Category Archives: News

Manulife Bank – $750 Cash Back

News

If I could show you a way to reduce debt quicker and save interest costs would you be interested in hearing more? For a limited time Manulife Bank is offering $750 cash back on new Manulife One accounts.

Manulife One is a unique all-in-one mortgage, line of credit and bank account. By combining your savings and what you borrow into one account, Manulife One could help simplify your banking and give you the flexibility and freedom to choose what’s right for you: save, be debt-free sooner, renovate your home, pay for the unexpected and live better.

To learn more about Manulife One and how to take advantage of this special, limited time offer, contact me today.

 

Visitors to Canada Medical Insurance

News, Travel Insurance, Visitors to Canada

International Visitors to Canada

If you have family or friends coming to stay, let them know that the Canadian government recommends that they get proper insurance coverage during their stay. Health care shouldn’t be a financial burden. Here are some real life examples that demonstrate the value of investing in a comprehensive visitor’s plan: Visitor Claims

Health care shouldn’t be a financial burden. Contact me for a free no-obligation quote for your loved ones.

Summertime Blue is Back!

News, Travel Insurance

Unlimited Travel Coverage for the Summer at Great Rates!

Enjoy peace of mind this summer with Blue Cross Summertime Blue travel plan, covering an unlimited number of trips between June 6th – September 6th, 2016. Summertime Blue is the perfect plan for summer travelers, especially families. Parents and children are covered even when they travel separately.

One affordable price for an unlimited number of trips during the summer, regardless of length of stay, for everyone in the family. Up to $5,000,0000 in emergency medical care; 24/7 assistance in case of an emergency. For more details and rates contact me.

Simplified Life Insurance

Life Insurance, News

Experiencing Rapid Growth in an Expanding Market

Simplified products were first aimed at the seniors and the hard-to-insure market, many of whom had health issues and couldn’t get traditional coverage. Now these products are covering both ends of the spectrum, attracting the brisk, on-demand, millennials and those that are healthy, but find the underwriting arduous, or don’t want to have a medical. In many cases, rates for the Simplified Insurance plans are comparable to underwritten plans especially if someone has a larger build, or takes a combination of medications, i.e. for hypertension/diabetes. These cases are typically ‘rated’ with a higher premium with underwritten products, so a Simplified Plan is often a better choice, as it could save you from facing a substandard rating, postponement, or decline.

So whether you are 18 or 80, are hard to insure or in good health, I have a plan that’s right for you. For more information on Simplified Issue and other life insurance products, contact me for a free no-obligation quote.

Ontario Introduces ORPP Legislation

Investments, News

In April 2016, Kathleen Wynne’s Liberal government introduced the Ontario Retirement Pension Plan Act. If the legislation is passed, it will require workers to join a new Ontario Retirement Pension Plan, if they are not already members of a comparable workplace pension plan. The legislation claims that its new pension plan will offer a lifelong, inflation-indexed stream of income with up to 15% of an individual’s pre-retirement earnings. All employees between 18-70 will be required to join the ORPP if they are not already covered by a comparable plan. Enrolment is scheduled to begin in January 2017 and the collection of contributions will be phased in starting in January 2018.

Ontario notes that current federal income tax and pension rules prevent the self-employed and non-crown federally regulated workers (i.e. those who work in banks, telecommunications, railways, or air transportation) from joining, although the province says it is in discussions with the Federal government about making changes that would make their participation possible.  The Ontario Ministry of Finance is still working on the plan design and more details will be revealed when the accompanying regulations are published this summer.

TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR INTERNATIONAL VISITORS

News, Travel Insurance, Visitors to Canada

2015 IS THE YEAR FOR INTERNATIONAL VISITORS

The Canadian Tourism Commission reports that Canada had 17.1 million international arrivals in 2014 and 2015 is set to be another stellar year, in part due to a weak Canadian dollar, low gas prices, and an increased number of international flight routes. If you have family or friends coming to stay, let them know that the Canadian government recommends that they get proper insurance coverage during their stay. Here are some real life examples that demonstrate the value of investing in a comprehensive visitor’s plan: Visitor Claims

Health care shouldn’t be a financial burden. Contact me for a free no-obligation quote for your loved ones.

CCIR Traveller’s Survey

News, Travel Insurance

CANADA’S INSURANCE REGULATORS SEEKING PUBLIC INPUT ON TRAVEL INSURANCE

The Canadian Council of Insurance Regulators (CCIR) will make an examination of travel insurance one of its key priorities in 2015 and is seeking input from the public on how the business is conducted in Canada, announced Chair Carolyn Rogers.

If you would like to provide input on your thoughts and feelings about the travel insurance industry, now is your chance. See full News Release with contact information. Also, feel free to send me a copy of your thoughts and opinions.

 

Small Business Series – Part II

Disability, Living Benefits, News

DISABILITY INSURANCE: LOSS OF INCOME PROTECTION

If you are self-employed, it’s important to make sure your income is adequately protected in case of a disability.

Have you thought about how you will take care of your business, family, and yourself, if your health impacts your ability to work?  Let’s take a realistic look at your expenses

Now what happens during a disability? …Disaster!

Disability insurance is like having a ‘silent partner’ to take on the risk and provide income replacement, if you get injured, or suffer from a critical illness.  Disability insurance does not make people rich; but it keeps them from becoming poor and it’s more affordable than you think.

The best financial plan in the world will only survive as long as your income does.  Protect your most valuable asset – your ability to earn income.  Contact me for your FREE Disability Needs Analysis.

Small Business Series – Part 1

Living Benefits, News

BUSINESS OVERHEAD EXPENSE (BOE):

One of the first things to consider in protecting your lifestyle is Business Overhead Expense (BOE) coverage. Especially designed for sole-proprietors, partnerships, and small businesses, this policy will keep your business afloat for a short period, while the owner focuses on getting better. A monthly benefit is paid as a reimbursement to pay for fixed and ongoing expenses such as rent, salary of employees, business & property taxes, utilities, vehicle expenses, insurance etc. The premiums are affordable and can be used as a deductible business expense.

Ways to Cover Business Expenses in case of a Disability or Illness: 
Do any of these alternative solutions make sense?
Savings: Maybe you’ve considered using your retirement savings as a back-up plan? Consider this…If you earned $45,000 year and saved 10% of your income, a 6 month disability would wipe out 5 years worth of savings.
Spouse: You may be thinking that you would still have an income from a working spouse. Would one income be enough if you are currently living off two? If your spouse is still working, will your spouse be able to juggle work and take care of you?
Borrowing: You might have a difficult time securing a loan when you are disabled. Would you be willing to lend money to someone who is not able to earn the funds to pay it back?
Group Benefits: Even if you have group benefits they may not be adequate over the long term. Many group plans only replace about half of your net income. Is that enough? 
For a small monthly premium Business Overhead Expense coverage can be an affordable solution that makes sense: Request Information