Can you explain what type of machine you use and how it works?

We have a Niton Precious Metal Analyzer. This machine uses X-Ray technology to determine the purity of your gold, silver and platinum. Most dealers use an acid and need to estimate how much gold disappears after the acid is applied to determine the Karat. Our machine tells us and you, because we allow you to watch, the exact karat of all the gold we need to test. Most people who do watch are fascinated and very impressed with the gold tester. I remember a lady coming in with a bag of gold nuggets. She was told that they were 14k . Our machine showed that they were 22k, and she received over $1,000 more than our competition offered. Another gentleman was told that his bracelet was 14k and we showed him that it was the 18k he thought it was.

Jim Richardson 
Coin and Stamp Specialist

Western Coin and Stamps

How do you know when it’s time to reline dentures?

If the dentures no longer fit as well as they once did, you may need to have a procedure done to refit the base of the denture, called a“reline”.

Check with your Denturist to see if your dentures can be relined. It is best not to reline your dentures with over-the-counter reline kits. This procedure, which can be done by your Denturist, will enable your dentures to have a tighter, better fit. A new impression will be taken to ensure the proper landmark and a new base will be cured to the underside of your existing denture.

Quan Gifford R.D.
Registered Denturist,
Denture Clinic Owner & Operator

Dentureworks

I want to get more knowledgeable about my finances, where should I begin?

Start with our podcast, “It’s Personal Finance Canada” that’s available on all major hosting platforms. Already we’re in the top 5% of most followed education podcasts globally on Spotify, not too bad for a couple of Canadians. If you want to get information and be entertained in the process, check it out!

If you’re looking for more hands-on advice or have something specific you’d like to explore, we can help with financial goal setting with action steps, financial planning, insurance, investments, health & dental as well as retirement or estate planning. It’s nice to have a professional tell you if you’re on track to meeting your goals or what you would need to do to achieve them. We’re here to help you every step of the way, through the different stages of life.

Finally, if you’re looking for a place to engage with others about personal finance and ask questions, feel free to join our new It’s Personal Finance Canada Facebook group and Facebook discussion group.We take suggestions from the members about what to talk about on the podcast, started a book club, and I recently shared about my seven days no spend challenge. It would be great to see you there!”

Christine Conway 
CFP, CLU, CHS, CExP.
President

Braun Financial Services

I am ready to purchase a new home. Where do I start?

Whether you are purchasing your first home or next or perhaps you are interested in an investment property or cottage, you will be making some big decisions along the way. Your first step is to determine whether you are financially ready to purchase a home. A mortgage advisor can help you get started by providing you with advice and guidance that meets your unique situation and needs, so when you find the home you want to purchase, you are financially ready to do so. When you are looking for a mortgage advisor, find someone you feel comfortable with, who will answer all of your questions, who is excited to help you achieve your home ownership goals and make the journey as fun and seamless as possible.

Anna Yeung 
Mortgage Advisor

CIBC

Is pea protein a good source of protein in dog food?

Pea protein is a plant-based protein source that comes in a powder. It is extremely important to know and trust the source; you don’t know what other cheap garbage they snuck in! Pea protein is commonly used in dog food because it is MUCH cheaper than real meat. It’s a source of protein, but not a good one.

If you’re concerned about your furkids' health, it is much better to use real whole proteins NOT meals or powders! REAL chicken/ beef/lamb/turkey/salmon/kangaroo contain essential amino acids; the building blocks of your furkid’s health.

We invite you to check out our facility. No powders, additives, preservatives, powders, or synthetic ingredients. We make everything on-site! Amore Pet Foods is open 11 – 6 Monday to Saturday.

4540 Hastings Street, just east of Willingdon. Check us out at amorepetfoods.com

Bring your dog, we have a FREE sample bar. (Take home samples for cats)

Barbara Fellnermayr 
Owner & Founder

Amore Pet Foods

Does the new federal Underused Housing Tax (UHT) apply to Canadian owners?

UHT is a tax on the ownership of vacant or underused housing which took effect on January 1, 2022. The rate of tax is 1% of the taxable value of the property. It usually applies to non-resident, non-Canadian owners but does extend to Canadian owners as well in certain circumstances. If you are an“affected owner” on December 31 of any given tax year, you must file an Underused Housing Tax return or risk a penalty. The filing deadline for the 2022 year is April 30th, 2023. If you are a Canadian citizen, you are an“affected owner” if you own property as a trustee of a trust or as a partner of a partnership. Private corporations are also defined as “affected owners”. 

Even if you are an“affected owner”, your property may be exempt from UHT. Exemptions include certain types of affected owners and properties that are newly constructed, not suitable to be lived in year-round, uninhabitable for renovations, a defined vacation property, and in certain situations, the primary place of residence for you or your spouse. 

Andrew McIntosh
Partner

Cassady & Company

Are bicycles covered under my home insurance?

Insurance Myth: Bicycles are covered under policies for their full replacement cost.

Insurance Truth: Most insurers in Canada have a limitation on bicycles.

We sympathize with bicycle theft victims and urge people to check their insurance policy carefully as most insurers in Canada have a limitation on bikes or have no coverage whatsoever. For an extra premium, an insurance Rider insuring a specific bike is available that you can add to your existing policy to cover your bike for replacement cost. An insurance Rider is also available for an extra premium that will cover your bike replacement cost anywhere in the world should it get stolen.

Frank Astorino
President

John Fleming Insurance Agency

How Often Should I have a Check-up and Cleaning?

There are many factors that will determine how often you need to have your teeth cleaned. For the average patient with good oral hygiene habits, dentists recommend check-ups every 6 months. Regular cleaning can help to identify gum disease, screen for other oral diseases and can be an opportunity to discuss ways to prevent gum disease and tooth decay. Professional cleaning by a hygienist cleans your teeth in ways home care cannot. Special tools are used to remove stains and hard deposits like tartar and calculus that your toothbrush can’t remove. Your hygienist will discuss habits like smoking and high-sugar diets that can have a negative impact on oral health and will lead to needing more frequent professional care. A patient with gum disease can require cleanings every 3-4 months, sometimes even needing advanced care with a Periodontist (gum specialist). Talk to your dentist today!

Dr. Lovely
Dentist

New West Dentistry 
& Implant Centre

Do I need a doctor’s referral to book an appointment?

No, just give us a call or visit our online booking site. Physiotherapists, Chiropractors, Registered Massage Therapists, Naturopaths, and Acupuncturists are considered primary contact healthcare professionals in Canada. This means you can consult them directly, no referral needed! Plus, we offer private treatments, personalized care plans, and direct billing to most insurance companies. Our team of health professionals are here to help if you’re suffering from pain.

Here are some of our key treatments:

• Chiropractic Care 
• Orthotics 
• Physiotherapy 
• Dry Needling 
• Acupuncture 
• Facial Rejuvenation 
• Acupressure Massage 
• Cupping 
• Registered Massage Therapy
• Naturopathic Medicine
• Pelvic Health Care

Get back to the active, healthy life you want and deserve!

Rebecca Yu
Owner & Founder

Royal Treatment Therapeutics

What is Sponsored Content?

Sponsored Content is a brand-sponsored article that lives on a media publisher’s website. It looks and reads like the publications own content but is, in fact, a paid advertisement. It positions the brand as an expert by delivering interesting content that is relevant to a publisher’s audience. 

As we move further down the digital road, it’s important to connect with your audience online. Not merely advertise products and services… spark interest, answer questions, educate readers with valuable information. One example of this would be for a Realtor to sponsor an article on“How to turn your Basement Suite into a Rental Unit?”A Travel Agency could talk about“5 Best Trips to Cure the Winter Blues!”Maybe a Yoga Studio discusses“The Health Benefits of Maintaining a Good Work-Life Balance?”The general idea is to provide your audience with helpful, interesting, even must read articles… sponsored by your business of course! It’s a softer, but more memorable sell, presented in a journalistic style.

Sponsored Content builds brand trust & credibility, when used effectively can drive online traffic and engagement by leaps and bounds!!

Neeta Dhillon
Digital Media Strategist

Glacier Media Digital

Do I need a doctor’s referral to book an appointment?

No, just give us a call or visit our online booking site. Physiotherapists, Chiropractors, Registered Massage Therapists, Naturopaths, and Acupuncturists are considered primary contact healthcare professionals in Canada. This means you can consult them directly, no referral is needed! Plus, we offer private treatments, personalized care plans, and direct billing to most insurance companies. 

Our team of health professionals is here to help if you’re suffering from pain. Following a comprehensive assessment, we will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan. From there, a combination of supervised exercise, massage, manual therapy, and other treatments will be used to help you recover faster.

Here are some of our key treatments:

Rebecca Yu
Owner & Operator

Royal Treatment Therapeutics

• Chiropractic Care 
• Orthotics 
• Physiotherapy 
• Dry Needling 
• Acupuncture 
•  Facial Rejuvenation

• Acupressure Massage
• Cupping
• Registered Massage Therapy
• Naturopathic Medicine
• Pelvic Health Care

Get back to the active, healthy life you want and deserve!

What are the benefits of Gleam Guard?

All our technicians are personally trained by Tracy Booth the founder and inventor with 35 years of experience in the Gleam Guard dust-free odor-free process. Call and talk with Tracy to get a quote about your cabinets and wood throughout your house.

Tracy Booth
Owner & Founder

Gleam Guard

How long and what’s involved in the Gleam Guard process?

On an average size kitchen, it takes about 2 days to complete, you can still use your kitchen in the evenings and mornings while we work during the day in a dust and odor-free environment. The convenience of not having to remove your dishes from your cabinets while we refinish your cabinets gives you extra peace of mind and no additional stress. Unmatched 5 year guarantee and no mess to clean up after we leave.

Does the new federal Underused Housing Tax (UHT) apply to Canadian owners?

UHT is a tax on the ownership of vacant or underused housing which took effect on January 1, 2022. The rate of tax is 1% of the taxable value of the property. It usually applies to non-resident, non-Canadian owners but does extend to Canadian owners as well in certain circumstances. If you are an“affected owner” on December 31 of any given tax year, you must file an Underused Housing Tax return or risk a penalty. The filing deadline for the 2022 year is April 30th, 2023. If you are a Canadian citizen, you are an“affected owner” if you own property as a trustee of a trust or as a partner of a partnership. Private corporations are also defined as “affected owners”. 

Even if you are an“affected owner”, your property may be exempt from UHT. Exemptions include certain types of affected owners and properties that are newly constructed, not suitable to be lived in year-round, uninhabitable for renovations, a defined vacation property, and in certain situations, the primary place of residence for you or your spouse.