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U.S. Midterms Tuesday: What the Vote Could Mean for the Loonie, Tariffs and Your Portfolio

  Canadian Money Brief | Feature U.S. Midterms Tuesday: What the Vote Could Mean for the Loonie, Tariffs and Your Portfolio By MoneySavings.ca | Published November 1, 2026 Americans vote Tuesday in elections that will fill all 435 House seats and 35 Senate seats. Canadians don't get a ballot, but we do get the consequences: a loonie that swung from an 18-month low to a six-week high in about two weeks, a tariff fight that has put 50% duties on roughly US$20 billion of our exports, and a lot of U.S. stock sitting inside our TFSAs and RRSPs. Here is how to think about all of it without trying to guess the winner. The short version: Nobody can reliably trade an election result. Forecasters lean toward Democrats winning the House, with the Senate closer. But history says the bigger market moves tend to come in the months after the vote, not on election night. For Canadians, the useful steps are practical: convert U.S. dollars in pieces, know how much U.S. stock you hold, and don't...

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How a Family Trust Can Benefit You and Your Loved Ones

 

A family trust is a legal arrangement that allows you to transfer your assets to a trust, which is then managed by one or more trustees for the benefit of your family members. A family trust can offer several advantages for your estate planning, tax planning, and asset protection. Here are some of the main benefits of setting up a family trust:

  • Reduce taxes: By transferring your assets to a family trust, you can avoid or minimize the taxes that would otherwise be payable on your death, such as probate fees, income tax, and capital gains tax. You can also use a family trust to split income among your family members who are in lower tax brackets, reducing your overall tax liability.
  • Protect assets: A family trust can help you protect your assets from creditors, lawsuits, or family disputes. Since the assets in the trust are no longer owned by you, they are generally not subject to claims from third parties. A family trust can also prevent your assets from being misused or wasted by irresponsible or inexperienced beneficiaries, as the trustees have the discretion and authority to manage and distribute the assets according to your wishes.
  • Preserve legacy: A family trust can help you preserve your family wealth and values for future generations. You can use a family trust to provide for your spouse, children, grandchildren, or other relatives, as well as to support charitable causes that are important to you. You can also use a family trust to ensure that your assets are used for specific purposes, such as education, health care, or business ventures.

Setting up a family trust requires careful planning and professional advice. You need to consider the type of trust, the trust agreement, the trustees, the beneficiaries, the assets, and the tax implications. You also need to review and update your trust regularly to ensure that it reflects your current situation and goals. A family trust can be a powerful tool for your financial and estate planning, but it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. To find out if a family trust is right for you, consult a qualified lawyer or financial advisor.

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