It’s easy to think you can put off changes to an estate plan – the plan doesn’t even take effect during your lifetime. But it’s important to react in good time because many changes call for strategies best implemented sooner rather than later. Also, you make estate planning changes now for the same reason you […]
Markets rallied in July, contrary to most investors’ expectations Markets have been volatile and recently bottomed amid bearish sentiments. The S&P 500 Index fell to 3667 on June 16th and subsequently rallied back to 4130 at the end of July. So, what happened between June 16th and July 31st to drive such a significant shift? […]
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. Learn more about smart business handling, check this post about the best paystub generator free […]
According to Statistics Canada, more than one in four Canadians in a couple is in a second or subsequent marriage or common-law relationship. For most people getting together as a new couple, financial life will change. Here’s a look at several financial and wealth planning matters that may be different the second time around. Yours, […]
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 […]
It’s natural to think that estate planning for a single person would be less involved than for someone who’s married with children. But that’s not necessarily the case. Many estate planning measures that are made automatically by a married individual, such as leaving estate assets to their spouse, require more time and thought for a […]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0M8PJh23qwc&t=186s When you think of income splitting, what first comes to mind is likely moving taxable income to a lower-income spouse. But several income splitting opportunities with children are available and worth exploring. The more income you can transfer to others in a lower tax bracket, the more tax you save as a family. Tax […]
Set 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. The reality, however, is there are things to do. […]
It was an eventful quarter. Lingering inflation, tightening central bank policy, high oil prices and geopolitical tensions were top of mind for investors. U.S., Canadian and global equities swung back and forth on market volatility, one moment bullishly coping and the next turning bearish, before ending Q2 in doldrums. Equities were dragged down by uncertainty […]
It’s never been easy discussing financial matters with family members, whether talking to your parents or adult children. But quite often, there’s one important reason to gather your courage and have the money talk. If you don’t address the issue when it’s on your mind, you may allow problems to develop down the road. Preventing […]
