Those who perpetrate fraud are constantly trying out new strategies that don’t yet appear on a list. As COVID-19 spread around the world, for example, private companies started trying to sell “faster” tests, people showed up on doorsteps offering “decontamination” services and fraudsters posing as workers for charitable organizations offering free medical products (for example, masks) for a donation.

Segregated funds are a unique kind of investment product and getting acquainted with a few key terms can help boost your knowledge.

A small business venture may be a deeply personal dream come true, but even dreams don’t always work out. Surprisingly, many owners, officers and directors don’t realize their personal assets can be at risk of creditor claims in the event that something goes wrong with the business.

The stock markets in 2020 have resembled riding a wild roller coaster for investors. Despite a very weak economic outlook earlier in the year due to uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus, major global stock markets have recovered most of their losses for the year.

You know you should do it, but it’s a tough reality to face. Estate planning is a process that many people put off, and you’re certainly not alone if you have yet to begin. Just over half of Canadians (51 per cent) do not have a will, and a further 15 per cent have a will that is not up to date. Those are surprising numbers when you consider just how much is at stake.

Just like a will, a power of attorney allows someone else to carry out your wishes when you’re unable to do so. And, just like a will, it’s an important part of a comprehensive financial and estate plan. Yet powers of attorney are often less well understood than wills, so it’s worth looking more closely at how they work.