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 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.

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.

Trusted Saskatoon Group Benefits Professionals at Aurora Workplace Solutions Explain Critical Illness Insurance

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! 

Importance of Critical Illness Insurance Explained

Critical Illness Insurance Coverage Helps You Recover

A critical illness can strike at any time, and it can happen to anyone, regardless of their age or gender. Although the incidence of cancer, heart disease, and stroke are rising in Canada, the odds of surviving a critical illness are better than ever. Thanks to medical advances.

But surviving a health crisis can often involve a number of financial challenges for which you were unprepared. Long Term Disability payments can help replace lost wages, but not the additional costs associated with surviving a critical illness. Expenses like time off work, travel to and from treatments, home modifications or assistance at home are now added on top of your normal living expenses. That’s where Critical Illness Insurance comes in.


Ease the financial pressures associated with a life-threatening illness

Critical Illness insurance is designed to ease the financial pressures associated with a life-threatening illness by paying a tax-free lump sum if you become seriously ill. As a result, you can devote 100% of your energy to recovery, without worrying about how your illness has affected you financially.


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! 

Trusted Saskatoon Group Benefits Professionals at Aurora Workplace Solutions Discuss Stop Loss Insurance

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 Stop Loss Insurance?

Stop-loss Insurance takes claim off the Employer’s shoulders


When an employee has a health issue requiring expensive treatment, the associated high-cost claims can be significant for their benefits plan sponsor. But it’s impossible to predict when a large claim will arise, so stop-loss insurance, which takes the claim off the employer’s shoulders, is one option to help protect against these unexpected costs.

As a type of insurance policy that sits on top of a benefits plan, stop-loss is available to both fully- and self-insured plan sponsors. When choosing stop-loss insurance, an employer selects a threshold up to which it can reasonably cover claims — ranging from between $10,000 and $100,000 — and any claims beyond that will be covered by the policy.


Stop-loss not a substitute for plan management

The main benefit of stop-loss insurance is its ability to protect the Saskatoon employer from catastrophic claims. For self-insured groups, it primarily acts as a budgeting tool so there aren’t any unexpected hits that could affect accounting.

On the other hand, stop-loss can become costly. While a claim may be mitigated in the first year, premiums can rise in the following years, essentially providing only short-term stabilization. This is especially difficult if the claim is reoccurring, which is the case for most drug claims.

“Stop-loss doesn’t help you avoid cost; it simply helps you prevent an unexpected surge in costs in a given year. It’s not a substitute for plan management.”

Another drawback is that most plans only have a single market for stop-loss insurance, meaning employers can only purchase it from one group, typically their own health insurer, which limits them to that insurer’s quote.

To limit risk, employers can use a pre-existing condition clause for an employee’s first year of employment by setting benefits to a specific limit so they can’t bring in unexpected expenses. Another option is to put a limit on drug reimbursement levels or incorporate provincial drug programs into the benefits plan.

While stop-loss prevents large, unexpected claims from affecting a plan sponsor, it’s important to understand that issues can still arise after a claim is made and employers should be aware of all the available options, so they can make a decision before it’s too late.


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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