At Wherry & Associates Private Wealth Management, we focus on wealth transfer and wealth preservation strategies that protect what you’ve built and position your family for lasting financial security.
Build a Legacy That Lasts
In Canada, trillions of dollars will shift between generations in the coming decades. Families who fail to plan risk seeing that wealth drained by taxes, fees, and disputes. Without a structured strategy, what should be a smooth transfer can turn into a costly mess. We make sure that doesn’t happen.
Our strategies cut through complexity, ensuring your wealth isn’t just transferred but actively preserved. That means anticipating risks, minimizing tax burdens, and building structures that keep your assets secure long after you’re gone.
Family Conversations: Making Them Happen, Making Them Count
Talking about inheritance can be awkward. But delaying the conversation risks misunderstandings that create lasting family tension. We guide families through productive discussions that clarify intentions, responsibilities, and expectations—turning difficult talks into meaningful conversations that strengthen relationships.
What We Focus On:
- Distribution With Intention: Equal isn’t always fair, and fair isn’t always equal. We help you structure inheritances in ways that align with your values and family dynamics.
- Wealth That Lasts: Whether through lump sums, trusts, or hybrid solutions, we create strategies that empower heirs without overwhelming them.
- Values-Driven Planning: Wealth is more than numbers—it’s a reflection of your values. We help ensure those values shape the legacy you leave behind.
A Will Isn’t a Plan—It’s a Starting Point
A will can direct who gets what, but that’s only part of the equation. Real wealth preservation requires structure—one that aligns timing, taxes, and protections. We ensure every detail is accounted for so your family avoids costly surprises.
What We Cover:
- Estate Planning: We reduce probate costs, minimize tax exposure, and secure your assets for future generations.
- Insurance Planning: The right life insurance strategy provides liquidity when it’s needed most, ensuring your heirs aren’t burdened with immediate expenses or tax issues.
- Trusts & Tax Efficiency: We structure trusts that reduce tax exposure, protect beneficiaries from overspending, and provide clarity in complex family situations.
Your Business: More Than Wealth, It’s Your Legacy
For business owners, your company isn’t just an asset—it’s part of your identity. But without proper planning, years of hard work can unravel during the transition. We specialize in ensuring your business wealth is protected and preserved through careful succession planning, strategic tax solutions, and clear leadership transitions.
Our Approach:
- Succession Planning: We guide you through leadership transitions, ensuring your family or key employees are prepared to take the reins when the time comes.
- Value Maximization: Whether preparing to sell or hand over the business, we position it for maximum value with effective tax strategies and financial planning.
- Tax Structuring: We reduce the impact of capital gains taxes, probate fees, and other costs that can diminish the value of your business.
- Business Continuity: We develop plans that maintain stability for employees, clients, and stakeholders during ownership changes.
Protecting What You’ve Built
The biggest threat to wealth transfer? Taxes. Without strategic planning, the CRA could claim a significant portion of your estate. We implement strategies that preserve your wealth by reducing tax exposure at every opportunity.
Our Wealth Preservation Strategies Focus On:
- Tax-Efficient Withdrawals: By sequencing withdrawals strategically, we help reduce your tax burden in retirement and during wealth transfer.
- Income Splitting: For business owners and high-income families, this strategy can reduce overall tax exposure while maximizing family wealth.
- Insurance Solutions: Carefully structured life insurance can provide liquidity to cover tax obligations, ensuring your family isn’t forced to sell valuable assets to settle estate costs.
Preparing Heirs to Carry the Weight of Wealth
Wealth without guidance is fleeting. Without preparation, heirs risk mismanaging their inheritance or falling into unsustainable spending patterns. That’s why we focus on equipping the next generation with financial literacy, responsibility, and a clear understanding of your values.
- Financial Education: We teach heirs how to manage wealth intelligently, ensuring they make informed financial decisions.
- Strategic Gifting: By introducing wealth gradually, we prepare heirs for the responsibility before they receive larger sums.
- Ongoing Support: We stay connected with families to provide guidance, structure, and mentorship as heirs grow into their financial roles.
Your Legacy Starts Now
Wealth transfer isn’t just about handing down assets—it’s about ensuring those assets last. With Wherry & Associates Private Wealth Management, your wealth is protected, your heirs are prepared, and your legacy continues to thrive.
Ready to secure what you’ve built? Let’s start planning.