is provided on Revenue Canada's website, as well as more detailed information regarding this tax credit.

Starting July 1, 2010 Ontario will have a harmonized sales tax. This harmonized tax will replace the existing Provincial Sales Tax (PST) and the Goods and Services Tax (GST). Currently the GST is 5% and the PST is 8%; the combined sales tax will be 13%. While some items may not increase in price, many items that have been exempt from sales tax will no longer enjoy that exemption. The province of Ontario says that implementing a single sales tax will bring Ontario into line with what they call the most efficient form of sales taxation around the world. The finance ministry claims that this combined tax will reduce the cost of goods that Ontario exports, thus in turn making the province more competitive as well as boosting the economy.

Consumers in Ontario will have to pay tax on products that have traditionally been exempt, such as gasoline, heating fuels and electricity. Services such as haircuts, club and gym memberships and taxi fares have also been exempt in the past, but will be taxed starting in 2010. Childrens clothing, footwear, car seats/car booster seats and diapers will remain exempt from the provincial portion of the new tax, as well as feminine hygiene products and books. Basic groceries, prescription drugs, medical devices, rent and/or condo fees will remain exempt from both the GST and the PST. The purchase of resale homes will remain exempt from the PST; real estate transaction fees will be taxed however. Traveling by air and train will be more expensive as well due to the new blended tax.

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce estimates that this fully blended taxation system will cost consumers approximately 905 million dollars per year in additional sales tax. The GST and PST tax bill for companies however, is estimated to decrease by 1.6 billion dollars annually. Under the current taxation laws, business are not allowed to deduct PST from the costs of materials and other purchased products; this cost is traditionally assumed to be passed along to the consumer. The blended taxation will allow these companies to claim tax credits for these purchases, potentially saving them 3 billion dollars per year. The Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses says that this new harmonization will save businesses 100 million dollars per year in reduced 'red tape'. They will also save a further 500 million annually on the costs of administering a single tax as opposed to the 2 taxes. The Ontario Real Estate Association claims that this tax merger will add more than $2,000 to the cost of real estate transactions, which will hurt the resale home market, potentially prolonging the housing industry’s recovery from the current economic crisis.

Household expenses are predicted to rise in this new taxation system. In order to help Ontario families combat this expense, the province says it will be offering 10.6 billion dollars worth of tax relief over the next 3 years in the following manner:

•    Cash payments with a maximum of $1,000 in 2010 and 2011 for families who earn less than $160,000 per year;
•    A permanent $260 refundable sales tax credit for low and middle income adults and children;
•    An enhanced refundable property tax credit for low and middle income homeowners and tenants;
•    Exemption from the blended tax for new homes under $400,000, newly constructed homes with a worth between $400,000 and $500,000 will be eligible for a partial rebate;
•    1.1 billion dollars in personal income tax cuts.

Ontario's NDP as well as Conservative parties oppose this new taxation system. The NDP claims that the single sales tax method will leave Ontario families carrying the burden with higher household expenses, especially at a time where job losses are occurring. The Conservatives ideally are in favor with the harmonization, but say that this is the wrong time for Ontario to be raising taxes.

Legislation was proposed on March 4, 2009 that would give Ontario the legal standing to sue cigarette companies in order to recover the money spent on tobacco related illnesses in Ontario. Approximately $1.6 billion dollars is spent every year by Ontario tax-payers in relation to smoking related illnesses. The new legislation introduced by Attorney General Chris Bentley would allow the Ontario government to seek billions of dollars in damages from the 3 biggest Canadian cigarette manufacturers: Imperial Tobacco, Rothmans, Benson and Hedges, and JTI-Macdonald. British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan and Manitoba have all passed similar legislation. JTI-Macdonald is currently under bankruptcy protection which means Ontario has to act now or they lose their opportunity to sue this company. British Columbia has to get permission from the court to pursue this company in their claim.

The proposed legislation would allow Ontario to sue the tobacco companies for alleged wrong-doings by the companies and holding them accountable. British Columbia already has a bill that suggests the tobacco companies marketed light cigarettes as safer than the regular ones, as well as targeting their advertising towards children. It is also alleged that the companies conspired to hold back research regarding the harmful effects of smoking tobacco and undermining the health warnings that had been issued. These allegations have not been proven yet in court. Premier McGuinty has stated that Ontario is ready to sue the tobacco companies due to British Columbia's successes.

The proposed bill would give the Ontario government the right to sue the companies directly for any alleged wrong-doing as well as to allocate liability by market share and measure the health-care cost to taxpayers regarding tobacco-related illnesses. A successful lawsuit could potentially bring in a settlement as much as $60 billion dollars. The lawsuit could also bring about protective changes, i.e. no longer being able to use cartoon characters in their advertising that are targeted towards young Canadians, as well as other restrictions. A successful lawsuit would hold the companies accountable for health-care costs, which currently are estimated at $1.6 billion per year. Deaths due to tobacco related illnesses in Ontario are estimated at 13,000 per year or almost 36 deaths per day and almost 500,000 hospital days annually. The amount of money spent by the government in providing health-care for smoking related illnesses could provide funding for 8 large community hospitals or a year's funding for 2,000 MRI units.

4 U.S. states pursued the first lawsuit against tobacco companies in the mid-1990s, which ultimately led to a 50-state Master Settlement Agreement in 1999 with the tobacco industry. In this settlement, the tobacco industry agreed to pay $246 billion over a 25 year period for health-care costs incurred from use of their products. It also led to restrictions regarding advertising that was directed towards minors.

This proposed legislation follows other government initiatives to prevent Canadians from being exposed to second hand smoke. Currently in Ontario smoking is banned in all workplaces, as well as public areas such as bars and restaurants. A very recent ban made it a finable offence to smoke in a vehicle when minor passengers are present. As well, higher taxes for tobacco products are a deterrent for those who are unwilling to pay as much as $8 for one pack of cigarettes. Smokers also pay higher premiums for their health and life insurance policies, due to the increased health risk. Smokers who have quit for a year are entitled to have these premiums reassessed due to being eligible for a better health status. If you have recently quit smoking, consult with your broker to see when you can apply for a decrease in your premiums. For those who want to quit, consult websites such as the Canadian Cancer Society for help as well as support.

Life-Quotes.ca published a blog in November regarding the new Tax-Free Savings Accounts that are now available to Canadians. The initial blog gave general information regarding this subject; this blog is intended to provide more detailed information.

The Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) gives Canadians more choice in how they wish to accumulate savings, retirement assets, etc. It allows all Canadians over the age of 18 to contribute initially $5000.00 per year into this account; this amount will increase in increments of $500.00 per year as inflation grows. The income derived from this account is exempt from taxation, including withdrawals; however there is no tax deduction available for deposits made to the account. Any withdrawals can later be replenished to the account without affecting that particular year's allowance.

This new type of account offers several advantages. As there is no taxable liability, 'income' taken from this plan does not increase your marginal tax rate. It also allows for long term financial planning; and as the added cash flow doesn't affect taxable income it can increase the after tax income you receive from other taxable plans, i.e. RRIFs. The TFSA can be a very effective estate planning tool as well as there is no taxable liability. While the language of the plan is somewhat unclear, it does suggest that there will be no tax on any income/gains accrued up until death.

The TFSA is almost as successful as an RRSP when used as a wealth accumulation tool. When the taxation is factored in, money saved in the TFSA is comparable to the RRSP due to the tax rates that are involved when withdrawing funds from the RRSP. As well, RRSPs can create other 'costs', i.e. loss of tax credits. As well, taxes can be higher on RRSP income due to the triggering of OAS when the minimum withdrawals are mandated. The total amount accumulated will be dependent on the tax rates that are applicable to withdrawing the funds from the RRSP; the TFSA does not incur any taxation costs upon withdrawal.

For Canadians who are trying to save money while earning a lower income, the TFSA can actually be more advantageous than an RRSP. The advantage of the RRSP deduction is reduced by the lower tax rates that this income bracket would pay. For people who will more than likely be earning more in their future, the TFSA can be a better financial planning tool and the RRSP room can be carried forward for future deductions at higher tax rates. For Canadians who are saving for their retirement, the TFSA has the advantage of allowing the individual to avoid the withdrawal penalties. Most people end up having to take more income from their RRIF due to the legislated minimums; the TFSA can be used as a way to continue to save these excess proceeds from future tax penalties, and does not affect any income-tested tax benefits.

The TFSA can be a great financial tool when it comes to financial planning for their child(ren). The parents can fund more of the education for the child with the agreement that the child save an equivalent amount in their TFSA. This allows the parents to benefit from the tax deductions and credits for funding their child’s education and benefits the child as they will begin to accumulate savings. As the majority of students are lower-income their contribution towards the TFSA comes with a very low after-tax cost and enables them to begin saving towards purchasing a home, starting a business, etc.

The TFSA gives all Canadians another tool when in regards to their financial planning needs. Alone, or combined with other saving strategies, this type of account can help Canadians save more money, especially when it comes to the amount of taxable income. It also allows for a more comprehensive saving strategy for those who are not only planning for retirement, but for other major financial transactions. When it comes to retirement planning, it's always a wise idea to ensure that your life insurance coverage is suitable for your estate planning needs.

The government of Ontario has launched a $1.1 billion over four year plan that is designed to help seniors reside in their own homes. The initiative was started at the end of August, 2007 and will help match the needs of seniors and their caregivers access the local support services they require to maintain their independence. The Aging at Home Strategy hopes to develop new ways to provide supports and/or services that ensure seniors can spend their final years living where and how they wish to.

The stated goals of the Aging at Home Strategy are:

• To ensure that seniors home support them;
• To ensure that seniors have supportive social environments;
• To ensure easy accessibility to senior-centered care;
• To identify innovative solutions to ensure that seniors are and stay healthy.

The Aging at Home Strategy will increase traditional services that enable seniors to be healthy and live independently in their homes such as:

• Community support services;
• Home care;
• Assistive devices;
• Assisted living services, supportive housing;
• Long-term care beds;
• End-of-life care.

This new approach will combine traditional services that are currently offered with new services that will be provided by Local Health Integration Networks (LHINs) on a community-based level. Each LHIN will be required to allocate a minimum of 20% of the funding throughout the first three years in order to deliver innovative care for seniors. Innovation proposals must be either evidence-based and/or build in an evaluation component if previously untested. Ultimately the goal is for LHINs to assume more responsibility for the planning, managing and funding of senior healthcare services at a local level. Support at the local level is intended to help seniors, especially those with chronic health issues, remain living at home, avoid unnecessary hospital emergency room visits and as well as avoid/delay admission to a Long Term Care facility.

This program is targeted for seniors who are living with age-related health conditions and/or age-related disabilities. Consideration will also be given to services, programs and/or supports that allow the family, friends as well as neighbors to help care for seniors in their community. The strategy will be based on the senior population of the community in Ontario; therefore services will vary depending on where the senior resides. Funding for each LHIN will be allocated on estimates of the basis of age, gender, socio-economic status and rural geography and health status in order to estimate the demand for services. The funding will also depend on the estimated population growth as well as the type of seniors who live in a specific LHIN territory and the current service level that is already in place.

For more information regarding this initiative please visit the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.

The Wage Earner Protection Program (WEPP) is offered to eligible Canadians by Service Canada on behalf of the Labour Program. The purpose of WEPP is to reimburse workers for any unpaid wages as well as vacation pay that is owed to them but has not been paid due to the employer declaring bankruptcy and/or is subject to receivership. This program does not cover severance pay, termination pay, and/or any other employee benefits. The maximum payment is four times the Employment Insurance weekly average wage, less any amounts that are prescribed by regulations.

Applications for WEPP must be submitted within 56 days of the date of bankruptcy or receivership to Service Canada. This payment is taxable; a T4A slip will be issued on or before the last day of February the year following the payment. When WEPP is added to the Income Tax Act, the applicable tax will be deducted at the source. Eligibility for WEPP includes:

• If your former employer filed for bankruptcy or is subject to receivership on or after July 7, 2008.
• You are owed wages by your former employer which was earned during six months preceding the date of  bankruptcy/receivership.
• A trustee or receiver has been appointed to administer the former employer's bankruptcy/receivership.
• You have stopped working for a period of 7 consecutive days for your bankrupt/insolvent employer.

Please note that you are not eligible for WEPP if your employer has not declared bankruptcy. Other criteria that may make you ineligible for this benefit are:

• If you were an officer or director of the former employer.
• If you had a controlling interest in the now bankrupt business.
• You were a manager in which your duties included making financial decisions that impacted the business and/or made binding financial decisions regarding the payment or non-payment of wages.

If you are related to the now bankrupt employer, you may still be eligible for this benefit. You will be required to fill out the WEPP Supplementary Form (Additional Information Regarding Your Relationship to Your Employer) in addition to your application. This will help determine whether or not you were treated in the same manner as the other employees despite your familial relationship to the owner. You may also be eligible if you are currently working for the receiver/trustee as long as your employment was terminated for 7 consecutive days by the former employer and no wages were earned during that time period. If you have only been partially compensated for your wages and/or vacation pay you are still eligible for the outstanding amount owed.

If you are collecting Employment Insurance benefits, you must report the receipt of your WEPP payment. Any outstanding owed monies that were not paid under WEPP can still be pursued under the regular bankruptcy process. You will need to contact the trustee/receiver for more information on pursuing this action.

You will need to have a copy of the information that is provided to Service Canada by the trustee or receiver appointed in your employer's bankruptcy/receivership before applying for this benefit. This information, along with your application, will determine your eligibility as well as your payment. If your employer has declared bankruptcy, you must contact the trustee to file a proof of claim. This proof of claim is essential in order to process your WEPP application. You also may be entitled to compensation beyond the limits of what can be paid under the WEPP.

For more information about the Wage Earner Protection Program, please visit Service Canada.

Starting in 2009, Canadians will be able to contribute their money into a tax-free savings account. This type of account will be available to all Canadians age 18 and over (19 in some provinces where 19 is the age of majority) who have a Social Insurance Number. A tax-free savings account (TSFA) can be a great addition to retirement planning as well as other financial planning needs. Due to the flexible nature of the account it can be used for all savings purposes.

The new tax-free savings account offers several advantages to Canadian residents. As much as five thousand dollars can be contributed annually (this amount will increase with inflation throughout the years in $500 increments), and any unused room can be carried forward if the maximum contribution is not met. Withdrawals are tax-free as well as creating future contribution opportunities. While contributions are not deductible, capital gains as well as other investment income that is earned in the TSFA are not subject to taxation. As well, any income earned as a result of this account and/or withdrawals will affect the person's eligibility for federal income-tested benefits and/or credits. Contributions to a spouse's (including common-law) TFSA are allowed; assets are transferable to the account upon the death of the spouse.

The TFSA will be a great savings tool for seniors and those who are planning for retirement. TFSAs provide more financial flexibility, as withdrawals are not subject to taxation (i.e. RRSPs). As circumstances can quickly change in a person's life, having financial options that come without being 'penalized' can provide more options that will not have a negative impact on locked-in financial assets. Along with other retirement savings plans, the TFSA will be a great addition for this goal.

The TSFA will be available starting in 2009 at most financial institutions; discuss with your financial advisor/banker when this will be available for you. It’s a wise idea to research all of your retirement savings options, including the type and/or amount of your life insurance.

Canada Savings Bonds are an option for Canadians looking for investment options. These bonds are issued by the Government of Canada and can be a safe and secure addition to your investment portfolio. Canada Savings Bonds (CSBs) and the Canada Premium Bond (CPBs) both offer a variety of features.

Canada Savings Bonds can be cashed in anytime of the year; the Premium Bonds can only be cashed in once a year. Both types of bonds are backed by the Government of Canada which makes both types of bonds more safe and secure for investors. These bonds are available for purchase for six months per year, beginning in early October until April 1. Be advised however, that the Minister of Finance has the ability to end the sales of these bonds at any time.

CSBs and CPBs are available in either:

Regular Interest Bonds:   These bonds earn simple interest at the rates which are determined by the Minister of Finance until the earlier of maturity and redemption. The simple interest is paid to the bond's owner on each annual anniversary until maturity, or at the time of redemption.

Compound Interest Bonds:   These earn compound interest as well as simple interest. The compound interest rates are determined by the Minister of Finance until the earlier of either maturity or redemption based on the earned interest on each annual anniversary of the issue date prior to maturity. Compound interest is payable at the time of redemption.

Compound interest CSBs may be exchanged at any time before maturity for the same denomination in regular interest CSBs of the same series. Payment of interest as well as compound interest CPBs may be exchanged for the same denomination in regular interest bonds of the same series plus payment of earned interest. Prior to 10 months of their issue date, regular interest CSBs can be exchanged for compound interest CSBs of the same series; regular interest CPBs may also be exchanged for the same denomination in compound interest CPBs of the same series.

The ownership of bonds can be transferred in certain situations, such as:

• Name change due to divorce, marriage, adoption and legal name change.
• To a beneficiary due to the death of the registered owner.
• If the registered owner has a spouse, or the bonds are owned/held by spouses, in the event of divorce; they can also be   stipulated in the written separation agreement in a form that is acceptable to the Bank of Canada.
• If transferred to the Canada Retirement Savings Plan and/or to the Canada Retirement Plan.

Additional names may be added as co-owner with the right of survivorship; the Bank of Canada must be notified via completion of the prescribed forms. Be advised that the term 'surviving co-owner' is not valid or applicable in Quebec; transferring ownership must apply to specific provincial laws.

Canada Savings Bonds may be redeemed by the lawful owner at any time. This can be accomplished by contacting any authorized sales agent in Canada; proper identification must be presented. CPBs may be redeemed either on the annual anniversary of the issue date or within 30 days afterwards. If the CPB is cashed in within the 30 day period no interest will be earned for the following period of the anniversary date. CPBs may be redeemed at other times under the following circumstances:

• Death of the lawful owner.
• Court order.
• Redemption proceeds are required by the lawful owner for the purposes of:
    To avoid bankruptcy.
    To be used to purchase a home using the Home Buyer’s Plan.
    To be used in furtherance of pursuing education via the Lifelong Learning Plan.

If bonds are redeemed within the first 3 months after their issue date, no interest is earned on them. As well, no interest is earned on bonds for the calendar month in which they are redeemed.

Bonds may only be purchased with Canadian currency and can only be owned by legal Canadian residents. More detailed information can be found at http://www.csb.gc.ca/eng/bonds_cpb.asp

The final installment in this 3 part series will focus on the Canadian Pension Plan Survivor Benefits. These benefits are paid to a deceased contributor's estate, surviving spouse or common-law partner and dependent children. There are three types of benefits:

• The death benefit. This is a one-time payment to, or on behalf of, the estate of the deceased CPP contributor;
• The survivor's pension. This is a monthly pension paid to the surviving spouse/common-law partner of the deceased contributor.
• The children's benefit. This is a monthly benefit paid for dependent children of the deceased contributor.

It is very important that these benefits be applied for; if they haven't been applied for you may lose benefits that are you are entitled to. In order for your survivors to be entitled to benefits there is a minimum contributory requirement of at least 3 years. If your Canada Pension Plan "contributory period" is longer than nine years, you must have contributed in:

• one third of the calendar years in your contributory period, or
• 10 calendar years, whichever is less

The Canadian Pension Plan death benefit

This is a one-time, lump-sum payment made to the estate of the deceased contributor. If there is no estate, then eligibility for this payment are as follows:

1. Person who is responsible for the funeral expenses.
2. The surviving spouse, common-law partner or next of kin may be eligible, in that order.

The amount of the death benefit will depend on how much and how long the deceased person contributed into the Canadian Pension Plan. The dollar amount is calculated by what the retirement pension would have been if the deceased had been 65 when death occurred; the benefit is equal to 6 months of this pension, up to a maximum of $2500.

The Canadian Pension Plan survivor's pension

The surviving legal spouse or common-law partner of a deceased contributor to the Canadian Pension Plan qualifies for this benefit. A person who is still a legal spouse but is separated at time of death may still be eligible if there is no current common-law partner. The amount the surviving spouse will receive depends on:

• Whether or not the spouse/common-law partner is also receiving a Canadian Pension Plan disability or retirement pension.
• How much, and how long the contributor paid into the plan.
• The age of the spouse/common-law partner when the contributor died.

CPP will first calculate how much the contributor's retirement pension is, or would have been, if he/she had been 65 when they died. A further calculation is then done based on the survivor's age at the time of the contributor's death. If the surviving spouse is:

• Aged 65 and over they will receive 60% of the contributor's retirement pension, if they are not receiving any other Canadian Pension Plan benefits.
• Aged 46-64, or under age 45 and disabled, or raising a dependent child, they will receive a flat rate plus 37.5% of the contributor's pension if they are not receiving any other Canadian Pension Plan benefits.
• Under the age of 45 and not disabled and not raising a dependent child, they will receive as above, but minus 1/120 for each month the spouse/common-law partner is under the age of 45 at the time of the contributor's death.
• Under the age of 35 and not disabled and not raising a dependent child, they will not be paid until they reach the age of 65, or become disabled.

The Canadian Pension Plan children's benefit

If a child has lost at least one parent who was a Canadian Pension Plan contributor, they may qualify for a benefit, provided that the deceased parent has met the contributory requirements. This benefit is paid as a flat rate that will be adjusted annually. If both parents are deceased and/or disabled and paid into the Canadian Pension Plan for the minimum amount of years, the child may qualify for 2 benefits. For children under the age of 18 this benefit is generally paid to the person that the child is living with. For children 18 years of age and older who are attending school fulltime (this includes college and university) the benefit will be directly paid to the child upon his/her application.

The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) is designed to provide basic benefits for contributors who retire or who become disabled. It is a taxable monthly benefit is paid to those who have contributed to the plan; it is based on how much and how long a person contributed to the plan as well as the age of retirement. Its function is to replace approximately 25% of the earning's of which the person's contributions are based.

Canadian Pension Plan offers 3 kinds of benefits:

• Retirement pension
• Disability benefits for contributors with a disability and their dependent children
• Survivor benefits which include the death benefit, the survivor’s pension and the children’s benefit

Retirement Pension

Qualification for CPP benefits requires at least one valid contribution to the Plan as well as:

• The applicant is at least 65 or
• The applicant is between 60 and 64 and meets the earning requirements

If the applicant is between the ages of 60 and 64 they must do one of the following in order to qualify for benefits:

• Stop working or
• Earn less than the specified amount ($884.58 for the 2008 year) the month preceding and the month following the month your pension begins.

Once pension benefits are received the applicant can work on an unlimited basis, however no more contributions to CPP will be eligible.

The age in which a person decides to take their Canadian Pension Plan determines the amount they will receive. The pension usually begins the month after the contributor turns 65. If you choose to receive this pension earlier than 65, the monthly payment will be smaller, if you choose to receive this pension later than 65 up to the age of 70 the monthly payment will be larger. The amount is adjusted 0.5% for each month before or after your 65th birthday from the time you begin to receive your benefits; this adjustment is permanent so if you choose to apply for your pension early the payments will not increase when you turn 65.

Several factors to consider regarding when to take your retirement pension are:

• Whether or not you are still working and contributing to the Plan
• The length of time in which you have made contributions
• How much you have earned (which may affect how much you’ve contributed)
• How much other retirement income you have
• The type of retirement you plan on having
• Your health

It is possible to get an estimate of your retirement pension at the CPP website. This can help you determine when to apply for retirement benefits, as well as give you an idea of how much you will receive should you apply for your benefits. If you decide to retire, it's best to apply for your Canadian Pension Plan benefits at least 6 months in advance; delay in application may result in lost benefits.

If you apply for your Canadian Pension Plan benefits after the age of 60, but before the age of 65 your pension starts at the latest of these following times:

• the month you specify on your application
• the month you stop working
• the month following your 60th birthday
• when your earnings are less than the allowable maximum pension payment for 2 months in a row

If you apply to begin receiving your benefits before you turn 65 or later you will begin to receive your benefits:

• the month of your 65th birthday
• the month you have specified on your application
• the 11th month prior to the month the CPP receives your application

Disability Benefits

The Canadian Pension Plan Disability Benefits provides a monthly benefit that is taxable to contributors who are disabled and to their dependent children. This benefit includes a fixed amount that everyone receives plus an additional amount that is based on your Canadian Pension Plan contributions during your entire working career; there is a maximum that can be received. Children under the age of 18 as well as children aged 18-25 who are attending school full time also receive a benefit (in 2008 the amount is $208.77); children can only receive this benefit if at least one parent is receiving the CPP disability benefit.

In order to qualify for this disability benefit the applicant must:

• be under 65
• have earned a specified minimum amount and contributed to CPP while working for a minimum amount of years
• have a severe and prolonged disability as defined by CPP legislation

The current legislation defines 'disability' as a physical and/or mental condition that is 'severe and prolonged' that regularly stops the applicant from being able to do any type of work. This relates to full-time, part-time as well as seasonal work; as well the applicant's disability is a long-term condition or is likely to result in death.

If the applicant has not contributed for enough years they may still qualify if:

• they have delayed applying and had enough years of contribution when they first became disabled and have been continuously disabled since then but now do not have enough contributions
• the applicant's CPP contributions were stopped/reduced due to raising children under the age of 7
• the applicant has obtained enough CPP credits from a former spouse/common-law partner through the credit sharing to make them eligible
• the applicant worked in another country in which Canada has a social security agreement and that when added to the CPP contributions equals the minimum requirement
• the applicant was medically incapable of applying

If a person is receiving Canadian Pension Plan disability benefits they will automatically convert into a retirement pension at the age of 65. There is no new application needed; however the retirement pension is usually lower than the disability benefit; applying for OAS benefits at this time is recommended. If the applicant is receiving retirement benefits when their disability benefits is approved CPP will automatically switch the applicant to disability benefits if it is clear that the disability started before the retirement pension began.

The next blog will address the Canada Pension Plan Survivor Benefits and will be posted in the next 2 weeks. For more information regarding disability insurance you can also refer to the information here. You can also visit the Canadian Pension Plan website for more detailed information.

Almost every senior in Canada will apply for their pension and benefits through Canada's Public Pensions. Basic financial assistance is also available to survivors and those who are too disabled too work, as well as their children through these programs. Canada's Public Pensions are delivered through the Old Age Security (OAS) and Canada Pension Plan (CPP). Having an understanding of the different programs as well as rules and regulations can help to determine what you are eligible for, and what will be required in the future.

Old Age Security Program

This is a monthly benefit that most Canadians are eligible for if they are 65 years of age or over and meet the residency requirements. Employment status and history are not factors that determine eligibility. Benefits paid out are subject to federal and provincial taxes; those with higher income will repay part or all of their benefits through this taxation system. Eligibility is determined solely by being 65, residing in Canada for at least 10 years once the age of 18 was reached, and:

• Being a Canadian citizen or legal resident of Canadian as of the day before the approval of the application or;
• If no longer living in Canada, having been a Canadian citizen/legal resident as of the day before they stopped living in Canada.

The amount of benefits received is determined by the length of residency in Canada. Any person who has lived in Canada for a total of at least 40 years after the age of 18 may qualify for full benefits. For those who haven't lived in Canada for at least 40 years since the age of 18, they may still be eligible for a full pension if they were 25 years of age or over on July 1, 1977 as well as:

• Was residing in Canada on July 1, 1977 or
• Was residing in Canada before July 1, 1977 after reaching 18 or
• Was in possession of a valid immigration visa on July 1, 1977

In these cases, the person must have lived in Canada for the 10 years immediately prior the approval of the OAS application. Absences during this 10 year period may be offset if, after reaching age 18, the applicant lived in Canada before these 10 years for a time period sufficient to total three times the length of absence, as well as resided in Canada for at least one year before the application’s approval.

For those whose absence from Canada was due to working abroad for a Canadian employer, i.e. armed forces, banks, this time can be counted as residency. Qualification is based on returning to Canada within 6 months of termination of employment or having turned 65 while still employed. Proof of employment as well as proof of physically returning to Canada must be provided. This provision may also apply to spouses and dependents and Canadians who have been working abroad for international organizations.
For Canadians who do not meet the criteria for a full OAS, they may qualify for a partial pension. This is calculated at the rate of 1/40 of the full monthly pension for each full year lived in Canada after the age of 18. This amount cannot be increased as a result of added years of residence in Canada once it has been approved. However, late applicants for OAS may be eligible to receive retroactive payments for up to 11 months plus the month in which the application was received if all conditions of eligibility have been met. If clients cancel their OAS benefits and later wish to have them reinstated, they are not entitled to any retroactive payments.

Guaranteed Income Supplement

The GIS is intended for Canadians who are receiving a basic, partial or full OAS pension and have little and/or no other income. These supplemental payments may start in the same month as the OAS payments, but must be re-applied for every year or by filing an income tax return by April 30. As this supplement is based on income, it will increase or decrease yearly depending on any changes in reported income. Unlike the OAS, the GIS is not subject to income tax. This supplement is not payable outside of Canada for more than 6 months, regardless of previous residential history. Applicants for the GIS must be receiving an OAS pension; there are certain income limits for the applicant as well as spouse/common-law partner. Sponsored immigrants from countries that Canada has agreements with are not eligible for GIS during their sponsorship period (10 year maximum) unless:

• Has resided in Canada for a minimum of 10 years since turning the age of 18 or
• Has resided in Canada as either a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident before or on March 6, 1996 and is eligible for benefits January 1, 2001 or earlier or
• Has been receiving OAS benefits for the month of March 1996 or earlier

The amount of the supplement is based on marital status as well as income. Any other income that the person is receiving i.e. foreign pension, interest, dividends, rental income, wages, worker's compensation payments, etc will be calculated to determine eligibility and/or amount of the benefit. This also applies to any income brought into the family by a spouse/common-law spouse. Income from the previous year is generally used to calculate the benefit for the current year that runs from the current July to the June of the following year. In cases where the applicant has retired and/or incurred loss of pension income an estimate for the current year can be substituted for the income for the preceding year.

The GIS is paid out in 2 basic payment rates: Single (includes widowed, divorced and/or separated people) and Married (where the spouse/common-law spouse doesn't receive either the basic OAS pension or the allowance). Although the supplement rate is higher for single people, each spouse/partner is entitled to benefits; the combined benefits therefore are usually higher than that of a single person. The maximum monthly benefit for a single person will be reduced $1.00 for every $2.00 of other monthly income. If  both spouses/partners are receiving the OAS pension, the monthly payment will be reduced $1.00 for every $4.00 of other monthly income. For a person who is receiving a partial OAS pension, the supplement may be increased by the difference of the partial pension and the full pension. If a spouse is a pensioner but their partner is not receiving either the OAS pension of the Allowance, the pensioner can apply for the Singles rate of the GIS and the supplement will be reduced by only $1.00 for every $4.00 of the combined monthly income. The first $1.00 reduction will be made only when the combined yearly income of both people has reached 12 times the basic OAS pension plus $48.00.

Allowance and Survivor's Allowance

This allowance is paid monthly and includes an allowance for those whose spouse/common-law partner has died. This allowance is designed to help those who are facing financial troubles; i.e. the surviving member of the relationship as well as those couples living on the pension of only one spouse. This allowance must be reapplied for annually and are not considered as income for tax purposes. For people living outside of Canada, this allowance cannot be paid out for more than 6 months, regardless of how long the person initially resided in Canada. The Allowance is paid to the spouse/common-law partner of a OAS pensioner, or to another qualified survivor. The person applying for the Allowance must be between the ages of 60-64 and have been living in Canada for at least 10 years since the age of 18. The applicant must have been a Canadian citizen or legal resident of Canada on the day before the application's approval. To qualify for the Allowance, the annual income of the survivor or the combined yearly income of the couple cannot exceed certain financial limits; these are established quarterly. The Allowance will be discontinued once the recipient becomes eligible for their OAS pension at 65, leaves Canada for a minimum of 6 months, or dies. For couples who receive the Allowance, payments will be discontinued if the pensioner spouse/partner ceases to meet the eligibility requirements for the Guaranteed Income Supplement, or if the couple separates/divorces. The Allowance will also stop if a survivor either remarries or lives in a common-law relationship for a period exceeding 12 months.

A sponsored spouse/common-law partner of an OAS recipient or survivor between 60 and 64 with less than 10 years of residence in Canada after reaching 18 is not eligible for the Allowance for the period of their sponsorship (up to a 10 year maximum), unless:

• Was receiving a pension in or before March 1996 or,
• Was residing or had resided in Canada as a Canadian citizen or permanent resident before March 7, 1996 and will be receiving a pension in or before January 2001

This is an income-tested benefit; the maximum payable amount to the spouse/common-law partner of a pensioner is equal to the combined full OAS pension and the maximum GIS at the married rate. The maximum amount for a person whose spouse/common-law partner has died will be somewhat higher. The maximum monthly Allowance is reduced $3.00 for every $4.00 of the beneficiary’s monthly income for a widowed spouse/common-law partner, or the couple’s combined monthly income. This will happen until the OAS-equivalent is reduced to zero; then for a couple the GIC equivalent of the Allowance portion and the pensioner’s GIC are reduced by $1.00 for every additional $4.00 of their combined monthly income. For survivors, the GIC equivalent portion is reduced $1.00 for every $2.00 of additional monthly income.

In the case of non-sponsored immigrants, the benefit will be prorated. Entitlement will be established at the rate of 1/10th of the benefit for year of residence in Canada after attaining the age of 18; this will be increased an additional 1/10th for every additional year of residence in Canada. This applies for people who haven’t resided in Canada for 10 year after turning 18 and:

• Had/was not residing in Canada as a Canadian citizen or permanent resident before March 7, 1996 or
• Was residing in Canada on or prior to that date as a Canadian citizen or permanent resident but will not be receiving a pension in or before January 2001

Information regarding the Canadian Pension Plan will be featured in the next blog as Part 2 of this article and will be posted in the next 2 weeks.

With many Canadian children entering university or college this September, many parents are concerned about the rising costs of tuition. Even with government grants and/or loans, you may need to help supplement your child's tuition, as well as supplies, housing, etc. Saving for your child's higher education should be a part of your budget in order to have the necessary funds when they are needed. An RESP also allows others to deposit funds into the account, i.e. grandparents, friends, other relatives.
 
One alternative you may want to consider is using a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP). This is a special savings account that you can set up that has the distinct purpose of saving money for your child's post secondary education. The Government of Canada allows this account to grow tax free until the child (the beneficiary) who is named in the RESP enrolls in their school of choice. Having an RESP also makes you eligible for such incentives like the Canadian Education Savings Grant and the Canada Learning Bond, which are only available to those who have an RESP.
 
An RESP can be opened through most financial institutions such as a bank or credit union. Some certified financial planners as well as group plan dealers may be RESP providers. Remember that some RESP providers may charge for service fees, and/or limit the amount and/or frequency of your contributions. Do some research to find the financial institution that will best suit your specific needs. All that is required to open up an RESP is your social insurance number as well as the social insurance number(s) of the child(ren) who will be benefiting from this plan. You will need to choose the type of RESP that will be the most beneficial for your specific needs. RESPs are available in 3 different types:
 
• Family Plan: This entitles you to name one or more children as the beneficiaries of this plan. A beneficiary must be related to you, but does not necessarily have to be your child; grandchildren and adopted children are also eligible for this program. A family plan will entitle you to name one or all of the children in order for them to be able to use the money while obtaining their post-secondary education. This is a good plan for those who do not wish to make regular monthly payments.
• Individual Plan: This is for one beneficiary only but does not have to be related to you. This plan also doesn't require monthly payments.
• Group Plan: This is administered by a group plan dealer; be advised that each plan will have its own rules. The group plan dealer typically will invest the money in low-risk securities, i.e. bonds, treasury bills and guaranteed income certificates (GICs). You will have to sign a contract agreeing to make regular payments into the plan over a certain time period. The group plan 'pools' your money with those of other participants (beneficiaries) who are of the same age. The total amount of money that each beneficiary gets is based on the amount in the pool, as well as the total number of students who are in school that year. You will be allowed to enter only one child (does not have to be related to you) in a group plan.
 
Once you have selected the type of RESP plan that is best suited for you, ask your RESP provider about all of your investment choices in order to fully understand the advantages and risks of your options. Some providers may offer a variety of investment options; others may already have a set investment plan in place.
 
The benefit of using an RESP is that the money will grow tax-free while it is in the RESP account. Any money that the investment earns will not be taxed until the money has been withdrawn to pay for your child's education. Money that is withdrawn from the RESP to pay tuition is taxed in the hands of the student. As students usually have little or no income, this withdrawal usually will be tax-free. The money that the investment earns while in an RESP will not be taxed until the RESP is closed due to the beneficiary not pursuing a higher education. If the beneficiary decides not to attend college or university, the money that you have contributed will be returned tax-free. The money that the investment earns while in an RESP will not be taxed until the RESP is closed due to the beneficiary not pursuing a higher education.

Statistics Canada is reporting that the rate of Canadians who smoke is on the decline. The highest decrease in smokers comes from the youth population, with teenagers aged 12 to 17 declining 14% in 2000/2001 to 8% in 2005. This decline is surmised to be from the fact that more Canadian teenagers are choosing not to start smoking, with 85% of teens reporting that they have not tried cigarettes. As the majority of smokers begin initially in their teenage years, these statistics are significant. Studies have shown that it is rare for adults to begin smoking if they did not smoke in their teenage years. This is the lowest rate of youth smokers in over 40 years in Canada.

Overall, the percentage of Canadian smokers age 12 and over has decreased from 23% to 22% since 2003. Canadian smokers are also reporting smoking less than previously as well. Canadians smoked an average of 13.1 cigarettes a day in 2003; the average in 2005 went down to 12.7 per day. The amount of non-smokers who are being exposed to second hand smoke is also decreasing, except for the youth population. While statistics show that fewer young Canadians even try smoking, they are more at risk of being exposed to second hand smoke. This is usually a result of being exposed to second hand smoke either in their homes and/or cars, or in public places that teens tend to gather at.

Smoking habits are also changing in Canada. More homes are now smoke-free, thereby reducing the number of people exposed to second hand smoke. In 2003 57% of Canadian homes did not allow smoking; this percentage has gone up to 64% as of 2005. With smoking now being banned in many public places, the risk of exposure has decreased from 29% to 23%. 68% of all Canadian workplaces are now smoke-free which is reducing not only the percentage of people exposed to cigarette smoke, but is also decreasing the amount of cigarettes being smoked throughout the day. The average amount of cigarettes smoked where smoking is permitted in the home and at work is 16 per day; when smoking is permitted in the home but banned at work, the number of cigarettes per day dropped to 14. If smoking was banned in the home but allowed in the workplace an average of 11 cigarettes were smoked daily. If smoking was banned in both the home and workplace, only 9 cigarettes a day were reported.

Recent studies have shown that 23% of Canadian men smoke; this rate is slightly lower for women at 20%. 28% of all smokers in Canada are between the ages of 18 to 34. British Columbia and Ontario have the lowest population of smokers at 18 and 21%; B.C. also has the highest rate of homes which have banned smoking (77 %). The territories have the highest rate of smokers; 30% of people living in the Yukon are smokers, 36% in the Northwest Territories, and 53% in Nunavut. While Nunavut has the highest rate of smokers, it has also experienced the sharpest decline in smokers, falling 12% since 2003. As well, 93% of workplaces in Nunavut have banned smoking as opposed to only 61% of smoke-free workplaces in Alberta. Quebec has the lowest rate of smoke-free homes, with only 47% banning smoking indoors.

This decrease in smoking is good news for Canadians. Fewer Canadians are picking up the habit, and those that do still smoke are smoking less. An improvement in health status can mean a decrease in your life insurance premiums; consult with your broker about this possibility.

 

Identity theft has quickly become one of the most fastest-rising crimes in Canada as well as the United States. By 2002, over 7000 Canadians had reported identity theft to the PhoneBusters National Call centre, with losses being reported at over $8 million. In the first quarter of 2003 alone, over another 2000 cases were reported, with estimated losses of more than $5 million. As well, 2 major Canadian credit bureaus have indicated that they have received approximately 1400-1800 Canadian identity theft complaints every month. The majority of these received complaints have been from residents of Ontario.

As Canadians are constantly becoming more reliant on using bank cards and/or credit cards, they can be leaving themselves at risk of someone gaining access to their data. As well, many Canadians are unaware of the personal information that their employer and/or government agencies have on file, which can also potentially be a target for identity thieves.

In order to protect yourself from identity theft you should be aware about how exactly most identity theft occurs. The most common ways that your information is accessed is:

• Theft of documents, credit cards, bank cards, etc. Theft of a wallet or purse is usually noticed very quickly. The owner can then call all of the credit card companies etc. to notify them of the theft in order to close those accounts. However, thieves have begun to also check people's mailboxes in order to steal bank statements as well as credit card statements, thereby gaining your information. Some banks also issue letters that contain "pre-approved credit card" offers; these can be stolen with the thief posing as you and asking for an address change. If you throw out any financial documents, including bill statements, make sure you shred them or otherwise destroy them first.
• Shoulder Surfing. Thieves can look over your shoulder or from a location nearby while you are using an ATM and gain access to your PIN. Then, by distracting you, your card can be switched with another one, now giving the thief (or thieves) access to your bank account. Another common method is by installing a fake ATM device that reads your card's encoded data. When using an ATM machine, guard your hand with the other one when keying in your PIN.
• Skimming. Your information can be stolen when thieves "skim" or "swipe" your credit card at restaurants, stores, etc with a device known as a skimmer. The skimmer records all your personal information data from the magnetic stripes on the back of your card. This information is then usually transferred to another location (commonly overseas) where it is re-encoded onto fraudulently made credit cards.
• Email spam. Most every Canadian has, by now, received an email purporting to be from their bank, paypal account, etc. that asks you to visit their website and update your information. Reputable banks or other financial institutions will never ask you to do this. This is a ploy for thieves to gather your personal information in order for illegal activities.
• Company and/or government database theft. There has been a significant increase of identity thieves trying to access large databases of personal information. This is happening in both the private as well as public business sectors.

To avoid being a victim of identity theft it is important to understand where the risk lies, and where you are potentially the most vulnerable. To minimize the risk of having your identity stolen:

• Sign any and all new credit cards immediately when receiving them and never lend them out to anyone.
• Keep a current list of all active cards you use and destroy ones that you longer use; update this list on a regular basis.
• Don't carry all of your identification with you if it is not needed on a daily basis (i.e. Social Insurance Number card, passport). These items should be stored in a secured environment until needed; they contain a lot of your personal information which if stolen, can be used to obtain fraudulent credit cards and bank accounts.
• Know your billing cycles. Notify your creditors and/or utility companies if your bills do not arrive at the same time each month (someone could be stealing them from your mailbox for the information).
• Closely check each itemized statement on your credit card bills in order to ensure that these actually are your purchases. Any discrepancy should be immediately reported to the issuing credit card company. Likewise, immediately report any card which you suspect is missing and/or stolen.
• Shred or otherwise effectively destroy any and all financial documents. This includes ATM receipts, credit card receipts, utility bills, as well as any other paper document that contains personal and/or account information. This also applies to any credit card applications that may be mailed to you.
• Make sure that any financial information you have in your home/office is stored securely, preferably locked up
• NEVER give any personal information over the phone, through the mail and/or over the internet unless it is you who has initiated contact and it is with someone you can verify. Reputable companies will never solicit you in this manner, so anyone who asks for your personal information in these ways is usually a thief.
• If you write down the passwords to your bank card, credit cards, etc. do not keep this information in your purse and/or wallet. If you need to have a written record of your passwords, store them safely, preferably in a locked storage space. This rule also applies to computer passwords.
• Check your credit report on a yearly basis in order to see that this information is correct and includes only your personally authorized activities.

If you have been the victim of identity theft, immediately report it to the bank and/or credit card issuer from which funds have been illegally obtained. You should also immediately report the illegal activity to your local police so that this information can be forwarded to the proper investigating department. Your creditor may require proof that you have made a police report in order to reimburse you for any unauthorized charges/withdrawals.

For more detailed information on identity theft, and to track the current trends in this area, Ontario residents can visit PhoneBusters. You can also use this resource to report any suspected criminal activity regarding your finances.

Most Canadians throughout the country will at some point in their life will apply for a mortgage. As with any other financial transactions, it is a good idea to do your homework and understand the complexities of your mortgage. Having a solid understanding of your finances as well as the different mortgage products available can help you make the best choice. Your mortgage will probably be the most important debt of your lifetime; making a well informed decision will benefit you for years to come.

You must determine how much you are able to afford to spend when buying a home. This includes not only the purchase price of the home, but all of your other financial obligations. Do not assume that the maximum amount you are pre-approved for is an amount you can actually afford. Figure out what your monthly expenses are, including car payments, insurance, groceries, cable, telephone, etc. You may want to track these expenses for a few months in order to get an accurate total of your monthly expenditures. It's also a good idea to set aside money for emergencies, i.e. car repairs, house maintenance, etc. Subtracting the amount of the monthly expenses (including savings) from your monthly income will give you an estimate of how much you can afford for a mortgage payment. The general rule is to not exceed 32% of your gross monthly income for housing costs, and no more than 40% on monthly debt payments.

Once you've decided on the amount you can afford, you will need to shop around for a lender. Banks, mortgage companies, insurance companies, trust and loan companies as well as credit unions can all offer mortgages. Different companies will offer different prices as well as conditions; talk to several different lenders, as well as types of lenders in order to get the best product for your specific needs. You may also want to consider using a mortgage broker. A mortgage broker does not directly lend money, but rather finds a lender best suited for your needs. Because mortgage brokers have access to a wide range of lenders you will usually have more choices regarding products and terms. If you choose to use a mortgage broker, remember that not all brokers have the same access to financial institutions so you may want to consider consulting with more than one broker.

When shopping for a mortgage, obtain the information you will need in order to compare products. In Canada it is federally regulated that all banks, insurance companies and trust and loan companies must provide you with the following information before you sign a mortgage agreement. If you are shopping for a fixed-rate mortgage you must be provided with:

• The amount being lent
• The term of the loan as well as the amortization period
• Total amount of payments at the end of the term, as well as how much of that total you will have paid in interest
• Annual interest rate, including the real annual percentage rate which includes any and all extra charges (APR)
• The actual date on which interest will begin to be charged
• The amount of the payment and the due date
• If your payments are first applied to cover the interest and other applicable charges, and then to the outstanding principal
• Any optional services, i.e. disability or life insurance, that you have accepted, as well as the cost and the penalties, rebates and/or charges that will be applied if you decide later to cancel these services
• Any default charges that will be applied if your mortgage is in default
• Description of any property that is being provided as security for the loan
• Any broker fees that are paid by the lender to a broker that are included in the amount being lent
• The fee you will have to pay to discharge the mortgage after it has been paid off
• Any other charges that may apply, including the type of charge and the amount

If you are applying for a variable-rate mortgage you must be provided with:

• The annual interest rate of your mortgage as of the date of the disclosure statement
• How and when the annual interest rate is calculated
• How much your payments are based on the annual interest rate
• What your total payments will be at the end of the term based on the annual interest rate
• If the interest rate variations are linked to a public index you must be provided at least once a year with a disclosure statement that contains the annual interest rate and outstanding balance and the beginning and end of the period covered by the statement. You must also be provided with the amount of each payment and when it is due based on the annual interest rate that is applied at the end of the period

If you are applying for a variable-rate mortgage and the amount of your payment is not automatically adjusted to reflect changes in the annual interest rate you must also be provided with:

• The annual interest rate above which your payments will not be sufficient to cover the interest due on your loan for the period
• You must be made aware that negative amortization can happen. This occurs when your outstanding balance increases even when payments are made in full

Federal law also prohibits the financial institution from unduly pressuring you to buy their other products as a condition for accepting your mortgage application. For instance, the institution cannot deny your mortgage application because you choose not to buy your mortgage life insurance from them. You have the right to shop around for not only your mortgage, but for any other financial products that you may need for your new home. It's wise to always compare different products from different institutions, lenders and/or brokers in order to assemble the best package for your personal needs.

 

Having a budget that actually works for you can be a great tool to help achieve your financial goals. By having a spending plan that accurately reflects your goals, you can truly understand how and where you spend your money. Making a budget can also show you where you are unnecessarily spending money that instead could be going towards a more important purpose.

The first step in making a budget is to gather up all your financial statements. This includes bank statements, credit card bills, utility bills, etc. Also include items that may be paid on a yearly basis, i.e. car insurance, life insurance, property taxes, etc. The more information you have on your expenses, as well as income (i.e. bonuses), the more accurately you can define your spending and saving habits.

Calculate the amount of all sources of income. When using the amount of your paycheck, record the net amount (the amount after taxes).

Once you have all your documents together, create a list of monthly expenses. Items that are paid on a yearly, semi-annually or other non-monthly basis should be divided by 12 in order to figure out the monthly cost. Include this cost in your monthly expenses, as it is the amount you should be saving for that specific expense. Also include in this such financial items as retirement savings, RRSP contributions, etc.

Divide your expenses into 2 categories: fixed and variable. Your fixed expenses are the expenses that stay relatively the same each month. These include such items as phone, cable, electric bills, etc. as well as credit card payments. While these may change slightly, they will not increase or decrease dramatically throughout the year. For items such as car and life insurance, property taxes, etc. divide the total amount by 12 in order to find out the monthly amount of money that should be put away for that expense. This ensures that you are not stuck with a large bill that you have not budgeted for.

Your variable expenses are your expenses that tend to fluctuate more throughout the year, i.e. groceries, entertainment, clothing. This is also the category where you will be able to have more control over where to cut expenditures if necessary in order to reach your goals. This also gives you a more comprehensive understanding of your daily spending habits. You may be surprised to actually see how much, for instance, you spend on buying take-out coffee everyday when you see the weekly or monthly total.

People tend to only factor in the major expenses and bills. However, by keeping a daily log of how and where you spend your money, you will have a greater understanding of where exactly your money goes. By doing this for a week, you can have an accurate record of your daily spending habits. This is usually a category where spending habits can be changed in order to free up more money for either other expenses or for savings.

Once your expenses as well as sources of income are calculated and accurately identified, total the amount from each category. If your income is higher than your expenses, then you can prioritize this excess to such areas as retirement savings, paying more on credit card debt, etc. However, if your expenses are higher than your income, you will need to make changes in your expenditures.

Remember to review your budget on a monthly or bi-monthly basis. This will give you the opportunity to review your spending habits, as well as how well you stuck to your budget. You will always need to revise your budget for any financial changes, i.e. raise in pay, major expense (new car, etc) as your budget will have to be re-worked to reflect the changes.

While Canadian parents may be striving to achieve financial freedom as well as the "good things in life", we may be forgetting about what we are teaching our children. New studies are showing the correlation between a parents' attitude towards money and how this impacts the child's spending habits when they become adults.

A recent study out of the United States has reported that while 80% of parents described themselves as positive role models regarding money issues, only 19% had actually discussed issues such as budgeting with their children. As well, 48% had discussed the difference between 'wants' and 'needs', 36% revealed that they had never discussed any financial issues with their children.

While children will ultimately make their own decisions (and mistakes!) parents can help instill some sound financial ideals in their children. By simply being aware of some of the basic financial pitfalls, they can make better choices earlier on in life, and hopefully avoid those that quickly lead to large debt. It's also a great opportunity to help your child develop a healthy attitude about money, i.e. money doesn't buy happiness. It's natural to want to buy our children things that maybe we didn't have as children, but we also want our children to have respect for money and not be "spoiled".

The following tips are a guideline for not only discussing financial responsibility with your children, but also for parents to understand how their child may view the family’s financial patterns.

• Credit Cards: We are all bombarded with television advertisements and mailers regarding "low or zero interest rate" credit cards. Very few teenagers or young adults understand that this is a "teaser" rate and generally will rise to up to a 20% interest rate. At the appropriate age, you may want to get your child their "own" credit card on your account, with a low spending limit; this way you can monitor their expenditures, and help teach them how to responsible with credit. As most college/university students will obtain credit cards, this will offer your child the experience beforehand of being able to manage credit and not get into debt that they cannot afford to pay off.
• Being able to discuss money: Most teenagers will "tune out" if their parent(s) is yelling at them about their spending habits. Talking to them in a normal voice, and explaining where they made a mistake, instead of berating or using guilt, will usually accomplish a more positive result. Realize that mistakes will be made; by calmly explaining what happened, and what a better alternative would have been, will allow your child not only to learn more, but it will foster a more positive environment where your child can feel comfortable talking to you about money.
• Bribing your child(ren) with gifts: It's normal for parents to buy their child a gift or give them money as a special reward for an achievement, but beware of using this method every time. You cannot expect a child to understand the "value of a dollar" if they grow up with the expectation that every time they do something well, they get something. A better alternative is to discuss the price of the specific item they want, and then agree on what the appropriate amount of chores is required in order to earn it. This method allows your child to learn early on to associate the monetary worth of the items they want.
• Lead by example: Whether you intend to or not, your child will mimic your spending habits. For instance, you cannot expect a child to be responsible with credit cards if he/she has grown up in an environment where parents are constantly complaining about how high their bills are. This also applies to saving habits and budgeting. If you don't already have one, make a household budget, and discuss it with your child.
• Shopping is NOT entertainment: Teenagers especially can have the tendency to view shopping as a social event. While "hanging out at the mall" is not a problem, having your child view having to spend money in order to have fun can be a problem later on in life. Try to expose your teen to other forms of "fun events" that don't require them to spend money.
• Budgeting: This is a skill that will last your child a lifetime. Even with young children, giving them an allowance, and showing them how to keep track of their spending, can teach them this basic concept. As they grow older, you can help them introduce items such as savings, etc. If your teenage child gets a job, sit down with them and help devise a budget that gives them a savings component, as well as budgeting for clothing, entertainment, etc.

By talking to your children about finances you can give them the tools they need later on in life. Also include financial mistakes you have made; this will allow them to see that no one is perfect, and hopefully they will learn to avoid the errors you have made. By ensuring an environment where your child can easily and comfortably talk to you about money, they will be better prepared for when they are independent and have to be in control of their own financial destiny.

For many retiring Canadians, living outside of the country either full-time or part-time can be an attractive option. Whether choosing to winter in a warmer climate, or altogether moving to a different country, you need to be aware of the financial issues surrounding these decisions. Canadians can reside in another country without having to give up their Canadian citizenship; however you will still be subject to Canadian taxation laws. It's important to understand the taxation and financial regulations of either living abroad.

There are many things to consider when deciding where to spend your retirement years. If you are planning on living outside of Canada, you should do some research on the country where you plan on moving to. You will need to research that particular country's immigration regulations, as these vary greatly depending on the country chosen. You should also familiarize yourself with that country's laws, as well as political climate. Realize that countries you've enjoyed vacationing in may not offer the type of lifestyle you are accustomed to when it comes to actually residing there.

Financial and taxation issues are very important as well when contemplating to live outside of Canada. Some developing countries may seem to offer a lower cost of living; however many lack the resources to collect taxes on foreign sourced income, and instead will impose high consumption taxes and/or import duties. Especially for those who will be living on a fixed income and/or budget, you will need to thoroughly understand the financial implications of the country you are considering. You should also factor in the costs of traveling back to Canada as well as items such as larger phone bills to maintain contact with your friends/family.

Another major financial consideration will be health care and insurance. As Canada offers a very high standard of medical care, some countries may be considered inadequate by our terms. If you have specific health problems, i.e. diabetes, heart condition, you will need to ensure that your country of choice has medical facilities as well as physicians that are capable of giving you quality care. You will also need to obtain full health coverage as you will no longer be entitled to your Canadian provincial health care benefits.  Be aware that even if you have supplemental health insurance (to supplement your provincial healthcare plan), this will not be enough coverage when leaving Canada. If you are planning on living abroad only part time, remember that your provincial healthcare only provides limited coverage for up to only 3 months. Your level of provincial benefits will probably not be enough to fully cover any medical expenses that you may incur; it is advisable to have your own health insurance even when leaving Canada on a temporary basis. Depending on the length of your absence from Canada, you may also have to wait for your provincial health plan to be reinstated, which will temporarily leave you without health insurance coverage.

If you are planning on leaving Canada to live in another country (either full or part time) you will need to ensure that your passport is valid, and doesn't expire while you are out of the country. You will also need to open a bank account in your new country; it is a good idea beforehand to research their banking regulations. You may also want to have a safety deposit box in order to safeguard copies of your documents, i.e. birth certificate, identification which bears your photo, etc. You should also have the numbers of the Canadian consulate on hand should you require these in an emergency. As well, have a copy of your visa (if it is required).

If you are planning on permanently residing in another country, you will need to establish a legal status there, i.e. permanent residency or citizenship status. Requirements for legal status vary greatly from country to country, but usually will be based on principles such as employment status, investment status, and/or family connections. Some countries may recognize people such as retirees with a guaranteed minimum income as potential immigrants. Many countries will require proof of guaranteed income in order to establish sufficient support for the retiree and any dependents. You will need to provide financial documentation supporting your claim that you meet these requirements; have copies of bank statements, investments, RRSP’s, etc ready in order for submission.

You can still receive your Canadian Public Pensions while living abroad, provided that you still qualify for the benefit. Old Age Security (OAS) requires that you lived in Canada for at least 20 years after the age of 18; as this benefit is subject to an income test, you will need to file an annual tax return which reports your worldwide income. Canada does impose a withholding tax on "passive" income paid to nonresidents from Canadian sources. This includes interest, dividends, RRSP income, rental income, RRIF income as well as pension income. This rate is usually 25%; but may be reduced depending on the terms of any tax treaties that exist between Canada and your new country of residence. You will also be required to file tax returns in Canada if you are still receiving income that originates in Canada, i.e. income from a business in Canada, the sale of taxable property, or any income that is earned. However, you may also be entitled to a tax refund on such items as rental income and/or pension income if your taxable income is low enough to qualify.

If you are planning on retiring and living outside of Canada, you may want to obtain advice regarding the financial and taxation issues. Do your own research about any potential countries you are interested in, either on a part or full time basis, so you can better plan ahead. Remember, the earlier you start planning, the better prepared you will be when you actually retire.

The majority of working Canadians have Employment Insurance (EI) deducted from their wages. This insurance is intended to provide temporary financial assistance to those who are unemployed and looking for work and/or upgrading their skills. EI also provides financial assistance for other reasons though; such as maternity leave, work absence due to illness, caring for a new child, as well as short-term help for those who need to care for a family member who is seriously ill with a significant risk of death.

Compassionate Care Benefits are intended to help those who are employed, but who need a short leave of absence in order to care for a relative that is gravely ill and at risk of dying within 26 weeks. People who are collecting EI at the time can also ask for this benefit. This benefit is payable up to a maximum of 6 weeks; however, it can be shared among eligible family members (i.e. 3 siblings can each claim 2 weeks to be used in succession.)

In order to be eligible for Compassionate Care benefits, you must be able to prove that your regular weekly earnings have decreased by more than 40%. As well, you must have accumulated 600 insured hours within the last 52 week period, or since the start of your last claim. This is known as the qualifying period. There is a 2 week waiting period; however if the 6 week period is shared by family members, only the first person will serve the waiting period.

EI recognizes family members as either your blood relative or a blood relative of your spouse (if common law spouse, you must have resided together for at least one year). These relatives include:

• Your child or the child of your spouse
• Your wife/husband or common-law partner
• Your parent or the parent of your spouse
• Step-parent or common-law partner of a blood parent
• Sibling or step-sibling, as well as sibling or step-sibling of your spouse
• Father or mother in law, either married or common-law
• Son or daughter in law, or your spouse's son or daughter in law
• Uncles and aunts, as well as their partner; or your spouse's uncle or aunt, or their partner
• Nephew and nieces; also a nephew or niece of your spouse
• Current or former foster parent; current or former foster parent of your spouse
• Current or former foster child as well as their partner
• Current or former ward; current or former ward of your spouse
• Current or former guardian or their partners

There is also a provision for someone who although they are not "related" they do consider you as a family member, i.e. friend or neighbor. In this case, a Compassionate Care Benefits Attestation is required from the person who is gravely ill and requesting your help. Care/support is defined as providing psychological/emotional support, arranging care through a third party, and/or directly providing or participating in care.

When applying for Compassionate Care benefits, you will be required to provide documentation proving that the ill family member is in need of care/support, as well as being at risk of dying within 26 weeks. 2 forms will be required to be submitted:

• Authorization to Release a Medical Certificate which is completed and signed by the ill relative or their legal representative
• Medical certificate for Employment Insurance Compassionate Care Benefits which is completed and signed by the ill relative's medical doctor to confirm the significant risk of death within the prescribed 26 weeks

These forms must be submitted at the same time; as well, the applicant assumes the cost of any fees charged by the doctor/legal representative. Only one Medical Certificate is required even if several family members are sharing the 6 weeks leave. If more than one is submitted, the first one submitted will determine the beginning and end of the 6 week period. Compassionate Care benefits end when either the 6 weeks have been paid up and the time period has expired, you have exhausted the maximum payable benefits allowed for your claim, or if the family member dies or no longer requires care and support. If the family member dies while you are receiving this benefit, it is your responsibility to immediately inform the administrator of your benefits in order to prevent EI overpayments.

For more information regarding eligibility as well as the complete list of requirements regarding this benefit, please visit the Service Canada website.

If you're like the majority of  Canadians, funeral planning is not a topic you wish to think about. Whether it's your own funeral, or that of a loved one, it's a subject that we all put off planning. But do you even know how much a typical funeral costs? What are your options? What about pre-paid funerals? These are all questions that do require some thought as well as financial planning, and should also factor into the amount of your life insurance coverage.

Pre-paid funerals do have certain advantages. It ensures that your wishes are specifically carried out, and takes the pressure away from your loved ones of making plans during their time of bereavement. It also removes the financial burden from your family. Pre-paying your own funeral also gives you the time to shop around for the best prices and to decide your own budget. If you do choose this option, make sure you inform your family of these arrangements, who you have pre-paid, and give someone copies of all the necessary paperwork. While pre-paid funerals are designed to give everyone involved peace of mind, there are some disadvantages to this option. For instance, there is no guarantee that the service provider you have pre-paid will still be in business at the time of your death. If you die before all the payments have been completed, the service provider may demand that your survivors pay the outstanding balance before they will honor the contract. As well, if you happen to move outside of the area that the service provider services, you run the risk of not being able to get a refund and/or transferring the services. Penalties may also be assessed for any late payments, and if you change your mind, there is a chance that you will be refunded substantially less than what you have paid in. Canadian provinces may have different regulations regarding this topic, so research what the current law is in your home province.

An alternative to a pre-paid funeral is to set up an interest bearing account that is specifically earmarked for your funeral expenses. This choice will still give you the time to decide on what type of service you would like, as well as pricing the various options you have. If you choose this type of planning however, you must keep in mind that the prices of what you have chosen will probably increase as time goes on, and plan accordingly. Once again, if you die before enough money has accrued in the earmarked account, your loved ones will be faced with either going against your wishes, or having to pay the balance themselves. As well, your loved ones must be able to quickly access the bank account, as well as be informed and able to carry out your wishes.

In order to either plan your own funeral, or plan one for a loved one, you must be aware of all your options, and what these cost. The average funeral in Canada today can range in price from $2,500 to $6,000. This price range does not include such added expenses like a burial plot, headstone, etc. Burial plots can range in prices depending on the location of the cemetery; as well not all burial plots are priced the same, some "desirable" locations within the cemetery are usually more expensive. Likewise, the size and detail of a headstone will determine the cost. The cost of a funeral will depend on what type of service you want, whether you choose burial or cremation, etc.

The 2 most common choices are funerals and memorial services. Memorial services are generally less expensive, as there is no casket, no embalming and no grave liner costs involved. A typical memorial service will cost around $2500, depending on what type of service you are planning. This does not include the cost of cremation however, which can cost anywhere from $500 up to $2000.  A memorial service is simply a service to commemorate the deceased's life; usually the body has already been cremated. Because there is no body present, there are more choices available regarding the location of the memorial service. This type of service tends to be more informal than the more traditional funeral.

Funerals have long been the most commonplace option when a loved one dies. Depending on the type of funeral planned, the cost can run from $2500 to over $7500. Although this is a more expensive alternative to a memorial service, funerals offer the advantage of the funeral home bearing most of the responsibility for the arrangements. They will arrange for the transportation of the body to the funeral home, as well as file the necessary paperwork such as the Declaration of Death. By law, Canadian funeral providers must present you with an itemized list of the prices for all the services and products that they offer. It is important to ascertain whether or not the funeral provider is what is known as an immediate disposition funeral provider; this type of provider has limited facilities and does not offer all services. Legally, a funeral provider must disclose that the facility is not allowed by law to provide full-range funeral services.

Choosing a funeral home, especially when planning the funeral for a loved one, can be difficult. If no previous arrangements have been made, and you need to acquire the services of a funeral home, asking the following questions will help you to choose the right facility:

• Can the funeral home accommodate all your needs? Do they have a chapel, visitation room, reception room, catering facilities, etc?
• Who have your friends and/or family used in the past and can recommend?
• Is the funeral home in good standing with an applicable professional association?
• How long has the funeral home been in your community? What is their professional and personal reputation?

It is important to understand what exactly a funeral home does when assisting you with a funeral. Typically, a complete funeral service requires 80 hours of work; this does vary depending on the individual needs of the family as well as any personal and/or religious requests. The majority of the funeral costs are incurred by charges for professional service, merchandise and final disposition. A qualified funeral director will be able to explain these costs, and assist you with planning a funeral that conforms to your budget.

The professional fee that is charged by the funeral home should include such services as:

• Transfer of body from place of death to the funeral home
• Obtaining the medical certificate of death and completion of government forms, registering the death and obtaining any necessary permits
• Sanitary care of the body, including embalming, restoration, and readying the body for viewing if requested. Embalming is not a legal requirement, but it may be required in instances where the body is being transported after 72 hours.
• Use of the funeral home and all necessary facilities such as: arrangement office, reception area(s), preparation room, chapel, selection room, parking, etc. This should also include the use of service vehicles (i.e. hearse).
• Transfer of the deceased to the crematorium and/or cemetery
• Complete personal supervision of all service arrangement details that precede as well as follow the services: the arrangement conference with the family, preparing and placing an obituary notice, consulting with clergy, cemetery and/or crematorium, arranging and caring for floral arrangements.

The other major expense is the merchandise, i.e. casket, urn, etc. It is important to remember that by law, a funeral home must display their lowest priced caskets and urns. They must also have a book/brochure illustrating the entire product line of caskets that they sell.

Using a reputable funeral home can make the time of bereavement much easier as they will take care of all the details for you. They can also help you make arrangements that are within your budget, as well as helping you to honor any specific requests that may have been made by the deceased.

It’s important when choosing the amount of your life insurance coverage that you incorporate the funeral expenses. You may want to consult with a funeral director in order to understand what all will be involved, and what expenses your survivors will be facing. You may also want to consult with your life insurance broker about ensuring that you have the right amount of coverage.

For many Canadian seniors, maintaining their independent residence sometimes isn't a feasible option. Health issues may make living alone a dangerous situation for some people. Children and/or caregivers of seniors who are facing this issue may be confused as to what is entailed, what level of care is needed for that individual, and what is covered by provincial insurance and what isn't.

Some seniors may be able to live in their home (at least for a period of time), provided they have In-Home Care services. Many different programs are available; some are funded by government agencies or non-profit organizations, while others are offered by for-profit private service organizations. The home care services that are typically provided include:

• Personal nursing care
• Physiotherapy and/or occupational therapy
• Speech therapy
• Counseling
• Day programs
• Friendly visiting
• Transportation
• Foot care
• Homemaking and/or home maintenance
• Information and/or referrals
• Meal programs (i.e. Meals On Wheels)
• Respite Care
• Emergency Response Service

If you think that the senior you care for may need these types of services, contact a local agency to get an assessment. Some services may be covered under Ministry of Health funding, regardless of income; as well, some may offer a subsidy for those who fall within a certain income bracket. Some however, will have to be paid for out-of-pocket if you do not have private insurance coverage.

For seniors who are no longer able to live on their own, a retirement residence may be the best solution. This can be the ideal arrangement, giving the senior the level of support and security they require while being able to maintain their independence and privacy. A retirement residence can also offer the social aspect for those seniors who are feeling lonely and isolated. Retirement residences can greatly vary in terms of what services they offer, as well as the types of accommodation they offer (i.e. single or shared rooms), as well as prices. The majority of retirement residences are privately owned and operated with no government funding, which means you and/or the resident must assume all the costs.

If you are looking into a retirement home for a loved one or someone you provide care for, it is essential that the senior is actively involved in the selection process. Some things to remember when choosing a retirement residence are:

• Make a list of all homes you plan on visiting; also make a list of questions you want to ask, so you won't forget when you are there. Keep notes on the different homes you visit.
• Ask questions not only of staff, but of the residents. Ask their perceptions of the residence, as well as what they like and dislike.
• Don't visit just once, plan another visit, but at a different time of day (i.e. go for a lunch or dinner)
• Ask to view all of the residence, not just the room and common areas. Checking the kitchen and stairwells can give you a good indication of the level of cleanliness and how often things are maintained.
• Ask if they will allow the prospective resident to actually spend a night at the residence, so that they can get a better idea of what to expect.
• Ask for a list of families who will give the facility a recommendation.
• Ask about the neighborhood, i.e. how close are such things as hospitals, churches, dentists, etc.
• Ask about the fees, i.e. is everything included in the price quoted, or will you have to pay extra for additional services, and if so, how much
• Ask how often are their rates increased, and how much notice do they provide for the increase in price

Long-Term Health Facilities (formerly known as nursing homes) are different than retirement residences. A long-term facility is needed for those seniors who have significant health issues and who require a greater deal of care. This type of care is needed for those who, because of age and/or level of disability, can no longer be properly cared for in the community. This is an ideal solution for those seniors who require care on a regular basis, but who do not require long-term hospitalization. Some long-term facilities are publicly funded, while others are not.

If you are facing the challenge of finding services for a senior in your care, you need to find out what exactly their insurance will cover. You may also want to consider the possibility of needing these services in the future, and have the right insurance that addresses this issue. Tangible offers a hybrid policy that combines life insurance with a long-term care component. If needed, a certain percentage of the policy converts into LTC insurance, if not, it simply remains as life insurance. This type of policy offers you the flexibility and security of being able to ensure that you will have the right type of coverage for whatever your needs may be.

Canadians who have RRSPs have the opportunity to withdraw up to twenty thousand dollars tax free to use as a down payment on a home. This money also does not have to be claimed as income on your tax return. This is a great opportunity for those who wish to be homeowners, but cannot afford to save for the down payment and contribute to their retirement savings.

The Federal Home Buyers Plan is available to those who qualify as "first time" homebuyers. This is defined as any Canadian who has not owned a home that they have occupied as their principal residence for a minimum of five years. You can qualify for the program at any time during the fifth calendar year since owning a home. This rule applies to both you and your spouse regarding previous home ownership. If you have owned a home within the previous five years, but your partner has not, then while you are not eligible, your partner will be. However, if you are using the homebuyers plan again, you must not have an outstanding balance on the previous Home Buyer Plan loan.

There are certain criteria that must be met in order to qualify for the HMP plan.  You must be considered a factual resident of Canada, meaning that even if you are not currently living in Canada, you are considered a Canadian resident for income tax purposes. You must also enter into a written agreement (offer of purchase) to buy or build a qualifying home. This agreement can be with the builder, contractor, realtor or private seller. It is important to know that simply obtaining a pre-approved mortgage does not satisfy this requirement. You must also intend to occupy the home as your principal place of residence within one year of buying or building your home. Certain exceptions can be made if you are unable to reside in the home, as long as your original intention was to move in within a year. As well, either you or your spouse (this includes common law spouses) cannot own the home more than 30 days before the planned withdrawal.

You must make the withdrawal request for the funds in the same year in which you wish to participate in the Home Buyers Plan. Each person (if applicable) can withdraw a maximum of twenty thousand dollars from your own RRSPs. Multiple withdrawals however, are allowed. The home that you are buying must be located in Canada, and can be either an existing home or a home under construction. This includes single detached family home, semi-detached homes, town home, mobile home, condominium unit, a share in a co-op, or an apartment.

You must begin repaying the withdrawal under the HBP starting the second year following the year in which you made the withdrawal. You make the repayments by contributing to any of your RRSPs in the year the repayment is due or within the first 60 days of the following year. However, you cannot designate sums to be considered s payments to your spouse’s (including common-law) RRSP are not considered payments, and vice-versa. As well, transferring amounts from another registered pension plan, deferred profit-sharing plan or registered retirement income fund will not be considered as a payment.

An important part of any financial plan is dealing with your debt. For most Canadians, debt is a fact of life and is not detrimental to their overall financial goals. However, too much debt can negatively impact financial health. Missing payments may end up hurting your credit rating; as well you may not be able to save and/or invest the money you need to in order to accomplish your long-term goals.

Not all debt should be considered "bad". Debt that is incurred for the purposed of attaining assets that will more than likely increase in value is considered "good" debt. This includes buying a home, borrowing money to invest (stocks, bonds, RRSP's) that can end up making you more money than what you spent on the interest payments. These assets can also be used to secure the debt in order to qualify for lower interest rates. Money borrowed for investment purposes may also be tax-deductible.

Debt that is viewed as "bad" comes in the form of purchasing items that depreciate in value (cars, electronics, etc), or is used for daily spending habits. Debt is usually incurred this way in the form of credit cards. In fact, debt in this form can actually hurt your chances of getting a mortgage and/or the amount you are qualified for. Credit cards that have really high interest rates can keep you in debt for a long time if you cannot afford to pay off the balance immediately. 

There are ways to manage your debt without having to to take the drastic measure of declaring personal bankruptcy. The following tips can be used as a guideline not only for those currently in debt, for also for those who wish to avoid having their debt become out of control.

• Spend less than you earn. Keep a running log of everything you spend. Make sure to factor in expenses that may only occur once a year (house insurance, vacations, Christmas spending, etc). These expenses should be divided by 12 and added to your monthly total of what you spend. Your log will be able to help you determine your earnings/expenditure ratio, and give you an idea of where you can cut back, i.e. taking lunch to work, etc.
• Restructure your debt. Almost half of Canadians are paying more interest than necessary due to the fact that they haven't shopped around. Invest some time researching getting a cheaper interest rate for not only credit cards, but for your loans. 
• Refinance your mortgage. You may be able to get a lower interest rate on your mortgage by refinancing it. You also may want to consider using a home equity loan and use the money to pay off credit card debt, which is generally higher in interest payments.
• Personal line of credit. This can be one of the cheapest ways to borrow money. Lines of credit can be secured against your assets, or unsecured. The rates do vary with the prime, but will be considerably less than the interest charged for credit cards. Money obtained through a line of credit is available for any purpose.
• Consolidation loans. Unlike a line of credit, this money is borrowed for the specific purpose of paying off debts that carry higher interest rates. The bank may directly pay off your creditors in order to insure that the money is spent in the manner for which it is intended. The bank may also require that you cut up your credit cards and/or that no new debt is incurred.

The amount of your debt along with the amount of your income will determine the best way for you to manage your debt. The end result will be a healthier financial plan, and the realization of your long-term goals.

Midnight of February 29, 2008 is the deadline for RRSP contributions for the tax year of 2007. RRSPs give Canadians a tax break, as well as letting your hard earned money grow tax-deferred. This differs from capital gains and interest accumulated on other investments, which are added to your taxable income for the year. As RRSPs are deducted from your taxable income, it effectively reduces the total amount that is subject to taxation. Waiting until retirement to cash in your RRSPs means that you are now in a lower income bracket, therefore you will pay less taxes, as your RRSPs are only taxable upon withdrawal.

RRSP is an acronym for Registered Retirement Savings Plan. It is not a specific financial product. It is rather a number of investments that are registered with the federal government specifically earmarked for your retirement. The Income Tax Act has a current list of eligible investments from which you can choose; the most popular is mutual funds, guaranteed investment certificates, accumulation annuities , segregated funds, and equities. However, you have a wide range of possible investments to choose from, depending on the financial risk you are willing to take. Some investment choices are quite volatile; they can make you a lot of money, but you must be prepared to take the risk of losing a lot of money. Others are more conservative; you may not make as much, but the risk factor is lower. Talk to your financial advisor about which types of RRSPs are best for your retirement savings plan.

Due to last year's federal budget, Canadians can now contribute to RRSPs until the end of the year in which they turn 71 as long as they are still earning income. This is a 2 year extension from the previous deadline. Once this deadline has been reached, 3 choices will be available:

1. Converted the RRSPs into a Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF) which is a tax-deferred retirement plan. Like RRSPs, the RRIF account is registered with the Canadian Revenue Agency. RRIFs are used to generate income from savings accumulated from the previous RRSPs. Once an RRSP has been converted into a RRIF, no further contributions can be made. RRIFs offer an annual minimum withdrawal which is cashed out and sent to the accountholder; this amount is tax free.
2. Purchasing an annuity. This is a good financial idea when interest rates are higher.
3. Cashing out. This is not recommended as taxes will have to be paid on the whole amount.

The 2007 tax year for the first time also offers senior couples the option to split their pension income. They can now allocate up to 50% of their eligible pension income to their spouse/common law partner. This includes company pension plan payments, RRIF payments as well as annuity income. For those who are still working and contributing to their RRSPs, it may be advantageous to contribute to a spousal RRSP if your spouse/partner has either no or little income for the year.

You can "over-contribute" by up to $2000 to your RRSP without being penalized. While you will not be eligible for the tax deduction, you will benefit as the earnings will be tax-free. Consider the option of borrowing money if you do not have the available funds to contribute the maximum amount; you may be able to make more money than you will spend on the interest for the loan. To calculate what your maximum allowable contributions are, use the calculator found at the Canadian Savings Bond website.

It's also important to decide who will be the beneficiary of your RRSP. By naming your spouse/common law partner, dependent child or grandchild, the proceeds upon your death may be tax-deferred even longer. Discuss this with your financial advisor in order to set up the most beneficial plan.