Category: Financial Planning

When your business is doing well and cash begins to accumulate inside the corporation, a new question often comes up: what should you do with it? For incorporated business owners, the answer isn’t always as simple as taking the money personally or leaving it sitting in the company. Depending on your business, family and long-term […]

One of the most common things we hear from new clients goes something like this: “I have an accountant, so I don’t really worry about the bookkeeping.” We get it. But here’s the thing: your accountant and your bookkeeping are two different things, and one of them directly affects how useful the other can be. […]

Summer is one of the most common times Nova Scotia small businesses bring on their first employee. A restaurant on the South Shore hires a line cook. A trades company in HRM finally brings on someone to manage scheduling. A retail shop in Bridgewater adds a second person for the busy season. What catches people […]

One of the most common questions entrepreneurs ask is: “How much should I pay myself as a business owner?” It’s a fair question. After all, you started your business to make a living… but if you take too much out of the business, you could create cash flow problems or unexpected tax bills. Understanding how […]

Receiving a tax bill you can’t afford to pay right away can be stressful. Many individuals and business owners worry about what will happen next. The good news is that if you owe money to the Canada Revenue Agency, you may be able to set up a CRA payment plan that allows you to pay […]

Hiring your first employee is a big step. It usually means your business is growing, things are getting busy, and you’re ready for help. But there’s one part that catches almost every business owner off guard: 👉 The cost of hiring an employee in Canada is a lot more than just their salary. I’ve had […]

One of the most common conversations I have with business owners goes something like this: “We’re making money… so why does it feel like there’s never any cash in the bank?” It’s frustrating… and honestly, it can feel downright confusing. On paper, everything looks great. Your income statement shows a profit. Sales are strong. Things […]

If you’re a business owner, you’ve probably spent years or even decades building something you’re proud of. But here’s a tough question: What happens to your business when you’re ready to step away? That’s where estate planning for business owners comes in. And no, it’s not just for retirees or the ultra-wealthy. It’s a smart […]

As a small business owner, you’ve got enough on your plate… deadlines, payroll, client expectations, and more. The last thing you want is a surprise letter from the CRA asking to “take a closer look” at your records.  But here’s the thing: CRA audits don’t always start with major mistakes. Sometimes it’s the smallest details […]

When business owners come to me about restructuring their business, the conversation usually starts like this: “I think I know what I want to do… but I’m not sure how this affects my taxes or my structure.” And that’s exactly why working with a business restructuring CPA should be your first call.  Restructuring isn’t just […]