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. GIVING WHILE LIVING Our increasing longevity can have a significant … Read More
FIVE ITEMS OFTEN OVERLOOKED IN A WILL
Check to see if one or more of these often-overlooked items may apply to you. Loyalty programs. 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 … 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. A falling market just before retirement could cause unprepared investors to postpone their retirement or modify their desired retirement lifestyle. If the market suffers a … Read More
ABOUT THE DISABILITY TAX CREDIT
Your parent may have lived their entire life without a disability only to develop one or more serious physical or cognitive impairments in their senior years. Depending on the impairment’s severity, they may be eligible for the disability tax credit, which can reduce their income tax burden. The impairments covered by the credit fall under the categories of walking, speaking, … Read More
WILL YOUR PARENTS NEED YOUR HELP?
The day may come when your parents find it more difficult to take care of their financial matters. Your help can make a difference, whether it’s in the form of your time, advice or financial assistance. Not all parents are comfortable sharing their financial life with their children, but your efforts in getting them to share can be well worthwhile. … Read More
PLANNING FOR MARKET VOLATILITY
In the early months of 2020, the coronavirus outbreak led to a sudden market meltdown—only to be followed by a surprisingly quick recovery by the summer. Not long after, in 2022, equity markets around the world entered bear market territory. In 2023, the markets rallied. It’s no wonder that many investors today have volatility on their minds. The reality is … Read More
WHEN A WEALTH PLAN IS FLUID
A wealth plan identifies your life goals and provides you with a personalized wealth management strategy to meet your financial milestones and achieve each objective. However, a wealth plan isn’t something you set and forget. GOALS MAY CHANGE Over the years, your goals themselves will change—one will be reached, another may be modified and perhaps a new goal will be … Read More
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. HOW FALSE CHARGES OCCUR False charges can arise in numerous ways. The bank or credit card company may make an error. You may … Read More
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. Expecting a child, having a newborn or adopting a child. Maternity benefits can begin after giving birth or as … Read More
HOW THE FHSA WORKS
Eligibility: To open a First Home Savings Account (FHSA), you must be a resident of Canada and at least 18, or the age of majority in your province. You must be a first-time home buyer. Contributions: You can contribute up to $8,000 annually to a maximum amount of $40,000. If you contribute less than $8,000 in any year, you can … Read More