Mark Your Calendar: Critical Deadlines for May and June

Tax season never truly ends, it seems, as there are many more upcoming tax filing, investment planning and education milestones to discuss with your clients over the next six months. Check out our handy checklist below and then test yourself – what are the conversation openers you’ll use and with which clients? It’s your opportunity to shine with every member of the household:

Canada possesses priceless resources, not just in its natural resources but also in new human resources—gems that are waiting to be uncovered. They are highly educated immigrant women, ready to contribute to the economy in a significant way.

The Canadian economy has deteriorated in the last six months, according to a press release from the Office of the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO), and growth is expected to be slower than anticipated over the next few years. A weaker economy translates into larger deficits over the medium term than the PBO forecast in April, states the report, which was released November 10.

Those who earn more live longer, the longevity gap between men and women is closing and living close to your kids in retirement may turn out, well, differently than you may think. All of these factors and more will change how you think about retirement planning, according to Dr. Michael Finke, a keynote speaker at the Distinguished Advisors Conference (DAC) in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, last week. But his biggest “aha” moments came from research on the financial literacy of seniors.

Joe Roberts, also known as “The Skid Row CEO,” held the audience at Distinguished Advisor Conference (DAC) rapt with his moving personal story of addiction and recovery. Revealing the power of having difficult conversations with clients, Joe showed how trusted advisors can take their work to another level, especially in making financial plans for those who are vulnerable due to addiction.

Differentiate yourself as an MFA-Succession and Estate Planning Specialist in your community.  The first certificate course in the program, provides students with a solid understanding of the fundamentals of succession planning and how to become a more valuable resource to your clients in assisting them with their business succession planning needs.

Evelyn Jacks, president of Knowledge Bureau, welcomed close to 200 attendees at the 2015 Distinguished Advisor Conference (DAC) on a high note. Her opening session at the 12th annual conference in beautiful Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, was packed with information and opportunities for advisors to seize, particularly in light of the new Liberal government in Ottawa and the significant tax reforms their rise to power will usher in.