Q – A friend of mine says she invests in a “couch potato portfolio,” and her returns are higher than my mutual fund portfolio! Is this possible, and do you recommend this type of strategy? Candice S., Vancouver, BC A – The “couch potato” portfolio is so named because...
Q – I am 70 years old, and my investment advisor has proposed that I reduce the risk in my portfolio. I require a high level of income from my investments and do not want to erode my principal. What is the right asset mix? – Melissa T., Banff, Alberta A – The decision...
Q – I have 16 different mutual funds in my portfolio of $600,000. I am a novice investor, and feel much better to have my assets diversified. Is there such a thing as being too diversified? – Glen B., Peterborough, Ontario A – A properly diversified portfolio will...
Q – I am a 60 year old male and make $120,000 annually. I am looking for a way to shield as much tax as possible while allowing my investments to grow. What structure do you recommend? – Ted Y., Stratford, Ontario A – If you have maximized your Registered Retirement...
Q – I would like to increase the income component of my investment portfolio. Which mix of funds would you recommend and why? I have a moderate risk tolerance and do not need to withdraw the income for five years. – Doug B., Winnipeg, Manitoba A – With a moderate risk...
Q – I am 76 years old and earn the maximum amount of money allowed through my retirement pension before the Old Age Security clawback. I would like to withdraw money from my investments to travel with my wife and do not want to face any clawbacks or tax consequences....
Q – My investment advisor has recommended a “strategic asset allocation” fund for my mutual fund portfolio. In doing my own research on the subject, I have been reading about something called “tactical asset allocation.” In your opinion, which strategy is better for...
Q – I am interested in adding exchange-traded funds to my investment portfolio. Currently, I hold 100% in mutual funds. I am not clear on the difference between the two, except I understand the cost is lower. I am a self-directed investor and do not rely on the advice...
Q – My assets are held in segregated funds at a large insurance company. Looking at my holdings, they seem to be similar to mutual funds. What is the difference between segregated funds and mutual funds? What is the cost difference between the two? – Mary M., Niagara...
Q – I am looking at buying my first house. Some of my friends have used money from their RRSPs to access the federal government’s Home Buyers’ Plan. How do I know if I qualify? – Sam R., Burlington, Ontario A – The Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP) was introduced by the federal...
Q – I am 36 years old, and I hold a mix of mutual funds and stocks in my investment portfolio. In 2012 I am going to start aggressively planning for my future. I am concerned about the impact of inflation on my investment returns. How do I factor this into my planning...
Q – I will turn 65 this year, and I am set to retire. Can you offer any advice on how to go about determining my income from government pensions? Thanks. – Jan B., Perth, Ontario A – Retirement can be an exciting and scary time. You are not alone, and as the baby-boom...