RRSPs

Power up your RRSP planning now!

Categories: Financial Planning, Money Management, Retirement Planning, RRSP Date: October 10, 2020

Make the most of this wealth-creation tool all year

Many investors only think about their Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) in February. But that’s really just a conditioned reflex, spurred on by financial institutions to get you to give them money in the first 60 days of each year. Any contribution made within those 60 days can be applied to the previous year and is deductible from your previous year’s income. That’s all well and good, but your RRSP really needs more attention than a panicky annual deposit just before the deadline.

Creating an income stream when your RRSP matures

Categories: Insurance, Money Management, Personal Finance, Retirement, RRSP, Tax Date: October 25, 2019

Three basic RRSP maturity options

Unlike a Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA), a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) does not last forever. In fact, it has a specific date by which you must collapse the plan and choose one of three main options for what to do with the proceeds. Here’s a look at how this works. READ MORE

Six rules for RRSP success

Categories: Financial Planning, Retirement Planning, RRSP Date: February 3, 2019

Key investment principles

This year, the RRSP contribution deadline for getting a 2018 tax deduction is March 1. You still have four weeks to make a contribution, and that’s plenty of time to discuss the best strategy with your financial advisor. To make sure you get the most benefit from your RRSP, there are six key rules that apply all the time, and that I advise my clients follow. READ MORE

RRSP contribution rules

Categories: Investing, Retirement Planning, RRSP Date: February 19, 2018

Still the most effective retirement savings plan there is

The Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) is still the most effective retirement saving and tax deferral vehicle available to Canadians. Because it’s such a powerful savings tool, it makes sense for everyone to open a plan a contribute to it regularly. This year, the deadline for RRSP contributions that will be eligible for a 2017 tax deduction is March 1, 2018. READ MORE

Now’s the time for RRSP planning

Categories: RRSP Date: October 23, 2017

Don’t wait until the last day of February!

Typically, you’ll get the RRSP contribution song and dance starting somewhere in January and lasting until the end of February. It’s really just a marketing push by financial institutions to scare you into giving them money in the first 60 days of each year. But that’s no way to do any serious RRSP planning. The better way is to start thinking about your RRSP contribution right now. You have lots of time to weigh the pros and cons, consult with your financial planner, and come up with some cash to contribute. Here’s what to do. READ MORE

Annuities as an RRSP maturity option

Categories: Retirement Planning, RRSP Date: June 12, 2017

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 either taken into income in a lump sum, rolled over into Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF), or used to purchase an annuity. Often, retirees will opt for some combination of these. While RRIFs are reasonably well understood, annuities are still a bit of a mystery for many. READ MORE

Stocks and bonds and RRSPs, oh my!

Categories: Retirement Planning, RRSP Date: February 13, 2017

Proper asset diversification is key to long-term investment success

With recent stock market uncertainty and fluctuating bond yields, many investors are wondering whether the tried-and-true principles for stock and bond allocations in an RRSP portfolio still hold. For example, bond funds, like the iShares Universe Bond Index ETF (TSX: XBB), are believed to have lower volatility ratings than stock funds, yet bond prices have recently fallen as yields have risen. And the solid returns from equity funds like the iShares Core S&P/TSX Capped Composite Index ETF (TSX: XIC) over the past couple of years have recently begun to flag. What’s an RRSP investor to do? READ MORE

RRSP limits and investments

Categories: Retirement Planning, RRSP Date: January 23, 2017

How much you can contribute, what you can invest in

Among the most common questions financial advisors are asked at this time of the year are, “How much can I contribute to an RRSP?” and “What can I invest in?” Registered Retirement Savings Plans are still the best individual tax deferral vehicle available for retirement savings, so it makes sense to review the contribution limits and qualified investments. READ MORE

Important information about RRSP maturity options

Categories: Insurance, Money Management, Personal Finance, Retirement, RRSP, Tax Date: December 5, 2016

You must act by Dec. 31!

If you turned 71 this year, and you still have an RRSP, you have until Dec. 31 this year to convert it into another type of tax-sheltered plan. If you don’t, the Canada Revenue Agency can take away up to half of whatever is in your RRSP. Here’s what you absolutely need to know about RRSP maturity options. READ MORE

Your RRSP is not insured against loss

Categories: Insurance, Personal Finance, RRSP Date: September 25, 2016

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 are no more or less protected or insured against bank defaults or swings in the market than any other kind of investment. READ MORE

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