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! 

Trusted Saskatoon Celebrates Partners Who Have Been Trusted in Saskatoon For 5 Over Years

TRUSTED SASKATOON RECOGNIZES OUR PARTNERS WHO HAVE BEEN TRUSTED FOR 5 YEARS!

In this series of articles, we continue to shine a bright spotlight on the businesses that have been Trusted Saskatoon partners for five years. This year, we recognize the Trusted Saskatoon Partners that joined us in 2018. We want to thank them for TRUSTING our team, and we are identifying each of them individually for providing five years of OUTSTANDING, trustworthy service to the citizens of Saskatoon and the surrounding area! The latest article celebrates and recognizes three valued milestone Trusted Saskatoon partners - 101 Doors and Windows Inc., Wiegers Financial & Benefits and HTH Accountants.


101 Door and Windows: Trusted Saskatoon Window & Door Pros for five years.

101 Doors and Windows Ltd: Celebrating 5 Years of Trusted Service in Window and Door Manufacturing and Installation in Saskatoon. 

In the heart of 'Toon Town,' a local success story has quietly made waves in the window and door industry. 101 Doors and Windows Ltd, owned by Jesse Singh, Tom Knudtson, and Sebastian Aicher, is marking a significant milestone as it celebrates its 5th anniversary as a Trusted Saskatoon window and door partner.

At the core of 101 Doors and Windows Ltd's ethos lies a simple yet powerful belief: relationships matter. Since their inception, the company has held this principle close to heart. The founders have adeptly cultivated meaningful relationships with their suppliers, resulting in a "preferred client" status with many. This translates into robust buying power and ensures their clients benefit from superior service and top-quality materials.

Industry knowledge and experience are the cornerstones on which 101 Doors and Windows Ltd stands. Jesse, Tom, and Sebastian collectively bring decades of experience. They go beyond being a mere service provider; they encourage potential clients to reach out with any queries regarding window and door performance, installation techniques, or design advice tailored to their homes. Their dedication to personalized support sets them apart in an industry where one-size-fits-all solutions often prevail.

What They Say:

"Our goal at 101 is very simple. We want to run a successful enterprise and think it takes great people, products, knowledge and experience to do that—the right kind of people. We hire for attitude and work ethic. Product knowledge and skills can be taught. Attitude and work ethic can't. We believe if we take good care of our employees, they will take good care of our customers. We are continuously working to find the best products and are always adding to our knowledge and experience. We appreciate the Trusted Saskatoon team’s support and promotion, and we are proud to be part of community of locally owned businesses that is built on a foundation of integrity — Tom Knudtson

A word about 101 from Sara, owner of Trusted Saskatoon

I couldn't be happier to sing the praises of 101 Doors and Windows. They embody everything you'd want in a contracting company. First and foremost, their commitment to manufacturing locally sets them apart. In an age when so much is outsourced, it's refreshing to find a company that takes pride in crafting their products right here in Saskatoon. Their reputation in the construction industry is nothing short of stellar. They are a preferred client with their suppliers for a reason. They remain humble and approachable and they're always ready to answer questions and offer advice. 101 Doors and Window is  a breath of fresh air. They are a company that lets their work speak for itself!”  

As we mark their 5th anniversary as Trusted Saskatoon Window & Door Pros, they can celebrate that we have never heard of or received a complaint about their products or service! Here's to five years of a successful partnership and the many more ahead.Thank you to the 101 Doors and Windows team for your trust and embodying what it means to be an integrity-driven local contractor and an outstanding, Trusted Saskatoon Partner in the window & door category.

The Trusted Saskatoon team proudly recognizes & celebrates Wiegers Financial & Benefits' 5th anniversary as a Trusted Saskatoon Partner. 

The dynamic duo Deb and Cliff Wiegers founded the company more than 30 years ago, and this award-winning, locally-owned family business stands as a beacon of trustworthiness and excellence in the Saskatchewan financial planning and employee group benefits industry. Anchored by their vision, the Wiegers lead a dedicated team of professionals driven by passion and care, all united by a common goal – to provide tailor-made financial and benefit solutions that empower businesses, households, and individuals to thrive in the present and future.

At the heart of Wiegers Financial & Benefits lies a commitment to delivering more than just financial services; they craft personalized journeys toward prosperity. This mission is deeply embedded in their work philosophy, where understanding clients on a profound level forms the cornerstone. The Wiegers team delves into their clients' aspirations, goals, and dreams by forging close partnerships. This holistic comprehension enables them to offer financial planning and employee benefits solutions that are not just transactional but transformative.

The Wiegers legacy expands to encompass the next generation – Colton and Randi Wiegers now work in the family business and are committed to continuing the family's dedication to service excellence. 

The Wiegers Financial & Benefits team is deeply rooted in Saskatchewan and is dedicated to strengthening the local community. They support an impressive number of important causes and non-profits and have a particular focus on supporting local children's charities through their charity, Care for Kids by Wiegers Inc. Since 2009, they've raised over $1.3 million for the Jim Pattison Children's Hospital Foundation, funding a pediatric surgical suite and outpatient area. The Wiegers's commitment to our community remains unwavering. Whether it's causes close to their heart, businesses striving to expand, households securing their future, or individuals chasing their dreams, the Wiegers team takes the journey together, equipped with expertise and empathy.

What They Say:


“ Being trusted is of the utmost importance to us. We work in an industry where trust is the foundation of success; to serve our clients effectively, they must trust us enough to share openly with us, including about issues that might be very private and sensitive. They must also be able to trust that we will guide them on the path to financial well-being and that their businesses and families will be looked after, too. This is why we are so proud to be a Trusted Saskatoon partner. Trusted Saskatoon is a highly respected local business committed to recommending other businesses of the highest integrity and ability. Their endorsement means a lot, and we look forward to continuing to earn it for years to come.” - Deb Wiegers

A word about Wiegers from Sara, owner of Trusted Saskatoon.

"I've been a client of Wiegers Financial & Benefits for several years, and I appreciate them managing my company's group benefits. I am confident my employees are receiving the best coverage and support. We especially appreciate the personal level of service Deb Wiegers and the group benefits division offer, and the Wiegers Wellness Partner Program is a great perk! 
On a personal level, Cliff Wiegers and the financial services team have helped me navigate my financial goals with precision and care. From retirement planning to investment strategies, their guidance has given me confidence in my financial future. The team at Wiegers is not just a service provider; they are Trusted Partners who genuinely care about their clients. Their attention to detail, proactive communication, and commitment to finding tailored solutions make them stand out. I highly recommend Wiegers Financial & Benefits to anyone seeking top-notch financial and benefits management. They have made a significant positive impact on both my business and personal financial well-being.”
As they reach the milestone of 5 years as Trusted Saskatoon Partners, Wiegers Financial & Benefits stands as a testament to what can be achieved through vision, integrity, philanthropy and an unwavering dedication to client success. The Wiegers team is not merely in the business of finance and benefits; they are in the business of transformation, growth, community support and a brighter future for all they serve.

Thank you, Cliff & Deb, for your trust and for showcasing that you are an integrity-driven local business and an outstanding, Trusted Saskatoon Partner in the Saskatoon financial services and Insurance categories. 



In a world where financial trust is paramount, HTH Chartered Professional Accountants leads the way. HTH stands for Hounjet, Tastad, and Harpham and is led by the founding partners Roseline Hounjet, Allyn Tastad, and Dustin Harpham. More recently, Hope Fremont and Hanny Cooper were announced as partners. Roseline Hounjet, a founding partner who contributed significantly to their success, announced her retirement, marking a significant milestone in the firm's journey.

HTH Chartered Professional Accountants has mastered the art of building trust. With many decades of experience under their belts, the team at HTH understands that public practice accounting is not just about numbers; it's about fostering relationships based on trust and understanding. One of the cornerstones of HTH's approach is taking the time to comprehend and reach the client's needs and goals. Whether you're seeking assistance with personal tax matters, a small or medium-sized business owner navigating complex financial landscapes, or a not-for-profit organization seeking financial guidance, HTH offers the same unwavering commitment to providing high-quality service tailored to your needs.

While HTH Chartered Professional Accountants is based in Saskatoon, they serve individuals and businesses across the prairies; they've garnered a reputation for delivering consistent excellence in the accounting field. No matter where their clients are located, HTH is dedicated to ensuring that each interaction is marked by professionalism, reliability, and trustworthiness.

What They Say:


“We are proud to be one of the partners at Trusted Saskatoon for the last five years. To us, being ‘trusted’ holds a significant importance – it means we are trusted by our clients and the community to provide quality service and we are able to maintain that trusting relationship that keeps our clients coming back year after year. This helps them to refer their friends and family to us and know that they are in good hands. We appreciate all the support we’ve received from Trusted Saskatoon over the last five years, and we look forward to continuing to build our relationship within our community.” - Hanny Cooper, HTH

Sara's Experience with HTH 


“ As a client of HTH Chartered Professional Accountants since I moved to Canada in 2006, I can attest that HTH is more than just an accounting firm; they are a comprehensive business resource. Their level of care, commitment, knowledge, and experience, coupled with a dedication to understanding their clients' needs, allow them to provide invaluable support. I am extremely grateful for their wonderful support and assistance for both my personal and business accounts." 

As HTH Chartered Professional Accountants in Saskatoon celebrates its 5th anniversary as a Trusted Saskatoon Accountant, their commitment to building trust, understanding client's needs, and delivering high-quality service remains unwavering. In a world where financial guidance is essential, HTH stands as a shining example of trust and reliability, ready to guide individuals and businesses toward financial success for years to come.


Trustedsaskatoon.com will save you time, save you hassle and save you money. Our local Trusted Saskatoon team is committed to finding outstanding businesses like the Partners we have highlighted above. Be assured ALL the companies featured on our Saskatoon directory have been checked and verified,  and in addition, they are annually contracted to uphold the 5 TRUSTED GUARANTEES of service! 

5 Trusted Guarantees

  1. Provide the service and quality promised.

  2. Complete the job on time.

  3. Charge the price quoted with NO surprises.

  4. Communicate honestly and be responsive to customer needs.

  5. Resolve any issues with customer satisfaction in mind.


Trusted Saskatoon was founded on the principle that great local businesses deserve promotion. 

Please help us by nominating your favourite Saskatoon businesses here.

Saskatoon Group Benefits pros at Wiegers Explain How Group Benefits Helps Employees and Their Families

Wiegers Financial & Benefits is one of the largest private financial planning and employee benefits consulting firms in Saskatchewan.. They  have a Saskatoon Benefits and Personal Insurance planning, division. In this latest Wiegers Group Benefits expert tip, they explain how the group benefits plan you provide employees helps look after their loved ones too. Wiegers Financial & Benefits are Trusted Saskatoon Insurance and Group Benefits experts.

 

HOW THE GROUP BENEFITS PLAN YOU PROVIDE YOUR EMPLOYEES HELPS LOOK AFTER THEIR LOVED ONES TOO


When most people think about what it takes to help protect their loved ones’ financial security, they tend to think about life insurance – and it makes sense. Owning insurance that pays out a lump sum benefit to your beneficiaries in the event of your untimely death is the most effective way to ensure that even when you’re no longer here to contribute to them financially, they’ll be looked after. When an individual wants or needs to purchase life insurance, he or she typically contacts a financial advisor or insurance representative who then conducts a needs analysis to determine the individual’s life insurance needs, applies to one or more insurance companies for it, and then if the individual’s insurance application is approved (including potentially a medical questionnaire and tests), begins paying insurance premiums to keep it in-force.

What a lot of people don’t realize is that as important as it is to purchase sufficient life insurance to protect their loved ones’ financial security after their gone, the group benefits plan you provide your employees likely includes a number of benefits that are also important in helping. Your company’s benefits plan, for example, likely includes a life insurance benefit that amounts to a flat amount or a multiple of each employee’s gross annual income, and that is partly or entirely guaranteed regardless of the employee’s health. This can amount to a relatively significant benefit, though for most people, it is not enough on its own to adequately look after their loved ones financially. A qualified advisor will want to include a person’s group life insurance benefit in a thorough analysis of how much insurance he or she has, and how much is still needed.

But beyond the life insurance you likely provide in your company’s group benefits plan are other benefits that directly or indirectly help care for your employees’ loved ones. Most plans, for example, include short and long-term disability insurance for employees that pay out a benefit each week (in the case of short term disability) or each month (in the case of long term disability) when an employee becomes disabled and is unable to work for an income. This is as beneficial for your employees as it is for their families, given that most families cannot sustain the loss of an income for even a short period of time. When you consider that group disability insurance – unlike Workers’ Compensation Insurance – covers disabilities sustained both on and off the job, the financial security it affords your employees and their families becomes even more apparent.

Most group benefit plans include more than just insurance, though, that benefits the employees’ families. Plans that include Health, Prescription Drug and/or Dental benefits, for example, almost always include coverage (or the option for coverage) for each employee’s dependent spouse and/or children. And in cases when an employee dies when he or she still has coverage under a group benefits plan, there is usually a survivor benefit that continues to afford the employee’s dependents with coverage for one or two years following the death with no insurance premiums required.

In order to really stand out as an employer who cares, you have options to take your benefits plan beyond what’s become standard and, in the process, help improve your competitive position in the war on talent. As just one example, you can supplement your company’s benefits plan with a Health Spending Account and/or Personal Spending Account as a means to providing your employees and their families with the flexibility to choose how to spend wellness dollars. You can add an Employee and Family Assistance Plan (EAFP) to provide a number of important services, including but not limited to counselling. You can add Critical Illness Insurance coverage to your plan – either as a mandatory or voluntary benefit – that provides a lump sum financial benefit to an insured person diagnosed with a covered critical illness. There are other benefit options too that your group benefits advisor should recommend or at least advise you about so you can make the most informed and impactful decision for your own team.

Really, then, by helping to take care of your employees with a group benefits plan, you’re helping take care of their families too. At a time when employees are in the position to choose who they want to work for, and when working for an employer who actively demonstrates care and concern for his or her employees is non-negotiable, it’s important that you make clear what you do for your team. To learn more, please speak with your benefits advisor.

Amanda Getzlaf
Benefits Account Manager, Wiegers Financial and Insurance Planning Services Ltd.


Wiegers’ Benefits Consulting Division includes many consultants and support staff who custom-design the most employee-valued and cost-effective group benefit, personal insurance, employee assistance programs, and retirement plans available. Contact them today for a no-obligation consultation to determine how they can help you.

Wiegers Financial & Benefits are Trusted Saskatoon Insurance and Group Benefits Advisors 

Trusted Saskatoon Group Benefits Advisors at Wiegers Financial & Benefit Share The Importance of Benefits Plan Administration Tasks

Wiegers Financial & Benefits is one of the largest private financial planning and employee benefits consulting firms in Saskatchewan. Its Saskatoon 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. In this latest Wiegers Group Benefits expert tip, they explain the importance of benefits plan administration tasks. Wiegers Financial & Benefits are Trusted Saskatoon Insurance and Group Benefits experts.

 

THE IMPORTANCE OF BENEFITS PLAN ADMINISTRATION TASKS


Plan administration is an important job! An eligible employee who is not insured correctly or who has not been offered benefits can not only have a negative impact on the employee’s well-being but it can also pose liability issues for you and the business.

What types of plan administration tasks do you need to remember?

Most such tasks apply to all employees so they should become an automatic part of your group benefits plan administration. Some of the most important tasks include the following:


  • It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure that each employee is enrolled properly and on time. If an employee is enrolled late on the plan (typically 31 days after becoming eligible to join), his or her coverage is typically not guaranteed. The employee and his or her dependents will be considered late applicants, and will need to complete and submit forms about their health. They will then need to be medically approved before enrolling on the plan, at which point they will likely learn that their coverage is restricted or has been declined entirely. This not only has the potential to negatively impact the employee’s and/or dependents’ well-being but it also poses a significant liability risk to the employer. It is far better and easier for everyone for an employer to enroll an eligible employee properly and within the required timeframe.

  • In almost all cases, it is to the employer’s and employees’ benefit to make participation in the benefits plan mandatory. If an employee was permitted to join a plan only when he or she anticipates needing a claim paid, this would make the plan financially non-viable; both non-claimers and claimers need to be contributing premiums into a plan to build up funds to cover claims (similar to home and other forms of insurance). This is why Wiegers Financial & Benefits recommends that employers make participation in their benefits plan mandatory for all eligible employees. If, though, you wish and are able to permit employees to waive all benefits coverage under your plan, it is important that you have those employees sign a group benefits plan waiver form that makes clear that you offered coverage to these employees but that they chose to decline it.

  • Almost all group benefit plans permit an employee to waive Health and/or Dental coverage if he or she has comparable coverage through another plan (typically a spouse’s plan). The employee must be enrolled for all other applicable benefits on the plan as Life, Disability and other benefits are not offered to dependents.

  • Changes to an employee’s coverage must be submitted to your group insurance carrier no later than 31 days after the event. Have your employees communicate regularly with you about changes that need to be made such as:
    • Marriage, divorce, new baby, legal guardianship of child (requires proof)
    • Overage dependents, enrollment in a secondary school with the required amount of classes
      Note: Dependents over age of 18 working more than 20 hours per week are not considered eligible for coverage under a parent and should be removed from the benefits plan

  • If you have employees who are eligible to apply for additional Life and/or Disability coverage above what is automatically provided through your benefits plan, it is your responsibility to advise them of the option to apply. To apply, the employee must complete a health questionnaire provided by the carrier. If he or she chooses not to apply, Wiegers Financial & Benefits recommends that the employee sign a waiver confirming that he or she is aware of the option to apply for additional coverage but has decided against it.

There are, predictably – or not-so-predictably – a number of other plan administration tasks that employers like you need to be diligent about remembering to do to ensure that your employees and their dependents have all of the coverage available to them (and that you’re not doing anything to put yourself or your business in a liable position). An effective and talented benefits advisor will ensure that you are aware of all of the plan administration tasks you need to be aware of, and will ensure that you are also aware of any particularities about your own plan that differ from the norm. As long as you remember to do what you need to do, you’ll have a benefits plan that helps you take care of your valued employees and their families while also preventing you from liability. Benefits plan administration done correctly is a win for all.


Amanda Getzlaf,
Benefits Account Manager, Wiegers Financial and Insurance Planning Services Ltd.


Wiegers’ Benefits Consulting Division includes many consultants and support staff who custom-design the most employee-valued and cost-effective group benefit, personal insurance, employee assistance programs, and retirement plans available. Contact them today for a no-obligation consultation to determine how they can help you.

Wiegers Financial & Benefits are Trusted Saskatoon Insurance and Group Benefits Advisors 

Trusted Saskatoon Group Benefits Professionals at Aurora Workplace Solutions Explain HSA's

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! 

WHAT IS A HEALTH SPENDING ACCOUNT

Heard about HSA'S ?



A health spending account (HSA) is a type of employer-funded benefit plan that allows employees to use allocated funds for eligible healthcare expenses. It is designed to provide flexibility and choice in healthcare spending, allowing employees to personalize their healthcare needs. Here's how a health spending account works:


1. Funding: Employers allocate a specified amount of money toward each employee's health spending account. The allocated funds can vary based on factors such as employee classification, job position, or years of service. These funds are typically provided on an annual basis and may roll over from year to year, depending on the plan design. Typically there are no up front expenses for the employer, the employer is only required to pay for employee claims when they are submitted by each of the employees.


2. Eligible Expenses: Health spending accounts cover a wide range of eligible healthcare expenses. These may include prescription medications, dental care, vision care, paramedical services (such as physiotherapy, chiropractic care, and massage therapy), medical equipment, and other health-related products or services. The eligible expenses are typically defined by the plan and may be subject to certain limits or exclusions.


3. Flexibility: Unlike traditional insurance plans with predefined coverage and limits, health spending accounts offer flexibility and choice. Employees have the freedom to allocate the funds according to their individual healthcare needs. They can decide how much to spend on specific healthcare services, treatments, or products, based on their personal circumstances.


4. Tax Advantages: Health spending accounts provide tax advantages for both employers and employees. Employer contributions to health spending accounts are typically tax-deductible as a business expense. For employees, the funds allocated to the health spending account are not subject to income tax, as long as they are used for eligible healthcare expenses.


5. Employee Empowerment: Health spending accounts empower employees to make informed decisions about their healthcare. They can choose the healthcare services or products that best meet their needs, rather than being restricted to predetermined coverage. This promotes personal responsibility and engagement in healthcare decisions.


It's important to note that the specific details and rules of a health spending account can vary depending on the plan and employer. It's advisable to review the plan documents and guidelines provided by your employer to fully understand how the health spending account works and the specific eligible expenses covered.


Health spending accounts can be a valuable benefit option that provides employees with flexibility, choice, and tax advantages for their healthcare spending. Contact Aurora to determine if a health spending account is suitable for your specific situation.




Aurora Workplace Solutions design & create 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! 




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