Link to CPA Ontario Program

Sometimes, stuff isn’t just stuff — advisors take note Published by Investment Executive February 12, 2026 “I give all of my personal effects and household contents to be divided among my children and/or beneficiaries as my trustee, in their absolute discretion, shall determine.” Few sentences in a will create more stress for executors than this one, or one of its many close cousins. It is almost always inserted with good intentions. It is meant to provide flexibility and sim

Using settlement annuities to safeguard inheritance and navigate the 21-year rule Published by Investment Executive November 13, 2025 Every couple of weeks, I get a call someone who has lost a parent and has been appointed executor of the estate. They explain to me that one of the estate beneficiaries — typically a sibling — struggles with a spending problem, a history of addiction, a mental health challenge, a cognitive disability or is in an abusive relationship. Sometimes

What advisors and executors need to know about vested and unvested options Published by Investment Executive May 29, 2025 When it comes to administering an estate, executors are typically ready to deal with bank accounts, real estate and investment portfolios. But if the deceased held stock options, especially unvested ones, the process could become complicated. Advisors who understand how stock options function at death can protect a client’s wealth long after they’ve passed

Financial advisors can address property challenges, encourage clarity in wills Published in Investment Executive August 20, 2024 One of my summer cottage activities in the early evening is to watch the sunset and troll for walleyes (a.k.a. pickerel). Inevitably, I catch a rock bass — a smaller freshwater fish. At first bite, an angler will think they have a much larger fish on their line, as the rock bass is aggressive. It requires careful handling, given its spiny dorsal fin

Optional returns may reduce or eliminate your client’s taxes Published in Investment Executive June 12, 2024 I have a secret test for estate or tax preparation professionals who state they are well versed in the intricacies of estate administration and terminal tax returns: I ask how many optional tax returns they have administered, prepared and filed. If I get a confused look, I clarify: How do they deal with post-death income receipts? Alternatively, I ask if they have ever

Safeguard your client's assets with an appointed monitor Published by Investment Executive February 15, 2023 Clients often choose executors based on the criteria of experience, financial acumen and perceived integrity. Additionally, executors may be chosen to maintain family harmony. The testator may think if they do not appoint their child/children or spouse as the executor, those family members will be offended and feel ignored or rejected. Half-heartedly, they select a fam