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 […]

Though the pandemic now feels like a distant memory, it did bring about some positive changes. One notable outcome was that many clients began to take a closer look at their estate planning. In doing so, some discovered that they were concerned beneficiaries might not be able to responsibly manage their inheritance. As a result, […]

Politics and money are never far apart. Election years frequently bring about questions surrounding changes to public policies, potential regulatory shifts and the ensuing effects on the markets and economy. This year’s U.S. election has been no exception, with investors keeping a close eye on possible changes that could influence industries, sectors and the overall […]

How do you view the glass – half full or half empty? This question aptly captures the dual nature of sentiment today. On one hand, our standard of living is among the highest in history, fuelled by technological advances, improved quality of life, substantial and growing wealth and increased life expectancy. On the other hand, […]

There are many reasons to consider a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) to save for a child’s future education: tax-deferred growth within the plan, earnings taxed at the child’s tax rate when eventually withdrawn and, of course, the Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG). The CESG consists of funds paid into the plan by the federal […]

In the current environment of higher valuations, slower growth, and increased volatility, there’s been a renewed attention to alternative investments. Alternatives are often given focus during more challenging times since their performance doesn’t typically correlate with the markets. Alternatives generally refer to investments not available in publicly-traded markets. Most commonly, this includes private equity, infrastructure, […]