In recent years, the concept of "stealth wealth" has been gaining popularity among those seeking financial freedom while avoiding ostentatious displays of wealth. Stealth wealth is the practice of living a comfortable, even luxurious life without drawing attention to oneself or one's assets. In this article, we will explore the origins of this phenomenon, the benefits it offers, and the...
The Succession Law Reform Act (SLRA) is a crucial piece of legislation that governs the distribution of property in Ontario when someone passes away without a valid will. The Act has undergone some recent changes that you should be aware of if you are planning your estate or have been named as an executor. In this post, we will provide...
Markdale Financial Management is our family office dedicated to managing the financial affairs of wealthy investors. One of our key roles of our family office is to coordinate the work of investment and insurance, legal, and accounting professionals when it comes to estate planning. In this blog post, we’ll explore how our family office serves as the quarterback and personal CFO...
As a wealthy investor, the question of how much money to leave your children without spoiling them is likely one that weighs heavily on your mind. While some might consider this a nice problem to have, it's still a problem that needs to be addressed thoughtfully and carefully. This blog post explores some tips for wealthy investors who are considering how...
Canada's Underused Housing Tax (“UHT”) is a new measure that was introduced by the federal government in 2021. Under the UHT, owners of such properties may be subject to an additional tax of up to 1% of the property's assessed value. The goal of this tax is to encourage owners to make better use of their properties and to increase...
Estate planning can be a complex process, especially when a loved one is facing incapacity. One of the most challenging issues in estate planning is determining whether an individual has the mental capacity to make decisions about their own assets and care. In some cases, family members may seek court-ordered capacity assessments to determine whether their loved one can manage...
Having plans for the succession of your family foundation in place before they’re needed is critical if you want to avoid legal disputes, conflict between family members, and ending the good works your foundation supports. In this blog post, we'll explore the importance of creating a succession plan and the key benefits to consider.
Canadians might be surprised to learn they may be exposed to US estate taxes. This post describes the risks to Canadian investors and how they might protect themselves.
Administering someone’s estate after they die can be a difficult and heavy responsibility. Before you begin that journey, consider the professionals who can help you fulfill your responsibilities such as lawyers, trust companies, accountants, and bankers. Also consider the legal obligations estate trustees must adhere to. If you’ve been charged with administering an estate or if you’re considering this role,...
This post will describe what a wasting freeze is and consider other issues such as adding leverage and making charitable gifts.
