What Is a Segregated Fund And How It Works?
What are the advantages of segregated funds?
Segregated fund is one of the most common investment vehicles. They offer investors the opportunity to have their money invested in unrelated assets and currencies, giving them the potential for greater returns on their investment. Because segregation is key to the mechanism of segregationed funds, these types of funds are considered less risky than other types of assets, such as stocks or bonds. They are often used by individuals who want to protect their money from sudden fluctuations in the stock market or foreign currency rates.
Advantages of segregated* funds include:
- The ability to diversify an investment across different asset classes
- The potential for increased returns through higher yields and better liquidity
- Fewer risks associated with individual securities
7 Questions About Building Wealth for Future Generations
1. What is a segregated fund?
A segregated fund is an insurance product exclusively distributed by insurance companies. It is similar to a mutual fund but provides, among other features, protection against market downturns, by ensuring 75% to 100% of the invested amount at maturity or death.
A segregated fund allows you to invest in a variety of funds while keeping your assets segregated. This is important because it allows you to invest in unique and diverse assets that may not be available in mainstream mutual funds.
For some clients, this protection, which is not available for mutual funds, is a significant advantage as it limits the risk of loss.
2. Why choose segregated funds over mutual funds?
What is the difference between a segregated fund and a mutual fund? Is segregated funds better than mutual funds? Segregated funds vs mutual funds – which is better for you?
In addition to capital protection at maturity and at death, segregated funds offer many unique advantages, including:
- No probate fees for estate settlement
- Protection against creditors in case of bankruptcy or lawsuits
- Protection for gains, thanks to resets
- Simplified tax returns for investments
- Quick estate settlement thanks to the beneficiary designation
Some fund series also offers the possibility of guaranteed income for life.
3. Who are segregated funds for?
Segregated funds are for people of all ages. However, they can be a particularly interesting option for:
- People approaching retirement who want to protect their retirement savings
- People who want to simplify the transfer of their estate to their heirs
- Self-employed workers or small business owners who want protection in case of bankruptcy or lawsuits
- Anyone looking for financial peace of mind
4. Do segregated funds offer good potential for capital growth?
Is it good to invest in segregated funds?
Yes! As with mutual funds, the growth potential depends on the funds you invest in, based on your investor profile.
In any case, to optimize your growth potential, the most important things you can do are:
- Get good advice and invest based on your investor profile
- Invest in well-managed funds
- Diversify your investments
5. Is it possible to avoid certain fees by investing in segregated funds?
Yes. The advantage of designating a beneficiary means that you won’t have to pay certain fees related to estate settlement (such as probate fees, professional fees and legal fees) when transferring money out of a segregated fund.
Based on your province of residence, these fees can add up to a significant amount and make a big difference in the amount of inheritance left to your loved ones.
6. What is the management fee breakdown for segregated funds?
The management fee breakdown is the same as for mutual funds (management fees, advisory service, taxes, etc.). The only difference is regarding fees for benefits that segregated funds provide. This portion of the fee varies based on the type of fund and the series (guarantee) chosen.
You may also be able to take advantage of reduced fees thanks to preferential pricing that applies once your assets reach the threshold for eligibility.
We think every investor deserves a personalized experience, so we offer a holistic, tailored approach to managed segregated funds.
7. How to choose the right segregated fund for you?
There are a lot of segregated funds available to investors these days. What should you do to choose the right one for you?
Segregated funds are a type of mutual fund that invest in a variety of securities, including stocks, bonds, and real estate. How segregated funds work is that the fund manager manages all investment decisions in the same way, regardless of the type of security or geography. As a result, segregation serves as an investment-quality filter, helping to reduce the risk of market fluctuations and reducing costs associated with third party management.
Your Investment Goals
Here are nine factors to consider when choosing a segregated fund:
- Do you want to focus on long-term or short-term investments?
- Are you interested in investing broadly or specializing in a certain sector?
- Would you like direct exposure to international markets or would you rather have company restrictions? Your Financial Situation
- Do you have a large enough budget to cover the costs associated with this type of fund?
- Are there any specific holdings that you’re passionate about but don’t want to overspend on?
- Are there any investments that are outside your current financial boundaries? Your Risk Tolerance
- Would you prefer lower risk or higher risk investments?
- Do you want exposure to Canadian stocks or foreign stocks?
- How much control do you want over day-to-day portfolio activity (i.e., does making daring moves scare you)?
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Questions About Segregated Funds That Are Specific To Your Situation?
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Questions And Answers About Segregated Funds Q&A
*segregate
to separate or set apart from others or from the main body or group; isolate
https://www.dictionary.com/browse/segregate
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