The recent developments in investment markets and the volatile performance that has resulted have brought about a new appeal to an old workhorse. For investors looking for a diversification in their investment portfolio and a more tax-efficient fixed income investment alternative, a compelling argument can be made for the use of Whole Life Insurance.
Investing in an uncertain stock market is not for the faint of heart. However, fortunately for Canadians, Segregated Fund products offered by many life insurance companies provide a safety net for nervous investors.
Fund products present some interesting opportunities for people looking to get more security in their investment portfolios without sacrificing their potential for growth.
Segregated Funds and Mutual Funds often have many of the same benefits however there are key differences you should consider like Maturity and Death Benefit Guarantees.
Uncertain about where to invest during Covid-19? It may be time to diversify through a Participating Whole Life policy
Growing your estate without undue market risk and taxes
Often we see older investors shift gears near retirement and beyond. Many become risk-averse and move their assets into fixed income type investments. Unfortunately, this often results in the assets being exposed to higher rates of income tax and lower rates of return – never a good combination.
Or maybe the older investor cannot fully enjoy their retirement years for fear of spending their children’s inheritance.
The Estate Bond financial planning strategy presents a solution to both of these problems.
Many investors over the age of 60 find themselves in a quandary regarding investments that they intend to leave to their heirs. The primary concern involves the desire to conserve the investments they are bequeathing while at the same time earning a reasonable rate of return. As we all know, the volatility of the equity markets can be cruel and this can be most detrimental when investments do not have time to recover after a downturn. As a result, many mature investors choose to accept low rates of return in order to avoid loss in the funds they wish to leave to family members.
As we age and our thoughts turn to estate planning, Segregated Funds may present a valuable planning opportunity. As we progress through the stages of life our investment focus changes from growth to income to preservation. Usually, the expected rates of return reduce as we age, primarily because we have less time to make up for a loss and feel the need to be more conservative in our approach. Anyone who has retired shortly before or after a major market correction (or crash!) understands the impact volatility can have on their enjoyment of a comfortable retirement.
The total net value of your estate represents what you will leave to your family when you die. After paying off any liabilities, taxes arising at death, last expenses etc., what is left over is what your family will use to maintain the lifestyle that you created for them.
If you are an active investor, your investment holdings probably include many different asset classes. For many investors, diversification is a very important part of the wealth accumulation process to help manage risk and reduce volatility. Your investment portfolio might include stocks, bonds, equity funds, real estate and commodities. All these investment assets share a common characteristic – their yield is exposed to tax. From a taxation standpoint, investment assets fall into the following categories…
It’s a common question in recent times, especially in an age when technology and algorithms can make decisions at a fraction of the cost. Is it worth it to hire a financial advisor? Or is it better to save the fees and go for a DIY strategy?
It depends who you ask but there are many – often not so obvious – factors that could make a difference to your net returns when putting your trust in a financial advisor.
