Tag Archives: Financial Independence

How do insurers calculate your home & auto insurance premiums?

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By Matt Hands, Ratehub.ca

Special to the Financial Independence Hub

Insurers look at historical data, as well as real and perceived risks when calculating your insurance premium. If we dig a little deeper, we can identify specific factors that affect the price you pay for home and car insurance. Even better, we can determine which of those particular factors can help you save money and get you closer to financial independence.

Car Insurance Rates

Factors beyond your control

Age: There are certain factors that you can’t change:  like your age. A younger driver will pay more for car insurance because, with less experience on the road, there’s a higher chance of an accident. Historical statistics have proven time, and again that younger drivers take more risks than more mature drivers.

Location: Where you live affects your insurance premium, so unless you’re willing to move, there’s not much you can do. Specific location factors that impact pricing are: number of accidents, levels of fraud, the value of claims, theft & vandalism, as well as climate considerations. For instance, if you compare Ontario car insurance quotes vs. Alberta car insurance quotes you might find, all things being otherwise equal, that Albertans pay less for car insurance. The reasons for the cheaper pricing could be any number of reasons from lower claims volumes to population density.

Factors you can use to save money

Your Car: It should come as no surprise that the more expensive the vehicle, the more it will cost to insure. We don’t have to compare Maseratis to Civics to find better pricing though. The Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) uses the Canadian Loss Experience Automobile Rating, or CLEAR table, to determine how cars may be rated differently when calculating their insurance premiums. Use IBC’s How Cars Measure Up Guide and browse for vehicles with lower collision or comprehensive claims that will result in lower insurance premiums.

Your driving activity: This point is three-fold. If your general driving activity is safe, if there are no accidents, no speeding tickets or other major offences on your record, you’ll save money on car insurance. Your driving history, or the longer your driving activity is free and clear of any blemishes on your record, the more your insurer will reduce your monthly payments. Finally, how much you drive will affect your premium. The more you’re driving on the road, the higher the risk of an accident, and the more you’ll pay for car insurance. If you can walk, take public transit, or shorten your overall commute, the more you’ll save on car insurance.

Level of Coverage: To pay the least amount of car insurance, you can opt for the minimum coverage if you own your car outright, but keep in mind, this exposes you to significant costs should you be in an accident.

For instance, you can opt out of collision insurance which protects your car against damages sustained in a crash. You can decide against comprehensive which protects your vehicle against damages from events not related to driving, like a tree falling on your car after a storm. You can also choose to only take the minimum third party liability allowed in your province. This puts most of the risk on you though, and if anything does happen, you’ll probably be paying much more than your monthly premium.

Higher Deductible: A quick and easy way to pay less without touching your coverage is to increase your deductible. The deductible is the amount you pay after being approved for a claim, but before the insurance company will pay their portion up to the limit specified in your policy. If you increase your deductible from $500 to $1000, this is a signal to the insurer that you’re taking on more risk, and they’ll reduce your premium accordingly. Continue Reading…

How Baby Boomers can be frugal, yet still live it up

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By Gloria Martinez

Special to the Financial Independence Hub

Baby Boomers have reached the point in life where they have either retired or are quickly approaching it, and that last paycheck is causing many to become more frugal. Being financially responsible is never a bad thing, but it shouldn’t take over your life. According to Forbes, being excessively frugal can “be a bigger problem for [a Baby Boomer’s] social life, family, and friends, not to mention physical health.” It is important that you find the right balance between saving and preparing for the future while also living in the moment.

Fulfill important responsibilities first

Before you can focus on having fun, take care of your health and well-being first so that it doesn’t become a constant worry. Some of the problems Baby Boomers face include declining rates of health due to obesity, diabetes, and various other health issues. Healthcare costs are continuing to rise as well, feeding into that constant need to save.

Your health is what will carry you through your Golden Years, but it comes at a cost. Now is the time to start exploring your healthcare options, including signing up for Medicare. Research Medicare Advantage plans, such as those offered by Humana, as they offer important health benefits and coverage, including dental, vision, and hearing, along with original Medicare benefits. While on the topic of your health and well-being, go ahead and make sure you have your end-of-life documents in order, including a living will, power of attorney, life insurance, etc. This might also including pre-paying funeral expenses or looking into long-term care insurance.

Explore ways to have frugal fun

Catch the Travel bug with a Road Trip

Traveling is a common activity for retirees, but when you add up airfare, travel insurance, and the cost of luxury destinations and cruises, travel becomes a huge expense. To save and make getting to your destination part of the fun, opt for a road trip. A road trip gives you the flexibility to travel anywhere, any time, with a personalized travel plan for a day trip, weekend getaway, week-long excursion, or a cross-country trek. Go at your own pace, and pack in the sights and experiences youwant to see.

Give that Hobby a try

Careers, families, and various other obligations don’t leave you with much free time, but retirement does. Maybe now you can finally find a hobby that you enjoy. Some of the most common Boomer hobbies are cooking, DIY projects, sports, and volunteering, but the possibilities truly are endless. You might even find a hobby that you can use to make a little extra cash. For example, you can sell produce from your garden at the farmers market, sell handmade furniture with your knack for woodworking, or make jewelry to sell at local boutiques and fairs. Continue Reading…

Smart ways to divvy up your tax refund

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Situation: The income tax refund is a welcome sight for many taxpayers.

My View: Park it temporarily to reflect on its best use before allocating it.

Solution: Evaluate family needs and options that provide lasting benefits.

Income tax filing season is under way once again. Accordingly, I examine some smart ways to apply your tax refund. First, a little trivia:

For what year did Canadians last file a 1-page Federal income tax return?
It was the 1949 tax year.

I think of allocating the income tax refund loosely within these categories. For example, you can spend it, save it, invest it, reduce debt and help others.

Start by parking the refund into a saving account to resist impulse, say for 30 to 60 days. That provides you sufficient time to reflect and evaluate your needs and best options that apply.

Try your utmost to arrange lasting usefulness from this source of cash. Many of the allocations you will make are not reversible.

Everyone can reap benefits from these simple best practices. I summarize some sensible ideas in dealing with tax refunds:

Reduce debt

  • Repaying credit card balances are top notch, risk-free allocations.
  • Trimming a line of credit, mortgage or student loan is very desirable.

Invest it

  • Contributing to the RRSP boosts the retirement nest egg.
  • Adding to the TFSA generates tax-free investment income.

Help others

  • Donating to a charity of your choice is a noble cause.
  • Helping out someone less fortunate than you is generous.
  • Making RESP deposits helps pay the rising costs of education.
  • Funding the RDSP for a special needs family member is unselfish.
  • Lending it at the prescribed rate to the lower tax bracket spouse.
  • Assisting an adult child to purchase a vehicle or residence.

Save it

  • Leaving it in your saving account is a worthy choice.
  • Supplementing your family business capital is worthwhile.
  • Adding to your investment plan is productive strategy.
  • Improving your career or education fulfills goals and dreams.
  • Rebuilding the family emergency account is beneficial.
  • Setting funds aside for the next income tax instalment.

Spend it

  • Replacing an aging vehicle and appliance helps.

Maximizing your CPP benefits: 65 isn’t always the answer

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Special to the Financial Independence Hub

 

As I prepared to write this month’s blog post, I came across an interesting U.S. study exploring how the structure of a company’s self-directed retirement plan might impact its participants’ investment selections.  When investment choices were listed alphabetically, the study found employees were apparently favouring the first few funds on the list. 

Arbitrary?  You bet.  But before we laugh too hard, I’ve noticed similar behaviours closer to home, especially when it comes to making best use of the Canada Pension Plan (CPP).

Assuming you’ve contributed to the CPP during your career, when should you start drawing your benefits?

If you guessed age 65, that’s understandable.  Unless you decide to receive a reduced benefit at a younger age (as early as 60), it’s when Service Canada automatically mails you your CPP application form, as if it’s a given you should fill it out right away.  65 is also the age many younger folks talk about when they dream of the day they’ll stop working.  It’s a number that’s become almost synonymous with “retirement.”  

That said, it’s an entirely arbitrary number when it comes to your own best financial plans. I can cite any number of reasons 65 might or might not be the right number for you.

There’s the prospect of receiving more benefit by waiting until age 70 to get started: currently 42% more than if you start taking it at age 65.  On the flip side, it may make more sense to start drawing a smaller benefit sooner if you are single and in poor health. 

As Financial Post columnist Jason Heath suggests, it’s worth treating your CPP like an RRSP for planning purposes.  To put this in perspective, Heath calculated that a lifetime CPP benefit starting at age 65 and assuming an age 90 life expectancy would be the same as having a $277,000 RRSP, earning 4% per year.  As Heath explains, “Whether you withdraw from other sources, or start your CPP, you are reducing the future income that you can earn from that source.”

So, when is it best to take these significant benefits compared to others that may be available to you?  Instead of simply signing up at age 65 as a given, why not give it some thought (or hire a planner to help you)? Continue Reading…

Key technologies for smarter financial decisions

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By Sia Hasan

Special to the Financial Independence Hub

Have you ever considered going paperless? The switch might seem daunting at first, but you will find that electronic options can give you greater freedom and reduced expenses. Whether you’re in business or healthcare, the following technologies will transform your company into a more profitable and financially independent institution.

Cloud Technologies

Cloud computing uses remote servers on the internet for managing data, rather than storing files on a personal computer or external hard drive. When you store data in the cloud, you’ll enjoy higher speeds and greater security. Even if a computer or hard drive crashes, all of your files will still be safely stored in the cloud. In addition, cloud technologies can be a lot cheaper than more traditional options. With cloud computing, you don’t have to pay for unnecessary hardware or software, there will be fewer labor costs. You will also have increased productivity, saving you both time and money.

Strategic Analytics

Implementing analytics can help you better prepare for the future. These forecast technologies use past data to predict future events for your business. With analytics, you can use mathematical approaches to determine the most valuable resources to invest in. Define specific business goals and create strategies that will allow you to test changes on a smaller scale. Analyze costs, advertising, product management, and your ability to meet customer demands. Making small changes now will help you save money in the long-run.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Machines are revolutionizing the work industry by learning how to perform human-like tasks. From self-driving cars to bots, AI is making it easier and faster to maximize efficiency. Al offers many benefits, like faster performance, reduced error margins, and lower costs. AI can also achieve breakthroughs by recognizing blind spots and detecting trends. While the initial cost is high, using AI long-term will save you money and increase your efficiency. Instead of replacing workers, AI supplements the work that your employees are already doing. AI can perform smaller tasks, like updating the company website, managing finances, tracking inventory, and finishing payroll. By automating these time-consuming tasks, workers are free to focus on important duties, like human interaction.

Project Management Software

Project management software keeps teams on the same page, while helping managers to better organize tasks and data. Improve your efficiency by storing all of your information in one, easily-accessible location. Simplify team collaboration through crowd-sourced documents and shared to-do lists. Keep track of schedules, budgeting, and resource allocation. Easily communicate questions and concerns to other team members. Track time and expenses, paying attention to areas where you can improve efficiency and cut costs.

Healthcare Software

Going paperless in the healthcare industry has never been easier. With the variety of new software available, you can improve the way you schedule, treat, and communicate with patients. Continue Reading…

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