Peace of mind through financial confidence

AFS Insights: News and Trends

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 »

October is Canada’s Healthy Workplace Month

As we’re rounding off 6 months of life during COVID-19, everyone’s stress levels may be back at an all-time high. But the fall can be a great time to re-energize and re-fresh with the changing of the season, and since we spend the majority of our time working (either at home or in the office)… Read more »

Improving Fairness in the Tax System by Closing Loopholes and Addressing Tax Planning Strategies

On July 18, 2017, the federal Liberal government released a consultation paper on proposed tax measures designed to close tax advantages used by certain high-income Canadians. This consultation paper follows their commitment in the March 2017 federal budget “to crack down on tax avoidance and evasion.” Specifically, the proposed measures are targeted at high-income Canadians… Read more »

No Tax Status Change for Employee Health and Dental Plans

The Federal Government was looking at the taxation of health and dental plans as part of their Spring 2017 budget.  In a review, it was estimated health and dental plans as a source of tax reform could raise as much as $2.9 billion.   With the proposed changes, employers or employees would pay tax on their… Read more »

Manage Your Energy, Not Your Time

As demands at work increase, employees often increase hours to keep up with workflow.  The age-old adage “the early bird gets the worm” may not have as much applicability today as it once did, or at least not at the cost of charging up one’s energy levels… In this fascinating article from the Harvard Business Review, Tony Schwartz and Catherine… Read more »

Blockchain

I watch TED talks daily to increase my awareness of what is taking place in technology, education and design fields around the world. I find TED lectures and presentations broaden my perspective and keep me open to new ideas, whether I agree with them or not.  It also provides a break from the financial services focus… Read more »