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Are you retirement ready?
Five key money questions to ask before you retire The Baby-Boom generation is getting ready to retire. It’s a big concern and a big issue, simply because that generation has been the dominant demographic since the late ’60s. And now they’re starting to feel the...
Smart money: get it, keep it with financial literacy
The power of an easy, basic budget to clear away the financial fog November is Financial Literacy Month in Canada. It’s the government’s way of trying to get people to understand that financial literacy is important for the financial well-being of individuals, and...
Is it time to play “defense” with your portfolio?
Trump’s victory has many concerned about market volatility With the election of Donald Trump as U.S. president, many investors believe that a new era of political uncertainty is going to increase stock market volatility. And that leads to questions about whether it...
Year-end tax issues with bond funds
Why they’re not taxed the same way as GICs As year-end approaches, it’s time to start thinking about the tax implications of distributions from your various investments. This year, the tax consequences of bond mutual funds compared with, say, straight-interest GICs...
Insured-mortgage rule changes give homebuyers the creeps
Why some first-time homebuyers are scared stiff If you’re looking to buy your first home, you’ve probably heard about the recent changes to mortgage lending rules recently announced by the government. If you’re shopping for an insured mortgage, these changes could...
The cost of investing in funds
Why it pays to pay attention to MERs As new fee transparency rules for advisors and money managers start to kick in, more investors have been asking me about difference between the costs of various mutual funds and exchange-traded funds. It’s a valid question, and...
Hitting the right financial notes before hitting 65
Robyn Thompson is regularly featured in The Toronto Star’s “Money Makeover” series by Deanne Gage. Money Makeover takes a look at Winifred, as she is turning 65 in a few months and worries that she doesn’t have enough of a nest egg for her golden years after...
Should you buy “haven” assets ahead of the U.S. election?
The trouble with precious metals, gems, coins, and commodities Getting worried about the outcome of the U.S. election? If so, join the growing club. Many pundits believe that whatever the outcome, the result could be negative for financial markets, particularly...
Tactical or strategic: Which allocation strategy to use?
Optimal asset allocation hinges on your risk profile Investors often come across the terms “tactical” and “strategic” asset allocation.” While it might sound like some sort of board game, the terms actually refer to two different types of portfolio management. And...
How to rein in your credit card debt
Tips for paying off the plastic A recent report by credit agency TransUnion paints a scary picture. According to the study, of over 26 million Canadians carrying some sort of variable-rate consumer debt, some 718,000 would not have enough cash to continue making...
Your RRSP is not insured against loss
Caution: CDIC covers cash deposits and not much else The term “Registered Retirement Savings Plan” conjures up all sorts of visions of guarantees and “official” protection against loss. After all, it’s “registered,” isn’t it? Actually, investments held in your RRSP...
When DIY investors need expert portfolio help
A good financial advisor can get your portfolio working again There’s nothing quite like the thrill of online trading. And a couple of really solid wins can get the adrenaline going. But for some reason you don’t seem to be ahead of the game. Your monthly cost in...