Investments and Insurance

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The best time to plan for retirement is NOW.  Whether you are 20 or 60 it's never too early or too late to start.  Segregated funds are similar to mutual funds but have a added layer of protection, like a bubble wrap.  Some of the unique feature of segregated funds include maturity and death benefit guarantees and some segregated fund investments enable these guarantees to be reset at predetermined points during the term.  Segregated funds allow the investor to name beneficiaries and bypass probate and these funds offer creditor protection (with a few exceptions).  There are a wide variety of segregated funds available and, for as little as $50.00 per month, you'll be on your way to a brilliant, stress free retirement!                                                                                                                                                                                                  

Death is always a tragedy whether it's the loss of a spouse, a child,  a friend or a key employee.  There are many potential financial impacts in the event of a death and not having life insurance will add to these.  One of the most devastating situations is the death of a primary income earner, particularly if that person was supporting a young family.  Will the partner left behind be in a position to manage the mortgage or rent?  Car payments?  University tuition? Day to day expenses such as bills, groceries, transportation costs?  Outstanding debt such as credit cards?  A life insurance plan for your loved ones is an important part of an empowered financial plan.  There are plans available for every need and budget.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

If you are unable to work due a major health event like a heart attack, stroke or cancer diagnosis will you be able to continue living a comfortable lifestyle without income?  Probably not.  That's where Critical Illness coverage comes in.  This type of "living benefit" insurance ensures that you will have income after a life changing health event, and be able to concentrate on your recovery and wellness instead of financial worries getting in the way.  Critical Illness policies pay a lump sum (usually after a 30 day waiting period) to you after a listed health event, to use as you see fit, whether that is debt repayment, retrofitting your home to address any new needs such as a wheelchair ramp or to provide funds for costly alternative treatments.  Some CI policies offer level premiums, meaning your premium will not change as the years go by.  The younger you are when you purchase Critical illness coverage, the lower your premiums will be.  Consider finding out more about this affordable coverage; your future may depend on it.

Disability insurance is a recommended coverage for everyone, particularly those who are self employed.  Often our greatest asset is our ability to generate an income and if that is gone, we could find ourselves in dire straights.  There are different types of disability policies available, with the "best" type being  Non-Cancellable Policy.  This type of policy must be renewed each year by the insurer (usually to age 65) as long as the premium continues to be paid.  The insurer cannot amend your benefits, cancel your policy or change your premium.   Disability policies require individual underwriting as each one will be quite different depending on the occupation, age, whether or not there are other sources of income, type of policy requested/required by the Insured etc.  There are many options to choose from to fit your needs and budget.