Corporate shares; bond certificates; investment accounts and gold bars are representative of some of the assets created by a lifetime of work; but none carry the collective emotive of the Family cottage. The joyous memories perhaps across multi generations almost always result in concern about how, among the generations to follow, will succession occur and the stewardship continue. […]
What and When Is “Estate Planning”?
April 13, 2017
For many people it doesn’t make sense to work a lifetime to accumulate assets; only to have at least 25% of much of their value confiscated at death or distributed otherwise than in accordance with their wishes. Hard work is what built this country. The desires to succeed; to raise a family; build a business […]
Major Principles of Insurance #2
March 24, 2017
As we deal with entrepreneurs who collateralize assets as they grow their businesses and create estate exposures in the event of premature death, disability or sickness, it is reassuring to know that the proceeds of life insurance are creditor proof. Our client Richard is a wonderful young man. Charming, enthusiastic, intelligent, athletic and industrious, he was […]
Major Principles of Insurance #1
March 15, 2017
When my Grandfather returned at the conclusion of the Second World War from serving six years overseas with the Royal Canadian Artillery he contemplated a career in the financial sector and had narrowed his choice to the brokerage, banking or insurance industries. He was shocked to learn of the suicide of one of his best […]
Retirement #3: The Living Standard Retirement Ratio
March 1, 2017
Notwithstanding the various retirement income planning guides and models referenced in the previous article in this series – their applicability will vary according to the personal circumstances of each retiree or retiring couple. As reported in Rob Carrick’s Globe & Mail article of FEB 5th, 2017 entitled: “The new way to tell if you’ve saved […]
Retirement #2: How much retirement income should be targeted?
February 15, 2017
The Stanford Research Institute advises planning to replace 75% of one’s economic human life value in the event of death, disability or retirement. What does this actually mean? Consider your ability to earn an income akin to a money machine located in your basement. Just as you would insure such an asset against flood, theft […]
Tuesday Talks with Brian Etherington: Trusts – A Significant Role in Passing on Wealth
January 16, 2017
Many parents and grandparents today are concerned about inter-generational wealth planning. Trusts can play a significant role in passing on wealth and/or corporate interests to the next generation(s) in a controlled and private manner. We found the following article “Why you may need or want to set up a trust in your estate” by Brenda Bouw in the […]
Transition into First Stage of Retirement Planning: Independence
January 15, 2017
As we journey through the joys and challenges of Family, Career and Community we seldom take the time from 30,000′ to think about the penultimate destination – retirement. The happy news is that 78% of Canadians over age 65 feel good about their overall health and expect to live to age 86. The experts advise […]
Life Insurance as a Safe and Tax Effective Asset Class
August 4, 2015
My June 23rd, 2015 article entitled: “Fixed Income Considerations”, spoke to how Insured Deposit Funds (IDF’s) are forming meaningful portions of the fixed income portfolios of Canadians. An excellent background paper on this subject is: “Life Insurance as an Asset Class” in which its co-authors, Wayne Miller, BMATH, ASA, ACIA and Sally Murdock, MMATH, MMF, […]
Philanthropic Giving in Canada Part 6 – Recap
May 15, 2015
As we have noted in the first article of this series, the three most significant motivating factors behind a donor’s gift are a compassion for those in need; a belief in the cause and the tax effectiveness of the gift. Charities and “not for profits” need to develop an understanding of and respect for the […]
