Insured annuity strategy guarantees an estate too One of the big questions facing new retirees is how to protect your income during retirement while leaving something to children or grandchildren in your will. Straight annuities can provide a guaranteed stream of...
…And why a refund isn’t a good thing in the first place If you filed a tax return in April, by now, you’ll have received a Notice of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency. Sometimes it’s accompanied by a tax refund cheque. If it’s substantial, it might even feel...
Calculating your critical illness and disability insurance needs Congratulations! You’re a successful businessperson. You’ve finally achieved that magical HNW designation – that’s “high net worth.” You’re a busy professional, executive, or business owner, and you’re...
There are better ways to generate retirement income “T series” mutual funds, so named because they are supposedly “tax efficient,” have become a popular type of mutual fund for investors seeking a steady, high annual cash payout. The payout rate is given in the name...
High cost, tight restrictions make it poor value for the money You’ve bought a new house, and you’re sitting with the bank’s loans officer ready to sign for that mortgage. Then she casually asks, “Would you like mortgage insurance with that?” Almost like your waiter...
Why market timing strategies are bad for your portfolio “Sell in May, go away, and don’t come back til Labour Day.” This year especially, investors might be tempted to do so, because markets have been on a tear, and the experts say they’re due for a correction. Catchy...
Where’s your retirement income hiding? Where will my retirement income come from? A worryingly large number of higher-tax-bracket individuals I talk to these days ask me that same question. After looking at their Canada Pension Plan payment, perhaps some employer...
Being frazzled, forgetful, and chronically chaotic is no excuse Sure, the government has given us an extra five days, until May 5, to procrastinate on filing our tax returns. That’s because their computer system was hacked (this is the Canadian government, remember,...
Annuities are just one tool in your arsenal One of the first questions many of my high net worth clients ask me is whether they’ll outlive their money. Now, if someone comes to you with $500,000 to $1 million to manage, you’d think they’d be feeling pretty...
How to prevent inflation evaporation in your portfolio Scottish distillers call the routine evaporation of a small amount of whisky during the distilling process “the angels’ share.” Likewise, inflation is quietly evaporating your retirement nest egg, your investment...
And some tax deductions too! Yes, I know, no one wants to think about taxes. But tax-filing deadline is April 30, and now is a great time to make sure you’re taking advantage of every single tax break you can get. Besides the exemption for the basic personal amount...
Are Canadian kids living in the U.S. eligible for RESPs? While relatives such as grandparents are eager to contribute to their grandkids’ education through a Registered Education Savings Plan, is it even possible if the student lives in the U.S. even though he or she...