Wealth Transfer Each year in Canada, billions of assets are transferred at death. If you intend to transfer all or part of your assets to your heirs, you want to make sure that it goes to the people you selected and in the manner you intended. Unfortunately, wealth transfer doesn’t always occur as planned. This…
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…
If you were to imagine someone establishing a trust, you may picture an individual leaving their hilltop mansion and being driven by their chauffeur to stately law offices visited only by the rich and famous. In reality, a trust can be used by just about anyone to meet a variety of estate planning needs. One…
Are you in line for a large inheritance? You might be. Are you prepared for it? Maybe not. Here’s how to get ready. Have you read about “the great wealth transfer?” In 2026, the first of the Canadian baby boomers will reach 80. Starting around then, as much as $1 trillion (that’s 12 zeroes!) will…
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. So a parent might…
Drafting a will probably ranks up there with flossing. We know we should do it, but we either put it off or avoid doing it completely. According to the 2019 Sun Life Barometer,* 67% of working Canadians don’t have a will. (*The Barometer is a survey that measures Canadians’ attitudes about their health and finances.) If…
You play an important role in protecting your parents’ legacy Do you remember when your parents sat you down for the talk? Back then, it likely included some awkward moments and uncomfortable feelings. It could be time for another talk, but this time you’d be starting a conversation your parents may have been avoiding – about…
What is an annuity? An income annuity is a simple way to turn a portion of your savings into regular income – for a fixed period or the rest of your life. It’s up to you. No matter how the markets fluctuate or how much interest rates change, you’ll continue to receive payments that can…
Protecting your future today is smart You’ve made all the right moves and have finally been rewarded. All that hard work at school has helped you land the job that launches your career. Proper money management is the key to your financial independence. It gives you the power to make the decisions that shape your…
The current COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in many pausing to reflect on their estate and incapacity planning. The barrage of news headlines about the health crisis and forced time at home have understandably led individuals to more thoughtfully consider the plans they have in place or plans they would like to implement. Legal professionals throughout…