Share

Financial Planning For Canadian Business Owners
Legal Wills with Tim Hewson | E117
Ep. 117
•
Jason Pereira interviews Tim Hewson, CEO of LegalWills, an online platform providing millions of users with a simple and accessible solution for creating legal and compliant wills. Tim discusses the importance of having a will, the challenges of estate planning, and how Legal Wills aims to demystify the process.
Episode Highlights:
- 03:00: Recognizing the inadequacies of existing will templates, Tim and his co-founder envisioned an online platform, drawing inspiration from Microsoft Office's user interface to guide users through the will preparation process.
- 08:39: Tim talks about additional estate planning documents, including a Financial Power of Attorney and Living Will, designed for situations where an individual loses capacity, and decisions need to be made on their behalf.
- 11:32: Tim discusses the expansion of LegalWills to multiple countries and the challenges of adapting services for different jurisdictions. He introduces the concept of expatriate wills, allowing users to cover assets in different countries with complementary wills.
- 16:57: Jason reflects on the binary decision people face when choosing between affordable online services like LegalWills and more expensive options for complex legal matters.
- 22:31: Tim acknowledges the challenge of changing the perception that creating a will is only necessary when someone is about to die. He discusses the battle to disassociate the act of writing a will from thoughts of death, emphasizing that estate planning should be a standard part of financial planning.
- 24:28: Jason and Tim emphasize the emotional impact on families left to deal with disorganized estates and stress the importance of creating a will to prevent conflicts and contempt among family members.
Key Points:
- LegalWills aims to simplify estate planning, catering to diverse needs, including those of blended families.
- Tim discusses the challenge of balancing growth and service quality as Legal Wills has steadily expanded without external funding.
- The platform has made a positive impact on users and charities, emphasizing the importance of organized estate planning for individuals and
Tweetable Quotes:
- "Writing a will shouldn't be about dying; it's part of financial planning. Organize your affairs while you're well; it's a gift to your loved ones.”
- "We're on a mission to demystify wills. Losing the legalese can make the process more accessible. It's about clear instructions, not complex language.”
- "Every person who used our service is better off—over a million users and counting. Helping families and charities with organized estate planning is what keeps us going.”
Resource Mentioned:
- Facebook – Jason Pereira's Facebook
- LinkedIn – Jason Pereira's LinkedIn
- Woodgate.com – Sponsor
- LinkedIn – Jason Pereira's LinkedIn
- https://legalwills.company/
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/timhewson/?originalSubdomain=ca
- Podcast Editing
More episodes
View all episodes

135. Dividends vs Salary in Canada | FPCBO 135
06:38||Ep. 135Are dividends always the best way to pay yourself from your corporation? Think again. In this video, we'll explore whether dividends truly offer tax benefits compared to salary. We'll break down the numbers using real examples and explore the implications for your taxes and retirement planning. Learn about the hidden costs and benefits of both options and discover why a mix of salary and dividends might be the best choice for you. Don't let conventional wisdom steer you wrong—watch now to make an informed decision for your financial future.
134. Should I Incorporate My Business? | FPCBO 134
06:16||Ep. 134Thinking about incorporating your small business in Canada? Hold on! This video breaks down why staying a sole proprietorship could save you thousands of dollars and even let you deduct your mortgage interest. We'll cover what a sole proprietorship is, its advantages and disadvantages, and reveal two tax planning strategies that are exclusive to sole proprietors. Discover how to deduct business losses and utilize the cashflow-damming strategy to maximize your tax savings. Start smart and learn why sole proprietorship might be the right choice for you.*FPCBO 131 - Is Your Share Structure Making Your Business Sale Taxable?https://youtu.be/hjLmFJAV-CU
133. The Realities of Selling to Private Equity | FPCBO 133
38:05||Ep. 133Join Jason Pereira and business lawyer Rachel Wasserman on this week's episode of Financial Planning for Canadian Business Owners as they delve into the intricacies of private equity. Learn about the different segments of private equity, the motivations behind selling your business to a private equity firm, and the potential long-term impacts on your business. Rachel shares her unique career journey and valuable insights on business transitions, succession planning, and the realities of private equity acquisitions. Whether you're contemplating selling your business or curious about private equity, this episode offers critical perspectives and practical advice.
132. Tax & Legal Implications Of Selling Your Business | 132
29:09||Ep. 132In this informative episode, Jason Pereira, a senior partner and financial planner, provides a detailed breakdown of the two main approaches for selling or exiting a business: share sales and asset sales. He compares these approaches to selling a house versus selling the furniture inside. Key points addressed include tax implications, legal liabilities, and the overall sale process for each method. Key takeaways include how share sales can offer tax advantages like the lifetime capital gains exemption and simpler transaction mechanics, while asset sales can result in a more complex and paperwork-heavy process but allow the buyer to cherry-pick desired assets. This comprehensive guide aims to help Canadian small business owners make informed decisions when planning their business exit.
131. Is Your Share Structure Making Your Business Sale Taxable? | 131
10:33||Ep. 131Wondering if selling your Canadian business will incur significant taxes? Learn about the Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption (LCGE) and how it can save you up to $1.25 million in tax-free capital gains as of 2025. Jason Pereira, senior partner and financial planner at Woodgate Financial, breaks down the eligibility criteria and tests your business “must meet” to qualify, and how improper planning can lead to costly tax liabilities. Discover actionable steps for structuring your business to maximize tax savings and multiply exemptions across family members.Tune in to ensure your hard-earned success isn't overshadowed by unexpected tax surprises. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave a comment!
130. Wait, What's My Capital Gains Tax Rate? | 130
08:59||Ep. 130In this episode, Jason delves into the tumultuous developments in capital gains taxation in Canada over the past year. From initial changes announced by the Trudeau government to the ensuing financial planning frenzy, and culminating in the resignation of the Prime Minister and a subsequent lawsuit, this video clarifies what capital gains are and how they are taxed. We examine the impact of proposed changes on investors, including those involving corporate and personal tax rates, and discuss the ultimate resolution with the election of Mark Carney as Liberal leader. Finally, we consider new proposals from opposition leaders that could affect future taxation. Stay informed on this rollercoaster of tax policy changes and their implications for Canadian investors.
129. What To Look For When Onboarding | 129
33:05||Ep. 129In this episode of Financial Planning for Canadian Business Owners, host Jason Pereira and guest Harold Geller discuss critical aspects of onboarding with a financial advisor. They delve into the importance of financial planning, understanding client-focused reforms, and distinguishing between competent advisors and salespeople. Learn about the significance of plain language communication, proper risk assessments, and the pitfalls of high-fee products. Get insights on how thorough information gathering and educational discussions set the foundation for a long-term professional relationship with your advisor.
128. Treasury Services | 128
21:07||Ep. 128In this episode of Financial Planning for Canadian Business Owners, host Jason welcomes John Pelley, Co-founder and CEO of Colibri Financial Services Agents. John explains how Colibri offers fractional treasury manager services, diving into the intricacies of optimizing banking fees, loan structures, and merchant services for small businesses. They discuss why typical banking relationships are suboptimal and how Colibri provides a tailored review to unlock potential savings. John shares insights on how often businesses should revisit their financial structures and provides advice for small businesses on working effectively with banks. Tune in to understand the importance of competitive banking and the benefits of outsourcing treasury services.
127. The Institute of Advanced Financial Planners | E127
20:23||Ep. 127Choosing Qualified Financial Planners: Insights from Aaron Hector, President of the IAFPIn this episode of Financial Planning for Canadian Business Owners, host Jason speaks with Aaron Hector, president of the Institute of Advanced Financial Planners (IAFP), about the importance of finding qualified financial advisors in Canada. They discuss the Registered Financial Planner (RFP) designation, the IAFP's role in credentialing and supporting financial planners, and the rigorous process required to become an RFP. The conversation also covers the benefits of working with an RFP, the IAFP's symposiums, ongoing discussions among member financial planners, and tips for selecting the right financial planner. The episode aims to guide business owners and other individuals seeking reliable financial advice.00:00 Introduction to Financial Planning for Canadian Business Owners00:22 Overview of the Institute of Advanced Financial Planners (IFP)00:45 Understanding the Registered Financial Planner (RFP) Designation02:15 Qualifications and Process to Become an RFP03:50 The Importance of Peer Review and Feedback05:57 The Role of the IFP in Supporting RFPs08:43 Benefits of Working with an RFP13:21 Tips for Selecting the Right Financial Planner19:14 Conclusion and Final Thoughts