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Specifically, the prescribed interest rate has fallen to 1% as of July 1, 2020, which provides a significant opportunity to split income with a spouse, children or other family members. The new rate of 1% is the lowest the rate can possibly go, unless the yield on Government of Canada Treasury ... Keep Reading "Income splitting with prescribed rate loans" >

As lockdown restrictions are slowly eased, many of us can finally spend time with an ever-expanding group of loved ones. That means we can enjoy this Father’s Day with a visit or a backyard barbecue as we celebrate the men who matter most to us. That prompted our team to think about our dads’ many... Keep Reading "Financial lessons my father taught me" >

The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us the generosity, kindness and teamwork that can emerge when we all band together in a crisis. But we’re also seeing a few bad actors working to take advantage of the situation, particularly on the cybersecurity front as we spend more hours online for work or to ... Keep Reading "Cybersecurity awareness: how to stay safe online" >

A small silver lining of the COVID-19 crisis is the chance it’s given so many of us to reflect on the important things in life, from our work, our homes and living spaces, to our relationships, family values and life goals. For high net-worth families especially, these trying times have created ... Keep Reading "How, when, if? The question of wealth transfer" >

With Mother’s Day this weekend, our thoughts turn to the women who shaped our values and who moulded us into the people we are today. Whether consoling us after a gut-wrenching loss in that pee-wee hockey playoff game or watching proudly as we accepted that hard-earned diploma, mending our ... Keep Reading "Financial lessons my mother taught me" >

We all know that the economic and social consequences of the COVID-19 crisis have been widespread and far-reaching. One lesser-known upshot is an exponential surge in demand for will and estate planning services among high net-worth individuals (especially seniors). “We’ve been getting a lot of ... Keep Reading "Wills and estate planning take on new urgency" >

In the middle of a global pandemic, tax planning is unlikely to be at the top of your list of priorities. But as managers of our clients’ total wealth picture, it is incumbent on us to be constantly scanning the environment for new planning ideas. As grievous as the circumstances are, the ... Keep Reading "Market sell-off creates new tax and estate planning options" >

Entrepreneurs are a huge part of the Newport family and the economic shutdown due to COVID-19 has brought a tsunami of business challenges. They are responding with extraordinary leadership—reducing costs, pivoting their businesses and innovating to make it through the worst of this situation. ... Keep Reading "Federal COVID-19 relief programs: what they mean for your business" >

Advantages of donating securities through a corporation In last week’s post, we examined the comparative benefits of making charitable donations of cash versus securities with an accrued capital gain. The short answer: from a tax perspective, it’s far more efficient to make donations of ... Keep Reading "Celebrating the season of charitable giving – Part 3" >

Last week in this blog, we introduced the concept of charitable giving through a Foundation Account at Canada Gives. As promised, this week we look at the tax benefits of donating securities versus cash – whether it is to your own private foundation, a Foundation Account at Canada Gives or ... Keep Reading "Celebrating the season of charitable giving – Part 2" >