The Three Estate Buckets
Annually with clients, we review how their estate will be distributed to their beneficiaries. We determine if there are any changes in their desires, or opportunities to save taxes and/or fees. In a recent webinar by Michael Kitces, Mathew Jarvis, a US Financial Advisor, shared a concept he uses with clients called the Estate Buckets. […]
Should I Transfer the Ownership of My House or Investment Account into Joint Ownership
Transfer the Ownership of my House or Investment Account into Joint Ownership with my Children to Avoid Probate Fees. A common question we receive is, “Should I transfer the ownership of my house or investment account into joint ownership with my children to avoid probate fees?” This type of ownership is called joint tenancy with […]
What Do I Do if I Don’t want to be An Executor?
The question that arises occasionally from clients is: Can you turn down the role of an executor if you are named one? Why turn it down? You may not want to be the executor due to family conflict, or the job may be too much for you. So, can you turn the role down? The simple […]
A Power of Attorney Guide for Property
Balancing Care and Responsibility Managing a parent’s or anyone’s financial affairs through a Power of Attorney for Property (POA) can be both challenging and a significant responsibility. As a Power of Attorney, you step in if someone cannot manage their own financial affairs. This guide outlines the process and explains what you may be required […]
Key Points for Wills and Powers of Attorney’s
After COVID-19 families realized they should focus on planning the family’s future. One of the most difficult challenges a Certified Financial Planner® has is to encourage clients to update and/or review their estate plan and documents. Often families tend to put this off, as it is not seen as urgent. However, the trauma of COVID-19 […]
Your Monthly Game Plan Strategy
A Simple Financial Checklist We’re here to help you stay on track with your goals. Each month, we’ll send a short checklist you can use to stay proactive. A few minutes now can make a big difference later. Wrap-Up 2025: Year-End Financial Checklist As we close out 2025, it’s a great time to pause and […]
Avoid a huge $$$$ mistake. Check your beneficiary designations now!
Excerpts from the Book – Preserving Wealth – written by Jack Lumsden, MBA, CFP® In an article by Emma Davie in CBC News Canada, about a Halifax woman calling for more protections on RRSPs after husband’s sudden death, she reviews what can happen if you don’t have correct beneficiary designations on your registered plans. The […]
Who Should You Name As Executor?
Excerpts from the Book – Preserving Wealth – written by Jack Lumsden, MBA, CFP® A common question I received as an advisor is whom should we name as executor in our Wills? The true answer is that it depends on your situation. It usually ends up based on how complicated your estate may be, the […]
“Spend the Money”: A Gentle Reminder That Life Is Happening Now
Intro: If you’ve ever felt guilty about spending your own money—even after a lifetime of saving – it turns out, you’re not alone. In a recent chat with Carl Richards, creator of The Sketch Guy and author of the new book Your Money: Reimaging Wealth in 101 Simple Sketches, we talked through one of his […]
The Essential Family Conversations You Should be Having
When the world experienced COVID-19 globally, it brought family planning and care issues to the forefront for many families as concerns for their loved ones and their economic well being have become top of mind. Everyone’s life has been impacted, regardless of age. As a result, families realize they should focus more on these concerns, […]