money management

Time for a financial wellness checkup?

Categories: Financial Planning, Personal Finance, Saving Date: September 21, 2020

Four trouble areas, and how a planner can help

The Covid-19 pandemic and lockdowns have created plenty of financial stress for individuals and families. Temporary or even permanent income loss has been only partially mitigated by relief programs, such as the Canada Emergency Relief Benefit (CERB) and the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS). In any case, these programs are not permanent and will be wound down eventually. Feeling stressed? This is a good time to take stock of your situation with a financial wellness check in four key areas.

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Is there CERB relief for teachers?

Categories: Financial Planning, Money Management Date: July 31, 2020

Watch Robyn Thompson on BNN’s “Ask the Expert” feature on The Open, discussing whether a teacher still on a summer payroll is eligible for CERB.

Is there a CERB clawback clause?

Categories: Financial Planning, Money Management Date: July 20, 2020

Watch Robyn Thompson on BNN’s “Ask the Expert” feature on The Open, discussing whether CERB is pro-rated if you earn over the $1,000 monthly threshold.

Managing financial stress: a CFP professional weighs in

Categories: Financial Planning, Money Management Date: July 11, 2020

Robyn Thompson is featured in this FP Canada interview, discussing practical strategies for dealing with financial stress during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Choosing between CERB and CESB

Categories: Financial Planning, Money Management Date: July 7, 2020

Watch Robyn Thompson on BNN’s “Ask the Expert” feature on The Open, discussing which form of financial aid works best for someone who is both a seasonal worker and a student.

A 5-point prescription for healthy finances

Categories: Financial Planning, Investing, Money Management, Personal Finance, Saving Date:

Don’t let pandemic woes infect your bank balance

The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown many families’ financial plans into disarray. And while restrictions are gradually being lifted, activity is still far from normal. And, if the experts are right, there’s still the threat of a secondary wave of infections to contend with in the fall. Most everyone is washing their hands frequently and using masks in public spaces to stay healthy. But what about your finances? Here are five smart ways to sanitize your finances to make sure your bank balance doesn’t end up in the ICU.

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Retirement planning: invest surplus or pay off the mortgage?

Categories: Financial Planning, Money Management, Real Estate, Retirement Planning, Tax planning, TFSA Date: June 25, 2020

Robyn Thompson is featured in The Globe and Mail’s “Financial Facelift” series by Diane Maley. Mark and Meredith are well positioned financially with robust cash flow, and want to retire, but they still have mortgages on rental properties. Should they pay off the mortgages as fast as possible? Read Robyn Thompson’s advice on why that might not be the best idea for the couple at this point in their lives.

Retiring now? How to avoid pandemic panic

Categories: Financial Planning, Money Management, Personal Finance, Retirement, Retirement Planning Date: April 24, 2020

Coping with withdrawal risks and benefiting from RRIF rule changes

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has thrown many retirement plans into disarray. The collapse of the stock market in March, volatility in bond prices, the crash of energy markets, and the shutdown of virtually all economic activity naturally is causing a great deal of anxiety for those who were planning for retirement this year. But even now, there are financial strategies for pre-retirees and those in the early phases of retirement that can help protect your nest-egg and secure your income streams.

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How to apply for Canada’s emergency financial benefits

Categories: Financial Planning, Money Management, Personal Finance Date: April 8, 2020

Federal government’s CERB program up and running

Effective April 6, the federal government’s Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) provides eligible employed and self-employed Canadians whose employment has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic a defined amount of financial support. The benefit provides $500 a week for a four-week period ($2,000) for up to 16 weeks.

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Financial planning for a personal healthcare crisis

Categories: Financial Planning, Money Management, Retirement Planning Date: February 25, 2020

Robyn Thompson is featured in The Globe and Mail’s “Financial Facelift” series by Diane Maley. READ MORE

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