The Three Levels of Retirement Resources
A survey conducted by a big bank some years ago* revealed that over 30% of Canadians were hoping for a lottery win to help fund their retirement. This raises the question, “If you were to paint a picture of your retirement, what would it look like?” Many would let dreams take over and envision lots […]
Retirement Investing Approaches
After spending likely 15 – 30 years focused on building an investment portfolio, it can be quite a challenge to switch gears when it comes time to withdrawing income from a retirement portfolio. This change leads to new ways of looking at investing as well as re-assessing habits that have been honed over decades. Many […]
The Magic Wealth Ingredient
There is a legend about a successful financial advisor in Warren Buffett’s stomping grounds of Omaha, Nebraska. It is reported that this advisor has learned the art of communicating the basics of wealth building with the local farmers. The advisor, who we will call Fred Smith, greets clients in his office with a window behind […]
Choose Wisely
Almost everyone agrees that it’s a good idea to have a will. However, it is estimated that about half of Canadians do not have one, and it is likely that many wills are out of date, perhaps even invalid. Not having a will can make the sorting out of your estate unnecessarily expensive, complicated and […]
Simple Goals for Living Well
This seems to be an increasingly topsy-turvy world with wacky politics and trade wars between the US and just about everyone else. And in Canada we have all just witnessed another hard-fought federal election that ended with a minority government. The question is how to navigate such tricky waters in daily life? For example, a […]
What You Don’t Know Could Cost You
The age old saying, ‘Ignorance is bliss’, may apply to many things in life. However, when it comes to your finances, ignorance can be absolutely devastating. Even the government is calling the startling low rate of financial literacy among Canadians an epidemic that can have catastrophic consequences for the nation’s economic future. A lack of […]
The Family Meeting
Phillip and Betty want their estate settled as smoothly and cost effectively as possible when the time comes. They have taken a number of steps to make sure this happens. Phillip and Betty review their wills on a regular basis and make changes as necessary. They have discussed their wishes with each other regarding funeral […]
Buy Now, Pay Big Time Later
Brent and Darlene really enjoy their ‘toys’ and their lifestyle. In the last few years, they bought themselves a big screen TV, a stereo system, two expensive new vehicles, a ski boat and took a tropical vacation, mostly on credit. They also used their credit cards to pay for numerous restaurant meals, theatre tickets, hockey […]
Beware of this Insurance Trick
Alicia was about to sign the papers on her new vehicle when she noticed an additional charge of a little over $3,400 for insurance on the Bill of Sale. When she asked the finance manager what it was for, he said, ‘Well, that’s for the life and disability insurance for your car loan.’ She was […]
Registered Retirement Income Funds
It is required by the Income Tax Act that a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) must be closed by the end of the year in which the planholder (annuitant) reaches age 71. At that time, the annuitant must decide what to do with their retirement savings. They have three options – cash in the RRSP, […]