Life Insurance & Savings

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

Life can be unexpected, so be certain about your families protection with Life Insurance coverage. Live life worry-free that your family always has coverage and protection while building financial wealth.

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Is Corporate-Owned Universal Life Insurance right for every business?

Not always. This type of policy is generally better suited for incorporated business owners or corporations with strong cash flow, long-term planning goals, and a need for permanent coverage rather than short-term insurance only. Because the policy structure, investment component, and tax treatment can be more complex, businesses should review it carefully with a licensed insurance advisor and tax professional before proceeding.

How are RESP withdrawals taxed?

When funds are withdrawn for eligible post-secondary education expenses, the investment earnings and grant portions are taxed in the student’s hands. Since students often have little or no income, the tax impact is usually minimal.

Who can open an FHSA?

To open an FHSA, you must generally be a Canadian resident, at least 18 years old, have a valid Social Insurance Number, and qualify as a first-time home buyer under the government’s eligibility rules.

How is whole life different from term life insurance?

Term life insurance provides coverage for a specific period (such as 10, 20, or 30 years), while whole life insurance offers lifelong protection. Whole life policies may also include a cash value component that can grow over time, which term policies do not typically offer.

What are the risks of an Immediate Financing Arrangement?

IFAs are long-term strategies and involve interest rate risk and policy performance risk. If borrowing costs rise or policy growth slows, additional collateral or loan repayment may be required. Professional financial, legal, and tax guidance is essential before implementing this strategy.

What is term life insurance?

Term life insurance is a type of life insurance that provides coverage for a set period of time, such as 10, 20, or 30 years. If the insured person passes away during that term, the policy pays a tax-free lump sum benefit to the named beneficiary.

What is an FHSA?

The First Home Savings Account (FHSA) is a registered savings account designed to help eligible Canadians save for their first home. It combines some of the best features of an RRSP and a TFSA, allowing contributions to be tax-deductible and qualifying withdrawals to be tax-free.

How much term life insurance coverage do I need?

The right amount depends on your financial situation. Many people choose enough coverage to help pay off debts, cover living expenses for their family, replace lost income, and help with future costs like children’s education.

When do I pay tax on my RRSP?

Taxes are typically paid when funds are withdrawn from the RRSP. Many individuals withdraw their savings during retirement, when their income—and possibly their tax rate—may be lower.

What is an RESP?

A Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) is a government-registered account designed to help Canadians save for a child’s post-secondary education. Contributions grow on a tax-deferred basis, and the plan provides access to valuable government grants.

Who should consider Universal Life Insurance?

Universal life insurance may be suitable for individuals seeking lifelong protection combined with long-term wealth accumulation, estate planning benefits, and greater control over how their policy grows.

What happens when a term life insurance policy ends?

When the term ends, your coverage usually expires unless you renew, convert it to a permanent policy, or purchase a new plan. Renewing is often possible, but premiums usually increase based on your age at the time of renewal.

How do government grants work with an RESP?

The federal government offers incentives such as the Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG) and, for eligible families, the Canada Learning Bond (CLB). These programs add money to your RESP contributions, helping your savings grow faster.

Is there a limit to how much I can contribute to RRSP?

Yes. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) sets annual contribution limits based on a percentage of your earned income, up to a maximum amount. Unused contribution room can generally be carried forward to future years.

What happens if the child doesn’t attend post-secondary education?

RESPs offer flexibility. You may be able to transfer the plan to another eligible beneficiary, keep the funds invested for up to 35 years, or withdraw contributions (though grants may need to be repaid and taxes could apply on earnings).

What is a TFSA?

A Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) is a government-registered account that allows Canadians to save and invest money tax-free. Any investment growth earned inside the account is not taxed, and withdrawals are also tax-free.

Are the Universal life insurance proceeds tax-free to the corporation?

Life insurance proceeds received by a private corporation as beneficiary are generally not subject to income tax. In many cases, all or part of the net life insurance proceeds may also increase the corporation’s Capital Dividend Account, which can create an opportunity to pay tax-free capital dividends to Canadian-resident shareholders, subject to the applicable rules and adjustments.

How does the investment portion work for Universal Life Insurance?

After covering the cost of insurance, any remaining premium amount is allocated to investment accounts you select. The funds can grow on a tax-advantaged basis, subject to government limits and policy guidelines.

What is a Corporate-Owned Universal Life Insurance policy?

A Corporate-Owned Universal Life Insurance policy is a permanent life insurance policy owned by a corporation instead of an individual. In Canada, universal life insurance is a type of permanent life insurance that combines life insurance coverage with an investment component that can build cash value inside the policy.

Can I withdraw money from my TFSA anytime?

Yes. You can withdraw funds at any time for any reason, completely tax-free. The amount you withdraw is added back to your contribution room in the following calendar year.

How do RRSP contributions reduce my taxes?

The amount you contribute to your RRSP can be deducted from your taxable income for the year. This may lower the total amount of tax you owe and could even result in a tax refund.

Who should consider whole life insurance?

Whole life insurance may be suitable for individuals looking for lifelong coverage, estate planning benefits, long-term financial stability, or a way to build tax-advantaged cash value in addition to providing protection for their loved ones.

Who is an IFA typically suitable for?

IFAs are generally designed for high-net-worth individuals or corporations with strong cash flow and sufficient assets. They are most appropriate for those who can comfortably fund premiums without relying on borrowed funds and who understand long-term interest rate and market risks.

Can I access the money in my Universal Life policy?

Yes, policyholders may be able to withdraw or borrow funds from the investment portion of the policy. However, withdrawals or loans can impact the policy’s value and death benefit and may have tax implications.

How much can I contribute to an FHSA?

You can contribute up to $8,000 per year, with a lifetime contribution limit of $40,000. Unused contribution room may carry forward, subject to the program rules.

Are the death benefits from a Corporate-Owned Whole Life policy tax-free?

The life insurance death benefit is generally received tax-free by the corporate beneficiary. In many cases, a private corporation may also be able to add all or part of the death benefit, minus certain tax adjustments such as the policy’s adjusted cost basis, to its Capital Dividend Account, which may allow tax-free capital dividends to be paid to shareholders.

Are premium payments flexible in Universal Life Insurance?

Universal life insurance typically offers flexible premium options. You may have the ability to adjust how much and how often you pay, provided there is enough value in the policy to cover insurance costs.

How much can I contribute to a TFSA?

The federal government sets an annual contribution limit. Your available contribution room includes the current year’s limit plus any unused room carried forward from previous years.

How does borrowing against the IFA policy work?

After paying the insurance premium, the policy’s cash value is assigned as collateral to a lender. The client can then borrow against that value through a line of credit and use the funds for investment or business opportunities. Interest is paid on the borrowed amount.

Is Corporate-Owned Whole Life Insurance right for every business?

Not always. Corporate-Owned Whole Life Insurance is usually best suited for incorporated business owners or corporations with long-term planning needs, strong cash flow, and a desire for permanent coverage as part of a broader financial strategy. Since tax treatment, ownership structure, and business goals can all affect suitability, professional advice is important before setting up a policy.

What is Universal Life Insurance?

Universal life insurance is a type of permanent life insurance that provides lifelong coverage while also including an investment component. It offers flexibility in how premiums are structured and how funds are invested within the policy.

Who should consider term life insurance?

Term life insurance is often a good fit for people who want affordable coverage during key financial years, such as while paying off a mortgage, raising children, or replacing income for a spouse or family if something happens to them.

What is an Immediate Financing Arrangement (IFA)?

An Immediate Financing Arrangement is a strategy that combines permanent life insurance with leveraged financing. The policy builds cash value, which is then used as collateral for a loan, allowing the policyholder to access capital for business or investment purposes while maintaining life insurance coverage.

What can I invest in within an RRSP?

An RRSP can hold a variety of qualified investments, including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, and GICs. This flexibility allows you to build a diversified portfolio based on your goals and risk tolerance.

Does a Corporate-Owned Universal Life policy build cash value?

Yes. Universal life insurance has a cash value and includes an investment account. The value can increase or decrease depending on the investment choices held in the account and the returns earned over time. Some policies may also allow withdrawals or loans, depending on the policy terms.

Is a TFSA better than an RRSP?

It depends on your financial situation and goals. A TFSA offers tax-free withdrawals and flexible access to funds, while an RRSP provides upfront tax deductions but taxes withdrawals later. Many Canadians use both accounts as part of a balanced financial strategy.

What can I invest in within a TFSA?

A TFSA can hold a variety of qualified investments, including stocks, bonds, ETFs, mutual funds, and GICs. This flexibility allows you to tailor your investment strategy based on your financial goals and risk tolerance.

What happens to my FHSA if I do not buy a home?

If you do not end up buying a home, you may be able to transfer the funds to an RRSP or RRIF without immediate tax consequences, subject to applicable rules. Otherwise, withdrawals may be taxable.

Can I access money from my whole life policy while I’m alive?

Yes, if your policy builds cash value, you may be able to borrow against it or withdraw funds. However, accessing cash value can reduce the death benefit if not repaid, so it’s important to understand the long-term impact.

Does Corporate-Owned Whole Life Insurance build cash value?

Yes. Whole Life Insurance is a type of permanent life insurance that can build cash value within the policy over time, depending on the policy design and insurer. This can make it different from term insurance, which is generally focused only on temporary protection for a set number of years.

Are there tax advantages to an IFA?

When structured properly, an IFA may offer tax advantages. Policy growth can accumulate on a tax-advantaged basis, and loan interest may be tax-deductible if the borrowed funds are used to earn business or investment income. Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and applicable laws.

Who can contribute to an RESP?

Parents, grandparents, family members, and even friends can contribute to an RESP. The lifetime contribution limit is $50,000 per child, and contributions can be invested to grow over time.

What is whole life insurance?

Whole life insurance is a type of permanent life insurance that provides coverage for your entire lifetime, as long as premiums are paid. It also typically includes a guaranteed death benefit and may build cash value over time.

What is cash value in a whole life policy?

Cash value is a savings component within some whole life policies that grows on a tax-advantaged basis over time. Policyholders may be able to access this value through withdrawals or policy loans, depending on the policy terms.

Why would a corporation purchase Whole Life Insurance?

Corporations often use Whole Life Insurance to help protect the business against the financial impact of losing a key owner or shareholder, support estate and succession planning, and create a long-term asset inside the company. Because it is permanent insurance, it can also build cash value over time in addition to providing a death benefit.

Can I withdraw money from my FHSA at any time?

Yes, you can withdraw money from your FHSA, but only qualifying withdrawals used toward the purchase of a first home are tax-free. Non-qualifying withdrawals may be subject to tax.

How is term life insurance different from whole life or permanent insurance?

Term life insurance covers you for a specific period and is usually the more affordable option. Permanent life insurance lasts for your lifetime as long as premiums are paid and may also build cash value, but it typically costs more.

What is an RRSP?

A Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) is a government-registered investment account designed to help Canadians save for retirement in a tax-efficient way. Contributions are tax-deductible, and investments grow on a tax-deferred basis until withdrawn.

What is a Corporate-Owned Whole Life Insurance policy?

A Corporate-Owned Whole Life Insurance policy is a permanent life insurance policy owned by a corporation rather than an individual. The corporation is typically the policy owner, premium payer, and beneficiary, and the coverage can remain in place for the insured person’s lifetime as long as the policy stays in force.

Why would a corporation purchase Universal Life Insurance?

Corporations often use Universal Life Insurance as part of a long-term planning strategy to provide permanent insurance protection while also building value inside the policy over time. It may be used to help protect the business, support succession or estate planning objectives, and create an asset that grows within the policy. Universal life insurance includes both a death benefit and a cash value component, which is one of the key reasons some corporations consider it.

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