Category Archives: Uncategorized
A company that cares
I called a company with a question about the product I purchased. Left message on voice mail. A short time later, a woman calls back and identifies herself. I said, “it is your signature on the box!” She replies, “that’s why I wanted to call back right away.” Thanks, Julie, that service solidified me as [...]
Disability solutions for self-employed, unemployed, low earners, students, retired
As one of the ‘living benefits’ in insurance, we often speak of income replacement in the event of disability. We look to coverage through group benefits at work, and the benefits of a personal policy cannot be underestimated. However, there are people whom would typically be missed by such coverage. The newly self-employed, unemployed, those with [...]
New Employment Insurance for Self-employed, Deadline
If you are self-employed, you may be aware of new Employment Insurance special benefits: maternity, parental, sickness, and compassionate care. An important date to keep in mind is April 1, 2010. If you register by this date, you will be able to make a claim starting January 2011. If you register after this date, you [...]
RRSP, Tax-free Savings Account, or not
You are likely aware that March 1, 2010, is the deadline for contributions to an RRSP account to get a deduction from your 2009 income tax. You may also be aware of the Tax-free Savings Account that was introduced last year. Should you use one, both, or neither? The answer depends on your personal circumstances and [...]
Learn from blogs with reflective responses
My shared passions of insurance and education clearly met yesterday morning. The plan was to write a blog entry about various components of disability insurance, along with another one adding to what I have written about travel insurance. With a shift of focus, though, the subject of informal learning became first and forefront. Blogs can [...]
How do you feel about virtual meetings with your advisor?
I was trained to use the telephone to make appointments for face-to-face meetings where relationships are developed and business is conducted. But that is not always how the potential, or current, client wants it to occur. With work, family, and other commitments, time is precious. I’m seriously rethinking my approach. As insurance and financial advisors, we have an [...]
Insurance and RRSPs
Just to let you know, I decided to return to my business earlier than expected. While my focus is on life, disability, travel, and other health related products, I can certainly help with RRSP and Tax-Free Savings Account needs. As we approach the RRSP deadline, I anticipate meeting with current and new clients to assist with their [...]
An experience not to pass up
As indicated in my website announcement, I will be “Away at the Games.” This is an opportunity I cannot pass up, working with Contemporary Security Canada at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games until the end of March. My attention will be focused in this area, so updates to Reflections on Wealth are [...]
In case you hear the rumours…
Well, perhaps not really a rumour, as I’ve often talked about having two passions! From this website and blog, you definitely know me as being in the insurance industry. You may also know that I love to talk about distance learning, both as a lifelong learner and as an educator. It may come as no [...]
Another Ponzi Scheme
You recently heard about the sentencing of Bernard Madoff for his massive fraud, identified as a Ponzi scheme. While certainly not of the same size, an international fraud involving residents close to home was reported yesterday on the front page of the Edmonton Journal by Karen Kleiss. For a quick review of what a Ponzi scheme entails, and to [...]
