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…
Read MoreMost 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…
Read MoreSet it and forget it. That’s an easy trap to fall into after opening a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP). Simply choose your investments, make regular contributions – being sure to trigger the maximum annual Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG) – and watch your investments grow…
Read MoreHave you thought about where you’ll enjoy your retirement? Hundreds of thousands of Canadian retirees believe the best place to spend winter is in the U.S. Sun Belt and other warm destinations. Many purchase vacation properties in Canada where they stay for long stretches throughout the year…
Read MoreWhen it’s time to withdraw funds from a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP), tax planning may be involved. It’s all because an RESP is composed of two pools of money, one taxable and one non-taxable – and you choose the pool for each withdrawal…
Read MoreIf you’re like most couples, each spouse ends up assuming responsibility for certain roles. Usually, that’s all well and good – but not when it comes to financial life. Here are several reasons why you’re better off when both spouses are involved in wealth management…
Read MoreIf you've come into an inheritance, chances are likely that a loved one has passed. This will most likely be a difficult time for you, so it's important to refrain from making any rash decisions (for example, booking a month long vacation). Instead, it's suggested that you consider your long term goals, and put a heavy focus on securing your financial future…
Read MoreDuring your working years, many types of insurance are usually considered to be necessary. For example, life insurance protects your family’s financial security and disability insurance protects your income. In retirement, life and health insurance is to a large extent optional, but may still be regarded as essential to many retirees…
Read MoreUnless you prepare properly, your executor could end up feeling more like a detective. Where are receipts for the final tax return? Where’s the life insurance policy? What, there’s an old bank account from 20 years ago? The job of the executor is involved enough without having to search for information and documents that could’ve been placed at their fingertips…
Read MoreA vacation property owner has always intended to hand down the property to her two children. However, she’s planning her estate and faces a challenge. Her adult daughter regularly vacations at the lakeside property, but her son lives three provinces away and is no longer interested in the property. The equal split no longer works…
Read More
