The Essential Canadian Guide To Estate Planning

In a simple and entertaining style, Kevin Wark delivers an important message - anyone who has something of value needs an estate plan, and sooner rather than later! Today, the majority of baby boomers are entering their retirement years. They have not only accumulated significant assets during their lifetimes, but also stand to receive meaningful inheritances. Now is the time for them to consider strategies to protect and increase their wealth - for their peace of mind as well as their families. The Essential Canadian Guide to Estate Planning will help younger and older generations alike get their estate plans in order. Readers will learn about planning for retirement; wills, trusts and powers of attorney;probate planning;charitable gifting;family law and special needs dependents;the role of life insurance; and business transition strategies. Featuring numerous case studies, worksheets, index and a glossary of terms, The Essential Canadian Guide to Estate Planning is an indispensable and painless guide in the journey towards greater peace of mind.

An essential resource to help you plan your estate and protect your assets Praise for previous editions of The Canadian Guide to Will and Estate Planning: “The authors have done a masterful job....This is a shelf reference every Canadian taxpayer and every Canadian family should have.” –THE GLOBE AND MAIL “An informative, practical guide....The authors...cover all the bases.” –THE NATIONAL POST Established as the go-to source of expert guidance, The Canadian Guide to Will and Estate Planning will save you money, taxes, risk, stress, and maintain peace of mind and family harmony. Completely updated to reflect the latest tax changes and with new information on charitable giving, including the donation of certain kinds of life insurance policies, this new edition explains practical strategies to: • Avoid classic pitfalls, family feuds, and spousal disputes • Minimize or avoid income, probate, and capital gains taxes • Protect your digital assets • Astutely deal with vacation properties, U.S. assets, and privately-owned businesses

Often members of the public think that their estate needs are met simply by creating a will and holding assets jointly. What they do not realize is the many other tools available to them in the financial and legal fields, and advice sought in one field does not guarantee information flowing on tools used in the other. Uniquely, this book arms the general public with the knowledge to make intelligent choices among the many tools in both fields.

Stepping Lightly Around the Pitfalls of Estate Planning... Estate planning is one of those unpleasant but really important tasks. Unfortunately, the process is not only hard to get started, it is then easy to make mistakes. Even the most careful and well-intentioned person can slip up along the way. Avoid the pitfalls! The 50 Biggest Estate Planning Mistakes outlines the major mistakes and their consequences in an entertaining way-and then proceeds to tell you exactly how to avoid these mistakes. Delivering practical and helpful information in a light tone, the authors help to make these sometimes difficult conversations a little easier. The book's fifty concise chapters are filled with real-life examples, organized under four key areas of mistakes: The biggest mistake of not planning at all Failing to plan for the possibility of mental incompetency Mistakes made during the estate planning process itself And common mistakes made by executors Written by personal finance and estate planning experts, Jean Blacklock and Sarah Kruger, The 50 Biggest Estate Planning Mistakes and How To Avoid Them is an essential guide for Canadians interested in planning their estates effectively, with minimal stress on their loved ones.

Successful real estate investments play an essential role in Canadian investors' portfolios. The growth in wealth in real estate markets has presented investors with tremendous opportunities to capitalize on and expand their range of investments, and has moved real estate investing from a niche product to a pillar of smart portfolio diversification. In Making Money in Real Estate, 2nd Edition, Douglas Gray demystifies the Canadian real estate market for novice investors and presents new strategies for veteran investors. Learn to: Understand the real estate market cycles Find a property and assess its investment potential Build a trustworthy real estate team Arrange financing on good terms Use negotiating tactics that work Understand tax and legal issues Manage a property Avoid the pitfalls that many investors fall into Examine the pros and cons of non-residential property investment options Readers of previous editions will appreciate the vital changes to mortgage rules, taxation and legislation, and the inclusion of information on commercial real estate. Thorough coverage in plain English makes Making Money in Real Estate, 2nd Edition the next logical step for investors who want to begin or expand their real estate portfolios, and is a critical and indispensable tool in investment decision making.

We all know we need a will, one that is current and reflects our wishes and changing life events. So why do two-thirds of Canadians still die without a will - without a plan for passing on their assets the way they want? Why do Canadians still risk losing everything to creditors or the government, or certain relatives being awarded assets by provincial government formulas, none of which were the deceased’s intention? Approximately one out of four Canadians die suddenly, so advance will and estate planning is critical. In this third edition of the bestselling The Canadian Guide to Will and Estate Planning, Canada’s foremost author team of experts in estate planning provide you with insights and options, practical suggestions, and authoritative guidance. You can then discuss your customized and evolving needs and wishes with your professional advisors in an informed fashion, to ensure your assets are protected and your family and beneficiary needs are met with strategic tax and estate planning. This approach will save you time, money, tax, stress, and anxiety. Using practical checklists, real-life examples, and answers to frequently asked questions, Douglas Gray, LL.B, and John Budd, F.C.A., provide helpful guidance on many important topics, including guardianship, powers of attorney, trusts, probate, special options for small and family businesses, passing on the family cottage, charitable giving, tax planning, estate planning, insurance and much more. Also includes an extensive glossary and appendix, and invaluable resource information and websites. Completely updated to reflect the latest changes in relevant legislation and taxation, and with a new chapter on preserving and increasing your net worth, The Canadian Guide to Will and Estate Planning explains how to: Obtain expert legal advice to prepare a will to protect your interests and assets Ensure that your assets will pass to the intended beneficiaries without hassle Use special legal and estate planning strategies to protect your business Avoid family feuds and spousal disputes Minimize or avoid income taxes and capital gains taxes through strategic tax and estate planning Use the latest tax laws to maximize the benefits of charitable giving Don’t let the government be your principal beneficiary – take the time to plan ahead!