Determining which donation method suits you best
When choosing how to make a large charitable gift, the number of available options can seem overwhelming—especially when each brings its own financial benefits.
To simplify matters, here are personal situations you may relate to, along with donation methods for each.
Read More
Consider the timing of leaving an inheritance
Naming a beneficiary in a will may be seen as the most common way to leave an inheritance to a loved one.
However, in certain situations, many people choose to give an advance on an inheritance during their lifetime or have the funds distributed in the years following their passing.
Read More
Talking to your significant other about money
Relationships depend on trust, and yet research consistently shows that couples aren’t always completely open with each other about their finances. For example, TD’s 2021 Love and Money survey found that 28% of Canadians in committed relationships had a financial secret they hadn’t shared with their partner—and 64% of those with a secret said they have no plans to ever tell their partner about it.
Read More
Five items often overlooked in a will
Each loyalty program has its own rules about whether points can be transferred to a beneficiary, so check your programs’ policies. When allowed, list the loyalty program in your will and name the beneficiary of the points. Also, provide your executor with each loyalty program’s login information.
Read More
Navigating the retirement risk zone is personal
It’s called the retirement risk zone—the period of several years before your retirement date and the initial years of your retirement. The risk is a severe market downturn and its impact on your retirement savings.
Read More
March 29, 2024
Find money-saving opportunities this tax season
year, inevitably, April 30 rolls around. In the weeks leading up to the personal income tax return filing deadline, many across Canada brace themselves for the ordeal of getting their financial paperwork in order. Few enjoy the process of preparing to file their taxes. But what may seem like a chore is also an excellent prompt to discover tax-saving strategies that can help you this year and in years to come.
Read More
March 15, 2024
Do you check your bank and credit card transactions
Recently, a British Columbia resident discovered they had unknowingly been paying another person’s cell phone bill for five years. That’s the sort of false charge that could have been caught and stopped immediately by regularly monitoring transactions.
Read More
March 1, 2024
Take advantage of family and caregiving benefits
When you raise a child or help support a dependent family member, you’re sure to face extra costs. Here are some common family and caregiving situations and associated benefits from the federal government that can help you meet your financial needs.
Read More
February 16, 2024
Making the most of a First Home Savings Account
Months after the federal government launched the First Home Savings Account (FHSA), more than 20 financial institutions are offering FHSAs, and Canadians are opening accounts by the tens of thousands.
If you have a child or grandchild eligible for an FHSA, here are some strategies and considerations to help with your and their decisions.
Read More
February 2, 2024
Wealth planning is different when you’re single
According to Statistics Canada, the number of Canadians living alone has reached a record high. In fact, the one-person household is the most common household type.
Read More
January 19, 2024
Is an RRSP still worthwhile?
There’s a myth that surfaces every once in a while. It suggests a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) isn’t worthwhile because of the tax on eventual withdrawals.
Read More
January 5, 2024
Everyone needs an emergency fund—here’s how to build yours
An emergency fund is a core part of every financial plan. It’s easily accessible money you can draw on to cover a period of unemployment, repairs to your home, major appliances or car, or any other unexpected essential expense. With Canada’s economy slowing and prices continuing to rise, this type of “just in case” or “rainy day” fund is more important than ever.
Read More
December 22, 2023
Ways to give to grandchildren
Giving a financial gift to a grandchild can be tremendously satisfying, knowing you’re helping to make a difference in a loved one’s life. The first step is choosing when to make a gift.
Read More
December 8, 2023
Your Pre-Trip Financial To-Do List
Planning a trip? Here’s your financial to-do list
Swimsuit, sunglasses, sandals, t-shirts, shorts. Toss them in a suitcase and you’re ready to head to a sun destination. Or are you? Take care of these five financial tasks to avoid money problems while you’re away or when you get home.
Read More
November 24, 2023
How sustained high interest rates may be affecting you
Starting in March 2022, the Bank of Canada began increasing its benchmark interest rate to help control inflation. In a series of 10 increases, the rate went from 0.25% to 5.00%. That’s a significant move in about a year and a half—and it’s affecting people differently depending on how they borrow and how they invest.
Read More
November 10, 2023
Have you planned for digital assets?
If you haven’t accounted for your digital property in your will or another document, you’re not alone. This is often overlooked when planning an estate.
Read More
October 27, 2023
Preserving estate assets for your heirs
The first things that come to mind when you think of estate planning might be your will, beneficiaries and executor or estate administrator. However, another key element is planning for the tax liability on your estate’s assets.
Read More
October 13, 2023
How to pay little or no tax on RESP withdrawals
Withdrawals from a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) are different than those from other registered plans. With an RESP, some withdrawals are taxable, while others are not.
This means you need to do some tax planning when you withdraw funds.
Read More
April 5, 2023
What you need to know about the first-time homebuyers savings account
"What is the FHSA (Tax-Free First Home Savings Account) – and how is it different than a TFSA or an RRSP?
Read the full article, featuring Tony Sutey, CFP: Senior Financial Advisor at Spire Advisors of Assante Capital Management Ltd. in Huntsville, ON. Visit: https://www.ctvnews.ca/business/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-first-time-homebuyers-savings-account-1.6340153"
Read More