Edward Jones- Financial Advisor: Marcelo Lino, CFA

03/06/2026

Income splitting can be a powerful way to help manage household taxes, but only if you know what does and doesn’t qualify.

Eligible pension income, CPP sharing, and spousal RRSPs offer legitimate splitting opportunities. OAS, foreign pensions, and most employment income don't qualify.

Understanding which income sources can be strategically allocated between spouses directly impacts your household tax liability.

I help couples explore income splitting opportunities that apply to their specific situation. Reach out to review your household income structure.

Income splitting is a strategy to level out income earned by spouses to reduce tax bills.

06/25/2025

When renewing a mortgage, most lenders offer a life insurance policy to cover the mortgage balance. Is it worthwhile?

In general, I usually advise clients to purchase an individual insurance policy, not one that’s linked to their mortgage.

This typically gives you more choice key factors such as:
● the amount of coverage
● your beneficiaries
● premium payments and frequency
● how the proceeds are used in the event of your death

Most importantly, buying insurance individually gives you the opportunity to ensure it fits with all your financial goals.

Is it time to revisit your insurance strategy? Let’s book a meeting.

You asked – we answered! Here are the top 10 questions about mortgage renewal.

06/25/2025

Asset location is about how your investments are taxed, and the types of accounts you hold them in, like RRSPs or non-registered accounts.

Why does it matter? Placing the right types of income in the right accounts can help reduce taxes and support your long-term goals.

Some key takeaways:
✅ Registered accounts like an RRSP grow tax-deferred, making them a great choice for interest income
📊 Capital gains and dividends are taxed more favourably than interest income, often making them a better choice for non-registered accounts
🎯 The goal: Same overall strategy, but pay less tax on investment income

Want to explore a more tax-efficient portfolio? Let’s talk.

Where you hold your assets could have an impact on tax treatment.

06/20/2025

Wondering how to deal with the family cottage in your estate plan?

Life insurance is one option many clients explore, especially if they want to cover the capital gains tax on the property.

A permanent, joint last-to-die policy can provide a tax-free payout right when it’s needed, so your family doesn’t have to sell the cottage to pay the bill.

Let’s talk about whether this strategy could work for your family.

Learn strategies to keep a cottage in your family while managing your tax bill.

05/15/2025

A tax refund can feel like bonus cash and it’s tempting to spend it on something fun. But it’s also an opportunity to support a bigger financial goal, like paying down debt, building up emergency savings, or a longer-term goal like a home down payment, post-secondary education, or your retirement.

Which approach makes the most sense for you? Feel free to get in touch and we can talk it over.

If you receive a return, what are you plans? Comment below.

Financial opportunities to consider with a tax refund.

01/15/2025

Instead of trying to reduce capital gains tax when transferring the cottage to your children, consider buying permanent life insurance to cover it. With a “joint last-to-die” policy, the death benefit is paid tax-free to beneficiaries when the second parent dies - exactly when money is needed to pay the tax.

Edward Jones, its employees, and financial advisors cannot provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your attorney or tax advisor regarding your situation.

Learn strategies to keep a cottage in your family while managing your tax bill.

10/29/2024

10/04/2024

The money in a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) comes from your contributions, matching Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG) from the federal government, and investment growth. If your child doesn’t attend a qualifying education program, your contributions can be withdrawn tax-free, but the CESG must be returned while investment growth is taxable.

You may have been investing for years for your child or grandchild's post-secondary education. But what happens if they decide not to go to university or college? In this article, we outline what happens to your contributions, the government grants and investment growth.

09/30/2024

Did you know a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) can remain open for 36 years? This lesser-known RESP benefit is worth noting as a child who isn’t interested in post-secondary education today might change their mind in the future.

You may have been investing for years for your child or grandchild's post-secondary education. But what happens if they decide not to go to university or college? In this article, we outline what happens to your contributions, the government grants and investment growth.

09/05/2024

Market Update: The Bank of Canada (BoC) decreased its policy interest rate by a quarter percent, to 4.25%. Senior Strategist, Julie Petrera explains how this impacts . Contact me and I can talk to you about what these changes might mean for your personal strategy.

08/16/2024

A spousal or common-law partner RRSP sets up couples to split some income in retirement. It’s a smart strategy when there is a significant difference in their income. It’s also beneficial if there is an age gap between spouses or partners because the older spouse can continue contributing until the younger one turns 71. I'd be happy to talk to you about income splitting.

Income splitting is a strategy to level out income earned by spouses to reduce tax bills.

08/14/2024

Reacting emotionally to day-to-day market fluctuations can obscure your judgment. Try to stay focused and disciplined. Remember, a short-term decline or the latest doom and gloom media headline doesn’t change your personal financial goals. While market volatility is unpleasant, it is a normal part of investing. Contact me if you’d like to review your financial goals and portfolio.

Don't let emotions get in the way of your strategy.