When you create your will, one of the most important things you need to do is choose your executor. This is an important role that comes with the responsibility of taking care of the probate process, estate inventory, payments and notifications, final tax returns, and distributing your assets. You need to choose someone who is […]
Not every couple is lucky enough to retire at the same time. In most relationships, partners will retire in different years, creating a sudden shift in home dynamics. It’s even likely that your spouse may decide to return to work for financial reasons or to maintain health benefits (which can be a test for any […]
As you enter your “golden” years, the reality is that it can often be too late to protect your family from unforeseen events as you continue to age. That’s why you need to start planning now for your financial future. If the idea of long-term care is making you lose sleep, it’s time to settle […]
Sure, you’ve heard forty is the new thirty, but have you heard seventy is the new sixty-five? Not for the same reasons of course – but Canadian lifestyles are shifting nonetheless. With life expectancy on the rise, people are finding it difficult to have enough money to live off well into their eighties and even […]
Many people make an assumption that they don’t need estate planning, or they can’t benefit from it in a tangible way. Estate planning is something that can greatly benefit everyone, not just the rich and famous. Estate planning gives you the opportunity to essentially map out how you want your assets, among other important items, […]
Every Canadian should have a will. We understand how uncomfortable this discussion and process can be, but it’s crucial to take care of to gain peace of mind and to know that your family and your assets are well taken care of. A Will allows you to determine how you want your possessions and estate […]
As the reality sets in that you’re edging closer towards retirement, finances can become a concern. How will you guarantee consistent retirement income and be able to maintain your established living standards? When in doubt, consider an annuity as a means of avoiding outliving your money and bridging the retirement income gap. “Mortality Credits” and […]
Preparing for your retirement takes years of planning and wise investing. It seems as if retirement has been the resounding theme of your financial planning life and when the time comes to put your plan into motion, there can be mixed feelings about it. Not everyone is counting down the days until they retire. Some […]
Every family has their own complications and sometimes a death can exacerbate existing problems. When a parent dies and they are survived by their adult children who don’t have the most harmonious relationships or dynamics, this could affect their inheritance. Disputes between heirs in an estate distribution is a very common occurrence, and unfortunately can […]
Running a successful business is a lot of work. Much of your time is dedicated to growing and maintaining your business development to ensure the longevity of your business ventures. Oftentimes a small business owner views their company as their retirement fund; the promise of a long-term payout after years of personal investment. This can […]
*The opinions expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of Assante Financial Management Ltd.