http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/columnists/d_christianson Most recent (7 days) columns en-gb Tue, 18 Jun 2013 02:56:01 CDT Did you know Canada has three professional accounting designations and three separate professional organizations, all geared toward generally the same thing? Maybe you did know that, but I will bet you can't tell me the distinct differences between a CA, CMA or CGA. Most of us think of... Fri, 14 Jun 2013 09:39:50 CDT A few weeks ago, we reviewed the recent changes in the Canada Pension Plan rules and how they affected choices people might make about taking their CPP early, or deferring to after 65. These choices have always been available with CPP, but the penalties and rewards for advancing and delaying now Fri, 7 Jun 2013 07:10:50 CDT This is our annual reminder to Canadians who spend significant amounts of time in the United States each winter. Snowbirds have an obligation to file a Form 8840 with the U.S. government, if they have established a "substantial presence" in the U.S. The filing deadline is June 15. Most folks Fri, 31 May 2013 03:21:34 CDT In 2012, big changes were made to the Canada Pension Plan rules, with some additional evolutionary updates happening this year. It's time to review the rules to make sure your CPP plans and decisions are still optimal for you. The maximum benefit available in 2013 to a 65-year-old is $1,012 per Fri, 24 May 2013 09:51:23 CDT "If you forget where you left your car keys, that's normal. If you forget what your keys are for, you had better pay attention." That may be the most useful paragraph I've ever read to help me understand the effect of aging and other factors on cognition and mental functions. This was in a Fri, 17 May 2013 08:04:03 CDT Last week, we talked about offshore bank and investment accounts, how some people attempt to use these to hide income from Canada Revenue, and how this practice is illegal. Today, we will look at something completely different -- diversifying investments outside Canada. For most people, this is Fri, 10 May 2013 08:08:34 CDT Twice in the last week I've heard radio reports on financial issues dealing with offshore accounts and "hiding" money from the tax man. As usual with financial matters on the radio, the summary was quite misleading, reminding me it's good to periodically review the rules to keep everyone on Fri, 3 May 2013 09:16:51 CDT MANY of the Canadians who file their tax returns by next Tuesday will be receiving refunds. Many have received them already. As a financial adviser, this always disturbs me slightly. Those people have provided an interest- free loan to the government since the money was either withheld from Fri, 26 Apr 2013 09:18:05 CDT I'm truly sorry. I did not want to do this, but I fear I must. Since it is April 19, and somewhere between 50 per cent and 80 per cent of the Canadians who prepare their own tax returns will finally get to that task during the next two weekends, it is my sworn obligation as your trusty personal Fri, 19 Apr 2013 09:18:14 CDT If you have children or other people living in the United States who might be beneficiaries of your estate, read on. I meet more and more Canadians who are in this position, whose children have moved to America and may inherit a large amount of money someday. We will also review the rules on Fri, 12 Apr 2013 09:29:21 CDT