Articles

Ten Terrific Tax-beaters - year end tax tips that can help you save, article by Tony Zubak of Investors Group.

Tax planning should be part of your overall financial plan and a year round activity. But there are certain tax strategies you can put in place before the end of this year that can help reduce current and future income taxes and related penalties that you pay.

1. Pay on time If you miss a tax filing/payment deadline you’ll pay penalties. If you file on time but don’t pay all owed taxes, or if you’re late with a quarterly income tax payment, you’ll be assessed interest.

2. Pay tax-break items Payments that qualify for tax credits and deductions should be made by December 31.

3. Deductions add up to savings Take full advantage of tax deductions. One of the most important is your Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) deduction.

Coming up soon is the Great West Home Expo & Leisure Show going on from November 6-8th, 2009. This year, it is taking place in the Cypress Centre on the Stampede Grounds and will be running from 2PM-9PM on Friday, 10AM-8PM on Saturday and 11AM-4PM on Sunday. There will be tons of door prizes including:

• Twin Anchors Houseboat Vacations: 3 or 4 night houseboats vacation valued over $2000.
• A Calgary Flames game package which includes two tickets to the January 2nd game against Toronto, 1 night stay at the Executive Royal Inn and 2 Calgary Flames Jerseys valued at $700.
• An annual adult ski pass from Hidden Valley.

There will be entertainment provided by Medicine Hat Clown Unit, Magic by Trevor Moore, Flashing Canines, Safari Jeff and Shannon's Great Green Adventure Show and more. Admission will be $5.00 for adults, $3.00 for senior and students. Children under 12 will get in for free. For more information call 403-527-5214 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Look for Shop the Hat there at the Medicine Hat News media group booth.

Article by Brennan Neitz of Cando Computers

Computer problems can be a massive issue for a business. Each year, thousands of hard drives fail across Canada, and data recovery can cost in the thousands per case (and sometimes isn't even possible). Restoring specific computer components is expensive and makes a business less productive until the repairs have been completed.

The bad news is that all hard drives and computer systems eventually fail, and your business will have to deal with computer issues at some point. The good news is that with a maintenance plan and effective data backup techniques from Cando Computers, you can avoid these costs.

Most computer issues are actually avoidable. The best way to think of ongoing computer maintenance is to compare it to car maintenance; if you've never gotten an oil change, tire rotation, or check-up, you'll deal with thousands of dollars of repairs rather than a few hundred. Likewise, if your computer systems aren't regularly checked for viruses, defragmented, and monitored, then you'll probably be paying more out of pocket than you would otherwise.

Cando Computers is based in Medicine Hat, Alberta, and in car terms, we're insurance, warranty, and repair all in one. We're writing you today to tell you about our computer maintenance packages, and how they can help your company avoid the costs and headaches associated with computer problems.

We offer preventative computer maintenance in several innovative, non-intrusive plans to help your business save money in an unstable economy. Computer repair issues are taken out of your hands, allowing you to run your business effectively without worrying about the health of your technology.

Written by Dustin Potorti of The Mortgage Centre

There is a misconception that a mortgage broker costs you money, but actually a mortgage broker is paid by the lender based on the dollar amount of the mortgage. The biggest reason for the increasing reliance on mortgage brokers is that brokers offer consumers several important advantages:

• Best-available rates. Mortgage brokers study rates daily and always know where to find the most competitive ones. Plus they know how to negotiate with lenders to ensure you're getting the best available deal.
• Independent, unbiased advice. Mortgage brokers provide mortgages from various lenders, so they're not tied to one lender or one type of mortgage.
• More mortgage choices. Mortgage brokers have direct electronic access to virtually every major lender in Canada, so they can show you a wide range of rates and features.
• Fast, convenient local service. Mortgage brokers are highly motivated to keep your mortgage moving forward quickly because they only get paid—by the lender—when your mortgage is complete.

Article by Stephanie Sissons

Real estate is the largest investment most people are likely to make during their lives. In this these times of economic struggle selling your home in a timely manner for top dollar is hard to accomplish. Your house must be in tip-top shape to stand apart while holding buyer’s interest so they can imagine themselves living there. Buying a home is purely based on emotion. The buyer needs to be grabbed immediately - while he/she is pulling up to your house. So now you may be asking yourself how is this done. Here are some easy tips that offer bang-for-your-buck.

THE EXTERIOR of your home needs to attract buyers. In summer ensure the lawn is manicured and weed-free. Throughout winter make sure the walk is shoveled. Also painting the front door a modern color can grab buyers’ attention.

ENTRANCEWAYS/ FOYERS are the first glimpse people get of your house. It should be warm and welcoming. A mirror helps make a small area appear larger. Try standing at your front door to see what buyers will see -  any rooms that are visible from that vantage point should be uncluttered and clean.