Janet Freedman

Helping widows

Despite an avalanche of media attention, advisors are still encountering women who have been left out of the financial loop. This becomes particularly evident soon after they’re widowed. Sometimes wives left decisions to the husband; other times men insisted on control. Either way, we’re still seeing widows who are left confused, and without sufficient income […]

By Janet Freedman |May 1, 2009

3 min read

Market Insights

Time to open an emergency account

It’s something every advisor knows and hopefully puts into practice: get your clients to establish an emergency bank account. From the 1970s through to the 1990s, this was a no-brainer, as interest rates were relatively good on the usual savings vehicles — high-interest savings accounts and Canada Savings Bonds. But in the last decade or […]

By Janet Freedman |February 10, 2009

4 min read

Living Benefits

How to integrate RDSPs, Henson trusts and annuities

With the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) expected to launch late this year, financial advisors need to make sure all relevant aspects of planning for people with disabilities are properly coordinated. Based on the RESP model, the RDSP offers incentives to friends and families to provide higher income for people with severe disabilities and encourage […]

By Janet Freedman |December 18, 2008

10 min read