The bond between humans and their furry companions is like no other.
According to the Canadian Vet Medical Association, over 35% of Canadian households have a dog and 35% own a cat. How many of those families have included their pets in their estate plan?
In this episode, Kris Dureau focuses on the furry family members and how to ensure they have a home no matter what happens. Kris provides examples of the different types of coverage and how each fits within estate planning.
Kris discusses:
Why including pets in estate planning is so important
The 3 main ways pets can be covered in an estate plan
How to create an emergency plan for pets easily and quickly
In our last episode, we sat down with the Caring Hearts Support Network to discuss all things grief and the support they made available for those people going through these tough times.
In this episode, we are going to unpack what you can do to prepare for uncertain times and what exactly should be on your end-of-life checklist. Whether you are creating your own or understanding the details of this plan for a loved one, it is important to understand where all of this information is as well as how you can use it to seamlessly transition into your next stage of life.
Kris discusses:
The importance of communicating to your family members where your will is and when was the last time you updated it
Some important life changes that should encourage you to update your will
How life insurance comes into play during someone’s death (not all life insurance policies are the same)
The RRSP meltdown strategy has been saving our clients’ tax dollars for many years now, allowing for more savings and tax benefits.
In this episode, Kris Dureau unpacks the benefits and risks of this strategy along with ways you can reduce taxes during your retirement income in your early golden years.
Kris discusses:
How to save money when taking out your RRSP
How to avoid paying large amounts of taxes when withdrawing from your retirement savings plan
Techniques to save money during your retirement years
The role of these RRSP strategies when it comes to your estate planning
Financial planning is not just about securing your tomorrow. It’s also about living a better today.
In this rapid-fire style episode, Kris Dureau walks you through 15 quick-hit tips to help you get a better handle on your finances, both now and in the future. Investments, tax planning, wealth transfer, debt management —Kris covers it all!
Kris discusses:
Accounts you should regularly contribute money towards
Steps you can take to weather market volatility
How to keep your finances organized (for you, your family, and your advisor)
Are you thinking about selling or gifting your cottage to your kids? A lot of cottage owners want to keep this property in the family. But, too many of them get hit with a big tax bill because they don’t know how to make the transition.
If you want to avoid tax mistakes, this one’s for you!
In this episode, Kris Dureau shares advice — as a financial planner and fellow cottage-owner — on how to reduce your cottage’s future tax bill. He also dives into the nuances of family dynamics to help you make a confident decision about which child to give or sell the cottage to.
Kris discusses:
Why cottage property values are surging and how that impacts estate planning
What to consider when deciding which child will receive the cottage
Major mistakes people make when selling or gifting a cottage
Regardless of your age or assets, there are some things that you should be aware of when it comes to estate planning.
In this episode, Kris Dureau answers many of your estate planning questions. Along with some real-life experiences, Kris helps you understand how important it is to have your will in place and how you can get it done with the help of a few other documents.
Kris discusses:
How often you should be reviewing your will
Accompanying documents you should have along with your will
Having a special needs family member carries unique, emotional, and financial concerns.
That’s why it’s important to work with a professional who understands exactly what you are facing.
In this episode, Kris Dureau welcomes Fred Ryall, an estate practitioner with more than 40 years of experience. For the last 15 years, Fred has worked with special needs children and adults to help them with their unique planning needs. In fact, he received the Queen Elizabeth the Second Diamond Jubilee Award from the Governor-General of Canada for his efforts.
Fred joins the show to share his insight about estate planning for families with special needs members. He explains the areas of the planning process that need to be considered and reveals why documenting details about a disabled child is so important.
Fred discusses:
The unique challenges families with special needs children face
What a Henson trust is and how it benefits those with special needs
Easy ways to document and organize your child’s details
Five key areas of the planning process he covers with the families he works with
For over 35 years, Fred has been providing financial and estate planning advice for self-employed business owners, designated professionals, executives, and families to ensure social and family legacies.
Some of his recent professional accomplishments include receiving the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Award from the Governor-General of Canada for his planning with families who have special needs children. In 2007, he also received the Julia Award from Cystic Fibrosis Canada.
Fred has had the privilege to speak to several other special needs organizations including, Cystic Fibrosis Canada, Canadian Down Syndrome Society, ALS Canada, Autism Ontario, Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, 18th Chromosome Deficiency, Alzheimer Society Canada, and the Peel Public School Board’s Special Needs Programs.
One of the reasons why retirement is such a major life decision is timing. If you retire too early, you might have financial trouble. If you retire too late, you might not have the energy to enjoy it to the fullest.
So, when is it the right time to retire?
To help you decide, Kris Dureau walks you through his 10-step pre-retirement checklist. This list will help shed light on the different financial, health, and planning considerations you need to be aware of as you approach your next stage of life.
In this episode, you will learn:
Why you need to choose the type of retirement you want to live
How a cash flow plan, emergency funds, and health insurance can help you improve your retirement needs
How retirees and pre-retirees can approach debt
Benefits of changing your accumulation portfolio to a retirement income portfolio
And more!
Tune in today and discover how you can better navigate the path of retirement planning!
