Canadian Dental Care Plan Renewal Deadline Approaches

Know Your Client!   It’s a daily commitment and requirement, especially in the work that financial advisors do with their clients.   It’s imperative that you ask about any significant changes in their lives. Has there been a significant new event:   a move to take a new job or go to university, a marriage or divorce, a new birth, a disability or a death? And, in the case of income tested benefits such as the Canadian Dental Care Plan, (CDCP) do they qualify?  Did they file their tax return on time to get it?  Do you know the deadlines for doing so?  Do you know when coverage ends if your client now longer qualifies?

How much income do Canadians think they need annually to lead a comfortable life and how realistic is it? According to a poll by Edward Jones, it’s a figure that’s over $250,000—one that could grow as interest rates and the needs of the elderly continue to rise. It’s a topic that created a vibrant conversation at the Distinguished Advisor Conference which concluded yesterday in Quebec City.

Cannabis problems at work? It’s one grey area that remains following Canada’s recent marijuana legalization, and employers need to know their obligations with regard to accommodating employees with addictions. Lawyer Philippe Richer weighs in on this important employment issue, which he says is the single largest area of potential liability for businesses.

New data shows just how many Canadians lack access to federal benefits they’re eligible to receive. This was a topic of discussion with Pierre Labbee, an outreach manager for the Canada Education Savings Program at the recent Distinguished Advisor Conference. But now an annual benefit review of the Canada Child Benefit reveals that this benefit in particular is underused, despite it being accessible to millions, and one of the reasons is a difficult relationship with the CRA.

Knowledge Bureau celebrated a joyous 15th anniversary with 150 delegates as part of an outstanding program of topics and inspirational messages by all the gifted speakers at the Distinguished Advisor Conference in Quebec City. If you missed out, here are some highlights to inspire you to attend next year’s hot conference in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, November 10-13.

The first Business Builder Retreat hosted by Knowledge Bureau was a resounding success, according to attendees intent on rejuvenation and leadership skill development at this exclusive Distinguished Advisor Conference (DAC) event.

The markets have been experiencing more volatility lately and Knowledge Bureau Report’s October poll has uncovered an important opportunity for wealth advisors within the fray. The majority, 89.01 percent of respondants, told us that Canadians don’t understand their capacity for risk-taking – which is measurable - and this affects their level of risk tolerance when markets fluctuate.