If the couple has set up an online registry, you can check it to see what's on their wish list.

No registry? Why not subtly ask those who know the couple well, like parents, bridesmaids or groomsmen?

You'll naturally want to give your best friend since kindergarten more than you would a new co-worker. That's perfectly normal--listen to your heart!

Whether you're a member of the wedding party or just a guest, the value of the gift also varies depending on your role in the big day.

Tip: If you're a member of the wedding party, you can all pool your money to buy a bigger gift.

Whether the wedding happens at the Ritz Carleton or in a sugar shack, it should have no impact on your gift. You should simply give what you can afford. No one wants their guests to go into debt to attend their wedding.

The non-refundable tax credit will be reduced to 35%

The tax credit for all CRCD shares acquired after February 28, 2018, will drop from 40% to 35%. In compliance with the fiscal rules, the annual maximum subscription amount by a shareholder will be determined by CRCD at a later date.  

Creation of a new share class that gives rise to a non-refundable tax credit of 10%

For each of the years 2018, 2019 and 2020, a non-refundable tax credit of 10% will be granted for the conversion of CRCD shares of the current class that have been held for at least seven years. In compliance with the fiscal rules, the annual maximum conversion amount by a shareholder will be determined by CRCD at a later date. 

CRCD will be authorized to convert up to $100 million per period. The conversion will only be available for shareholders who have never asked to have their shares redeemed or sold their shares by mutual agreement.

Shareholders will still be able to take advantage of the 35% tax credit for the acquisition of shares in the current class. However, neither the 10% credit nor the 35% credit will be available to individuals who have asked for redemption or sold by mutual agreement any shares of either the new class or the current class.

The shares of the new class will be governed by the same rules as the current class of shares (purchase by mutual agreement, special recovery tax, investments not eligible for RRSP, RRIF or TFSA purchases).

Taxation of private corporations - Passive investment income

Subsequent to the feedback received in response to the consultation document that accompanied the July 18, 2017, legislative proposals regarding the tax deferral on passive investment income earned within private corporations, the federal budget proposes two new measures applicable to taxation years that begin after 2018.

Reduction of the business limit 

The business limit of $500,000 will be reduced on a straight-line basis for corporations whose adjusted aggregate investment income (AAII), including that of associated companies, is between $50,000 and $150,000. The AAII will be based on aggregate investment income, with certain adjustments. In particular, for the purposes of AAII, accrued income from the savings in an exempt life insurance policy is not included in the definition of adjusted aggregate investment income. However, any gain realized on the disposition of the policy is included in adjusted aggregate investment income.

For example, the business limit of a corporation earning $80,000 of AAII in a given year will be reduced by $150,000 based on the following formula: 5 x ($80,000 - $50,000). Its business limit of $500,000 will be reduced to $350,000.

A corporation with business income of $75,000 will therefore have to earn more than $135,000 of AAII before its business limit is reduced below its business income of $75,000. 

Assuming a return of 5%, the corporation's business limit will be reduced on a straight-line basis if it has passive assets of between $1 million and $3 million.

Corporate income that is higher than the reduced business limit will continue to be subject to the general corporate tax rate (15% at the federal level). As announced earlier, the reduced corporate tax rate will be 10% in 2018 and 9% starting in 2019.

New Refundable Dividend Tax on Hand (RDTOH) accounts 

The budget proposes the creation of new refundable dividend tax on hand (RDTOH) accounts paying "eligible" dividends, while former RDTOH accounts would pay "non-eligible" dividends.

After making such payments, private corporations that paid non-eligible dividends would be obliged to obtain a refund from their "non-eligible" RDTOH accounts before obtaining a refund from their "eligible" RDTOH accounts.

Rules have been provided for allocating existing RDTOH balances between the two types of RDTOH accounts.

The advantages

• Stronger ties and deeper commitment

This can be an advantage in a world where people change jobs often. Not to mention the fact that, "When business heats up, you won't have to worry about paying a partner overtime," says Richard Bertrand.

In most circumstances, an employee won't put in 80 hours per week unless they are compensated for it.

• Better decision-making

If you forge ties with the right people, you'll benefit from their points of view, which can lead to better decisions than if you were on your own. This can be very helpful for growing your business.  

"I had a business that failed because I chose employees and partners who were too much like me," explains Richard Bertrand.

• More financing

"It can be easier to secure financing if you have a partner, because you'll have more  collateral for your loan," says Dominique Renaud, a tax specialist at Desjardins.

The disadvantages

• Higher costs

When everything goes well, you share the wealth (i.e., the profits). If your business relationship goes south, dissolving a partnership will cost you more than it would to terminate an employee. That's because partners are shareholders in the business. The emotional impact will also be more significant.

• Greater accountability

Are you in the habit of taking prospective clients out for lunch? Now you may find yourself having to justify the expense, as your new partner may not be convinced that the expenditure is worthwhile.

The advantages

• Flexibility

In many ways, you have a lot more options with an employee. For example, an employee is easier to replace than a partner if they don't meet expectations--even in a competitive labour market. "With a partner, the cycle takes several months," explains Richard Bertrand.

• Lower costs

At the end of the day, an employee will cost you less than a partner, even when you add up the salary, benefits (which add at least 20% to base pay) and other expenses such as training. 

The disadvantages

• Decreased retention

"Loyalty doesn't exist in the current employment market. People hop from one job to another," says the growth specialist. That means that you'll have to repeat the hiring and onboarding process often.

• Longer training 

Workers aren't productive starting on Day 1. You'll need to provide sufficient training, including on areas like corporate culture and operating methods. This takes time and therefore costs money. 

a) Frequently use of a credit card

b) Asking your financial institution to lower your line of credit

c) Not paying or paying less than the minimum monthly payment on a credit card

a) From the statement due date

b) From the date of the purchase

c) From the beginning of the month

a) More than $110

b) Exactly $110

c) Less than $110

a) Shares in a solid company

b) A mutual fund that invests in bonds

c) A guaranteed investment certificate

a) Portfolio 1: A variety of mutual funds investing in stocks

b) Portfolio 2: Shares in various companies

c) Portfolio 3: Mutual funds, stocks and bonds