???? Canada Only
PLAYBOOK 01
The Smith Manoeuvre
Convert non-deductible mortgage interest into tax-deductible investment loan interest while simultaneously building an investment portfolio.
Key topics: Readvanceable HELOC mechanics, CRA income-producing asset rules, and audit-trail preservation.
Read Playbook ?
???? U.S. Only
PLAYBOOK 02
Backdoor Roth IRA Conversion
A legal, IRS-sanctioned method for high-income earners exceeding Roth IRA phase-out limits to fund 100% tax-free Roth accounts annually.
Key topics: Non-deductible Traditional IRA contributions, Form 8606 reporting, and avoiding the dreaded Pro-Rata rule.
Read Playbook ?
???? ???? Both Jurisdictions
PLAYBOOK 03
Tax-Efficient Asset Location
Which specific assets belong in your TFSA, RRSP, 401(k), and taxable accounts to minimize foreign withholding taxes and dividend tax drag.
Key topics: US-listed vs. Canadian-listed ETFs in RRSPs, avoiding US dividend withholding tax, and tax-loss harvesting placement.
Read Playbook ?
???? ???? Both Jurisdictions
PLAYBOOK 04
Education Savings Optimization
How to maximize the 20% Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG) up to $7,200 lifetime, and 529-to-Roth IRA rollover strategies in the U.S.
Key topics: Front-loading $14k vs annual $2,500 pacing, withdrawal sequencing (EAP vs PSE), and unused balance transfers.
Read Playbook ?
???? Canada Only
PLAYBOOK 05
Corporate Investing (CCPC)
Investing retained earnings inside a Canadian Controlled Private Corporation: managing the $50,000 passive income threshold and SBD clawback.
Key topics: RDTOH, Capital Dividend Account (CDA), salary vs. dividend optimization, and corporate-class total return ETFs.
Read Playbook ?
???? U.S. Only
PLAYBOOK 06
Mega Backdoor Roth
Supercharge retirement savings by funneling up to $46,000 in after-tax non-Roth 401(k) contributions into a Roth IRA or Roth 401(k) each year.
Key topics: In-plan Roth conversions, after-tax contribution limits under Section 415(c), and plan document verification.
Read Playbook ?
???? Canada Only
PLAYBOOK 07
The RRIF Meltdown Strategy
Strategically unwinding RRSPs between age 55 and 71 to eliminate OAS pension clawbacks, lower lifetime income taxes, and protect family estates.
Key topics: Preserving GIS & OAS benefits, pension income splitting at age 65, and mitigating the 53.5% final estate tax bracket.
Read Playbook ?
???? ???? Both Jurisdictions
PLAYBOOK 08
Tax-Efficient Charitable Giving
Donating appreciated publicly traded shares and mutual fund units directly to charity to 100% eliminate capital gains tax while receiving a full deduction.
Key topics: Zero capital gains inclusion on donated securities, Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs), and multi-year credit carryforwards.
Read Playbook ?
???? U.S. Only
PLAYBOOK 09
Solo 401(k) & SEP IRAs for 1099s
For independent contractors, freelance consultants, and single-owner LLCs: shelter up to $69,000+ per year in pre-tax or Roth dollars while protecting Backdoor Roth eligibility.
Key topics: Employee deferrals vs profit-sharing, Form 5500-EZ compliance ($250k rule), spousal stacking, and QBI deduction.
Read Playbook ?
???? U.S. Only
PLAYBOOK 10
Revocable Living Trusts & TOD
Bypass 9�18 months of public probate delays and 3%�7% statutory court fees, protect family privacy, and optimize Section 1014 basis step-up at death.
Key topics: Trust funding deeds, Transfer on Death (TOD/POD) designations, SECURE Act 10-year rule, and community property double step-up.
Read Playbook ?
???? U.S. Only
PLAYBOOK 11
RMD Shields & Roth Ladders
SECURE 2.0 RMD rules (ages 73/75), multi-year Roth conversion ladders in retirement gap years, and defending against the surviving spouse tax penalty.
Key topics: Uniform Lifetime Table, Medicare IRMAA cliff avoidance, Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs), and gap-year conversions.
Read Playbook ?
???? Canada Only
PLAYBOOK 12
Defined Benefit vs. Commuted Value
Master the high-stakes choice between a guaranteed monthly lifetime DB pension and taking the lump-sum Commuted Value (CV).
Key topics: Reg 8517 Maximum Transfer Value (MTV) tax haircut, 50% provincial LIRA unlocking, and breakeven return rates.
Read Playbook ?
???? Canada Only
PLAYBOOK 13
Prescribed Rate Spousal Loans
Legally shift non-registered investment returns from a high-tax-bracket spouse to a lower-earning spouse or family trust under CRA ITA 74.5(2).
Key topics: CRA attribution safe-harbor, 3% rate lock-in, strict Jan 30 interest deadline, and family trust minor funding.
Read Playbook ?
???? ???? Cross-Border
PLAYBOOK 14
Cross-Border Snowbird Wealth & Estate Shield
Protect Canadian residents vacationing in the U.S. or owning U.S. vacation real estate from accidental IRS residency and 40% U.S. estate taxes.
Key topics: Substantial Presence Test (SPT), Form 8840 Closer Connection, treaty estate tax credits, and CRA T1135 filings.
Read Playbook ?
???? Canada Only
PLAYBOOK 15
Capital Gains 66.7% & Alternative Minimum Tax
Tactical wealth defense navigating Canada's two-tier inclusion threshold ($250k), corporate CDA reductions, and the Bill C-59 AMT overhaul.
Key topics: ITA 40(1)(a)(iii) 5-year capital gains reserve elections, spousal splitting, QSBC LCGE structuring, and Form T691.
Read Playbook ?
