David Wm. Brown , CFP, CLU, Ch.F.C., RHU, TEP, is a member of the MDRT, and a partner at Al G. Brown and Associates in Toronto.
David Wm. Brown , CFP, CLU, Ch.F.C., RHU, TEP, is a member of the MDRT, and a partner at Al G. Brown and Associates in Toronto.
Small business is up in arms about the proposals on tax planning using private corporations
Adapt to the new normal of life insurance changes
There are only a few months left
CALU has submitted its recommendations for the 2015 Federal Budget to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance.
A client called me earlier this year with a strange question. He wanted to know if donating an organ or a piece of an organ would affect his ability to purchase life insurance in the future. At the time, it seemed like an academic question and the client didn’t offer any explanations.
For some clients, vacations can turn into financial nightmares. People may fall ill overseas, think they’re covered by their travel insurance, but then discover their claims have been denied. Trouble is, most people neither read nor understand the fine print in the exclusions and limitations section of their policies, and don’t realize they won’t be covered in certain situations.
Fewer Canadians are donating to charity. Statistics Canada reports donations fell nearly 2% to $8.3 billion in 2012. What’s worse, the number of people giving slipped 1.4% to 5.6 million.
The 2013 Budget has killed the 10/8 arrangement, and people who invested in these insurance strategies will need to unwind them before 2014 and readjust their plans.
After an insurance policy’s 10th year, it must pass three tests to remain classified for protection, not investment, known collectively as the Exempt Test. Here’s how you can ensure your clients pass the test.
Low long-term interest rates, introduction of International Financial Reporting Standards and unprecedented market volatility have created an uncertain environment for Canadian insurers and advisors.
Help your client consider tax-preferential treatment, donation of shares and AMT
Business owners planning for succession must meet certain criteria
For the best tax treatment, distinguish between current and capital expenses
A client scenario with a family cottage shows the importance of planning
Avoid bloopers when designating a charity as policy beneficiary
Advisors in breach of provincial regulations could face sanctions
If your business-owner client uses these trusts, special planning is required
Watch out for these issues
If your client is an affected owner, they must file a UHT return by Oct. 31 to avoid penalties
Interest deductibility may be at stake
The rules are restrictive and deductions require the employer’s support
The process of selling losing investments is fairly straightforward
The amount has been falling in real terms
Clients are paying in but increases to benefits remain minimal for now
Three case studies to help clients choose when to begin their benefits
The higher the inflation rate, the bigger the benefit of waiting
Failure to report foreign-source income can result in high penalties
Help your client benefit from these important tools
These initiatives can help clients enter the housing market
Use these tips to make the most of a donation tax credit
Help clients realize a capital loss while maintaining market exposure
Transactions, including property flipping, require proper tax reporting
A client scenario illustrates whether withholding taxes apply
Tax rules offer flexibility when a client has both a spouse and a common-law partner
Is the latest ETF craze too good to be true?
Some good news — but mostly bad
Widespread awareness has not translated into widespread impact
New risks and rewards from Canada’s second-largest sector
Tax tips when tapping the Bank of Mom and Dad
Indexing helps your clients’ after-tax income keep pace
Help clients turn investment losses into a tax win
Avoid the tax consequences of not distributing a TFSA quickly after the account holder dies
A Tax Court case led to a hefty tax bill
Federal Court case is the latest reminder of the costs
A Tax Court case offers a warning about missing corporate returns
A lack of understanding about spousal RRSP limits was no excuse
The demise of the financial advice industry has been predicted frequently over the past quarter century. But you’re still here — and so are we.
The advice channel’s survival depends on seasoned veterans who are willing to impart knowledge
Editorial: Financial firms still have work to do in acknowledging their role in systemic racism
Advisor's Edge asked 20 banks, asset managers, insurers and advisory firms how they are addressing anti-Black racism
Lack of long-term gains might mean it’s time to exit a stock instead
Better to focus on whether a company is evolving or stagnating
Court decision serves as a warning about property distribution, executor renunciation
A sample scenario illustrates the savings
Help your client claim these non-refundable tax credits
A sample case illustrates the impacts for the surviving spouse
A case study explains the challenges
Addressing estate planning’s ignored middle child
Keeping it in the family and maintaining harmony
A recent court case illustrates the risks that come with longer lives
The traditional idea is increasingly outdated
What I learned from taking four firms’ personality or behavioural assessments
Building trust remotely is still a challenge
The loss of that loathsome ritual may be contributing to stress
Creating value by shrinking
Claims of novel technology are at the centre of many collapses
When does accounting become important?
Use the fraud triangle to root out problem investments
Help business-owner clients manage foreign dividend investments
It’s time to stress-test client portfolios
Don’t underestimate the behavioural element
Using historical returns to forecast a recovery
Factors to consider when setting aside funds for minors
Qualification is a gateway to additional tax savings
Here’s what your clients need to know for the 2020 tax year
Issues and strategies for Canadians thinking about transferring their U.S.-based retirement plans
Projections are essential for planning but they rely on the quality of the variables used
This example highlights tax and planning considerations
What to consider regarding the use of LBTs
Why people living with Type 1 diabetes have been refused the Disability Tax Credit
Clients may need to revise their wills if they’ve named out-of-jurisdiction executors
Help your client avoid these estate planning pitfalls
Knowing the answer will help you and your client prepare for incapacity
Know the tax implications when moving into care