Clear Focus Financial

SearchFrançais

Insurance

Protect Your Business: How Insurance Delivers Security and Opportunity

April 10, 2024

How can insurance help to protect and grow your business while building assets? Read this article to find out.

What To Expect When You Apply for Insurance

March 27, 2024

What should you expect when you apply for insurance? From application to payment, we cover all the steps – learn more.

INFOclip: Exploring Capital Alternatives

February 21, 2024

What happens to your financial goals should you encounter an unexpected financial emergency? Watch this video.

Having a Drink: Is One Too Many?

February 7, 2024

How many drinks is too many? Read this article to find out about the limits of alcohol consumption for your health.

Your 101 on How Canadians Are Taxed

January 10, 2024

Need a reminder on how Canadians are taxed, and is there a way for you to reduce your tax liability? Read this article to learn more.

Greatest Hits 2023

December 27, 2023

The results are in! We’ve rounded up our most popular financial articles, videos, calculators and tools of 2023 – check them out here!

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Tax Season

December 6, 2023

Don’t be fooled by all of this holiday cheer because tax season is just around the corner. Read this article for all your 2023 tax planning information.

Learning from Experience: Lars and Nora’s story

November 15, 2023

Explore creative corporate insurance solutions that can benefit you, your business, and your employees.

Alternative Minimum Tax Changes – What You Need to Know

November 8, 2023

What is Alternative Minimum Tax and how does it affect your tax planning? Read this article to find out more.

Critical Illness Insurance… It Just Makes Sense

October 18, 2023

Critical illness insurance - what is it and how can it protect you and your family in times of trouble?

Transferring the Family Business – The Landscape is Changing

October 11, 2023

When it comes to transferring the family business to the next generation, the tax rules in Canada are changing. Find out more.

Make Holistic Planning Your Goal When Looking to Your Financial Future

October 4, 2023

What is holistic planning for your financial future and how can it provide you and your family with a lifetime of protection? Learn more.

The Importance of Insurance Reviews – Things to Consider

September 6, 2023

September is National Life Insurance Awareness Month – do you have the right coverage in place? Learn more.

Melanoma: Through Thick and Thin

August 23, 2023

What is melanoma and what are some common causes and treatments – read this article to find out.

Canadian Financial Services Consumer Protection

July 12, 2023

Canadian financial services consumers can feel secure in knowing that Canada has a strong well-regulated financial services sector - learn about Assuris.

INFOclip: Building Lifetime Protection

June 28, 2023

Is your life insurance plan designed to last a lifetime? Watch this video to learn more about building a lifetime of protection.

Do Younger Canadians Need Insurance?

June 14, 2023

Even when you are young and healthy should you still consider acquiring life and living benefits insurance? Discover factors that might affect your decision and the benefits of planning ahead.

Charitable Donations Calculator

May 3, 2023

Use this calculator to estimate the after-tax cost of charitable donations during your lifetime or upon your death.

INFOclip: Gifting Your Life Insurance

April 26, 2023

If you don’t need it anymore, have you considered gifting your life insurance policy to charity? Click to learn more about your charitable gifting options.

Disability Insurance: Is Your Employee Coverage Enough?

April 19, 2023

Is your workplace insurance coverage enough to replace your income? Read more about replacing lost income with disability insurance.

Learning From Experience: Rimba’s Story

April 12, 2023

Estate planning and the distribution of valuables and family heirlooms. What could go wrong?

Avoid Underwriting Surprises

April 5, 2023

Being transparent about your current and historical health situation can minimize any underwriting surprises when it comes to applying for insurance – learn more.

The Best of Both Worlds: Term and Perm Insurance

March 29, 2023

What is Term/Perm blend insurance and how can it help protect you and your family? Read this article to find out.

The Gender Risk: What’s the Difference?

March 22, 2023

When it comes to gender, is there a difference between men and women when determining the cost of insurance? Yes and no. Read this article to find out more.

Enhancing Your Benefits with Critical Illness and Disability Insurance

March 15, 2023

What’s more important, critical illness or disability insurance? The answer is both! Read this article to find out how insurance bundling can better protect you and your loved ones.

Evolving Dynamics in Planning for Sound Financial Futures

March 8, 2023

Women’s financial needs are often very different from those of men and your Advisor can help you to plan accordingly. Read this article to learn more.

Learning From Experience: The Carte’s Story

January 11, 2023

Estate planning and distribution of property. What could go wrong? The Carte’s story might stick in your mind as you plan for the future.

INFOclip: Transferring Wealth to Future Generations

November 30, 2022

What is “cascading insurance” and how does it work to efficiently transfer wealth to the next generation? Check out this short video to learn more about this savvy tax-efficient strategy.

Speculating on Life and Death… and Cryptocurrency

November 23, 2022

Cryptocurrencies. How could even holding those affect the underwriting of your insurance policy? Click here to find out.

Protecting Your Retirement with Critical Illness Insurance

November 16, 2022

You have some retirement dollars saved, but have you implemented the added step of protecting those investments in case of a severe illness? Read this article to find out more about the power of critical illness insurance and how it can safeguard your future.

Social Media For Your Business – An 8 Step Plan

November 3, 2022

Social media! Such a powerful modern marketing tool but as a business owner, where do you even start? Read this article for your 8-step plan on how to build customer relationships and grow your business on social media.

Is Social Media Right for Me? A Few Things to Consider

October 26, 2022

Promoting your business on social media… a great idea, but is it right for you and your business? Read this article to find out what you should consider before promoting your business online.

INFOclip: Protecting Your Estate

September 21, 2022

Over the years, you’ve accumulated some savings and when you pass, you’d like to share your estate with your loved ones or a favourite charity. Watch this video and learn how to avoid daunting estate pitfalls and ensure that your money falls into the right hands.

Healthy Forgetting: Remember This

September 7, 2022

Not all remembering is good remembering. Read this article, part of our Risk Bits series, to learn more about healthy versus unhealthy memories and how they can impact you.

Learning From Experience: Bett’s Story

August 17, 2022

Estate planning and distribution of bank accounts. What could go wrong? Bett’s story might stick in your mind as you plan for the future.

INFOclip: Understanding Term Insurance

August 10, 2022

You know how important life insurance is, but do you know about the many advantages of term insurance and how it can help you and your family maintain peace of mind and security today and into the future? Watch this video today to learn more about term insurance.

Work-Life Balance: Tipping the Mortality Scale

August 3, 2022

Finding the right balance between work and home life can be a challenge. And if you’re working more than a normal work week, it can be downright dangerous to your health! Read this article and find out how striking the right work-life balance can be good for your health.

Social Media Platforms – What You Need to Know

July 27, 2022

You’re a business owner and want to promote your business online – smart! But there are just so many social media options – where do you start? Read this article to learn about the many modern marketing platforms available and decipher which ones might be right for you!

Resources to help preserve your memories!

July 13, 2022

Life’s beautiful memories need to be protected. STEP has created useful guides on legacy account settings and planning with your family to help preserve your digital legacy. Read this article to find out more.

INFOclip: Mortgage Protection

July 6, 2022

Do you own your own home? Do you wonder how you would continue to pay your mortgage during difficult times? Watch this video and find out how personal insurance can bring you the mortgage protection and peace of mind you need in the event of illness, disability or even death.

Building Connections Through Direct Response Marketing… More Than Just Social Media

June 30, 2022

Are you a business owner and wondering if there is any value in a social media presence to promote and grow your business? Read this article about direct response marketing and its many benefits, then hop online and get started!

Corporate Owned Life Insurance - Watch Those Beneficiary Designations!

June 1, 2022

Are you a business owner? Does your corporation have an insurance policy on your life? Read this article to find out why reviewing the beneficiary designations on that policy could help you avoid a taxable benefit!

INFOclip: The Value of Advice

May 11, 2022

There are many things to consider when planning for your financial future and doing it on your own can feel overwhelming. But have you considered working with a professional advisor? Watch this video to learn the many and ongoing benefits of professional advice.

Strengthening Your Safety Net with Critical Illness Insurance

May 4, 2022

We tend to carry an insurance safety net to break our fall so we can continue to meet financial obligations in case of unforeseen life events. Does your safety net have any weak spots? Use this tool to find out and learn more about the benefits of critical illness insurance.

Is an Estate Freeze Something I Should Consider for my business?

April 13, 2022

Estate freezes – what are they and should you consider implementing one for your business? Lots of factors to consider, so be sure to read this article to learn more.

What becomes of the broken-hearted? Stress and the Human Heart

March 30, 2022

Heartbreak – a true facet of the human experience, but how does it affect heart health? Read this article to learn more about heart health.

SMART TALK... about choosing the right Insurance

March 25, 2022

Your advisor’s role is to analyze your particular situation and help you choose the best combination of coverage and payment options.

SMART TALK... about your insurance options

March 24, 2022

When considering the purchase of insurance, the various available options can be a bit perplexing and stressful.

Insuring Your Greatest Asset with Disability Insurance

March 23, 2022

We often consider our homes or vehicles as our greatest asset – but are they? Try the Insuring Your Greatest Asset tool to find out why your earning power is truly your greatest asset and how to protect it.

SMART TALK... about insurance

March 17, 2022

A key ingredient to securing financial success throughout your lifetime is your insurance.

How to Build a Strong Social Media Network

March 9, 2022

If you’re a business-owner actively promoting your business online, you know how important it is to have a strong network of followers – but how do you attract the right followers? Read this article for essential tips on how to connect with your ideal audience on social media.

An Executor Checklist – A Few Things to Consider

February 17, 2022

The role of an executor comes with a great deal of responsibility and is not to be taken lightly. Before you shout yes, read this article highlighting the key duties and responsibilities of this role.

Debt Consolidation Calculator

February 9, 2022

The fact is, there’s no easy way to eliminate debt. However, consolidating existing debt can streamline your monthly budget and make your journey to financial freedom more manageable. Check out the Debt Consolidation Calculator today!

Exploring Your Life Insurance Options

February 2, 2022

You already know that life insurance provides you with a lump sum benefit payable to your beneficiary, but there are so many more benefits of life insurance, including favourable tax treatment. Check out this fantastic tool for your 101 on life insurance options!

The Ultimate Planning Tool: For prioritizing what you want when you want

January 5, 2022

Permanent life insurance – it’s a great planning tool that facilitates beneficial tax and estate planning opportunities and provides you with solutions throughout your lifetime. Use The Ultimate Planning Tool to see how permanent insurance can make a difference in your life!

Looking Good: Prostate Cancer’s Sharper Image

November 24, 2021

Prostate cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related death among men, but with emerging medical technologies, mortality rates continue to fall – this is great news! Read this article to learn more and be sure to book your screening today!

Beneficiary Designations and the Importance of Transparency

October 27, 2021

Now more than ever, it’s important to be clear about your beneficiary designations. Read this article to learn more about Calmusky, Mak and the increasing uncertainly caused by these two cases.

Planning for Your Financial Future

October 5, 2021

A personalized plan can help to ensure that all of your financial tools are complementing one another and working together to support your future financial goals. Watch this video to learn more.

The Settlement Process – What Your Beneficiary Can Expect

September 29, 2021

You have an insurance policy and a solid estate plan in place. But are you familiar with the steps of the settlement process? Read this article to understand what your beneficiary can expect when the time comes.

Shining a Light on Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

September 16, 2021

With summer almost gone, days are getting shorter and darker. For many, seasonal affective disorder or SAD is a serious concern. Read this article to find out more about SAD and how to best manage your mental health over the coming months.

Love and Money

August 4, 2021

Ah love… it’s a beautiful thing, but sometimes finances and money worries can get in the way. Read this article for some great insights on how to manage your money without those painful pangs of love.

Life vs. Living Benefits: Consider the Differences

July 7, 2021

Insurance can come in all shapes and sizes and the type you choose depends on your coverage needs and risk. Read this article to learn more about how an insurance underwriter may assess your risk for the different coverage types.

SMART TALK... about digital assets

June 2, 2021

When estate planning, you’ve taken your physical assets into account, but have you considered your digital assets? Your bank accounts, social media and online photos are important to you and your family. Read this article to learn how you can safeguard those digital assets.

Choosing Insurance that Grows with You

May 26, 2021

There are so many types of insurance - which one is right for you? It’s important to choose an insurance plan that can serve you today AND help you grow tomorrow. Read this article to find out why a combination of term and permanent insurance may be the right solution for you.

The Family Divide: Policy Transfers Amongst Family

April 8, 2021

The transfer of an insurance policy between family members can certainly get a little tricky. However, there are some income tax rules that allow for a spousal or intergenerational tax-deferred rollover. This is great news! Read this article to find out more.

Loneliness – Hope on the Horizon

March 10, 2021

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, many of us are starting to know the true meaning of loneliness and feel its negative effects. However, there is hope as the stigma of mental illness continues to lift and we continue to reach out for support. Read this article to find out more.

Critical Illness Insurance – Financial Protection Or Your Money Back!

March 3, 2021

Critical illness insurance is a win-win. It offers you the protection you need in the event of a critical illness and some plans allow you a refund of premiums paid should you live a long and healthy life. Read this article to find out more about CI and how it can benefit you!

Things to Consider When Renewing Your Term Insurance Plan

February 17, 2021

Term insurance offers many benefits including income replacement and the opportunity to pay off debts. However, when it comes time to renew your term policy, there are certain things you should consider – read this article to find out more about your insurance options!

Gene Therapy – The Fix Is (Almost) In

February 10, 2021

The world of genetics is making giant strides with CRISPR, a new gene therapy providing a way to cut into DNA in order to alter genetic make-up. Although still in its infancy, this could mean the world to those at risk for sickle cell disease, cancer and other illnesses.

Beneficiary Designations – Making Sure Your Money Goes Where You Want

February 4, 2021

Recent Ontario legislation has thrown the legitimacy of beneficiary designations into question, making it more important than ever to be clear and concise when it comes to choosing and documenting your insurance/registered plan designations. Read this article to find out more.

SMART TALK... about will planning and drafting

January 21, 2021

Will and estate planning can be a complicated yet important process. By focusing on your vision and working through each section individually, you can make your dreams a reality. Watch this video to learn more on will and estate planning for you, your family and your business.

Protecting Your Estate

January 14, 2021

You’ve worked hard all of your life and have the assets you need to retire securely but there will still be taxes payable upon death. So, how do you protect your estate to ensure that your hard-earned assets go directly to your loved ones? Read this article to find out more.

You Have More Insurance Options Than You Think

November 18, 2020

If you have certain health conditions, guaranteed and simplified issue products can be a viable alternative to traditional life insurance coverage; they require no medical exams and ask few (or no) medical questions. Read this article to find out more.

Protecting Your Digital Assets

October 29, 2020

Have you ever wondered what happens to your digital assets - your travel photos, your social media platforms, etc. - when you die? With increased use of technology, digital assets are just as important as your physical ones. Read this article to learn how you can protect them.

Are Patient Wait Times Making You Impatient? You Have Options.

October 15, 2020

Having to wait for medical treatment is unnerving. The last thing you need is stress at a time that is already difficult for you and your family. Private, global medical insurance is a great option to curb wait times and receive the quality care that you and your family deserve.

What’s in Your Capital Dividend Account?

October 8, 2020

You run your own business, but as your business grows, so do your tax issues. A CDA or Capital Dividend Account might be your answer!

Can the CRA Seize Life Insurance Proceeds to Satisfy Tax Debts?

September 3, 2020

The CRA can collect tax debts from property transferred to a family member, but does this apply to the proceeds of life insurance? Read this article to find out how you can safeguard your life insurance and ensure that it goes to your designated beneficiary, not the government.

Needs Based Planning: It’s All About You!

July 29, 2020

You’re interested in insurance but don’t know where to start. Well, a needs-based assessment is a step in the right direction. Read this article to find out why needs analysis is vital in helping you find the insurance that is just right for you.

SMART TALK... about living benefits

June 10, 2020

If you are injured or sick, the last thing you need to worry about are bills. Living benefits, critical illness and disability insurance, will help protect you and your family from financial stress as you focus on recovery.

Getting documents signed remotely: eSignatures

May 27, 2020

These days, something as simple as signing a document can be a challenge. This article will help you understand...

What You Should Know Before You Transfer Life Insurance

May 13, 2020

Transferring an insurance policy can get tricky. Read this article to understand the options and penalties of personal and corporate policy transfers.

Life Insurance Calculator

May 8, 2020

You've decided that you need life insurance, and that's a great start! But how much life insurance is enough?

The Story Of Insurance

May 8, 2020

What is life insurance and how do I know if I should have it? Learn all about it in this simple story.

If your business value declines, there are steps you can take today to reduce taxes later

May 1, 2020

During these unprecedented times, a decline in your business can be devastating, but there are steps you can take today to reduce your taxes tomorrow. Read this article to understand how an estate freeze could be valuable to you.

The Complete Puzzle: The Benefits of Bundling

March 5, 2020

Sometimes individual life insurance is just not enough to protect you from all of life’s risks. Bundling your insurance to include life as well as living benefits can help you cover more bases. Read this article to learn more about bundled insurance.

What to Consider When Purchasing Corporate Insurance

December 9, 2019

Depending on your insurance needs, corporate-owned life insurance may be a good fit for you. Read this article to see if corporate-owned life insurance may be your best option.

How Corporate Insurance Can Benefit your Business

October 23, 2019

You own your own business and you have incorporated, but have you thought about corporate-owned insurance? Read this article to learn how corporate insurance can benefit you and your business.

SMART TALK... about shareholders' agreements

September 10, 2019

Have you ever wondered what would happen if you or your business partner died? A shareholders’ agreement is a great way to address some of these difficult questions.

Passive Investment Income Calculator

August 15, 2019

The 2018 Federal Budget introduced new rules that can reduce the amount of the small business deduction available for active income earned in a corporation.

Juvenile Insurance – Why You’re Never Too Young to Secure Your Future

August 8, 2019

Juvenile insurance can help your child achieve a stronger financial future. Read this article to find out more about securing your child’s wealth with juvenile insurance.

Death, Taxes and Probate Fees

July 16, 2019

There is one sure thing in life, death and taxes! But is there such a thing as a death tax? Read this article to learn more about the probate process and how you can minimize these fees on your estate.

Planning for a Lifetime of Adventure

May 3, 2019

Life is an adventure full of twists and turns, and learning to navigate it can take a lifetime. Unfortunately, that’s a little too late.

Insurance for Your Whole Life

April 2, 2019

Life insurance comes in many shapes and sizes and finding the right fit for your life can be daunting to say the least.

How the 2019 Passive Investment Income Changes Affect Your Small Business

January 17, 2019

Planning can be completed to maximize the small business deduction by reducing the corporation’s passive investments.

Five Common Misconceptions When Purchasing Life Insurance

November 16, 2018

If the thought of purchasing life insurance overwhelms you, this article will provide you with tips on the fundamentals of life insurance planning.

Insuring Your Most Valuable Asset

October 25, 2018

The common denominator in all these assets is you, and that suggests that you and your ability to earn income to support other aspects of your life is indeed your most valuable asset.

Sharing Your Wealth With the Next Generation

October 25, 2018

Planning for the transition of wealth to your children and grandchildren doesn’t have to be a daunting task.

Donate, Don’t Surrender: What To Do When You No Longer Need Your Current Life Insurance Policy

October 25, 2018

Our lives are arguably the most valuable “possessions” we own and because we are quick to insure our cars, insuring our lives should be a no-brainer.

Is your Family Business Gaining from the Capital Gains Exemption?

October 25, 2018

Planning the future of your family business can be difficult. Will your children make wise decisions? Will the market be forgiving if they don’t?

Where There’s a Will, It Will Be your Way

October 25, 2018

Did you know that over 50% of Canadians do not have a will? While some don’t know how to get started, others believe they can’t afford it.

SMART TALK... how insurance can help build your business

October 25, 2018

In addition to providing protection and mitigating risks, business insurance can also provide opportunity when it comes to building your business.

Stress Less About Your Future with Life Insurance

October 25, 2018

Life insurance helps protect your loved ones financially if you pass away while your policy is in force.

Life Insurance for Financial Protection

October 25, 2018

If you’ve decided that you need life insurance, how do you know how much is enough to protect your family financially in the case of premature death?

How your Life Insurance can Help your Favourite Charity

October 25, 2018

Whether you donate a policy to a charity while living or make the registered charity a beneficiary of the policy depends on your estate planning goals.

How Insurance Provides Security – and Opportunity – for your Business

October 25, 2018

Your life, your family and your business deserve protection and if you’re a business owner, insurance can provide that security in a number of ways.

5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Drafting a Shareholders’ Agreement

December 20, 2017

If you own shares in a private corporation you should be no stranger to a shareholder’s agreement.

Is Joint Insurance Coverage Right for You and Your Spouse?

September 27, 2017

You and your spouse may share a bank account, a home, or a business. How about an insurance policy?

How Changes to the Taxation of Trusts may Impact You

January 18, 2017

Are you thinking about your estate plan and have one or more of these situations to consider?

Empower the Enterprising Strength of your Family

December 30, 2016

Does your family run a business? If so, your family enterprise is one of more than 880,000 in Canada employing 6 million people.

The Value of Good Advice

February 4, 2016

Good advice from a financial professional can have a profound positive impact on your own, and your family’s, financial future.

Why Small Businesses are Making it their Business to Investigate Life Insurance

October 19, 2015

If you are a small business owner, take the time to have a conversation with your life insurance advisor about protecting you from the risks.

A Critical Step Towards Fighting Critical Illness

August 28, 2015

From motor vehicle accidents to contractible illnesses, it’s a miracle that we are willing to leave our homes at all.