| | | Welcome to Our New Digital Newsletter We’re pleased to introduce the Global Pacific Financial Services (“Global Pacific”) digital newsletter, a new way to stay informed, connected, and up to date. Delivered monthly, this newsletter will also serve as a notification that your investment portfolio reports are available through our secure online portal, ThinkPort. For clients already using online access, we trust you value the convenience of viewing account balances, tracking investments, securely sharing and receiving documents, and accessing your most recent performance reports, anytime, anywhere. If you’re new to the portal, this newsletter is a great companion to help you make the most of those digital tools. If you are new to our online access, please Email Us. Our team will be available to set up your online access.This initiative reflects our commitment to timely, efficient, and more environmentally friendly communication, while continuing to provide the personal service you expect from our team. Each edition will also feature Advisor’s Corner – Your Questions Answered, where we address common planning questions and share practical insights on insurance, investments, and financial decision-making. Throughout the newsletter, you’ll find green hyperlinks that take you directly to related articles and resources on our website, as well as select content from our approved insurance and financial partners. These links are safe to open and will remain within the Global Pacific site or connect you directly to trusted partner resources when applicable. Should you ever want more information, we’re only a call or email away. We invite you to engage with us, share your milestones, tell us what topics matter most to you, or submit those questions you’ve been meaning to ask. Your input helps us tailor our resources and better support your financial goals. Thank you for being a valued part of the Global Pacific community. We wish you a successful 2026 and look forward to supporting you with informed, thoughtful financial guidance throughout the year. Looking Ahead to 2026 The start of the year is an ideal time to pause, reflect, and plan. Life circumstances, financial priorities, and legislation evolve over time, and thoughtful planning today can provide confidence and peace of mind for the years ahead. In this edition, we focus on practical planning topics designed to help protect your health, and your financial security, while also providing perspective on current market conditions for clients invested in Segregated Funds and Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs). This January we touch upon the interesting topics noted above. With 2025 now in the rear-view mirror, we take this opportunity to look forward to, reflect upon, and plan for 2026. As always, please take the opportunity to review those issues that interest you. If you would like more information regarding any of the topics reported, you are always welcome to call or book an appointment with your Global Pacific Financial Advisor. If you would like to suggest any financial topics that interest you for our February 2026 edition, please Email Us. We welcome your ideas and appreciate your continued support! In This Edition |
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| | | With the passage of time, even well-prepared estate plans can become outdated. Changes in family relationships, asset values, tax rules, or beneficiary designations may unintentionally create complications or inefficiencies. A strong estate plan is more than just a will, it includes: Beneficiary designations on registered and insurance accounts Powers of Attorney Liquidity planning for taxes and expenses Clear communication with family members
A helpful overview of common estate planning pitfalls is available in the following article prepared by Sun Life. |
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| Many people have taken responsible steps to plan financially through a will and Power of Attorney. However, an important aspect of planning is often overlooked: health care decision-making. An Advance Directive and Representation Agreement allows you to express your health care wishes and appoint someone to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so. This planning is especially important in later life, as it can significantly reduce stress and uncertainty for loved ones. For British Columbia residents, information and downloadable forms are available through: Advance Care Planning | Dying With Dignity Canada For other provinces, visit: Advance Care Planning | Dying With Dignity Canada Advance care planning is not just a legal document, it is a conversation. We encourage clients to discuss their wishes with family members and ensure their financial and health plans work together. |
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| For many families, their home represents both a personal sanctuary and a significant financial asset. While insurance provides important protection, prevention plays a key role in minimizing risk and disruption. Simple steps, such as maintaining smoke alarms, using space heaters safely, and keeping electrical systems in good repair, can significantly reduce the likelihood of a home fire. Taking preventative measures today can help protect both your property and your long-term financial well-being. Beneva has prepared a helpful resource outlining practical fire-prevention tips. |
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| Many Canadians are surprised to learn that extended health care costs, such as prescription drugs, dental care, and certain medical services, are not fully covered by public health plans. Guaranteed health coverage can provide a straightforward solution, particularly for individuals who: Are retired or self-employed Do not have employer-sponsored health benefits Prefer coverage without medical underwriting
Planning ahead is important, as options may be limited if coverage is sought only after health issues arise. If you would like to explore whether guaranteed health coverage is appropriate for you or your family, your Global Pacific Account Manager would be pleased to discuss available options. |
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| | | | As we move into 2026, financial markets continue to navigate a period of transition rather than resolution. Inflation has moderated from prior peaks, interest rates appear closer to their long-term range, and economic growth remains uneven across regions and sectors. Against this backdrop, many investors are placing renewed value on capital preservation, income reliability, and risk management - areas where Segregated Funds and GICs play an important role. Interest Rates & Fixed Income After several years of rising rates, central banks have signalled a more cautious approach. While future rate changes remain data-dependent, current conditions have created opportunities for investors seeking predictable income and reduced volatility. GICs continue to offer competitive yields relative to historical norms, making them attractive for near-term income needs and capital preservation. Laddered GIC strategies can help manage reinvestment risk while maintaining liquidity over time. For many retirees, GICs remain a cornerstone for funding known expenses and reducing reliance on market timing.
Equity Markets & Volatility Equity markets have shown resilience, but volatility remains elevated due to: Geopolitical uncertainty; Slower global growth expectations; and Shifts in corporate earnings and valuations
For investors who prefer exposure to market growth but wish to limit downside risk, Segregated Funds continue to offer a balanced solution. The Role of Segregated Funds Segregated funds are particularly well-suited to today’s environment because they combine investment participation with built-in risk controls: Principal protection guarantees at maturity and on death (subject to contract terms) Estate planning advantages, including named beneficiaries and potential probate bypass Professional portfolio management, often with defensive or income-focused mandates Optional features such as income guarantees or volatility-managed strategies, depending on the contract
In periods of uncertainty, these features can help investors remain invested through market cycles without being forced to sell assets at unfavourable times. Planning Perspective Current market conditions reinforce an important principle: Investment success is less about predicting markets and more about aligning investments with your personal goals, time horizon, and tolerance for risk. For many clients, this means: Using GICs for stability and short- to medium-term income needs Using segregated funds to maintain disciplined exposure to growth while managing downside risk Reviewing allocations periodically to ensure they continue to reflect changing needs, particularly in retirement
As always, market commentary should be considered in the context of your overall financial plan. Your Global Pacific Account Manager can help assess whether your current mix of Segregated Funds and GICs remains appropriate given today’s environment and your longer-term objectives. |
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| | The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) EFILE service for the 2026 tax-filing season will open on February 23, 2026. Between January and March, you will begin receiving your tax slips and supporting documents, which may include T3, T5, T4A, RRSP contribution receipts, and investment income summaries. These documents are issued by various financial institutions and plan providers, and they often arrive at different times throughout the early months of the year. What this means for you: It is normal to receive tax slips over several weeks; Filing too early may result in missing information or later adjustments; and Waiting until all expected slips have been received can help ensure accuracy
We recommend keeping all tax documents together as they arrive and allowing sufficient time for a complete review before filing. If you have questions about your investment-related tax slips or require copies of documents issued through our office, please contact your Financial Advisor. |
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| Tax Tip: Waiting on a Final Tax Slip? If you have received most of your tax slips but are still waiting on one or two, simply make a note for your Tax Preparer. This allows your return to be largely completed in advance, so it can be finalized promptly once the remaining slip arrives. |
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| Staying organized during tax season can help make the filing process smoother and reduce the likelihood of reassessments or matching requests from the CRA. |
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| | | Q: My spouse and I are retired. We have no debt, our home is paid off, and our investments provide comfortable income. Is there anything else we should be considering as we age? A: It sounds like you have done many things right. Diversified income sources, prudent investing, and life insurance planning are all important foundations. One area that is often underestimated, however, is planning for the financial impact of later-life events, including both declining health and income taxes that may arise at death. From a health perspective, extended care, whether in-home support or residential care, can be costly and may arise unexpectedly. While no one enjoys planning for these possibilities, being proactive can provide significant peace of mind. Practical steps may include: Maintaining a dedicated “health contingency” reserve Reviewing how accessible your assets are if funds are needed quickly Establishing credit options in advance, such as a line of credit or home equity line of credit
The best time to arrange these tools is before they are needed, as financial institutions are generally more receptive when health and finances are stable. Another important and often overlooked consideration is income tax at death. Certain assets may trigger significant tax liabilities in the final tax return, including: Registered plans (RRSPs and RRIFs), which are generally fully taxable as income upon death unless transferred to a qualifying spouse or dependent Non-registered investments, where accrued capital gains may become taxable at death Cottages, rental properties, or investment real estate, which can create substantial capital gains if values have appreciated over time
Without proper planning, these taxes are typically due within months and may require the liquidation of investments or other assets at an inopportune time. Advance planning strategies, such as beneficiary designations, asset location planning, staged withdrawals, or life insurance used for tax liquidity, can help reduce the burden on surviving spouses and beneficiaries and preserve more of your estate. |
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| Planning Tip: Planning Ahead can Preserve More for your Family Many Canadians are surprised to learn that certain assets can trigger significant income tax at death, often payable within months. Advance planning, reviewing registered plans, non-registered investments, and beneficiary designations, can help reduce stress for loved ones and avoid forced asset sales. |
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| Your Global Pacific Financial Advisor can help you review both your health-care contingencies and tax exposure to ensure your retirement and estate plans remain aligned with your goals. |
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| | | | Click here to access your reports using your Client Online Access Credentials. Your investment reports are available through your secure client portal, providing convenient access to your account information and documents. Statement Availability - Important Timing Note Year-end statements issued by insurance companies and financial institutions are generally mailed during the third week of January. For clients with online access through our partner institutions, year-end statements will typically be available online after January 19th, once they are released by the issuing company. Please note: Statement availability is determined by the issuing insurance company or financial institution. Online access timing may vary slightly by provider. Ongoing Report Access Within the client portal, you can access: Monthly reports – posted within the first 6 business days of each month Quarterly and bi-annual reports Financial Institution’s Year-end statements, once issued by the provider
All reports are securely stored in the Documents section of the portal for easy reference at any time. Need Help? If you need assistance setting up access or locating a document: We are happy to help you access the information you need |
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| | Travel Plans? Don’t Forget Travel Insurance! |
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| Heading out on a winter getaway? Travel insurance is a must, especially when the unexpected happens. We offer travel insurance coverage through a selection of trusted providers, including Allianz Global Assistance, TuGo, and Manulife Insurance, giving you access to competitive options tailored to your travel needs. |
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| | Travel Insurance Information: Travel insurance availability and purchase options may vary by province due to regulatory requirements. As a result, some direct purchase links may not be accessible in all regions. Global Pacific Financial Services (“Global Pacific”) is licensed in multiple provinces across Canada and can assist clients with general information and guidance. In British Columbia, travel insurance solutions may also be provided through our affiliated firm, Macnaughton & Ward Financial Services (MWFS), which is licensed in BC. If you have upcoming travel plans or would like assistance reviewing coverage options, please contact our office. We will ensure you are supported by the appropriately licensed team. |
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| | | | | | | If any of the topics in this newsletter resonate with you, we encourage you to contact your Global Pacific Financial Advisor to discuss how they apply to your personal circumstances. If there are financial or planning topics you would like us to address in a future edition, please Email Us. Your feedback is always welcome. Thank you for your continued trust. We look forward to supporting you in 2026 and beyond. Global Pacific Financial Services Ltd. Building and preserving wealth together. Established 1975 |
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| | Visiting Us? Reserve Your Parking in Advance Planning to drop by our office? We’re happy to offer complimentary parking for your visit - no need to pay at the meter. Simply call us at (604) 581-2134 before you leave home to reserve your space. Provide your license plate number and we’ll register it for the duration of your appointment. It’s quick, easy and ensures a stress-free visit. We look forward to seeing you! |
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| | | | Global Pacific Financial Services Ltd. (“Global Pacific”), a Managing General Agency distributor representing Canadian financial institutions and life insurance companies. Our distinguished partners have a comprehensive range of insurance and financial products, strengths and benefits to best suit the needs of customers. With advice and guidance from your Global Pacific Account Manager, you can be confident in achieving lifetime financial security. |
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