Our Views

As we noted in our first blog outlining the legal, financial and tax implications of managing an inheritance, a significant wealth transition can be a life-changing event—or at least one that gives rise to new decisions and opportunities. It can also be the source of mixed emotions – ... Keep Reading "The mixed emotions of managing an inheritance" >

Receiving an inheritance can be an emotional, life-changing experience that presents both new opportunities and challenges. Many people who inherit large sums feel a deep sense of responsibility to protect and properly manage the money—and do right by the loved ones who earned it. “I watched my ... Keep Reading "Managing an inheritance: 7 things you need to know" >

Divorce is a sensitive topic that can be a life-changing experience with major financial implications—especially when significant wealth and complexity are involved. And today there are more couples taking that step as the COVID-19 pandemic has put additional pressure on marital relationships ... Keep Reading "Divorce: how being informed leads to a better outcome" >

No one could have predicted the kind of year that 2020 would turn out to be. As the coronavirus pandemic took hold in March, it upended lives, economies, social structures and political systems. But even as we mourn lives lost, companies that collapsed and consequences for our daily lives, we ... Keep Reading "Investing takeaways from an unforgettable 2020" >

Travelling to a sun destination this winter is more complicated thanks to COVID-19. But it is possible for snowbirds and vacationers alike to get away—even if it means navigating a few challenges to reach that warm-weather destination. From commercial airlines to private travel, there is a ... Keep Reading "How to get to your winter destination during COVID-19" >

The coronavirus pandemic has thrown a wrench into many Canadians’ winter travel plans. Border closings, travel restrictions, quarantine rules, ever-changing flight schedules, rising coronavirus cases, and “hot spots” around the world are all factors to navigate. Not to mention one’s own comfort ... Keep Reading "Medical insurance options for winter travel" >

This weekend, as families gather for a socially-distanced (even virtual?) Thanksgiving dinner, the things we once took for granted, we now take with gratitude. Some of our client families use this traditional weekend celebration to discuss their charitable giving plans – putting gratitude into ... Keep Reading "A philanthropy primer: high-impact, tax-smart giving" >

The coronavirus pandemic has prompted a great deal of reflection among Canadian pre- and post-retirees on many things, including estate planning. With a little more time on your hands, now may be the ideal time to ‘stress test’ your estate plan to make sure its many components reflect your ... Keep Reading "Why it’s time to ‘stress test’ your estate plan" >

For high net-worth retirees, the risk of depleting their capital in their living years is sometimes a source of anxiety, no matter how wealthy they may be. This anxiety is heightened during periods of volatility when portfolios are down and their withdrawals take a proportionately bigger piece ... Keep Reading "How to manage “sequence of return” risk in retirement" >

One of the most common questions we are asked by people who are either approaching or in the early stage of retirement is, “how should I structure my withdrawals to be most tax efficient?” That question is even more pressing at a time when the COVID-19 crisis has prompted many high net-worth ... Keep Reading "Tax-effective strategies to withdraw funds for your retirement" >