Title: Influence of religious beliefs on estate planning decisions: evidence from Canadian survey data

Authors: Amarjit Gill; Neil Mathur

Addresses: The University of Saskatchewan, Edwards School of Business, 25 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N-5A7, Canada ' College of Management and Technology, Walden University, 100 Washington Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55401, USA

Abstract: This study examines the influence of individuals' religious beliefs on estate planning decisions (EPDs). Employed and self-employed individuals from Canada were surveyed regarding their perceptions of their level of religious beliefs (LRB) and EPDs. The survey indicates that individuals' LRB positively influences their EPDs in Canada. Findings show that individual assets and education positively, and marital status and family size negatively influence EPDs of Canadians. This study contributes to the literature on the relationship between the LRB and EPDs. The findings may be useful for personal financial planners and personal financial management consultants.

Keywords: assets; Canada; estate planning; income; level of religious beliefs.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBAF.2017.086455

International Journal of Behavioural Accounting and Finance, 2017 Vol.6 No.2, pp.155 - 167

Received: 14 Feb 2017
Accepted: 24 Apr 2017
Published online: 10 Sep 2017 *

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