BW Wealth Management

Markets pushed higher in August as AI-driven optimism helped investors look past softer economic data. The S&P 500 gained 2.62% and the S&P/TSX Composite rose 2.96%, even as softening retail sales kept consumer spending in focus. Back-to-school season adds another data point to that story, with spending expected to reach \$146.8 billion in the U.S. and \$4.5 billion in Canada this year.

Monthly Market Insights | September 2026 The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index advanced 2.62 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite rose 3.93 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lagged, adding 1.34 percent. The S&P/TSX rose 2.96 percent.1,2

Many investors focus on diversifying their portfolios across asset classes, but fewer give the same attention to tax diversification. Tax diversification refers to having a mix of account types that are taxed differently, including...

The Hidden Cost of Ignoring Tax Diversification

I am humbled and incredibly grateful to announce that I have completed the third and final test of the Special Enrollment Examination (SEE), completing the examination requirements to qualify for my Enrolled Agent (EA) certification.
The Enrolled Agent certification is the highest credential the IRS awards to tax professionals. Enrolled Agents are federally authorized tax practitioners who specialize in taxation and have demonstrated their expertise by successfully completing the rigorous Special Enrollment Examination and meeting the IRS’s requirements.
Unlike CPAs and attorneys, who are licensed by individual states and may or may not specialize in taxation, Enrolled Agents are federally authorized to practice before the IRS.

A few key points about the EA certification:
• The EA is the highest credential awarded by the IRS to tax professionals.
• Enrolled Agents specialize in taxation.
• EAs demonstrate their tax expertise by successfully passing the Special Enrollment Examination and meeting IRS requirements.
• EAs have unlimited practice rights before the IRS, allowing them to represent taxpayers in a broad range of tax matters and before IRS offices nationwide.
• The EA certification is federally recognized, rather than being issued by an individual state.
This has been a challenging and rewarding journey, and I want to sincerely thank my family, work family, and clients for their support, encouragement, and patience while I took on this endeavor.
The depth of knowledge I have gained through this process has strengthened my understanding of the Tax Code and will allow me to better serve my current and future clients. My goal is to use that knowledge to help taxpayers navigate the complexities of the tax system and identify opportunities to legally minimize their tax burdens.
I am extremely grateful and humbled to have put in the work required to earn this certification. This accomplishment represents countless hours of studying, sacrifice, persistence, and dedication.
I am proud of this milestone and excited to be able to help my clients with my expanded expertise. Thank you to everyone who supported me along the way!

Procrastination is a top reason people haven't created a will or trust since 2022, with men slightly more likely to delay estate management than women. Even fewer are taking action this year, with 43 percent of those without a will admitting they "just haven't gotten around to it.” In 2025, only 24 percent of survey participants reported having a will, and 4 percent mentioned other estate management documents, a decline from 33 percent with a will in 2022. Time to get it in gear!
Source: Caring.com February 18, 2025
https://www.caring.com/caregivers/estate-planning/wills-survey/

A productive tax planning meeting starts with having the right information available. The more complete your picture is, the more accurate and effective your planning strategies can be. At a minimum, it is helpful to bring recent tax...

What to Bring to a Tax Planning Meeting

Expanding the family through birth or marriage is the third most common reason Americans have set up wills. However, many parents in the U.S. still lack a will to name a guardian for their children. When changes come to the family, updating your strategy becomes super essential!
Source: Caring.com February 18, 2025
https://www.caring.com/caregivers/estate-planning/wills-survey/

The years leading up to retirement are some of the most important for tax planning. Decisions made during this window can have a lasting impact on how your retirement income is taxed and how long your savings may last. One key...

Tax Planning Opportunities Before You Retire

Although having a child is the fifth most common reason people consider starting an estate strategy, most parents with kids under 18 still don't have estate documents. It’s time to consider getting the documents together for you and your family!
Source: Caring.com February 18, 2025
https://www.caring.com/caregivers/estate-planning/wills-survey/