Financial Literacy And Planning

If you’re a young person working in African agriculture… You might be wondering: Where’s the money? Why do investors ignore smallholder farmers and rural youth? But here’s what many don’t realize: You’re sitting on the continent’s most powerful untapped investment. Let’s break it down: If Africa had just 100 people: ↳ 60 depend on agriculture for their livelihood ↳ 33 are youth under 30 ↳ 20 are unemployed ↳ 10 run informal agri-enterprises ↳ Only 3 ever receive formal investment And yet—agriculture contributes over 30% of GDP in many African countries. This means: Africa’s agriculture is full of potential but starved of capital. Now, here's how you can position yourself—and your community—to attract and grow investment: 1/ Think Like an Agripreneur Agriculture isn’t just digging and planting—it’s a business. ↳ Track your costs and profits ↳ Package your work into a clear business model ↳ Create value along the supply chain Investors don’t fund ideas—they fund solutions with numbers. 2/ Build Investment-Ready Projects If you’re seeking funding, show that you're fundable. ↳ Have a simple pitch deck or concept note ↳ Know your numbers: revenue, expenses, break-even point ↳ Show traction, even if small (a pilot project, customer base, testimonials) Start lean. Prove demand. Scale later. 3/ Leverage Digital Agriculture Data is the new currency in agri-finance. ↳ Use apps to monitor your production ↳ Gather testimonials and digital evidence of impact ↳ Platforms like Hello Tractor, AgUnity, and ThriveAgric are helping youth raise capital Investors trust what they can track. 4/ Tell a Better Story Your pitch needs a purpose. ↳ Why this crop, this region, this model? ↳ How many jobs are you creating? ↳ What problem are you solving for consumers or climate resilience? Impact + clarity = attention. 5/ Start with Local Financing Don't wait for global investors—look around you. ↳ SACCOs, microfinance groups, village savings and loan associations (VSLAs) ↳ Cooperatives pooling funds ↳ Agribusiness competitions and government grant calls Every $100 you secure and multiply builds trust. 6/ Collaborate for Scale You may not have land, capital, or equipment—but someone does. ↳ Partner with youth-led cooperatives ↳ Offer your skills in data, marketing, or logistics ↳ Build trust and equity through shared results Smart partnerships attract smart money. 7/ Don’t Just Seek Investment—Be One Once you grow, reinvest. ↳ Support other young farmers ↳ Mentor others on what you’ve learned ↳ Share your wins so others see what’s possible The best way to grow African agriculture is to plant into people. So, ask yourself: Are you building something worth investing in? The future of African food systems is young, digital, and investable. Start where you are—with what you have. P.S. Have you ever applied for an agri grant or investor pitch? What worked (or didn’t)? Share your experience👇🏾

I asked him a simple question: “Who’s holding you accountable every single day?” He went silent. That silence told me everything. I was working with the CEO of a mid-sized firm, and for the last two years, their revenue had plateaued. They had everything in place: A product the market wanted A capable team Enough demand And yet, the numbers weren't moving. I introduced him to what I call the Accountability Triad, a framework we began working on together: 1️. Self-accountability I had him start every Monday with a 10-minute self-review. Looking back at last week: What did I commit to? What got done and what didn’t? 2️. Team accountability We redesigned weekly meetings. Instead of talking about how hard everyone worked, we shifted to outcomes: What did we actually achieve? What did we learn? 3️. Stakeholder accountability We built a rhythm of sharing results and progress transparently with customers and investors. That openness built trust. His credibility soared. Six months later, the numbers told a very different story: Revenue grew by 18% Product delivery improved by 30% The leadership team was finally aligned on both successes and failures Without accountability, even the best strategy is just paper on a desk. But with accountability in place, growth is inevitable.

Here is why you really need to think about this👇🏻 A client vented their frustrations recently, that they were nowhere near achieving the goals they had set for themselves at the start of the year. They had become so overwhelmed as time went on, that their goals seemed to almost be out of reach and they now spent more time stressing about these goals than actually actioning them. Sound familiar? I have definitely fallen into that trap myself in the past.😆 Here is how I helped them overcome this mental block (because that is exactly what it is). Their goals hadn't changed but their mindset had and mindset will determine success or failure! Like all goals, unless they are backed by lots of small steps that are easy to implement, they all tend to fade away. Goal setting is a process that starts with careful consideration of what you want to achieve, and ends with a lot of hard work to actually do it. In between, there are some very well-defined steps that transcend the specifics of each goal. Knowing these steps will allow you to formulate goals that you can accomplish. ✏ Write it down and say it out loud - Saying what you want to achieve out loud creates an accountability to ourselves and those we say it to, to actually do something about it. 🧠 Make it SMART - Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Time-Bound. 🤏 Approach in bite size chunks - focus on one small, achievable change every week. Then enjoy the accumulation effect. 🤼Find an accountability buddy - An accountability buddy is someone who helps you stay on track while you work toward achieving your goals. 🥂 Set review milestones and celebrate successes - Take some time to think about what went well, what went wrong and what you want to focus your energy on for the rest of the year. Celebrate all your successes, no matter how small. By using this strategy, my client can now focus their energy on taking smaller, actionable steps towards their goals. It’s a surprisingly simple formula but it works every time. Can anyone relate to this? #mindset #goals #achievement #careeradvancement

🔥 Stop chasing Gen Z. The next 200M prime customers — salaried, digital-first, financially curious — are quietly shaping the real fintech growth story. 💸 They don’t want hype. They want smarter money moves, responsible borrowing, and long-term wealth. Here’s how fintechs can actually win 👇 1️⃣ Simplify the serious stuff Explain credit scores, SIPs, insurance in plain language — right when it matters (salary day, bonus, tax season). 💡 Financial UX > Fancy UI 2️⃣ Build trust before cross-sell Transparent pricing ✅ Instant support ✅ Credibility signals ✅ Trust drives growth more than campaigns ever will. 3️⃣ Personalization that actually feels personal “Hello, User” is boring. Try: “Hello, Gwalior — here’s how your neighbours are investing.” 4️⃣ Reward consistency, not just sign-ups Celebrate habits: savings streaks, on-time EMIs, repeat UPI usage. Build routines → Build loyalty → Build fans. 5️⃣ Empower small ambitions Micro-investments, gold savings, credit-builder cards — let people take the first step. The next wave of fintech growth won’t come from virality. It comes from credibility, context, and consistency. 🚀 💬 Question for you: If you’re building for the next 200M, what works best — trust, tech, or tone? Let’s swap notes! 👇 #FinancialServices #GrowthStrategy #ProductManagement #CustomerExperience

🇺🇸🇨🇦 The US and Canada share some similarities in financial planning; here are some equivalent versions of the different products for each country. 🔧 401k vs. Defined Contribution(DC) Pension or Group RRSP—All plans are employer-sponsored, and contributions are pre-tax. 401k plans offer a higher total contribution amount and a larger contribution provision for those over 50. Canada does allow for the accumulation of unused contribution room that a person can use at a future date. *Note that the US has other similar plans depending on where you work; a couple are 403(b) and 457 plans. ☔️ Roth IRA(Individual Retirement Account)vs. TFSA(Tax-Free Savings Account) - Both plans allow for tax-free growth of after-tax dollars(taxes have already been paid). In Canada, you can withdraw without penalty at any time, whereas in the US, you need to wait until 59.5 years of age and have had the account opened for at least five years. Both countries allow the account to be rolled to a surviving spouse upon death, but the US also provides for rollover to other beneficiaries. US contributions are income tested(you need to make under a certain amount to qualify), but Canada's are not. 👩🎓 529 Plan vs RESP(Registered Education Savings Plan) - Both plans are designed to fund post-secondary education and allow for tax-deferred growth on any investments held in the plan. RESP contributions receive a federal 20% grant up to a maximum of $7,200 per beneficiary, and 529 plans can be eligible for state grants. Interest/grant is taxable on withdrawals from an RESP where qualified expenses from 529 plans are not taxed. 💰 Traditional IRA vs RRSP - IRAs have a smaller contribution limit than RRSPs. Still, the RRSP limit is split between any work plan and individual contributions(whereas the IRA limit is on top of 401k contributions). The RRSP contribution room is carried forward if not used in the year earned, and the IRA room is lost if not used. RRSP withdrawals are taxed as income in the year taken out with no penalty for an early withdrawal. IRA withdrawals before 59.5 suffer a 10% penalty. 👀 Adjustable Rate (ARM) vs variable rate mortgages - Mortgages where the rate of interest varies or changes based on an underlying index or set schedule. Variable rates are tied to the “Prime rate,” and the rate changes when prime does. ARMs can act like simple variable rate mortgages but could also have more features and complexity. 👴 Social Security vs CPP/OAS - OAS - Social Security and CPP are funded through contributions while working. A formula based on earnings and the number of years of contributions determines retirement payouts. OAS is funded through current tax revenue and is income-tested. #usa #canada #crossboarder

𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐔.𝐒. 🇺🇸 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐭𝐚𝐱 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐝𝐚 🇨🇦 If you’re a high-net-worth Canadian business owner with one or more U.S.-resident (or U.S. citizen) children, your estate plan just crossed international borders, and with it, a whole new tax code. Here’s what you must consider to keep your legacy from becoming a liability. 🇨🇦 Meets 🇺🇸: Dual Jurisdiction = Double Trouble Canadian tax planning rarely translates smoothly to the U.S.; what works in the U.S. can create problems under Canadian tax rules. Common Issues • Canadian trusts with U.S. beneficiaries → Trigger U.S. reporting (Forms 3520/3520-A), may cause “throwback tax” • U.S. heirs to Canadian private company shares → No U.S. step-up in ACB = double tax risk • Gifting private assets across the border → Deemed disposition in Canada; disclosure requirements in the U.S. • U.S. persons holding Canadian mutual funds/ETFs → Often taxed as PFICs—high complexity, high penalty risk Trust Planning with Treaty Considerations The Canada–U.S. Tax Treaty can offer relief for: • Double taxation in certain trust situations • Tax on capital gains from certain assets • Use of foreign tax credits to offset cross-border tax But relying on the treaty requires: ✔ Careful coordination ✔ Treaty-based return disclosures ✔ A strong tax team on both sides of the border Gifting & Equalization Want to gift shares or insurance proceeds to a U.S. child? → Triggers Canadian capital gains tax → May also trigger IRS gift tax disclosures Instead: ✔ Consider gifting cash ✔ Equalize estates with life insurance ✔ Use testamentary trusts to delay rollout and preserve flexibility Annual gifting limits ($19,000 USD in 2025 per person, $38,000 per couple) won’t move the needle in HNW estates, but can reduce friction over time. 🧠 Strategic Tools • Life insurance to fund Canadian and U.S. tax liabilities • “Check-the-box” elections for CFCs held by U.S. heirs • Hybrid trust structures with U.S. exclusions • Post-mortem pipeline or redemption strategies • Corporate reorgs to split value before succession Final Thought U.S.-resident children don’t just inherit shares, it they inherit IRS filing obligations. ❌ Ignore the treaty and risk double taxation ✅ Use it smartly, and you keep your legacy intact International estate planning is never simple. But with the right structure, your business can cross borders—without taking your tax bill with it. #CrossBorderTax #EstatePlanning #CanadaUS #TaxTreaty #CanadianBusinessOwners #TrustPlanning #Inheritance #USCitizensInCanada #LegacyPlanning #LifeInsurance #HoldcoStrategy #PFIC #AdvisorLeadership

"I can't believe my subsidy is reducing without anything to replace it" Unfortunately this type of sentiment is prevalent within the industry, so let's address the inaccuracies 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯'𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘴𝘶𝘣𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘺 𝘪𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘪𝘯𝘨... BPS direct payments started reducing in the 2021 scheme year with communication about this intention across 2020. If there are still farmers out there with their hand in the sand about the progressive reductions through to 2027, and with at least a third of their 2020 payment value now taken as of Dec 2023, perhaps they're not getting the right advice or they don't know where to find the correct info. The Defra Farming Resilience Fund, now in its 3rd tranche, is available to every farmer claiming BPS across England, and provides free consultancy support from selected organisations to help farmers plan ahead for the impact of the changes from the Agricultural transition period. Unfortunately there are too many instances where farmers are missing out due a lack of collaboration across the professional sector, due to many firms not being able to access the support, and therefore not signposting that it exists. All the info here - https://lnkd.in/eY6TmKpM ...𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘵 At the last count, there are currently over 25 different grants and funding schemes to assist in diversifying that income and reducing existing costs, ultimately strengthening the business viability. Be that from stewardship schemes, productivity grants, innovation funds, local authorities, designated areas, free advice, young farmer support, rural charities. Based on the average English farm size of 85 hectares, the progressive BPS reductions will mean they are approx £11,000 short come Dec 2023 from where they would have been if BPS was the same as in 2020. But those funds have been available easily across that time period, and continue to be still for those farmers who are prepared to adapt their businesses to the new RPA priorities and have the correct advice to navigate through the scheme hoops. Some of those opportunities listed here - https://lnkd.in/e3u2j7_7 We sent out this month our updated SRH AGRIBUSINESS LIMITED grants and schemes booklet to all farming clients with these different funding pots included (page 1 shown in picture as a teaser). And we will be diving into some of these further across various speaking events the next couple of months, namely with NatWest, HSBC, and The Royal Countryside Fund, with as much of a focus on business resilience and cashflow management. Autumn is a time of reflection, for change, and for transformation. Now is the time for management of this change alongside a #trustedadviser Katie Slawson Rachael Raw MRICS FAAV Martha Galbraith Rob Browne

Harnessing Carbon Financing to Boost Agricultural Financing As the global community increasingly prioritizes sustainability, the agricultural sector stands to benefit significantly from innovative financial strategies. One such strategy, carbon financing, is emerging as a powerful tool to support agricultural financing. Carbon financing not only helps mitigate climate change but also provides farmers with additional revenue streams and access to funding. This article delves into the potential of carbon financing in enhancing agricultural financing, underlining its importance for professionals in the industry. Understanding Carbon Financing At its core, carbon financing refers to the financial mechanisms designed to support projects that result in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Through these mechanisms, organizations can earn carbon credits—certificates that represent a reduction of one metric ton of carbon dioxide emissions. These credits can then be sold in carbon markets, generating revenue that can be reinvested in agricultural practices. The Intersection of Agriculture and Carbon Markets For agricultural professionals, the integration of carbon financing into farming operations introduces a new layer of economic opportunity. Farmers can implement sustainable practices like reforestation, improved soil management, and sustainable grazing, each of which has the potential to sequester carbon. By transitioning to regenerative agricultural methods, farmers can contribute to climate action while simultaneously creating a new income stream through the sale of carbon credits. Benefits of Carbon Financing for Farmers 1. **Supplemental Income**: By participating in carbon markets, farmers can access an additional source of revenue. This capability can be substantial for smallholder farmers who often face financial constraints. 2. **Improved Soil Health**: Many practices that lead to carbon sequestration—such as cover cropping and reduced tillage—also enhance soil fertility and health, leading to increased crop yields and resilience against climate-related challenges. 3. **Access to Funding**: Carbon financing can improve farmers' access to capital, as lenders are increasingly looking for investments linked to sustainability criteria. Farmers can leverage their commitment to carbon reduction to secure loans with favorable terms. Carbon financing is not just a theoretical concept—it represents a tangible opportunity for agricultural professionals to enhance financing mechanisms while contributing to global sustainability efforts. By integrating carbon financing into the agricultural landscape, stakeholders can empower farmers to adopt practices that benefit both their livelihoods and the environment. As we move forward, the convergence of agriculture and carbon markets offers a promising avenue for building a sustainable future and addressing the profound challenges presented by climate change.

𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝟮: 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗱𝗮–𝗨.𝗦. 𝗧𝗮𝘅 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘆 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗜𝗻𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗗𝗼𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗧𝗮𝘅𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 In Part 1, we saw how double taxation reduced a $2.5M inheritance to $665K. Canadians with U.S. ties face similar risks - unless they leverage the Canada–U.S. Tax Treaty in time. Let’s break it down. How Does Canada–U.S. Estate Taxation Work? Canada doesn’t charge inheritance tax. Instead, it applies a “deemed disposition” at death, taxing capital gains on assets, with the rest passed on tax-free. The U.S., however, charges estate tax on worldwide assets - real estate, stocks, crypto, etc. If a Canadian owns over $60K in U.S. assets, they must file Form 706 and if their worldwide estate exceeds $13.99 million, U.S. estate tax kicks in, ranging from 18% to 40%. What Does the Canada–U.S. Tax Treaty Offer Canadian? Under Article XXIX B, Canadians inheriting from the U.S. can avoid double taxation through several provisions: • Foreign Tax Credit – Offsets U.S. estate taxes against Canadian taxes • Unified Credit – Lets Canadians claim similar exemptions as U.S. citizens • Marital Credit – More relief for assets passed to a spouse • Tiebreaker Rules – Resolve dual residency • MAP – Helps settle tax disputes between CRA and IRS But these benefits only apply if all filings are done correctly. What Are the Other Benefits of the Canada–U.S. Tax Treaty? If you earn U.S. income or hold U.S. assets, here’s how the treaty works for you: • Reduced Withholding Rates on dividends (5–15%), interest (generally 0%, capped at 15% for Permanent Establishments), and royalties (10%). Pensions and annuities are usually capped at 15%. • Social Security is only taxed in your country of residence. • Business Income is tax-free unless tied to a U.S. base. • Entertainment Income is exempt up to US$15,000. • Tax Credits & Dispute Tools are built in to minimize risk. Furthermore, with the Trump administration’s on-again, off-again tariffs on Canadian goods creating financial uncertainty, it’s more important than ever to understand your tax position. Whether it’s inheritance tax or fallout from cross-border trade, the experienced Canadian tax lawyers at Taxpage.com can help you navigate these complex and uncharted tax waters. Don’t wait until the CRA or IRS comes knocking - reach out to us today. Tax tips: • File Form 1040 for U.S. income • File Form 706 if U.S. estate > $60K • Get advice from a cross-border tax lawyer • Review provincial tax rules too. For more details, read: https://lnkd.in/d8hnp5kZ Need help navigating the Canada–U.S. Tax Treaty? Our experienced Canadian tax lawyers can help. Call 416-367-4222 for a FREE 10-minute consultation or Email: info@taxpage.com Taxpage.com All the tax help you need Disclaimer: Posts on this page are for educational purposes only.

Recently, I gave a talk for 700+ wealth advisors, which included thoughts on how to engage the next generation—specifically, millennials and gen z’s. These thoughts are based on my research and experience in the advisor seat. Plus, I happen to be a millennial, so that helps! Generally speaking, I suggested stepping into the mindset of this cohort, for purposes of engaging and providing value. Here are 4 next-gen mindsets and practical ways to lean into each: ➕ Authenticity and Transparency Advisors can embrace an authentic and transparent approach to communicating with next-gens. Prior generations may prefer traditional formalities, where subsequent generations may prefer less formality. Next-gens tend to appreciate a friendly, relaxed, and straight-forward approach to communication. Plus, they tend to be less hierarchical minded. ➕ Education and Empowerment Advisors can provide value through educating and empowering next-gens. Typically, prior generations started investing later in life, whereas subsequent generations are investing earlier in life. Next-gen’s are eager to ask questions and learn. Our culture is becoming increasingly autodidactic, meaning people are interested in self-learning with the help of the resources at their fingertips. Advisors can be a helpful resource, thereby proving invaluable to this cohort of investors. ➕ Values and Purpose Advisors can engage next gen’s by asking about what their values are and what their purpose is. These questions and conversations are increasingly common these days, particularly for millennials and gen z’s who are embracing the ethos of: money & meaning, or profit & purpose. Advisors can leverage different resources to lean into these values conversations. ➕Innovation and Entrepreneurship Advisors can connect with next-gens by leaning into their innovative and entrepreneurial mindsets. Advisors can offer insights on how different companies are innovating and/or provide white papers on new asset classes, such as digital assets. Separate but related, if a next-gen is starting their own business (pursuing the entrepreneurial path), then advisors can ask questions, engage, and support where possible. For example: provide education and support by offering resources for thinking through the pros/cons of an LLC structure. #nextgen #millennials #genz #wealthmanagement #familyoffice #wealthtransfer #advisors #invisiblewealth #values #purpose