TORONTO, May 27- What's the make and model of your television? When did you buy it? How much did it cost? Most people couldn't answer these questions easily. However, those who keep a home inventory could. In fact, 93% of Canadians surveyed agreed that having an up-to-date inventory of their possessions is a good idea. Unfortunately, only 35% actually say they have one. One way you can better prepare for an emergency is to take the time now to make a record of your possessions -- and... Read Full Story

From Canadian Underwriter Ontario auto insurance rates are on the rise, according to data posted by the Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO), the regulator of the province's insurers. Rate applications approved for 2008 Q1 averaged +1.05%, based on the entire market, FSCO noted in an online bulletin. Rate changes approved in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 were -10.60%, -2.43%, -1.27% and +0.55%, respectively, for the entire market. In 2008 Q1, for the 43.37% of the market that had... Read Full Story

IIHS: New crash tests of midsize cars: protection in side impacts improves, but most cars tested still afford marginal or poor protection in rear crashes ARLINGTON, VA - Occupant protection in side impacts of midsize cars is improving as automakers introduce safer designs and add side airbags as standard equipment. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recently completed front, side, and rear tests of seven 2008 model midsize cars, both moderately priced and luxury: Chevrolet... Read Full Story

One person, one seat belt Effective December 1, 2006, in Ontario, every person travelling in a motor vehicle must wear a seat belt or use a child safety seat. The penalty for seat belt infractions is a fine between $60 and $500. Convicted offenders will receive two demerit points. Drivers are responsible for ensuring that passengers under 16 years of age are using the seat belt or an appropriate child car seat proper Police officers may request that passengers who appear to be at least... Read Full Story

To encourage investment in more speculative, resource-based ventures, the Federal and Provincial Governments of Canada have created Flow-Through Investments Who should invest in Flow-Through Shares? Typically, Investors in the top marginal tax bracket would receive the most benefit from a flow-through investment. However, most investors, regardless of their income level, would likely receive some benefit from investing in flow-through shares. Investors should also be... Read Full Story

Life Insurance Solutions for Small Business Owners- Part III from Manulife Executive Compensation Small business owners often offer supplementary benefit packages to attract executives. These packages offer a wide assortment of benefits, which may include life insurance protection. The life insurance protection ensures that if the executive dies, his or her dependants receive money that can be used to cover funeral expenses, education costs, reduce debt and provide future income. The... Read Full Story

Life Insurance Solutions for Small Business Owners - Part II from Manulife Buy-sell Funding A key component of an integrated financial plan is planning for business succession. The business interest often accounts for a substantial portion of the wealth the business owner has accumulated. Ensuring that a plan is in place for the eventual transfer of the business interest will help the owner realize full value for the business interest and it will also help the business and the remaining... Read Full Story

Life Insurance Solutions for Small Business Owners - Part 1 From Manulife Small businesses fail for a number of reasons, including lack of planning, poor management, inadequate funds, downturns in the economy, debt overload, etc. As you work through your business plan, you'll be looking for financial solutions that bring your business stability to situations where you can be particularly vulnerable. You should plan for the unexpected. Life insurance can provide a cost-effective solution for... Read Full Story

From Manulife Have you considered long term care in your retirement planning? Like many Canadians, probably not, but you might want to think again. The following questions and answers may assist you in understanding the need for long term acre planning. Q: I’m a boomer. How will my care needs in older age be different from my parents’? A: The makeup of boomers’ families is unique to any previous generation. We have fewer kids, experience more divorce, and our adult children migrate... Read Full Story

from Public Safety Canada The term phishing refers to luring techniques used by identity thieves to fish for personal information in a pond of unsuspecting Internet users. Their objective is to take this information and use it for criminal purposes such as identity theft and fraud. Phishing is a general term for the creation and use by criminals of emails and websites -designed to look like they come from well-known, legitimate and trusted businesses, financial institutions and... Read Full Story