Are Canadians prepared when it comes to estate planning? The statistics say many are not. Here’s why it matters and how to help.
When is the right time for me to prepare my will?
Do I need a lawyer, a financial advisor, or both?
Is there a quick and efficient way to transfer my wealth to my heirs?
How often do I need to review my estate plan?
Our latest research suggests most Canadians are confused by most aspects of estate planning, and these are just some of the questions your clients are actively seeking out answers to. If you’re not equipped to answer them, you should be.
Our survey highlights how the pandemic has changed estate planning conversations and expectations — and reveals Canadian attitudes toward estate planning in general. Here are some of the highlights from that survey.
is expected to move between generations in Canada from 2020 to 20301
of Canadians do not have any of the following: a financial advisor; a written financial plan; a formal estate plan. The number who report having all three is only 13%.2
of Canadians are not discussing inheritance with their heirs3
As many as 1 in 5 Canadians say the pandemic has impacted their approach to estate planning
1 Investor Economics Household Balance Sheet Report—Canada, 2021
2 Manulife State of Estate Planning Survey, 2021.
3 Wealthy Canadians not discussing inheritance with heirs, Advisor’s Edge, 2018
With Canadians expected to bequest and inherit $1 trillion+ of wealth over the next decade – a massive transfer of wealth that requires planning and guidance –you’re in a unique position to:
We’re here to help you, and your clients, prepare.
Advisors, book a meeting with a member of the Manulife Investment Management sales team to discuss wealth transfer challenges and solutions.
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Few investment solutions help minimize the trials and tribulations of estate planning the way a segregated fund contract can.
Speed
Settling an estate can be lengthy, frequently taking months or even years, if the will is challenged. With a named beneficiary other than the estate, death benefit proceeds of a segregated fund contract can pass directly to the beneficiary and avoid delays.
Cost
Legal, estate administration, and probate4 erode the value of an estate, diminishing the amount of money beneficiaries receive. The proceeds of a segregated fund contract can bypass these fees.
Privacy
Bypassing the estate, and therefore probate where applicable, can preserve confidentiality as probate is a matter of public record. Payments made to named beneficiaries of an insurance contract don’t flow through the estate and are therefore a private matter.5
Control
Use the annuity settlement option to automatically transfer segregated fund proceeds at the time of death into an annuity. Replace a lump-sum benefit with smaller, scheduled payments while savings of legal, estate administration and probate fees, increased privacy, and potential creditor protection.
Protection
Having the death benefit proceeds bypass the estate offers potential protection from estate creditors and will challenges.
Use the estate cost comparison calculator to generate a customized report that can be shared with clients, and choose from our library of sharable articles and videos
Looking for additional estate planning resources?
September 7, 2022
The Manulife CE centre offers resources advisors can use to gain insights around helping clients make better estate planning decisions (and earn CE credits at the same time).
To access, visit Advisor Portal > Click Sign In > Advisor Portal > Training > CE Centre > Course catalogue
Navigate the complex world of taxation, retirement, and estate planning to help deliver positive outcomes for investors.
Our digital solutions are designed to help streamline your business, so you have more time to focus on meeting your client’s needs and growing your business. Learn about Online Transactions and online reporting.
GIF Select InvestmentPlus offers you a complete wealth management solution, providing access to a wide range of segregated funds including fixed income, balanced, and equity solutions, along with Guaranteed Interest Accounts (GIAs).
This exclusive program offers a wealth-building solution for investors with an investment of at least $100,000 per pool, per contract. The program features competitive fees and tiered management fee reimbursements.
Manulife Investment Management was among the top honourees from Fundata Canada, and the leader in terms of segregated fund awards for 2021.
4 Probate does not apply in Quebec.
5 In Saskatchewan, assets are identified on the application for probate despite the fact that they do not flow through the estate and are not subject to probate fees.
