How gifts, trusts and the lifelong learning plan can fund an education

The Globe and Mail
May 1, 2025.

Andrew Feindel, Senior Wealth Advisor at Richardson Wealth, shares how he helps clients explore options beyond RESPs — from structuring gifts and trusts to using the Lifelong Learning Plan (LLP).

“Families with more funds to spare can explore creating an educational trust with the help of their advisor,” he says. These structures can “result in significant tax savings for the family” by using children’s lower income brackets.

For mid-career professionals, the LLP “may be more costly than using cash or even taking out a loan,” so it’s crucial to consider the opportunity cost and return on investment carefully.

Related articles

2025

Planning cash flow in advance is a comfort during a time of market volatility

April 28, 2025 - Andrew Feindel discusses how market uncertainty due to tariffs underscores the need for advisors to explain all the possible portfolio scenarios…

2 minute read

2025

Tariff-wary Canadian investors turned to fixed income, international stocks this RRSP season

April 30, 2024 - Ida Khajadourian shares her approach to navigate the uncertainty when clients were wary of jumping into the market with tariff threats…

2 minute read

2025

Stop trying to sell life insurance to Gen Z

April 15, 2025 - Alysha Tse shares that practical advice clicks for her younger clients, and when it comes to life insurance.

2 minute read