Q – I am a self-directed investor and mainly trade stocks through an online brokerage service. Do you have any tips for a novice on how to set up a plan to become a successful investor? – Terri W., Fort Erie, Ontario A – Even before you start researching stocks as...
Q – I am a 60 year old man, and I need income. I am not getting what I require to live off of from my investments, and even more frustrating, I am depleting all my assets at a rapid rate. I need a steady stream of income and want to leave something behind for my...
Q – I am a fixed-income investor, and I require income from my investments. I have been looking to invest directly in bonds vs. bonds funds. What are the risks of investing in a bond? – Robin S., Forest, Ontario A – All investments, including bonds, offer a balance...
Q – My financial advisor calls me quite often and asks for my permission to sell one fund for another, stating that the market conditions warrant a change. I am pleased that my advisor is in contact with me, but frankly, I don’t know if I should be saying yes or no....
Q – My husband and I are both 45 and set to retire in 15 years. We have the majority of our money invested in mutual funds divided between RRSPs and cash accounts. We are looking to do some planning and wonder where we should be withdrawing money from first in...
Q – I would like a guaranteed income stream from my investments, but the return on GICs and T-bills is very little these days. A friend of mine just purchased an annuity and highly recommends it. What is an annuity, and will it provide guaranteed income? – Melissa T.,...
Q – I am a 25-year-old single female, and I just started my first job. I have put together a savings program for major purchases like a home and hopefully one day a wedding and children, but I have not saved a cent for my retirement. What is the best way to go about...
Q – I am a self-directed investor, and I am growing very tired of the huge swings in the market. Can you please give me your opinion on the latest market downturn? James R., Victoria, British Columbia A – Markets are going through an equity cycle, and we are in a...
Q – My wife and I put all of our savings into our mutual fund portfolio. We are doing okay but fear that we may not have enough money to retire while supporting our growing family and taking care of our aging parents. Do you have any advice for people like us? – Tom...
Q – How much should I be paying my financial advisor in fees? I invest primarily in mutual funds, and the costs are all embedded, so it is difficult to tell if I am overpaying. — Diane B., North York, Ontario A – There are many ways financial advisors charge fees, and...
Q – Should I be redeeming my mutual funds to protect my investments in this volatile time? – Jim B., Strathroy, Ontario A – Not necessarily. First of all, don’t panic! Markets fluctuate and regularly experience periods of volatility. During especially uncertain...
Q – I am 64 and will retire next year. I have a locked-in pension from my old employer. Do I need to wait until 72 to cash out my mutual funds? Please help! – Samantha K., Niagara Falls, Ontario A – When an employer makes contributions to a registered plan for you,...