Ask yourself the following:
- Is your cash flow estimated on an annual basis, monthly basis, or not at all?
- Are you using your income-earning power to create income-earning assets?
- In the event of an emergency, would you be forced to sell assets at a loss?
- Have tax-minimizing strategies been included in your will?
- Are you familiar with all the RRSP and TFSA rules?
- Do you understand how to turn your RRSP into a retirement income stream? Will it last as long as you live?
- What kind of pension do you have? What options will it provide to you at retirement?
- What percentage of your total retirement income need will your pension and RRSP provide?
- When you sign your tax return, are your confident that you have taken every advantage there is available to you?
- Have you minimized and deferred taxes through available structures?
- Do you feel overwhelmed by the sometimes conflicting and confusing information about what you should be doing with your money?
- Do you have the time, knowledge and energy to effectively manage your financial affairs?
- Is your insurance coverage sufficient to provide your survivors with the standard of living you want them to have?
- What would happen if you lost your income-earning ability tomorrow?
- Is your mortgage insured?
- Have you drafted a power of attorney appointing a trusted family member or friend to manage your finances if you become unable to?
- Have you drafted a representation agreement or power of attorney for personal care appointing a trusted family member or friend to make important health decisions for you if you become unable to do so?
- Do you have a valid will?
- Do you wish you had a professional to call to discuss the latest interest rates and economic outlook?
If you don’t do it right the first time, will you have time for a second chance?
If you were not able to confidently answer every one of these questions, a financial planner can help you – learn more about what we do.