Trusted Tips and Resources

Trusted Tips & Resources

Water Damage Tip From Trusted Regina Insurance Provider Campbell & Haliburton Insurance

Trusted Regina Insurance experts at Campbell and Haliburton Insurance Inc have been in the community for over 50 years. They know it is customer service and knowledge that counts when you are in need of an insurance company in Regina. Campbell & Haliburton Insurance, myCH.ca, dedicated insurance brokers in Regina can assist you with finding the plan that works best for you. In their latest Campbell & Halliburton Regina Home insurance tip, they share items of importance to note regarding water damage.

Water is the new fire. It’s not just a thing we say to our clients, it is the truth. Where insurance claims used to be dominated by fire, now we are in a position where more than 60% of claims placed on property are for water, while around 25% are for fire. So what do you need to know about water? There are a few items of importance to note regarding water damage:

1) How did the water enter your home?

Water isn’t a singular form of loss and can come from many different facets. Water can enter from a burst pipe, through the sump pump, through the sewer line, seeping from appliances, through the roof during a rain, and the list goes on and on. Further, when did it enter the premises, and how long has it been entering the house? Depending on how or when the water got in will have implications on whether the loss is covered. If you were away on holidays during the winter and your furnace went out, did you have a capable person enter your property often enough to qualify for coverage, or will you be out in the cold upon arrival?

So the question isn’t whether there is water, but how did it get there. Barring certain extenuating circumstances, there will not be coverage available for water entering through the roof ever, as coverage cannot be purchased for this, same with seepage through basement walls. Both of these are issues that have a basis in maintenance issues rather than sudden & accidental issues. This is also the case with water continually leaking from home appliances. Water will only continually leak due to maintenance or fault installation issues.

2) Flood: Insurance vs Personal Definition

The word flood means something different to you or me than it does to an insurance company. To you or I flood may mean just any water on the floor. An insurance company, they have no less than 4 definitions for water on the floor: water escape & rupture, overland water, sewer backup, and seepage. And the definition of flood is typically something that cannot be covered. Even at the very base if we think of what a flood is it is water accumulating in a location that it typically would not accumulate in, whether by rain or overflow. To an insurance company, that explanation is what they consider “overland water”, where flood is usually associated with saltwater.

3) So… what am I covered for then?

Long story short, your policy is going to be different depending on what you have elected to have covered and we cannot definitively say what you are covered for without looking at your cover page and wording booklet. For instance, if you have fire insurance only, which is a very bad policy, there would be no coverage for water damage at all. But your typical home insurance policy will, at the very least, provide coverage for water escape & rupture. This is water that escapes from a pipe or water container when it bursts or overflows from a water container (like a tub or a sink). What your typical policy will not have is sewer backup as automatic coverage.

4) Optional extras for water coverage

So, your standard home insurance policy will not have an automatic inclusion for sewer backup or overland water. What now? Not to worry. Most companies will provide coverage for sewer backup (provided you haven’t had that issue in the past, or, if you have, you have taken measures to prevent it from happening again), and some are even starting to offer coverage for overland water. This is a major shift in the past few years, at least for Saskatchewan insurers, as these were never offerings in the past. The cost is subjective to location, as certain areas are more prone than others, with some areas not being able to get insurance for these things, but we’ve seen a step in the right direction. Some companies place limits on the amount of coverage, while others will not limit you other than based on your building value.

5) When did the water enter the home, and how bad is the water damage?

A standard policy will never cover damage from mold, rot, and a few other preventable issues. If there is rot in the wood, then the water has been there a long time. If there is mold, the water has been there a long time. In these cases, it is generally understood that the homeowner should have been aware of what was happening in the home and taken measures to prevent it from becoming worse. While sometimes it may be impossible to have known there was an issue, it is generally best practice to check your basement/crawl space at least a few times a year to see if there are any issues, same thing with the attic! Your roof is your first line of defence against water entering your home during a rainfall, after all, it’s a good idea to ensure proper maintenance!

These are a few important notes on water damage in your home. There are certainly more; this is not meant to be a comprehensive list, just something to get thoughts rolling about what flood actually is for insurance purposes. We get calls about flooding regularly and want to help you out by providing some knowledge of why we ask the questions we ask afterwards. So flood is not what happens when water comes from the pipes, or through the sewer system, or even from a heavy rainfall! All of these have separate terms with separate definitions and levels of coverage.

Is Your Home Damaged Due To A Flood?

Sometimes you can do everything possible and still have damage due to flooding. Our home insurance experts at Campbell & Haliburton Insurance can help you deal with the cost of your lost items, plus any structural damage caused by the flooding. Contact our Regina Insurance brokers to find out more about your coverage and to get a quote.

As you walk out of our door, you can do so with the assurance that you are covered with the home insurance that best meets your needs. If you don’t have an insurance broker and want to talk to someone who is truly passionate about your insurance, contact us at Campbell & Haliburton Insurance. We would love to help you.

This is a general overview. There are many different insurance companies, and there are always differences in insurance policies. For specific details on your policy and coverage, we recommend that you contact your agent or broker.


Our Trusted Regina Insurance Agents at Campbell & Haliburton have your best interests and safety in mind and our commitment to customer service is one of the pillars of our business. We also know insurance inside and out, so please contact us for all of your insurance needs and we will be more than happy to help ensure what you value most is protected.

Campbell & Haliburton's doors opened in 1957. Since then, they have seen run-away inflation, recessions, and now, a global pandemic. Through it all, their doors have remained open as they are committed to providing outstanding service to you. No matter what the next years and decades bring they have committed to continue to stay open to serve you.

Campbell and Haliburton Insurance are a Trusted Regina Insurance provider.

They offer many different insurance policies to protect the most important areas of your life including:


Trusted Regina Financial Advisors at Worby Wealth Management Share Expense Considerations After Retirement

Chris Worby and Jeremiah Worby are Trusted Regina based financial advisors and Wealth Management services providers servicing local Regina households and businesses. With over 20 years of experience, Worby Wealth Management has been committed to providing a high standard of financial service to individuals, families and business owners. Worby Wealth Management listens and provides a personalized financial plan.


Retirement Considerations

by Jeremiah Worby

One of the biggest financial questions on everyone’s mind is whether or not they will have enough money to retire. Not only do savings and investments need to be taken into the equation, income and expenses also need in-depth analysis.


Expenses


Will my daily coffees increase in price? Although I’m poking fun, inflation is a serious concern. Everyone’s expenses will clearly vary from one person to another, but some other considerations need to be taken into account, such as:


  • Will I be able to find work if needed?

    • If income falls short, will a new source of income be required?

  • Am I financially dependent on someone else?

    • Or is someone else financially dependent on me?

  • Do I plan on living in the same city upon retirement?

    • Costs of living can vary greatly from one city to the next

  • Have I taken into account inflation?

    • Will my entertainment and hobby expenses increase during my retirement years?

  • What if interest rates rise?

    • Will I be able to afford my home if rates rise?

  • Do I plan on living in the same home upon retirement?

    • Will I downsize?  

    • Is condo living a consideration due to limited mobility (that could mean increased expenses due to HOA fees)?

  • Do I have or need insurance?

    • What if something unexpected happens during retirement?

  • Do I have a will, power of attorney, health care directive in place?

    • Making sure all angles are considered and taken care of in your retirement years can help you live without unneeded stress


Find out more

Whether you’re 30 years away or just a few months from retirement, proper retirement planning is essential. Contact Worby Wealth Management to start planning your retirement today.


Some of the services that Worby Wealth Management can help you with: 

TRUSTED REGINA FINANCIAL ADVISOR Chris Worby from Worby Wealth Management helps you live your dream!


The comments contained herein are a general discussion of certain issues intended as general information only and should not be relied upon as tax or legal advice. Please obtain independent professional advice, in the context of your particular circumstances. This Blog was written, designed and produced by Jeremiah Worby and Chris Worby for the benefit of Jeremiah Worby and Chris Worby who are Financial Advisors at Worby Wealth Management, a registered trade name with Investia Financial Services Inc., and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Investia Financial Services Inc. The information contained in this article comes from sources we believe reliable, but we cannot guarantee its accuracy or reliability. The opinions expressed are based on an analysis and interpretation dating from the date of publication and are subject to change without notice. Furthermore, they do not constitute an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities. Mutual Funds, approved exempt market products and/or exchange traded funds are offered through Investia Financial Services Inc.

Ready To Retire? Trusted Regina Financial Advisors at Worby Wealth Management Share Their Advice

Finding the shortest and safest route to any of your dreams requires planning and only with a carefully thought out financial plan can you be sure to make the most of your resources and to protect against risks along the way.  At Worby Wealth Management, Chris & Jeremiah Worby will do their best to help you achieve those dreams with a plan that is tailored to your specific needs and based on your individual situation.

Let Trusted Regina Financial Advisors Chris & Jeremiah Worby of Worby Wealth Management help you live your dream!

Expert Financial Advice Regarding Retirement.



Retirement Considerations


One of the biggest financial questions on everyone’s mind is whether or not they will have enough money to retire?  Not only do savings and investments need to be taken into the equation, income and expenses also need in-depth analysis.

 

Income*

 
Old Age Security (OAS)


The OAS pension is a monthly pension payment payable to eligible individuals.  OAS pension benefits are considered taxable income. To be eligible for full payment, you must:

• be 65 or older

• be a Canadian citizen or legal resident of Canada at the time of application approval

OR

• if you no longer live in Canada (a non-resident), you were a Canadian citizen or legal resident of Canada on the day preceding the day of departure from Canada

• have lived in Canada for a minimum of 10 years (or 20 years for non-residents) after reaching age 18

Individuals who have lived in Canada for 40 years after the age of 18 are eligible for 100% of the OAS pension benefit.

 

 

Canada Pension Plan (CPP)


CPP program benefits, except for the death benefit, are indexed annually for increases in the cost of living.  In order to receive CPP program benefits, eligible individuals must apply.  Benefits are not automatically paid once someone reaches the age of eligibility.  Applications are accepted via two methods; online through the My Service Canada Account, or via paper forms mailed to the applicable Provincial CPP office.

You can start receiving CPP as early as age 60 (at a reduced rate) and as late as age 70 (at an increased rate).  The maximum CPP payment in 2022 is $1,253.59 a month.

 

Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA)

The tax-free savings account (TFSA) provides a way to earn investment income tax-free.  Whereas other registered accounts allow the deferral of tax on income earned within the plan; the TFSA is unique in that any investment income earned within the plan is tax-free when it is withdrawn.  In order to open a TFSA account, you must have reached the age of majority, defined as age 18 or 19, for the province or territory in which you live.  The types of investments permitted in a TFSA include cash, mutual funds, securities listed on a designated stock exchange, guaranteed investment certificates (GICs), bonds, and certain shares of small business corporations.

The annual TFSA dollar limit was established at $5,000 in 2009, the year that TFSAs were introduced as a registered account.  Any unused amounts are carried forward to future years.  The $6,000 contribution room for 2022 means the lifetime contribution limit is now $81,500.

 

Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP)


A registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) is a type of registered savings plan set up underthe Income Tax Act and registered with the Canada Revenue Agency.  An RRSP is not an investment; you cannot buy an RRSP. Instead, an RRSP is a registered investment vehicle within which investors can deposit various types of investments.  In order to contribute to anRRSP, an individual must have earned income.

The growth of money invested inside an RRSP is not subject to tax until it is withdrawn.  In other words, the tax payable on investment growth is deferred until the future.  Since income earned inside an RRSP is tax-sheltered, RRSP investments grow much faster than non-registered investments held outside an RRSP.


Find out more

Whether you’re 30 years away or just a few months from retirement, proper retirement planning is essential. Contact Worby Wealth Management to start planning your retirement today.

 

*Source: Canadian Investment Funds Course




Some of the services that Worby Wealth Management can help you with: 

TRUSTED REGINA FINANCIAL ADVISOR Chris Worby from Worby Wealth Management helps you live your dream!



The Trusted Regina Team Brag About Meriel Gordon A Trusted Regina Real Estate Agent

The Trusted Regina team is thrilled to brag about our newest Trusted Regina REALTOR®. We are thrilled to welcome Meriel Gordon to the Trusted Regina Community of businesses operated with integrity.  Meriel Gordon is a Trusted Regina Real Estate expert


Meet Meriel Gordon of eXp Realty - A Trusted Regina REALTOR®

Meriel Gordon made an excellent first impression when we initially chatted about her business. Her passion for real estate was evident, and she is one of those people that makes you feel instantly at ease and comfortable. That trait is a bonus when choosing a Regina real estate agent to work with. We could easily see why Meriel built a solid business based on referrals and repeat clients. She shared that she loves building long-term relationships. Throughout her 30 year + career, Meriel has helped over 1500 clients with their real estate needs. Ongoing referrals from past clients, centres of influence and friends speak to Meriel’s integrity, professionalism and her commitment to service.. Meriel is committed to making every move as smooth as possible, and she takes even more exceptional care and attention to those making those final moves. This tells you a lot about her integrity and warm, caring personality. 

An Award-Winning Regina Real Estate Expert

Meriel has been recognized with many sales awards over the course of her career. In December 2021, she was recognized as an eXp Realty Canada ICON AGENT. To be an eXp ICON means agents have achieved specific production requirements and represent the company’s core values in a 12-month time period.

At eXp, their core values are more than just motivational posters on the virtual walls; they support their vision and shape their culture. The Trusted team fully supports these values listed below.

  • Community Be a good neighbour to create a sustainable legacy.

  • Service Make a positive change in our company and the local community.

  • Sustainability Be a good financial steward of the environment, organization and our families.

  • Integrity Do the right thing.

  • Collaboration We are all on the same field.

  • Innovation The best way to predict the future is to invent it.

  • Agile Force chaos and change to survive and grow.

  • Fun Don’t take yourself too seriously.


We asked Meriel how she ended up with a career in Real Estate. 
 
" I thought I was going to be a Vet, then a Pharmacist then a banker. In 1981 I went to a Home Buyers’ Laws and Procedures Workshop and I instantly knew I wanted to be a real estate agent. The mortgage rates were 18%, I was 23 years old, I knew nothing about real estate but I was determined to be a Realtor® so I could help people. And although it is decades later, I still love this business. I am helping people every day. I am humbled. People let me into their lives. They share their stories with me. I share in the journey with them. Real estate is not just a career to me; it is a huge part of my life."- Meriel Gordon 

Over the years Meriel has learned to be versatile, she values education and continually takes courses. She studies the ever-changing market trends and statistics. Meriel said that she believes she will never know it all or have seen it all, and she strives to be in front of the trend for her clients. We spoke to many of them as part of the Trusted Regina verification process, and we can share that they were all were huge fans of Meriel. 

"Meriel is great! She and her team exactly know what they are doing. They provide excellent customer service and have in-depth knowledge of the business. We refer clients with high assurance that they receive the very best in their craft. Their experience hone the skills and talents that they share with their referred clients. Thank you Meriel for your team and the wonderful experience. May you and your company continue to grow and help your community. " -Mario Daniel Sconza
" Meriel is the best realtor in Regina! She is the utmost professional who is very knowledgeable about the real estate market. She truly cared about selling my property and did so quickly, especially in this difficult market. She was very responsive to my calls and questions. I highly recommend Meriel and rate her as 5+++!"- Deb Zick 
In January 2022 Meriel Achieved the CLHMS® Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist, she is an expert in the Regina high-end homes market.



Meriel Gordon's career has been built on honesty, integrity, and always trying to do what is best. There have been huge changes in the way the real estate industry operates, but the premise of the business has always remained the same; helping people, and that is her purpose.

Meriel Gordon is a Trusted Regina Real Estate Agent



Trusted Regina Lawyers at MacKay & McLean Share the Law Around Domestic Violence and Best Interests of the Child.

MacKay & McLean provides the professional services of a large Regina law firm, with the intimate attention of a small firm. The legal process can be daunting and overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. MacKay & McLean is with you every step of the way.

MacKay &  McLean is a  TRUSTED REGINA LAW Firm. In Mackay & Mclean's latest legal tip they provide helpful information about the family law about domestic violence and the duty of care to children.  

Family Lawyers at MacKay & McLean Barristers & Solicitors Share the Law Around Domestic Violence and the Best Interests of the Child. 



In our latest Trusted Regina Legal tip, we share information on domestic violence and the Children’s Law Act when considering the best interests of the child.


On March 1, 2021, The Children’s Law Act, 2020 (the “CLA”) came into force. The CLA amended the criteria for the best interests of the child analysis, directing the courts to more effectively consider family violence as a factor when determining decision-making responsibilities and parenting time.

The relevant sections of the CLA for determining an appropriate parenting order are sections 10(1) through 10(4), which now specifically require the court to take into consideration any family violence including the nature, seriousness and frequency of violence, the harm or risk of harm to the child and the pattern of this behaviour, amongst other factors. 

Allegations of domestic violence are present in a significant number of applications before the court. However, more often than not, the alleged abuser categorically denies the allegations. The issue of who to believe and what weight to attribute to the allegations has been a common issue in family law. With the new amendments to the CLA, these issues are, once again, front and center.

Since the CLA came into force several cases have come before the Saskatchewan Court of Queen’s Bench addressing this issue. In Juraville v Armstrong, 2021 SKQB 73, the mother and father both alleged physical, verbal, emotional and sexual abuse at the hands of the other and denied, absolutely and completely, the version told by the other. Mr. Justice Megaw performed an in-depth analysis of how the court considers contradictory evidence of domestic violence in light of decision making and parenting, stating:

 

The real question, therefore, is not whether particular events, or any events, did or did not happen. Those may be determined in a trial, or they may remain undetermined. The focus of the court now must be on, and remain on, the best interests of these children and how to safely structure parenting in view of what is being alleged. The allegations of violence and abuse must, of course, be considered in determining these best interests. Such consideration is done not from a perspective of punishing the alleged abuser, or any party. It is important to keep in mind, by addressing the allegations of violence and abuse and by inserting protections, the court is not to be seen as having made findings of fact regarding these allegations.
 

Ultimately, despite the significant allegations of domestic violence, Mr. Justice Megaw determined that the concerns regarding allegations of violence could be addressed by ensuring the parties did not interact on a personal level and that the evidence did not support a conclusion that the children’s best interests would prevent parenting time with either the mother or father.

In a similar decision, DW v EO, 2021 SKQB 157, both parents alleged domestic violence was inflicted by the other and adamantly denied they were the perpetrator of any abuse. Despite the allegations, Madam Justice Richmond determined that it was still in the child’s best interests to have a shared parenting arrangement to facilitate the relationship between the child and both parents. This, despite the fact that both parents alleged family violence, demonstrated an unwillingness to cooperate with the other regarding the care of the child with violence and arguments continuing to occur in front of the child and a high level of anger and animosity towards each other.

While it is now a legislative requirement through the CLA for the court to consider domestic violence when analyzing the best interests of the child, it is still only one of many factors for the court to consider in a highly subjective analysis. Based on recent case law, the presence of domestic violence, particularly where the violence has not been inflicted on the child, appears to have minimal impact on the best interests of the child analysis.


Robert Mackay and the team at Mackay & McLean offer a variety of legal services and are able to represent you in a variety of situations that require counsel. In addition, they offer a free initial consultation. Trusted Regina Lawyers, based in Regina Saskatchewan, specialized in real estatecriminalpersonal injurycommercial & family law.

See more legal tips from Mackay & McLean here 




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