Planned Philanthropic Giving Guide
A comprehensive guide for anyone contemplating meaningful charitable giving.
Good Advice
Helping your money make money.
Retirement
The importance of planning early and often
Financial plans are not a “one and done” exercise. Learn why you need to regularly update this living document to stay on track with your financial goals.
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.
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.
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
Recession ahead? Why it may be mild and manageable
Experts predict a recession in 2023, but that doesn’t mean financial hardship for all investors. Find out why a recession is expected, and the case for why it may be a mild one.
Investing in a bear market is hard but worth your while
In volatile times, human nature can get in the way of good investing decisions, but staying invested during a bear market has proven to reward those who are patient.
A timeline of events in China and their market impacts
In the second article in our Focus on China series, we look at the timeline of recent major events in China that have impacted markets and investors around the world.
China, its economy, and how it impacts your investment portfolio
In the first of our series on China and markets, find out how the country’s rise as a global economic power impacts your investments.
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.
Lifestyle
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.
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?
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.
Email: atbwealth@atb.com