When most people think about estate planning, their minds often go straight to wills, powers of attorney, or naming beneficiaries. But insurance is one of the most critical and underutilized tools in estate planning—especially for families. It plays a direct role in protecting your income, lifestyle, health, and ultimately, your legacy. At Rivers Wealth, we believe that every family estate plan should be fortified with the right insurance coverage to ensure long-term security and peace of mind.

Here’s a breakdown of the four essential types of insurance that should be included in every family’s estate plan—and how each one contributes to your financial safety net.

As a business owner in Canada, you have more flexibility than salaried individuals when it comes to building wealth. But with that flexibility comes complexity. Should you invest in a personal account, inside your corporation, or through a family trust? Each option has advantages and trade-offs that affect your taxes, access to capital, and long-term financial goals.

When Canadians think of income, they usually think of their salary or hourly wage. But many professionals, particularly in tech, finance, and executive roles, receive nonconventional compensation—such as restricted share units (RSUs), stock options, employee share purchase plans (ESPPs), and deferred bonuses—as part of their overall remuneration. These forms of compensation can be powerful wealth-building tools, but they come with complex tax rules.

Not all financial advisors are created equal — here are the key questions you must ask before choosing one.

A well-structured budget acts as the foundation of a solid financial plan—everything else flows from it. It helps you align your spending with your goals, stay on top of expenses, and avoid financial surprises.

Private markets are no longer reserved solely for institutions and the ultra-wealthy. With the guidance of an experienced discretionary Portfolio Manager, Canadians can now access a growing list of alternative investments. When thoughtfully combined with a well-structured public market portfolio, these investment opportunities can improve diversification and enhance overall risk-adjusted returns.

When we think about spousal RRSPs (Registered Retirement Savings Plans), it’s easy to picture a tool solely for retirement savings, but Spousal RRSPs offer more than just a retirement planning advantage—they’re also a powerful way for couples to reduce taxes and shift income before retirement.

When you leave an employer after contributing to a Defined Benefit (DB) pension plan, whether it’s early in your career or at retirement, you’re faced with a crucial financial decision: do you take the commuted value of your pension, or do you leave your retirement savings in the defined benefit plan? Defined Benefit pensions are often considered a stable retirement foundation, but in many cases, taking the commuted value—a one-time payout based on the present value of your expected pension income—can be the smarter choice for Canadians.