We’re proudly based in Lakefield, Ontario — a small-town community where relationships still matter. While we’re rooted locally, we work with clients across Ontario who value personalized, professional financial advice.

Korkus Wealth Management was founded by Michael Korkus to offer thoughtful, independent financial planning tailored to each client’s unique situation. With over 15years of experience in banking and wealth management, we take a personal, hands-on approach to helping clients build and preserve their wealth — whether that means planning for retirement, managing a business, or leaving a legacy.

We focus on long-term relationships, not one-size-fits-all solutions. As an independent advisory firm, we’re not tied to any specific financial institution or product lineup — which means we can provide objective, customized advice that puts your goals first.

No — we’re fully independent. Our investment dealer is Designed Securities Ltd., and our custodian is Aviso Wealth. This structure allows us to access a wide range of investment options while maintaining personalized service.

We offer holistic financial planning, including investment management, retirement and taxplanning, estate and intergenerational wealth strategies, and insurance solutions. We also support business owners with transition and succession planning.

It starts with a simple, no-obligation conversation. We’ll take the time to learn about your goals, explain how we work, and see if we’re the right fit. From there, we’ll build a tailored plan — at your pace.

Estate planning strategies such as setting up family trusts, drafting a clear and legally sound will, and utilizing tax-efficient charitable giving can help preserve wealth. These tools ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes while minimizing tax liabilities for beneficiaries.

Trusts can provide more control over how and when assets are distributed, offer protection for beneficiaries, and reduce probate costs. In Ontario, common options include living trusts and testamentary trusts.

We focus on long-term relationships, not one-size-fits-all solutions. As an independent advisory firm, we’re not tied to any specific financial institution or product lineup — which means we can provide objective, customized advice that puts your goals first.

Effective wealth transfer planning involves more than just a will. It may include corporate structuring, family trusts, education funding, and coordinated estate planning. Clear communication with heirs and professional guidance help protect your legacy.

While not always necessary, involving adult children can improve transparency and reducepotential conflicts. It’s especially beneficial when managing complex assets, such asbusinesses or real estate, and when trusts or shared responsibilities are involved.

Strategies include income splitting, charitable donations, tax-loss harvesting, and investing through tax-advantaged accounts. A tailored financial plan can help you identify deductions and credits specific to your financial situation.

Tax-Free Savings Accounts (TFSAs), Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs), and corporate class mutual funds offer tax advantages. For incorporated professionals or business owners, using a holding company may also be an option.

In Canada, 50% of any capital gain is taxable at your marginal rate. Proper timing of dispositions, tax-efficient asset location, and strategic use of losses can help reduce the overall impact.

Canada has no inheritance tax, but assets are generally subject to a "deemed disposition"at death, meaning capital gains may apply. Estate freezes, trusts, and permanent life insurance are commonly used to manage these liabilities.

Proper diversification, active risk management, and non-correlated assets can provide downside protection. A discretionary portfolio manager offers guidance through uncertain markets.

Yes, when appropriate. Private investments—such as private equity or real estate development—can offer long-term growth potential but typically require greater due diligence, risk tolerance longer holding periods.

A discretionary portfolio manager actively manages investments on your behalf, tailoring strategies to your objectives. They provide institutional-level oversight, risk management, and continuous portfolio optimization.

Annually at minimum—especially when major life events occur, such as retirement, the sale of a business, or inheritance. Regular reviews keep your strategy aligned with market trends, tax law changes, and evolving goals.