Investors are constantly seeking ways to enhance their investment allocation in order to reduce the systematic risks (i.e. market risks) where public securities leave them exposed. Why, then, do we mention Private Equity and Whole Life in the same article? Simple: because both Private Equity and Whole Life improve upon the features of their respective public market securities. The former enhances growth and potential, the latter upgrades shelter and safety.

Is this possible? A 7% return on a guaranteed fixed income strategy? Yes, and we have been assisting clients structure high fixed income payments with confidence that their principal will be returned.

There is some immediate opportunity to be found in down markets. The best way to make money right now is to take it right from CRA. Since equity holdings are generally down, you might want to take advantage of a concept known as “tax-loss harvesting.”

There are some new rules about locked-in retirement funds for retirees in Canada, and the rules may provide for greater flexibility to pensioners on a fixed income.

For many years, Canadians have had a very helpful investment strategy made available to them, but surprisingly few actually make use of it. Investing in Canadian Resource Properties, namely mining and oil and gas, has significant tax benefits. This strategy is a simple and straightforward investment in Canadian Resource Properties, and it is specifically mentioned in the Income Tax Act as a strategy available to investors. Although first and foremost an investment strategy, this is also a financial planning and tax management approach.

Will planning is not just about distributing assets to your beneficiaries, it is about keeping assets in the family, and making the right decisions with the tax treatement of the residue. Some simple decisions can help your will become a powerful planning document.

If you have been fortunate enough to save enough to have retirement income from a number of sources, you might find your RRIF minimums withdrawals are income that create a tax problem. Click through to explore how to deal with this cashflow problem.

Every year I try my best to make it through the budget, in order to get a jump on any new planning opportunities that may arise from what the government announces. This year was somewhat disspointing, but there were some changes of note for individual taxpayers.

Should you borrow to make an RRSP contribution? What are you missing if you do not? Click through to see a simple approach to help you decide whether or not to make a “quick” RRSP loan.

Most people think the answer is no, but the recent financial crisis means that CRA, and especially the IRS, are getting quite strict with the definition of what qualifies as “working in the US.” In specific, TARP recipient companies should watch out, as the compensation of executive class employees will be under increasing scrutiny. Basically, beware of the Fifth Protocol!