January 27, 2022
Prepare for the Unexpected
One key outcome of the pandemic is the harsh reminder that anything can happen at any time. Many Canadians recognized the importance of having a financial cushion – especially business owners affected by COVID-19 shutdowns and those unable to work. We can’t predict if or when a challenge will arise, but we can prepare to manage the financial consequences. Here are examples of unexpected events and the solutions you can put in place in advance…
January 21, 2022
RRIF, meet JLTD
One of the tax breaks the government gives to couples takes place when the first spouse passes away. That person’s Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF) can be taken over by the surviving spouse without taxes being payable at the time. So those funds continue to grow on a tax-deferred basis. But what happens if the surviving spouse only takes the minimum required RRIF withdrawals throughout retirement?…
January 13th, 2022
Will Higher Inflation Lead to Higher Returns?
A lot of you may have noticed that some of your favourite products and services have become more expensive, or even out-of-stock. These are the side effects of central bank monetary policy and COVID-19 shutdowns. When consumer demand and inflation are going up, how can you be sure your investments do too?…
January 6th, 2022
Control the inheritance you leave to your heirs
…a trust can be used by just about anyone to meet a variety of estate planning needs. One of the most common uses is controlling how an heir or heirs will receive their inheritance…
December 17th, 2021
When is the Best Time to Invest?
The year just ended demonstrates how different investors can react to the same market conditions. Starting in early 2021 and well into the summer months, stock markets surged overall…
December 8th, 2021
Borrowing to Invest
Is borrowing to invest a good idea? All you need to come out ahead is a return on your investment that’s greater than the interest you pay on the loan. That makes it especially tempting when the market is climbing…
November 30th, 2021
Lesser-Known Ways to Profit and Save
We all like to learn about tips and tricks to get ahead financially, but not all of them are widely known. Here’s a collection of lesser-known wealth management strategies for everyone, from students to seniors....
November 17th, 2021
Tax, Retirement and Estate Planning – Q3 2021 Update
Listen in on what Wilmot George, Vice-President of Advisor Consulting: Tax, Retirement and Estate Planning, has to say about the outcome of the recent federal election…
November 15th, 2021
What to Know About the Graduated Rate Estate
The Graduated Rate Estate (GRE) has become an important estate planning tool in Canada since its introduction in 2015. Most trusts are subject to taxation at the highest marginal tax rate. A GRE allows the estate to use graduated tax rates up to three years post death, providing significant tax savings and the opportunity for income splitting…
November 3rd, 2021
Should You Help Your Child Buy a Home?
Most parents who think about helping a child buy a home have something in common. When they bought their first home, it was significantly easier to make the down payment than it is now. Today, real estate prices have escalated, mortgage regulations are stricter and the cost of living is higher…