Monthly Minute

December 2020 - news & updates

Our clients are helping us become better!

In October, we initiated a professional survey to help assess our service and identify areas to improve. We are thrilled to report that we had a 50% response rate, which is about double the industry average according to Absolute Engagement. That shows that our clients care and are willing to share!

As promised, I have made a $500 contribution to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. What’s even better is there is a triple-matching initiative on right now from Manulife. So, I made the $500 contribution, and Manulife will donate another $1500 on our behalf. Now that is a win-win for all of us.

What Did We Learn?

We scored 100% satisfaction on trust! That is outstanding and incredibly important. We will continue to work to meet that high level of achievement. Our results were at 95% and higher for responsiveness, the ability to help keep you on track for your financial objectives, and the ability to provide custom solutions. It’s nice to know all our scores were well above the industry standard according to Absolute Engagement, but we have never been a team to rest on our laurels and we want to improve.

We will be working on finding the most effective strategies to help you minimize tax. This is a never-ending topic for us, and we will ensure you are aware of how it is applied to your investment strategies. We have offered a variety of meeting formats for years including in-person, telephone, and online options depending on your personal preferences. Given our new normal, we will continue to adapt to ensure our clients are comfortable and safe.

We will continue to build on our communication strategies. With the changes in the past few months, flexibility has been key. We are always available by phone or email, and we will continue to find new ways to keep you up to date on your investment, insurance, and market trends. This will include phone calls with staff, meetings with myself, and emails sent out to update you on any trends that may have an impact on your investments. We also have introduced digital tools that allow you to access your accounts at any time of day including the Assante InvestorOnline App available now. We understand each of you will have a different preference for communication, and we always look forward to hearing your feedback and how we can improve.

Review meetings are a great tool to ensure I understand your priorities in life and we build a financial plan that suits your goals. However, keeping the annual targets on track is critical for success. We will highlight your priorities to keep you on track for your key objectives and ensure these remain your focus!

We will continue to work with our clients and enhance the way we provide service. For all our clients, thank you for helping us get better. If you aren’t a client or know others that need an advisor they can trust, the results are clear. We can meet that requirement hands down.

We look forward to having conversations to help continue to enhance our work with each family. In keeping with the season, we wish everybody a wonderful close to the year 2020, and I hope you can relax and enjoy the holiday season.

Market Updates

Listen to Wealth Matters Market Updates with CI Investments' top portfolio managers.

With investors tracking factors such as climate change, diversity and inclusion, ESG integration is essential for Canadian businesses. Learn more about value driven ESGs.

The federal rent subsidy program for businesses hurt by COVID-19 is open. Read more about the new Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy.

Tax Planning

Do you have a Non-Registered Account? Ensure you look at any gains and losses triggered for 2020. Also recognize most distributions are now announced and may trigger some additional tax implications. Need help, just ask.

Charitable Donations! There's no time like today to help contribute to the causes you care about. The Non Profit industry is hurting! How can you help?

CERB, combined with lower deductions, is a recipe for potential tax owing. Make sure you are prepared with tax saving strategies.

Which home-office expenses can be reimbursed tax-free? The CRA has provided more details.

TFSA LIMITS FOR 2021

TFSA limit has been announced for 2021: $6000.

Total cumulative contribution room is now $75,500

Insurance

Canadian small businesses are gradually being priced out of insurance coverage. Read the recommendations from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) here.

Will COVID-19 raise life insurance premiums? The Canadian Institute of Actuaries (CIA) has been tracking claims in contrast to previous years.

Go Paperless!

We all know the importance of social distancing and we all have a part to play.

Assante InvestorOnline is designed to provide you with a secure and private communication gateway, and around-the-clock access to important information about your account. Find the Assante InvestorOnline app in the iOS App store for Apple or in Google Play for Android devices.

Secure communication: You can communicate directly with your advisor knowing that your information will be kept private and safe.

Easy to use: Easily navigate through your account balances, transaction history and reporting details at your convenience.

Go paperless: Receive important documents and statements digitally, to help preserve the environment and protect both our postal workers and you.

"The best way to predict your future is to create it."

- Peter Drucker

I hope you are able to create an amazing 2021!

Assante Capital Management Ltd is a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund and Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada.

This material is provided for general information and is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to compile this material from reliable sources however no warranty can be made as to its accuracy or completeness. Before acting on any of the above, please make sure to see me for individual financial advice based on your personal circumstances. The opinions expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of Assante Capital Management Ltd.

Insurance products and services are provided through Assante Estate and Insurance Services Inc. Assante Capital Management Ltd. is a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund and the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada.

Assante is an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of CI Financial Corp. ("CI"). The principal business of CI is the management, marketing, distribution and administration of mutual funds, segregated funds and other fee-earning investment products for Canadian investors through its wholly-owned subsidiary CI Investments Inc. If you invest in CI products, CI will, through its ownership of subsidiaries, earn ongoing asset management fees in accordance with applicable prospectus or other offering documents.

Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses, may all be associated with mutual fund investments. Mutual funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. Please read the prospectus and consult your Assante Advisor before investing.