Good Advice

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Retirement

How to succeed as a solo retiree

Facing retirement as a single person can be daunting. Here we offer six tips to make your retirement journey smooth and stress-free.

Aging in place

Many Albertans wish to stay in their own home as long as possible. This resource will help you identify planning and prevention considerations for aging in place.

Continuing care in Alberta

Learn about the continuing care options available in Alberta and how to plan for your long-term needs.

Retirement planning - it’s not just about finances

A fulfilling retirement is more than having financial security, it requires a healthy body and mind, having a purpose and maintaining strong social connections.

Understanding Registered Retirement Income Funds

Uncover the subtle differences between RRIFs and RRSPs and identify which may be a better fit for you and your retirement goals.

Understanding the basics of the OAS program

Answers to commonly asked questions about Old Age Security (OAS), the government of Canada’s largest pension program.

Education

RESP options when your child changes course

An RESP is a great way to save for your child’s education, but what happens if they choose not to pursue a post-secondary program?

A financial back to school checklist

As school starts this fall, here is a list of financial considerations, including your budget and education savings plan.

Understanding RESP options in Alberta

Learn about RESPs: how much you can contribute, what government grants provide, and what happens if your child doesn'tt attend a post secondary institution.

What do I need to set up an RESP?

There are 3 basic documents needed to set up an RESP. Learn what they are so you can be prepared and make the process quick and easy.

What do you need to withdraw money from an RESP

In order to withdraw funds from your RESP you'll need to complete some steps for validation. Read through as we uncover what these steps entail.

Maximize Your RESP Contributions

Take advantage of the government grant that matches up to 20% on your contributions to an RESP and learn about carry-forward room for missed contributions.

Estates

Providing for your pets after you’re gone

Pets are part of your family, but have you included them in your will? Here are four tips to make sure your pets are looked after.

The importance of will and estate planning

Creating a will and estate plan protects you, your estate and your loved ones, while you are living as well as upon your death.

When should you have an estate plan in place?

Being prepared with a proper estate plan that includes distribution of assets and your care wishes is important for all ages and stages of life.

Choosing the right guardian for your child

When naming a guardian for your child in your will, you will need to consider their values, financial situation, location and age.

How to develop an estate plan

Steps to take to develop your estate plan, including assessing your current financial situation, setting goals and engaging with the right experts.

Four guidelines for discussing wealth transfer with your children

It's not always easy to discuss, but here are four guidelines for having a conversation about wealth transfer with your children. 

Planned Philanthropic Giving Guide

A comprehensive guide for anyone contemplating meaningful charitable giving.

Tax and Protection

Naming your partner as the beneficiary of your RRSP or RRIF

Understand the methods available to pass the value of your RRSP or RRIF account to your partner and what to do in the event of a relationship breakdown.

Federal budget: pandemic supports extended, tax and benefit highlights

2021 federal budget announcements including pandemic supports, tax highlights, increases to OAS for those age 75 or older and a Canada-wide child care system.

Your 2020 personal tax return: COVID-19 benefits and tax planning

If you received benefits related to COVID-19, you should be aware of the tax implications and requirements for reporting when completing your tax filings.

Understanding Alberta’s 2021 eligible dividend tax rate change

Alberta residents should expect a tax increase for eligible dividends in 2021. Here are the details.

Understanding your personal taxes in Alberta

An overview of how to calculate your personal tax rate, including basic tax concepts and how the amount of tax you pay is determined.

Prescribed rate loans: an income splitting opportunity

How you can use a prescribed rate loan for transferring income from a higher income-earning family member to a lower income-earning family member, such as a spouse.

Investing and Saving

The ATB Wealth Investing Fundamentals Guide

Grow your knowledge of investing and increase your confidence around managing your money.

Avoid “FOMO” when seeking financial advice online

You can find great financial advice online and in person, but there are flags to watch out for with both. We share tips on what to look for.

Don't fear volatility

We decipher between the two and explain how we manage volatility and risk through diversification.

How to harness your earning power for future savings

Just starting your career and wondering how to plan for your financial future? Find out how to start ‘paying yourself’ for those big goals down the road.

Why a financial plan matters now—and after the pandemic

Financial planning can be of great value during difficult or uncertain times but will remain equally important when life returns to “normal.”

3 ways diversification can help protect your portfolio

Having your capital invested across multiple asset classes, countries and sectors will better protect your portfolio from sharp volatility.

How do foreign exchange rates impact my investments?

What is foreign exchange rate risk and how does it impact portfolio returns? Learn how hedging and portfolio diversification can mitigate currency risk.

Markets

Making sense of market volatility—the good news and bad

The persistence of market volatility has investors wondering how long it will last and what to do about it, but there are some silver linings too. 

Markets, investing and what matters most: Quarter in review Q1, 2022

In our review of the first quarter, we look at how the Russia-Ukraine conflict and rising interest rates caused global economic uncertainty and a big shift in markets.

Market volatility, emotions and your investments

When markets fluctuate, and emotions run high, find out why being patient is often the smartest course of action.

Markets, investing and what matters most: Quarter in review Q3, 2021

In our latest quarterly review, we explore the key factors influencing Canadian and global markets, the “September effect” and the big stories of Q3 2021.

Life after the vaccine: stimulus, savings, and spending

Potential reopening of the economy this year could open the floodgates for consumer spending. What will that mean for things like inflation & interest rates?

Understanding cryptocurrencies

What is blockchain, cryptocurrencies, how to buy them and what are the risks with investing in Bitcoin versus gold.

Lifestyle

Four tips for growing a strong legacy on the family farm

ATB Wealth senior financial advisors share their top tips for overcoming the most common challenges for growing intergenerational wealth on the family farm.

Buying versus renting your home

It’s possible to build wealth both as a homeowner and renter, but which one is the better choice for your future? Find out in this breakdown of both scenarios.

Four tips to thrive as a gig worker

The gig economy is growing, especially among millenials and Gen Zs. Here we offer savings and insurance tips to help set gig workers up for success.

Fixed or variable, your mortgage plays a big part in financial planning

Just as you adapt to life changes, your mortgage can also be adapted to support your financial plan and long-term goals. Learn more about the use of fixed versus variable rates.

Should you renew your mortgage early?

Taking advantage of low interest rates could save you thousands over the life of your mortgage. But with the penalties and fees for breaking your contract, will you come out ahead?

Financial considerations when going through a divorce

When getting a divorce, here are steps you can take to stay on track with managing your money and assets and ensure you are reaching with your financial goals.

Insurance

How much life insurance do I need?

Use this assessment and article to guide you through understanding your lifestyle protection needs. 

Answering your questions about disability insurance

Understanding disability insurance, including applying for disability insurance and compensation timing.

Applying for life insurance - what to expect

Applying for life insurance is an important step in preparing for the future, but it can feel overwhelming. Here's what to expect.

How to choose the right type of life insurance for you

Your specific life needs will help determine the right life insurance for you. Here we help you understand term, whole life and universal life insurance options.

Dispelling myths about life insurance

Dispelling common myths about life insurance to help you decide what insurance is best for you.

ATB Wealth experts are ready to listen.

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced investor, we can help.