When the U.S. launched a trade war in January, many were quick to warn of a possible recession. With Canada’s economy already growing at a sluggish pace – GDP growth is projected at just 1.8 percent for 2025 – the Bank of Canada estimated that a blanket 25 percent tariff would reduce annual GDP growth […]

It’s RRSP season once again! Over the decades, the federal government has eliminated many income-splitting opportunities available to taxpayers. However, if you have a spouse/common-law partner, don’t overlook the spousal Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) — a valuable opportunity to split income at retirement if your spouse will be in a lower tax bracket at […]

It has been termed “the great renewal”. A significant number of Canadian mortgages are coming up for renewal. By one account, around 2.2 million mortgages or 45 percent of all outstanding mortgages, are set to face higher interest rates this year and next.1 Even though the Bank of Canada cut interest rates in 2024 as inflation continues […]

If you are looking for a financial resolution to start the year, why not make estate planning a priority? Every so often we hear stories about the consequences of not having a valid will. To die without one, known as dying “intestate”, can have significant and perhaps unintended effects as assets will be distributed according […]

The beginning of anew year is an opportune time to revisit certain aspects of your wealth management. If you don’t know where to start, here are a handful of ideas. For more information, please call the office. Contribute to the RRSP. The Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) deadline for the 2024 tax year is March 3, […]

The final months of the calendar year are a time when tax strategies are often top of mind. As a reminder, the tax rules allow you to carry forward certain tax credits or deductions not used in the current year. Be aware that the carryforward rules differ among registered plans. The introduction of the First […]

With the (proposed*) increase to the capital gains inclusion rate in 2024, there have been various questions from investors about tax planning. Here are two that relate to year-end planning. 1. What is the Capital Gains Reserve? When you dispose of capital property, you may realize a capital gain or loss: the difference between the […]

While many aspects of investing in the equity markets may seem unpredictable, one constant remains: volatility. Just how common are market fluctuations? Even in years when the S&P/TSX Composite Index has performed well, we should expect substantial volatility. Over the past 40 years, despite average annual performance of more than 6 percent, the average intra-year […]

There are few “gifts” that the government gives us, and the Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) is one of them. The opportunity to invest and grow funds on a tax-free basis over a lifetime should not be overlooked. Yet, the latest statistics reveal that many high-net-worth (HNW) individuals are not taking full advantage. The 2024 TFSA […]