Approaching retirement is undoubtedly an exciting time for many, as their decades-long journey of diligent savings and hard work is rewarded with new and exciting pursuits. However, over the past few years, the feeling of excitement has been dampened by economic uncertainty around interest rates, inflation and housing markets. This is especially true for those who are balancing the desire to help their children get ahead financially, while also ensuring they have their retirement plans well in hand.
乌鸦传媒淢any of my members around retirement age have only recently moved to the Okanagan, having downsized from Toronto or Vancouver. They have a comfortable financial picture, but in terms of professional relationships with an accountant, a lawyer or other advisors, they乌鸦传媒檙e starting from scratch and so building this team of experts can be really valuable, especially as they approach retirement,乌鸦传媒� says Lynette Lindemann, Assistant Branch Manager with .
With a wealth of information online and decades of your own experience saving for retirement, you may wonder why you need a plan at all. But even if your own financial picture is secure, there are benefits to planning ahead.
乌鸦传媒淚f you anticipate that you乌鸦传媒檒l have excess funds when you pass away, your estate may have to pay significant taxes. It may make sense to distribute some gifts to loved ones while you乌鸦传媒檙e still alive to see them enjoyed,乌鸦传媒� Lindemann says.
Leaving a legacy to those you love
If parents approaching retirement age aren乌鸦传媒檛 worried about their own future, they may be worrying about their children.
乌鸦传媒淭here may be enough in your savings account to pay the downpayment on your child乌鸦传媒檚 first home, but it乌鸦传媒檚 important to be sure you can afford it. If you face a health emergency, there乌鸦传媒檚 no guarantee your children will be able to give the money back.乌鸦传媒�
Lindemann has worked with members who thought they could give $200,000 to a family member, but when they crunch the numbers it turns out their maximum is much less.
Gifting property
乌鸦传媒淕ifting property comes with its own tax implications. Your primary residence is exempt from capital gains, but you乌鸦传媒檙e still required to take into consideration fair market value, and there may be property transfer taxes.乌鸦传媒�
If they have contribution room available, giving to your children or grandchildren乌鸦传媒檚 TFSA, RRSP or RESP can be a great way to leave a lasting legacy 乌鸦传媒� and avoid probate when you pass away..
Communicate
No matter what you decide, Lindemann says open communication is key.
乌鸦传媒淲hen you have multiple children, transparency is important. If you have a child that has a greater need for a financial gift than another, the last thing you want to do is keep their siblings in the dark and have it come up later once mom and dad pass away. Too often we forget about leaving behind this type of family legacy when we are looking at financial gifting.乌鸦传媒�
Every person is different, and that means every financial plan needs to be unique. A solid financial plan that considers your future income and projected spending can help you decide if you can afford to make your desired gift without impacting your desired lifestyle.
gifting property - tax implications - refer to tax accountant and lawyer