Prescribed rate loans can be an excellent financial planning tool for many Canadians. They are one of the few remaining income splitting strategies that could help you lower your family’s overall tax bill. While commonly used to split income between spouses, prescribed rate loans can also be used to efficiently split income with adult children or to fund family investment...
A vacation property—whether it’s a cottage in Muskoka or a chalet at Tremblant—is a valuable asset, not just in terms of the real estate, but also as a place that holds years of family memories. For many Canadians, passing the property to the next generation is a priority, but there are significant tax and non-tax-related considerations associated with keeping that cabin or condo in the family.
What it means for you On April 7, the 2022 Federal budget was presented. Below you’ll find the key takeaways and a summary that highlights the proposals which are not law yet. If you’re interested to learn more about how this budget could impact your financial plan, talk to an IG Advisor. Key takeaways Tax-Free First Home Savings Account (FHSA)...
A Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) is a great tool to build wealth for most Canadians while paying less tax. Although there are many benefits to investing in a TFSA, there can also be costly mistakes. This article outlines the eight most common pitfalls people encounter and how to avoid them. 1) Avoid making a withdrawal and replacing the withdrawal in...
64% of business owners want to transition their business in the next 10 years. However, 51% feel the next generation is not ready and 39% worry the next generation is uninterested1. Whether you plan to keep your business in the family or sell to a third party, how can you ensure your business is ready for the sale?
Many Canadians designate a direct beneficiary on their RRSP, RRIF, TFSA or insurance policies without giving it a second thought (although in Quebec, beneficiary designations are only effective on insurance policies). However, designating a direct beneficiary is not recommended for many plan/policy owners, where they have non-traditional or unique family situations, as it can lead to unfavourable tax implications for beneficiaries.
Did you know that many Canadians are not adequately prepared to pass on or inherit family wealth? This is often due to a lack of communication and planning. The good news is that it’s never too early or too late to start. Planning helps you identify tax saving opportunities, mitigate potential financial gaps and maximize your current lifestyle.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, employers have embraced an environment where employees work from home. With the opportunity to work from home, some Canadians are taking the opportunity to work from anywhere. For some that means working from the cottage or working from a foreign location. Before you switch from working from home to a location of your choice, there are a few things that you should consider.
An important part of financial planning is making sure that you have an estate plan that meets your personal needs. A key component of any well constructed estate plan is to make sure that you have an up to date power of attorney for financial decisions (referred to as a “protection mandate” in Quebec).
Financial abuse is on the rise. Criminals are finding new and innovative ways to take advantage of people, particularly through social media and the internet. Always be on the lookout for financial abuse and take precautions to protect yourself. Here are a few things to consider.
With the end of the year fast approaching, Canadian taxpayers will want to consider all the tax planning opportunities available to them. Which year-end planning strategies apply to you will depend upon your specific circumstances and objectives. The IG Wealth Management Year-end Tax Planning Checklist can help you understand what opportunities are most suited to you.
As we move toward the end of the year, we approach the season of giving. Many Canadians also increase their charitable giving during this period. However, not everyone is maximizing their giving in the most tax-efficient way. Whether it’s a continuation of donations made throughout the year, or an initial donation, there are several strategies to consider when donating prior to the end of the year.