What’s New at Advocis

As the new year begins, excitement at the possibilities for 2021 are kicking off at Advocis as well! A few highlights include:

• The launch of DigiCat by our Tech Task Force. Check out these best-in-class options for all of your digital needs as an advisor, including CRM, calendarization, and financial planning software.
• Begin your path toward the PFA™ designation on your own terms and at your own pace with the PFA Self-Study Program, now available alongside the existing Semester Program.
• Interested in reading, personal and professional development, and taking part in a community of like-minded advisors across Canada? Join the Advocis Book Club, a new benefit exclusively for members.
• The fresh pot has now been brewed! Advocis Coffee Talks continues throughout 2021, with brand new espresso-sized webinars exclusive to members with CE accreditation on top.
• Three new courses in our series on Risk Management are now available for online enrolment — and may be coming to your chapter soon as a hosted event! Learn more about Building a Protected Practice, Selecting the Right E&O Insurance, and the Challenge of Documenting Nothing for an opportunity to earn CE credits and qualify for a 5% discount on E&O insurance through Advocis Broker Services.

Enjoy the start of a new year, stay safe, and enjoy this edition of eFORUM!

Making the Most of Virtual Meetings

By Kelly Maxwell
January 26, 2021

When we can gather again, you will likely go back to meeting many clients face to face. However it is safe to say that virtual meetings aren’t going anywhere for many reasons.[..] Read more

Home Office Expenses in 2020

By Jamie Golombek and Debbie Pearl-Weinberg
January 26, 2021

With many advisors and their clients working from home for much of 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, thoughts of juicy home office expense deductions began percolating in many minds. But how much can you claim? New for 2020, the government has provided details on two methods for claiming home office expenses as a result of COVID-19[..] Read more

3 Steps for Setting Powerful Goals — Even During a Pandemic

By Andy and Mia Torr
January 26, 2021

Goal setting felt different a year ago. A lot of us set powerful goals before the pandemic, which then went sideways as we scrambled to pivot and get back on course.

Last week, we ran our annual goal-setting workshop for business owners across North America. Their No. 1 question: How do you set goals flexible enough to plan for curveballs and unexpected events?[..] Read more

CRA Roundtables — Recent Interpretations of Interest to Advisors

By Kevin Wark

January 26, 2021

Every year the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) participates in various “CRA Roundtables,” which are organized by national organizations that represent different taxpayer interests. CRA officials typically appear at an organization’s annual general meeting and respond to a number of questions collected from its members. These roundtable sessions offer an excellent opportunity for the CRA to gain a better understanding of specific taxpayer issues and concerns, and in turn, for members of these organizations to obtain responses to questions of importance to their practices/clients.[..] Read more

Battling Loss Aversion During the Market’s New Normal

By Paul Orlander
January 26, 2021

2020 was a period of uncertainty, stress, and turbulence in our lives, and this has continued into 2021. COVID-19 has not only spurred self-isolation in our communities, it has also contributed to increased market volatility and economic concerns. Although we have experienced market downturns in the past, this time is different. It’s more emotional and there’s more at stake. Not only are investors concerned about their finances, they also have concerns about their family’s physical and mental health. Just like medical experts are helping us navigate the latest precautions and protocols, financial experts are offering advice and guidance for investors.[..] Read more