Our Views

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" >

One potentially challenging aspect for high-net-worth individuals entering retirement is moving from the security of earning employment or business income to relying on investment income to fund their lifestyle. At first, it can feel a little like a high-wire act without a safety net. ... Keep Reading "From paycheque to portfolio: planning your retirement income" >

As a self-described workaholic, “Rick”—a Newport client—had no intention of departing his successful retail business and making the transition into retirement. Quite the opposite, in fact. “I worked all the time and didn’t have any hobbies,” he recalls. “I loved what I did and thought that I’d ... Keep Reading "Why purpose is key to a happy retirement" >

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" >