Mortgage Insurance -Yes or No?

In the last few weeks I have been asked more than a few times to give my opinion regarding mortgage insurance from the bank.   Do you really need mortgage or line of credit insurance from the bank? The answer is NO and here’s why….. You have bought a new…

What You Need to Know About Tax on CERB Payments

If you or a family member have collected CERB payments, you will need to make a plan for any possible tax owing. Here is an article from tax expert Jamie Golombek that will help you navigate the tax consequences for your 2020 tax year.  READ HERE  

Retirement Withdrawals and the Importance of Sequence of Returns

Edgepoint has put together a great article that explains the sequence of returns. The easiest way to think of sequence of returns is to picture the opposite of dollar cost averaging (adding to investments monthly, bi-weekly or weekly). The sequence of returns is the timing of your withdrawals in retirement….

Salvation Army Back to School Donation Success!

This year was a record for gathering backpacks and supplies!   We had school supplies come in worth over $600. Astra matched that for a record donation worth over $1200. (That was a fun Walmart shopping trip!!)   Supplies delivered and met with many thanks from the Salvation Army Haven…

Astra Client Spotlight

Astra Client spotlight features our clients and their words so that we can gain more insight and learn from each other. Meet Astra members, Stacey and Shawn. We asked them a few questions:   Tell us about yourselves.  What do you do for fun and how do you stay busy?…

A few articles of interest

What we’re reading: Can you deduct office expenses while working from home?  https://business.financialpost.com/personal-finance/taxes/can-you-deduct-home-office-expenses-if-youre-forced-to-work-from-home-during-the-pandemic   “Am I ready for retirement?” and “How do I get ready?” are questions on the minds of many. Edgepoint has a Retirement series article that discusses four things you need to consider when planning for retirement…