In Southwestern Ontario, the news lately has not been good. Yes, the Christmas sales are coming, but the jobs are going.

Plant closings have been announced in St. Mary’s, Stratford, and St. Thomas. Added to the ones announced about 1 month ago in Sarnia, Strathroy and St. Thomas, this adds up to a lot of jobs. To make the situation more difficult, the new Toyota plant in Woodstock and the surrounding feeder plants will not be running until long after the announced closings. It also appears the Ford plant in Talbotville may be in trouble even after all the “good news” this summer from the “brass” in the company and the union.

Many of the plants that are closing are in the automotive industry and over the past 10 years Southwestern Ontario has moved from a vibrant, secured place of employment in the automotive sector to one of uncertainty and layoffs and of course job losses.

For the employees of these businesses to get the news at this time of year must be a double worry. How will they afford to pay their Christmas purchases? If they lose their job next year, how will they afford to feed their families?

If you are in this position, you need a plan. You need to discuss your situation with people who care about helping you over a long period of time. You need to find out what options are available to you.

Call our offices at 310-PLAN and talk to one of our professionals and if necessary, make an appointment to discuss the issues in detail. Enjoy the Christmas season and the start of a new year by knowing that you are taking the steps necessary to solve the problems that may occur in the new year. We look forward to helping you plan those steps.