SilverCompass FP

THINK BEFORE YOU CLICK. PLEASE!
Tax season is stressful enough and hasn't even started but an elderly client sent me into heart palpitations yesterday when she sent me a big thank you for getting her a large refund "per the text she received from CRA" Hint: 1) We have not even reviewed her return for 2025 yet 2) the client doesn't pay any tax so she never gets a refund 3) ) CRA does not text and 4)CRA will never ask for your banking info.
The only reason this nice senior did lose any money was that she could not find the CV on the back of her bank card when entering her banking info into the text reply. However, she did try to get the code by visiting her local bank branch. Please be on alert for yourself and for any seniors or family members that might not be aware that all day long someone is trying to get their money, their identity or their info. These scams can lead to financial loss, identity theft and lots of stress.
The only email you will get from CRA will be to tell you that there is a message in your CRA portal. The message will come from a legitimate domain like -ard.gc.ca The email will not provide a direct link to a payment page or ask for info. Don't have a CRA portal? You need one ASAP and I will rant about that tomorrow. 😀🇨🇦

As if there are not enough issues to worry about these days, financial fraud is on the rise in Canada. According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre over the past 2 years, Canadians have lost more than $1.18 billion to fraud. The real number is likely more because fraud and scams are chronically underreported. AI tools, will drive the growth of online fraud. That's why it's key to stay vigilant, educated and proactive to protect yourself. With this in mind, I've added a whole section related to fraud watch/resources to my website to help you stay alert to fraud. I hope you will find this new section of my website more helpful than depressing. 😀

Fraud Watch | silvercompass.ca Fraud Watch Educational Videos How to Protect Yourself Against Fraud

What a year that was! 2025 brought us many changes and challenges, including significant domestic, global and technical shifts. Despite this, the markets remained positive. While uncertainty and volatility will likely persist in 2026, building resilient portfolios and a comprehensive financial plan are the best tools for building confidence and financial peace of mind. All the best for this brand new year 2026. 😀

2025 Year in Review: Staying Financially Strong in Uncertain Times | silvercompass.ca As we wrap up 2025, it’s a good time to pause and reflect on what the year has brought—and more importantly, how to position ourselves for success in 2026. This year has been another reminder that global uncertainty is here to stay. Trade tensions, fluctuating interest rates, and uneven economic...