Trusted Tips and Resources

Trusted Tips & Resources

Aurora Workplace Solutions Explain How To Protect Your Business From Workplace Accidents

Aurora Workplace Solutions are about creating brilliant futures by developing wealth security for businesses and individuals. As experts in the industry, they keep on top of recent news including changes to relevant group benefit plans, retirement savings options, and guidelines and policies. They also keep their eyes open for informative articles we think are of interest to our current and potential clients. Aurora Workplace Solutions are Trusted Saskatoon Group Benefits and Insurance Professionals! 

WILL AN ACCIDENT LEAVE YOUR BUSINESS DISABLED?

What if you had an accident and couldn’t work for a while?

Your disability insurance would provide income instead of your salary until you were on your feet again, but what about those business bills? Unfortunately, none of us can predict a sudden illness or injury. It’s wise to consider how your absence would impact your business and ensure you’re prepared for unforeseen circumstances.

There is an answer!

Protect your business with Business Overhead Benefits from a Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan®. Designed for self-employed business owners who generate all of their firm’s sales and revenues and are involved in the business's day-to-day operations, BOE covers your business’ fixed expenses if you’re away for an extended period due to disability. BOE must be purchased in conjunction with Long Term Disability benefits.

Available in blocks of $100, coverage is available from $500 to $2,000 monthly. The benefit will pay eligible business expenses after a 30-day waiting period for up to 18 months while you are disabled. Eligible business expenses are the actual, usual and customary expenses incurred by you, the owner, in the operation of your business. For partnerships, your assumed portion of such expenses is covered.

Eligible business expenses include:

  • Rent, electricity, telephone
  • Business taxes and licenses
  • Property taxes for the place of business
  • Leasing and amortization costs of equipment, including automobiles
  • Interest, including the interest portion of mortgage payments, unpaid bills or lines of credit
  • Amortization or periodic repayment of capital, including mortgages

In Addition:
  • Salaries of personnel who do not generate income and whose services are essential during your disability
  • Professional services of an outside accountant
  • Professional dues and professional liability insurance
  • Office cleaning
  • Postage and office supplies

You can purchase Business Overhead Expense coverage in conjunction with Chambers Plan Long-Term Disability benefits. Together, they provide the coverage business owners need at an affordable price.

With quick claim payments, rate stability, and guaranteed renewable coverage, the Chambers Plan makes it easy for you to invest in your employees' health and well-being. 3,000 small businesses like yours join the Plan every year. 


Aurora Workplace Solutions designs and creates custom group benefits plans that meet custom organization goals. Read more about their Group Benefits Plans or contact them today to get started!

'Creating Brilliant Futures'


Aurora Workplace Solutions are Trusted Saskatoon Group Benefits and Insurance Professionals! 

Are Your Air Ducts Clogged? Expert Tip From Trusted Saskatoon Furnace & Duct Cleaners at Bridge City Duct Cleaning

Trusted Saskatoon Furnace & Duct Cleaners Bridge City Duct Cleaning provides residential and commercial duct cleaning and furnace maintenance services. Their team is professionally trained, qualified, and bonded, and they are factory furnace and duct cleaning technicians. 

Ensuring your HVAC system's best performance is important for maintaining a comfortable and healthy indoor environment. One common issue that can hinder your system’s efficiency is clogged air ducts. Identifying the signs of clogged ducts is essential for addressing the problem quickly. 

Are Your Air Ducts Clogged?

Reduced Airflow:

If you notice a significant decrease in airflow from your vents, it could be a sign of clogged ducts. Reduced airflow forces your HVAC system to work harder, increasing energy consumption and higher utility bills.


Uneven Heating or Cooling:

Clogged ducts can disrupt the balanced distribution of air throughout your home. You might experience inconsistent temperatures, with some rooms feeling excessively hot while others remain cool. This inconsistency clearly indicates that your HVAC system is struggling to deliver the desired comfort.


Strange Odors:

Mould and mildew can thrive in damp, clogged ducts, producing musty odours that spread throughout your home. If you notice unusual smells when your HVAC system is running, it’s advisable to investigate the possibility of clogged ducts.


Visible Dust and Debris:

Check your vents for visible signs of dust or debris. Accumulated dirt in the ducts can be circulated into your living spaces, causing respiratory issues and reducing the overall air quality in your home.

Increased Allergies or Respiratory Issues:

Clogged ducts can lead to the buildup of allergens such as dust mites, mould, and pollen. If you or your family members are experiencing an increase in allergy symptoms or respiratory issues, it might be linked to poor indoor air quality caused by clogged ducts.

If you suspect your air ducts are clogged, taking action promptly is crucial. Hiring Bridge City Duct Cleaning can help remove accumulated debris and improve the overall efficiency of your HVAC system. Regular maintenance, including cleaning or replacing air filters, can also prevent future clogs and ensure a healthier living environment.

In conclusion, staying vigilant about the signs of clogged air ducts can save you from potential discomfort, higher energy costs, and health issues. Regular HVAC maintenance and professional duct cleaning are essential to ensure your system operates at its best, providing you with a comfortable and healthy home.

Contact Bridge City Cleaning today to have your ductwork cleaned.

Trusted Saskatoon Furnace Pros at Gibbon’s Tip on What to Do When Your Furnace Lights Blink

Gibbon Heating & Air Conditioning has been serving Saskatoon and surrounding areas for over 40 years. They are a "total service" company with trained technicians who are able to provide customers with solutions to all their plumbing, air conditioning, and heating (HVAC) related requirements. As an Independent Lennox Premier Dealer, the Gibbon Heating and Air Conditioning team are proud to provide prompt, courteous, and professional service that is required by Lennox’s Quality standards. They are regularly evaluated through an independent customer satisfaction survey process. They are trained to design, install, service, and maintain home comfort and indoor air quality systems in Saskatoon. In their latest tip article, they talk about what those blinking lights on your furnace actually mean.  

Blinking Lights and Your Furnace


When your heater blinks a light at you, it’s like it’s trying to have a conversation in its own secret language. Each blink is a message, and decoding it can help you figure out what’s going on. Here’s a simple guide to understanding the blinking lights on your furnace:


Count the Blinking Lights:

The number of blinks often carries a message. Take note of how many times the light blinks in a row.


Check the Pattern of the Blinking Lights:

Is it a steady blink, or is there a specific pattern? Sometimes, the rhythm of the blinks is the key to understanding the message.


Refer to the Manual about the blinking lights and your furnace:

Your furnace’s manual is like its dictionary. It usually has a section that decodes the blinking light patterns. Look for a troubleshooting or diagnostic section in the manual. If you can’t find the manual for your furnace, look on the backside of the cover of your furnace as it may be placed there for easy reference. 


Search Online:

The internet is a treasure trove of information. If the manual is nowhere to be found, try searching online for your furnace’s make and model along with “blinking light codes.” You might find forums or guides with the information you need.


Contact us at Gibbon Heating:

If all else fails, don’t hesitate to contact Gibbon’s Heating & Air Conditioning. We’re here to help and can guide you through the meaning behind those blinking lights.

Remember, it’s like your furnace’s way of saying, “Hey, something’s up, but I’m trying to tell you what it is!” So, the next time your furnace blinks at you, consider it a little chat in its unique language, and you’ll be on your way to a warmer, cozier home.


See more of Gibbons Air Conditioning Articles and Tips here.

 Gibbon's Services Include

"A History of Professionalism, A Foundation of Trust"

Gibbon Heating and Air Conditioning are TRUSTED SASKATOON Air Conditioning & Furnace Professionals


Trusted Saskatoon Custom Bag and Case Experts at Saskatoon Bag and Case Mystery Shop Results

Being a Trusted Partner on the Trusted Saskatoon Directory of Excellence comes with a lot of responsibility - no other directory, advertising company, or 'watchdog organization' puts businesses through the ongoing process we do before we promote and endorse them.


Why Choose a Business On the Trusted Saskatoon Directory?

All of the Trusted Saskatoon partners have to pass a unique verification process, they are then annually contracted to uphold our 5 Trusted Guarantees. The partners then become part of a local community of Saskatoon and area businesses that we promote with a strong local marketing campaign. We also have a Trusted MYSTERY SHOPPER PROGRAM. This is where we find and engage with normal everyday people, just like you, who are looking for products and services in Saskatoon and area. We approach individuals we can see are looking for a local business and we ask them to mystery shop Trusted Saskatoon Partners. Those that agree to be Trusted mystery shoppers go about their usual business, except at the end they fill out a report to tell us about the experience. We then share it with you! We are thrilled to share our latest mystery shop. 

Saskatoon Bag & Case Mystery Shop Report!


Saskatoon Bag & Case are your Trusted Saskatoon Custom Bag and Case Experts! 

Date of Mystery Shop: November 2023

Name of Shopper: Dan


MYSTERY SHOP CHECKLIST:

1. How was the greeting/ welcome/ call answered? Very friendly, warm, and professional. 


2. Appearance of the store/staff and showroom? The showroom has an industrial feel/factory look - it could be improved to be more retail-looking, but I’m guessing most customers don’t really care about that. 


3. Product/industry knowledge of staff? Excellent - expert, in fact - they listened and were able to interpret what I asked for, and they were able to make it exactly as I imagined it.  


4. If a quote was required, was it well laid out/ clear? Yes.


5. Did they ask where you found them? No, I have been a customer for a long time.


6. Overall experience 1-10. 10


7. Would you return as a customer/ recommend them to close friends? Yes.


8. Did anyone stand out as exceptional? If so who? Why? Trevor and the other guy are exceptional- tech guys sometimes are awkward with customers - but not in this case.  


How was the process if you made a purchase/booked a job? If so, refer to the Trusted Guarantees and give an overall mark on each if applicable.

I did buy a custom case



TRUSTED GUARANTEES


1. Provide the service and quality promised - Yes

2. Complete the job on time - Yes

3. Charge the price quoted with NO surprises - Yes

4. Communicate honestly and be responsive to customer needs - 100%

5. Resolve any issues with customer satisfaction in mind - Never had an issue

ANY OTHER COMMENTS?

I want a relationship, NOT just a transaction, and they provide that - Trevor has created that, and he makes time for that as part of doing business. The workmanship is excellent - this case is a very special custom one-off design, and it is amazing. Just what I asked for. I have ordered online cases from other places in the past and have had bad experiences with things not fitting properly. I have to say, I am picky but I have never had anything but outstanding with Trevor at Saskatoon Bag & Case.

THANK YOU DAN FOR YOUR HONEST REVIEW!


Yet again showing you deserve the Thumbs Up from www.TrustedSaskatoon.com



There is no better place to buy personal or business cases and bags in Saskatchewan than Saskatoon Bag & Case. Their service is exceptional and their products are the best!

“If you Need It Covered...They’ve Got It Cased!”  

Trusted Saskatoon Financial Advisors at Wiegers Financial & Benefits Explain The Importance of Succession Planning

Wiegers Financial & Benefits is one of Saskatchewan's largest private financial planning and employee benefits consulting firms. Their Financial Planning Division provides business owners, households, retirees, and students with expert investment and insurance planning services to help them reach their long-term financial goals. They also have a Benefits and Personal Insurance planning division. 


THE IMPORTANCE OF SUCCESSION PLANNING


Whether it’s a well-loved breakfast diner that feels like the hub of the community or a factory that manufactures safety shoes and work gloves, creating and growing a small business is incredibly rewarding and requires a lot of hard work. After toiling long hours to become successful, most owners want the business to continue thriving long after they step away.

A carefully crafted succession plan is important to any successful small business. It can help you clearly identify your company’s goals, protect the business's legacy, plan for the unexpected, and prepare for the financial security of your family and employees. The planning process can feel overwhelming at first, but carefully considering all aspects of your business is time well spent.


GETTING STARTED

There’s no time like the present. Succession planning can clarify how you visualize your future success, even if you just opened the doors to your business. Planning helps you narrow down your goals and objectives, identify the right person to take over one day and prepare for financial setbacks.

Bob Labrecque, a succession planning consultant with Manulife Securities, says business owners often wait too long to begin the planning process, starting when they’re only three or four years away from retirement. “A good succession plan is a five-to-10-year strategy of building the business, and then transferring ownership while it’s in a growth phase – not in a maturity or a declining phase,” he says. “And you want a team of experts in place to help make this happen. An advisor is a key member of this planning team.”

The first step in developing a business succession plan is to self-reflect and ask yourself some critical questions. Consider the following:

  1. When would you like to retire or step back from running the business?
  2. What kind of future would you like to see for your business?
  3. Do you have a successor in mind with a mentoring plan in place?
  4. Are there any weaknesses in your current business operations that must be addressed?
  5. What is your plan for handling unexpected events, such as illness, financial difficulties, or the retention of top employees?
  6. Do you have a team of financial and legal experts to help you with the planning process?

 

ESTATE PLANNING AND TAXES

Even though running a successful business can occupy your full attention, looking at the bigger picture and how a business succession plan dovetails into your personal plans is essential. An advisor can help determine a company's financial value and opportunities for growth and also help with retirement and estate planning.

A business owner hoping to step down must plan for adequate retirement income to maintain his or her desired lifestyle, put a savings plan in place to cover future expenses such as a child’s education, and set up life and disability insurance plans so loved ones are well cared for in the event of severe illness or death – all while maximizing tax-planning opportunities.

 

MANAGING EMOTIONS

As you are getting your succession plans down on paper, don’t discount the emotional impact that this major life event might have on you and the entire organization. Labrecque says leaving can be very difficult and emotional for many business owners.

 “Quite often, for a first-generation business owner, this is their baby, and there can be strong protective feelings that nobody else can do what they do.” 

Owners have some crucial decisions to consider:

  • Take an honest look at who can lead the business and compile a short list of candidates
  • Create a succession team to help navigate the financial, legal, and human resource aspects of the transition
  • Explore new opportunities for the organization to ensure continued strength and growth
  • Establish a co-lead to allow the current owner to begin stepping back into a lesser role

If the intent is to transition the business within the family, a specialist called a family facilitator might also be helpful. 


“Family transfers are the most complicated because they involve not only the business but the family dynamics,” says Labrecque. “Families also need to have honest discussions about whether children even want to take over the family business. They may want the money and the lifestyle but do they find the work interesting?”


WINDING DOWN

As a business owner prepares for retirement, there might still be an opportunity to stay involved and active but at a slower pace. A step-down approach is possible, where the ownership is transferred, but the owner stays on in a limited capacity for a set duration to help with the transition. After a lifetime of work, the boss can gradually ease into retirement rather than giving up everything all at once.

Succession planning can be a rewarding process that sets the tone for your business's overall success. For more information about getting started on a succession plan, please contact Wiegers Financial & Benefits to speak with one of our experienced advisors

The opinions expressed are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect those of Manulife Securities Investment Services Inc.

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S & E Trusted Online Directories Inc
TrustedSaskatoon.com
310 Wall St #209
Saskatoon, SK   S7K 1N7
Ph: 306.244.4150

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