Future Attractions. When and How Much?
That’s the title of my latest article published in The TaxLetter®
It recognizes significant tax increases ahead and presents several opportunities to preserve wealth and lessen the tax bite now.
As we patiently await our vaccines and the re-opening of world economies, right now is the perfect time to focus on “incompletions” in your estate planning, including wills, powers of attorney and life insurance.
Now, for the first time ever, our clients can get up to $5 million of Life Insurance with NO medical underwriting, NO blood/urine samples and NO in-person meetings, all in a 15 minute phone call.
They are topping up coverage and buying new policies for spouses, children and grandchildren for basic protection, estate tax planning or charitable giving.
Where is your Will?
Estimated Reading time: 50 seconds
It’s déjà vu all over again.
Prince’s sudden death a few weeks ago at the young age of 57 was quickly followed by reports of a huge estate estimated at up to US$500 million, a priceless treasure chest of unreleased music, international legions of grieving fans and NO WILL!
All in the family
Estimated reading time: 40 seconds
I was a guest speaker last month at a Toolbox Seminar hosted by Toronto-based lawyers Gardiner Roberts LLP.
My presentation "Creative Uses of Life Insurance in Family Business Buyouts" was attended by a few dozen lawyers, accountants and other planning professionals.
Free Money
A real deal at the big box store?
Estimated reading time: 40 seconds
People like me shop at big box stores for good deals on many useful products.
From tires to toilet paper, consumer-friendly pricing explains the packed parking lots and overstuffed shopping carts.
Strategies for kids with special needs
Estimated reading time: 60 seconds
The grandparents of a special needs child contacted me recently wanting to do something “different” to provide for their grandson and his parents.
The boy was born with a severe disability requiring special care - an emotional and financial challenge for any family.
CBC Marketplace strikes again
Estimated reading time: 45 seconds
CBC Marketplace has warned consumers again about Canadian banks offering imperfect advice and unfriendly insurance products.
They went undercover seeking financial advice from the country's top 5 banks and financial institutions….and….spoiler alert….the results are scary.
Tax Time Blues - Be Prepared
Estimated reading time: 35 seconds
After a long and miserable winter, Canadians now face the annual dread called tax time.
Some taxpayers are in ‘search and sort’ mode right now, looking for the receipts and documents required for their personal income tax return.
Charity begins at the office
Estimated reading time: 30 seconds
I love my job!
It allows me, on a daily basis, to help people get properly protected from whatever lies ahead.
5 Reasons why insurance companies don’t want you to review your policies
Estimated reading time: 30 seconds
Everyone knows that insurance companies pay attention to details.
The degree of due diligence they exercise before issuing a life insurance policy often includes a careful review of your driving record, financial profile and family health history.
Resolutions for 2014 - Get Your Financial House in Order
This is the only time of year when people make all kinds of promises to themselves; solemn vows to quit smoking, lose weight, exercise more, work less, work more, become more spiritual, etc.
Consider adding this resolution - get your financial house on order.
Use this list to get started.
Never Assume Anything (including emails delivered)
Estimated reading time: 45 seconds
“Never assume anything” Heard that before? Me too…at least a million times.
Yes, it’s a cliché, but it always ring true!
Happy Father's Day - gift included
Estimated reading time: 30 seconds
Happy Father’s Day!
This post is dedicated to my late father, of blessed memory, who died of a sudden heart attack in 1974 at the age of 50.
Truth or Consequences
Estimated reading time: 35 seconds
Telling the truth is an essential virtue, especially when it comes to dealing with insurance companies.
A schoolyard fib gets denounced with 'liar, liar pants on fire', but an insurance fib can carry disastrous consequences.
I was planning to procrastinate …
Estimated reading time: 45 seconds
I was planning to procrastinate, but never got around to it.
How many of us don’t put off important things we know we should have done yesterday? Do you envy those super-efficient types who are so punctual, organized and always put together? Don’t they sometimes infuriate you.... with yourself?