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,...
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,...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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.,...