Estate Planning
Beneficiary designations, estate freezes, graduated rate estates, gifting strategies, and the planning needed before — not after — a transition.
20 articles in this topic.
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Whole Life vs Universal Life Insurance for Estate Planning in Ontario
Wondering whether whole life or universal life insurance fits your estate plan in Ontario? This plain-English guide from a London, Ontario retirement planner explains how each policy type works, what they share, and which situations each suits best.
Who Can Help With Estate Planning in Hamilton, Ontario?
Wondering who to turn to for estate planning in Hamilton, Ontario? This guide explains the roles of estate lawyers, accountants, and retirement planners — and how to connect the pieces. Marc Pineault, a retirement planner in London, Ontario, helps clients across southwestern Ontario structure their estates properly.
How to Gift Money to Adult Children Tax-Efficiently in Canada
Thinking about giving money to your adult kids without triggering a big tax bill? This guide explains how gifting works in Canada — and what London, Ontario families should know before transferring wealth to the next generation.
What Is a Graduated Rate Estate in Canadian Tax?
A graduated rate estate (GRE) is a special tax designation that can significantly reduce income tax during the settlement of an estate in Canada. Marc Pineault, a retirement planner in London, Ontario, explains how it works and why it matters for Ontario families.
Should You Set Up a Family Trust for Your Adult Children in Ontario?
Thinking about setting up a family trust for your adult kids in Ontario? This guide explains when a family trust actually makes sense, what it costs, and what it no longer does — written for families in London, Ontario and across the province.
Best Estate Planning Financial Advisor in Ontario: What to Look For
Looking for the best estate planning support in Ontario? Learn what a retirement planner actually does in estate planning, what to look for when choosing one, and what the financial side of estate planning means for Ontario retirees.
Beneficiary Designations in Ontario: How to Get Them Right
Beneficiary designations on your RRSP, TFSA, and life insurance determine who gets your money — and they override your will. Here's how to get them right in Ontario.
Deemed Disposition at Death in Ontario: How It Affects Your Estate
When an Ontario resident dies, CRA treats most assets as if they were sold at fair market value. Understanding deemed disposition is essential for estate planning.
Do I Need a Will in Ontario? A Financial Planner's Perspective
Most Ontarians don't have a will — and many who do haven't updated it in years. Here's why a will matters for financial planning, and what happens if you die without one in Ontario.
Estate Planning from a Financial Perspective: What Financial Advisors Do
Understand what estate planning from a financial planning perspective covers, including beneficiary designations, insurance, and RRSP/RRIF succession.
Estate Planning in Ontario: Why You Need Both a Lawyer and a Financial Planner
Estate planning in Ontario involves more than writing a will. Learn how a financial planner works alongside your lawyer to cover beneficiary designations, insurance, and corporate shares.
Estate Planning in Ontario: A Complete Guide
A complete guide to estate planning in Ontario, covering wills, powers of attorney, beneficiary designations, probate, and how to protect your estate for your loved ones.
Financial Planning for Blended Families in Ontario
Blended families face unique financial and estate planning challenges in Ontario. Learn how remarriage affects your will, your beneficiaries, and your obligations to children from prior relationships.
Financial Planning for Aging Parents in Ontario: A Guide for Adult Children
Adult children in Ontario often find themselves helping aging parents navigate financial decisions. Here's how to approach those conversations and what to watch for.
Financial Planning for a Special Needs Dependent in Ontario
If you have a child or dependent with a disability in Ontario, your financial planning needs to address what happens when you're no longer there to provide for them. Learn about RDSPs, Henson Trusts, and what to plan for.
Received an Inheritance in Ontario? Here's What to Do Next
Receiving an inheritance in Ontario brings financial and emotional complexity. Here's a clear-headed framework for what to do — and what not to rush.
Power of Attorney in Ontario: What You Need for Financial Planning
Understand the role of a Power of Attorney in Ontario financial planning — what it is, how a Continuing Power of Attorney for Property works, and why you need one before you think you do.
Probate Fees in Ontario: How They Work and How to Minimize Them
Probate fees in Ontario — officially called estate administration tax — can consume a meaningful portion of your estate. Learn how they're calculated and what strategies may help reduce them.
What Happens to My RRSP When I Die in Ontario?
What happens to your RRSP when you die in Ontario? This guide explains the tax rules, spousal rollover, beneficiary designations, and estate implications every RRSP holder should understand.
Estate Planning in Ontario: What Every Family Needs to Know
A practical guide to estate planning in Ontario — covering wills, powers of attorney, probate fees, beneficiary designations, and how to protect your family's wealth.