Articles

As the holidays often bring a few moments of peace, it is a perfect time to get in touch with the real you. Who are you and what do you consider important? Consider it your personal foundation and life decisions are a result of that foundation. In the context of financial planning, and in many … Christmas – a time to reflect on yourself, too

There is a tremendous employment potential for workers in their 30s and 40s. This will have significant financial impact for those who can capitalize on this opportunity. Personal financial stability begins with the ability to earn an income.  It is that income that provides your desired lifestyle and the ability to be able to save … Positive career opportunity for those in their 30s and 40s

In February 2015, the Supreme Court of Canada, by a unanimous 9-0 decision, struck down the Criminal Code provision banning assisted death, on the grounds it was unconstitutional. This ruling has opened the door for physician-assisted death for consenting, critically ill adults, and has expanded end-of-life estate planning. Federal and provincial governments were given 12 … Pending physician-assisted death legislation may change estate planning

There are rules and regulations designed to keep investors safe. Sometimes those rules might backfire. Recently I attended a conference designed to provide insight into guiding the type of advice given to clients. I think having strict rules in the investment industry is a good thing. Regulators that are responsible for policing our industry are … Investment guidelines might harm investors

Tax-free capital gains from selling your house could be a mistake. One tax rule most Canadians understand is profit from the sale of a principal residence is tax-free. This has been a windfall for many but in hindsight, is this fair? We will have a simple exercise of ‘follow the money’ and you decide what … Should gains from the sale of a house be taxed?

Individuals currently withdrawing funds from their Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF) have some year-end tax planning ahead. The tax planning idea in this column is oversimplified. The goal is to make you aware of changes to your RIFF withdrawal rate so you can plan accordingly.  Our recommendation is to seek professional tax advice.  The foundation … RRIF rule change presents a tax planning option