Peace of mind through financial confidence

AFS Insights:

Could climate change impact your insurance?

As climate changes, insurance is becoming more complex – and pricey. The smoke in the air recently has put wildfires in the front of our minds. It’s been nearly two years since a wildfire roared through Lytton, BC, destroying much of the village. In all, more than $100 million in insured damages have been recorded…. Read more »

Spring Update

Exciting news in the Nanaimo office. Max Creighton has recently graduated from his studies at VIU where he has completed a degree in Business Administration, and he is currently working on becoming a Certified Financial Planner (CFP). Read his full bio here. Max has been part of our team for over 2 years as an… Read more »

Here’s our Spring roundup: what we’re reading this month

Market volatility, investments and taxes Why do I have a tax bill for my investment even when the value has dropped? During times of volatility, it’s natural for investors to worry that their investments will lose value – in fact they may even expect a decline at times. What’s unexpected, however, is getting a tax… Read more »

A healthy mind is an asset

May 1-7 is Mental Health Week. Each year 1 in 5 Canadians experience a mental illness or mental health issue, 5 in 5 of us – that’s all people – have mental health. Mental health is impacting the Canadian workplace. The Manulife Wellness Report is an assessment of existing workplace wellness measures of Canadian employers…. Read more »

Investment Commentary – March 31, 2023

Thank you for choosing Arbutus Financial as your financial advisory firm. We appreciate your trust and the business that comes with it.  The first few months of the year have been challenging in a number of ways.  We want to share the following comments with you. Making wise investment choices in uncertain times The first… Read more »

A person’s home is their castle… in a manor of speaking

Have you created an estate plan? Thoughtful estate planning can help achieve many powerful, important goals. The main goal is to make sure assets flow to the intended beneficiaries in the most efficient and tax-effective manner. Another goal should be to open up transparent conversations between those giving and receiving wealth. Failure to have these… Read more »

Do you know what’s in a fraudster’s toolbox?

Fraud Prevention Month is an annual campaign that seeks to help you recognize, reject and report fraud. This year’s theme, Tricks of the trade: What’s in a fraudster’s toolbox? will help Canadians recognize the increasingly sophisticated tricks and tools scammers use to entrap victims. Protect your business from fraud – what Canadian businesses should watch… Read more »

Tomorrow is International Women’s Day

For International Women’s Day and beyond, let’s all fully #EmbraceEquity. Equity isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s a must-have. The aim of the IWD 2023 #EmbraceEquity campaign theme is to get the world talking about Why equal opportunities aren’t enough. People start from difference places, so true inclusion and belonging require equitable action. Encourage and rally… Read more »

Do you know how to help prevent bullying?

Pink Shirt Day is Wednesday, February 22. Bullying is not a normal part of growing up. BUILD SELF-ESTEEM. Value your child’s contributions and achievements. If they are socially isolated at school, get them involved in community activities. Teach your child that if they see someone being bullied, THEY SHOULD NOT WATCH, LAUGH OR JOIN IN…. Read more »

Not sure where to invest?

TFSA vs RRSP: which should I contribute to? With a tax-free savings account (TFSA) available for saving in a tax-free environment, does it still make sense to contribute to a registered retirement savings plan (RRSP)? Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) – The TFSA program began in 2009. It is a way for individuals age 18 or… Read more »