Along with the protection offered through insurance and the goal setting provided by investment choices, money management strategies can help manage savings on a daily basis.

From mortgage payments to tax savings, a strategy for managing money effectively involves a consideration of individual contexts.

SavingTOP

Depending on an individual’s stage of life, chances are that person has a distinct approach to saving. New graduates or young couples have different needs than retirees or mid-career families. But no matter the situation, a financial planner can help develop financial habits that will lay a strong foundation for savings.

Younger individuals and couples have a number of benefits in terms of financial management. A long investment horizon, combined with few responsibilities, can make for an excellent financial base. A strong financial plan builds on these advantages, while at the same time considers the impacts of a debt load that might include student loans, car payments or perhaps a mortgage.

Couples planning for a first child enter into a new level of commitment—both personally and financially. Learn how to save for a child through specialized insurance and investment products, such as a 529 Qualified Tuition Plan.

Mid-career professionals typically have higher incomes than younger investors—but they also carry more responsibilities. From mortgage payments to a child’s education, consider a financial plan that balances needs with obligations.

Retirees have worked hard at their careers, and now is the time for relaxation and celebration. Chances are children have moved from home, the mortgage is mostly paid off and a few investments are coming to fruition. However, income levels may have dropped after retirement. Find out how to manage finances in a way that allows full enjoyment of the fruits of a career of hard work.

In short, no matter an individual’s life stage, it is important to balance savings and investing with other commitments.

Tax PlanningTOP

No one likes taxes. But the advice of a financial planner can help with the selection of products and services that help ease the burden.

Charitable contributions, life insurance policies and investment products purchased through products like 401(k) Retirement plans or 592 Qualified Tuition Planscan all be useful tools in an effective tax strategy. It is important to design a tax plan that fits one’s personal needs.

Choose from a variety of products and services, such as:

Income-splitting for spouses or common-law couples.
Charitable donations, which benefits important not-for-profit work and allows donors to maximize tax credits.
Life insurance products that build tax-advantaged capital for retirement.
Investment products that provide for tax benefits, such as those purchased through 401(k) Retirement Plans or 529 Qualified Tuition Plans.

Succession PlanningTOP

Preparing for succession after death is a difficult issue to discuss, but it is also an important part of any comprehensive financial plan.

A financial planner can help individuals and their loved ones approach succession planning in a constructive manner that ensures they avoid problems and are well cared for in the event of death. The process involves two main considerations: life insurance and preparing a will.

Life insurance can ease the financial burden and provide resources for loved ones in the event of death. A lump-sum payment can be used for mortgage costs or to supplement lost income, helping successors during a difficult period. Financial resources and stability can make it easier to cope with the loss of a loved one.

A written will provides a means to guide loved ones through the succession process. By naming executors and providing instructions on the distribution of an estate, surviving loved ones avoid having to guess the wishes of the deceased. Rather than state law determining how assets are to be divided—a situation that can result in lengthy court proceedings—a clear, carefully considered written will provides clear instructions to successors. Save loved ones the stress of dealing with financial issues by planning for succession as soon as possible.

MortgagesTOP

Buying a home can be an exciting purchase—but it is also a big decision that will have a major impact on financial planning. Whether a one-bedroom condominium or a five-bedroom house, a well-planned a mortgage strategy must fit its owner’s unique needs and other financial responsibilities.

From choosing the right time to buy a house to deciding whether it is even a good idea, a financial planner can help with this important decision. Assessing all the costs involved—from taxes to renovations—can help determine whether taking out a mortgage makes sense.

If you are considering taking out a mortgage, contact us today to discuss how to do so in a way that best fits your situation.

Financial Planning for Business OwnersTOP

Business owners face unique challenges—and opportunities—in terms of financial planning. It takes hard work and careful planning to develop ideas into a successful business: continue that tradition by choosing a financial planning strategy that takes advantage of your unique situation.

For business owners who are considering moving to self-employment, a comprehensive plan can help with the adjustment from a situation where a previous employer might have provided benefits, such as health or life insurance or a company pension. Life and disability insurance can be difficult to purchase at first, since many insurers want two years of tax results. As well, self-employed people can gain tax write-offs for some health insurance premiums.

For new business owners, a financial planner can help negotiate a bank loan or line of credit to help fund office space, materials and other business investments. Explore options to most effectively secure these start-up expenses.

No matter what stage of growth your business is in, contact us today to design a tax-efficient business planning strategy.

Business Succession PlanningTOP

After working hard to develop a business, it is important to also enjoy the results. Many entrepreneurs spend years of focused effort building up a business, but then fail to consider how to make the transition to retirement. A financial planner can offer expert advice in how to plan an effective business succession strategy.

For family businesses, a formal management succession strategy can help ensure a business stays in the family over generations. Depending on the level of involvement of family members, alternative bequests can help make decisions with those who do, and those who not, want to continue being involved in the family business.

Entrepreneurs can work to turn equity in the business into capital that can be used to fund retirement. Business owners can design tax-effective retirement strategies, such as using life insurance policies, paying business founders a salary, or arranging for an heir or heirs to slowly buy up ownership shares.

Life insurance is a consideration when planning business succession. If the founder is nearing the end of his or her life, a well-planned life insurance policy can help successors transition into business owners. Upon death, successors face estate taxes on business values of more than $500,000—with the tax-free amount potentially offset by any capital business losses the owner declared during his or her lifetime. Life insurance is one way that successors can cover the remaining amounts.

Smaller businesses may not need to pay estate taxes, but can still benefit from a plan that ensures an equal legacy for their successors. A financial advisor can help entrepreneurs plan an inheritance that is fairly distributed among all loved ones.

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