Bond ETFs retreat as rates edge up You might have noticed that the shorter-term returns of the broader index-tracking bond ETFs, such as the iShares Core Canadian Universe Bond Index ETF (TSX: XBB), have been sliding recently. Is it time to switch out of passive,...
Robyn Thompson is regularly featured in The Toronto Star’s “Money Makeover” series by Deanne Gage. This month, Money Makeover takes a look at Justine and Gary, a couple with two young children, well-paying jobs, and who are living well within their means. The couple...
Make paying down your student loan a priority If you just graduated from university or college, you may or may not have a job in your field of study. What you probably do have is a pretty hefty student loan debt load. Many students wonder how they’re going to pay this...
Active versus passive investment styles The “couch potato” portfolio is so named because it takes a “passive” approach to investing. It is predicated on the theory that markets are efficient, or smarter, than any single person. Studies have shown that the passive, or...
A little pre-nup financial advice Young couples getting ready to tie the knot this summer typically have a lot to talk about – guest lists, invitations, venues, honeymoon, and all the details that go into planning a wedding. Money often isn’t part of the conversation....
Professionals bring unique skills to the table It seems like there are “financial advisors” around every corner. Trouble is, they all seem to offer different services and have different qualifications. And they all charge different fees. Do you really need a lawyer or...
Unless it’s a principal residence, you’ll pay tax on any gain in value If the likes of Steven Spielberg, Goldie Hawn, Kurt Russell, Tom Hanks, and Bill Murray have been spotted vacationing at summer homes in the exclusive Muskoka lakes region of Ontario, there really...
Sorting out “successor survivor” vs. “designated beneficiary” When you open a Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA), you’ll likely be asked whether you wish to specify something called a “successor holder” or whether you want to designate a beneficiary. If you’re not sure...
Robyn Thompson is regularly featured in The Toronto Star’s “Money Makeover” series by Deanne Gage. Money Makeover takes a look at Gina, 63, has recently purchased a preconstruction investment property to help fund her retirement in 2 years time. Gina says she is...
Is an annuity right for you? As a growing number of Baby Boomers retire, the question of what to do with maturing Registered Retirement Savings Plans is becoming more pressing. RRSPs must be shut down by the end of the year in which you turn 69, and the proceeds...
The difference between passive and active ETF investing Novice investors just getting started with exchange-traded funds often ask whether they’d get more bang for their buck with a couple of “smart beta” funds added to the mix. But I generally advise thinking twice...
How to use RESPs to save for post-secondary schooling May and June bring thoughts of summer vacations, the end of the school year, and graduations. For many students, post-secondary education is only a few years away. And their parents are often worried they won’t be...