Category: Strategic Planning
-
Income That’s Built to Last
Step 4 – Why Selling Assets Shouldn’t Be Your Income Plan When a portfolio needs to fund a lifestyle, many investors fall into a quiet trap: generating cash by selling off assets. On the surface, it seems harmless. And, it might even align with “total return investing”. But over time, drawing on your capital base can
-
Restructuring Fees and Aligning Incentives
Step 3 – The Real Cost of Complexity When we conducted a full audit of the family’s portfolio, the most jaw-dropping figure wasn’t performance-related. It was the fees: $330,000 per year. And they weren’t even getting full value for it—until we began restructuring fees to reflect the actual value being delivered. That amount was spread
-
When Wealth Grows, Strategy Matters Even More
Step 1 – Creating a Strategy That Reflects the Family’s Goals When this family approached us, they weren’t in crisis. Their $110 million portfolio was diversified. On paper, it seemed like they were doing most things well. However, despite having three investment advisors at wealth management firms, they lacked one essential thing, a unified strategy.
-
Step 3: Involve the Next Generation
Once systems are in place and the portfolio is clearly understood, the next natural step is often the hardest to approach: preparing the next generation. In many families we work with, adult children and spouses are kept at arm’s length from the finances—not out of secrecy, but out of habit. The older generation may have
-
When Diversification Backfires, Streamlined Stewardship Steps In
Case Study: How One Family Reclaimed Control of Their $30M Portfolio A client came to us with a $30 million portfolio spread across three investment advisors. On the surface, everything seemed in order—diversified across Canadian and U.S. equities, fixed income, real estate, alternatives, and cash. A textbook case of manager diversification. But beneath the surface,
-
A Modern Family Office Transformation
Case Study: From Paper Trails to Peace of Mind When we meet families like this one, we often find a familiar story. Wealth built over time through hard work and intuition, now managed with the same habits that once served well—but are beginning to show their limits. It’s at this crossroads that family office transformation
-
A Personal CFO is Like a Personal Chef
Imagine walking into your kitchen each evening to find your dinner already prepared—tailored to your tastes, diet, and health goals. Everything is ready: the ingredients sourced, the appliances maintained, and the table set with care. All you have to do is sit down and enjoy. That’s what it feels like to have a personal chef—and
-
How Our Family Office Helps Wealth Stewards Transition with Peace of Mind
As families grow in both size and wealth, the systems that once supported their financial lives often start to show strain. This is especially true for baby boomers who have spent decades managing their estates using familiar—but increasingly outdated—approaches. In some cases, families with significant wealth are still relying on paper files, with long-time administrators
-
Your Trusted Partner in Wealth & Legacy
Who We Are At Markdale Financial Management, we’re more than a family office—we’re your trusted partner in navigating the complexities of wealth. Our team is dedicated to providing high-quality financial stewardship for wealthy families, charitable foundations, and long-term investors. Furthermore, we combine deep expertise in accounting, investing, and wealth management with a passion for clarity
-
Modern Wealth Management: Bridging Generations, Values, and Technology
Wealthy families are facing complex challenges that span generations. Whether it’s transitioning from traditional methods to modern digital systems, aligning portfolios with contemporary values, or navigating the emotional side of wealth transfer. These challenges often involve more than just financial considerations—they encompass tax issues, values, and family dynamics. By bridging generations, values, and technology, our