Estate Planning

Shield your clients’ estates

If a client asks you to ensure his laundry, dirty or clean, isn’t aired after he dies, follow this simple rule: keep the will out of probate.

By Melissa Shin |May 18, 2012

4 min read

Estate Planning

Help clients understand trusts

So you're not an estate lawyer; that doesn't mean you should steer clear of trusts. These legal structures can be powerful planning tools, allowing clients to reduce taxes, split income, and ensure their final wishes are carried out to the letter.

By Staff |May 16, 2012

3 min read

Economic Indicators

Women will lead first-time homebuyers

Women (49%) are more likely than men (35%) to buy homes within the next two years, says an RBC Homeownership Poll.

May 14, 2012

1 min read

Estate Planning

Don’t assume your client has a will

One third (31%) of Canadians between the ages of 45 and 64 don't have a will, according to a CIBC poll conducted by Harris/Decima. And of those who do, the majority (44%) hasn’t updated it in more than five years.

May 9, 2012

3 min read

Tips for singles to leave legacies

Most women are altruistically inclined, irrespective of economic status: A 2010 research conducted by the Women’s Philanthropy Institute at Indiana University showed single women are twice more likely to give to charity than single men.

2 min read

Estate planning enters 21st century

It is not a social media story. And yet you know the medium has come of age when your Facebook and Twitter accounts and photos are considered digital assets that must be part of your estate planning.

3 min read

Deconstructing wealth

Luxury cars and cozy cottages build a formidable illusion of wealth, but these hallmarks of conspicuous consumption don’t always add up to high net worth. This harsh reality jolts many possession-rich folks when advisors tally assets against liabilities, and reach grim conclusions.

8 min read

Charitable tax credits flexible after death

The income tax act provides that a charitable gift gives rise to a donation tax credit in the calendar year in which the gift was made. And, to the extent the donation tax credit is not claimed in that year, it may be carried forward and claimed in any of the donor’s five succeeding taxation years.

3 min read

Estate Planning

Shield your clients’ estates

Help clients understand trusts

Women will lead first-time homebuyers

Don’t assume your client has a will

Definitions of alter-ego and joint-partner trusts

Tips for singles to leave legacies

Estate planning enters 21st century

Deconstructing wealth

Trust residence ruling upheld

Charitable tax credits flexible after death