Wealth management depends on clear guidance, strategic planning, and steady progress, and this brings you directly to the question many clients ask at the beginning: what do financial advisors do? They serve as dedicated planners who help individuals align their financial decisions with long-term goals. You gain a structured path for investments, insurance, tax […]
A financial advisor career description explains how advisors guide individuals through decisions that shape long-term financial stability. You gain a clear view of responsibilities, qualifications, service expectations, and professional growth. You also see how advisors strengthen financial confidence for clients who want structured guidance across savings, investments, retirement preparation, insurance planning, tax efficiency, and […]
Financial advisor training programs shape how you grow from an aspiring advisor into a trusted professional. They give you structure, skills, and real-world confidence to serve clients effectively while running your own practice. In this article, you’ll explore how DFSIN’s programs, mentorship, and continuous learning help you become more independent, more knowledgeable, and better […]
This article walks you through how to become a financial advisor in Canada, step by step. You’ll learn why this path offers opportunity, what makes DFSIN Toronto West unique, how partnering with Desjardins strengthens your position, how DFSIN Toronto West supports your independence and growth, what training and compensation look like, real success stories […]
The original publishing date was 1 December 2020, and the content was revised and updated on 6 August 2025.
Life’s unexpected twists and turns can be challenging, especially when it comes to your child’s health. Investing in critical illness insurance for children is one of the best ways to plan for the […]
Critical illness insurance for employees provides valuable financial protection that goes beyond standard workplace benefits. While their regular health insurance helps with basic medical needs, it often leaves gaps when they face a major illness. That’s where these specific coverage steps come in. This article will help you understand how critical illness insurance for […]
Disability insurance is not tax deductible in Canada when you pay the premiums personally. If your employer pays the premiums, any future disability benefits may be taxable. Understanding the tax treatment upfront can help you avoid costly surprises down the road.
Key takeaways:
- Disability insurance premiums are generally not tax-deductible for individuals in Canada.
- Tax […]
If you’ve ever glanced at your pay stub and wondered what “LTD” stands for, you’re not alone. LTD refers to Long-Term Disability insurance, and it shows up as a deduction on your paycheck when your employer offers this benefit.
This line item can catch people off guard, especially if they […]
If you’re wondering whether your health qualifies for disability benefits in Canada, the short answer is this: any condition, physical or mental, that significantly restricts your daily life and ability to work may qualify, provided you can prove it with clear medical evidence. Now, the longer answer? It depends on several factors: your […]
Critical illnesses can strike without warning. You don’t always get to choose when a health emergency happens, and when it does, it can have a serious impact on your business. That’s why Critical Illness Insurance for Business is more than just an option, it’s a smart move to protect your company’s financial stability and […]
You need critical illness insurance if you want financial protection against the unexpected costs of a serious illness. Many people wonder, how much critical illness insurance do I need to feel secure? This type of insurance provides a tax-free lump sum if you’re diagnosed with a covered illness, helping you handle medical bills, living […]
If you’re trying to figure out how to apply for long-term disability in Ontario, you’re probably already dealing with enough stress. This article walks you through the application process, clearly, simply, without skipping over the stuff that matters. We’ll talk about how the policies work, what to expect with the forms, how long it […]
Critical illness insurance (CII) provides policyholders in Canada with a lump sum payment to help cover medical expenses when diagnosed with a specific medical condition like cancer, heart attack, or stroke. To support you in your search for a plan that works, the insurance solutions professionals at DFSIN TORONTO WEST (Orlando Ali Financial) […]
If you live in Ontario and you’re wondering whether your condition qualifies for disability benefits in Canada, yes, there are specific rules, then the process isn’t always as black and white as it seems. The goal of this guide is to break that down into something clearer, more practical. Not just a list of […]
The cost of critical illness insurance in Canada depends on factors like your age, health, coverage amount, and the type of plan you choose. If you’re worried about managing the cost or handling unexpected medical expenses, Desjardins critical illness insurance offers a lump sum payment upon diagnosis of a covered illness. This payout gives […]
Retirement planning is more than a savings goal — it’s a system for converting accumulated assets into predictable, sustainable income over multiple decades. For Canadians with complex financial profiles, retirement introduces new challenges: coordinating income sources, managing taxes, preserving capital, and ensuring your plan adapts to longevity and healthcare needs.
This guide outlines how each […]
A Retirement Strategy You Haven’t Considered—But Should
Ok, let’s talk about a retirement funding option that is usually not talked about but could be your secret weapon for retirement planning: an Insured Retirement Plan (IRP) through a participating life insurance policy. Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Life insurance? Don’t you need to buy so […]
If you’re a resident of Ontario, you probably know that we have a pretty comprehensive healthcare system provided by the government. The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) covers doctor visits, hospital stays, and many other medical services that many people around the world would love to have. But here’s the problem: when a critical […]
Congratulations to The Nite Owl Barber Shop with your 2021 GoodSpark Grant win! Another worthy recipient of the Desjardins GoodSpark Grants Program, together with five other winners in the beauty and cosmetics category. We received more than 6,000 applications for the grant program and are thrilled for the 150 winning businesses.
Desjardins Financial Security […]
Congratulations to The Fungi Connection for their 2021 GoodSpark Grant win! The Agriculture/Agri-food category of the 2021 Desjardins GoodSpark Grants Program had the biggest number of successful applicants, with 33 grants awarded.
Everyone at Desjardins Financial Security Independent Network (DFSIN) Toronto West looks forward to experiencing the business acceleration offered by your new facility. […]
Securing a life insurance policy that accounts for your family’s situation during a critical illness is pivotal for safeguarding long-term financial stability. Whether you or a loved one is facing a life-threatening diagnosis, ensuring the right insurance coverage is in place is paramount.
To assist you in this crucial decision-making process, the insurance experts at […]
Purchasing long-term disability insurance is the best way to protect your financial livelihood in the unfortunate case of personal injury—especially if you’re self-employed. Unlike worker’s compensation, long-term disability insurance covers accidents on and off the job, providing you with an additional layer of economic security in times of hardship. Whether you’re researching long-term […]
Providing health insurance for small businesses in Ontario is a great way to attract new employees, improve workplace satisfaction, and foster a community of well-being. To help you understand the benefits of offering your employees affordable access to health insurance coverage, the insurance solution professionals at DFSIN TORONTO WEST have highlighted a few […]
Originally published: December 1, 2020 | Updated: August 24, 2025
A critical illness plan gives you financial protection when your health is at its most vulnerable. With cancer rates continuing to rise across Canada, this type of coverage has become more relevant than ever. A serious diagnosis doesn’t just […]
When it comes to purchasing a life insurance policy, there’s certainly a lot of details to go over before choosing the right plan for you. That’s why it can help immensely to have a team of reliable financial advisors at your side. If you’re currently looking at life insurance plans, you’ll have to decide […]
Running your own retail store is undoubtedly a demanding endeavor. From managing employees and orders to keeping track of inventory, your plate is always full. With so much on your hands, why add the additional stress of worrying about the benefits of health insurance for small businesses in Ontario?
At DFSIN […]
Are you considering investing but unsure where to start? Choosing the right investment advisor is crucial for achieving your financial goals and securing your future. With so many options available, it’s essential to evaluate your choices carefully. Here are some key factors to consider when selecting an investment advisor in Canada:
1. […]
When it comes to life insurance, you want to make sure that the plan you choose will protect both your assets, as well as your family should you fall ill or in the case of an unexpected death. However, what is the benefit of life insurance? How can you tell which plan is right […]
There are a lot of insurance products on the market, and it can sometimes be difficult to know which ones will best suit your needs. Two products that often confuse people are critical illness insurance and disability insurance. While there are some common aspects between these types of coverage, they are fundamentally different products.
The best […]
When people hear the term “ financial advisor,” the first thing that comes to mind is someone trained to offer financial tips and advice, but that’s only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the services they offer. Financial advisors can provide a host of benefits, […]
A message from our team
Hi Everyone,
We are all facing a truly unprecedented time in our history. The Covid 19 pandemic affects all of us; our families, our friends, our communities, our schools, and our businesses have all been impacted during this time and many of us our struggling to make it through. I wanted […]
Life insurance is often associated with breadwinners, but what about stay-at-home parents? Despite not earning a traditional income, the invaluable contributions of stay-at-home parents are immeasurable. Their role is crucial to the family’s well-being, from managing household affairs to caring for children. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore why stay-at-home parents need
The original publishing date was 5 August 2020, and the content was revised and updated on 17 October 2024.
When it comes to children’s critical illness cover, there can be a lot of options out there for families with children, making it difficult to select the best packages for […]
When it comes to your financial assets, you can never be too careful. That’s why many people turn to financial advisors for expert guidance. However, it may initially seem overwhelming if you’ve never had experience searching for a financial advisor. To help simplify the process, here are ten essential questions to ask […]
Running a small business can certainly be a big task: there’s payroll to manage, employees to oversee, staff to hire, and customers to keep happy. With so many responsibilities, it’s understandable that small business owners might find it challenging to also worry about their employees’ health. However, investing in small business […]
Understanding What is Critical Illness Insurance:
As a small business owner, you likely spend much time growing and investing in your business, right? Well, what if the unthinkable happened and you were diagnosed with a life-threatening illness? You probably couldn’t commit too much time to work during your recovery, and you might have […]
Life is often unpredictable and unfortunately, one might never know when a child will be born or diagnosed with a critical illness. Having a child with a critical illness can certainly put a financial burden on a family, but there are options like critical illness child insurance designed to lessen that burden.
The team at […]
Are you nearing retirement age and want to protect your assets? Perhaps you’re just starting a family and want to put some money aside to ensure they’re protected from financial burdens. Either way, financial advice can help make sure all of your future needs are met. But what […]
When it comes to preparing for emergencies or the end of your life, it’s important to ensure that your loved ones are protected as much as possible. This is where purchasing comprehensive life insurance comes into play. The right life insurance plan can help ensure that should there be an unexpected event, your family […]
Contrary to what many believe, it is possible – in some cases – for a cancer patient to get a life insurance policy. Life insurance for cancer survivors is a tricky thing, and there are a lot of factors that decide if you potentially qualify for a policy. The most important aspect is […]
The possibility of becoming disabled and unable to work is something everyone should consider if they are concerned about their long-term financial stability. Disability insurance can shoulder much of the burden from a disability, paying out between 65%-85% of your previous monthly wages to keep your bills paid, but that’s only the first […]
The original publishing date is March 10, 2020, and the content was revised and updated on December 24, 2024.
A critical illness insurance policy helps protect your finances if your claim is denied after being diagnosed with a serious condition, such as a heart […]
When you buy long-term disability insurance, you are getting a policy that protects you in the event you become disabled and unable to work for an extended amount of time. Disability insurance acts as an income replacement, generally providing between 65%-85% of your previous monthly […]
Disability insurance in Brampton may not be for everyone, but everyone should at least consider it. Disability insurance provides a guaranteed monthly payout for policyholders who are unable to work due to covered accidents or illnesses. If someone is facing months or years without employment, it can be a true lifesaver for paying for bills, […]
One common misconception people hold is that it’s impossible to get a life insurance policy after receiving a cancer diagnosis. This is not entirely true! While a cancer diagnosis will make purchasing life insurance more difficult, there are situations where life insurance for cancer survivors is an option.
It’s a complicated topic that can’t be […]
Critical illness insurance helps protect you financially in the case of a serious or debilitating illness. It’s an important insurance product, one that could benefit almost anyone. It is particularly helpful for those who are wage-earners supporting families.
However, it’s not a very well-understood form of insurance, and there are a lot of misconceptions […]
No one can predict the future, which is why it’s so important to prepare for the unexpected by investing in life insurance or critical illness insurance. However, you might be wondering what the differences are between the two and whether there are any benefits to investing in both. At Desjardins Financial Security Independent […]
When you’re working a job, you rely on that steady paycheck each month to develop a solid budget, pay rent and bills, and take care of other important financial obligations. What if suddenly you were to lose that security? This is where disability insurance comes in. If you’re injured on the job or […]
It doesn’t matter if you’re getting older or are as fit as a spring chicken, if you’re a business owner or executive, protecting your company’s assets should you or another partner suffer a critical illness should be an important concern. Many small businesses invest in executive health plans that cover their assets and provide […]
Insurance policies can be hard to discuss because they require talking about situations that nobody likes talking about. Who wants to ponder the idea that they could be injured, or become critically ill, in a way that leaves them disabled and unable to work?
Yet, the reality is, this will happen to millions of Canadians […]
If you were to suffer a life-changing medical condition, such as cancer or a stroke, would you have the resources available to pay for your treatment without compromising your way of life?
This isn’t a scenario anyone enjoys contemplating… but it happens to millions of Canadians every year. 49% of men and 45% […]
Most Canadians understand the need for medical insurance and life insurance and carry policies to protect their family in the event of a tragedy. However, fewer consider the benefits of finding the best critical illness insurance for their needs as well. Critical illness insurance is a safety net in between traditional medical […]
For many people, critical illness insurance can make a difficult time a bit easier. Critical illness insurance (CI) is a form of medical insurance specifically intended to cover the huge medical bills which can accompany the diagnosis of cancer, heart disease, strokes, and other major life-threatening illnesses. Payouts are prompt after the diagnosis […]
If you have a history of medical problems in your family, such as strokes, heart attacks, or cancer, there’s a good chance you’ve considered critical illness insurance. Critical illness insurance provides coverage against the huge medical costs that can accompany the treatment needed for catastrophic illnesses such as these.
However, what if you already […]
Planning for retirement is a multifaceted process that requires a thorough understanding of the various income streams available to Canadians. A well-structured retirement plan typically integrates government-sponsored programs, personal savings, and employer-sponsored pension plans. This comprehensive guide will help you by providing detailed insights and the latest statistics to help you create a robust […]
The year was 1980, Post-it notes were just introduced, the USA defeated the Soviet Union in the “Miracle on Ice”, the entire world was wondering “who shot J.R.?”, and perhaps most importantly, yours truly was born. Being born in 1980 I am at the end of period of generation Xer because the early 1980’s […]
National Conference in Whistler BC
Congratulations to all of the amazing advisors from the DFSIN Toronto West (Rexdale and Brampton) who qualified for the National Conference in Whistler BC. It was an inspiring and educational event that recognized all of their hard work and dedication to their profession and their clients! Great Job and see […]
On Saturday, August 10, our DFSIN Rexdale and Brampton offices held a Client Appreciation BBQ, as well as a Walk for a Cause for the William Osler Health System Foundation. We had over 200 come out and enjoy the good food, weather and walk for an amazing cause!
The William Osler Health System Foundation has […]
DFSIN Rexdale, Brampton and Toronto Northwest
January 21st, 2019
Excited to have the pleasure of hosting the 2019 DFSIN Rexdale, Brampton, and Toronto Northwest Kick-off event!
It’s an honour to be part of such an amazing group of advisors!
Great Success to all in 2019!
Yesterday, our very own Luisa Hrysio, delivered an exciting new workshop. At our first-ever retirement workshop, audience members learned about the various components of retirement planning. We also discussed the importance of working with a financial advisor.
In our workshop, attendees learned the various components of a retirement portfolio, such as the Canadian Pension Plan, […]
Do you ever dream about what retirement will look like?
Maybe you’re traveling? Maybe you are living in your dream home? Maybe you are enjoying your hobbies or spending your time with your grandkids?
Have you started exploring your retirement plan?
We all work hard to have the retirement of our dreams but have we stopped to […]
Whether you are self-employed or someone in or nearing retirement you have likely reached a level of independence in life. You may have always felt that one way or another you are working towards a level of financial freedom; freedom to choose how you will spend your retirement and spend your money.
From experience, you […]
In recent months, investment firms dedicated to attracting do-it-yourself investors have been running television commercials about how financial advisors are sleazy, smug business people who are only looking out for themselves at the expense of their clients. The advertisers do a wonderful job at suggesting that people shouldn’t be dealing with a financial advisor […]
Most of us know relatives or friends who were diagnosed with a life-altering illness and the enormous impact that it had on their lives and the toll it takes upon the family.
However, as a financial advisor, I must be able to see the silver lining and how my profession supports the dreams and goals […]
As a dashing young man, if there is one thing I know – it’s women! Furthermore, speaking as a financial advisor, if there is one thing I know about women, it’s that they need to be better prepared financially for a critical illness. Before I explain why this is especially important to women, let’s […]
Kusum Sen, BA, CHS, Financial Advisor’s article on Estate preservation – Desjardins Financial Security Independent Network (DFSIN)
Ryan Daniels, Regional Sales Director, Desjardins Insurance1,
Good estate planning goes far beyond deciding who gets what; it speaks to the passion for giving and sharing. Whether your passion is to provide for […]
One of the more recent trends to appear in the age of social media is people opening their hearts and wallets to donate to strangers after they hear a heart-wrenching story on the news.
The occurrence is becoming more and more common… a tragic story is broadcast on the news or on social media involving […]
“It’s Patrick. He took out life insurance…Good for you, son.” If you were a child of the 1990s like me, you will no doubt remember the iconic lines of one of the most run commercials on the air in the late 80s and early 90s that was mixed in between episodes of The Simpsons […]
The one thing to know about workplace life insurance is that it has an expiry date: the day you stop working for this employer. So, the most important factor to consider is, how long do you want your coverage to last? If you retire at age 65 your workplace life insurance plan ceases. Consider […]
Off the top, permanent insurance seems like the better deal. Let’s put it this way, it’s a more robust product and because of this the price is higher. But they both have their value depending on your need. Many people consider purchasing a blend of the two.
Unlike term insurance, permanent insurance is meant to cover you for your entire life; hence, it’s “permanent”. There are two payment options. First, you can pay for the rest of your life (until age 100). This is the cheaper option, but I know what you’re thinking…. for the rest of my life??? That sounds […]
Many people most often ask me an apparently simple question: “Why do I need life insurance?” Let’s see if I can answer this question without boring you to death. Sorry, bad life insurance joke.
Why do I need life insurance?
Put simply, life insurance is meant to replace the income that you contribute to your family […]
3 Government Disability Plans That May Not Protect You Like You Think
Over the years, many people have told me that they felt income protection – “disability insurance” – wasn’t a priority. They believed that they were already covered by Employment Insurance, by “worker’s compensation” though the Workplace Safety Insurance Board or the Canada Pension […]
Every year Desjardin Financial Security Independent Network’s top advisors attend our annual Kickoff Conference where the country’s top advisors our honored and celebrated, and develop our skills. During the award ceremony portion of the event, awards/ qualifiers are announced for the top financial centers, individual advisors, and new-recruit advisors (experience of 3 years or […]
Our Kickoff 2018 Qualifiers Celebrate in Quebec City: (From Left to Right) Ian Gawel, Maria Raso, Jackie Yao, Liz Viveiros, Syed Tirmizi, Orlando Ali Jr., Orlando Ali Sr. – Not Pictured: Jean-Francois Rousseau, Ron Kent
Every year Desjardins Financial Security Independent Network’s top advisors attend our […]
The primary source of retirement income for the majority of Canadians who are nearing retirement will be personal savings. This is especially important because evidence is showing that government pensions will not be enough. But things haven’t been easy for investors because of the […]
In the summer of 2014 Orlando Ali, Sr. – my father – the managing director of a Desjardins Financial Security Independent Network financial centre got the news that everyone dreads hearing; he had cancer. Now, this wasn’t a huge surprise because Orlando comes from a huge family of nine siblings; and between both his […]
by Kusum Sen
Critical illness insurance may not be what many people believe. There is a misconception that it is a financial benefit covered by our provincial health care plans. This couldn’t be further from the truth; governments do not pay us when/if we become critically ill, we have to manage our own financial affairs.
In South […]
DFSIN Rexdale will be at Canada’s Bridal Show. If you are getting married or know someone who is come by our booth to meet with our advisors Luisa Hrysio and Ron Kent, to enter our trip draw for a $3000 travel gift card.
Canada’s Bridal Show is the most renowned Bridal Show, established in 1984 […]
For many people, the notion of estate planning is not very exciting. But take a closer look at the subject and you’ll see that it’s actually about keeping as much as possible of your wealth for your loved-ones. Whether you’re starting out in a new career, raising a young family, saving for a child’s […]
It’s estimated that it costs well over $200,000 to raise a child from birth to age 18, not counting post-secondary education. (MoneySense.ca 2015) So when a new child joins a family, parents and grand-parents tend to think about starting an education fund like a Registered Education Savings […]
A key benefit of having a professional financial services advisor is that we are educated and experienced in innovatively solving our clients’ financial challenges. Oftentimes, I’m presented with situations that require all of my skills to find the best solutions for my clients, and recently one such situation presented itself.
Over the years, I’ve provided […]
The DFSIN Rexdale Financial Center is extremely proud to announce that in 2016 we were a partner with The Hospital Activity Book for Children (www.habfc.com). Recently, the HABFC has announced that by helping create an activity book for their partner, Sick Kids, over $100,000 was raised to help fulfill […]
Congratulations to Roberto Ciarallo, who is one of our Financial Centre’s longest tenured advisors.
Roberto recently has become our newest advisor to obtain his Mutual Funds license. We wish him all the best and we know he will advise his clients in investments through mutual funds, with the same passion and dedication as he has […]
Mortgage insurance: Are you really protected?
There’s nothing more exciting than signing the dotted line on your first mortgage. You’re a proud home owner now, with your ownership deed and a lighter wallet as proof. And if you’re like most Canadians, your home will be at the centre of your family and social […]
What parent wouldn’t be willing to trade places with a child stricken with a critical illness? The situation is devastating, from both an emotional and financial viewpoint. A critically ill child has more of an impact on a family’s finances because a parent’s disability insurance cannot be applied to help the child. Of course, […]
