Latest news in Building Your Business

Grown kids can drain finances

Many parents are helping their adult children financially - to the point that some are even delaying retirement. You can help by setting up family…

Attracting retired prospects

Persuading baby boomers and retirees to leave the advisor with whom they have a relationship is a tough sell - unless you can prove that…

Going it alone in retirement

People in Canada who are single now outnumber those who are part of a couple. These singles are used to running their own show. However,…

  • By: Jade Hemeon
  • November 6, 2015 November 9, 2019
  • 00:00

Helping older, vulnerable clients

Ron Harvey has developed a sensitivity toward the financial concerns of his elderly clients. He regards his role as one of reassurance. "I become their…

Using ETFs for retirement portfolios

With the rising flexibility of exchanged-traded funds (ETFs), it now is possible to build portfolios for retired clients using only ETFs. Two experts show how…

  • By: Jade Hemeon
  • November 6, 2015 November 9, 2019
  • 00:00

Retirees need exposure to stocks

The challenge for advisors with older clients is to position them with the amount of stock exposure that meets both their financial requirements and their…

  • By: Jade Hemeon
  • November 6, 2015 November 9, 2019
  • 00:00

What makes a top performer?

The quest for insight into the habits and characteristics that make some advisors excel when others fail is global. While there is no magic bullet…

Managing the wealth transfer

As elderly clients die and leave estates for their children, financial advisors inevitably will lose some assets from their books, retain some assets and gain…

“I already have an advisor”

Those words do not have to mark the end of your conversation with prospects. You have an opportunity to nudge them in your direction by…

To overcome shyness, be yourself

If you're the quiet type, you can become an effective networker by learning a few techniques and making use of your curiosity. You don't have…

The “volatility” conversation

Ease your clients' concerns about market turbulence by explaining that it is a normal market phenomenon and that you are looking out for their best…

A focus on pensions

Even before Albert Ashley became a financial advisor, he was acutely aware of the importance of pensions. And this advisor with Mennonite Savings and Credit…

Make the most of your lunch break

Having lunch with colleagues or doing some exercise during your midday break can lead to significant benefits

  • By: Leah Golob
  • October 25, 2015 November 6, 2019
  • 23:00

Microsoft aims to boost productivity

The technology giant has introduced new smartphones, a refreshed Surface Pro 4, a new Surface Book hybrid laptop and an updated version of its ubiquitous…

Probate more costly in Ontario

Estate executors now will be required to file a new form estimating the value of an estate - with supporting documention. Failure to file or…

A window of opportunity

The rules governing how much tax-free cash a client can hold in a permanent life policy are changing. But advisors who act now may be…

Global hunt for tax evasion widens

Partly in response to the U.S.'s FATCA initiative to collect taxes from its citizens who live abroad, 60 other countries, including Canada, have signed on…

The unexplored potential of TFSAs

Often viewed as a simple savings account, tax-free savings accounts have new, higher limits and cumulative contribution room. But taxpayers who pile up large sums…

Lower taxes on donations

New rules proposed for proceeds from the sale of shares and real estate to be donated to charities

Most provinces hold the line on taxes

With most regions still fighting deficits and facing murky economic forecasts, provincial governments have imposed only minor increases in taxes - or none at all

Doing the “RRSP or TFSA” dance

Tax professionals recommend that clients make maximum contributions to their TFSAs- by making withdrawals from RRSP or RRIF assets if no other funding is available.…

Rethinking RRIF rates

Many financial advocates applaud lower mandatory withdrawals, and some want them abolished altogether. But government depends upon the annual tax revenue

Timing and yearend tax planning

Several tax strategies result in greater savings when executed near the beginning or the end of a calendar year. These tips can help you to…

Matching clients with tax-filing software

The shift to digital filing means your clients will be searching for software applications that meet their particular needs. There are plenty of packages out…

Getting it right, or fixing it

Mistakes on income tax returns are common, as are objections to CRA assessments. You can help your clients prevent and fix errors and omissions in…