The Framework
The Wealth Drivers Pillars
Six dimensions. One comprehensive framework. Built on research, designed for real families.
Most wealth management focuses on investments and tax returns. The Wealth Drivers Pillars framework addresses the full picture — the financial, emotional, and relational dimensions that determine whether wealth endures across generations.
Pillar 1 of 6
HNW Financial Literacy
To equip affluent clients and their families with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to steward wealth responsibly across generations — because unprepared heirs are the number one cause of multi-generational wealth erosion.
What the Research Shows
Only 1/3 of adults answer basic financial literacy questions correctly — gaps persist even among high-income populations
Source: Lusardi & Mitchell, 2014
Unprepared heirs cause 25% of wealth transfer failures
Source: Williams & Preisser, 2003
Behavioral biases systematically degrade decision quality — awareness is the first defense
Source: Kahneman, 2011
Pillar 2 of 6
Business Owner Monetization
To help business owners plan, prepare, and execute a transition strategy that maximizes both the financial and personal value of their life's work — whether exiting, scaling, or passing the torch.
What the Research Shows
76% of business owners plan to exit in 10 years, but only 9% have a formal plan
Source: CFIB, 2018
Over $2 trillion in Canadian business assets at stake in the coming succession wave
Source: CFIB, 2022
50% of exits are unexpected due to death, disability, divorce, disagreement, or distress
Source: Exit Planning Institute, 2023
Pillar 3 of 6
Tax Planning & Optimization
To implement a multi-year, multi-account tax strategy that compounds wealth through intelligent planning — not just annual compliance — using every tool available in the Canadian tax system.
What the Research Shows
Tax-efficient strategies add up to 0.75% in annual net returns
Source: Vanguard, 2019
Proper asset location adds ~20 basis points per year
Source: Daryanani, 2008
TFSA contribution room: $7,000 for 2026 — strategic account selection matters
Source: CRA
Pillar 4 of 6
Retirement Readiness
To prepare clients for the financial, psychological, and relational dimensions of retirement — because the transition from working life to retirement is one of the most significant life changes a person will face.
What the Research Shows
Psychological readiness predicts retirement satisfaction more than financial adequacy
Source: Hershey & Henkens, 2014
Retirement accelerates cognitive decline without continued intellectual engagement
Source: Mazzonna & Peracchi, 2012
Three distinct adjustment trajectories — activity engagement determines which path
Source: Pinquart & Schindler, 2007
Pillar 5 of 6
Estate & Wealth Transfer
To build a comprehensive wealth transfer plan that protects assets, minimizes tax erosion, and — most importantly — preserves family relationships and shared values across generations.
What the Research Shows
70% of wealth transfers fail — 60% from communication breakdowns within families
Source: Williams & Preisser, 2003
51% of Canadians lack a will
Source: Angus Reid, 2018
Only 3% of transfer failures come from legal or financial planning errors
Source: Williams & Preisser, 2003
Pillar 6 of 6
Philanthropy & Legacy
To design a charitable giving strategy that creates meaningful impact, engages the next generation, and integrates with the client's broader wealth plan — from tax-efficient giving structures to family philanthropic governance.
What the Research Shows
8 distinct mechanisms drive charitable giving — understanding them enables strategic philanthropy
Source: Bekkers & Wiepking, 2011
Donor-advised funds hold $13B+ in Canadian charitable assets
Source: CAGP/KCI, 2023
Next-gen donors want hands-on engagement, not just cheque-writing
Source: Goldseker & Moody, 2017
See where you stand across all 6 dimensions
The Wealth Drivers Assessment takes about 15 minutes and gives you a clear picture of your wealth readiness across every pillar.
Start the Assessment