The Wealth Planning Process

Experience has shown that the successful development and implementation of a customized Wealth Plan follows a process.

Illustation of wealth planning process

Stage 1 – Data Collection

Together, we will review the Wealth Planning process, timelines and documentation that will be required.

Stage 2 – Data Validation

I will review the financial information provided and prepare a Data Validation Report. This report provides a summary of all the information you have provided, to ensure that our understanding of your situation is accurate.

Stage 3 – Report Preparation and Analysis

I will prepare the comprehensive Wealth Plan and provide detailed recommendations and strategies in writing.

Stage 4 – Report Presentation

We will meet to review the Wealth Plan in detail.

Stage 5 – Implementation and Review

I will work with you to implement the recommendations in the Wealth Plan.  Since planning is an ongoing process, we will review your plan to ensure that you continue to meet your goals and objectives over the long term.

Inside a Wealth Plan

Depending on your specific needs, a customized wealth plan may include some or all of the following  components:

Goals & Objectives

The initial discovery process assists us in identifying and understanding each client’s unique objectives  and priorities.

Tax & Financial Planning Strategies

Net worth and cash flow projections; income splitting opportunities; use of tax planning vehicles (Trusts, RRSPs, TFSAs, RESPs, etc.); cross-border tax issues; tax-loss selling; capital gains exemption/deferral; professional incorporation; principal residence exemption.

Insurance Solutions

Risk management; estate preservation; tax-efficient alternative investments; living benefits; detailed policy review; new business management; life, disability, long term care and critical illness insurance.

Estate Planning

Will planning; choosing an executor; planning for incapacity; minimizing estate conflicts (including cottage and business succession issues); use of Lifetime (Inter-Vivos) or Testamentary Trusts; tax minimization.

Retirement Planning

Financial projections; comparing pension alternatives; identifying capital requirements to retire early; timing of pension receipts; CPP/QPP and OAS planning; issues for “snowbirds”; retirement residence planning.

Business Succession

Technical issues regarding business succession (estate freeze, sale of assets vs. shares, shareholder agreements); farm continuance; family governance structures, separating family/ownership/ management.

Philanthropy

Private and public foundations and donor-advised funds; donating publicly-listed securities and stock options; donations upon death, gifts of life insurance.