The Canadian Order of Operations (2026): Where Every Spare Dollar Should Go, In Order
Most Canadians have no idea where to put their next dollar. Here’s the seven-step priority order I’d give my own family — the one personal finance…
The 21-Year Deemed Disposition Rule in Canada (2026): Trust Tax’s Biggest Trap
The 21-year deemed disposition rule explained — why Canadian trusts pay capital gains tax every 21 years, planning strategies, and the trusts exempt from it.
Testamentary vs Inter Vivos Trusts in Canada (2026): When to Use Each
Testamentary vs inter vivos trusts in Canada — the timing difference, tax treatment, which works for minor kids vs business succession vs probate avoidance.
Family Trusts in Canada (2026): Who Actually Needs One
Family trusts in Canada explained — discretionary trust structure, post-2018 TOSI rules that killed income splitting, when one still makes sense.
Alter Ego + Joint Partner Trusts in Canada (2026): The 65+ Probate-Avoidance Play
Alter ego + joint partner trusts in Canada — the 65+ structure that bypasses probate, retains control, and offers the closest thing to a US “revocable…
Revocable vs Irrevocable Trusts in Canada (2026): Why the US Concept Doesn’t Translate
Revocable vs irrevocable trusts in Canada — why the US-style revocable living trust doesn’t work here, and what Canadian alternatives accomplish the same goals.
Principal Residence Exemption in Canada (2026): What’s Tax-Free, What’s Not
Principal residence exemption explained — what qualifies, two-family rule, anti-flipping rules, partial-use scenarios, and how to file Form T2091.
T1135 Foreign Property Reporting in Canada (2026): When You Must File
T1135 form explained — when Canadian residents must report foreign property over $100K, what counts, what doesn’t, and the penalties for missing the filing.
FIRST HOMES, KIDS, RETIREMENT, LEGACY
Planning Ahead
Retirement, wills, beneficiaries, talking to parents about money. The financial planning chapters most Canadians skip.
Start here
Why every adult in Canada needs a will
The instructions-so-the-family-does-not-fight framing — what happens without one, and how to write one for free.
Also worth reading
For Your ParentsPower of Attorney: Why Your Parents Need OneHardest TalksHow to Talk to Immigrant Parents About MoneyEmergency FundBuilding an Emergency Fund While Supporting Family Back Home
All Planning Ahead guides ↓
