Four Tips to Keep Your Household Finances on the Right Track

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

By iA Private Wealth, February 14, 2024 For most Canadians, the Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) is foundational to long-term financial security. In this article we’ll look at the key features of RRSPs and the many benefits that make them so popular. How RRSPs work You can contribute to an RRSP from the first time you have qualifying earned income until December 31 of the year you turn 71. For any given tax year, you can make contributions during the calendar year or up to 60 days after that. As an example, for the 2024 tax year you can make contributions throughout 2024 or in the first 60 days of 2025. The maximum annual RRSP contribution is 18% of your earned income for the previous tax year, up to the allowable limit. For instance, the RRSP contribution limit for 2024 is $31,560, an increase from the 2023 tax year limit of $30,780. You’ll find the annual limits posted on the Government of Canada website. Also note the following: If you don’t make the maximum contribution in a particular year, the unused room is carried forward indefinitely. If you belong to a workplace pension plan, your pension adjustment (PA) will reduce the amount you’re allowed to contribute. The PA amount appears on your T4 tax slip. Some employers offer full or partial contribution matching (e.g., if you contribute 4% of your salary to your pension, your employer might match with a 2% contribution). Check with your employer for details. If you overcontribute to an RRSP by more than $2,000 (based on your CRA Notice of Assessment), you’ll face a penalty of 1% per month for as long as the excess amount remains in your account. You can make a tax-free withdrawal from your RRSP for a down payment on your first home. The Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP) has specific rules and repayment terms, so speak with your advisor to see if it’s suitable for you. If you’re going back to school full time, the Lifelong Learning Plan (LLP) lets you borrow up to $10,000 a year from your RRSP, to a plan maximum of $20,000. As with the HBP, you must adhere to the Government of Canada’s LLP rules and repayment terms. You may contribute to your spouse’s or common-law partner’s RRSP if you’re the higher income earner. You’ll receive a tax deduction that may lower your tax bill. Consult with your advisor so you’re aware of the various rules related to spousal RRSPs. Key RRSP benefits RRSPs offer an immediate tax break, as your contribution amount is deducted from the year’s gross income, which means less income tax to pay. Many people take the tax savings and invest it or use it to reduce their debt. Either way, you’ll strengthen your financial position. Also, any growth in your RRSP from capital gains, dividends or interest will remain tax deferred until you begin making withdrawals in retirement. This feature lets you compound growth in your RRSP without immediate tax consequences, so your money works harder for you and helps build wealth faster for retirement. RRSPs are flexible as well. You can invest in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, GICs and more. For added convenience, consider a pre-authorized contribution (PAC) plan. Once you decide how much to invest, at what interval and in which financial products, the money will be automatically invested according to your instructions. For example, your PAC might allocate $250 per month to a certain mutual fund. An iA Private Wealth Investment Advisor can help create and maintain an RRSP strategy that’s right for you. Get in touch with one today.

By iA Private Wealth, November 23, 2023 As we approach year-end, it’s a great time to assess your expenses with the goal of setting yourself up to be financially stronger. New year, fresh start. When expenses are under control and you’re in a position to build wealth instead of spiralling deeper into debt, it helps you work toward reaching your short-term and longer-term financial goals. So, how can you resolve to manage expenses at year-end? Here are a few tips to get you on your way. Create a wealth plan. If you don’t already have an advisor, here’s the first New Year’s resolution to make. Everybody has specific objectives to achieve, and a comprehensive plan can give you a head start on next year’s finances. A professionally developed wealth plan will account for your unique circumstances, objectives, time horizon and risk tolerance. It helps you save and invest wisely, manage debt obligations and be more tax efficient. Also, it can adapt to changing circumstances so your plan stays relevant at any life stage. Since it requires significant training, skill and experience to create and maintain a personalized wealth plan, it’s best to work with a qualified advisor. Maintain a budget. A key aspect of wealth planning is setting a budget. Basically, a budget tracks your sources of income and expenses over a given time period (e.g., monthly). It provides an ongoing snapshot of how well you’re managing money and where improvements might be possible. With holiday season in full swing, an increase in social outings and gift buying can quickly send your expenses into overdrive. This year-end, be mindful of expenses and mounting debt by setting a reasonable holiday budget and sticking to it. Consolidate debt. The amount you spend over the holidays is largely discretionary, but sometimes carrying debt is unavoidable. Many people have mortgage payments, car loans, home-related expenses, etc. An advisor can review your various debt obligations, working with you and your financial institution(s) to see if it’s advantageous to consolidate debt into one relatively lower-rate loan or line of credit. Consolidating debt is often a practical way to lower your overall expenses. Commit to saving. While reducing debt is important, the flipside is to increase your savings. A proven strategy is to “pay yourself first” by putting a set amount (e.g., 10%) of each paycheque into a savings and/or investment account. It’ll build long-term wealth while helping you avoid the temptation to overspend. Also, year-end is a great time to devote money to registered plans for the following calendar year. For instance, on January 1 you can begin making that year’s contributions to your RRSP and TFSA. Not only will it help curb expenses by “forcing” you to save, but you’ll also begin enjoying tax benefits sooner in the year. Another aspect of saving is putting away money for emergencies like job loss, major home/vehicle repairs, serious illness, etc. You never know when you’ll need immediate access to cash, so an emergency fund – many experts recommend a minimum three months of household expenses – is essential for financial preparedness and peace of mind. Although any time is a good time to get a handle on your expenses, the year-end period often sparks motivation for people to focus on their finances and make improvements for the year to come.

By iA Private Wealth, October 11, 2023 When thinking about family gatherings, you might focus on special occasions like holiday meals, birthday parties and anniversary celebrations. These are all good reasons to bring generations together, but there’s another gathering that’s equally important: the family financial meeting. Granted, discussing your health care needs and estate plans can be difficult and uncomfortable, but it benefits the entire family when everyone’s on the same page regarding your intentions. Financial matters can be emotional and contentious, so a transparent discussion may reduce misunderstandings, disagreements and conflict. In turn, you’ll gain peace of mind knowing your legacy wishes have been fully and effectively shared. Topics to discuss You know best how your family dynamics tend to play out, so take them into consideration when deciding who should attend the meeting. It makes sense to include all the children, but whether their spouses/partners and children are invited is your decision based on best judgement. The frequency of financial meetings depends on the circumstances, but it’s often valuable to hold one whenever there’s a significant change, such as retirement, death in the family or a notable monetary event like a business sale or recent inheritance. Below are seven topics commonly broached at family financial meetings – they might not all apply to your situation, and you may have others not listed here: Living arrangements (e.g., aging in place; downsizing; staying with family; moving to another city, province or country; residing in a seniors community/nursing home) What to do with the family cottage or other properties Your choices for executor and power of attorney, along with the reasons why Intention and directions for potential incapacitation, end-of-life care and funeral proceedings Wealth distribution as part of your estate plan (e.g., how you want to divide your assets and special possessions, whether grandchildren are included, your philanthropic goals); provide a rationale for these decisions so your loved ones understand the “why” If you own a business, what’s your succession plan? Will family members be involved? Will you sell? If you have insurance coverage, inform your loved ones about policy details The family meeting is also an opportunity to discuss the “softer side” of finances, such as your views on money, the struggles you may have faced when building wealth, and how you envision loved ones managing their own finances. Imparting wisdom you’ve gained over the years is a great way for family to learn from you and engage in meaningful dialogue about money and financial responsibility. What makes a successful family meeting? Emphasize that this isn’t a typical gathering, although a social component could be added once the formalities conclude. Try to strike a balanced tone: it’s a serious financial meeting with weighty or emotional topics, but it doesn’t need to be sombre. Investment Advisors, lawyers and accountants usually don’t attend, but they can be involved in meeting preparation, especially helping to explain technical terms or complex concepts you may need to address. Give people enough time to digest all the information. Since you might not resolve everything in one go, book a follow-up meeting if needed. In-person conversations are ideal because it’s easier to “read the room” and communicate effectively, but if some people can’t attend, a virtual or hybrid meeting may work. You could hold the meeting at your home for familiarity’s sake, but anywhere that’s comfortable, reasonably free of distractions and conducive to open discussion will suffice. Create and distribute an agenda in advance so participants are aware of the subject matter and can prepare questions or comments. Also adhere to basic “rules of engagement,” such as not interrupting speakers and not making personal attacks, so the meeting proceeds smoothly and the conversation stays respectful – even when objections are being voiced. When your meeting ends, summarize the discussion, share next steps and assign required roles and responsibilities. Be sure to keep your advisor and related professionals abreast of decisions emanating from your family meeting, so they may continue advising you in the best way possible. <!-- We can help you with a wealth plan that addresses tax efficiency, so contact us today. -->

By iA Private Wealth, August 23, 2023 Higher education provides many benefits to students, such as building a career foundation, expanding social skills and learning responsibility. However, this education can come at a steep cost. The price tag will depend largely on whether or not your child attends a nearby school. If your child is still years away from post-secondary education, you’ll need to budget for inflation as well. Major expenses With proper planning and budgeting, many families can manage an investment in the child’s future. Before exploring different ways to pay for education, let’s consider the three primary expenses. Tuition: Factors that impact tuition include the school and program, whether your child attends full-time or part-time, and your child&rsquo;s citizenship status. Also plan for the cost of school supplies, books and other course materials. Accommodations: The cost is mostly dictated by living arrangements on or off campus (e.g., if your child rents solo or has housemates/roommates). Food expenses may involve a campus meal plan and/or groceries, dining out or eating at home. Other costs to consider include hydro and utilities, phone, internet/cable, insurance, clothing, personal care and entertainment. Transportation: These expenses will vary. Students staying at home might rely on public transit, ride sharing, walking or cycling. Some may need (or choose) to drive, which means using a family vehicle or buying their own, and paying for maintenance, parking, insurance and fuel. If your child moves away, plan for transportation costs while at school, plus costs for roundtrip travel (car, bus, train or plane) whenever they return home. Making ends meet Once you gain a sense of the costs involved, the other part of your budget pertains to covering these costs. A budget organizes your expenses and income, and helps determine if your finances are on track. Here are five common sources of money to help pay for post-secondary education: RESPs. The Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) is a proven way to save for school. Not only is investment growth within the plan tax deferred until withdrawal, but if the student is in a low tax bracket when they use the funds for schooling – which is often the case – the tax impact will be minimal. As well, they may qualify for benefits like the Canada Education Savings Grant and Canada Learning Bond, which provide additional funds for education. Personal savings. The student may opt to use some of their accumulated savings for school, plus parents and grandparents are often able and willing to help out. Borrowing. The federal government offers financial assistance to students in need. Your child may be eligible for a government grant or loan; if approved, they can use the money for school-related expenses and won’t begin repaying until after they graduate, according to a specific schedule. Provincial governments may also offer funding, so check with your province for information. Scholarships. Students with strong academic standing could be eligible for a range of scholarships. Scholarships Canada and the Government of Canada’s scholarships website are great places to start. High school guidance counsellors also have current information on scholarships and bursaries, plus they can offer direction on the application process. Employment earnings. Many students build savings by working in the summer and part-time during the school year. You can guide your child on what employment opportunities may suit their experience, skills and interests. Remind them that earning money for school is great, but education should be prioritized and their work schedule must allow enough time for classes, study, assignments, etc.