Most people think of life insurance as a necessary expense. It’s something that you almost begrudgingly pay for, in the hope that you’ll never need it, but with the expectation that it will protect your family’s finances, should the worst happen.
And are you one of the 32,000 Canadians who’ll have to pay it? Many Canadians haven’t heard of the alternative minimum tax (AMT), which isn’t surprising when you discover that only a small percentage of Canadians typically pay AMT annually. The AMT came into the news recently when the federal government announced significant changes to it in the 2023 budget (which will come into effect in 2024). Let’s take a look at what the alternative minimum tax is, how it works, who it might affect and the impact of those changes.
Higher inflation, a hawkish pivot by central banks and increasing fears of a recession weighed on both equities and fixed income during the second quarter. Unfortunately, there was no reprieve from the volatility of the first quarter.
What a difference three months can make. The first quarter of 2022 was a stark contrast to the way markets ended 2021. Many equity indices went through a correction, bond yields climbed sharply (meaning bond prices fell), while central banks began raising rates.
A vacation property—whether it’s a cottage in Muskoka or a chalet at Tremblant—is a valuable asset, not just in terms of the real estate, but also as a place that holds years of family memories. For many Canadians, passing the property to the next generation is a priority, but there are significant tax and non-tax-related considerations associated with keeping that cabin or condo in the family.
The recently announced Federal budget contains several measures that could affect your financial plans. We’ve provided key takeaways and a summary of the budget proposals.
A Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) is a great tool to build wealth for most Canadians while paying less tax. Although there are many benefits to investing in a TFSA, there can also be costly mistakes. This article outlines the eight most common pitfalls people encounter and how to avoid them.
64% of business owners want to transition their business in the next 10 years. However, 51% feel the next generation is not ready and 39% worry the next generation is uninterested. Whether you plan to keep your business in the family or sell to a third party, how can you ensure your business is ready for the sale?