ABOUT
About Business Blocks 101
Your Financial Objective is Our Business
Our clients have many diverse personal and business tax issues, yet a common desire is to create better coordination with their financial planning in order to assist meeting their financial objectives. Quite often the use of overlooked tax strategies can be the catalyst for meeting their financial objectives. Meeting investment objectives are important, however, what is kept after taxation is even more important. This is the unique philosophy of our firm. Better planning emerging from tax efficiency.
Tools For Your Planning Needs
Our clients have many diverse estate and tax issues that they may wish to address through estate plans. Some clients wish to maximize the wealth they have built for their families, while others may wish to provide the bulk of their estates to charitable organizations. Many clients have built up large IRA and 401(k) plans, and do not want to pass on up to 75% in potential taxes on those assets to their families. No matter what your individual planning needs are, we can help you accomplish your goals for the future. In addition, an important goal for us is trying to help you significantly reduce taxes that can be incurred when you pass on your financial legacy.
Legacy and Wealth Preservation
You have worked a lifetime to build your family’s legacy and wealth. Protecting and preserving that is the most important goal we can help you achieve. We want to help you make certain that your family’s future is protected, by helping you leave a greater legacy. It is our goal to help you pass on your estate to the rightful parties you designate, through a sound plan that protects you and your family while potentially minimizing taxes. Our clients may enjoy greater wealth protection and legacy enhancement through our sound and unbiased objective advice. You will be able to enjoy a simple, time-saving, and effortless experience working with our firm as we coordinate tax strategies with financial and risk planning.
Our Mission
At Business Blocks 101, Inc., we believe that one can only have true financial peace of mind, when one knows, without a doubt, that they have a comprehensive financial strategy. This strategy must be designed to provide for them the guidance needed, not only during the good times, but also during the “not so good times”. At Business Blocks 101, we also understand that people need an ongoing advocate to guide and protect them through life’s sometimes unexpected and inevitable down turns.
As an investment advisor representative, Mark works to help his clients avoid taking unnecessary financial risks. Instead, he helps his clients really understand what their wealth represents to them: Peace of mind, freedom, choices and stability. His strategies attempt to create a comfortable lifestyle that allows his clients to make choices that are best for themselves and their loved ones.
At Business Blocks 101, our team* works with our clients to help them take control of their financial future through education and the creation of a comprehensive financial strategy. This process is designed to help our clients with 5 critical areas of retirement planning, including:
As Fiduciaries, we see our responsibility as helping our clients make the strongest financial decisions for themselves and their loved ones. We work hard to bring our clients financial solutions that are designed to protect, preserve, and grow their assets into and throughout their retirement.
We specialize in working with the following financial needs:
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Rental Properties
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Business Overhead Planning
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Estate Planning Tools*
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Asset Protection & Wealth Preservation
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Retirement Income Planning
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Elder Care Planning
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IRA & 401(k) Exit Planning
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Solo 401(k) Development
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IRA & 401(k) Rollovers
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Current Insurance Policy Analysis
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Wealth Transfer Planning
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Inheritance Tax Planning
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College Funding
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Charitable Planning
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Funeral Trust
Discover what it means to have “your own” personal financial guide working with you to help you make the strongest financial decisions for you and your loved ones. Discover what it means to have the confidence and peace of mind you deserve in retirement. Discover the Business Blocks 101 difference.
Questions? John Mark Canada is an investment advisor representative and a fiduciary. Call (972) 564-4063 or click here to schedule a no obligation initial consultation.
*Our team can comprise of independent 3rd party providers that might include professionally licensed individuals whose services we incorporate for the betterment of our clients.
About John Mark Canada
John Mark Canada is a native of North Texas who entered the financial services industry in 1981. He earned his initial designations in risk planning (CLU) and consulting (ChFC) in 1986 and 1990 from the American College in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania as well as becoming an LUTCF through the Life Underwriter Council. In 2015 he obtained the RPA designation as a Retirement Plan Associate from Wharton – ICEBS. In a desire to offer tax planning as an expanded service to his clients, Mark earned his CTS as a Certified Tax Specialist from IBF, the Institute of Business and Finance in San Diego, California, and as an Enrolled Agent (EA), licensed by the U.S. Treasury, and was admitted to practice before the IRS. He attained the CRFA designation, Certified Retirement Financial Advisor in 2017, becoming one of less than two hundred nationwide. Representation before the IRS was further enhanced by obtaining the NTPI Fellow designation from the National Association of Enrolled Agents, a focus upon client appeals and offer and compromise to the IRS. In 2019 Mark was approached by the Dave Ramsey organization and became the endorsed tax service provider for participants east of Dallas who are seeking guidance.
As an independent advisor, Mark has developed a reputation since 1986 in consulting with privately held corporations in the development of retirement plans and retirement income planning for individuals.
His client base is spread across North Texas where he is based out of the Dallas area. Mark routinely places himself in a client’s shoes and determines the best course for a client’s needs. He has been an industry leader in a variety of financial areas, particularly in tax planning. In 2003, Mark was one of the key participants in the creation of Business Blocks 101, Inc., a firm focused on developing tax strategies and wealth development for individuals and small businesses with a slant towards the issues of tax savings as a primary focus. Business Blocks 101, Inc. became a Registered Investment Advisor in 2008, at which time Mark became an Investment Advisor Representative (IA) for the firm, licensed by the Texas Securities Board. Mark is also dually registered as an Investment Advisor for investment products through Coppell Advisory Solutions, LLC in Coppell, Texas. As an Enrolled agent admitted to practice before the IRS, Mark offers tax planning and preparation services and representation before the IRS that are coordinated with the client’s unique financial objectives.
Mark has sat on numerous committees and closely held corporate boards. He is a father of four and has eight grandchildren. His personal time is spent with antique car clubs and travelling.
To learn more about John Mark Canada's investment philosophy, click here.
About Business Blocks 101
Credentials & Certifications
Taxation
Certified Tax Specialist (CTS)
A Certified Tax Specialist is a designation that a tax preparer has received advanced training and expertise in being able to provide strategies to help their clients reduce their taxable income. Accepted by the AICPA and the NAEA, professionals holding this designation have the knowledge of individual income tax issues, as well as corporate and partnership taxes.
To earn this designation, candidates must pass three comprehensive examinations and develop a case study for completion, as well as have at least 2,000 hours of work experience in the financial services industry or a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Designees must obtain 30 hours of continuing education every two years.
Enrolled Agent (EA)
Enrolled Agents (EAs) are federally authorized tax practitioners who have demonstrated technical competence in tax law and are the only taxpayer representatives licensed to practice by the United States government. Three examinations, as well as an extensive background investigation by the FBI are required. Only EAs, Attorneys, and CPAs may represent taxpayers without limitation before the IRS. EAs advise and represent taxpayers before the IRS who are being examined, taxpayers who are unable to pay, and taxpayers who wish to avoid or recover penalties. EAs prepare tax returns for individuals, partnerships, corporations, estates, trusts, and any other entities with tax-reporting requirements. Unlike Attorneys and CPAs, who may or may not choose to specialize in taxes, all EAs specialize in taxation and are required by the federal government to maintain their professional skills with continuing professional education.
National Tax Practice Institute Fellow (NTPI Fellow)
This designation is evidence of significant expertise in the representation of taxpayers before the IRS. In order to enroll in the National Tax Practice Institute (NTPI) a tax professional must be an Enrolled Agent (EA) licensed by the US Department of the Treasury, a CPA, or a tax attorney. These are the only three groups that have full rights of representation before the IRS. This means that not only can they speak directly to the IRS regarding a client’s taxes without them present, they can represent in an IRS audit, collection, or appeal.
NTPI Fellows have completed a stringent, three-level program of study (NTPI Levels I, II, & III) that covers all facets of representing clients before the IRS. They have learned to guide clients through the often challenging maze of IRS codes, internal regulations, and agency structure.
The process of becoming an NTPI Fellow often takes several years, but the learning does not stop there. NTPI Fellows are individuals who exceed the IRS” minimum standard for continuing education and are dedicated to staying on top of the latest changes to the tax code.
Financial
Master Registered Financial Consultant (MRFC)
This designation is awarded to committed financial professionals or advisors who have exhibited improving their market reach. Ideally, they also meet high standards and strict requirements within the financial services industry. This designation also denotes a higher level of professionalism and dedication to serving their clients, in that they are financial professionals who assist clients in developing personalized financial plans for important financial matters such as insurance, savings, retirement, and investments.
Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC)
The Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) is a professional financial planning designation awarded by the American College in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. A ChFC must meet experience requirements and pass 13 examinations on the fundamentals of financial planning, including income tax, insurance, investment, and estate planning. A ChFC designation means a professional is prepared to meet the needs of individuals, families, and small businesses. Continuing professional education requirements must be met every two years.
Certified Long Term Care (CLTC)
Certified Long Term Care is a designation granted by the
Corporation For Long-Term Care Certification. CLTC graduates have completed rigorous multidisciplinary training on the professions of long term care. A CLTC professional is highly trained in the field of long-term care and knows the right questions to ask about solving financial planning questions should a client or family member become incapacitated. Annual continuing professional education requirement must be met by all CLTCs.
Retirement Plans Associate (RPA)
The Retirement Plans Associate (RPA) designation is a credential for those who work with defined contribution and defined benefit plans or government sponsored plans, or who are involved with the management of plan assets. The courses reflect the most current and relevant information needed to effectively design and manage retirement plans for business owners and participants.
To earn the RPA designation, a candidate must complete three courses, RPA 1, RPA 2, and RPA 3 and must pass an examination over each course.
Certified Retirement Financial Advisor (CRFA)
A CRFA is a financial professional who has gained competence in the financial challenges faced by retirees and passed an examination designed to test that competence associated with those challenges. Many of the CRFA certificants hold credentials such as Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and Certified Public Accountant (CPA) along with the CRFA credential. Upon passing the exam, certificants agree to abide by the Society of Certified Retirement Financial Advisors Code of Ethics and are then permitted to use the CFRA designation. In addition to any other continuing education credits that members must obtain for any other licenses or certifications they hold, to retain their CRFA credential, they must annually complete 15 hours of study specific to retiree financial issues, four of which must pertain to ethics. There are less than two hundred individuals nationwide that hold this designation.
Certified Employee Benefit Specialist program (CEBS)
The Certified Employee Benefit Specialist program is a five course curriculum covering an entire spectrum of employee benefits. It is designed to help individuals develop a comprehensive understanding of employee benefit principles and concepts.
Group Benefits Associate (GBA)
The Group Benefits Associate (GBA) GBA designation requires successful completion of specific examinations within the CEBS curriculum. The Group Benefits Associate (GBA) designation is an ideal fit for those dealing with health and other group benefits. The courses reflect up-to-date and relevant information needed to effectively design, administer and communicate group benefits
Investments
Registered Investment Advisor (RIA)
The term Registered Investment Adviser (RIA) is used to describe an Investment Adviser who is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission or a state’s securities agency. The term IA (Investment Adviser) is defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission as an individual or firm that is in the business of giving advice about securities. An IA must adhere to a fiduciary standard of care laid out in the US Investment Advisers Act of 1940. This standard requires IAs to act and serve a client’s best interests. Agents of the RIA who are charged with providing investment advice are called an “Investment Adviser Representative (IAR). IARs must complete the FINRA Series 66 in addition to the Series 7 or 65 Exams and be one of the following: ChFC (Chartered Financial Consultant, CFP (Certified Financial Planner), PFS (Personal Financial Specialist), CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst), CIC (Chartered Investment Counselor)
Series 65
The Uniform Investment Adviser Law Examination, also called the Series 65 exam, developed by the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA), and administered by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). This examination is designed to qualify candidates as investment adviser representatives. The exam covers laws, regulations, ethics, and knowledge on specific products. A Series 65 Securities License is required by the State of Texas for individuals that act as an investment adviser. All Registered Investment Advisers (RIAs) must hold a Series 65 license.
Risk Management
Chartered Life Underwriter(CLU)
Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) is a professional in the field of life insurance and finance advising. This designation, awarded by the American Institute of Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters is one of the industry’s most coveted and prestigious credentials. CLUs have studied, in depth, the insurance needs of individuals, business owners, and professional clients. Ten examinations must be passed for completion of the designation and annual continuing professional education requirements must be met to remain a CLU.
Life Underwriting Training Council Fellow (LUTCF)
The LUTCF designation is jointly conferred by the National Association of Financial Advisors (NAIFA) and the American College. Designees complete 300 hours of intense product-focused education as well as an Ethics course, culminating in five examinations. All LUTCFs are members in good standing with NAIFA. The study and knowledge base pulls together the coordination of personal and small business risk planning as it relates to insurance needs.