Otto von Bismarck created the first pension—retirement from the army was set at age 65—for the 19th century, a daunting longevity. Today upon reaching 65, you may need to provide another 20+ years. The money you worked so hard to earn and save must work harder...
It might feel as if everyone is paired off. But if you’re single, you’re part of a fast-growing demographic. In fact, the number of people living alone in Canada has doubled over the last 35 years.[1] A one-person household is now the most common type...
For many women, engagement is a time of excited anticipation. You’re happy in love, planning the wedding of your dreams and dreaming of your new life. But engagement is also a tremendous opportunity to work together with your in a new area. According to a recent...
Losing a spouse can be one of the most traumatic events in a woman’s life. But with women living longer, on average than men, it’s likely to happen. In fact, many widows have many happy, healthy years without their partners. Circumstances do vary, but there are...
In today’s crowded marketplace, purpose is a great way to get noticed. It differentiates you from your competitors. It communicates your values. And it creates meaning. But when it comes to a family business, the purpose is only valuable if it’s a shared purpose. Why do...
We all love to tell stories. Stories help us make sense of the world and our place in it. We tell stories of how our parents met and started their life together. We tell stories of how we chose our course of study or started our...
Life can be stressful. The family business is where it all comes together: family pressures, ownership demands and business needs. When planning for the future, understanding the intersection between these three segments can lead to a different perspective on managing these needs, as well as...
The data shows that only 30% of family businesses survive into the second generation. Businesses fail regularly, whether because of a faulty business model, a lack of capital, or even the wrong kind of marketing. Yet when a family wants to create financial stability for its...
According to recent data, more than 7 out of 10 family businesses have no succession plan at all.[1] That may sound surprising, but it’s a common story. A family business may hope that one day a child will take over the business, but that hope may...
In a perfect world, you would start saving for your child’s future immediately, putting away thousands of dollars a year to help your son or daughter get an education or buy their first home. In the real world, however, chances are pretty good that when your...