FAQ
Money in Motion: Your Financial Game Plan for When Life Changes
What does “Money in Motion” mean?
Money in Motion is any major life event that puts money (and decisions) in motion—an inheritance, job change, pension decision, severance, divorce/separation, business sale, real estate proceeds, or retirement. These moments are when mistakes get expensive, so our role is to help you slow the play down and build a clear game plan before you act.
I just received (or I’m about to receive) a lump sum. What should I do first?
The first move is usually not investing—it’s clarity. We help you organize the moving parts (taxes, timing, cash flow needs, debt, protection, and long-term goals) so you can make a smart decision you won’t need to undo later.
How do I make sure a big financial decision doesn’t throw off my long-term plan?
Most people don’t get pulled off track by one big bill—it’s the stacking decisions that follow. We build a plan that keeps the big picture steady (retirement, family goals, protection) while you navigate the immediate transition.
Job Changes, Severance & Pension Decisions
I changed jobs—what should I consider before moving my pension or group plan?
Job changes often come with hidden deadlines and options (pension choices, LIRA transfers, commuted values, group RRSPs, benefits ending). We help you review your options and understand the trade-offs before you lock anything in.
I received severance, a bonus, or stock compensation—what should I do with it?
A payout is not a plan. We help you evaluate what the money needs to do (tax planning, liquidity, investing, debt, future goals) and build a strategy that fits your timeline and bigger objectives.
Divorce or Separation Planning Support
How can you help during a separation without making it more overwhelming?
Our goal is clarity. We help you understand how the decisions connect—house, pensions, insurance, cash flow, investments, taxes, and retirement—so you’re not negotiating blindly or making choices you’ll regret later.
Should I finalize an agreement before I understand the retirement impact?
It’s worth understanding the long-term impact before anything is signed—especially around pensions, the home, support, taxes, and future income. We help you see the full ice so you can make informed decisions.
Business Owners & Liquidity Events
I sold my business (or I’m close). What should I be thinking about?
A business sale is a financial event and a life transition. We help you coordinate the plan around taxes, income strategy, investing, protection, and what’s next—so the proceeds support your future, not just the moment.
Can you help with tax strategies as a business owner?
Yes—we help with tax-aware planning and coordination (income planning, timing decisions, investment structure, risk management). We don’t file your taxes, but we work alongside your accountant to help you take advantage of planning opportunities.
Should I finalize an agreement before I understand the retirement impact?
It’s worth understanding the long-term impact before anything is signed—especially around pensions, the home, support, taxes, and future income. We help you see the full ice so you can make informed decisions.
Retirement Transition Planning
I’m approaching retirement—what are the biggest decisions people miss?
Retirement is a series of decisions: when to retire, how to draw income, how to manage taxes, and how to make savings last. We build an income game plan that’s coordinated across RRSP/RRIF, TFSA, pensions, CPP, OAS, and your goals.
How do I know if I can retire comfortably?
We run a clear plan that connects your lifestyle goals, income sources, taxes, risks, and timeline—so you’re making the retirement decision with structure, not guesswork.
Risk Management, Insurance & Estate Planning
What insurance should I consider during a major transition?
Transitions often change your risk profile. We help you review life insurance, disability coverage, critical illness (where appropriate), and business coverage (key person/buy-sell) so your plan has a strong defense.
Do I need a financial strategy if I already have a will?
A will is essential, but it’s only one part of the plan. A financial strategy ensures your investments, insurance, beneficiaries, cash flow, and retirement income are coordinated so your plan works in real life.
Location & Working With Us
Do you only work with clients in Toronto?
No—while we’re based in Toronto, we work with clients across Canada. We offer virtual meetings so you can get a clear game plan no matter where you live.
Can I work with you if I live outside of Canada?
Our planning is designed for Canadian residents. If you’re living abroad but have strong financial ties to Canada, we may still be able to help depending on your situation.
Getting Started
How do I get started?
We start with a discovery meeting to understand what changed, what money is moving, what decisions you’re facing, and what deadlines matter. Then we build a clear financial game plan—so you can make the next move with confidence.
How quickly can we meet if I have a deadline coming up?
Money in Motion decisions often have timelines. If you’re facing a deadline, we’ll do our best to book quickly and focus first on the decisions that can’t be undone.
Do you coordinate with my lawyer and accountant?
Yes. We regularly coordinate planning alongside your existing professionals. (We don’t provide legal or tax advice, but we help connect the dots.)