Insights

By iA Private Wealth, October 25^th, 2024

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.

By iA Private Wealth, October 16, 2024

James Gauthier and his research team walk through the highlights of last month’s market and economic data.

Read the report (PDF)

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.

Management expense ratio (MER)

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.

Client Relationship Model 2 (CRM2)

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.

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.

Benefits of a prenup

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:

1. You want to protect your existing assets (e.g., a home, investments, insurance policies, jewelry or other possessions with monetary/sentimental value) and future inheritances.
2. There’s a significant imbalance in the value of assets each person brings to the marriage. Without a prenup, the combined assets could end up being split evenly (more or less), failing to reflect the notable financial imbalance.
3. You own or have an ownership stake in a business (especially a family business) or real estate holdings.
4. You expect to receive a large inheritance or financial gift from a family member, and you want to stipulate how that money will be used.
5. One partner plans to be a stay-at-home parent who deserves financial recognition for their childrearing commitments, even if they might not be earning income during those years.
6. One partner (or both) is carrying a large amount of debt into the relationship.
7. You want to uphold an existing estate plan so your assets are distributed according to your wishes when you die.
8. One partner (or both) is already divorced and/or has children who may be receiving financial support.
9. A prenup can make divorce less contentious, facilitate a smoother settlement (which may mean lower legal fees) and ensure a fair distribution of assets.
10. Divorce is a common cause of financial hardship and bankruptcy, potentially jeopardizing long-term financial health and stability.

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.

Postnuptial (postnup) and cohabitation agreements

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.

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:

1. 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.
   
   

2. 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.
   
   

3. 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.

By iA Private Wealth, June 17, 2024

Be Wary of Free Advice

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

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.

All in the family

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.

Going outside the family

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.

Navigating finances

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.

By iA Private Wealth, May 1, 2024

Any way you look at it, divorce is challenging. Aside from the emotional strain of ending a marriage – especially if you have kids – your finances could be affected significantly. Let’s look at four common steps that can help safeguard your wealth.

1. Get a good grasp of your financial situation. Many people have an idea of their overall finances, but when divorcing you should examine bank and investment accounts, credit cards, mortgage statements, loans, lines of credit, etc. to know where you stand financially. Of particular importance is scrutinizing joint accounts ahead of divvying assets. Consider an agreement with your soon-to-be ex (who, for simplicity’s sake, we’ll refer to as “ex”) to continue paying joint expenses, but to avoid new borrowing charges pertaining only to one of you. If either has co-signed a loan or line of credit, request the financial institution remove the co-signer and rework this debt so the appropriate party is solely responsible.
   
   If you don’t have your own savings or chequing account, arrange for it. Also obtain a credit report to find out your current score. Link to your individual account any direct deposits beyond what you need to meet your share of expenses in the joint account. Regarding credit cards and loans, neither divorcing partner should deal with creditors or be liable for debt they didn’t incur. If you and your ex can pay off joint account balances, agree to close those accounts. Everyone’s heard stories of vindictive exes racking up large bills, so monitor your accounts to keep your assets protected.
   
   

2. Update policies and beneficiaries. Divorce may change your insurance needs. For instance, if you become critically ill or disabled and need assistance paying bills, you may require more coverage as an individual compared to having a spouse’s income to cover expenses. Similarly, assess your life insurance needs as an independent policyholder and ensure you’ve got adequate coverage. Permanent life policies often have cash value, so if one exists, include the cash value when dividing joint assets.
   
   It’s also crucial to review beneficiaries named on financial accounts and registered plans like RRSPs, TFSAs, RRIFs and workplace pensions, and amend accordingly. If you’ve named your ex as beneficiary in your will or as holding certain powers of attorney, you’ll probably want to change that. An estate professional can help you implement planning changes brought about by divorce. If you’re on your ex’s workplace benefits plan (or vice versa), a divorce might lead to rethinking benefits to ensure adequate coverage persists.
   
   

3. Deal with the family home. This one may have emotional repercussions as well. Discuss whether one of you wants to remain in your home and has the financial ability to do so. Both partners could be making mortgage payments, so the absence of one income may make the existing mortgage unmanageable, requiring renegotiated financing for the ex who’s staying put. You may choose to sell the family home and split the proceeds, or the remaining homeowner can buy out the other’s share for the amount of equity they’ve invested into it. If young children are involved, keeping them in the family home could help reduce the disruption in their lives that a divorce inevitably causes.
   
   

4. Work closely with your investment advisor. Getting professional advice is especially valuable in divorce. An advisor can help identify your assets and liabilities, and calculate your personal net worth. They can also adjust your budget and wealth plan based on new life circumstances, including recalculating the money earmarked for retirement and revising your goals to put you in the best possible position for financial success. If you need to save and/or invest more (or in a different manner) to achieve your long-term objectives, an investment advisor can work with you to make it happen. Your income may also be impacted by child or spousal support, whether you’re paying or receiving. It’s practical and comforting to assemble a team (e.g., investment advisor, tax consultant, estate planner, divorce lawyer, accountant) that can help you get through a divorce with financial independence and a sense of clarity moving forward.

While many people want to purchase a home, it’s become a greater challenge in today’s economic environment. Consumers are financially stretched by high inflation that’s lifted the price of food, fuel and just about everything else. On top of that, central banks have raised interest rates to help control inflation, leading to soaring mortgage rates. Never mind that real estate valuations – while largely off their           peak – remain high, especially in large urban centres. What’s a prospective homebuyer to do?

In addition to sensible actions like watching your spending and trying to put away more of your earnings, the federal government also helps Canadians pursue home ownership via two targeted programs: the Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP) and Tax-Free First Home Savings Account (FHSA).

How the HBP works

This plan lets you withdraw, on a tax-free basis, up to $60,000 from your Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) to purchase your first home. Essentially, it’s an interest-free loan from your own RRSP to help you buy a home. You’re allowed to withdraw funds from more than one RRSP, to a cumulative total of $60,000, provided you’re the owner of each account. The institution(s) that issued your RRSP(s) won’t withhold tax on the money you withdraw. You should also note that certain RRSPs, such as locked-in or group RRSPs, may not qualify for the HBP.

HBP withdrawals must be paid back to your RRSP account in annual minimum amounts over a 15-year period, beginning the second calendar year after the withdrawal. In April 2024, the government extended this two-year grace period to five years for withdrawals made between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2025. Note, you may repay more than the minimum in a given year, or repay the entire amount at any time prior to the end of the 15-year period. If you fail to repay the full amount within the allotted time, your outstanding balance is considered taxable income.

How the FHSA works

This plan was introduced in the 2022 Federal Budget, and now that the legal and administrative details have been addressed, financial institutions are rolling it out. The FHSA is a registered account for Canadians aged 18+ who haven’t owned a home ever or, at a minimum, in the past four calendar years. It allows eligible Canadians to contribute up to $8,000 annually on a tax-deductible basis, to a lifetime limit of $40,000. If you contribute less than the maximum in a given year, the unused contribution room (up to $8,000) may be carried forward to the following year.

When you withdraw funds to buy a home, this amount is not taxable (including any income earned in the account). If you don’t withdraw all your FHSA funds to buy a home within 15 years, you must close the account. You can transfer the remaining assets, tax free, to an RRSP or RRIF; otherwise, withdrawal of residual FHSA funds will be taxable. As with many registered accounts, you may invest in various types of securities in your FHSA, such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds and ETFs. Your Investment Advisor can help determine which securities best suit your time horizon, risk tolerance and financial objectives.

How do you decide?

While the HBP and FHSA may have their own features and distinct rules, both plans can help accelerate the home ownership process. An HBP is valuable if you don’t have much cash available, since you’re withdrawing from your established and funded RRSP. An FHSA is valuable if you can contribute a significant amount of cash, since it’ll lower your taxable income and withdrawals are tax free. The good news is, you don’t need to decide. If you wish (and have money readily available), you may use both the HBP and FHSA to assist with funding the purchase of a first home.

Consult with your Investment Advisor to decide how best to use the HBP and/or FHSA to help buy your home, based on your tax situation and overall financial circumstances.