Charitable Donations

Put your Money Where your Heart Is: Charitable Donation Tax Receipts

We all love to give, and we want to give to a cause that touches our hearts. But what if I can show you a way that you can give and feel good about it, and also get a tax refund from that?

Pretty cool, right?

Hello, my name is Taayla Mark with Engrace Financial Solutions. I am so glad you’re here today because I love the topic we’re going to talk about, and I know that you will, too.

People are naturally geared toward giving. I honestly believe that. And how awesome is it

that we live in a country where we get rewarded for putting our money where our heart is?

And that is the side benefit of charitable giving (because the first benefit is in the giving)!

Charitable Donation Income Tax Receipts

Did you know, when you donate to your favourite registered charities, the Canada Revenue Agency supports your good deeds with a good deed in return?

The money you give away creates a tax credit against your personal income tax.

Although the term “tax break” may not be what springs to mind when you are moved to support a cause, you will be reaping that benefit anyways.

Of course, like all worthy, tax-related things, this benefit comes with some rules and regulations.

But don’t worry, they won’t hurt.

Here’s how it works:

First, to qualify for the tax credits, your charity of choice must be registered with the Canada Revenue Agency and must have a charitable registration number.

How to calculate what your CRA tax credit will be.

This is a little more involved, because you have to know the federal rate, which is the same for everyone in Canada, and the provincial rate, which is different for each province.

To keep it simple, I have provided a calculator in the video description below. It will do all the hard work and make sure that you qualify for the right amount, or you can use the CRA Charitable Donation Calculator

As to the extent of tax relief you can expect from your charitable donation, just know that if your total gift is $200 and under, you may be less thrilled by the tax credit you will get.

As an example, if you donate $200, you can expect anywhere from $40 to $60, depending on the province you live in.

However, for every dollar that goes over $200, your tax credit is closer to 40 to 50%, so that means that the $1000 you give away costs you $600, and if you live in British Columbia, you would receive a $400 tax credit. That’s actually a great incentive for you to give more.

You can combine CRA charitable donation tax receipts with your spouse or common law partner

If larger gifts are not available for you at this stage, don’t stop donating altogether, because there are other ways for you to take advantage of the bigger tax credits.

If both you and your spouse or common law partner give, then you can combine both amounts and apply to one person’s tax return to bring you over that $200 threshold.

Carrying over your CRA charitable donation tax receipts

Or, if you are single, you can hold off on claiming the donation this year and add it to next year’s total.

In fact, you can carry forward your cash donations for up to five years!

When it comes to giving to a worthy cause, it isn’t about the tax breaks that we get, although it is a helpful perk. It is about our connection to others and how our hearts break for their suffering, and our willingness to act.

If it wasn’t for your generosity in sharing your donations and time to help those in need, our world would be a much sadder place, so thank you to all the heroes out there.

I hope you are encouraged to give by what you learned in this video and I have so much more to say regarding financial planning around charitable giving. If you would like to form a plan around your charitable giving, please call me at (604) 428-8765 for a free consultation. 

Let me know your about your favourite charities and tell me why the cause or organization moves you in the comments below, because I want to create a community of givers!

Introducing Manulife Vitality life insurance - Engrace Financial

How Life Insurance Can Take Your Wellness to a Healthier Level

What if life insurance could inspire you to live your best life? We often think of making healthy choices as something that only benefits us in mind and body, but that can even translate into financial benefits these days. Consider this: choosing to be active and making healthy food choices can help you lower your “vitality age.” Not only will you feel better — and younger! — but this also puts you in an entirely new bracket when it comes to insurance policies.

I offer Manulife Vitality as a life insurance policy option for its overall wellness benefits. The personalized program is designed to help you make the most of your life — while you’re still living it. It quantifies your “vitality age” through a few simple questions that address your overall health, and then gives you an action plan on how to improve it. This includes daily tips and suggestions, as well as a free wearable activity tracking device and mobile app so you know how you’re building healthy habits. That’s encouragement and support that’s easy and fun to use, right in your pocket.

The Manulife Vitality program works with you to increase your “vitality status” which translates into discounts on next year’s premiums, among other benefits. Manulife Vitality helps you Live Healthy, Earn Rewards, and Save Money. For the first time, your life insurance could reward you for living well!

That’s something we can all appreciate in the modern age of too much screen time, crazed schedules, and other pressures. Health matters, and needs to be a focus instead of a byproduct of lifestyle. If the Manulife Vitality program sounds like it could be the incentive you need to live healthier — sometimes, we all work better with a goal tracker! — then please contact me or your financial advisor to discuss your life insurance options and if this product is appropriate to help you with your lifestyle and financial planning goals.

Please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below and tell me about your financial or investment questions! If you live in British Columbia, and have a question about this topic or on other financial matters, you can connect directly with me via email.


***This content was prepared by Taayla Mark, a Financial Advisor with Engrace Financial Solutions Inc. This information has been obtained from sources we believe are reliable but is not guaranteed and may be incomplete. Please note the information contained herein is not tailored to any one individual and is general in nature. For specific recommendations, please consult directly with Taayla Mark.***

Street Smarts with Taayla - How to invest your money

Getting Started with Investing

If you’re new to investing, then you’re in the right place.

Let’s learn about financial matters that relate to our day-to-day lives, and prepare for the bright future ahead. In the latest Street Smarts with Taayla video, we’ll get you started with a few investment basics.

Conservative and risky investments

When you are looking for investments to grow your money, there are many options to consider. On one hand, you could choose a safe, conservative investment approach with GICs, Guaranteed Interest Certificates. Or, you could choose a strategy that’s more risky, with potential for a bigger payoff: investing in securities, or the buying and selling of individual stocks.

While GICs are guaranteed to protect your investment, the payoff is usually limited. Plus, if your savings aren’t keeping up with inflation, you’re actually losing money because you’re losing that spending power!

However, individual stocks represent company ownership, and the whims of that stock can dramatically jump or fall in value within a short period. You’re at the mercy of a volatile market, and chances are, by the time you hear news about your investment, it will be too late to act effectively.

Not sure which to choose? Maybe you’re like Goldilocks, and the best fit for you is somewhere in between these two options: mutual funds.

Mutual fund investments

In terms of risk, a mutual fund is a middle ground between investments in GICs and investments in stocks. They’re an assembly of stocks, bonds, and other instruments gathered under one umbrella to be managed by a portfolio manager within a professional investment company.

You, as the unit holder, share the buying power of the fund, while also receiving diversification in ways that you would normally be unable to get alone.

Mutual funds are a great option for those who want to adjust the risk, and payoff, of their investment as they go. Since there are no protections like with GICs, you can still lose money, but the risk is mitigated through the fund’s diversity.

With this investment, you rely on the experience and insight of the portfolio manager to buy and sell within the fund. Ideally, you should know who this person is, and understand their background, style, and history in the industry. While it’s your responsibility to research the mutual funds, it can be intimidating to analyze the 20,000-plus different funds available in Canada.

Where to go for help with your investments

You might receive advice from your neighbour or uncle, or overhear your coworker bragging about his successful investments, but it’s wise to find someone who will look out for you with their knowledge and expertise: a financial advisor.

To find a financial advisor, you can start with your bank. While financial advisors are easily accessible, those inside a bank are usually limited in the funds they can offer. But if you plan to invest more than $250,000, you may get access to the upper echelon of bank advisors who can provide better service with more options.

An alternative solution would be to find a financial advisor who is also a broker. These advisors are independent, and have access to the majority of mutual funds on the market. They tend to focus on fund companies they work with or are most knowledgeable of. Due to their wealth of knowledge, these brokers will be able to explain in depth the credentials of the mutual funds they are recommending and why they are the best fit for you.

Finding the right support takes time and patience. It’s OK to meet with multiple professionals; in fact, it’s encouraged! You should weigh your options and see which styles and personalities of the advisor best fit your needs. Prepare a list of questions to ask each of them, and compare their answers. Make sure they clearly explain how their fees are set up and how their practice is structured.

Look for someone that listens to you, respects your wishes, and explains things in a way that makes sense for you. Clear communication is essential to your success.

With proper guidance and clear communication, getting started in your investment journey is much easier than you might believe.

Thank you for following along as we break down the steps for getting started with investing. Get in touch with me in the comments section or directly through email. I would love to be a resource for you and be a part of your financial advising team.

Please make sure to like and share my video, and subscribe to my channel if you have yet to do so. That way, I can get new exciting topics to you each month!

CANADIAN TAX: Basics to Paying Less with Jan Mark, CPA

Benjamin Franklin once said, “In this world, nothing is for certain except for death and taxes.”

In a previous video, we talked about being financially prepared in the event of a death, but in my latest Street Smarts with Taayla episode, we’ll talk some Canadian tax basics.

Taxes are a subject that none of us want to talk about, but with these tips, we can get through it together.

How does Canada’s graduated income tax system work?

In Canada, we have a graduated income tax system, which means that the more money you earn, the more taxes you pay.

Income taxes consist of two parts: the federal tax, which is the same for everyone, and the provincial tax, which depends on where you live.

To determine the taxes you would be paying on your income at different levels and brackets, you can use the marginal tax rate.

At the lowest income level or bracket, you pay $0 in taxes because your income is below what’s called the “personal amount.”

Think of a high school student working a part-time job and making less than $11,000 per year.

For 2018, in British Columbia, a combined marginal tax rate for federal and provincial taxes is just above 20 percent. That means, for every dollar this high school student earns above the personal amount, they have to pay 20 cents to the Canada Revenue Agency in tax. That tax rate is applied until their income climbs up to the next income bracket, where a new tax rate for their new bracket is then applied.

The highest combined federal and provincial tax rate in British Columbia is currently 49.8 percent for those in an income bracket of over $200,000 per year.

However, there are a few different methods we can use to offset the taxes we pay as our income grows.

For my latest video, I interview Jan Mark, a reputable CPA with Mark & Tsang Chartered Professional Accountants, to hear her tax preparation tips. Read Jan’s advice below, and watch the video for the full interview.

What are some common tax preparation mistakes that you see?

One of the most common mistakes is in regards to foreign asset reporting. Most people are just confused about what that means, and when to report it. Basically, if your foreign asset is costing you more than $100,000, you will have to report it. Foreign assets that you own outside of Canada, such as a bank account or vacation property, will have to be reported.

What is the difference between a tax deduction and a tax credit?

A tax deduction is a reduction against taxable income. The amount of savings that you receive will depend on your personal marginal tax rate. For example, a $1,000 deduction with a 30 percent margin, will give you $300 in tax savings.

A tax credit, on the other hand, is a dollar-for-dollar reduction against the tax liability you owe. For example, if you receive a $1,000 tax credit, you will get the $1,000 directly against the tax that you owe.

Is there a “superhero” tax credit?

Yes! Charitable donations in Canada give you a pretty good tax credit. For any donations you make to charitable organizations, for the first $200, the credit you get will be for the lowest marginal rate. Anything after that will be for the highest marginal rate; for 2018, that’s close to 50 percent. For example, if you make $1,000 in donations, the amount you will receive in tax credits will be around $400.

What is the typical tax deduction available for employees?

For employees, the tax deduction is quite limited. The most typical deduction is for an RRSP or the Registered Retirement Savings Program.

Due to the restrictions in having an RRSP, what would be an optimal income level for one to start at?

It depends on the individual’s tax situation and on the retirement tax rate at the retirement age. It also depends on the individual’s discipline to save or not. RRSP is a program put in place by the government to defer your current income and pay tax into the future. In my opinion, any time you have the opportunity to defer tax, you should.

You can learn more about RRSP in our last video!

How else can we take advantage of tax deductions?

The tax deduction for employees is limited. But if you’re self-employed, a lot more deductions are available to offset against the business income. For example, any rent or upgrades to your business space or home office, wages paid to your employees, office supplies, transportation costs, or even meal you took your clients to, are all deductible against your business income.

A big thanks to Jan from Mark & Tsang Chartered Professional Accountants for joining us in my latest video to provide insight on how to prepare our taxes effectively. If you have further questions for Jan, you can set up a consultation with her at [email protected] and she’ll work to find the best solution for you.

Don’t be discouraged by our tax system. In future videos, we will continue to expand on how we can best manage (and minimize!) our taxes so you can keep more of what you make.

Thank you for reading along in my latest post. I hope these tax tips are helpful for you as you file your taxes this year, and if you have questions regarding your finances for the future, I’d love to help!

Please like and share my videos, it lets me know when I’m doing things right! If you have not subscribed to my channel, please do so now and I will bring more segments and topics to you each month.

RRSP

Is RRSP right for YOU?

Are you thinking about your retirement and wondering if an RRSP is right for you? In the latest Street Smarts with Taayla video, we’ll dig deeper into this question and find a solution that works for you.

What is an RRSP?

If you’re unfamiliar with or new to RRSPs, you’re not alone! An RRSP, or Registered Retirement Savings Plan, is one of the most commonly misunderstood types of investment accounts.

My clients will ask me if an RRSP is right for them, and as much as I’d like to give a simple “yes” or “no,” I usually tell them it depends — because it does!

How to know if an RRSP is right for you

Before I can know if an RRSP is the right choice for you, I need to know five key things about you: your age, income, first home, education, and emergency funds.

When to take advantage of RRSP savings

An RRSP can be an excellent tax savings and a great way to save for retirement. However, if you’re under the age of 30, chances are you’re not at an income state where you can best take advantage of the RRSP savings.

Why?

Because when you make less money, you’re also paying little to no income taxes. If you wait until your earning increases before you contribute to your RRSP, then the potential to save on your taxes could be higher than they are now.

While I don’t usually recommended having an RRSP for incomes under $50,000, if you do decide to contribute to one, you don’t have to claim the plan on your taxes for the current year — you can carry it forward indefinitely.

For example, if your income is $20,000 today, and you believe your income will continue to increase over time, then start saving in your RRSP today. Just make sure to wait until you are at a higher marginal tax rate before you apply your RRSP against your income, whether that’s next year or somewhere down the road.

How to use an RRSP to reach your goals

In my previous video on RRSPs, I talk about how you could use your RRSP toward the down-payment of your first home, or toward the cost of a full-time education. While RRSPs are an investment account for your retirement, there are many benefits to utilizing your RRSP sooner rather than later.

If you’re looking to buy your first home, or want to pursue higher education, then go back and watch how RRSP can help you achieve these goals.

When to prioritize an RRSP

The last thing to consider when deciding if an RRSP is right for you, is the status of your emergency fund. If you have little to no emergency fund, then establishing a solid fund should be your first priority!

Fill your emergency fund before your RRSP, because an RRSP cannot protect you quite like an emergency fund can. While you can withdraw money from your RRSP, there are tax consequences for doing so.

I recommend to my clients to keep an emergency fund worth at least three months of their salary — ideally six months.

Let’s think about this scenario: you have accumulated $30,000 in your RRSP and now you have an emergency where you need cash quickly. You decide to take out the $30,000, but what you don’t realize is that when you do that, 30 percent is being withheld. Now you only have $21,000 you can use!

You would then have to include the $30,000 withdrawal from your RRSP in your income taxes for the year. So if your standard income for the year was, say, $50,000, and you added the $30,000 to that, your income tax return would then be based off $80,000 — a much higher marginal tax rate.

RRSPs are meant to be withdrawn from strategically, and in emergency, you don’t have time to plan for that.


Thank you for reading along in my latest post. I hope this dive into RRSPs has been helpful in allowing you to decide whether or not an RRSP is right for you.

Ask me questions in the comments section below, and let me know what other savings vehicle you are using for your retirement. I’d love to learn more!

Please like and share my videos, it let’s me know when I’m doing things right! If you have not subscribed to my channel, please do so now so I can get more segments and topics to you each month.

A Mission Statement: Defining YOU

Our finances can define who we are, but in the latest two-part Street Smarts with Taayla video, we’ll show you how you can use a personal mission statement to determine for yourself who you want to be.

Right now, you’re at the beginning of a journey, a journey to who you want to become.

If your future self is the destination, think of a mission statement as the map to guide you there. A mission statement, much like a roadmap, helps you, and others, determine how you will achieve your goals and make it to where you want to go.

You’ve no doubt seen businesses and organizations use statements of purpose to communicate what it is that they do, and you’ve probably felt moved by some, and turned off by others. However, a well-written mission is more than just the clever marketing of a successful business, it’s the key to individual success as well.

Only you can define who you are, and by taking the time to carefully do so, you’ll come out ahead feeling ready to grow and succeed.

A personal mission statement is a critical step in achieving future success.

Mission statements help you understand who you are, where you’re going and why you’re going there. By imagining your path to personal growth before you begin your journey, you can create a plan that is clear and effective. This visualization will help you make critical assessments of where you are now and where you want to be, and ideally, provide the roadmap to do so.

Pick up a pen and ask yourself: What’s my story? Who am I as a child, parent, or friend? How do I want to be remembered? What will be my legacy?

While these questions for self-reflection may seem big or vague, oftentimes, we already know their answers. Write them down without doubt and judgment, however they flow through your mind.  The things we like to do, the people we like to spend time with — thoughts like these guide the mission statement-writing process.

As you continue planning the map of your vision, choose a couple trustworthy people in your life and ask them for an opportunity to provide you with honest feedback about yourself, your values, and your ambitions.

Find the recurring themes between their insights and yours, and use this to create a rough draft of your mission statement. Try to be concise in the message you want to convey, and write this future self in the present tense. It doesn’t have to be in a certain format for now; the focus of this exercise is to learn more about yourself so you can create the foundation for defining you.

Enjoy getting to know yourself, and celebrate your unique path.

I would love to learn more about you, so please feel free to use the comment section below to share with us your mission statement-writing experiences.

Thank you for reading along. Please like and share these videos, and subscribe to our channel: Engrace Financial Solutions — financial success made simple.

Critical Illness for Families with Children

Financial Planning: Critical Illness for Families with Children

In the latest Street Smarts with Taayla video, I’m discussing the ways you can take preventative measures to protect your family in the instance that your child falls ill with a critical illness. Parents will do everything they can to protect their children from harm. But most times, that doesn’t include envisioning a future where their child falls critically ill. While this is an uncomfortable topic, it’s an important one, as the repercussions of a critical illness can significantly impact your family in many ways.  

The Impact of Critical Illness

It’s hard enough to imagine ourselves in this situation, so how can we even entertain the idea that it could happen to our children? When I talk to parents about critical illness insurance for their young ones, they don’t usually see the need for it. However, with over 900 new cases of children being diagnosed with cancer each year, I believe it is important to help families prepare for the worst case scenario.

Some of the challenges that can result in financial stress include:

  • Alternative medicines that can add up to hundreds of dollars each month.
  • The need to hire extra help to help around the home.
  • Loss of income revenue or the ability to work due to emotional or psychological distractions.
  • Having to take time of work to be with your child at home, or in the hospital.
  • Putting retirement or travel savings plans on hold to pay for medical expenses.

Consider Critical Illness Insurance for the Family

The emotional and financial strain for families with sick children can go beyond a few months into years of hardship. This is why I urge parents who have coverage for themselves to consider getting critical illness insurance for the rest of the family. Critical illness insurance for your children is valid for the rest of their lives, even as grown-ups. While it may not lessen the heartache of the situation, a critical illness insurance plan can help parents focus on what’s most important – the health of your child.

Thank you for trusting me to speak on this difficult subject and I hope that you are encouraged to make the best decision for your family; to cover all your bases and focus on living an excellent, secure life!

I’d love to hear your feedback, or if you have a similar story, please share with us in the comments below! I will do my best to help support you through it. Please like and share this video, and subscribe to our channel: Engrace Financial Solutions, financial success made simple.

 

Long Term Disability

Is Long Term Disability the Best Option for Me?

Always protect your most valuable assets. These include our homes, our cars, and most importantly our Human Life Value – the ability to earn an income. A Long Term Disability plan establishes financial security and protects against losses in the instance of an injury or illness, that prohibit an individual from working.

Our most valuable asset: financial security

Picture this. You are currently 40 years old and are earning $100,000 annually. If we calculate your gross earnings for the next 15 years, the total sum would equate to $2.5 million. At the age of 65, your assets will have grown substantially. The are huge risks associated with this $2.5 million asset. What can you do to protect this?

Long Term Disability: is right for you?

Let’s use two different scenarios to explain the benefits of a Long Term Disability plan. Let’s say Job A and Job B are both the same, each earning $100,000 per year. However, Job A does not have a Long Term Disability plan. Let’s say this person got injured severely and are now unable to work. Since they did not have a Long Term Disability plan, their source of income would be reduced to nothing, while they were away from work.  

Let’s say Person B is on a Long Term Disability plan. Since they’re on the plan, their annual earnings would be reduced to $97,000. However, if this person were to be injured or succumbed to any illnesses, they would be protected by their plan. As a result, they would continue to receive a monthly income, around $5,000. Once that individual returned to work, they would receive 50% of the income that was set aside while they were gone.

While most people may choose a Long Term Disability plan, others might fancy the option of being self-insured.

A Long Term Disability insures your most valuable asset and is a smart and safe way to create financial security. Would you buy a house without home insurance? Or drive a car without auto insurance? Probably not! So why wouldn’t you do the same for your most important asset?

Need help making the right decision? Let us help!

Make smart decisions today! Talk to your Financial Advisor to discuss whether or not Long Term Disability is a probable choice for you. If you have any questions, get in touch with us! Contact Taayla today to learn about a Long Term Disability plan. Subscribe to our YouTube channel! We post new video content once a month, so don’t miss an episode and get my financial tips and tricks sent straight to your inbox.

Whole Life Insurance Header Photo

What You Need to Know About Whole Life Insurance

When making a decision about life insurance, it is important to understand your options. These choices include: 1) Term Life Insurance and 2) Whole Life Insurance. In my latest Street Smarts with Taayla video I focus on Whole Life Insurance, as a potential option.

Whole Life Insurance is for individuals that are making long-term plans. Are you someone with foresight and a clear vision of what your future will look like? If your answer is yes, then you might want to consider the idea and benefits of whole life insurance.

What Are the Differences Between Whole Life and Term Life Insurance?

In my previous video, I explained the difference between Term Life Insurance and Whole Life Insurance. Term Life Insurance is for individuals who need insurance for a specific time frame. Whereas, Whole Life insurance is for individuals with a long-term plan to create an asset for themselves, and having and leaving behind a legacy.

Benefits of Choosing Whole Life Insurance

Picking your best insurance option is like deciding between which places you would like to live. Some may people prefer to rent, as it is a seemingly easy and inexpensive option. Whereas others may choose to make sacrifices and buy their own home. Choosing Whole Life Insurance is like buying your own home. It creates a valuable asset, that can be used as financial leverage in the future.

Client Testimonial from the Jim Pattison Group about Whole Life Insurance

The tangible benefits of Whole Life Insurance is exemplified in a testimonial from our very own, Jim Pattison. In a letter from Jim, he talks about how  the cash value stored inside of his Whole Life Insurance policy, was able to help him get started with his first business.

Still wondering if Whole Life Insurance right for you? It depends! But before you make a decision, talk to your financial advisor about how Whole Life Insurance can benefit you.

Ready to Find the Best Option For You?

Get in touch with us! Contact Taayla today to learn how to choose the best insurance option for you.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel! We post new video content once a month, so don’t miss an episode and get my financial tips and tricks sent straight to your inbox.

 

Term Life Insurance with Taayla

Learn All About Term Life Insurance

When it comes to insurance options, you don’t need to feel limited. Term Life Insurance is an alternative solution that enables individual to acquire insurance coverage for a specific need and time period, at a more affordable rate.

Why is Term Life Insurance a Good Option?

Term Life Insurance is an insurance plan that focuses on the specific need of individuals. For instance, if someone is seeking insurance coverage over a fixed time period, they don’t need to be purchasing a plan with a higher cost, as this is unnecessary. Rather, individuals could acquire a Term Life Insurance plan, enabling them to accumulate savings on a cheaper plan.

Benefits Associated with Term Life Insurance?

Since Term Life Insurance is an affordable solution, individuals that choose this option are able to save money from this plan. This money could be invested into other means such as a business, a home, or even an emergency fund while your children are young.

Term Life Insurance is Comparable to Renting a Home

Term Life Insurance is like a rental, which is a cheaper, simpler expense. It can be used to cover your mortgage liability, or as an income replacement while your children are still young. However, just like renting a home, the cost of insurance also continues to increase over time.

What to Consider When Deciding on the Different Types of Insurance Plans:

  1. Do you have a temporary need or a lifetime need?
  2. Are you looking for a more affordable option today with more costly options in the future?
  3. Are you looking to make an investment in a more expensive option today with much cheaper options future?
  4. Would you rather just spend it and forget it?
  5. Or are you seeking to create future assets?

Ready to Find the Best Option For You?

Get in touch with us! Contact Taayla today to learn how to choose the best insurance option for you.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel! We post new video content once a month, so don’t miss an episode and get my financial tips and tricks sent straight to your inbox.