Kam Kiamehr, Senior Advisor, RBC Insurance

02/26/2026

What If… You Survived the Illness, But Lost Your Independence?
A Million Little Things | 2018-2023 | Family Drama, Romance

We’ve all heard the advice: build an emergency fund for 3–6 months of expenses.
But what if the storm isn’t a rainy day — but a tsunami?
I was reminded of this while watching A Million Little Things. One storyline felt less like fiction and more like a real-world financial case study.
Maggie — a successful, independent therapist — is diagnosed with breast cancer.
Beyond the emotional and physical battle, the show highlights something painfully realistic:
The financial shock of illness.
Unable to work consistently and facing mounting costs, Maggie is forced to move back in with her parents.
Let that sink in.
A capable professional losing not just health — but financial independence.
This is where planning either holds… or breaks.

Health Insurance Is Essential — But Incomplete
Health insurance covers medical expenses.
What it doesn’t cover is the parallel financial disruption:
• Income interruption
• Travel & treatment-related costs
• Ongoing living expenses
• The hidden costs of recovery
Mortgage payments don’t pause.
Bills don’t wait.
Life doesn’t freeze.

Critical Illness Insurance: The Missing Financial Layer
Now imagine a different scenario:
Upon diagnosis → a tax-free lump-sum payment.
Not reimbursement.
Not restricted spending.
But capital and choice.
The ability to:
• Focus on recovery without financial panic
• Access better care options
• Protect savings
• Preserve independence

The Real “What If” Questions
What if the true financial risk isn’t the medical bill — but lost income?
What if your emergency fund isn’t built for a long-term disruption?
What if you had immediate financial flexibility when it mattered most?

We plan carefully for retirement.
We plan for education.
Yet many people remain financially exposed to one of life’s most disruptive events:
A serious illness.
Let’s stop planning only for rainy days.
Let’s plan for tsunamis.

Have you considered how a critical illness could impact your financial independence?
Curious to hear perspectives in the comments

Disclaimer: This article (What If..) is intended for conceptual and educational purposes only. It is not to be taken as financial or legal advice. It is a creative exploration of how financial planning tools like insurance might impact fictional scenarios. For personalized financial advice, please consult a licensed advisor.

02/19/2026

Going solo in retirement? According to Farzana Damji, Senior Director of Product Development at RBC Insurance, single Canadians face unique financial challenges, but the right strategy makes all the difference.

Don't leave your financial security to chance. Start planning today.

Article is in English only.

Those depending on a single income in retirement have some unique challenges to consider.

01/14/2026

Stay confidently invested – even when markets shift. With RBC Guaranteed Investment Funds, powered by RBC Global Asset management, and our new Interest Savings Account option, you can protect your capital and adapt your strategy for the short and long-term. Let’s talk about what confidence looks like for your RRSP this year.

12/03/2025

At RBC Insurance, we are committed to fostering stronger, more resilient communities through partnerships that drive meaningful change. That’s why we were proud to sponsor Psychology Canada’s Strong Minds Gala on November 20, 2025—an event dedicated to empowering youth with essential mental health resilience skills.

Carol Lebert, Vice President of Claims at RBC Insurance, shared insights on the importance of mental health advocacy, alongside RBC Olympian Jordan Stewart, who delivered a powerful keynote on building resilience. We are inspired to stand with such dedicated partners in championing initiatives that create lasting positive outcomes for young Canadians.

Congratulations to Psychology Canada on a remarkable event and advancement of their mission to support 500,000 youth through resilience skill building programs.

Learn more RBC’s commitment to community investments by visiting "Our Impact" on rbc.com.

RBC with the RBC Foundation in Canada and the U.S., are proud to be making a commitment of $2 billion in community investments by 2035.

11/12/2025

For many Canadian seniors, life insurance may seem unnecessary once financial freedom is in sight. Maybe the house is mostly paid off, the kids are grown, and your pension is steady — so what’s the point? Learn more.

Protecting your family once you’re gone is an important consideration as you age. Here’s the best options for life insurance for seniors in Canada.

11/11/2025

What If They Hadn’t Stood at Vimy Ridge?
This week’s What If… isn’t about life insurance, investments, or financial strategies. It’s about something far greater — something that transcends every policy, every premium, every plan we could ever design. It’s about courage, sacrifice, and the ultimate form of protection.
The Story Behind the Ridge
In April 1917, during the First World War, four Canadian divisions — soldiers from every province, culture, and background — came together for the first time under Canadian command. Their mission: to take Vimy Ridge, a heavily fortified German position in northern France that had already defeated both British and French attempts.
More than 100,000 Canadian troops took part in the battle. They studied the terrain, practiced the assault, built models of the battlefield, and prepared with precision — like a team of professionals determined not to fail. And on April 9, 1917, they advanced through mud, wire, and gunfire. Against impossible odds, they captured the ridge.
But victory came at a cost, 3,598 Canadians killed. Over 7,000 wounded.
Their bravery became a symbol of national pride — the moment many historians say Canada truly became a nation.
Why We Remember — Every November 11
While Vimy Ridge was one battle, Remembrance Day — November 11 — commemorates the end of the First World War and honours all Canadians who have served and sacrificed in conflicts since.
Each year, we pause to remember not only the victory at Vimy but every act of courage, every life given, and every freedom secured by those who stood in harm’s way.
Before there were insurance policies to protect our lives, there were people who insured our freedom — not with money, but with their own lives.
At 11 a.m. on Tuesday, November 11, let’s pause — not to sell, not to buy, not to plan, but to remember because the safest future we can ever imagine has already been paid for — in courage, in sacrifice, and in love for this country.
In Flanders Fields
One of the most remarkable stories from the Battle of Vimy Ridge is about Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, a Canadian doctor and poet.
McCrae served on the front lines, treating wounded soldiers during intense battles. On May 3, 1915, after the death of his friend and fellow soldier Alexis Helmer, McCrae wrote a poem under unimaginable conditions — the famous “In Flanders Fields.”
The poem begins:
"In Flanders fields the poppies blow, Between the crosses, row on row..."
McCrae’s words captured the sacrifice and bravery of Canadian soldiers and became a symbol of remembrance not only in Canada but around the world. Even amidst death and destruction, he chose to honour life, courage, and memory, inspiring generations to come.
The Real Meaning of Protection
In our daily work, we help families protect their dreams and futures. But protection started long before our industry existed. It began with people who stood in the cold at Vimy Ridge, believing that some futures — ours — were worth fighting for.
So this week, as we honor them, let’s carry forward their spirit — the belief that protecting others is one of the most meaningful things a person can do.
Because before there could be life insurance, there had to be life itself — and the freedom to live it.

11/10/2025

Some Canadians worry that pre-existing health conditions could disqualify them from life insurance coverage. Undergoing medical tests, age or health constraints, or a high-risk job could make securing affordable life insurance a challenge. In this article, we will explore the common questions, myths and everything else Canadians need to know about no medical exam life insurance.

Life insurance with no medical exam is an easy and affordable way to protect yourself and your loved ones.

09/29/2025

Unlike many cyberattacks that focus on breaking through technical defenses, social engineering works by manipulating human behaviour – scammers gain trust, exploit vulnerabilities or create anxiety, fear or delight in people to gain access to systems and data.

Despite technological advances, one of the most common and effective cyberattacks still targets human vulnerability.

09/18/2025

Hear from real, every day Canadians as they talk about navigating money worries, life changes, and dreams.. Life’s journey meets money conversations.

Get inspired as a diverse group of Canadians open up, sharing their stories and experiences on a range of financial wellbeing themes, from relationships and career pivots to retirement and settling in Canada.’

08/11/2025

📈 North America’s Life Insurance Market — Where We’re Headed

The future of life insurance in the U.S. and Canada looks promising — driven by interest rate normalization, aging demographics, and demand for guaranteed & indexed products.
Forecasts:
🔹 Next 2 years (to 2027): ~2–4% annual growth, potentially 5–6% if favorable rates persist (LIMRA).
🔹 Next 5 years (to 2030): 3–6% CAGR expected, supported by annuity and permanent product demand (McKinsey, Mordor Intelligence).
🔹 Next 10 years (to 2035): 3–5% CAGR, with Allianz projecting ~5% for life globally and Swiss Re expecting strong premium gains.

Key growth drivers:
✅ Higher interest rates improving product economics.
✅ Aging population and wealth transfer planning.
✅ Innovation in indexed UL, whole life, and digital underwriting.
Risks to watch:
⚠️ Economic slowdown or rapid rate cuts.
⚠️ Regulatory/tax changes affecting product appeal.

💡 Whether you’re an advisor, investor, or policyholder, the message is clear: life insurance in North America is positioned for steady growth — with opportunities for those ready to adapt to evolving market conditions.

Sources:
• LIMRA, “U.S. Retail Life Insurance Sales Trends 2025”
• Allianz Global Insurance Report 2025
• Swiss Re Institute, “Global Insurance Outlook 2025–2035”
• McKinsey & Co., “Life Insurance: Capturing Growth in a Changing Market”



Disclaimer: This article reflects my personal perspective and does not necessarily represent the views of RBC Insurance or its affiliates..

08/04/2025

🎬 Behind the Premium: Reimagining Stories with Powerful Policies
Episode 11 – What If Elvis Had a Full Estate Plan?
3 Lessons from the King of Rock and Roll’s Legacy Planning
In Elvis (2022), Baz Luhrmann captures the rise and heartbreak of a music legend. But the movie ends before the legal and financial turmoil that followed his death — much of it due to gaps in estate planning.
Elvis Presley passed away in 1977 with an estate worth over $5 million USD (roughly $25M+ today). Contrary to popular belief, he did have a will — signed on March 3, 1977 — naming his father, Vernon Presley, as executor and trustee. The will left everything in a trust for Vernon, Elvis’ grandmother Minnie Mae, and his daughter Lisa Marie Presley.
Yet, despite having a valid will, Elvis’ estate still faced:
• Extended probate
• Massive estate taxes
• Public legal battles
• Poor financial oversight that reduced the estate value
Let’s explore 3 key lessons that modern families can learn from Elvis' story:
1️⃣ A Will Alone Isn’t Always Enough
While a will outlines your wishes, it still goes through probate — which can be lengthy, expensive, and public. Elvis’ estate became a target of litigation and media attention.
✅ What could have helped?
Adding Revocable or Testamentary Trusts could have:
• Kept matters private
• Provided clearer control of distributions
• Spared heirs from prolonged legal processes
2️⃣ Lack of Ongoing Oversight Can Undermine Wealth
After Vernon’s death in 1979, Lisa Marie’s inheritance became vulnerable. Without strategic trust protections, Elvis’ fortune shrank over the years due to:
• Mismanagement by trustees
• Business failures
• Legal fees and tax liabilities
✅ Smarter Planning:
Using professional trustees and setting up structured payouts could have:
• Preserved wealth across generations
• Protected Lisa Marie’s future
• Aligned distributions with life milestones
3️⃣ Estate Taxes Can Drain a Legacy
Elvis’ estate reportedly lost over 70% of its value to taxes and legal costs. That financial burden could have been eased with smart tools.
✅ What could have helped?
A Permanent Life Insurance policy — ideally owned by an Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust (ILIT) — could have:
• Covered estate taxes and probate costs
• Provided tax-free liquidity to heirs
• Prevented forced sales of Graceland or other assets
👑 A Legacy Too Big to Leave to Chance
Elvis gave the world timeless music — and an unexpected case study in why even a superstar needs more than just a will.
Today’s families — modest or wealthy — can protect what matters most with:
✔️ A Valid Will
✔️ Strategic Trusts
✔️ Permanent Life Insurance
✔️ Professional Guidance
💬 What If You Could Rewrite Your Family’s Financial Story?
Disclaimer: This article is intended for conceptual and educational purposes only. It is not to be taken as financial or legal advice. It is a creative exploration of how financial planning tools like insurance might impact fictional scenarios. For personalized financial advice, please consult a licensed advisor.

07/29/2025

🥑 Life insurance… like avocados, timing matters!

Buying coverage while you're young and healthy is like picking avocados before they ripen—you lock in the best value before things get complicated.

✅ Lower premiums
✅ More options
✅ Peace of mind for future-you

Your wallet (and your family) will thank you later!