The US economy is trying to recover from the financial crisis of 2008, but more importantly, it is trying to recover from 40 years of increaseing debt. However, there are some indicators from the Federal Resrve itself that the US economy may have a way to go before it is “Mission Accomplished” for its economy.

The summer is still heating up and in this August 2010 edition of Benefits Focus, you’ll find hot topics like “Eight Cost Saving Strategies for your Drug Plan”, “How to remove Clutter from your Life”, a checklist to see if you are in “Sleep Debt” and finally, the “Latest Treatment for Heart Attacks”.

For many years, Canadians have had a very helpful investment strategy made available to them, but surprisingly few actually make use of it. Investing in Canadian Resource Properties, namely mining and oil and gas, has significant tax benefits. This strategy is a simple and straightforward investment in Canadian Resource Properties, and it is specifically mentioned in the Income Tax Act as a strategy available to investors. Although first and foremost an investment strategy, this is also a financial planning and tax management approach.

On June 30th, the Ontario Drug Benefit formulary from the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care gave pharmacies a 20-day grace period before enforcing the new generic pricing begins on July 20th, 2010.

We are happy to be able to provide clients with on-line access to our montly benefits newsletter. Click below to read Bearing Capital Partners Benefits Focus: Benefit & Pension News, Government Updates and Employee Health and Wellness!

Will planning is not just about distributing assets to your beneficiaries, it is about keeping assets in the family, and making the right decisions with the tax treatement of the residue. Some simple decisions can help your will become a powerful planning document.

Although our general outlook on the equity markets is that returns will be subdued over the next 2-3 years, we believe that the markets may deliver us an opportunity to move into the European/International equity asset class in coming months. Click to read why the Eurozone bailout may be beneficial to you.

If you have been fortunate enough to save enough to have retirement income from a number of sources, you might find your RRIF minimums withdrawals are income that create a tax problem. Click through to explore how to deal with this cashflow problem.

All equity-linked awards programs are options, right? Wrong. There are many different provisions within the tax act that an employer can use to compensate its employees. Click through below to understand how some basic awards are taxed, and how they might affect you if you are enrolled in programs like them.

It is hard to speak about mortgage interest rates these days without looking at the interest rate environment that is to come. Reasonably, after a couple of years of incredibly low rates, and rock-bottom interest rates, they are bound to rise at some point. Most people say they will make “the switch” when it makes sense for them. But do you want to play that game with your mortgage?