Dear EFAP: troubled by taxes

Thank you to those who have written to “Dear EFAP” for input on your dilemmas. As you are aware, we read every inquiry that comes in but we are only able to print a small selection of responses.  Our “pithy” answers are modeled after the lighter hearted Dear Abby style and are grounded in common sense.  If your issues require a more personalized level of support please call Employee Wellness/EFAP (1-800-505-4929) and we can confidentially book you a counselling appointment with a senior level therapist.

We welcome all inquiries – please submit these to dear.efap@efap.ca. All printed responses use the anonymous descriptor that you sign your inquiry with and do not reveal any identifying information.  Our goal is to support you through insight and common sense.

Below is our response to the next selection – enjoy!

Dear EFAP

I am a new grad employee and I love my job. I am so excited to get to work at this cool organization. I love my patients and colleagues. It is inspirational. Although I have a great degree and consider myself pretty smart, I am writing today because I am embarrassed to say I do not know anything about finance or tax. I got my T4 in the mail recently and it literally scared me. I have no idea what to do or what it all means. In the past my parents heled with all of that but now that I am out on my own , yikes, I have no clue what to do. I did not know who else to turn to for advice . Help! Any suggestions

-Troubled by taxes

Dear Troubled by taxes

How amazing that you are having such a great experience at VCH. Thank you for your service and dedication. VCH is certainly lucky that you chose to work with us!

Yes, the world of finance can indeed feel a bit daunting. Not to worry. We have a great financial resource for you who I think can really help. He will sit with you one to one and explain how tax works and give you some options on how to manage things. it will then be up to you to choose what you would like to do. He is not for profit and so very neutral. He focuses on education and options and that sounds like just what you are looking for right now.

Just call us at 1(800)505-4929 and ask to be referred to the financial literacy person and our clinical service assistants will make that happen for you. I am so glad that you reached out ! Onward

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The advice offered in this column is meant to be used as general guidance based on the facts provided. The opinions or views expressed should not be relied on as treatment or counselling services. If you are a VCH staff member and find yourself in need of counselling or support, please contact Employee Wellness/EFAP toll free at 1 (800)505-4929 or (604) 872-4929, your family doctor, or another appropriately trained and qualified specialist.