Is a family trust a good idea? Picture this: a maze of family trusts, promising shelter for assets and strategic tax benefits, yet concealing hidden complexities that could trip up even the most seasoned investors. While family trusts offer a shield against creditors and a cloak of privacy, are they truly the holy grail for wealth management? This post describes...
Family foundations are often formed with the best intentions. But, like many family businesses, family foundations also struggle to survive past the founding generation. What are the biggest family foundation challenges preventing success? Overcoming the issues that cause family foundations to fail is crucial for ensuring their longevity and effectiveness. Here, we’ll briefly highlight the top 20 challenges family foundations...
Cottage succession planning is one of the most emotionally charged and difficult aspects of an estate plan. Unlike a stock portfolio, cottages are touched by emotions, memories, and can’t be easily divided in the same way between your heirs. Therefore, cottage owners face unique estate planning challenges. So, this post will describe the key elements when doing your cottage succession...
The nuances between capital costs vs operating costs are essential to understand for Canadian cottage owners. Effective financial management of these properties not only impacts immediate tax obligations but also affects long-term planning, particularly when considering the sale or generational transfer of the cottage. This post will explore the distinction between capital costs vs operating costs. And, underscores the importance...
In the world of estate administration, finding common ground with more universally understood experiences can offer valuable insights into the complexities and demands we might encounter. One analogy that brings this perspective to life is comparing the process of administering an estate to the detailed and prolonged effort required in cultivating a garden. Both endeavors, while distinct in their essence,...
Managing and transferring wealth across generations is a formidable challenge. And often, the most important element is the perspective of the family members, rather than any specific investment strategy. So, at our family office, we understand this journey is about more than just numbers and assets. It's deeply rooted in values based wealth management that will define your family's legacy....
Within wealth management, family meetings have emerged as a valuable tool for generational wealth transfer. Through our family office, we’ve seen a growing number of clients harness the power of family meetings to prepare their next generation for the responsibilities and opportunities that lie ahead. Here's how and why these gatherings are transforming the wealth management landscape. Before we begin, let’s...
When it comes to multi-generational wealth management, is financial wealth the only capital worth cultivating? While financial capital is significant, considering various aspects of capital, including human capital and leadership, is essential to successfully transition wealth across generations. This post explores some strategies that can aid the transition of wealth to heirs and unearths the varied forms of capital that often...
Private foundations are a popular avenue for many high net worth individuals who want to actualize their philanthropic ambitions. In Canada, we have over 6,000 registered private foundations and many more donor advised fund (“DAF”) accounts. But, while setting up a private foundation is an exciting milestone for many charitable donors, an embodiment of their commitment to charitable giving...
We've all come across the adage, “With great wealth comes great responsibility”. It’s not just a throwaway phrase but carries profound wisdom, especially for those who have been fortunate enough to accumulate substantial assets. Successful wealth stewardship is challenging. So, this post will offer both wealthy parents and their next-gen heirs with some tips to help them achieve success. Before we...
