Our estate planning goal: Ensuring your assets pass to your intended beneficiaries with the least possible time, taxation and legal fees. No easy task when you consider your beneficiaries and the government both want their perceived fair share.

To begin the estate planning process, we utilize this checklist [click here].

There are a number of common areas most estate plans try to address:

• Ensuring your beneficiaries are treated equitably.
  It is most peoples' wish to pass an estate that avoids discord amongst survivors.
• Another is taxation.
  RRSPs/RRIFs are particularly expensive from an income tax standpoint. A second property, such as a cottage, can also be heavily taxed. It usually has an emotional attachment to the family which can be an additional source of problems if it is not well planned for.
• Creation of a Will.
  A Will is a vital element of your estate plan. If you do nothing else, ensure you have a current Will reflective of your wishes. But a Will alone is not an estate plan.

The most effective method is an integrated planning approach that combines your Will, beneficiary designations, life insurance and a thorough, realistic evaluation of your family and your priorities.

A "one size fits all" approach just does not work for estate planning.

The Wealth Preserver System™ will ensure you have a personal plan designed just for you.

The Wealth Preserver System™ - Estate Planning Checklist:

In order to prepare your Wealth Preserver we need to begin with accurate data. Some of the information we will require includes:

• A copy of your Will and any Powers of Attorney
• A copy of your prior year's income tax return.
• Summary of your current income and expenses.
• Copies of current statements of your savings and investment plans. Remember to include: savings accounts, Canada Savings Bonds (CSB's), mutual funds and stocks in these statements.
• Summary of the tax cost of your investments so we can estimate any potential tax liability.
• A current summary of your debt, including: Interest rates charged, renewal dates and monthly payments.
• Details of your RRSP's/RRIF's.
• Pension plans including your survivor benefits.
• Copies of your current life insurance and disability insurance coverage.
• Background information on adult children such as dates of birth, marital status, and general financial status as well as information on your grandchildren.
• Where applicable, personal information regarding your parents (in the likelihood they may leave an estate or may become dependant on you in the future).