Building Wealth with Brett

09/04/2026

The headline says it all:
“Jerry Buss left Lakers to his children. It’s tearing their family apart.”

And while most families are not passing down an NBA franchise, the lesson applies far beyond sports.

When money moves between generations, the financial decision is rarely just financial.

It can bring up control.

Fairness.

Timing.

Old family dynamics.

Different visions for the future.

And questions no one talked about early enough.

That’s why planning matters before the transition happens.

Not just to move assets.

But to reduce confusion, clarify intentions, and help protect family relationships when big decisions are on the table.

Because when money moves, the goal should not only be transferring wealth.

It should be helping the family stay intact through the process.

Five siblings against one. Public accusations. Old wounds made new. It is messy and uncomfortable … and impossible to look away.

09/03/2026

A family without a plan is like a team without a named captain.

Everything works—until a difficult decision has to be made.

Then everyone assumes they’re in charge, voices get louder and nobody knows who has the final say.

The same thing happens with family wealth. Everything may seem fine until money moves through:

• An inheritance
• A business sale
• A trust or estate
• A shared family property
• A major investment decision

Don’t wait for decision time to determine who makes the call.

Define roles, responsibilities and decision-making authority before the pressure arrives.

Save this post and start the conversation with your family.

09/01/2026

Money doesn’t create family conflict—it reveals it.

Trusts, legal agreements and court orders can establish structure. But they can’t resolve every unspoken assumption, old resentment or disagreement about who controls what.

Those issues often surface when real money changes hands:

• A business is sold
• An inheritance is received
• A longtime family cottage changes ownership
• Control of family assets must be decided

The dollar amount might be modest, but the emotional stakes can feel enormous.

Don’t assume everyone will “figure it out.” Discuss expectations, responsibilities and decision-making before a major financial event forces the conversation.

Save this post and share it with someone planning a family wealth transition.

WealthTransfer SuccessionPlanning

08/31/2026

The money moved. Now what?

What do I do with the inheritance?

What should I do with the pension?

Should I pay off the mortgage?
Should I invest this?

Can I retire now?

What happens after the business sale?

What do I need to update after divorce or loss?

What am I missing?

The first move usually isn’t to chase an answer.

It’s to organize the questions.

That’s what the Money in Motion Transition Checklist was built to do.

It helps you look at the major transitions and the decisions that often come with them, so you can avoid making a big move without the full picture.

Download the checklist here:
https://www.uptownwealthmanagement.com/money-in-motion

08/27/2026

A severance cheque can create a dangerous illusion.

Your regular paycheque has stopped—but suddenly, your bank account looks healthier than usual. That temporary sense of security can lead to major decisions:

• Paying off the mortgage
• Investing the entire payment
• Buying a vehicle
• Starting a business
• Making a large RRSP contribution
• Taking a pension’s commuted value
• Helping family
• Taking several months off

Any of these choices might be reasonable. The mistake is making one before understanding your new financial runway.

First, calculate how long your severance must support you. Then decide what the money can safely do.

Save this post before making your next move.

08/26/2026

Before you move the money, it may be worth asking one more question:

“What else does this decision affect?”

Because the obvious move is not always wrong.

It’s just not always complete.

Paying off debt may feel right, but does it leave enough cash available?

Investing a lump sum may make sense, but are there taxes or near-term needs to plan for first?

Moving a pension may be the right decision, but what are you giving up?

Keeping the house after separation may matter emotionally, but does the monthly cash flow work?

These are not small questions.
They are Money in Motion questions.

If you’re facing a major transition, I help Canadians slow the play down, see the full ice, and build a financial game plan before the next move gets locked in.

Book a quick intro call here:
https://www.uptownwealthmanagement.com/money-in-motion

08/25/2026

A severance offer isn’t just about the payout.

Before you sign, review:

✅ Salary continuation or lump-sum payment
✅ Benefits and pension coverage
✅ Unused vacation and bonuses
✅ Stock options, RSUs and vesting deadlines
✅ Non-compete and release clauses
✅ Tax implications
✅ The deadline to accept

Take your time, understand what you’re giving up, and consider getting professional advice before signing.

Save this checklist—you may need it sooner than you think.

08/24/2026

Most financial mistakes don’t happen because people are careless.

They happen because life changed and decisions started stacking.

An inheritance arrives.
A job ends.
A pension option needs to be chosen.
A settlement is being discussed.
A business sells.
A house sells.
Retirement gets real.
A spouse or parent passes away.

And suddenly, you’re expected to make decisions about money, taxes, accounts, legal documents, cash flow, insurance, and the future.

All at once.

That’s why I created the Money in Motion Transition Checklist.

It walks through the common decisions, documents, red flags, and questions to consider during life’s biggest financial transitions.

Before you invest, transfer, spend, sign, or lock anything in, use the checklist to slow the play down.

Download it here:
https://www.uptownwealthmanagement.com/money-in-motion

08/22/2026

A large severance cheque can distract you from a more important question:

What might you be giving up?

The most expensive mistake could happen before the money ever reaches your bank account.

Before making financial decisions:

✅ Understand every part of the severance package
✅ Obtain appropriate legal advice
✅ Identify the benefits, pension rights or other provisions you may be releasing
✅ Build a financial plan for the transition ahead

A severance package isn’t simply a cheque—it can affect your long-term financial future.

Save this post and get the right advice before signing or spending.

08/20/2026

Laid off? Your severance check may not be the most important number.

If you received company equity, review what happens to your vested and unvested shares before signing anything.

The timing of your departure could affect:

what you keep?
What returns to the company?
When taxes become payable
How much flexibility you have

A rush decision can create an expensive tax surprise or cost you to leave valuable compensation behind.

Understand the full package, not just the cash payment.

Follow for practical guidance when money is in motion.