A Cohabitation Agreement is a contract made between a married or unmarried couple who live or want to live together and want to protect their individual interests while determining each person’s rights and responsibilities, should the relationship end in the future. This article explains the types and features of Cohabitation Agreements and provides considerations to determine if you need one.
The Great Wealth Transfer is Coming Here’s How to Properly Pass Down Your Estate
May 10, 2023 - __Marketing HQ
Over the next two decades, upwards of US$84 trillion globally is expected to pass from one generation to the next – both from the silent generation to boomers and from boomers to millennials.1 But before your hard-earned assets can be used by future generations, you’ll want to make sure they are passed down in the right way. You don’t want your family to squabble over your legacy or squander your estate away in a manner worthy of an episode of Succession.
Entrepreneurs who have built successful companies often want to see their business passed effectively to the next generation. However, a sale or transfer of ownership of the business will generally trigger capital gains tax. If the value of the shares of your business has increased, you or your estate may be burdened with a substantial tax bill. The business may even have to be sold to cover the liability.
One way for high net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth families to carve out an equal helping of the estate planning pie – and to reduce tension among family members – is with trusts. Wealthier families have long used these structures to maintain more control over their legacy and ensure money is distributed to family members according to the wealth creator’s wishes.
Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland presented her third Budget in the House of Commons on March 28, 2023, entitled “A Made–in–Canada Plan for a Strong Middle Class, Affordable Economy and Healthy Future”.
Douglas Porter has over 30 years of experience analyzing global economies and financial markets. As Chief Economist at BMO Financial Group, he oversees the macroeconomic and financial market forecasts and co-authors the firm’s weekly flagship publication, Focus.
Locked In Retirement Accounts
As a client of BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc., your dedicated BMO Nesbitt Burns Investment Advisor takes pride in helping you manage your wealth and reaching your financial goals. You trust us with your most confidential information, as well as safeguarding the wealth that you’ve worked hard to build. We take this responsibility seriously and have protections in place to safeguard your assets. Beyond our internal controls, BMO Nesbitt Burns is a member of the governing bodies of our industry and, as such, operates its business in strict adherence to the regulations, policies and bylaws dictated by these governing organizations.
In the 2022 Federal budget, the Canadian government proposed the introduction of the tax-free First Home Savings Account (“FHSA”). This new registered plan enables prospective first-time home buyers to contribute up to $40,000 toward saving for their first home on a tax-free basis. Similar to a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (“RRSP”), contributions to an FHSA are tax-deductible, and withdrawals to purchase a first home – including from investment income – are non-taxable, like a Tax-Free Savings Account (“TFSA”).
The 2023 Federal Budget Review was prepared by our in-house BMO Private Wealth tax professionals: John Waters, Vice-President, Director of Tax Consulting Services and Dante Rossi, Director, Tax Planning.
Wealth Themes provides timely articles on a variety of wealth planning topics. This month we feature articles that discuss strategies and considerations for wealth protection, and how to optimize your charitable giving strategy with insurance.