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It’s never too early to plan

Planning for the unexpected: Estate-planning considerations during COVID-19

Ten steps to help you build an effective estate plan — COVID-19 edition
Estate planning essentials

Your guide to estate planning
Read brochure (PDF, 1.4 KB) Opens a new window in your browser.
Five key components of an estate plan
Your estate planning checklist
Common traps in estate planning and how to avoid them
Be aware of these will-planning mistakes
Here’s why you need a will and everything it should include
Read articleHere’s why you need a will and everything it should include.
What you need to know about powers of attorney and joint accounts
Read articleWhat you need to know about powers of attorney and joint accounts.
How to choose the right executor for your estate
Read articleHow to choose the right executor for your estate.
How to choose the right financial and healthcare power of attorney
Navigating family conversations

Conversation starters: Tips for starting a family discussion about estate planning
For parents: Read article (PDF, 505 KB) How to talk to your kids about your estate plan. Opens in a new window.
Video: How to have the “other talk” with your loved ones about your legacy plans (3:08)
Sandra and Michael’s story: Balancing the financial needs of their children and parents
Managing caregiving responsibilities

Strategies to ease the financial burden of caregiving
Key questions you need to consider when appointing estate representatives
Read articleKey questions you need to consider when appointing estate representatives.
How to prepare financially for the potential cognitive decline of aging loved ones
Read articleHow to prepare financially for the potential cognitive decline of aging loved ones.
Transferring your wealth

Business succession planning: Preparing for the future
Read brochure (PDF, 1.2 MB) Business succession planning. Opens in a new window.

Gifting considerations: what, when and how
When and why you should consider transferring your assets into a trust
Three common mistakes to avoid when leaving your assets in a trust
Estate planning for U.S. beneficiaries: Tax considerations to help preserve your wealth
What to consider when making an asset joint with an adult child
How to maximize the value of a large inflow of cash, like inheritance, bonus, gift or winnings
Estate settlements
Executor checklist
Review the checklist (PDF, 2.3 MB) for executors. Opens in a new window.
Estate settlement FAQ
Review frequently asked questions about the estate settlement process.
Tax planning

Ways to minimize income taxes upon death
Tax and estate planning for your vacation home
What happens to a TFSA upon death of the holder?
Insurance

Why life and disability insurance need to be part of your financial plan
Read articleWhy life and disability insurance need to be part of your financial plan.
How to prepare and plan for unexpected financial emergencies
Read articleHow to prepare and plan for unexpected financial emergencies.
How creditor insurance can help provide financial security in difficult times
Read articleHow creditor insurance can help provide financial security in difficult times.
What to keep in mind when reviewing and revising your homeowner’s insurance
Read articleWhat to keep in mind when reviewing and revising your homeowner’s insurance.