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Our Latest Articles

Stay up to date with advice on financial and investing topics from ATB Wealth.

Why prenuptial agreements matter in estate planning

Prenuptial agreements are a crucial part of protecting the family legacy. Here are some strategies for family members to navigate the conversation.

Four tax and financial planning to-dos before the end of 2025

Set yourself up for success in 2026 by taking action on these important tax deadlines in 2025.

How to manage the impact of sequence risk in retirement

Learn how variable returns can impact your retirement, and an approach that can keep your portfolio on track.

Retirement

How to manage the impact of sequence risk in retirement

Learn how variable returns can impact your retirement, and an approach that can keep your portfolio on track.

Understanding RRIFs: Turning your retirement savings into retirement income

Learn when to convert an RRSP to a RRIF, and how withdrawals are taxed to make informed decisions for your financial future.

Understanding IPPs: A retirement planning option for business owners

For business owners and high-income professionals, Individual Pension Plans are an excellent choice due to their higher contribution limits and tax advantages. 

Understanding your defined contribution pension plan

DC plans are a powerful tool for building retirement wealth. We explain the benefits and risks of this plan in detail.

Understanding your defined benefit pension plan

Learn about the features and options of DB pension plans, including income calculations, indexing, retirement dates, and survivor benefits.

Understanding your pension plan - defined benefit vs. defined contribution

Get to know the key differences between a defined benefit plan and defined contribution plan.

Education

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.

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?

Understanding your RESP options

Learn about RESPs: how much you can contribute, what government grants provide, and what happens if your child doesn't 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

How to personalize your estate plan

An estate plan should be as unique as you are. Learn about the key documents and questions to consider to ensure your legacy is secure.

Why prenuptial agreements matter in estate planning

Prenuptial agreements are a crucial part of protecting the family legacy. Here are some strategies for family members to navigate the conversation.

Creating a legacy with donor advised funds

Through a donor advised fund with the ATB Investor Services Foundation, Bob and Carollyne Collier are cultivating a lasting legacy. 

Understanding joint ownership and probate for an estate plan

What is joint ownership and how might that affect my estate plans when I die? What is probate and how does probate law apply to the settlement of my estate?

Own property in different places? Here’s what to consider

Owning properties in different provinces or countries comes with added complexity when it comes to estate planning. Here’s what you should know.

Succession planning for the family vacation property

Your vacation property is an important part of your estate, and requires special consideration. Start the process with these important questions.

Planned Philanthropic Giving Guide

A comprehensive guide for anyone contemplating meaningful charitable giving.

Tax and Protection

Four tax and financial planning to-dos before the end of 2025

Set yourself up for success in 2026 by taking action on these important tax deadlines in 2025.

'Tis the season for charitable giving

Considering a charitable gift before year-end? Learn more about the tax advantages and how this can reduce the after-tax cost of your donation.

Canada Strong Budget 2025: Tax and benefit highlights

Explore highlights from Budget 2025 including new personal tax credits and corporate tax changes.

How to lower your family tax bill using prescribed rate loans

With the prescribed rate dropping to 3% as of July 1, 2025, find out how to use a prescribed rate loan as an income-splitting strategy to reduce the family tax bill.

Reporting home office expenses on your personal tax return

Learn about the changes to the home office expense deduction for your personal tax return.

Alberta provincial budget: 2025 personal income tax savings announced

Beginning in 2025, individual taxpayers may save up to $750 per year as a result of the new tax bracket announced in the Alberta provincial budget.

Investing and Saving

The ATB Wealth Investing Fundamentals Guide

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

What's inside an MER? Decoding your investment fees

Learn how investment fees are calculated and the components that make up an MER (management expense ratio) for mutual funds and ETFs.

Should I invest in gold?

Explore the strategic reasons for including gold in your portfolio, focusing on its roles as a diversifier, safe haven, and inflation hedge, and risks as a non-productive asset.

Should I invest at all-time highs?

Investing when prices are at their peak might feel counterintuitive, but market history shows buying at all-time highs can actually lead to better returns.

How does currency impact my investments?

Learn how currency movements affect your foreign holdings and whether limiting these impacts through hedging is the right strategy for your portfolio.

When to consider growth funds

For investors with long-term vision and higher risk tolerance, growth funds can be a powerful component of a well-diversified portfolio. Find out if they’re right for you.

The benefits and risks of income funds

Income funds can be a useful investment for many types of investors and are a valuable component in a well-diversified portfolio.

Markets

AI, tariffs and the Magnificent Seven: 2025 in review

We revisit the six themes we told investors to watch in 2025 and their impact on the market this year. 

What rate cuts mean for your bond investments

Recent policy rate cuts by the Bank of Canada and the US Federal Reserve present both opportunities and challenges for bond investors.

Why Canadian investors need exposure to international markets

Compare the benefits of international diversification using Canada's TSX, Germany's DAX, and the UK's FTSE 100. See how sector exposures impact 2025 portfolio performance.

AI's next big bet: Three industries to watch

AI is reshaping entire sectors of the global economy. We share three key industries poised for significant growth.  

S&P 500 vs. TSX Composite: A 2025 comparison

Let's compare the S&P 500 and TSX Composite, highlighting key differences in sector composition and economic exposures, and their impact on portfolio performance in 2025.

Investing lessons from the April market correction

Liberation Day tariffs triggered a swift market correction, but those who remained focused on their long-term objectives were better positioned when the market recovered.

Lifestyle

The ‘family office’ isn’t just for the wealthy

Households can use family office principles to protect assets and instill shared values, financial literacy, and purpose for future generations.

Helping your child with their first home

Parental instincts might compel you to help your child buy their first home, but there are many pros and cons to consider, as well as government programs that can help.

Tips for passing financial sense to the next generation

Having early conversations about personal finance can set the next generation up for financial success throughout the course of their life.   

Wealth is more than just money

Wealth means having riches across all facets of your life. Our Private Investment Counsel team discusses the qualities shared by those who consider themselves truly wealthy. 

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.

Insurance

Are my group benefits enough?

Many workers are covered by employer-provided group benefits, but depending on your household needs and expenses, more coverage may be required to protect you and your family. 

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.

Fraud Prevention

How to spot attempted investment fraud

Online fraudsters can fool even the most savvy social media users. Protect yourself from investment fraud by knowing the red flags.

Falling victim to a fraud or scam

Falling victim to a scammer could derail decades of retirement planning and saving. Find out how to plan for the unexpected in retirement.

Protecting yourself from investment fraud

Fraudsters have many ways of tricking unsuspecting investors. Learn more about the most common types of investment scams and how to avoid them.

Fraud prevention starts with knowledge.

Stay up to date with information on fraud awareness and protection.

ATB Wealth experts are ready to listen.

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