Trusted Saskatoon Group Benefits Advisors at Wiegers Financial & Benefits Discuss Workplace Wellness

16. Nov 2021 Admin Saskatoon Insurance, Trusted Tips

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 division.

In this latest Wiegers Group Benefits tip, they explain flex benefits for employee wellness. Wiegers Financial & Benefits are Trusted Saskatoon Insurance and Group Benefits experts.

Do You Have A Strong Or Weak Workplace Culture?

The 2020 edition of the Sanofi Canada Healthcare Survey – arguably the most reputable and referenced healthcare survey in the country – makes clear that a positive workplace wellness culture is key to a business’s success. But why?

Simply put, a strong wellness culture plays an important role in employee job satisfaction, which in turn drives productivity and both healthier results and healthier bottom lines for everyone, from company stakeholders to the employees and their families. But it starts even earlier than that. A strong wellness culture is important also in the attraction and retention of strong talent. More than 85% of employees surveyed agree that a workplace environment that encourages health and wellness is an important factor when deciding whether to accept a job offer or continue with a current employer.

The great news is that it appears that employers are listening. Over the next three years, 74% of employers plan to dedicate funding and/or staff resources outside of the health benefit plan to at least one out of five possible health and wellness areas. Among them, they will most likely do so in the area of emotional/mental health (58%), followed by the prevention of illness and/or management of chronic conditions (49%), physical fitness (45%), social well-being (44%) and financial well-being (40%).

The development and maintenance of a wellness culture needn’t be complicated or costly, though. Providing employees with safety supports and actively encouraging positive relationships among co-workers and with immediate supervisors is a great start. The options are endless from there:

Flexible work arrangements
Flexible health benefits
Well-defined Human Resource policies
Mental well-being support
Workplace wellness programs
Social activities
Healthy snacks… and the list goes on

The degree to which these types of initiatives positively impact a workplace wellness culture, though, depends significantly on the degree to which senior leadership supports and engages in them. This is something that my team and I at Wiegers Financial & Benefits can attest to personally and with genuine enthusiasm.

We have been actively promoting and supporting a wellness culture in our workplace for almost 20 years, long before it became popular to do so. Our initiatives have evolved a lot over the years but currently include a very active volunteer social committee that regularly – frequently, actually – does extraordinary things to engage our team socially to inject fun into our workdays, and celebrate holidays and other special days. Even during the pandemic, our social committee continues to deliver in meaningful, impactful, and outside-of-the-box ways. Our management team actively supports this kind of initiative for the comradery it fosters, its morale-boosting impacts, and the message it sends our team that their happiness matters.

Really, though, all aspects of our team’s mental health matter. We have a culture of open dialogue regarding mental health struggles and triumphs, and we support and encourage our team members to share their stories. We also continue to provide our team members with an Employee and Family Assistance Program, which includes counselling and many other mental health supports, and we increased the benefit amount for psychologist coverage on our benefits plan.

We take steps to help our team members’ physical health too. We provide each employee with an annual Health Spending Account and Wellness Spending Account to provide coverage for health and wellness expenses not already covered under our group benefits plan. We also provide a Second Opinion benefit, which enables our employees to seek second medical opinions from some of the best medical doctors in the world. We provide our employees with a telemedicine benefit so they can quickly and easily access a medical expert by phone or video chat 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from the comfort of home. And of course, there’s our Wiegers Wellness Partners Program. The Program, which is almost 20 years old now but is undergoing a refresh and expansion, was originally designed to provide our group benefits clients and their employees with discounted pricing at participating local businesses in the wellness industry. The Program was since made available to our individual clients in our Wealth Management Division too but it’s something our own employees and their families make good use of as well.

All of this pays off. A lot, and for everyone involved. We recently surveyed our team for anonymous feedback about our wellness culture and learned – or rather confirmed – that the vast majority of our team members are really happy with it. We also requested and are now considering thoughtful feedback about what we might do differently; we’re always looking for new ideas! But beyond the survey results are what we’re seeing elsewhere in our business. Employee turnover is extremely low, with several employees working with us for upwards of 10, 15, and even 20 years. Client retention is extremely high – something we’d have a difficult time achieving if we had a revolving door of employees not well-trained and not highly experienced in the financial services industry. And despite a lot of business and sometimes high-pressure demands, there’s laughter in our office – and lots of it. We all have days when going to work is not what we’d choose to do if we had the choice but the wellness culture at Wiegers Financial & Benefits makes even difficult days a bit brighter.

For employers who don’t yet have a strategy for creating a workplace wellness culture, it might seem overwhelming to get started, but it doesn’t feel like that. Try one or two easy, low-cost options and see what they do. Once you get started, and you discover what matters to you and your team, I predict you’ll want to do more because the benefits to your employees, your business AND you will be clear and motivating. As is the case everywhere, wellness in the workplace is a winning solution for everyone.

Debra L. Wiegers, GBA, CLU, CH.F.C.
Benefits Advisor, 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 benefits, 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 Financial Planners at Wiegers Financial & Benefits Help Keep Your Financial Plan Current

8. Nov 2021 Admin Saskatoon Financial Services, Trusted Tips

They explain everything you need to keep current in your financial plan in their latest Wiegers Financial tip. Wiegers Financial & Benefits are Trusted Saskatoon Financial Advisors

Up to Date or Out of Date? Everything You Need to Keep Current in Your Financial Plan

It seems like just yesterday that we first started hearing about the COVID 19-virus, and now it’s been almost a year of uncertainty with only a blurry horizon in the future. What that horizon will look like, or when we will reach it, is still unknown but the hope is that we get there soon… and that we can hold our loved ones tight again!

As we all know, life can change in an instant, leaving our best-laid plans torn to pieces. However, it is critically important to pick up the pieces and find the new course we are to take so that despite the interruption, we can get to where we want to be. As a Certified Financial Planner with Wiegers Financial & Benefits for almost seven years, I have experienced with every client some kind of change in their lives and ultimately their financial goals. Given that life is not stagnant, it’s critically important that your plan and goals change with it to keep up.

What kind of life changes can impact your financial plan? Any number of things can change your goals but some of the most common changes are those concerning:

Job and pension
Income
Marital status
Dependents (children or elderly parents)
Real assets (e.g. primary residence or rental properties)
Other investments
Insurance policies

For instance, if you changed jobs due to COVID-19 or something else, your pension might have changed too, which will impact your projected retirement income. Without advising your advisor and potentially modifying your plan accordingly, you might find yourself behind or ahead of your retirement goals.

As another example, a change in your marital status or in how many dependents you have and who they are could make your beneficiary designations outdated. The last thing you likely want is for your insurance benefit to be paid to people you no longer want to receive it, or for any loved ones – including children – to be left out (and potentially taking the issue to court in an attempt to get it sorted out in their favour). Given that the solution to avoiding this kind of upset is a simple beneficiary change, it makes sense to ensure that you regularly review your beneficiary designations to ensure that they remain current with your plans and wishes.

Life changes, and so should your financial plan. Please speak with your financial advisor if you have any questions or wish to review your financial plan.

Kim Chicoine, CFP, B.Comm.
Insurance Representative, Wiegers Financial and Insurance Planning Services Ltd.
Financial Planner, Manulife Securities Investment Services Inc.

Contact Wiegers today for a no-obligation consultation to determine how they can help you.

Wiegers Financial & Benefits are Trusted Saskatoon Financial Advisors

Trusted Saskatoon Realtor Marla Janzen's Tips to Prepare Your Home for Fall and Winter Weather

30. Sep 2021 Admin Saskatoon Real Estate, Trusted Tips

As an award-winning SASKATOON REAL Estate agent, Marla Janzen knows the city and surrounding area extremely well. She strives to find her clients the perfect new place to live while negotiating the best terms and price possible. She has a keen eye for house layout and home staging, which really benefits her clients, most of whom are past client referrals! In her latest Saskatoon real estate tip, Marla shares tips on how to prepare your home for the colder months ahead.

PREPARING YOUR HOME FOR FALL FEELS

Fall has a certain air to it, don’t you think? As the seasons change, it’s time to get your house ready for the coming rain, snow, and ice. The best way to avoid problems later in the season is to plan ahead and do some simple house maintenance as early as now. By doing this, you’ll be free to take advantage of everything the autumn season has to offer. To help you out, I’ve compiled a list of practical things to do on your own. However, hiring a professional to do it for you will be more cost-effective in the long run, saving you both time and money.

Here are some helpful tips to help you prepare your house for the colder months ahead.

1. Check the roof for leaks

From the ground, you should be able to get a good look at it. Consider using a pair of binoculars or scaling a nearby structure for a better vantage point if you’re up for the challenge. Look for shingles that are loose, broken, or missing. The removal of leaves and other debris can be necessary if your roof is flat.

2. Make sure your gutters are clear

It’s critical to maintain the smooth flow of your roof’s drainage system, which annually diverts tens of thousands of gallons of water from the exterior and foundation walls of your residence. Clogged gutters can result in water damage to your home’s exterior and a flooded basement. They rust and corrode more quickly. Remove all debris from your gutters and cover them with mesh gutter guards before the leaves start falling this season.

3. Remove leaves and check the trees in your area

Examine the trees in your area. Look for broken or too close to electrical wires or the roof, damaged limbs. Meanwhile, clear the yard of leaves by raking them and then removing them. If you have access to a compost pile, use it. If this is not an option, place in yard waste bags and place at the curb for collection by the neighborhood.

4. Replace window and door screens

Strengthen the windows and doors of your home. Having storm windows and doors would be best as replacements for your screens. All doors and windows should have caulk and seals checked.

5. Pool closeout

Schedule a pool closing service if you have a pool and live in a cold climate. If you are capable, you can buy the supplies and close your pool yourself if you know how to do this task.

6. Garage clean up

Organizing your garage or shed for fall and winter is a terrific time to search through your supplies. Don’t wait for snow trouble before you find that snow shovel of yours. If you live in an area with erratic weather, be sure your snowblower is serviced and ready to go.

7. Manage the shed

Most often than not, we have summer items filing up our storage. It’s an excellent time to organize and clean up your shed now by rearranging and putting all summer items at the back and winter products in the front to make it easier to get the things you’d need in the colder seasons. Be sure to get rid of everything that could freeze, as well. Restore and store outdoor furniture that has been left unused over the winter. Clean the cushions by removing them and washing them—store furniture in a dry spot throughout the winter after cleaning and drying it.

8. Make a bundle of firewood a priority

With fireplaces in mind, it’s time to start accumulating firewood. You’ll be happy you did it when the cold weather arrives. Use dried and ready-to-use firewood if you’ve collected it yourself. Covering and storing firewood away from the home is the safest option. Outside, construct a firewood rack and a carrier for moving the wood inside. Make sure you have enough wood on hand for the entire season.

9. Take care of the fireplace and the chimney

The colder months would surely make you and your family spend more time together, lounging in front of the fireplace. Ensure that the fireplace and chimney are both working properly before using the fireplace. It’s highly recommended that you have a professional chimney sweep and inspection if you frequently use your wood fireplace. To avoid chimney fires, schedule a chimney cleaning appointment right away.

10. Make sure that the furnace and boiler are working properly

You should check your furnace or boiler in the fall to make sure it’s ready for the cold weather. A furnace’s filters should be changed on a regular basis throughout the fall and winter. Have it inspected if necessary, by doing so, you’ll be saving money on your utility bills and have extra for shopping, maybe?

11. Turn off all faucets and put hoses away in a dry place

Disconnect outside spigots and drain garden hoses. Turn off external faucets and, if your house is older, the valve inside. Shut everything down. Keep hoses out of the freezer by storing them in a dry location. Follow the manufacturer’s protocol for draining and safeguarding an in-ground irrigation system from winter damage to freezeproof it.

All faucets that leave your home should have an internal shut-off valve. If the interior shut-off valve has a drain stopper, open it while the outside faucet is still turned on. The drain plug on the shut-off valve should be closed and then turn the outdoor faucet back to the off position once all of the water has been completely drained from the line. If you don’t have shut-off valves or can’t find them, hire a certified plumber to install them.

Blowout sprinkler lines and irrigation system. At this time, your irrigation system may need to be drained and checked. Repairs should be performed by a professional, and sprinkler heads near snow removal zones should be marked. By doing this, you’ll have peace of mind during the freezing season.

12. Check the condition of your furnace

It would be best if you had a professional inspect your heating system once a year. Think about doing this task before winter sets in so you don’t have to rush. And while you are at it, include your furnace on the checklist too. Hire an HVAC professional to check for leaks, evaluate the heating efficiency, and change the filter. They can also check for carbon monoxide for air safety. Also, keep spare air filters on hand and swap them out regularly.

13. Clean humidifiers

During the months when it’s operating, maintaining your central humidifier will make you and your house more pleasant. To begin, look over the plates or pads and, if necessary, give them a good cleaning with a strong solution of laundry detergent. Use a wire brush or steel wool to remove mineral deposits after rinsing the area well and drying. Replace any worn-out filters and give the compartment a thorough cleaning. Vinegar is a low-cost and effective solution. Just a trivia, did you know that dry winter air makes fine wood more susceptible to cracking? So much so that dry winter air can also cause harm or irritation on our skin.

14. Make time for carpet care

Cleaning your carpets is best done in the fall. This season is the most fantastic time to open windows and let fresh air in to help with drying. If you don’t know how to operate a carpet cleaning machine, hire a pro to do it for you.

15. Comfy clean bedding

Get your down and cotton comforters, linens, and knits out of the closet and give them a good cleaning. After a thorough wash, place your blankets in a handy closet so that they’re ready to go when the frigid nights arrive.

There you have it—my practical guide to prepping your home for fall. Make sure your house is ready for the next autumn season by being smart and practical. Preventative maintenance now will save you money on costly emergency repairs and other expenditures in the long run. Maintaining your house well not only increases its worth and appeal but also saves you time and energy.

Is there something you need help with around the house or are you planning to sell or buy a new home for the winter? Contact award-winning SASKATOON REAL Estate agent Marla Janzen today for a free consultation!

Marla guarantees to provide you with a stress-free, hassle-free, wonderful experience and we are sure once you have met her that you will not contact anyone else!

Marla Janzen is a TRUSTED SASKATOON REALTOR®

Trusted Saskatoon Furnace Experts at JOB Have Tips To Help Reduce Your Fall Allergies

28. Sep 2021 Admin Saskatoon Air Conditioning & Furnace, Trusted Tips

JOB Heating & Air Conditioning Saskatoon is eager to provide the best possible customer experience. Their aim is to be a professional resource for our clients before, during, and after the sale! Their team takes pride in service knowledge of modern equipment and training. They are recognized by peers and offer sales, service, training & installations for residential, and commercial Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing systems in Saskatoon and area. In their latest article, they discuss tips to keep your furnace from triggering your allergies this fall.

Tips to Keep Your Furnace From Triggering Your Fall Allergies

Though furnaces do not cause allergies, they can be a culprit for making them worse. When summer ends and you switch your heat on for the first time, all the dust and allergens that have built up in heating ducts end up traveling through the ventilation. This impacts air quality in the household. In keeping allergies away, good air quality is key. Here are a few tips to keep your furnace from triggering your fall allergies.

1. Replace Your Furnace Air Filter

HVAC filters are designed to collect allergens. In order to do their job properly, they need to be replaced regularly. A clean filter is more effective at catching allergens and will improve the overall efficiency of your furnace system. Replacing your HVAC filter regularly is one of the best ways to reduce allergies and ensure everyone in your household can breathe easily.

2. Clean Your Air Ducts

Like HVAC filters, allergens collect over time in air ducts. Air duct cleanings are the best way to ensure these allergens are not spread throughout your home. Investing in air duct cleaning on a regular basis will help ensure good air quality so allergies do not become worse.

3. Routine Furnace Maintainance Reduces Fall Allergies

Routine furnace maintenance is a key step to ensuring your household’s air quality is up to standard. Before switching on your heat for the first time, it is beneficial to have a maintenance inspection to solidify that your filters and air ducts are clean and that your furnace is in good working condition for the colder months. Ensuring your household’s furnace is properly maintained is a great way to prevent low air quality and help keep allergies at bay.

These are just a few tips to keep your furnace from triggering your allergies this fall. If you need any assistance with your furnace or home heating equipment, do not hesitate to contact our team at JOB Heating & Air Conditioning.

JOB Heating & Air Conditioning are Trusted Saskatoon furnace experts. They show up on time, deliver on budget, and leave the work area cleaner than when they arrived! They take pride in their work in this city and surrounding area, so nothing means more to us than testimonials from their clients as their preferred plumber in Saskatoon.

‘Your Comfort is Our Concern!’

JOB Heating & Air Conditioning Are Trusted Saskatoon Furnace Pros

Hairstyle Inn Salon Your Trusted Saskatoon Salons for 10 Years!

24. Sep 2021 Admin Saskatoon Salons, Trusted Brag Blogs, Trusted Partner News

TRUSTED SASKATOON RECOGNIZES OUR 10 YEAR PARTNERS!

In this series of articles, we are shining a spotlight on the businesses that have been with us since we launched in 2011. We want to thank them for TRUSTING our team, and we are recognizing each of them individually for providing 10 years of OUTSTANDING service to the public of Saskatoon and surrounding areas! In this article, we celebrate and recognize Laddie, Shelley and their amazing team at Hairstyle Inn Salon.

We are pleased to celebrate Hairstyle Inn Salons who have been TRUSTED Saskatoon Salon partners for over 10 years!

Right from the start Laddie and Shelley James believed in our idea and they believed that together we could make a difference! Hairstyle Inn Salons are a fun, fresh & locally owned; well-known salon group with TWO Saskatoon locations. Hairstyle Inn at the Centre Mall and Hairstyle Inn at The Lawson Mall. Their wonderful creative team makes up one of Saskatchewan's premier cut, colour and design salon groups, established by the James family in 1976 when Laddie’s father opened up their first location.

Laddie has an impressive reputation within the salon industry worldwide, and he has been invited as an expert to perform and speak at major industry events and fashion shows from New York to Amsterdam! Hairstyle Inn Salons are in an industry that is notorious for the turnover of staff, but they buck the trend. They have many long-standing team members, including Katherine, who has been a stylist at the Centre Mall location for 35 years! This really showcases what sets them apart, the wonderful, caring and supportive environment that has been built and nurtured there over the years. They have a huge heart and it is OBVIOUS to anyone that steps inside their salons.

It’s easy to see why Hairstyle Inn Salons have such a great, long-standing history in Saskatoon and so many satisfied clients... me included! Every time I walk up to the counter I’m always greeted with a smile no matter who sees me first. I’ve been lucky enough to have my hair done by a few of their talented stylists and each and every time they are professional, friendly, and really take their time to get to know me personally. At either HSI location, it really is a place where everyone knows your name... or at least that’s how I feel! I’ve been to other salons around the city for many years and Hairstyle Inn Salons are by far the best around, and I’ll continue to go there and rave to others about their amazing team and outstanding service!

GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY IS THE FOUNDATION OF HSI

The team at Hairstyle Inn Salons also gives back to our community in a huge way. They always step up to donate items and time, including volunteering at The Persephone Theatre, C95 Radio marathon, and last but certainly not least, the non-profit that Shelley James founded in 2006 - TLC@HOME. TLC@Home stands for Touching The Lives Of Children at Home. They provide a Christmas shoebox full of gifts for children at several participating inner-city schools in Saskatoon. They started with a few classes in one school and have continued to grow the number of children we reach each year. Their goal is to reach every child in each of the community city schools in Saskatoon.

"The Trusted team has been actively involved in fundraising and donating our time to this great initiative. We treasure the days over the years that our team has been invited along to distribute gifts directly to children in the schools. I am so grateful to have Laddie, Shel and the team as part of my business and part of my life. " - Sara Wheelwright, Trusted Founder

Our involvement with TLC@Home sparked the idea to launch a non-profit category on Trusted Saskatoon to further support 4 local non-profits and the Trusted team is proud to support TLC@Home as a Trusted Saskatoon Non-profit.

Hear from the wonderful Laddie and Shelley by watching the Behind The Brand interview that was recorded last year.

Over the last 10 years, Hairstyle Inn Salons has been re-checked, re-verified and mystery shopped several times, and each time they pass with flying colours. They continue to be top salons in Saskatoon and they have always upheld our 5 TRUSTED GUARANTEES of service for the 10 YEARS as Trusted Saskatoon Partners.

When the Trusted Saskatoon team gives a business the 'Thumbs Up' it really means something!! So continue to use and recommend TrustedSaskatoon.com to FIND GREAT LOCAL BUSINESSES YOU CAN TRUST like Hairstyle Inn Salons!

Hairstyle Inn Salons have been given the thumbs up as Trusted Saskatoon Salons for 10 years!!

Hairstyle trends change like the weather, but Shelley, Laddie, and the rest of the Hairstyle Inn team are always keeping up to date! For the best Saskatoon salon experience and Trusted customer service call Hairstyle Inn salon today or get more Hairstyle tips Inn in our Trusted Salon Tip Library.

Trusted Saskatoon was founded on the principle that great local businesses deserve the promotion. We know they are out there, we have found many already, and we work hard to find more. Please help us by nominating your favourite Saskatoon businesses here.