Estate planning

Estate freeze can enhance succession, planning

A successful entrepreneur usually encounters many difficult decisions when preparing his or her succession and estate plan. One of those decisions is whether to implement an estate freeze. Let’s look in on Michelle , our case study, as she struggles with that question while developing her succession and estate plan. Michelle is 58 years old. […]

By Floyd Gradley |September 24, 2010

9 min read

Industry

IAFP Symposium: Blended families complicate planning

BANFF – The financial services industry is rife with legal pitfalls stemming from potential conflicts of interest, but not all of these involve the interests of the advisor. There is a very real possibility the conflict you face could be between two clients, as a marriage falls apart. The good news is that there is […]

By Steven Lamb |September 24, 2010

3 min read

Estate Planning

Passing the baton

Many Canadians have built their wealth by operating a small business. Now, with an aging workforce and an economy on the upswing, many owners are weighing the benefits of selling their business to a third party or of transitioning it to a family member.

By Anthony Maiorino |September 1, 2010

6 min read

Estate Planning

Joint accounts and survivorship rights

It’s a commonly used financial device between spouses

By Daniel J. Dochylo |September 1, 2010

6 min read

A.M. market data for March 16, 2010

North American markets Back to Top Open Change YTD Dow Jones 10,642.15 +17.46 or +0.16% +2.05% S&P 500 1,150.51 +0.52 or +0.05% +3.18% NASDAQ 2,362.21 -5.45 or -0.23% +4.10% TSX Composite 12,008.80 -5.02 or -0.04% +2.24% International markets Back to Top Open Change YTD Nikkei 10,721.71 -30.27 or -0.28% +1.66% Hang Seng 21,022.93 -56.17 or […]

By Staff |March 16, 2010

1 min read

Packing away your TFSA

Many consider the Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) to be the most versatile savings account available to Canadians. Not only does it provide tangible benefits such as tax-free income and withdrawals, but it is available to all adult Canadians regardless of age or income level. Unlike other tax-efficient plans that restrict contributions and/or withdrawals based on […]

By Wilmot George |January 4, 2010

4 min read

Out of these markets—opportunities for a ‘new’ kind of advisor

In the small city where I live, a major Canadian investment firm has opened a new office. The full-page ad in our local paper focuses on the experience of the two new “wealth advisors” at the firm and their willingness to provide a review of your portfolio. “If you are not happy with the returns […]

5 min read

Briefly: “Scotia debuts new insurance brand” and more of Monday’s news

Scotiabank has launched a new insurance brand, ScotiaLife Financial, offering comprehensive creditor, travel and life and health coverage. “We are excited about the opportunities within the Canadian insurance industry,” said Mark Cummings, senior vice-president and head, insurance Canada, Scotiabank. “We see great potential and we are working to provide comprehensive insurance solutions Canadians want and […]

By Staff |February 9, 2009

4 min read