Legacy Planning Archives

Real Life Investment Strategies #8: Transferring Wealth to Your Children, Sensibly

Post published:April 29, 2025

Canada is in the midst of a historic intergenerational wealth transfer, with over $1 trillion expected to pass from baby boomers to younger generations. For many families, the question isn’t just how much wealth to transfer but when and how to do so responsibly. Should you give small, incremental gifts during your lifetime or leave a traditional large estate inheritance? Each approach has its merits, but both require careful planning to avoid unintended consequences like fostering dependency or jeopardizing your own financial security. This blog introduces these two contrasting wealth transfer strategies for wealth transfer strategies. Along the way, we’ll explore how these approaches can be tailored to align with your goals while leveraging Canada’s tax rules and financial tools.

Read more about the article Real Life Investment Strategies #3: What is the Difference Between a Lifestyle Reserve and an Emergency Fund / Financial Cushion?

Real Life Investment Strategies #3: What is the Difference Between a Lifestyle Reserve and an Emergency Fund / Financial Cushion?

Post published:March 27, 2024

Both Emergency Fund and Lifestyle Reserve Planning are Crucial Whether You are Accumulating Wealth or Getting Ready to Retire Having an emergency fund is common advice, whether you are reading this in the financial media or hearing it from a financial advisor. Many people who are later in life and feeling comfortable with their financial situation might disregard this advice, assuming it only applies to those that don’t have as much financial stability. The truth is that an Emergency Fund is something that everyone (even you!) should have. In addition, the added financial security planning of a Lifestyle Reserve should also be part of your financial plan. So, let’s explore exactly what an Emergency Fund is, how a Lifestyle Fund is different, and why both should be in place to ensure long-term financial alternatives and adaptability. Most importantly, I’ll highlight how this applies to Suzie & Trevor Hall (The Accumulators) and Jim & Carol Oates (Almost Ready to be Retirees), so you can see how it can work for you.

Real Life Investment Strategies #2: Debunking Retirement Financial “Rules”

Post published:March 19, 2024

Should You Plan Your Retirement Savings According to the 4% Withdrawal Rate Rule or 70% of Pre-Retirement Income Rule? Whether you’re an accumulator or preparing for retirement, how do you plan for saving AND spending your hard-earned cash in retirement? My Answer: It depends. All those popular retirement spending rules you hear about in the popular press or through your favourite financial guru really should be called guidelines. Augmenting blunt estimates with finer-pointed planning may not be as quickly accomplished. But it’s a far more effective way to plan for how much to save as you accumulate wealth, and how much to spend as you withdraw it. In fact, it’s best to consider retirement spending as being a variable process, versus a one-and-done equation. Which is why it depends. LET’S BEND SOME RULES: THE 4% WITHDRAWAL RATE RULE & THE 70% PRE-RETIREMENT INCOME RULE

Timeless Financial Tips from 2023 As We Turn to 2024

Post published:December 8, 2023

Yet another year has gone by. With 2023 behind us and 2024 on the horizon, it’s important to take stock, set goals, and make plans – keep steadfast in your quest for long-term financial planning and wealth management success. In 2023, I shifted my focus to keep some core financial planning principles at the forefront of your mind. These principles are timeless and are a good touchpoint for whenever your financial resolve starts to soften. Let’s look back at these timeless financial tips from 2023…

Play It Again, Steve – Timeless Financial Tip #10: Making Legacy Planning More Meaningful

Post published:November 6, 2023

Let’s face it: When families list their favorite financial planning projects, legacy planning rarely makes the cut. It may feel as if you're putting the emphasis exclusively on death and taxes, rather than your lifetime pursuits such as building a career, pursuing your personal interests, stewarding your kids into adulthood, and retiring in style. Then again, I believe the term “legacy planning” is misleading to begin with. It sounds so dry and formal—as if it’s only for uber-rich, multigenerational dynasties, or the tail end of your lifespan. No wonder most people put off planning for it. In reality, legacy planning can be worthwhile for almost anyone. And it’s not just for later in life; key aspects of it can help you enjoy a more enriched life today. In today’s Timeless Tip, we’ll cover the possibilities.

Play It Again, Steve – Timeless Financial Tips #6: Aligning Your Investments with Your Investment Time Horizon

Post published:July 10, 2023

I’ve spent my entire career railing against the dangers of market-timing—i.e., dodging in and out of markets based on current conditions. But there is a time when “timing” of a different sort matters. I’m talking about your investment time horizons. Today, let’s look at how to use your personal time horizons to successfully separate today’s spending from tomorrow’s future wealth.

Accelerating Your Legacy Planning by Gifting In Advance

Post published:January 25, 2022

Instead of your excess wealth being distributed after you die, you may find even greater value in giving some of it away while you’re still around. Properly managed, making gifts and charitable donations while you’re alive can offer solid tax-saving benefits to you and your estate financial planning. In particular, targeted charitable giving can be a powerful tool for business owners and similar professionals who are approaching retirement and facing high-tax events, such as selling their business, or exercising highly appreciated stock options. As importantly, it can be incredibly rewarding to witness the results of your generosity. Don’t underestimate the value this intangible benefit can add to your life and legacy planning.