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  • Estates Gone Wrong
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  • Related Resources
  • Legacy Lexicon
An estate tax is levied on the deceased's estate, while an inheritance tax is paid by heirs subject to the tax (spouses are usually exempt). Over a dozen states currently impose estate or inheritance taxes. Find out where you’ll have to pay... 24 Oct
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Tax-Smart Strategies

2025 Update: States with Scary Estate & Inheritance Taxes

Estate planners have a variety of techniques and tools that can be employed to protect beneficiaries from themselves. Learn more about how to prevent heirs from squandering their inheritances... 18 Sep
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Squandered Fortunes

How Estate Plans Prevent Heirs From Squandering Inheritances

Life Insurance is more than just a safety net. It’s a strategic tool. Learn how life insurance is not just about risk— it’s about opportunity... in this in-depth guide to understanding the different types of Life Insurance for Estate Planning in Canada. 05 Sep
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Related Resources

Understanding The Role of Life Insurance in Estate Planning

Baby boomers are expected to pass down $124 trillion by 2048, and women are positioned to inherit much of that wealth. But many say they feel unprepared to manage an inheritance... 27 Aug
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Related Resources

Statistics: Majority of Women Confess ‘Inheritance Anxiety’

If you’re building wealth for future generations, open communication and clear planning are just as important as investment strategies. These stories offer practical lessons for anyone hoping to pass on wealth— or simply keep their family together... 27 Aug
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Infamous Feuds

Wealthy Families That Lost Everything Over Generational Feuds

Revocable living trusts are just one part of the estate planning toolkit. Explore how they work, where they may add value, and what to consider if you're evaluating whether this strategy fits into your broader plan. 09 Jul
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Related Resources

When to Support Your Estate Plan with a Revocable Living Trust

Trusts are versatile planning vehicles that can help Canadians protect what they’ve built, plan for the future and support the people and causes they care about – regardless of their net worth. 23 Jun
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Related Resources

Wealth Preservation: The Role of Trusts in Estate Planning

Creating an estate plan can protect your family’s finances. Learn why it is important for young families to get an early start on estate planning. 20 Jun
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Related Resources

Don’t Wait: Estate Planning for Young Families

For high-net-worth families in Canada, effective estate planning is the cornerstone of generational wealth. In this guide, we walk through foundational estate planning strategies —tailored for families with significant wealth— and how to use them to build a legacy that lasts. 05 Jun
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Related Resources

Legacy-Centered Approach for High-Net-Worth Families in Canada

Give Yourself Permission to Grieve: Managing the psychological aspects of an inheritance ultimately determines whether the windfall becomes a lasting positive influence or a temporary financial event... 08 May
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Life Events

The Psychology of an Inheritance Windfall: Strategic Approaches

Tori Spelling, daughter of TV producer Aaron Spelling, received an inheritance of $800,000 from his $500 million estate, not the substantial sum some might have expected.  08 Apr
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Celebrity Estates, Generated Content

Aaron Spelling: Reasons Behind the ‘Unequal’ Estate Distribution?

The infamous “shirtsleeves curse” is one that has occupied the mind of many a wealthy patriarch on a sleepless night. Affecting 90% of the wealthy, even America’s richest family couldn’t escape its clutches. 25 Mar
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Squandered Fortunes

The Infamous “Shirtsleeves Curse”: a Case Study

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Ever thought about gifting a property to your children? I recently had this very discussion with my own aging parents. This resulted in some important discussions about our family home, their goals and consideration for the tax outcomes of any decisions made...

Transferring the Family Home: Considerations for Canadians

Transferring property to heirs "inter vivos" offers emotional benefits and potential probate fee reduction, but can trigger an immediate capital gains tax liability and means a loss of control and potential exposure to your heir's creditors. 

Gifting Property to Your Heirs “Inter Vivos”: Pros and Cons

Major life transitions can cause stress that makes it hard to think clearly, leading to poor financial decisions. A Certified Financial Transitionist can help you manage the financial and emotional aspects of these events.

The Financial and Emotional Challenges of Major Life Changes

Staying informed isn’t just good practice. It protects relationships, builds trust, and ensures clients feel safe and supported. Consider bookmarking the BankSafe Dementia Hub as a go-to reference when navigating delicate client situations.

Dementia Hub: Fraud Prevention Resources from AARP

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