We are excited to introduce our new company name, iA Private Wealth. The new name is designed to better reflect the essence of what our advisors do – provide holistic wealth management solutions tailored to the unique needs and goals of investors across Canada.
Please take a few moments to browse our newly redesigned and updated website to learn about the many benefits of working with an iA Private Wealth Investment Advisor.
*Refers solely to the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada licensed advisors within HollisWealth.
May 23, 2025
Video duration 10:52
By iA Private Wealth, May 23,th, 2025
Tune in weekly for insight and perspective on the macro and market landscape with iA Investment Management chief strategist and senior economist Sébastien Mc Mahon.
Watch Sébastien’s previous weekly updates on YouTube.
February 28, 2025
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It’s tax season, and no matter how many times you’ve gone through the ritual of preparing your income tax return, our refresher will help get you organized and on track for what will hopefully be a smooth and painless experience.
It may help to have last year’s return handy as a guide to figuring out which slips and forms you may require for this year’s return, and which lines must be completed on those forms. Of course, circumstances can change but knowing what you needed last time is a good starting point for gathering info.
Similarly, last year’s CRA Notice of Assessment could help. Each notice contains valuable info, such as your RRSP deduction limit for the next tax year, the amount of unused net capital losses that can be applied to reduce future taxable capital gains, and the correction of mistakes you might have made on your return. Finally, note any tax installments you paid over the year as well as any relevant correspondence you received from the CRA.
Here’s a checklist to help gather your tax slips, forms and other required info that’ll be used when completing your income tax return.
Regarding the deduction for home office expenses that was introduced during COVID-19, be sure to follow the new rules. According to the CRA, eligible employees who worked from home in 2024 must continue to use the detailed method to claim home office expenses.Remember that the temporary flat rate method, valid during the 2020 to 2022 tax years, no longer applies. Visit the Government of Canada website to learn more about eligible expenses and other important information concerning work-from-home expenses.
The 2024 Federal Budget proposed to raise the capital gains inclusion rate for corporations and trusts to 66.67% from 50%. For individual taxpayers, it proposed the same increase on the portion of capital gains realized in the year that exceed $250,000 (for capital gains realized on or after June 25, 2024).
There has been much uncertainty regarding this proposed increase, leaving many Canadians unsure of what to do. While some have proceeded with their transactions assuming the rate increase would apply for tax year 2024, others have waited for more definitive direction from the federal government. On January 31, 2025, it was announced that the timing of the capital gains inclusion rate increase will be deferred from June 25, 2024 to January 1, 2026. This may be welcome news, but it’s still recommended to consult with your Investment Advisor and tax professional to determine how best to proceed given your unique circumstances.
Our checklist is a basic compilation of common slips, receipts and other documents you may need while completing your income tax return, but it isn’t exhaustive. Not all items will apply to you, and you might need additional information to file your return. We recommend consulting a qualified professional to help ensure you complete your return accurately and fully, claiming all deductions and credits for which you’re eligible.
January 23, 2025
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As the new year begins, it's a perfect time to reassess your personal finances. This annual review can help you understand your financial health, set new goals, and make necessary adjustments to ensure you're on track to meet your wealth planning objectives. Here’s a guide to help you get started and understand how an investment advisor can be instrumental in this process.
How an Investment Advisor Can Help
An advisor can provide valuable guidance and support in managing your finances by way of:
Starting the new year with a reassessment of your personal finances is a proactive step towards achieving financial stability and success. By reviewing your financial situation, setting goals, creating a budget, and monitoring your progress, you can take control of your financial future. Enlisting the help of an iA Private Wealth advisor can provide skillful guidance, personalized planning, and the support needed to stay on track. Make this year the year you take charge of your finances and work towards a secure and prosperous future.
November 19, 2024
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By iA Private Wealth, November 15, 2024
Having a child is an exciting time in life. Before the baby arrives, it’s useful to think about your finances, since raising a child can be both incredibly rewarding and very expensive.
While each family is different and costs will vary, the average Canadian family spends almost $300,000 to raise a child from birth to age 171. Accordingly, expect to budget roughly $17,000 a year (while also accounting for the impact of inflation) until your child turns 18 – and then the potential for post-secondary education will add to this cost. Aside from expenses related to food, clothing, personal care, toys, activities, etc., your daycare/babysitting costs largely depend on where you live and how many hours of supervised care your child will require.
Clearly, the more money you can put away, the better your financial situation will be when the baby enters the picture. You don’t have to do it all on your own, however. Family and friends might be able to help with gifts, babysitting and hand-me-downs, plus you may qualify for government support.
Parents who take time off work to look after their newborn or newly adopted child may receive up to 55% of their earnings in standard Employment Insurance (EI) benefits, to a current weekly maximum of $668. As the chart below illustrates, parents can share the benefits. The eligible period for benefits may last from 55 to 69 weeks (although ‘extended’ benefits beyond 55 weeks provide less support).
| Benefit name | Maximum weeks | Benefit rate | Weekly max |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maternity (for the person giving birth) | up to 15 weeks | 55% | up to $668 |
Maternity benefits can be followed by parental benefits. You can apply for both at once.
| Benefit name | Maximum weeks | Benefit rate | Weekly max |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard parental | up to 40 weeks, but one parent cannot receive more than 35 weeks of standard benefits | 55% | up to $668 |
| Extended parental | up to 69 weeks, but one parent cannot receive more than 61 weeks of extended benefits | 33% | up to $401 |
Source: Government of Canada
In addition to EI benefits, your family may qualify for the CCB. Payments are based on your adjusted family net income (AFNI) for the previous tax year, and are indexed to inflation. As an example, for the 2024 benefit period (July 2024 to June 2025), let’s say your family’s 2023 AFNI is below $36,502. You would qualify for the maximum regular CCB of $7,787 per year for children under six years old, and $6,570 annually for children between six and 17 years old. The maximum benefit gradually decreases for AFNIs above $36,502.2
Certain provinces and territories also offer financial assistance to help with child-rearing costs. For example, the Ontario Child Benefit (OCB) pays lower-income families up to $140 per month for each child under the age of 18, for the period from July 2024 to June 2025. If the AFNI exceeds $25,646, OCB may provide a partial benefit.3
The cost of post-secondary education continues to rise. It’s good to consider an RESP, which is a savings and investing program designed to cover some of these costs. Currently, the lifetime RESP contribution limit is $50,000 per student (beneficiary). You may invest in many types of securities, from mutual funds and stocks to bonds and GICs, and the investment growth compounds – tax deferred – until the RESP beneficiary begins withdrawing assets.
As an incentive to save, the federal government offers the Canadian Education Savings Grant (CESG) that matches up to 20% of your contributions, to an annual maximum of $500 and a lifetime limit of $7,200.
Each province and territory has some form of student grant or loan, so it’s worthwhile to look into programs available in your area. Talk to your Investment Advisor for more details about how RESP contributions and withdrawals work, as well as questions you may have about EI, CCB or CESG.
An iA Private Wealth Investment Advisor can help you optimize your wealth plan for your growing family. Find one near you.
1https://globalnews.ca/news/10001146/canada-family-spending-children-statcan/
October 1, 2024
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By iA Private Wealth, October 1, 2024
Building wealth is essential when trying to reach important financial goals, be it funding a child’s education, buying a home or enjoying a comfortable and meaningful retirement. Working with an investment advisor is often a good way to save more money, achieve greater tax efficiency and grow long-term wealth through investing.
However, investing for the future can be highly complex and typically requires specialized skills, experience and discipline to succeed. The same applies to retirement and estate planning, which is why many people seek out professional advice. If you’re working with an investment advisor (or considering it), you should understand how advisors are compensated. The topic of fees can be complicated, but we’ll stick to the basics.
There are three main forms of advisor compensation: a commission-based model, a fee-based model or by salary.
Commission-based. Advisors working in this structure receive compensation when their clients buy or sell an investment (e.g., mutual funds, exchange-traded funds or stocks). The commission they earn may depend on the investment type, the dollar value of a trade or other variables. Advisors may also receive ongoing compensation from fund companies in relation to the funds their clients hold (more on that later).
Fee-based. Advisors working in this structure earn a fee that’s based on the value of assets they manage on a client’s behalf. Even if a client makes many trades and frequently uses certain advisory services, the fee charged remains a prearranged percentage (e.g., 1%) of the value of assets being managed. Sometimes the fee percentage declines as a client’s assets increase.
Salary. An advisor working for a bank or credit union will often earn an annual salary plus a performance-based bonus. Salaried advisors provide value to clients but may not hold the same industry licencing as commission- or fee-based advisors, which may narrow the range of services they can offer.
If you invest in mutual funds, segregated funds or exchange-traded funds, you’ve likely heard about MERs. They’re calculated as a percentage (e.g., 2%) of fund assets and are deducted from the value of your investment. MERs are used to compensate fund managers and dealers, and to pay related taxes.
Fund manager. This is the firm that operates the fund you invest in. They set the fund’s strategy and objectives, and employ portfolio managers who decide what (and when) to buy and sell, in order to help enhance fund returns and manage risk. They also handle administrative duties like recordkeeping, as well as legal, accounting, audit and custodial services. For these important duties, fund managers earn a portion of the MER.
Dealer. This is the firm where your advisor is registered. Dealers maintain account records, produce and deliver account statements, and provide the technology for online account access. Dealers also ensure their investment advisors meet all regulatory requirements. Part of a dealer’s MER allocation (also called a “trailer fee”) typically goes to the advisors responsible for client-oriented tasks like planning, portfolio construction and monitoring, and trade execution.
Taxes. A portion of the MER is used to cover federal and provincial taxes charged on fees and services related to the fund manager and dealer.
In 2009, CRM1 was introduced as a way to standardize written disclosure requirements for dealers industrywide, to help clients understand key relationship issues like the way dealers determine product suitability, how they address compensation matters and potential conflicts of interest, what dispute resolution process they follow, etc.
Building upon CRM1 and implemented in 2017, CRM2 obliges dealers to provide clients with a personalized annual report that summarizes charges and compensation related to a client’s account. This report is designed to be transparent and is written in straightforward language. For a better understanding of fees (e.g., what you pay and where the fees go), check your personalized annual report.
In the years to come, CRM3 will take effect and provide even fuller investment fund disclosure. For instance, annual total-cost reporting requirements will disclose all embedded costs of owning funds, including MERs and TERs (i.e., trading expense ratios), to offer investors greater clarity regarding the expenses incurred as part of the investing process.
Good advisors earn their compensation by providing significant value to clients. To learn more about the costs of investing and the benefits of professional advice, speak with an iA Private Wealth Investment Advisor.
September 10, 2024
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By iA Private Wealth, September 10, 2024
People who are getting married will typically create a wedding checklist to ensure everything’s taken care of. Venue and catering? Check. Invitations sent? Check. Outfits and decor selected? Check. Prenuptial agreement – wait, how did that get on the list?
Leading up to the exciting day, it’s easy to overlook the reality that marriages could end in divorce. Without a prenuptial agreement (also called a prenup or marriage agreement) in place, it could lead to disputes over financial and other assets. A prenup is a written, legally binding document that a couple signs before they marry. In the event of divorce, a prenup determines the rights of entitlement (e.g., how assets are divided). Understandably, people often hesitate to sign a prenup. They feel it assumes the relationship is headed for divorce or treats marriage as nothing more than a business arrangement. That’s not necessarily the case.
Think of it as a form of insurance. When you buy home insurance, you’re not assuming your house will burn down. When you buy disability insurance, you’re not assuming you’ll suffer a major accident. You just want peace of mind knowing that you’re protected if something bad happens.
A prenup encourages open communication before marriage regarding important life issues. You will disclose financial circumstances (good and bad), major goals, approach to childrearing, etc. You’ll also learn what’s important to your partner and what needs and concerns they may have.
Here are 10 compelling reasons to sign a prenup:
In Canada, the laws regarding prenuptial agreements vary by region, so be aware of the parameters and limitations that apply to your province or territory of residence.
Like a prenup, a postnup agreement is legally binding and stipulates how a couple’s assets are distributed in the event of divorce. But as its name suggests, a postnup is signed after getting married. Courts often consider a postnup carefully to ensure validity of the reasons why the couple made this arrangement after they had exchanged vows.
Cohabitation agreements differ slightly. Without a prenup, a divorcing couple typically splits their assets equitably. This default action doesn’t apply to common-law couples with no cohabitation agreement. For example, you’re not automatically entitled to 50% of the shared home, even if you’ve been making 50% of the mortgage payments and covering 50% of home maintenance costs.
Keep all receipts and other documentation regarding home-related expenses, and ensure your name also appears on the title of the home. Alternatively, a cohabitation agreement may clearly (and legally) articulate how you deal with financial issues when together, and what happens to your assets should the relationship end.
If you’re engaged or thinking about living with your partner, or if you’re already married, contact an iA Private Wealth Investment Advisor who can work with your legal counsel to create a prenup or postnup that’s fair and protects your assets.
July 10, 2024
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By iA Private Wealth, July 8, 2024
As the old saying goes, the only certainties in life are death and taxes. Given this reality, it’s beneficial to have an up-to-date estate plan that reflects your wishes for potential care needs and distributing your assets to loved ones, while also minimizing your estate’s tax liability to help facilitate an effective transfer of wealth.
While creating a comprehensive estate plan is important, it’s equally important to communicate your plan to family members – as well as your specific expectations of them. Why? Here are three common reasons:
Gain clarity. If you don’t share key details of your estate plan with family, they won’t know your wishes or how they’ll be impacted. It’s better to gather your loved ones now to explain elements of your estate plan and why you made certain decisions (e.g., your choice of estate executor).
Failing to discuss your plan could cause confusion or uncertainty down the road, at a time when family is already grieving. As well, by communicating your wishes and values, and allowing loved ones to ask questions, everyone will be equally informed about your plan and desired legacy. This alignment may help avoid family conflict, disagreements or perhaps even legal action later.
Get organized. People have different levels of complexity in their life, but it’s safe to say almost everyone has a number of accounts, passwords, assorted bills and documents, etc. that would be challenging to identify or track down without a formal estate plan that provides the required direction.
You don’t want your family to scramble when their emotions are already frayed, searching for information and paperwork needed to make critical decisions. Since your financial institutions, advisor, lawyer, accountant, etc. will likely require certain info – including your will and powers of attorney – it’s valuable to prepare trusted family members to protect your privacy and share specific info on an as-needed basis. Some people may ask their estate planning lawyer to securely store their “master list” of vital information.
Undertake wealth planning. Not only does your estate plan cover important aspects of your financial affairs, but it also affects your heirs and their financial life. An open discussion allows you to explain how you’ve decided to allocate your assets. This could be the first detailed exposure your family has regarding the extent of your wealth. Empowered by having an idea of what their inheritance might be, they can begin thinking about incorporating it into their existing wealth plan (or it could encourage them to get started with wealth planning).
If you own a business, communicating your estate plan also lets loved ones know whether you intend for the business to be sold or for family members to take over. If you’re part of a blended family, have dependent children or ones with special needs, an estate plan can address these complexities upfront. Talking about your plans now should help your heirs be more financially prepared so they can handle their inheritance responsibly.
Obviously, communicating estate plans can be uncomfortable given the sensitive subject matter, but doing so may offer meaningful financial and personal benefits to you and your family. It’s good to talk about your estate now instead of waiting for a time of crisis when people tend not to think clearly or logically. If you’d like some professional support, your advisor, lawyer or accountant have the relevant experience to help you hold a constructive, honest conversation that may offer you peace of mind and position your heirs well for the future.
June 17, 2024
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By iA Private Wealth, June 17, 2024
These days, many people are focusing more on their finances, and with good reason. Rising costs, increased job insecurity and the prospect of funding decades of retirement living are just some of the factors that might keep you up at night. How can you make ends meet while also saving for the future?
If ever there was a time for financial advice, this is it. However, the challenge is knowing where to turn for such advice. Who’s credible? Who can you trust?
Let’s face it, free advice isn’t hard to find. Thanks to the internet, you have immediate access to a world of information on a litany of financial topics. There’s also the media, both traditional and social, inundating you with articles, blog posts and videos. Add to that your friends, family and maybe even your hairdresser, and it’s clear that anybody and everybody can have an opinion on what you should do with your money. Free financial advice is everywhere. But what about its quality?
As the saying goes, you get what you pay for. There’s a lot of questionable advice floating through cyberspace. Some of it is well intentioned but misguided or non-specific, while other times scammers are actually trying to lure unsuspecting people and exploit them for financial gain.
You might also encounter breezy narratives and vague rules of thumb, like “own gold” or “buy and hold.” On their surface, simple stories offer certainty in an uncertain world. Despite their innate appeal, these simplified perspectives can prove dangerous to your financial health. Follow them blindly at your own risk. Whether inaccurate, oversimplified or too generic to apply to individual circumstances, this type of “advice” positions money management as being easy. Of course, if it were easy to succeed financially, everyone would be wealthy, right?
In reality, financial decision-making is complex. What you do (or don’t do) as it relates to your finances can hugely impact your present and future well being. If you have a family or own a business, the complexity increases. Good wealth planning isn’t about churning out sound bites or video clips. It involves looking closely at your whole financial picture and how all the pieces connect, then developing coordinated, personalized strategies that fulfill your unique needs. It’s also about having a trusted coach by your side to help you get through the inevitable bad days when you’re liable to succumb to emotion and make poor decisions about your money.
That’s why so many people choose to work with an investment advisor. Advisors have the education, ongoing training and real-world experience to address your current financial goals and prepare you for the unexpected, while also building your wealth for the future. Although their advice isn’t free, you will get your money’s worth. According to a November 2022 report published by the Investment Funds Institute of Canada, advised investors have significantly more assets after 15 years than their non-advised counterparts.1 The report also noted the 2022 Canadian Pollara Investor Survey that found 92% of mutual fund and ETF investors were satisfied with their advisor.2
Contact us to explore the potential benefits of working with a professional advisor. Together, we can create a wealth plan that’s designed to meet your specific circumstances and objectives – now and for years to come.
1 https://www.ific.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Financial-Advice-in-Canada-Whitepaper-November-2022.pdf?id=27821&lang=en_CA
2 https://www.pollara.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/IFIC_2022_MF_ETF_Investor_Study.pdf
May 8, 2024
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If you’re like most entrepreneurs, your family business isn’t just a job – it’s your passion. That’s why you’ve invested so much time and effort into growing your business. Now that retirement is on the horizon (or no longer an abstract, way-in-the-future thought), you’re turning your attention to next steps. More specifically, it’s time for a succession plan.
Succession planning is complex and the transition process could take years. Let’s look at some key considerations so you can begin strategizing now and construct a plan that’s right for you, your family and your company.
For a minute, we’ll put aside the business aspect of succession planning and focus on the family aspect. Mixing work and loved ones can be tricky, especially when it comes to naming a successor to the family enterprise. Among the next generation, who gets the inside track to lead your business? Is it, by default, the oldest child? The one who exhibits the best leadership skills? The one who’s most interested in your business or is in a certain role that lends itself to taking over?
There’s no automatic “right answer” since all family and business situations are different. What’s universal, however, is the need to give everyone their say and then, once you’ve arrived at a decision, communicate it clearly and logically. You might not achieve consensus – and some feelings could get hurt – but you’ll earn respect for transparency. While family harmony is desirable, of course, you’re also wearing a business owner’s hat and must ensure the continued strength and viability of your company.
Don’t assume a family member will take over the business. Maybe none of the next generation works in your business, is interested in leading it, or is qualified to take over. Another option is for a current employee to lead the company. Once you’ve identified a good candidate, be sure to let them know – in as much detail as possible – what the leadership role entails. Again, explain this decision to your family and encourage questions. Every step of the way, open communication can align everyone’s interests and expectations, and helps minimize conflict.
Regardless of whether the leader-to-be is a family member or other employee, build a comprehensive, goals-based development plan to position them for success. Document the key responsibilities you face (both regularly and ad hoc), and train the future leader to handle those duties. Be open minded and seek input on where they see potential for improvement in organizational processes, business culture, company structure and avenues for growth. Everyone has different perspectives, and fresh insights could take the business to the next level.
The financial side of succession planning can get complicated if you have more than one child, each with varying degrees of involvement in the company. If the family business spans generations and also involves extended family (e.g., cousins, nieces, nephews), the complexity increases. The owner(s) must determine the best – and most fair – way to transition the business and allocate assets. When selling to a third party, will family members remain involved in the business? If so, in what capacity?
Whether the business is sold to family members or a third party, your selling price should reflect fair market value. For many owners, their business represents their largest investment and biggest source of retirement income. Don’t shortchange yourself by discounting the sale price – even if selling to your own children.
Given the challenges of succession planning, it’s typically wise to consult regularly with your advisor and related professionals, such as a lawyer, business exit strategist, and tax and estate specialist.