Insights for the complete picture

The questions behind better wealth decisions.

A market view is only one part of an investment decision. The conversation also needs to consider tax, liquidity, ownership, and the people your wealth supports.

Use these questions to frame your next planning conversation, then explore the BMO publications below for perspective on investing, tax considerations, family wealth, and the economy. Your circumstances determine which questions need attention and which specialists should be involved.

If a business sale is ahead, what needs attention now?

Start with the decisions surrounding the transaction: ownership and tax structures, the capital you may need to keep available, and the life you want afterward. Our team can identify planning opportunities with BMO specialists and coordinate their assessment with your accountant and lawyer before turning to the eventual portfolio.

Bring to the discussion: your expected timing, existing commitments, and the goals you would like the proceeds to support.


How much of your future is connected to one company?

For an owner or executive, employment income and investment wealth can be closely connected. Before considering a change, it helps to identify those connections and discuss how any decision fits your cash needs, risk priorities, and tax circumstances.

Bring to the discussion: an overview of your holdings and compensation, upcoming decisions, and what you want your wealth to provide beyond your working years.


What should the next generation be ready to take on?

Family continuity involves understanding as well as assets. With your agreement, we help the second and third generations learn about investing, the family’s broader portfolio, and the responsibilities that may come with inheritance. Conversations can build confidence and support informed decisions well before wealth changes hands.

Bring to the discussion: your family's priorities, the responsibilities that may change hands, and the questions you want the next generation to feel comfortable asking.

BMO: Tax-planning considerations  ·  BMO: Estate-planning considerations

The resources below offer context for these conversations. Our team connects these questions with your broader financial picture, develops planning ideas, and coordinates the expertise needed to assess them.

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Publications

Tax Planning Strategies

Tax Tips For Investors, 2026 Edition

September 12, 2022 - ___Marketing HQ

Knowing how tax rules affect your investments is essential to maximizing your after-tax return. In addition, keeping up to date on changes to the tax rules ensures that you take advantage of all the tax savings available to Canadian-resident individuals. This article provides an overview of select strategies to assist you in reducing your tax bill.

The CRA’s Foreign Reporting Requirements

September 12, 2022 - ___Marketing HQ

Since Canada represents only a small portion of the world’s capitalization, it may make sense to include some foreign investments in your portfolio. However, it is important to understand Canadian and other foreign tax implications of owning investments outside of Canada.

Estate & Succession Planning

Planning for the Family Vacation Property

September 2, 2022 - ___Marketing HQ

If you own a vacation property, this provides information on the tax consequences of selling a second home and highlights important estate planning considerations, if your plan is to keep your vacation property in the family for the next generation.

Economic and Market Updates

Focus

September 2, 2022 - ___Marketing HQ

Focus is the flagship publication of the BMO Economics team. This weekly publication covers major economic developments, provides updated forecasts, looks ahead to the key events of the upcoming week, and provides detailed insights into key economic issues.

Education and Knowledge

Periodic Table of Asset Class Returns

September 1, 2020 - ___Marketing HQ

As the Periodic Table of Returns demonstrates, your portfolio should be well diversified amongst global asset classes to enhance return and reduce risk. Click to read more.