The Family Office Insider

In this episode of Family Office Insider, host Jason Nagel, founder of Three60 Wealth in Calgary, sits down with Tatenda Mawoyo from GBL & Associates to break down Individual Pension Plans (IPPs) and who they’re best suited for.Tatenda explains what an IPP is (a defined benefit pension plan designed for business owners and incorporated professionals) and why it can be a powerful alternative to an RRSP for the right person. They cover who typically qualifies, why age and salary structure matter, and how IPPs can offer higher contribution room, tax-deductible funding through a corporation, tax-sheltered growth, and even early income splitting opportunities.They also dive into key planning questions like:How IPPs compare to RRSPs and corporate investingWhat happens to an IPP if you sell your businessSetup and ongoing costs (and what’s included)Common misconceptions about IPPs being “too complex” or “too rigid”If you’re an incorporated professional or business owner with strong corporate cash flow and you’re looking for a more efficient way to build retirement wealth, this is a must-listen.Interested in seeing if an IPP fits your plan? Reach out to Jason and the Three60 Wealth team to explore whether it makes sense as part of your overall financial strategy.

Planning for a blended family can feel like walking a tightrope. You want your spouse protected, your children treated fairly, and your legacy carried out without conflict. In this episode, Jason Nagel breaks down four key strategies that can make all the difference when money, emotions, and competing priorities collide.You’ll learn:How a spousal trust can provide lifetime security for a spouse while preserving assets for children from a previous relationshipWhy insurance planning is often the missing piece to balance inheritances and cover tax liabilitiesHow choosing the right executors and trustees can prevent delays, resentment, and unnecessary legal battlesWhy clear communication (sometimes with a neutral facilitator) is one of the most important steps to keeping the peaceJason also explains why planning gets more complex for business owners and holding company structures, and where to start if you want a clear, finished plan that reduces stress for everyone involved.

Many families believe that adding a child to the title of a family cabin is a simple way to avoid probate and reduce taxes. Unfortunately, this strategy often creates more problems than it solves.In this episode, Jason Nagel breaks down why adding a child as a joint owner of your family cabin can trigger unexpected capital gains taxes, misuse your principal residence exemption, expose the property to your child’s creditors, and disrupt your estate plan altogether.You’ll learn:Why adding a child to title can create an immediate tax liabilityThe hidden creditor and divorce risks many families overlookWhy your will may no longer work the way you expectIf you own recreational property or are thinking about passing assets to the next generation, this episode highlights why proper tax and estate planning is essential before making any ownership changes.Learn more about our Family Office approach at: https://three60wealth.ca/family-office/Follow Family Office Insider for practical planning insights designed to help business owners and families protect what they’ve built.

For many Canadian families, the cottage or cabin is more than just real estate. It is a place filled with memories, traditions, and legacy. But passing a family cabin down to the next generation can quickly turn into conflict if it is not planned properly.In this episode, Jason Nagel breaks down the key financial and estate planning considerations families need to think about if they want their cabin to stay in the family and avoid unnecessary stress, tax surprises, or sibling disputes.Jason walks through the real issues that often get overlooked, including capital gains tax at death, how to fund ongoing maintenance and major repairs, and what happens when children are in very different financial or life stages. He also explains why leaving a cabin equally to all children is not always the fairest solution and how thoughtful planning can prevent resentment down the road.Finally, Jason shares why a co-ownership agreement, created while parents are still alive and with input from the kids, can be one of the most effective tools to preserve family harmony and protect the legacy of the property.This episode is especially relevant for business owners and families who want to protect what they have built, plan intentionally, and pass down assets with clarity instead of conflict.In this episode, you will learn:How capital gains tax applies to family cabins in CanadaWhy lack of liquidity can force a cabin sale after deathHow a “cabin fund” can prevent future financial stressWhen equal ownership may not be fair ownershipHow co-ownership agreements help avoid family disputesIf keeping the family cabin in the family matters to you, this is an episode you will not want to miss.

If you own a business in Canada, understanding how dividends are taxed is essential to making informed financial decisions.In this episode, Jason Nagel breaks down the difference between eligible and ineligible dividends in simple, practical terms. He explains how corporate tax rates impact the type of dividend you receive, why some dividends are taxed more favourably than others, and how Canada’s tax integration system is designed to balance corporate and personal taxes over time.Jason also explores the real advantage of the small business corporate tax rate, not as a permanent tax savings, but as a powerful tax deferral strategy that allows business owners to reinvest, expand, and create flexibility inside their corporation.This episode will help you have better conversations with your accountant, understand your options more clearly, and make smarter decisions for your business and family.Key topics covered:Eligible vs. ineligible dividends explainedHow corporate tax rates affect personal taxesThe concept of tax integrationWhy the small business tax rate creates deferral opportunitiesStrategic considerations for Canadian business ownersFor educational purposes only. Always consult your professional advisors before implementing tax strategies.

In this episode, Jason Nagel demystifies one of the most valuable tax strategies available to Canadian business owners: multiplying the Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption (LCGE) through a properly structured family trust. When used correctly, this strategy can allow you, your spouse, and your children to each claim the LCGE on the sale of a Qualified Small Business Corporation, potentially saving your family over $1 million in tax.But while the opportunity is powerful, it’s also widely misunderstood. Jason walks through the essential mechanics, including how discretionary trusts allocate capital gains, why promissory notes matter, and what really happens when you use a child’s exemption. He also highlights the often-overlooked administrative burdens - from annual trustee resolutions to meticulous expense tracking - that can quickly become overwhelming if you’re unprepared.Most importantly, Jason shares practical guidance on when it does make sense to use your children’s exemptions, and when it doesn’t.If you're planning a future business sale or want to ensure your trust structure is being used properly, this episode offers the clarity you need to understand both the advantages and the responsibilities of this advanced tax strategy.

In this episode of Family Office Insider, Jason sits down with Austin Vrabel, CFA, Wealth Advisor at Connor, Clark & Lunn Private Capital, to unpack one of the most misunderstood threats facing retirees: market volatility and the powerful effect of sequence of returns risk.Using a real 28-year retirement scenario, Jason and Austin compare two portfolios, one with higher average returns but higher volatility, and another with more stability. The results are surprising and reveal why many DIY investors unintentionally put their retirement at risk by chasing performance.They dive into: • How volatility can permanently reduce your retirement income • Why higher returns don’t always mean better outcomes • The emotional traps that derail DIY investors • How professional guidance can help protect your lifestyle in retirementThis episode is a must-listen for business owners preparing for retirement, recent sellers, or anyone who wants clarity around how markets actually impact retirement income.Connect with Austin: avrabel@cclgroup.com Learn more about Three60 Wealth: three60wealth.ca

In this episode of Family Office Insider, Jason sits down with Maxwell Webster of VAMOS M&A Advisory to unpack one of the most important – and misunderstood – topics in the business world: wealth harvesting vs. wealth creation.Max shares his journey from lifelong entrepreneur to M&A advisor and explains how business owners can use acquisitions not only to exit successfully, but to grow the value of their companies long before a sale. Together, they explore:What “wealth harvesting” versus “wealth creation” really meansHow to know if your business is ready to acquire another companyWhat banks look for when financing acquisitions (including how 100% financing can work)How to identify the right type of company to buyThe keys to seamless integration — culture, org charts, leadership, and real risk mitigationWhy many owners who think they’re ready to sell may actually be primed for growth insteadWhether you're planning an exit, considering expansion, or simply want to understand the real mechanics behind small-business M&A, this conversation offers a practical, insider’s look at how entrepreneurs can build meaningful long-term value.If you’d like to connect with Max, his contact details are included in the episode notes. To learn how Three60 Wealth helps business families and physicians maximize their life’s work, visit three60wealth.ca.

Selling your business should be a celebration, but there’s a hidden tax that catches countless Canadian entrepreneurs off guard. In this episode, Jason breaks down the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT), a little-known parallel tax system that quietly runs alongside your regular tax calculation… and often comes back to bite owners the year after a sale.Most business owners know about the Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption and the $1.25M tax-free advantage. But far fewer understand how AMT can create a surprise tax bill, and how smart planning can help you recover it over time.Jason simplifies this complex topic and walks you through:Why AMT exists and how it applies when you sell your companyWhy using the LCGE can trigger an unexpected tax billThe seven-year window to recover AMT, and how to actually get it backWhy taxable income in retirement matters (and why RRSPs aren’t the bad guy)The types of income that help you reclaim AMT… and the ones that don’tIf you’re a business owner planning an exit - now or years from now - this episode will help you avoid a major (and unnecessary) tax surprise.Listen now to protect yourself, plan smarter, and keep more of your hard-earned wealth.

In this episode, Jason breaks down one of the most powerful – and misunderstood – tools in advanced wealth planning: the discretionary family trust.You’ll learn the four key reasons why families and business owners set up a trust:Protecting assets from creditorsIncome splitting with beneficiariesStreamlining corporate structures and cash flowMultiplying the capital gains exemption to save hundreds of thousands in taxJason also shares a real-life story of a business owner who missed out on nearly $900,000 in potential tax savings by waiting too long to plan. It’s a tough lesson and a powerful reminder: the best time to set up your structure is before you need it.Whether you’re a business owner, incorporated professional, or planning your family’s legacy, this episode will help you understand how proactive planning can protect your life’s work — and keep more of it in your hands.Follow Family Office Insider for more insights on how to build, protect, and maximize your wealth.

In this episode, Jason Nagel from Three60 Wealth shares a powerful analogy that reveals the true difference between financial advice and financial planning. Imagine climbing Mount Everest — would you rather have a guide who hands you a map and wishes you luck, or a Sherpa who climbs beside you, adapting to every shift in the weather?Jason explains how real financial planning is about partnership, adaptability, and reaching your summit — whether that’s retirement, selling your business, or passing on your legacy. Learn why having a professional Sherpa by your side can make the difference between falling short and achieving your life’s biggest financial goals.If you’re within five to ten years of selling your business or planning your next big chapter, visit Three60Wealth.ca/planning to explore how Three60 Wealth can help guide your journey. #FinancialPlanning #BusinessOwners #WealthManagement #RetirementGoals #LegacyPlanning #FinancialFreedom #Three60Wealth #JasonNagel #FinancialAdvice #ExitPlanning

In this episode of Family Office Insider, Jason Nagel from Three60 Wealth sits down with special guest Kelsey Humphries, a Wills and Estates Lawyer at Underwood Gilholme, to tackle some of the most common misconceptions about estate planning.From the myth that “having a will is enough” to the idea that “probate should always be avoided,” Kelsey brings clarity and real-world insight from her legal practice. Together, Jason and Kelsey discuss:Why a complete estate plan involves more than just a willThe challenges of naming multiple executors (and how to avoid family conflict)How probate works differently across provinces, and why it’s less of a concern in AlbertaThe hidden pitfalls of “simple wills” when families assume everything will go smoothlyWhether DIY wills and online kits can really protect your family’s legacyIf you’re a business owner or family decision-maker looking for peace of mind, this conversation will help you understand the importance of thoughtful estate planning, and how working with the right professionals can protect your family’s future.

Are you a business owner preparing for retirement after selling your company? In this episode, Jason Nagel from Three60 Wealth shares a powerful story about a client who struggled to recreate their paycheck in retirement due to unbalanced investment planning.Jason explains why simply relying on RRSPs (Registered Retirement Savings Plans) can create unexpected tax burdens at age 71 and 72, and why diversifying across multiple income streams—such as holding companies, non-registered accounts, CPP, and OAS—is essential for tax-efficient retirement income.Discover:The pitfalls of over-contributing to RRSPsWhy holding companies (hold cos) offer greater flexibility in retirementHow proactive planning ensures you minimize taxes and maximize your financial freedomWhy investment returns alone are not enough without a strategic retirement planIf you want to understand how to structure your retirement income effectively, avoid unnecessary taxes, and set yourself up for long-term success, this episode is for you.Take our 20-question self-assessment to see how proactive your planning really is: three60wealth.ca/planning#RetirementPlanning #BusinessOwners #WealthManagement #RRSP #HoldCo #FinancialFreedom #TaxPlanning #RetirementIncome #ProactivePlanning #Three60Wealth

As a Canadian business owner, where should you really be investing your money — RRSPs, TFSAs, or your holding company? It’s one of the most common questions we hear from entrepreneurs and family business owners who want to maximize wealth and reduce taxes.In this episode of Family Office Insider, Jason Nagel shares the cautionary story of a successful family who over-invested in RRSPs and ended up facing a massive retirement tax problem. You’ll discover:Why over-contributing to RRSPs for retirement planning can backfireHow a holding company investment strategy gives flexibility and controlThe crucial difference between investment advice and true financial planningWhy tax planning for business owners is more valuable than chasing returnsIf you’re a business family within 5–10 years of selling your company — or have recently sold — this episode will help you avoid costly mistakes and take control of your financial future.Learn more at Three60wealth.ca. #FinancialPlanning #BusinessOwners #RRSP #TFSA #HoldingCompany #TaxPlanning #RetirementPlanning #CanadianBusiness #WealthManagement #FamilyOffice #BusinessSuccession

In this episode of Family Office Insider, Jason unpacks a common estate planning question for business owners: Should you add your children as shareholders of your holding company?On the surface, this strategy may seem like a simple way to pass assets down. But Jason explains why it often creates more problems than solutions—exposing family wealth to children’s creditors, potential divorce claims, and even lawsuits. You’ll learn:Why adding children as shareholders can create creditor and tax risksHow retirement planning and estate planning intersect for business familiesWhy a family trust is often a smarter, safer alternative for intergenerational wealth transferPractical steps to evaluate how much of your HoldCo assets you’ll need for retirement before making ownership changesAt Three60 Wealth, we specialize in helping Canadian business owners and families maximize their life’s work. If you’re within five to ten years of selling your business—or you’ve already sold—this episode will give you clarity and confidence in structuring your wealth.Learn more about our planning process: three60wealth.ca/planning Discover how we support business families: three60wealth.ca#EstatePlanning #BusinessOwners #FamilyTrusts #WealthManagement #FinancialPlanning #BusinessSuccession #HoldCo #CanadianBusiness #RetirementPlanning #IntergenerationalWealth

In this episode, Jason Nagel sits down with Darren Brisebois of Cerro Verde Advisory Group to explore the five critical areas every business owner should prepare for when planning an exit. From optimizing corporate and capital structures to building strong management teams, Darren breaks down the essentials that drive a successful transition.You’ll learn why proper corporate structuring can save significant tax dollars, how to clean up intercompany loans and debt before a sale, and why organizational structure is key to maximizing valuation. Jason and Darren also unpack the due diligence process - what buyers will be looking for - and how to effectively present the future growth story of your business to attract the best possible offer.Whether you’re five years or ten years away from selling, this conversation will help you understand the importance of preparing early so you can protect your wealth, avoid costly mistakes, and position your business for a smooth, profitable transition.

When it comes time to step away from your business, choosing the right exit strategy is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. In this episode, Jason walks through three common paths business owners consider when selling or transitioning their company:Transitioning to key employees – the pros and cons of structuring ownership transfers internally.Passing it down to your children – how family legacy plays into business succession and the risks involved.Selling to a third party – why this option can provide the most security, but may create tension with employees or family.Jason shares the advantages, drawbacks, and real-world considerations for each option, along with why careful planning and open communication with your team, family, and advisors is critical.If you’re a business owner within five to ten years of selling your company, or have recently sold, this episode will give you clarity and perspective on how to approach your exit strategy.Learn more at Three60wealth.ca #BusinessExit #SuccessionPlanning #BusinessOwners #SellYourBusiness #FamilyBusiness #WealthPlanning #Three60Wealth

Thinking about selling your business in the next few years? The sooner you start preparing, the more value you’ll unlock when the time comes. In this episode, Jason Nagel shares practical strategies that every business owner should consider well before meeting with a broker or valuator.We cover:Why planning your exit from day one increases business valueHow to structure your investment pools for tax-efficient withdrawals after the saleThe importance of understanding what you need from the sale to reach your retirement goalsWorking with business valuators and brokers to know the true worth of your companyThe role of proper corporate structure in minimizing taxesHow business consultants can boost value years before you sellCleaning up financials, contracts, and operations to make your company more attractive to buyersIf you want to maximize your after-tax proceeds, protect your wealth, and sell on your terms, this episode is for you.Learn more at Three60Wealth.ca#BusinessExit #WealthPlanning #BusinessOwner #TaxPlanning #RetirementPlanning #BusinessValuation #FamilyOffice #BusinessConsulting #SellYourBusiness

If you’re a successful business owner, chances are you’ve built up after-tax profits in your operating company, but what’s the smartest way to put that money to work? In this episode, Jason Nagel from Three60 Wealth walks through strategies to help you make the most of your corporate surplus while keeping flexibility and minimizing taxes.You’ll learn:When RRSPs make sense, and when they can become a tax trap later in lifeHow TFSAs can be used not just for your own benefit, but as a powerful wealth transfer toolWhy a properly structured holding company can offer tax-free transfers and investment flexibilityHow to coordinate accounts - RRSPs, TFSAs, HoldCos, trusts, and more, to recreate your “paycheque” in retirementWhether you’re five to ten years from selling your business or you’ve already sold, this episode will help you think strategically about structuring your wealth for the long term.

We often hear from successful business owners who’ve sold their companies and are now wondering what to do with the millions sitting inside their holding corporations. Should they wind it down quickly to avoid future tax headaches, or take a more strategic, long-term approach?In this episode, we dive into the key considerations for retired or soon-to-retire business owners with substantial assets in their HoldCos. You’ll learn:Why taking all the money out at once is usually not the best moveHow to draw strategically from multiple income sources like RRSPs, TFSAs, trusts, and holding corpsWhat to do if your HoldCo holds real estate, and how a family trust might helpHow we help minimize lifetime and estate taxes while maximizing incomeIf you’ve sold your business or are planning to in the next 5–10 years, this episode will give you clarity on how to plan wisely for the future.To learn more or connect with our team, visit Three60wealth.ca.#EstatePlanning #HoldCoStrategy #BusinessExit #WealthPlanning #FamilyOfficeCanada #RetiredEntrepreneur #TaxPlanning #CanadianBusinessOwner #Three60Wealth