20 - Wednesday, September 23, 1987 - North Share News Roney market vi for sen I'LL BE a senior citizen in four years — at age 50 — thanks to First City Trust. The company’s Fifty (irst ac- count offers a bonus interest rate, free cheques and other benefits. So to “Bald is Beautiful,” | can now add, ‘Older is Cheaper.” “We recognize the importance of attracting the senior client and feel we truly have an cdge on the market by establishing our senior's age at 50,"' said West Vancouver’s First City branch manager Trudi Kloepper. Added Doris Bradstreet, marketing and = human resources vice-president: “From a list of 17 possible ser- vices, a market stirvey we commis- sioned showed the most important attributes of a senior’s account were @ premium interest rate on savings, no service charges on the account, cheques returned free with monthly statement, free per- sonalized cheques, preferred cus~ tomer card and commission-free utility payments.” 1 deal at several financial institu- tions. That way, | benefit from the strengths and special attractions of each. dollars & sense by Mike Grenby rs It’s a competitive market, Make sure you get the most for your money by shopping around among the various banks, trust companies and credit unions. Service and conveniece are im- portant, too. [f you feel comfor- table and your financial institution is one of the most competitive, that’s fine. But if you aren’t hap- py, either fight for better products and services — or switch. sete Talking about getting older, | feel we still don’t profit enough from the rich resource we have in our senior citizens. When | was thinking about leav- ing a 25-year career at The Van- couver Sun to go into business for myself, ] turned for advice to a good friend — a man who had cisen through the ranks to presi- dent of one of our major com- panies before retiring. His insights were invaluable. From his lifetime of business expe- riences, he was able to provide opinions that helped me make my decision. And his continuing ad- vice has enabled me to profit from his more than 40 years of practical knowledge. Whether you need business or personal help, remember the wealth in the minds of our seniors. It’s yours for the asking. ot € ‘Two more tax tips if the latest reform proposals go through: (Ql) Maximize your Josses on rental property this year. For ex- ample, if you are going to have to spend money on repairs, do it be- fore year-end. Under the proposed changes, starting in 1988 any fosses you claim will reduce your capital gains exemption when you sell any asset. (2) Only post-secondary tuition will be deductible starting next year. If you have a child paying for his or her own private second~ ary schooling, consider having him or her pay the balance owing of the 1987-88 fees before Dec. 31. eee Pretend you are taking a year- long world trip. You have to pay ail your bills and other debts be- fore you leave. So add up every dollar you owe, Does the total shack you? } know it shocked me when TE once left for a two-month trip and winted to clear the slate. Generally Jower interest rates have tempted Canadians into the red al a record rate. People ran up an additional $1.2 billion of consumer credit the first three months of this year — six times the increase ia the same period last year. And mortgage debt rase $4.3 billion, up from a $3 billion increase. You don’t have to worry about national totals. But do look al your own pool of red ink. Are you having (rouble staying afloat? Specifically: Can you pay your debts without difficulty? Could you cope if in- es iors’ savings terest rates rose? Or if a job toss cut regujar income? Can you af- ford the interest rates you are pay- ing? Any ‘‘no'' answers should prompt you to go against the na- tional trend and lower your debts — and possibly your overall spen- ding. Do you have a financial or con- sumer question for Mike? Or a story you Ghink should be in his column? Please write to Mike Grenby, North Shore News, 1139 Lonsdale, North Vancouver V7M 2H4. Remember to include your phone number in case Mike needs fo contact you, Mike cannot reply individually but will answer as many of your letters as possible through the North Shore News, Introducing the Roy al Trus we ee ee ee ee wy BUSINESS WORKSHOPS #1 BUYING A BETTER (RETAIL) BUSINESS covers the essentials of buying an existing retail business. Practical information. Bring your Paper, Pen and Calculator! « SPEAKER: Tim Bramwell of Early Stages Marketing * Monday, September 28, 1987 6:30-9:30 p.m. ® $30.00 but with this ad only $25.00 per persan *® At the NORTH SHORE ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT CENTRE Suite 301, 145 W. 15th St., North Vancouver Pre-registration before Sept. 25th. Call 984-2004 <=NSEDC NORTH SHORE ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT CENTRE ‘Retirement Fitness Test”’ This new service has been designed to help you develop a personal financial plan for achieving your retirement objectives. If you are between the ages of 35 and 60 this retirement planning service is for you. Your personal Retirement Fitness Test covers taxes, retirement savings plans, pensions, investments and more. Based on your answers to a confidential questionnaire, we will conduct a detailed analysis and forecast vour income and expenses at retirement. We'll design a customized strategy to help you meet your personal retirement goals, or we'll provide you with the assurance that your current plan will enable you to meet those goals. Your strategy will include specific recommendations of steps you can take today to ensure yourself of a comfortable retirement. Your Royal Trust advisor will provide you with a complete written report and discuss your results with you. You'll be surprised how affordable objective retirement planning can be. Get your retirement financial plan “in shape” today! Visit your local Royal Trust branch. North Vancouver Branch 1524 Lonsdale Ave. 984-4466 West Vancouver Branch 1760 Marine Drive 922-3276