Content Library
When a spousal RRSP is beneficial
With pension income splitting, the higher-income spouse can allocate up to 50% of their eligible pension income to the lower-income spouse, including Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF)...
Does your tax refund feel like free money?
If you consider your tax refund as a gift from the government, you’re not alone. Many Canadians see their tax refund or savings as free money – and money to spend freely. But that refund is your own...
When to review your will
Once you create your will and store it away, it’s an easy thing to forget about. However, certain changes in your life or the lives of others may call for a change to your will. Here are four areas...
Do you need an emergency fund?
Suffering job loss or a loss of income, waiting for disability benefits to begin, or needing a major home repair are just some calamities where an emergency fund can save you financially. To...
Managing a millennial dilemma
Millennials are Canada’s largest generation, and many of them face a wealth planning dilemma. They want to start investing for retirement while they are younger to benefit from compound growth, but...
Which is better – active or passive investing?
The debate over whether active investing or passive investing is the better approach has persisted for decades, among investment experts and everyday mutual fund investors. Active investing...
Cotiser au REER de son conjoint : oui ou non?
Grâce au fractionnement du revenu de pension, le conjoint ayant un revenu supérieur peut allouer au conjoint ayant un revenu moindre jusqu’à 50 % de son revenu de pension admissible, y compris les...
Suivre de près sa carte de crédit
On ne pense pas toujours à vérifier les achats facturés sur sa carte de crédit, surtout si on n’a pas eu de problème jusque-là. Cependant, personne n’est à l’abri d’une fraude ou d’une erreur. Il...
Votre remboursement d’impôt est-il de l’argent tombé du ciel?
Voyez-vous votre remboursement d’impôt comme un cadeau du gouvernement? Vous n’êtes pas le seul à penser ainsi! Pour nombre de Canadiens, ce remboursement est de l’argent gratuit — de l’argent qu’on...
Quand faut-il revoir son testament?
On fait son testament, on le range au bon endroit, puis… on l’oublie. Pourtant, il arrive qu’on doive le modifier parce que la vie, la sienne ou celle de quelqu’un d’autre, a changé. Voici quatre...
Avez-vous besoin d’un fonds d’urgence?
Perdre son emploi, subir une diminution de salaire, attendre le premier versement d’une prestation d’invalidité, devoir effectuer une réparation urgente sur sa maison, voici quelques-uns des revers...
Le dilemme des millénariaux
Les millénariaux forment la génération la plus nombreuse du Canada, et plusieurs d’entre eux font face à un dilemme en matière de planification patrimoniale. Ils veulent épargner en vue de leur...
Investissement actif ou passif? Qui gagne?
Entre l’investissement actif et l’investissement passif, lequel est le meilleur? C’est un débat qui anime les professionnels et les investisseurs autogérés depuis cinquante ans. L’investissement...
When a spousal RRSP is beneficial
With pension income splitting, the higher-income spouse can allocate up to 50% of their eligible pension income to the lower-income spouse, including Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF)...
Monitoring your credit card transactions
It’s easy to let up on regularly checking your credit card purchases, especially if you’ve never had a problem before. However, false or fraudulent charges can arise in various ways. A store...
Does your tax refund feel like free money?
If you consider your tax refund as a gift from the government, you’re not alone. Many Canadians see their tax refund or savings as free money – and money to spend freely. But that refund is your own...
When to review your will
Once you create your will and store it away, it’s an easy thing to forget about. However, certain changes in your life or the lives of others may call for a change to your will. Here are four areas...
Do you need an emergency fund?
Suffering job loss or a loss of income, waiting for disability benefits to begin, or needing a major home repair are just some calamities where an emergency fund can save you financially. To...
Managing a millennial dilemma
Millennials are Canada’s largest generation, and many of them face a wealth planning dilemma. They want to start investing for retirement while they are younger to benefit from compound growth, but...
Which is better – active or passive investing?
The debate over whether active investing or passive investing is the better approach has persisted for decades, among investment experts and everyday investors. Active investing typically involves a...
Top-down or bottom-up: a matter of style
When it comes to mutual fund investment styles, value and growth often attract much of the attention, but equally important are the top-down and bottom-up approaches. The top-down style looks at...
Consider long-term care costs
As our life expectancy increases, so does the likelihood of requiring health care or assistance with daily living. This support can be expensive, whether you have private care at home or move to a...
Investments and a change in marital status
Whether you get married or become single, any change in your marital status usually affects your financial life – even including your mutual fund investments. Here are just a few examples of...
When should you start your OAS pension?
You can begin receiving Old Age Security (OAS) benefits the month after you turn 65, or you can defer your payments anytime up to age 70. If you defer your OAS pension, the amount you would have...
Giving while living
While many Canadians follow the traditional method of leaving an inheritance by naming beneficiaries in their will, others choose to give their children an early inheritance or an advance on their...
Why RRSPs win out
Every so often, you may hear the opinion that saving in a non-registered account is a better way to fund your retirement than investing in mutual funds in a Registered Retirement Savings Plan...
Boule de neige ou avalanche?
Il n’est pas rare qu’on ait plusieurs dettes, comme un prêt auto, des cartes de crédit et une marge de crédit. Voici deux moyens de gérer cet endettement : l’avalanche et la boule de neige. Ces deux...
Quand un actif ne peut pas être divisé
C’est un véritable défi quand on a plus d’un héritier et un actif considérable qui ne peut être divisé. Heureusement, plusieurs solutions s’offrent à vous. Prenons le cas du propriétaire d’une...
Penser aux coûts de soins de longue durée
Comme notre espérance de vie augmente, la possibilité que nous ayons besoin de soins santé ou d’aide à domicile augmente également. Ce soutien n’est pas donné, que l’on opte pour obtenir des...
Investissements et nouveau statut conjugal
Nouveau marié ou nouveau célibataire? Toute modification du statut conjugal se répercute habituellement sur votre vie financière, y compris sur vos investissements. Voici quelques exemples — mais il...
Quand doit-on retirer les prestations de la sécurité de vieillesse?
On peut commencer à retirer les prestations de la sécurité de vieillesse (SV) le mois suivant son 65e anniversaire ou n’importe quand avant ses 70 ans. Si on attend, le montant qu’on aurait reçu à...
Donner de son vivant
De nombreux Canadiens choisissent de léguer leurs avoirs après leur mort à des bénéficiaires nommés par testament, ce qui est la méthode usuelle. Mais d’autres optent pour remettre à leurs enfants...
Pourquoi le REER l’emporte
On entend de temps en temps des gens dire qu’il est préférable de placer l’argent prévu pour sa retraite dans un compte non enregistré plutôt que dans un compte du régime enregistré...
The snowball versus the avalanche
Many people take on several debts, such as a car loan, credit card debts and a line of credit. Here are two methods to tackle multiple debts. The avalanche and the snowball debt repayment methods...
When an asset cannot be divided
You may face an estate planning challenge if you have two or more beneficiaries and a significant asset that you cannot split. Fortunately, several solutions are available. Say that a vacation...
Consider long-term care costs
As our life expectancy increases, so does the likelihood of requiring health care or assistance with daily living. This support can be expensive, whether you have private care at home or move to a...
Investments and a change in marital status
Whether you get married or become single, any change in your marital status usually affects your financial life – even including your investments. Here are just a few examples of investment...
When should you start your OAS pension?
You can begin receiving Old Age Security (OAS) benefits the month after you turn 65, or you can defer your payments anytime up to age 70. If you defer your OAS pension, the amount you would have...
Giving while living
While many Canadians follow the traditional method of leaving an inheritance by naming beneficiaries in their will, others choose to give their children an early inheritance or an advance on their...
Why RRSPs win out
Every so often, you may hear the opinion that saving in a non-registered account is a better way to fund your retirement than using a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP). The claim focuses on...
The mini-RRIF strategy
The latest age to convert a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) to a Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF) is 71, but you may want to open a RRIF at 65. You can take advantage of a strategy...
Have the lower-income spouse invest
If you and your spouse are in different tax brackets, here’s an easy and highly effective way to save tax on income and growth of non-registered mutual fund investments. The lower-income spouse has...
Investing in the retirement risk zone
The zone begins several years before you plan to retire and lasts until several years after you retire, and the risk is the market suffering a significant downturn during this critical period. What...
Mutual funds in the final phase
In earlier school years, one child’s RESP can vary greatly from another’s. Parents with a higher risk tolerance may favour equity funds, while conservative investors will favour fixed-income funds....
How to make tax-efficient RESP withdrawals
When it comes to withdrawing funds, your Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) is different from any other registered plan. It’s all because an RESP is composed of two pools of mutual funds – one...
Can market timing work?
Every once in a while, historically, a robust stock market suffers a correction or even a crash and then recovers – sometimes quickly, other times over a longer period. We’ve even experienced such...
La stratégie du mini-FERR
À 71 ans, on doit convertir son régime enregistré d’épargne-retraite (REER) en un régime enregistré de revenu de retraite (FERR). Mais vous souhaiterez peut-être ouvrir un FERR dès 65 ans. Vous...
Servez-vous de l’exemption pour résidence principale
Pour plusieurs Canadiens, le fait de ne pas être taxés sur le gain en capital lorsqu’ils vendent leur maison représente leur plus importante exonération fiscale, tout ça grâce à l’exemption d’impôt...
Lequel des deux conjoints doit investir?
Si vous et votre conjoint relevez de deux tranches d’imposition différentes, voici un moyen facile et efficace de payer moins d’impôt sur le revenu et les gains de placements non enregistrés. Le...
Quand vos parents ont besoin de vous
Avec l’âge, vos parents pourraient avoir besoin d’un coup de pouce pour faire les courses ou pour entretenir leur chez-soi. Il se pourrait aussi que vous deviez les aider à s’occuper de l’aspect...
Investir pendant la zone à risque de la retraite
Cette zone commence plusieurs années avant la retraite et se poursuit encore des années une fois que vous l’avez prise. Le risque, c’est que le marché s’effondre pendant cette période critique. Si...
Le calcul de décembre
Parfois, quand vient le temps d’effectuer un retrait de votre REEE, savoir si vous devez puiser dans vos cotisations personnelles (retour de capital non imposable), les PAE imposables, ou dans l’un...
Retirer de son REEE tout en payant moins d’impôts
En matière de retrait, votre régime enregistré d’épargne-études est différent de tout autre régime enregistré. Pourquoi ? Parce qu’il est composé de deux comptes : l’un est imposable et l’autre non....
Prédire ce que fera le marché, est-ce une bonne stratégie ?
Il arrive que le marché boursier, même s’il est robuste, subisse une correction ou s’effondre, pour ensuite remonter la pente, parfois rapidement, parfois lentement. Nous venons tout juste de vivre...
The mini-RRIF strategy
The latest age to convert a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) to a Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF) is 71, but you may want to open a RRIF at 65. You can take advantage of a strategy...
Using the principal residence exemption
Many Canadians’ largest tax break is not having to pay tax on the capital gain when they sell their home, thanks to the principal residence exemption. Here are three questions that come up. Can you...
Have the lower-income spouse invest
If you and your spouse are in different tax brackets, here’s an easy and highly effective way to save tax on income and growth of non-registered investments. The lower-income spouse has less income...
When your parents may need your help
As your parents age, they may need assistance getting groceries or taking care of the house, but they might also need help with their financial life. Here are some important financial and wealth...
Investing in the retirement risk zone
The zone begins several years before you plan to retire and lasts until several years after you retire, and the risk is the market suffering a significant downturn during this critical period. What...
The December manoeuvre
Sometimes, it seems like a guessing game trying to choose an RESP withdrawal: Should it be a tax-free return of capital, taxable EAPs, or a combination of the two? Say you’re making an RESP...
How to make tax-efficient RESP withdrawals
When it comes to withdrawing funds, your Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) is different from any other registered plan. It’s all because an RESP is composed of two pools of funds – one pool...
Can market timing work?
Every once in a while, historically, a robust stock market suffers a correction or even a crash and then recovers – sometimes quickly, other times over a longer period. We’ve even experienced such...
Safeguarding your RESP
When you look at the years available to grow your Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP), you must consider that your mutual fund asset mix becomes more conservative over time. This is especially...
When your child gets a credit card
Your child can have their own credit card at age 18 or 19, depending on the province. They should understand that, while they access their own money with a debit card, they borrow the bank’s money...
An overlooked tax credit for some retirees
One of your parents, your spouse – or you – may never have had a disability before, but in their senior years develops a serious physical or cognitive impairment. Depending on the condition’s...
Where you retire matters
When it comes to establishing your savings goal and retirement date, a key component is the cost of your desired retirement lifestyle. Estimating that cost can depend on where you’ll spend...
A trust can be for anyone
It’s a myth that trusts are only for the wealthy and famous. A trust can be useful whenever you have reason to control how your mutual fund assets are distributed to a beneficiary. Here are several...
Meeting multiple goals
If you ever have reason to meet two or more goals with a TFSA at the same time, you need a method to separate the investments for each objective. Here are three ways to meet multiple goals...
Are you making the most of your TFSA?
You may find that managing your Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) has become routine. That’s good news, to be comfortably saving for your financial goals. But you might be able to make even more of...
International events and your investments
The Trump administration’s policy on tariffs has dominated the news in recent months, as tariffs impact the economy in the U.S., Canada and globally. Stock markets have been affected by the fallout...
Protéger votre REEE
Moins il vous reste d’années à cotiser à votre régime enregistré d’épargnes-études (REEE), plus vos investissements deviendront conservateurs. C’est particulièrement le cas quand votre enfant...
Quand votre enfant reçoit sa première carte de crédit
Votre enfant peut avoir sa propre carte de crédit à l’âge de 18 ou 19 ans selon la province. Il est important qu’il comprenne que si la carte de débit lui permet de dépenser l’argent qu’il possède,...
Un crédit d’impôt que trop de retraités ignorent
Voilà que vos parents, votre partenaire, voire vous-même, jusque-là en bonne santé, développez avec l’âge un grave problème physique ou cognitif. En fonction de la sévérité de cet état, vous...
Où passerez-vous votre retraite?
Lorsque vous établissez vos objectifs d’épargne et choisissez la date de votre retraite, le coût du style de vie que vous souhaitez mener à la retraite est un facteur primordial. Vos besoins...
Tout le monde peut créer une fiducie
On croit à tort que seuls les gens riches et célèbres peuvent créer une fiducie. En réalité, la fiducie est utile quand, pour une raison quelconque, vous voulez gérer la façon dont vos biens seront...
Atteindre plusieurs objectifs
Si, pour une raison quelconque, vous voulez atteindre simultanément deux ou plusieurs objectifs avec votre CELI, il vous sera utile de trouver le moyen de séparer vos investissements en fonction de...
Profitez-vous à plein de votre CELI?
Il se peut que la gestion de votre compte d’épargne libre d’impôt (CELI) soit devenue routinière. Tant mieux, parce que cela veut dire que vous n’avez pas de mal à épargner en fonction de vos...
Les événements internationaux et vos investissements
Depuis quelques mois, la politique de l’administration Trump en matière de droits douaniers accapare l’actualité. En effet, ces tarifs vont bouleverser l’économie des États-Unis, du Canada et du...
Safeguarding your RESP
When you look at the years available to grow your Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP), you must consider that your mutual fund asset mix becomes more conservative over time. This is especially...
When your child gets a credit card
Your child can have their own credit card at age 18 or 19, depending on the province. They should understand that, while they access their own money with a debit card, they borrow the bank’s money...
An overlooked tax credit for some retirees
One of your parents, your spouse – or you – may never have had a disability before, but in their senior years develops a serious physical or cognitive impairment. Depending on the condition’s...
Where you retire matters
When it comes to establishing your savings goal and retirement date, a key component is the cost of your desired retirement lifestyle. Estimating that cost can depend on where you’ll spend...
A trust can be for anyone
It’s a myth that trusts are only for the wealthy and famous. A trust can be useful whenever you have reason to control how your assets are distributed to a beneficiary. Here are several of the more...
Meeting multiple goals
If you ever have reason to meet two or more goals with a TFSA at the same time, you need a method to separate the investments for each objective. Here are three ways to meet multiple goals...
Are you making the most of your TFSA?
You may find that managing your Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) has become routine. That’s good news, to be comfortably saving for your financial goals. But you might be able to make even more of...
International events and your investments
The Trump administration’s policy on tariffs has dominated the news in recent months, as tariffs impact the economy in the U.S., Canada and globally. Stock markets have been affected by the fallout...
Withdrawing more than the RRIF minimum
If your child is a student with earned income in 2024 less than the basic personal amount of $15,705, they’re not legally required to file a tax return – but they can benefit when they do.1...
Withdrawing more than the RRIF minimum
Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF), you must withdraw a minimum prescribed annual amount, taxable as income. When the required annual amount is enough to support your retirement, withdrawing...
Is all money the same?
One hundred dollars is one hundred dollars, right? Well, if you found a $100 bill on the sidewalk, would you use it the same way as $100 you earned? This idea is known as “mental accounting,” a term...
The investment component you control
You can’t determine how the markets perform, and you can’t control the return on your mutual fund investments – unless, of course, you only have investments with fixed interest rates. But you do...
Are you a member of the sandwich generation?
What happens when many couples are having children in their 30s or even 40s, and their parents are living longer? You have the sandwich generation – Canadians financially supporting their children...
Managing risk in retirement
Our retirement years come with several financial risks, but fortunately, you can take measures to help defend against each one. Many of these measures begin well before retirement. Here are some...
Staying true to your investment personality
During a period of exceptional stock market returns, such as the market performance of 2024, different types of mutual fund investors might be tempted to stray from their investment plan. It’s only...
Pourquoi votre enfant devrait produire une déclaration de revenus
Si votre enfant est un étudiant ayant gagné en 2024 un revenu inférieur au montant personnel de base de 15 705 $, il n’est pas tenu légalement de produire une déclaration de revenus – quoique cela...
Retirer plus que le minimum de son FERR
Au cours de l’année suivant l’ouverture de votre fonds enregistré de revenu de retraite (FERR), vous devez en retirer le montant minimal prescrit, qui sera imposé à titre de revenu. Quand cette...
L’argent a-t-il toujours la même valeur
Cent dollars c’est cent dollars, non ? Bien. Mais si vous trouvez un billet de 100 $ sur le trottoir, l’utiliserez-vous comme vous le feriez de 100 $ que vous auriez gagnés ? On appelle cela «...
La part d’investissement que vous contrôlez
Vous ne pouvez pas agir sur la façon dont les marchés se comportent ni sur les rendements de vos placements – sauf, évidemment, si vous ne possédez que des investissements garantis. Mais vous pouvez...
Faites-vous partie de la génération sandwich ?
Que se passe-t-il quand beaucoup de couples ont des enfants dans la trentaine, voire la quarantaine, et que leurs parents vivent plus longtemps ? Cela crée ce qu’on appelle la « génération sandwich...
Gérer le risque à la retraite
Les années que nous passons à la retraite comportent leur lot de risques financiers, mais, heureusement, vous pouvez avoir recours à des mesures susceptibles de vous protéger de chacun d’entre eux....
Restez fidèle à votre personnalité d’investisseur
Lorsque les rendements sur les marchés boursiers sont exceptionnels, des investisseurs pourraient être tentés de s’éloigner de leur plan d’investissement. C’est dans la nature humaine de vouloir...
Why your child should file a tax return
If your child is a student with earned income in 2024 less than the basic personal amount of $15,705, they’re not legally required to file a tax return – but they can benefit when they do.¹...
Withdrawing more than the RRIF minimum
Starting the year after you open a Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF), you must withdraw a minimum prescribed annual amount, taxable as income. When the required annual amount is enough to...
Is all money the same?
One hundred dollars is one hundred dollars, right? Well, if you found a $100 bill on the sidewalk, would you use it the same way as $100 you earned? This idea is known as “mental accounting,” a term...
The investment component you control
You can’t determine how the markets perform, and you can’t control the return on your investments – unless, of course, you only have guaranteed investments. But you do have control over the amount...
Are you a member of the sandwich generation?
What happens when many couples are having children in their 30s or even 40s, and their parents are living longer? You have the sandwich generation – Canadians financially supporting their children...
Managing risk in retirement
Our retirement years come with several financial risks, but fortunately, you can take measures to help defend against each one. Many of these measures begin well before retirement. Here are some...
Staying true to your investment personality
During a period of exceptional stock market returns, such as the market performance of 2024, different types of investors might be tempted to stray from their investment plan. It’s only human nature...
The unsung benefit of regular RRSP contributions
When you contribute regularly to mutual funds in a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP), you don’t just benefit financially – you also benefit psychologically. Making regular RRSP contributions...
If you’re ever asked for a loan
Has a friend or relative ever asked you for a loan? If the person is close to you and has a genuine need, you may find it easy to say yes. But in many cases, the decision can be difficult. Here are...
An early-year warning for TFSA contributions
In recent years, tens of thousands of Canadians paid penalties to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) due to Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) overcontributions. The penalty is 1% of the excess...
Making financial decisions when you’re single
According to Statistics Canada, the most common type of household in Canada is the one-person household.1 If you’re single, some wealth-planning components take on more importance, and some are very...
How lower rates may affect your investments
The Bank of Canada’s recent interest-rate cuts are the first rate reductions in about four years. We’ve become familiar with the impact of rising rates on our mutual fund investments, but what about...
Mutual fund investing for beneficiaries
How a beneficiary invests inherited funds depends on the amount and the beneficiary’s unique needs. A beneficiary may simply add to existing mutual fund investments or take advantage of a new...
Choose your beneficiaries carefully
When naming a beneficiary for a registered plan, it’s common to simply designate a spouse or adult child, without giving the matter further thought. This might end up being the best choice, but not...
What to do when retirement is around the corner
When retirement approaches, several wealth planning to-do’s arise. To help make these into a plan, here are the important items in two groups – what you do on your own and what to do with our input....
Contribuer régulièrement au REER : une très bonne idée
Lorsque vous contribuez régulièrement à votre Régime enregistré d’épargne-retraite (REER), non seulement y gagnez-vous financièrement, mais aussi psychologiquement. Cela vous apporte la tranquillité...
Si on vous demande de cosigner un prêt
Un ami qui vient de faire faillite vous demande de cosigner son prêt auto. Ou votre fils et sa conjointe ont du mal à obtenir un prêt hypothécaire et veulent savoir si vous acceptez d’en être le...
Cotisation au CELI : Attention!
Ces dernières années, ce sont des dizaines de milliers de Canadiens qui ont payé des pénalités à l’Agence du revenu du Canada parce qu’ils avaient déposé au-delà de la limite permise dans leur...
Les défis des célibataires
Selon Statistique Canada, une majorité de ménages canadiens est composée d’une seule personne1. Si vous êtes célibataire, certains éléments de la planification de votre patrimoine sont plus...
L’effet des baisses de taux sur vos investissements
Pour la première fois en plus ou moins quatre ans, la Banque du Canada a réduit les taux d’intérêt. Nous avons appris à connaître l’effet de la hausse des taux sur nos placements, mais qu’en est-il...
Changer de bénéficiaire
Plusieurs raisons font qu’on modifie le bénéficiaire de son Régime enregistré d’épargne-retraite (REER) ou qu’on en ajoute d’autres. On se remarie et on retire le nom de son ex-conjoint, on devient...
Choisir soigneusement ses bénéficiaires
La plupart du temps, on désigne, sans trop réfléchir, son conjoint ou un enfant adulte comme bénéficiaire d’un régime enregistré. C’est parfois le meilleur choix, mais pas toujours. Examinons de...
Que faire quand la retraite approche?
Quand la retraite approche, vous avez beaucoup de questions d’argent à considérer. Pour transformer cette liste en plan, divisez les principaux éléments en deux catégories : à faire seul et à faire...
The unsung benefit of regular RRSP contributions
When you contribute regularly to a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP), you don’t just benefit financially – you also benefit psychologically. Making regular RRSP contributions can give you...
If you’re asked to co-sign a loan
A friend who’s just endured a bankruptcy asks if you’ll act as a co-signer for a car loan. Or your son and his wife are facing challenges in securing a mortgage and want to know if you’ll co-sign....
An early-year warning for TFSA contributions
In recent years, tens of thousands of Canadians paid penalties to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) due to Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) overcontributions. The penalty is 1% of the excess...
Making financial decisions when you’re single
According to Statistics Canada, the most common type of household in Canada is the one-person household.1 If you’re single, some wealth-planning components take on more importance, and some are very...
How lower rates may affect your investments
The Bank of Canada’s recent interest-rate cuts are the first rate reductions in about four years. We’ve become familiar with the impact of rising rates on our investments, but what about the effect...
When beneficiaries can change
Say that someone remarries and they remove their ex-spouse as the beneficiary of their Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP). Or a grandparent has a new grandchild, and they update their will to...
Choose your beneficiaries carefully
When naming a beneficiary for a registered plan, it’s common to simply designate a spouse or adult child, without giving the matter further thought. This might end up being the best choice, but not...
What to do when retirement is around the corner
When retirement approaches, several wealth planning to-do’s arise. To help make these into a plan, here are the important items in two groups – what you do on your own and what to do with our input....
Why digital assets belong in your estate plan
Imagine if the person administering your estate needs access to the bills you pay online, but they can’t get into your bank account. That’s just one of many reasons why your estate plan should...
Respecting your time horizon
A shortening time horizon typically calls for a shift toward more conservative mutual fund investments to safeguard your portfolio from the risk of a market correction or crash. Say that your child...
Get a head start on year-end to-dos
With holiday planning and end-of-year financial deadlines, December can be hectic. But if you start your financial to-dos soon, you’ll have an easier time later. RESP contributions. Be sure to...
Deciding when to start CPP/QPP benefits
If you start Canada Pension Plan (CPP)/Quebec Pension Plan (QPP) benefits before age 65, you receive a smaller monthly amount but for a longer period. Start later and you increase the benefit...
Do you involve your spouse in financial matters?
One spouse does the gardening and rakes the leaves. The other takes the car in for repairs. It’s common for each spouse to become responsible for specific roles. That’s usually a good thing, but not...
Helping young adult children save for the future
Many young adults face a savings dilemma. They may understand that the sooner they begin investing in mutual funds, the greater the effect of compound growth in building wealth for the future. But...
Did you pass the volatility test?
In the process of deciding how your money will be invested in mutual funds, you answered questions that helped determine your tolerance to risk. You had to predict how you would react if your...
Vos biens numériques font partie de votre succession
La personne qui s’occupera de votre succession devra, par exemple, s’acquitter des factures que vous payez en ligne. Imaginez qu’elle ne puisse pas accéder à votre compte bancaire. Et ce n’est que...
Respectez votre horizon temporel
Quand votre horizon temporel se rapproche, il est temps normalement d’opter pour des investissements plus conservateurs afin de protéger votre portefeuille d’une éventuelle correction du marché ou...
Prenez de l’avance sur vos devoirs de fin d’année
Entre les préparatifs pour le congé des fêtes et les échéances financières de fin d’année, décembre n’est pas de tout repos. Si vous vous attaquez tôt à vos obligations en matière de placement, vous...
Quand commencer à retirer du RPC et du RRQ?
Si vous commencez à retirer des prestations du Régime de pensions du Canada (RPC) et du Régime des rentes du Québec (RRQ) avant d’avoir atteint 65 ans, vous recevrez moins chaque mois, mais pendant...
Prenez-vous à deux vos décisions financières?
L’un s’occupe du jardin et des feuilles mortes, et l’autre de l’auto. Il arrive souvent que chaque conjoint se charge de tâches précises. Normalement, c’est une bonne chose, mais pas en matière de...
Aider vos jeunes à épargner en vue de l’avenir
Plusieurs jeunes adultes se trouvent dans une impasse quand il est question d’épargner. Ils ont beau comprendre que plus vite ils s’y mettront, plus l’effet de croissance composée sera considérable,...
Avez-vous réussi le test de la volatilité?
Pour établir comment investir votre argent, vous avez répondu à des questions servant à déterminer quelle était votre tolérance au risque. Vous avez tenté de prédire comment vous réagiriez si la...
Why digital assets belong in your estate plan
Imagine if the person administering your estate needs access to the bills you pay online, but they can’t get into your bank account. That’s just one of many reasons why your estate plan should...
Respecting your time horizon
A shortening time horizon typically calls for a shift toward more conservative investments to safeguard your portfolio from the risk of a market correction or crash. Say that your child is starting...
Get a head start on year-end to-dos
With holiday planning and end-of-year financial deadlines, December can be hectic. But if you start your financial to-dos soon, you’ll have an easier time later. RESP contributions. Be sure to...
Deciding when to start CPP/QPP benefits
If you start Canada Pension Plan (CPP)/Quebec Pension Plan (QPP) benefits before age 65, you receive a smaller monthly amount but for a longer period. Start later and you increase the benefit...
Do you involve your spouse in financial matters?
One spouse does the gardening and rakes the leaves. The other takes the car in for repairs. It’s common for each spouse to become responsible for specific roles. That’s usually a good thing, but not...
Helping young adult children save for the future
Many young adults face a savings dilemma. They may understand that the sooner they begin investing, the greater the effect of compound growth in building wealth for the future. But they can’t put...
Did you pass the volatility test?
In the process of deciding how your money will be invested, you answered questions that helped determine your tolerance to risk. You had to predict how you would react if your portfolio lost value,...
Be on the lookout for fraud
According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC), Canadians lost $567 million to fraud in 2023 – and the CAFC estimates that only 5 to 10 percent of fraud attempts are reported.1 Advanced...
Naming your child as executor
It’s quite common to name an adult child as the executor of an estate (also known as estate trustee, personal representative or liquidator, depending on the province). Often, it’s a wise decision –...
Boost your retirement savings
Is your Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) tax refund still sitting in your bank account? Here’s a strategy you can implement now – or use next year if you spent your tax refund. Invest your...
Tackling the money talk
Whether a financial matter relates to your spouse, children, parents or siblings, having a discussion that involves money is often difficult. For whatever reason, the money talk just seems to be...
Will life changes affect your retirement plans?
You may envision your desired retirement lifestyle, reach your mutual fund investment goal and retire at your scheduled retirement date. However, many couples and individuals encounter situations...
The mutual fund advantage
With an investment objective as important as funding a child’s education, you want to minimize risk. Mutual funds can help manage risk by diversifying across asset classes, geographic regions,...
Are your education savings on track?
It can be quite common to base an education savings target on average tuition costs or current costs of residence and off-campus housing. But there are many reasons why education costs might end up...
The best time to invest is…
In the past few months, stock markets in Canada, the U.S., Japan and Europe reached record highs. In market extremes, whether it’s an upswing or downswing, many mutual fund investors wonder if they...
Alerte aux fraudes!
Selon le Centre antifraude du Canada, les Canadiens ont perdu 567 millions $ en 2023 à cause des fraudes – et le Centre estime qu’à peine de 5 % à 10 % des tentatives de fraude sont signalées1. À...
Nommer son enfant liquidateur
Il est courant de demander à l’un de ses enfants adultes d’agir à titre de liquidateur, ou exécuteur, testamentaire. C’est souvent une sage décision – mais pas toujours. Assurez-vous que votre...
Gonflez votre épargne-retraite
Est-ce que le remboursement d’impôt que vous a valu votre cotisation au Régime enregistré d’épargne-retraite (REER) dort dans votre compte de banque? Voici ce que vous pourriez en faire de plus...
Discuter argent sans se disputer
Il n’est pas toujours facile de parler d’argent, que ce soit avec son conjoint, ses enfants, ses parents ou ses frères et sœurs. Pour une raison quelconque, parler d’argent est tabou. ...
Changements de vie, changements de projets de retraite?
Vous avez imaginé votre retraite, atteint votre objectif financier et vous êtes retraité à la date prévue. Bravo! Mais certains événements auraient pu vous conduire à remettre en cause vos projets...
Comment épargner
Habituellement, on choisit d’emblée le REEE quand on veut épargner en vue des études postsecondaires, mais les parents, et les grands-parents, peuvent utiliser d’autres instruments d’investissement...
Votre épargne-études est-elle adéquate?
Quand on calcule combien on doit épargner en vue des études des enfants, on se fie habituellement à ce qu’il en coûte actuellement en droits de scolarité et en résidence, sur le campus ou en dehors...
Le meilleur moment pour investir, c’est…
Depuis quelques mois, au Canada, aux États-Unis, au Japon, en Europe, les bourses fracassent des records. Quand le marché flirte avec les extrêmes, celui d’en haut ou celui d’en bas, nombreux sont...
Be on the lookout for fraud
According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC), Canadians lost $567 million to fraud in 2023 – and the CAFC estimates that only 5 to 10 percent of fraud attempts are reported.1 Advanced...
Naming your child as executor
It’s quite common to name an adult child as the executor of an estate (also known as estate trustee, personal representative or liquidator, depending on the province). Often, it’s a wise decision –...
Boost your retirement savings
Is your Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) tax refund still sitting in your bank account? Here’s a strategy you can implement now – or use next year if you spent your tax refund. Invest your...
Tackling the money talk
Whether a financial matter relates to your spouse, children, parents or siblings, having a discussion that involves money is often difficult. For whatever reason, the money talk just seems to be...
Will life changes affect your retirement plans?
You may envision your desired retirement lifestyle, reach your financial goal and retire at your scheduled retirement date. However, many couples and individuals encounter situations that make them...
Ways to save
An RESP is typically the first choice to fund a child’s post-secondary education, but parents and grandparents have other savings options to supplement an RESP. Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA)....
Are your education savings on track?
It can be quite common to base an education savings target on average tuition costs or current costs of residence and off-campus housing. But there are many reasons why education costs might end up...
The best time to invest is…
In the past few months, stock markets in Canada, the U.S., Japan and Europe reached record highs. In market extremes, whether it’s an upswing or downswing, many people wonder if they should invest...
Investing a large lump sum
If you’re about to invest a significant lump sum in mutual funds, you may wonder whether you’re better off investing the entire sum at once or investing smaller amounts over time. It’s actually a...
Dedicating savings for a specific need or want
Anyone saving for their child’s education costs or their own retirement typically makes regular contributions to mutual funds in a registered plan. But what if you’re saving for a trip to Europe or...
Safeguard your mutual fund assets with a trusted contact person
Just over two years ago, the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) introduced the concept of a “trusted contact person,” which has now been adopted across the country. A mutual fund investor may...
Looking at the lure of money market funds
With money market funds recently posting annual returns upward of 4%, many mutual fund investors wonder whether they should choose these funds for part of their portfolio. Factors to consider...
Finding a balance between spending and saving
When it comes to spending versus saving, there is no exact balance that’s right for everyone. Each of us has our own money personality, perhaps one we’re born with, acquired by following – or...
Meeting health-care needs
As our longevity increases, so does the possibility of losing our independence and requiring long-term care. Private care can be extremely costly, whether you stay at a health-care residence or at...
How to use your TFSA in retirement
Just as a Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) meets a variety of needs during your working years, it can be equally versatile during retirement. Providing tax-free income Drawing income without...
Why goals-based investing matters
The concept of “goals-based investing” has been appearing in the media, and it’s often touted as something new. Perhaps it’s new to some mutual fund investors, especially anyone who invests on their...
Investir un gros montant
Vous êtes sur le point d’investir une grosse somme d’argent, et vous vous demandez si vous devriez le faire d’un coup ou petit à petit. C’est là une question qui fait beaucoup jaser dans les...
Allouer certaines épargnes à un but précis
En général, ceux qui économisent pour les études de leurs enfants ou leur propre retraite cotisent régulièrement à un régime enregistré. Mais comment faire quand on épargne pour faire un voyage en...
Protégez vos actifs en nommant une personne de confiance
Il y a un peu plus de deux ans, les Autorités canadiennes en valeurs mobilières (ACVM) ont créé la notion de « personne de confiance » qui est désormais en vigueur dans tout le pays. Un investisseur...
Oui ou non aux CPG?
Comme les certificats de placement garanti (CPG) offrent depuis peu des rendements de plus de 4 %, plusieurs investisseurs se demandent s’ils devraient les inclure dans leur portefeuille. Les...
Équilibrer ses dépenses et ses épargnes
Trouver le juste équilibre entre ses dépenses et ses épargnes est une affaire hautement individuelle. Chacun a sa propre vision de l’argent, parfois innée, tantôt transmise par ses parents – ou à...
Aurez-vous besoin de soins de longue durée?
Notre longévité collective augmente, et on peut s’en réjouir, mais cela implique parfois une perte d’autonomie et la nécessité de recevoir des soins de longue durée. Les services de soins privés...
Comment utiliser votre CELI à la retraite
Un compte d’épargne libre d’impôt (CELI) a diverses utilités pour le travailleur, mais savez-vous qu’il peut être tout aussi polyvalent pour les retraités? Un revenu libre d’impôt Retirer un...
Pourquoi il importe d’investir en fonction de ses objectifs
La notion d’« investissement basé sur les objectifs » est récemment apparue dans les médias, comme si c’était tout à fait nouveau. Il se peut en effet que ce soit une découverte pour certains...
Investing a large lump sum
If you’re about to invest a significant lump sum, you may wonder whether you’re better off investing the entire sum at once or investing smaller amounts over time. It’s actually a widely debated...
Dedicating savings for a specific need or want
Anyone saving for their child’s education costs or their own retirement typically makes regular contributions to a registered plan. But what if you’re saving for a trip to Europe or a kitchen...
Safeguard your assets with a trusted contact person
Just over two years ago, the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) introduced the concept of a “trusted contact person,” which has now been adopted across the country. An investor may give their...
Looking at the lure of GICs
With Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs) recently offering yields upward of 4%, many investors wonder whether they should choose GICs for part of their portfolio. Factors to consider...
Finding a balance between spending and saving
When it comes to spending versus saving, there is no exact balance that’s right for everyone. Each of us has our own money personality, perhaps one we’re born with, acquired by following – or...
Meeting health-care needs
As our longevity increases, so does the possibility of losing our independence and requiring long-term care. Private care can be extremely costly, whether you stay at a health-care residence or at...
How to use your TFSA in retirement
Just as a Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) meets a variety of needs during your working years, it can be equally versatile during retirement. Providing tax-free income Drawing income without...
Why goals-based investing matters
The concept of “goals-based investing” has been appearing in the media, and it’s often touted as something new. Perhaps it’s new to some investors, especially anyone who invests on their own, but...
Ever want your fortune told?
A parent is struggling with a decision about using their mutual fund investments to help a child make a down payment on their first home. Will too large of a gift interfere with the parent’s...
Share financial information with your spouse during retirement
Imagine a situation where one spouse primarily deals with the couple’s financial life. What happens if that spouse is the first to pass away? The widowed spouse already faces the psychological and...
Be wary of forecast season
Last January, we all heard that a global recession was imminent in 2023. The forecast came from financial institutions, industry analysts and experts everywhere – in both the financial and...
Using an RRSP for a home or an education
If someone needs funds to help achieve a life goal or meet an unexpected need, making a withdrawal from Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) mutual fund investments is usually a last resort....
Should downsizing be part of your retirement plan?
When you’re approaching retirement or already retired, thoughts of downsizing may have crossed your mind. Selling the home can be especially tempting when its value represents a large part of your...
The blended finances of a blended family
When a parent remarries, financial life changes, especially when both spouses have children from a previous marriage. Here are several areas that often call for change. Children and money. One...
When life changes, your financial life changes too
It’s said that life is what happens while you’re making other plans. We all experience life changes from time to time, and any of those changes can have financial consequences. Here are several...
Investing during a market recovery
There’s no such thing as a typical market recovery. Past recoveries have lasted as little as a few months to as long as several years. Some have been generally smooth, while others have been...
Savez-vous ce que vous valez ?
Vous vous demandez si vous pouvez aider votre enfant à verser la mise de fonds pour l’achat de sa première maison. Ce don considérable compromettra-t-il vos objectifs d’épargne en vue de votre...
Profitez de votre retraite pour parler de vos finances avec votre conjoint
Imaginons qu’un des conjoints gère exclusivement les affaires du couple. Imaginons maintenant que ce conjoint décède le premier. Le veuf, ou la veuve, devra apprendre à vivre seul, avec tout ce que...
Méfiez-vous des prévisions
En janvier dernier, on nous avait annoncé l’imminence d’une récession mondiale en 2023. On n’y échapperait pas, prédisaient les institutions financières, les analystes et les experts, dans les...
Utiliser son REER pour financer une maison ou des études
Quand quelqu’un a besoin d’argent pour atteindre un objectif important ou faire face à une dépense imprévue, le puiser dans son régime enregistré d’épargne-retraite est habituellement la dernière...
Déménager dans plus petit devrait-il faire partie de vos projets de retraite?
Il se peut qu’à l’approche de votre retraite, ou pendant celle-ci, vous ayez songé à déménager dans plus petit. Vendre votre maison est particulièrement tentant quand sa valeur représente une bonne...
Les finances recomposées d’une famille recomposée
Quand l’un ou l’autre des parents se remarie, sa situation financière change, surtout si les nouveaux mariés ont des enfants d’un mariage précédent. Voici quelques aspects qui exigent souvent des...
Quand la vie change, votre situation financière change aussi
La vie, c’est ce qui se passe pendant qu’on fait autre chose, dit-on. Tout le monde voit sa vie changer un jour ou l’autre, et n’importe lequel de ces changements peut avoir des conséquences...
Investir pendant une reprise boursière
Une reprise boursière typique, cela n’existe pas. Parfois, elle dure aussi peu que quelques mois, quelques fois aussi longtemps que plusieurs années. Certaines reprises se passent en douceur,...
Ever want your fortune told?
A parent is struggling with a decision about helping their child make a down payment on their first home. Will too large of a gift interfere with the parent’s retirement savings goal? The solution...
Share financial information with your spouse during retirement
Imagine a situation where one spouse primarily deals with the couple’s financial life. What happens if that spouse is the first to pass away? The widowed spouse already faces the psychological and...
Be wary of forecast season
Last January, we all heard that a global recession was imminent in 2023. The forecast came from financial institutions, industry analysts and experts everywhere – in both the financial and...
Using an RRSP for a home or an education
If someone needs funds to help achieve a life goal or meet an unexpected need, making a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) withdrawal is usually a last resort. The amount is taxed as income...
Should downsizing be part of your retirement plan?
When you’re approaching retirement or already retired, thoughts of downsizing may have crossed your mind. Selling the home can be especially tempting when its value represents a large part of your...
The blended finances of a blended family
When a parent remarries, financial life changes, especially when both spouses have children from a previous marriage. Here are several areas that often call for change. Children and money. Each...
When life changes, your financial life changes too
It’s said that life is what happens while you’re making other plans. We all experience life changes from time to time, and any of those changes can have financial consequences. Here are several...
Investing during a market recovery
There’s no such thing as a typical market recovery. Past recoveries have lasted as little as a few months to as long as several years. Some have been generally smooth, while others have been...
Beware of following the herd
Whether in politics, the social sphere or the financial world, joining the crowd can make us feel reassured and bring us comfort. But when making mutual fund investment decisions, following the herd...
Enjoying the comfort of a cash cushion
A falling market can be a mutual fund buying opportunity, but there are two times in particular when it presents a challenge. Say that someone is only a couple of years away from retirement, and the...
When to convert your RRSP to a RRIF
The latest you can close your Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and transfer the mutual fund investments to a Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF) is December 31 of the year you turn 71....
Introduce your teen to investing
When your child reaches the age of majority, they can open a Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) and First Home Savings Account (FHSA). So it’s a good idea if you can introduce them to mutual funds and...
Are you ghosting your RRSP?
When it comes to managing their Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP), it’s easy for many investors to fall into a routine. Make your contributions to mutual funds. Claim the tax deduction....
How is your financial wellness?
Financial wellness is not a measure of a person’s wealth. It’s about the ways that financial aspects in our life either support or undermine our well-being. Stress over financial issues can affect...
Ne suivez pas la foule
Que ce soit en politique, en société ou en argent, être et faire comme les autres a quelque chose de réconfortant. Mais en matière d’investissement, suivre le mouvement général risque d’entraîner...
Le facteur « café latte » tient-il la route?
Le facteur « café latte » repose sur l’hypothèse qu’en éliminant ou en réduisant les petites dépenses inutiles que l’on fait régulièrement – par exemple, pour s’acheter un « café latte » – et en...
Quand on est heureux d’avoir un bon coussin
Certains aiment quand le marché tombe parce qu’ils y voient une bonne occasion d’acheter à prix réduit. Voici cependant deux circonstances où cela pourrait s’avérer moins plaisant. Vous n’êtes qu’à...
Quand faut-il convertir son REER en FERR?
Vous devez fermer votre régime enregistré d’épargne-retraite (REER) et le convertir en fonds enregistré de revenu de retraite (FERR) au plus tard le 31 décembre suivant votre 71e anniversaire. Il...
Montrez à votre adolescent comment investir
Dès qu’un enfant devient majeur, il peut ouvrir un compte d’épargne libre d’impôt (CELI) ou un compte d’épargne libre d’impôt pour l’achat d’une première propriété (CELIAPP). Ce serait donc une...
Vos enfants et les REER
Ordinairement, c’est en pensant à la retraite qu’on investit dans un REER. Mais les trois idées suivantes vous donneront peut-être l’envie d’inclure vos enfants ou vos petits-enfants dans ce...
Boudez-vous votre REER?
Il est très facile de gérer son régime enregistré d’épargne-retraite (REER) sans trop y penser. Contribuer. Réclamer le crédit d’impôt. Répéter. Mais suivre cette routine, qui revient en fait à...
Êtes-vous en bonne santé financière?
Quand on parle de santé financière, on ne parle pas nécessairement de richesse. On parle de la façon dont l’aspect financier de votre vie contribue, ou nuit, à votre sentiment de bien-être. Le...
Beware of following the herd
Whether in politics, the social sphere or the financial world, joining the crowd can make us feel reassured and bring us comfort. But when making investment decisions, following the herd can lead to...
Is the latte factor valid?
The idea behind the latte factor is that you eliminate or cut down on any unnecessary item you regularly purchase, whether it’s a specialty coffee or something else. You then invest those savings,...
Enjoying the comfort of a cash cushion
A falling market can be a buying opportunity, but there are two times in particular when it presents a challenge. Say that someone is only a couple of years away from retirement, and the stock...
When to convert your RRSP to a RRIF
The latest you can close your Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and transfer the funds to a Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF) is December 31 of the year you turn 71. There is no...
Introduce your teen to investing
When your child reaches the age of majority, they’re able to open a Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) and First Home Savings Account (FHSA). So it’s a good idea if you can introduce them to some...
Children and RRSPs
Your retirement is usually on your mind when you think of an RRSP, but here are three situations when you may be considering your children or grandchildren. Creating contribution room. A child with...
Are you ghosting your RRSP?
When it comes to managing their Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP), it’s very easy for many investors to fall into a routine. Make your contributions. Claim the tax deduction. Repeat. But...
How is your financial wellness?
Financial wellness is not a measure of a person’s wealth. It’s about the ways that financial aspects in our life either support or undermine our well-being. Stress over financial issues can affect...
CAPR : Une stratégie de placement jumelée
Quand vient le temps de choisir des actions, les deux types d’investissement les plus connus sont les placements axés sur la croissance et les placements axés sur la valeur. Ceux axés sur la...
Vous attendez un héritage?
Voir un futur héritage comme un beau cadeau est plus avisé sur le plan financier que croire qu’il deviendra le pilier de votre planification patrimoniale. Des parents prévoient de laisser un...
Évitez le piège de la ligne de touche
À travers tous les hauts et les bas d’un cycle boursier, il arrive parfois que dans une situation donnée, certains investisseurs soient tentés de cesser d’investir. Un repli important. En période...
Conseils et stratégies pour le CELIAPP
Le compte d’épargne libre d’impôt pour l’achat d’une première propriété (CELIAPP) a la réputation d’être un moyen fiscalement intelligent pour les acheteurs d’une première maison de financer leur...
Investir dans son CELI en fonction de ses buts
Au cours des années, la façon d’investir dans un compte d’épargne libre d’impôt (CELI) a évolué. Au début, après le lancement en 2009, il était courant d’opter surtout pour des placements à revenu...
Le risque durant la retraite
Pendant la retraite, la tolérance au risque peut se transformer pour les mêmes raisons que pendant la vie active, à cause d’un divorce, par exemple, ou en raison d’un héritage. De plus, le facteur...
La tolérance au risque peut-elle évoluer?
Selon une école de pensée, la tolérance au risque est un trait de caractère profondément ancré et inaltérable. Si vous n’avez pas envie de sauter en parachute à 20 ans, il y a fort à parier que vous...
Comment voyez-vous votre retraite?
Vous arrive-t-il d’imaginer la façon dont vous passerez votre retraite? Que vous rêviez d’explorer Barcelone ou de vous promener dans les bois avec vos petits-enfants, ce sont là bien plus que de...
The investment world according to GARP
When it comes to choosing mutual funds, growth investing and value investing are the two most well-known investment styles. Mutual funds following the growth style focus on companies expected to...
Can risk tolerance change?
One school of thought says that risk tolerance is a bred-in-the-bone personality trait, unchanging for life. But in the world of investing, tolerance to risk can change – for some people, in certain...
The investment world according to GARP
When it comes to choosing stocks, growth investing and value investing are the two most well-known investment styles. The growth style focuses on companies expected to grow faster than the overall...
Expecting an inheritance?
Viewing an anticipated inheritance as a welcome gift can be more financially sound than counting on it as a key element of your wealth plan. Parents may intend to leave a sizable inheritance to...
Avoid the sideline trap
Throughout the ups and downs of a market cycle, situations arise when some investors may be tempted to hold off on investing. A significant downturn. In a prolonged correction, an investor might...
Tips and tactics for an FHSA
The First Home Savings Account (FHSA) is being widely praised as a tax-smart way for first-time home buyers to help fund a down payment. Account holders can contribute up to $8,000 a year, to a...
The goals-based approach to TFSA investing
Investors’ ways of using the Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) have evolved over the years. Initially, after the 2009 launch, it was common to primarily choose fixed-income investments – the rationale...
Risk during retirement
A retiree’s tolerance to risk can change for some of the same reasons as during their working years, such as going through a divorce or receiving an inheritance. Also, taking your time horizon into...
Can risk tolerance change?
One school of thought says that risk tolerance is a bred-in-the-bone personality trait, unchanging for life. If you won’t attempt to skydive at age 20, you won’t jump out of a plane at 40. But in...
Envision your retirement
Do you ever find yourself daydreaming about how you’ll spend retirement? Whether you’re exploring the wonders of Barcelona or strolling through the woods with your grandchildren, these daydreams are...
Le transfert en nature rendu facile
Il y a maintes façons de faire un transfert en nature, c’est-à-dire de déplacer un investissement d’un compte à l’autre sans le vendre. En voici quelques-unes qui offrent des avantages intéressants....
Quand faut-il rédiger une procuration?
Une procuration, ou un mandat au Québec, est un document légal qui vous permet de confier la gestion de vos affaires à quelqu’un si jamais vous n’en étiez plus capable. C’est très facile de remettre...
Que faire s’il reste de l’argent dans votre REEE?
La remise des diplômes universitaires et collégiaux n’est plus très loin? S’il reste de l’argent dans votre Régime enregistré d’épargne-études (REEE) une fois que votre enfant a terminé ses études,...
Si on vous demande d’être liquidateur testamentaire
Le terme varie d’une province à l’autre – exécuteur, représentant successoral, liquidateur, fiduciaire de la succession, représentant personnel ou administrateur. Mais les responsabilités sont...
L’inflation et vos investissements
Il y a deux ans, en avril 2021, l’inflation a entrepris son ascension actuelle. Nous savons tous combien cela a fait monter le coût de la vie, mais qu’en est-il de ses répercussions sur nos...
Créer un fonds d’urgence pour la retraite
Vous pourriez commencer à mettre de l’argent dans votre fonds d’urgence de 5 à 10 ans avant de prendre votre retraite, voire plus tôt encore – plus vite vous vous y mettrez, plus ce sera facile....
Aurez-vous besoin d’un fonds d’urgence à la retraite?
Comme l’espérance de vie ne cesse d’augmenter, les Canadiennes et Canadiens peuvent s’attendre à ce que leur retraite dure 20, 25 ou 30 ans, voire davantage. Du point de vue financier, le premier...
Coupez le son
Vous voulez savoir où s’en va l’économie? De nos jours, vous n’avez plus à vous procurer un journal financier pour savoir ce qu’en pensent les experts. L’information nous arrive en tout temps et de...
What if you have funds remaining in your RESP?
University and college graduations are just around the corner. If funds remain in your Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) after your child graduates, you have a couple of options available to...
The smooth move of the in-kind transfer
There’s a wide variety of ways to make an in-kind transfer, moving a mutual fund investment from one account to another without selling it. Here are several methods that offer unique benefits....
Inflation and your mutual fund investments
Two years ago, in April of 2021, inflation began its current rise. Everyone is well aware of how higher inflation is impacting our cost of living, but how does it affect our investments? Investment...
Using mutual funds to build your retirement emergency fund
You might start saving for an emergency fund five to 10 years before retirement, or even sooner – the earlier you begin, the easier it will be. Compared to a regular emergency fund, the retirement...
Will you need an emergency fund in retirement?
Canadians can expect retirement to last 20, 25 or 30 years, or even more, thanks to our increasing longevity. From a financial perspective, the first thing many people think about when it comes to...
Quiet the noise
If you want a forecast of our economy, you don’t need to search a financial newspaper for an expert’s opinion. Forecasts come at us anytime, anywhere – online, through social media, on TV and radio,...
What if you have funds remaining in your RESP?
University and college graduations are just around the corner. If funds remain in your Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) after your child graduates, you have a couple of options available to...
The smooth move of the in-kind transfer
There’s a wide variety of ways to make an in-kind transfer, moving an investment from one account to another without selling it. Here are several methods that offer unique benefits. Donating to a...
When should you get a power of attorney?
A power of attorney for property, or mandate in Quebec, is a legal document in which you appoint an individual to manage your financial affairs if you lose the ability to do so. It’s easy to put...
If you’re asked to be an executor
The term may differ by province – executor, estate representative, liquidator, estate trustee, personal representative or administrator. But the duties are essentially the same, and they might be...
Inflation and your investments
Two years ago, in April of 2021, inflation began its current rise. Everyone is well aware of how higher inflation is impacting our cost of living, but how does it affect our investments? Investment...
Building your retirement emergency fund
You might start saving for an emergency fund five to 10 years before retirement, or even sooner – the earlier you begin, the easier it will be. Compared to a regular emergency fund, the retirement...
Will you need an emergency fund in retirement?
Canadians can expect retirement to last 20, 25 or 30 years, or even more, thanks to our increasing longevity. From a financial perspective, the first thing many people think about when it comes to...
Quiet the noise
If you want a forecast of our economy, you don’t need to search a financial newspaper for an expert’s opinion. Forecasts come at us anytime, anywhere – online, through social media, on TV and radio,...
L’un de vous deux est resté à la maison pour prendre soin des enfants?
Bon nombre de Canadiens sont restés à la maison pour prendre soin de leurs jeunes enfants. Mais plusieurs ignorent que le Régime de pensions du Canada (RPC) et le Régime des rentes du Québec (RRQ)...
Tirer le meilleur profit des dons de bienfaisance
C’est une habitude que l’on prend sans trop s’en rendre compte. On remplit sa déclaration de revenus et on y inclut uniquement les dons de bienfaisance que l’on a faits soi-même pendant l’année en...
Partager le RPC et le RRQ
Le Régime de pensions du Canada et le Régime des rentes du Québec permettent à un couple d’équilibrer dans une certaine mesure les montants qu’ils recevront à leur retraite. Une part de la pension...
Vérités et mensonges sur les REER
Certains disent qu’il y a cinq saisons au Canada – le printemps, l’été, l’automne, l’hiver et la saison des REER. C’est dire à quel point les Canadiens ont pour habitude d’attendre les deux mois...
Êtes-vous sur la même longueur d’onde que votre conjoint en matière d’investissements?
On est porté à croire qu’il est préférable que les deux conjoints aient la même personnalité en tant qu’investisseurs – et c’est souvent le cas. Toutefois, il se peut qu’être trop semblables cause...
Investir à l’approche de la retraite
Quand l’heure de la retraite approche, les investisseurs veulent habituellement que leurs avoirs soient bien protégés et à l’abri d’une éventuelle correction du marché qui risquerait de faire...
Quand doit-on prendre sa retraite?
On trouve en ligne des calculateurs qui, à partir des informations qu’on leur donne, indiquent si on peut prendre sa retraite à l’âge souhaité. La plupart se fondent sur un pourcentage du revenu que...
Le secret pour atteindre ses objectifs financiers
C’est dans la nature humaine de se donner des objectifs larges, comme : « Je dois commencer à faire de l’exercice. » Mais pour atteindre un objectif, le meilleur moyen consiste à se fixer une...
The tax tale of mutual fund distributions
Throughout the course of a year, certain transactions and investments within a mutual fund may generate or earn taxable income. Investors receive these dividends, interest or capital gains in the...
The truths and myths about RRSP season
It’s been said that Canada has five seasons – spring, summer, fall, winter and “RRSP season.” That’s how common it is for Canadians to make large contributions to mutual funds in their Registered...
Are your and your spouse’s investment personalities a match?
You would think it’s always ideal for both spouses to have the same investment personality – and often it is. But sometimes similar approaches may spell trouble, and opposite investment...
Mutual fund investing when retirement nears
Investors typically want their mutual fund portfolio to have a higher degree of safety in the years closer to retirement, so that a market correction wouldn’t derail their retirement plans. At one...
When should you retire?
Online retirement calculators take your input and typically indicate if you’re on track to retire at an age you specify. Many base retirement income needs on a percentage of pre-retirement income....
A key to achieving a financial goal
It’s human nature to generalize our goals. “I’ve got to start exercising” is a common one. But a key to achieving a goal is to first identify one specific step. For example, starting to exercise...
Did you or your spouse stay home to raise your child?
A great many Canadians stayed home to raise a young child. But not all Canadians know the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Quebec Pension Plan (QPP) can take that time into account when determining...
Make the most of charitable donations
It’s an easy habit to slip into. When filing your tax return, report just your own charitable donations made only during the tax year. But you might have a better choice. When you report charitable...
Sharing CPP/QPP benefits to save tax
The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Quebec Pension Plan (QPP) allow a couple to balance out their pension amounts, to a degree. A portion of the higher-income spouse’s CPP/QPP pension is shifted to...
The truths and myths about RRSP season
It’s been said that Canada has five seasons – spring, summer, fall, winter and RRSP season. That’s how common it is for Canadians to make large contributions to their Registered Retirement Savings...
Are your and your spouse’s investment personalities a match?
You would think it’s always ideal for both spouses to have the same investment personality – and often it is. But sometimes similar approaches may spell trouble, and opposite investment...
Investing when retirement nears
Investors typically want their portfolio to have a higher degree of safety in the years closer to retirement, so that a market correction wouldn’t derail their retirement plans. At one time,...
When should you retire?
Online retirement calculators take your input and typically indicate if you’re on track to retire at an age you specify. Many base retirement income needs on a percentage of pre-retirement income....
A key to achieving a financial goal
It’s human nature to generalize our goals. “I’ve got to start exercising” is a common one. But a key to achieving a goal is to first identify one specific step. For example, starting to exercise...
À quelle fréquence faut-il vérifier ses placements
Il fut un temps où les investisseurs vérifiaient la performance de leurs placements chaque mois ou tous les trimestres. Mais de nos jours, alors qu’on trouve à tout moment les dernières mises à jour...
Planifier les retraits d’un CELI
Lorsque vous planifierez vos devoirs financiers de fin d’année, pensez à tenir compte de vos prochains retraits d’un CELI. Prenons l’exemple d’une personne ayant toujours déposé le maximum permis...
Le REER au profit du conjoint est-il toujours utile?
Les cotisations au REER du conjoint sont déductibles du revenu du conjoint gagnant le plus d’argent, et les retraits sont imposés à celui qui en gagne le moins. Mais cet avantage fiscal tient-il...
Choisir le bénéficiaire de votre REER ou FERR
C’est souvent pour des raisons fiscales qu’on choisit le bénéficiaire de son Régime enregistré d’épargne-retraite (REER) ou de son Fonds enregistré de revenu de retraite (FERR). Par exemple, « un...
Que faire si on vous demande un prêt?
Un jour, un ami ou un parent vous demande de lui prêter de l’argent. Parfois, la réponse s’impose d’elle-même. Si la personne est proche de vous et qu’elle est vraiment dans le besoin, vous pourriez...
Informez-nous si vos objectifs changent
Au courant de votre vie, vos objectifs financiers changent : votre enfant se fiance et vous souhaitez payer pour les noces; vous souhaitez faire un grand voyage outre-mer; votre enfant décide de...
Atteindre plusieurs objectifs financiers
Vous rappelez-vous l’époque où avoir plusieurs objectifs financiers consistait à épargner pour la mise de fonds sur votre première maison tout en mettant un peu de côté dans votre régime enregistré...
Trouver la paix financière
Sur le marché boursier, ce qu’on appelle une « correction » peut se produire n’importe quand. Au début de 2022, les investisseurs se montraient pour la plupart optimistes. En effet, 2021 avait été...
How often should you check your investments?
There was a time when investors would only view their mutual fund investment performance every month or quarter. Today, with up-to-date account information available online or on a smartphone, many...
Timing TFSA withdrawals
When you plan your year-end financial to-dos, it’s a good idea to keep any upcoming Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) withdrawals in mind. Say that someone has always contributed the maximum annual...
Can playing it safe be risky?
In periods when markets are underperforming, some investors may be tempted to only invest in very safe, low-risk mutual funds, instead of making their regular contributions. But a move from equity...
Choosing between a TFSA and an RRSP
A Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) is the ultimate mutual fund vehicle for flexibility. You can use it as an emergency fund or to save for short-term goals. You can use a TFSA to split income among...
Achieving multiple financial objectives
Do you remember the days when multiple financial goals meant saving for the down payment on your first home while putting a little away in Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) mutual funds?...
Taking care of your financial peace of mind
Market corrections can come out of nowhere. Investors generally felt optimistic when 2022 began, following a banner year of equity mutual fund performance. In the U.S., the S&P 500 Index reached...
How often should you check your investments?
There was a time when investors would only view their investment performance every month or quarter. Today, with up-to-date account information available online or on a smartphone, many investors...
Timing TFSA withdrawals
When you plan your year-end financial to-dos, it’s a good idea to keep any upcoming Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) withdrawals in mind. Say that someone has always contributed the maximum annual...
Is a spousal RRSP still useful?
Contributions to a spousal Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) are tax-deductible to the higher-income spouse, and withdrawals are taxable to the lower-income spouse. But is this tax advantage...
Choosing the beneficiary for your RRSP or RRIF
Tax planning is often behind the choice of a beneficiary for a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) or Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF). If you name a “qualified beneficiary,” they can...
What to do if you’re asked for a loan
One of these days, a friend or relative might ask you for a loan. Sometimes, whether or not to grant their request is an easy call. If the person is close to you and has a genuine need, you may be...
Tell us when your goals change
As life evolves, financial goals change: a child becomes engaged and you’d like to cover the wedding costs; you wish to go on a long overseas trip; your child announces they aim to study medicine...
Achieving multiple financial objectives
Do you remember the days when multiple financial goals meant saving for the down payment on your first home while putting a little away in your Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP)? Then life...
Taking care of your financial peace of mind
Market corrections can come out of nowhere. Investors generally felt optimistic when 2022 began, following a banner year of stock market performance. In the U.S., the S&P 500 Index reached...
Préparer la liste de ses documents successoraux
Imaginez que votre exécuteur testamentaire (ou représentant successoral, liquidateur, syndic de succession, selon la province) doive s’occuper de votre patrimoine en n’ayant en main que votre...
Que faire quand l’hypothèque est payée?
Le dernier paiement hypothécaire marque un moment charnière. Vous disposez désormais d’un supplément appréciable d’argent dont vous pouvez faire ce que bon vous semble. Cependant, quelle est la...
Devriez-vous investir dans les cryptomonnaies
La première cryptomonnaie, le bitcoin, se voulait être une monnaie numérique destinée à faire ou à recevoir des paiements exclusivement en ligne, sans passer par une institution financière. De nos...
Répartition des actifs d’un REEE
Un Régime enregistré d’épargne-études évolue en trois temps pendant lesquels la répartition des actifs entre les actions, les titres à revenu fixe et les équivalents de trésorerie est capitale....
Devriez-vous prendre votre retraite en même temps que votre conjoint?
Bien des couples rêvent de prendre leur retraite en même temps, entreprendre ensemble ce nouveau chapitre de leur vie. Toutefois, un bon nombre de couples ne procèdent pas ainsi. Les raisons...
Diversifier, c’est essentiel
Les investissements nous réservent des surprises. Les taux d’intérêt vont-ils se maintenir, monter ou descendre, et quand? À quel point précis de son cycle le marché est-il exactement rendu et dans...
La volatilité peut-elle rimer avec profitabilité?
Quand le marché est volatil, tout le monde se réjouit des hausses et vérifie avec impatience le solde de son portefeuille, mais c’est une tout autre histoire en temps de baisse. On continue...
Do your registered plans have room for improvement?
Whenever you have extra funds to invest, it’s a great opportunity to make up for any unused contribution room in your registered plans. Topping up your mutual fund investments in tax-advantaged...
Preparing an estate directory
Imagine if an estate executor (or personal representative, liquidator or estate trustee, depending on the province) was about to administer an estate, and all they had was the will. They would have...
Paying down your mortgage versus investing in mutual funds
When you have the money available, are you better off making extra payments on your mortgage or investing the amount to save for your retirement? Investing is often viewed as the better choice if...
Managing asset allocation in an RESP
A Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) has three important phases where the asset allocation between equity, fixed-income and cash-equivalent mutual funds is critically important. Initial...
Why diversification matters
Investing can be unpredictable. Will interest rates remain the same, go up or fall – and when? Exactly where are we in the market cycle, and how long until we enter the next phase? Will a...
Is there opportunity in market volatility?
When markets are volatile, everyone’s pleased with the upswings, perhaps eagerly checking out their mutual fund performance. But the downswings can be another story. Maybe those portfolio balances...
What to do after you pay off your mortgage
It’s a significant milestone when you make that final mortgage payment. Now you have a sizable amount of extra funds to use as you wish. The question is, what’s the best way to apply this new cash...
Should you invest in cryptocurrency?
The first cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, was designed as a digital currency to make and receive payments exclusively online, without involving a financial institution. Today, there are thousands of...
Preparing an estate directory
Imagine if an estate executor (or personal representative, liquidator or estate trustee, depending on the province) was about to administer an estate, only having the will. They would have a tough...
Should you and your spouse retire together?
It may seem natural and expected for a couple to have the same retirement date, starting this new chapter of their life together. But it’s quite common for spouses to retire at different times....
Why diversification matters
Investing can be unpredictable. Will interest rates remain the same, go up or fall – and when? Exactly where are we in the market cycle, and how long until we enter the next phase? Will a...
Managing asset allocation in an RESP
A Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) has three important phases where the asset allocation between equities, fixed income and cash equivalents is critically important. Initial years If...
Is there opportunity in market volatility?
When markets are volatile, everyone’s pleased with the upswings, perhaps eagerly checking out their portfolio balance. But the downswings can be another story. Maybe those portfolio balances still...
Un des crédits d’impôt les moins utilisés
Selon les entreprises spécialisées dans la préparation des déclarations, le crédit d’impôt pour dépenses médicales figure parmi les déductions ou crédits d’impôt les moins utilisés. Une raison...
Propriétés de vacances : quand les rénovations sont-elles fiscalement avantageuses?
Saviez-vous que de rénover votre chalet, cabane ou camp maintenant pourrait vous permettre d’économiser des impôts à l’avenir? Tout réside dans la manière d’évaluer les gains en capital....
Effectuer des retraits d’un FERR… stratégiquement
Au moment de retirer des sommes de votre fonds enregistré de revenu de retraite (FERR), une ou plusieurs des stratégies suivantes pourraient contribuer à réduire votre facture fiscale. Le mini-FERR....
Mmmmh… Que faire avec mon remboursement d’impôt?
On a parfois l’impression que le remboursement d’impôt est une manne fournie par le gouvernement. Bonjour téléviseur grand écran, voyage de luxe ou téléphone dernier cri. Pourtant, ce remboursement...
Vous voulez aider un enfant à acheter une maison?
Imaginez un peu être à la recherche de votre première maison dans le marché d’aujourd’hui. Les prix de l’immobilier continuent de grimper à une vitesse infernale. La réglementation hypothécaire est...
Les clés d’une longue vie saine
Vivre sainement se manifeste de diverses manières, mais il y a cinq éléments de base qui permettent de réduire le risque de développer un cancer, une maladie cardiaque ou un AVC, lesquels...
Nouvelle longévité : vos objectifs financiers pour la retraite sont-ils adéquats?
Un plus grand nombre de Canadiennes et Canadiens arrivent à l’âge de la retraite avec une espérance de vie plus longue grâce à des styles de vie plus sains et aux progrès de la médecine. Selon...
Vos finances ont-elles besoin d’un bon ménage de printemps?
Il est très facile de se retrouver avec des placements dans différents endroits. Peut-être avez-vous participé à un régime enregistré d’épargne-retraite (REER) collectif par l’entremise d’un...
Where should you keep an emergency fund
The conventional wisdom is to save enough in an emergency fund to cover three to six months of living expenses. But where should you keep these savings? Many financial experts recommend a...
From tax refund to mutual fund boost
Sometimes a tax refund seems like free money from the government. Hello big-screen TV, luxury getaway or latest phone. That refund, however, was your own money all along. You’re just getting it...
Want to increase your mutual fund investments?
You might be saving for a short-term goal, like a vacation, or investing for a long-term goal, like retirement. But you think you should be putting away more. Trouble is, you’re not the type who...
Making sure your retirement savings goal meets the new longevity
More Canadians are reaching retirement with a longer life expectancy, thanks to healthier lifestyles and advances in medical tests and treatment. According to Statistics Canada, a woman aged 65 is...
Does your financial life need a spring cleaning?
It’s quite easy to end up with mutual funds in different places. You might have joined a group Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) through an employer. Or opened a Registered Education Savings...
One of the most underused tax credits
According to Canadian tax preparation firms, the medical expense tax credit is among the most underused tax credits or deductions. One reason is that many taxpayers aren’t aware of what expenses are...
When vacation property upgrades are tax-smart
Did you know that updating your cottage, cabin or chalet now can save you tax in the future? It’s all because of the way capital gains are assessed. Generally, your capital gain is the difference...
Making RRIF withdrawals … strategically
When it’s time to withdraw funds from your Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF), one or more of these strategies may save you tax. The mini-RRIF. Even if you would normally wait until the latest...
Hmm … What should I do with my tax refund?
Sometimes a tax refund seems like free money from the government. Hello big-screen TV, luxury getaway or latest phone. That refund, however, was your own money all along. You’re just getting it...
Keys to living longer
Healthy living may be practised in many ways, but here are five keys to reducing the risk of developing cancer, heart disease or stroke – the leading causes of death among Canadians. Eat well....
Making sure your retirement savings goal meets the new longevity
More Canadians are reaching retirement with a longer life expectancy, thanks to healthier lifestyles and advances in medical tests and treatment. According to Statistics Canada, a woman aged 65 is...
Does your financial life need a spring cleaning?
It’s quite easy to end up with investments in different places. You might have joined a group Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) through an employer. Or opened a Registered Education Savings...
Thinking of helping your child purchase a home?
Imagine searching for your first home in today’s market. Real estate prices continue to soar. Mortgage regulations are stricter. The cost of living is only increasing. It’s a financial challenge. If...
Les REEE sont bien connus, mais mal compris
Selon une récente étude, bien que la majorité des Canadiens et Canadiennes (92 %) connaissent le Régime enregistré d’épargne-études (REEE), seulement 17 % d’entre eux affirment connaître les...
Nouvelle année, nouvelle perspective sur votre vie financière
L’amélioration de ses finances représente une résolution de nouvelle année bien populaire. Si vous faites le bilan de votre situation financière au seuil de la nouvelle année, sachez qu’il existe un...
Vous faites votre déclaration fiscale? Rappelez-vous que les prestations de soutien en raison de la pandémie représentent un revenu imposable
Alors que vous rassemblez vos relevés habituels et vos renseignements en vue de la saison fiscale, il convient de se souvenir de l’impact possible des programmes de soutien gouvernementaux liés à la...
Tandis que la planète réagit au changement climatique, la gestion des placements évolue également
Nous prenons tous conscience des grands changements qu’il sera nécessaire de faire pour répondre aux défis posés par le réchauffement de la planète. Bien que l’information qui circule dans les...
Huit questions pour réévaluer ce que la retraite signifie pour vous en ce moment
Il est fort probable que vous et vos proches ayez discuté, au cours de la dernière année, de la façon dont la pandémie a entraîné une réévaluation de « ce qui importe réellement dans la vie ». Si...
Les cotisations au REER devraient appuyer votre stratégie de portefeuille, et non pas la réorganiser
Pensez-vous faire une cotisation globale à votre régime enregistré d’épargne retraite (REER) cette année? Peut-être réaliser une petite cotisation supplémentaire pour augmenter votre remboursement...
Starting a regular investing program is a great new year’s resolution
Regular investing is one of the simplest ways to make a commitment to your future financial success. Plus, it’s particularly suitable for mutual fund investors. Here’s why: It’s easy. Automatic...
Real estate funds not a proxy for runaway housing markets
Canadians watching housing markets’ stratospheric rise may be wondering if real estate mutual funds are another way to participate in this growth. There are over 40 real estate sector funds in the...
Three ways to go global with mutual funds
Are your investments suffering from “home country bias”? That’s when investors favour domestic over foreign equities. It’s common all over the world, but Canadian investors are famous for it despite...
Currency Hedging
What is it? Currency hedging is a strategy employed by mutual fund managers to reduce the effects of currency fluctuations on your mutual fund investments. How does it work? Any time you invest in...
Are dividend funds the way to hedge frothy markets?
Investing for dividends has appeal for lots of different kinds of mutual fund investors. Newly added to this group are investors concerned about the post-pandemic run-up in equity markets. Is a...
RRSP contributions should reinforce, not rearrange, your fund portfolio strategy
Are you looking to make a lump-sum contribution to your Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) this year? Maybe a top-up to increase a potential tax refund? Considering a loan to catch up on a...
Filing taxes? Remember pandemic support payments are taxable income
As you pull together all the usual slips and information to prepare for the tax filing season, don’t forget about the potential impact of the government’s pandemic support programs. The most...
RESPs are well known but not well understood
While a large majority of Canadians – 92% – are aware of Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs), only 17% say they’re knowledgeable about the contribution limits and benefits they offer,...
New year, new view of your financial life
Improving your finances is a perennial new year’s resolution. If you are taking stock of your finances as the new year begins, there is an easy method to get an overall snapshot of your financial...
As the world responds to climate change, investment management evolves too
We are all becoming aware of the big changes that are necessary as we face the challenges of a warming planet. While much of the information in the media has focussed on our roles as consumers,...
Eight questions to re-evaluate what retirement means now
Over the last year, chances are that you have found yourself discussing how the pandemic has led you, or your friends and family, to re-evaluate “what really matters in life.” If you are quickly...
RRSP contributions should reinforce, not rearrange, your portfolio strategy
Are you looking to make a lump-sum contribution to your Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) this year? Maybe a top-up to increase a potential tax refund? Considering a loan to catch up on a...
Propriétaires de petites entreprises faites attention aux comptes gestion-santé
Les comptes gestion-santé (CGS) sont, pour les petites entreprises, une façon de fournir des prestations de soins médicaux et de soins dentaires non imposables à leurs employés (ainsi qu’aux membres...
Dépenser ou investir Les Canadiens ont épargné plusieurs milliards de dollars durant la pandémie
En effet, selon Statistique Canada, les Canadiens ont économisé 212 milliards de dollars l’an dernier, contre 18 milliards en 20191. Jusqu’à présent, nombreux sommes-nous à avoir utilisé cet argent...
Consultez la liste de contrôle suivante en fin d’exercice
Le mois de décembre comprend plusieurs échéances importantes qui pourraient avoir une incidence sur votre remboursement d’impôt de 2021. Voici quelques-unes des plus importantes : Conversion de...
La révision des désignations de bénéficiaires n’est pas une mince affaire pour votre planification successorale
Liste de contrôle sur les bénéficiaires Selon votre province de résidence, vous pourriez être en mesure de nommer un bénéficiaire pour les polices et les plans financiers suivants : Régimes...
Avec l’économie qui s’accélère, comment les gestionnaires de portefeuille trouvent-ils des occasions de placement?
Alors que les principales économies occidentales se sortent de la pandémie, la croissance économique s’accélère, comme en témoignent les nombreuses rectifications à la hausse des prévisions sur le...
Faites le point sur votre situation financière pour favoriser le changement
Que cela soit dû à la pandémie, à un nouveau jalon financier ou simplement à une nouvelle étape de la vie, nous sommes nombreux à faire face à des changements majeurs tels qu’une retraite anticipée,...
Fund changes should trigger a review, not panic
Has a fund in your portfolio parted ways with its manager, advisor or sub-advisor? Has it merged with another fund in its family? These changes are common in the world of fund management. If you’ve...
Cannabis and green energy driving the growth of “theme funds” in Canada
Theme-based mutual funds offer a way for investors to take part in a specific investment idea or trend in society, such as adoption of Artificial Intelligence into a broad array of industries or the...
Navigating the expanding world of socially responsible mutual fund investing
Do you know your SRI from your ESG? Or is “impact investing” a better fit for you? According to a survey conducted for the Investment Funds Institute of Canada (IFIC), just 50% of mutual fund...
Investment Objective
What is it? The investment objective of a mutual fund defines how that fund will invest the money entrusted to it in the pursuit of a set of investing and performance goals. A detailed statement of...
Value funds or growth funds? Who shines in a booming economy?
As the major Western economies throw off the shackles of the pandemic, economic growth is accelerating, with Gross Domestic Product (GDP) predictions upgraded several times already this year for...
Did you “stash the cash” during the pandemic? These funds offer more options
Canadians amassed $212 billion in savings last year, versus $18 billion in 2019, according to Statistics Canada.1 So far, most of us have simply been sitting on the savings or paying down consumer...
Small business owners be cautious with Health Spending Accounts
Health Spending Accounts (HSAs) provide a way for small businesses to provide tax-free health and dental benefits to their employees and their family members. This makes the HSA appear to be an...
Spend it or invest it? Canadians stashed away billions during the pandemic
Canadians amassed $212 billion in savings last year, versus $18 billion in 2019, according to Statistics Canada.1 So far, most of us have simply been sitting on the savings or paying down consumer...
Check out this financial year end checklist
December has some important deadlines that could affect your 2021 taxes. Here are some of the key ones: RRSP conversion. If you turned or are turning 71 this year, December 31 is the deadline for...
Reviewing beneficiary designations is no small matter for your estate plan
Beneficiary Checklist Depending on the province you live in, you may be able to name a beneficiary on the following financial plans and policies: Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs)...
With the economy accelerating, where do money managers find investing opportunities
As the major Western economies throw off the shackles of the pandemic, economic growth is accelerating, with Gross Domestic Product (GDP) predictions upgraded several times already this year for...
Take financial stock to make change happen
Whether brought on by the pandemic, a financial milestone or just a new life stage, many of us are looking at major changes like early retirement, moving to a new province, changing careers, or...
Repreneuriat : la pandémie a empiré la situation
Canada toute une génération d’entrepreneurs boomers qui, malgré la retraite qui les guette au tournant, ne possèdent pas de planification successorale pour leur entreprise. Selon les dernières...
Tentés par de petits profits immobiliers rapido presto? Pas aux dépens de votre retraite!
Le marché immobilier canadien, en pleine effervescence, s’est révélé trop tentant pour plusieurs qui ont abandonné leurs perspectives à long terme pour essayer de vendre, revendre ou investir dans...
Avant de nommer un ami ou un membre de la famille liquidateur, posez-vous quelques questions
La recherche a démontré que la plupart des Canadiens et Canadiennes nomment un membre de leur famille ou un ami dans leur testament à titre d’exécuteur testamentaire. Bien que cela puisse sembler...
À la recherche d’un revenu de retraite après impôt plus important? Considérez ces stratégies
Une fois à la retraite, votre objectif financier consiste à profiter au maximum de votre épargne-retraite. Or pour ce faire, payer le moins d’impôt possible est primordial. Heureusement, vous...
Inflation globale ou inflation sous-jacente : laquelle importe le plus?
Il y a deux mesures principales de l’inflation : l’inflation globale et l’inflation sous-jacente. Cette année, l’inflation globale a fait la une, mais laquelle importe le plus pour les...
L’inflation pose-t-elle réellement un risque Dans l’affirmative, quelles en seront les répercussions sur les investisseurs?
Tout juste comme la situation semblait sur le point de s’améliorer, notamment avec le lancement des programmes de vaccination contre la COVID-19 dans bon nombre des grandes économies, voilà que...
Au fil de la reprise économique, garder le cap importe plus que jamais
Vous avez sûrement déjà entendu dire qu’en période difficile – comme en période de récession ou de correction boursière – la stratégie empreinte de sagesse consiste à « garder le cap »....
The right funds for down payment savings, real estate profits
Canada’s hyper hot housing market means lots of Canadians are parking savings on both sides of a housing transaction: many younger people are saving for a down payment and some sellers need to bank...
Are fund investors learning not to panic?
When the stock market experiences a crash, as it did in the spring of 2020, the script is predictable: investors sell their stocks and take refuge in “safer” fixed-income and cash-equivalent...
Keep performance in perspective, especially after a major market event
If you pay close attention to your mutual funds’ performance, the past 12 months may have put up some wonky numbers. That’s because the crash of 2020 and the quick recovery could mean wild swings in...
A resilient fund portfolio will help you weather the next big crisis
It’s likely that none of us would want to relive 2020 again – whether we’re talking about the devastation of the pandemic or the more mundane crisis in the financial markets last spring. But, as...
Fixed-income maturity
What is it? The maturity of a fixed-income security, such as a bond, is simply the date on which the investment ends or “matures.” For example, a 10-year bond ends at the 10-year mark, meaning any...
T-series funds: part of a tax-efficient retirement income strategy
Once you’ve retired, your financial focus becomes making the most of your retirement savings – and that means paying as little tax as possible. Mutual fund investors have a unique tool available to...
If inflation is returning, are these funds types set to rise too?
As the pandemic situation began to improve with the launch of vaccination programs in many major economies, market watchers and economists began to raise the spectre of inflation. A rapid economic...
Business succession: pandemic has made a bad situation worse
Survey after survey has shown that Canada has a generation of Boomer business owners facing retirement without a succession plan in place. The latest research from consulting firm KPMG suggests that...
Tempted by quick real estate profits? Not at the expense of your retirement
Canada’s red hot housing market has tempted many to abandon their long-term perspective and to try to sell, flip or invest to turbocharge their wealth. Don’t let short-term thinking and profit...
Think twice before naming a friend or family member as your executor
Research has shown that most Canadians name a family member or friend in their will as executor of their estate. While this may seem like a natural choice, it may not always be the best one. Your...
Looking for more after-tax retirement income? Consider these strategies
Once you’ve retired, your financial focus becomes making the most of your retirement savings – and that means paying as little tax as possible. Fortunately, there are things you can do to structure...
Headline versus core inflation: which really matters?
There are two key measures of inflation: headline inflation and core inflation. This year, headline inflation has dominated the headlines, but which is the most important for investors? Headline...
Is the inflation risk real? How will it affect investors?
As the pandemic situation began to improve with the launch of vaccination programs in many major economies, market watchers and economists began to raise the spectre of inflation. A rapid economic...
As the economy recovers, staying the course is more important than ever
You have probably heard that when times are tough – like a recession or market correction – that’s it’s wise to “stay the course.” Ironically, with a recovering economy and robust investment...
Insolite ou difficile à croire? Attention aux escroqueries financières!
Les fraudeurs du placement et leurs escroqueries font leurs dégâts depuis des décennies. Malheureusement, la pandémie de COVID-19 s’est avérée un terrain fertile pour leurs manigances. Les Autorités...
Cible future : Ne mésestimez pas les avantages des REEE
Il est tout à fait normal de porter toute son attention sur les difficultés financières de la dernière année, mais si vous avez des enfants ou des petits-enfants, n’oubliez pas les obligations...
La COVID-19 a changé notre façon d’envisager les finances et la retraite
Selon un nouveau rapport, le fait d’avoir à confronter la mortalité pour la première fois et d’aider les familles durement touchées par les difficultés financières causées par la pandémie de...
Qu’est-ce qui a changé dans votre vie?
Passez en revue la liste de vérification ci-dessous et notez tout changement à même d’avoir des répercussions sur vos stratégies ou vos objectifs financiers et de placement. Nouvel emploi. Ce nouvel...
Le nouveau normal ou les années folles ? D’une façon ou d’une autre, un examen financier est de mise
On aurait dit que la vie en 2020 a été mise en état de veille. Or, même si on n’en est pas exactement encore là, l’année 2021 signale pour sa part le début du « monde après la COVID ». Certains...
Investir en fonction d’un rétablissement : trois idées à considérer
Tandis que la récession mondiale déclenchée par la COVID-19 se transforme en un redressement économique mené par les efforts de vaccination, on peut se demander quelles thématiques économiques et de...
La question fiscale doit être considérée tout au long de l’année
Les questions fiscales refont toujours surface au printemps lorsque la date pour remettre nos déclarations de revenus se rapproche. Et pourtant, il est alors déjà trop tard pour effectuer des...
Beware the unfamiliar! Fund investors not immune from investment scams
Luckily, Canada has an established, stable and trusted mutual fund industry with well-known investment managers and dealerships. But there are always investment scams on the go, so it’s important to...
When it’s tax time, your T3 is key
A T3 tax slip, formally known as a Statement of Trust Income Allocations and Designations, is produced whenever a mutual fund held in a non-registered account makes a distribution of taxable income...
Large-cap funds: Is this portfolio stalwart ready to shine?
Chances are you already have some large-capitalization funds in your portfolio. These funds, which invest in many of the largest and best-known companies in the world, are a common foundation in any...
Distribution frequency
What is it? The profit that a mutual fund makes is paid out to unitholders as distributions. The frequency of these distributions may be different depending on the fund and could be paid monthly,...
Rebalancing keeps you on track and ready for the next market moves
A diversified mutual fund portfolio, aligned with your investment objectives, is an ideal way to build long-term investing success. But if you haven’t revisited your portfolio in a while, you may...
If you’re sitting on cash, you may be missing out
Mutual funds are designed to be long-term investments. To maximize the benefits of fund investing, it’s best to stay invested throughout the market cycle. But last year’s bear market and the severe...
Unfamiliar or unbelievable? Watch out for investment scams
Investment fraudsters and their scams have been around for decades. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic offered new opportunities for their nefarious activities. The Canadian Securities...
Future focus don’t overlook RESP benefits
It’s understandable to have focused on current financial challenges during the past year, but if you have children or grandchildren, don’t forget the financial demands that post-secondary could...
COVID-19 has changed how we think about finances and retirement
Confronting mortality for the first time and helping out family with COVID-driven financial hardships has led to a shift in Canadians’ thinking about their own financial futures, according to a new...
What’s changed for you?
Review this checklist – any of these changes could affect your financial or investment strategies and goals. New job. Will a new job change your monthly budget? If your new job comes with a salary...
New normal or ‘roaring twenties’? Either way, a financial review is due
It may have felt that life was on hold for much of 2020. This year, however, marks the beginning of the ‘post-COVID’ world even if it isn’t quite here yet. Some are predicting a mini-boom as the...
Investing into the recovery three ideas to consider
As a COVID-19-triggered global recession turns toward a vaccine-led economic recovery, what are the economic and investment themes likely to be in play in the markets? Here are three ideas to...
Tax-smart investing is a year-round affair
Tax is top of mind in the Spring as we face the filing deadline, although it’s often too late to implement any changes that affect the previous year. The truth is, when it comes to investing, there...
Les Canadiens et Canadiennes veulent en savoir davantage sur le placement responsable
Selon deux récents sondages, l’investissement responsable attire de plus en plus l’attention, et les dollars, des investisseurs canadiens. En outre, ces investisseurs disent vouloir en savoir...
Les canadiens s’attendent à ce que la pandémie touche le pays, mais pas eux-même
La pandémie de Covid-19 minera-t-elle l’économie canadienne et, dans son sillage, vos finances personnelles? Selon un sondage mené par McKinsey and Company, les Canadiens et Canadiennes se soucient...
Nouvelle année, nouvelles limites pour les régimes d’épargne enregistrés
Lorsque vous cotisez à un régime enregistré, comme un régime enregistré d’épargne-retraite (REER) ou un compte d’épargne libre d’impôt (CELI), vous devez éviter de dépasser les limites permises,...
Votre legs : vos dons de bienfaisance doivent correspondre à vos valeurs
Les dons de bienfaisance peuvent représenter une partie importante de votre vie financière, aussi bien à l’heure actuelle que dans le cadre de votre planification successorale. Ces dons ont d’autant...
Mise au point : doubler la mise ou changer de cap?
En ce début de nouvelle année, la tradition veut maintenant que notre attention se tourne vers les finances personnelles, et plus précisément sur les régimes enregistrés d’épargne-retraite (REER)....
Nouvelle année, nouveau « normal » : quelle est la meilleure stratégie ?
Au seuil de la nouvelle année, il est difficile d’envisager la nature des défis financiers et de placement qui nous attendent au tournant. Selon toute apparence, nous aurons à gérer les effets de la...
How did you do in 2020? Context is key
With performance numbers in for the highly unusual year that was 2020, you may be paying extra attention to your mutual funds’ returns. Regardless of current circumstances the following will help...
With health in the news, can fund investors benefit
The investment markets in 2020 surprised us all by being resilient to the shocks that accompanied the pandemic. Nevertheless, some sectors have prospered and some struggled in this “new normal.”...
Stock splits and mutual funds
Apple made the news last year with a 4-for-1 stock split, the fifth stock split in its history. As a mutual fund investor, do these splits matter for you and are there any benefits? What is it? A...
Why ‘core and explore’ is an ideal strategy for RRSP investing
If your Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) holds the bulk of your retirement savings, it’s like your own personal pension plan. That means you’ll want to make sure that it’s there for you...
It’s RRSP time. Here are two mutual fund strategies for this year
In times of economic uncertainty or market volatility, your Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) strategy can suffer as you hesitate over what the future will bring. That kind of thinking can...
Canadians want to know more about responsible investing
Responsible investing is increasingly catching the attention – and dollars – of Canadian investors, according to two recent surveys. However, these investors say they need to learn more and want to...
Canadians expect the pandemic to hurt the country but not themselves
Will COVID-19 pandemic wreak havoc on the Canadian economy and take your personal finances down too? According to a survey by McKinsey and Company, Canadians are more worried about the country than...
With the new year come new limits on your registered plans
When contributing to registered plans such as Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs) and Tax- Free Savings Accounts (TFSAs), you’ll want to make sure you stay within the limits. Failure to do...
Your legacy: match your charitable giving to your values
Charitable giving can be an important part of your financial life, both now and in your estate plan. It gains in meaning when your gifts are connected to values and causes you care about. It sounds...
RRSP tune-up: double down or change course?
With the new year comes the season we traditionally focus our financial attention on our Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs). However, in the current climate this may be the least...
New year, new normal: what’s the best strategy?
As the new year begins, it’s difficult to know what kind of financial and investing challenges await us. All indications are that we will continue to live with the effects of the pandemic for some...
Le mois de novembre est reconnu comme étant « le mois des testaments » pourquoi ne pas rédiger le vôtre dès maintenant
Chaque année, au mois de novembre, nous attirons votre attention sur l’importance de votre testament comme élément essentiel de votre sécurité financière. Si vous n’avez toujours pas rédigé de...
Marché baissier en mars, marché haussier en avril : que faut-il comprendre?
Le 11 mars dernier, les médias ont beaucoup parlé de la fin du plus long marché haussier jamais vu (actions canadiennes et américaines) qui a duré 11 ans. Au moment même où sévissait la crise de la...
Faites un bilan de votre situation financière avant la fin de l’année
Les derniers mois de l’année sont marqués par d’importantes échéances pour les investisseurs et les contribuables. Tenez compte des éléments suivants : Dons de bienfaisance. Le 31 décembre est la...
Si vous approchez de la retraite, il est temps de procéder à un examen
Pendant les périodes d’incertitude économique et de volatilité des marchés, les investisseurs ayant un horizon de placement à long terme peuvent se consoler du fait qu’ils ont le temps de traverser...
La forme d’une reprise : en « V », « W », « U » et « L », et ce que cela pourrait signifier pour vos plans d’investissement
Il s’agit peut-être de la preuve de l’optimisme inaliénable de la race humaine. Presque dès l’entrée en récession de la plupart des grandes économies mondiales au début de cette année, nous avons...
Continuer à investir : ces trois conseils vous aideront à demeurer fidèle à votre plan d’investissement
En cette année de la pandémie, vous pourriez être tenté d’interrompre vos habitudes de placement. Si vous avez perdu du revenu, il pourrait s’agir d’une bonne ligne de conduite. Cependant, c’est...
Buying funds near year end? Plan carefully
Buying mutual fund units for your non-registered accounts near the end of the year? You may want to be careful around the payout date of any pending distributions. Here’s why. If the fund has...
Flight to safety These funds are your port of call
This past spring, at the height of the pandemic, many investors flocked to safe havens and away from equities. While many people think of savings accounts at such times, these mutual funds offer...
The first bear market in a decade was also the shortest ever
Much was made in the media on March 11 when the longest bull market in history (in Canadian and U.S. stocks) came to an end after 11 years. As the COVID-19 crisis took its toll on the global...
When retirement is a reality, these funds are here to help
For most of your saving and investing life, you have probably focussed on capital accumulation, looking to maximize the growth of your money, within your own risk tolerance. But things change when...
Fund Facts
What is it? Fund Facts is a document that contains the key information about a mutual fund. It is a simpler version of the information contained in the mutual fund prospectus. A mutual fund manager...
Overdiversification too much of a good thing
When you invest in mutual funds, you get instant diversification as your money is spread across the securities held in that fund. But can diversification get out of hand? And if so, is it actually...
Keep investing: 3 ways that mutual funds help you stay on track
In this year of the pandemic, you may be tempted to put your investing habits on hold. If you’ve lost income, that may be a prudent course of action. However, for many of us, fear of market...
November is National Make-a-Will Month: why not do it now!
November is the month when we draw attention to the importance of your will as a key part of your financial security plan. If you don’t have a will – surveys suggest just half of us do – now is the...
Bear in March, Bull in April: does it mean anything?
Much was made in the media on March 11 when the longest bull market in history (in Canadian and U.S. stocks) came to an end after 11 years. As the COVID-19 crisis took its toll on the global...
Before year end, check in with your financial self
The final months of the year contain some important deadlines for investors and taxpayers. Here are some things to consider: Charitable donations. December 31 is the deadline for making a charitable...
If you’re close to retirement, this year calls for a review
During times of economic uncertainty and market volatility, investors with a long time horizon can take some solace in the fact that they have time to ride out current conditions. But what if you...
The shape of recoveries: V, W, U, L and what it could mean for your plans
It may be testament to the inherent optimism of the human species. Almost as soon as most major economies entered into recession earlier this year, we began speculating on what the recovery would...
Keep investing: these 3 tips help you stay committed to your plan
In this year of the pandemic, you may well be tempted to put your investing habits on hold. If you’ve lost income, that may be a prudent course of action. However, for many of us, fear of market...
Which funds are ideal for getting kids or grandkids started
If you’re looking to get your minor children or grandchildren interested in investing, mutual funds can be a great way to get started. Depending on your intentions, here are two great approaches....
Dipping into TFSAs Caution both tax rules and mutual funds rules may apply
The Tax-free Savings Account’s (TFSA) withdrawal provisions are ideal when you need to tap your savings, as many of us were reminded during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you’re a mutual fund investor,...
Let U.S. mutual funds help you access this global powerhouse
As the largest economy in the world, the United States attracts the attention and capital of investors across the globe. For Canadian investors, the best and most practical way to access these...
Target date funds
What are they? A target date fund is a mutual fund that is managed towards an end or “target” date. These funds are usually named for the year they are targeted to end. For example, “ABC Target 2030...
Professional management: what does that actually mean?
When you invest in mutual funds, you entrust your money to the professional managers of that fund. Indeed, professional management is often cited as one of the key benefits of fund investing. But...
Feeling fearful when markets turn? Time for a risk reality check
Depending on your age and investing experience, the market downturn in March caused by the COVID-19 crisis may have been a real shock or just the latest in a series of unfortunate events in your...
Most Canadians want their financial advice from a human being
Three quarters of Canadian investors say they want financial advice to come from a human, according to new research from the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC). Are we...
Millennials eye recreational property for enjoyment and investment
Millennials are more likely than their Boomer parents to be interested in recreational property for its investment potential, and their interest in buying a cottage has taken a big jump. A 2019...
TFSAs provide flexibility when withdrawing cash and when re-investing it
The Tax-free Savings Account’s (TFSA) withdrawal provisions are ideal when you need to tap your savings, as many of us were reminded during the COVID-19 pandemic. The good news is that they also...
U.S. companies dominate many sectors. Should they be in your portfolio too?
As the largest economy in the world, the United States is an economic powerhouse. It attracts the attention and capital of investors across the globe. It’s not just because the U.S. is a large...
The four cornerstones of your estate plan
Are you waiting to be wealthy enough, or old enough, to think about having an estate plan? Do not wait, because estate planning is a fundamental part of establishing financial security for all...
Time to revisit your emergency fund
It’s always been a good strategy to have an emergency fund set aside in case you face difficulties – anything from a sudden job loss to an unexpected large expense. The wisdom of this advice has...
Feeling fearful when markets turn? Time for a risk reality check
Depending on your age and investing experience, the market downturn in March caused by the COVID-19 crisis may have been a real shock or just the latest in a series of unfortunate events in your...
A splash of growth perks up these income funds
Whether you’re an income investor approaching or in retirement, or one who is just a little shy of the volatility that a heavy concentration in equities can bring, income funds offer the potential...
At the beginning of 2020, mutual fund investors could be forgiven for having forgotten this truism of investing: what goes up can also go down. The bull market in stocks had begun in 2008 and,...
Going global? Here’s your mutual fund primer
It’s not easy to get Canadians to invest abroad. According to one recent reported figure, 60% of the average Canadian’s equities portfolio is invested in homegrown stocks. If you’re ready to look...
Know your slips when it comes to tax time!
For the 2019 tax year, it’s all over but the filing. To get ready and to ensure an accurate return, here’s a review of key investment-related tax slips: T4 slips – Generally speaking, T4 slips...
Cottage concerns? Now is the time to act
With rising temperatures and longer days, many Canadians turn their thoughts to their cottages, chalets and camps. And increasingly for the Boomer generation, those thoughts include whether to pass...
Confidence shaken by the market downturn? Keep perspective with this timely advice
At the beginning of 2020, investors could be forgiven for having forgotten this truism of stock market investing: what goes up can also go down. The bull market in stocks had begun in 2008 and,...
A great plan needs defined goals: These questions will help you define them
It’s probably the most common cliché in financial matters: you need a plan based on your “unique” goals and circumstances. The truth is that the plan is not the hardest part. Instead, it’s being...
Think tax-smart investing all year round
Tax time? From an investing perspective, there is no wrong time to consider the tax implications of choosing, organizing or selling investments for your portfolio. Choosing investments...
These cash-like funds are essential
Cash, or cash-equivalent mutual funds are perhaps an unexciting but nevertheless essential part of any portfolio. This asset class could include Money Market Funds, T-Bill Funds, Short-Term Income...
These income funds getting attention in today’s environment
With the recent volatility in the equity markets, many investors have been walking a tightrope between choppy equity funds and the uninspiring performance of many bond and income funds. One area to...
Is it time to shore up your core funds?
Every mutual fund portfolio should have a nucleus of broadly diversified investments. This core is crucial to the strength of your portfolio because it provides stability. It can help your long-term...
Six ways to keep your cool when the markets don’t
When the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) dropped 800 points in one day last August, it was a reality check for investors who spent much of 2019 enjoying the Dow and other indexes flirting with...
These cash-like options are essential
Cash, or cash-equivalent investments are perhaps an unexciting but nevertheless essential part of any portfolio. This asset class could include money-market investments such as Treasury Bills...
Six ways to keep your cool when the markets don’t
When the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) dropped 800 points in one day last August, it was a reality check for investors who spent much of 2019 enjoying the Dow and other indexes flirting with...
Last-minute RRSP tips
A different deadline. March 2nd, 2020 is the deadline for contributions to your Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) for the 2019 tax year. (Although 2020 is a leap year, the expected February...
Retirement and debt – what you need to know
Not long ago, most Canadians wouldn’t have considered carrying debt into retirement. That attitude has changed. One 2018 study from a major Canadian financial institution, for example, found that...
Why you need a digital estate plan now
Just a few years ago, the idea of a digital estate plan seemed like an issue for the far-off future. Now that’s changed as we hear of those who have passed away with loved ones unable to cancel...
Is it time to shore up your core?
Every portfolio should have a nucleus of broadly diversified investments. This core is crucial to the strength of your portfolio because it provides stability. It can help your long-term investment...
Ready for retirement? How to find out before you do it
When the time comes, will you be ready? The transition to retirement can be a real challenge for many of us. In fact, a 2019 poll by a major Canadian financial institution found that more than a...
Global vs International: a key fund difference in today’s volatile world
Threats of trade wars is the type of news story that can make investors who hold mutual funds that invest in companies outside Canada nervous. It also means it’s a good time to revisit a fundamental...
Fund investors not immune from these 4 common investing traps
Mutual fund investing would be a whole lot easier if the markets moved in a rational, predictable fashion. Unfortunately, they don’t. Market activity, and ultimately fund performance, is the...
Does your RRSP have the right fund mix?
We all recognize that our needs evolve as we grow older. But change has a way of creeping up unnoticed. That’s why it’s important to review your Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) on a...
Year-end tax tips
Charitable Donations. December 31 is the deadline for making a charitable donation that can be claimed for the 2019 tax year. Tax Deductions and Credits. December 31 is the final payment date in...
An inheritance presents financial and emotional challenges
Receiving an inheritance is much more than a financial event. It’s an emotional one as well. If you’re expecting a considerable inheritance, it’s important to plan for the transition that sudden...
What is risk tolerance?
When it comes to investing there’s lots of talk about “risk tolerance.” But what is it? And how can we determine your individual tolerance for risk? Put simply, risk tolerance is the amount of risk...
Watch out for these 4 common investing traps
Investing would be a whole lot easier if the markets moved in a rational, predictable fashion. Unfortunately, they don’t. Market activity is the collective result of individual investors’ decisions,...
An exit strategy for your RRSP
When is the best time to begin converting your Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) assets into retirement income? There is no one right or wrong answer, but here are your options. Age...
Does your RRSP have the right asset mix?
We all recognize that our needs evolve as we grow older. But change has a way of creeping up unnoticed. That’s why it’s important to review your Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) on a...
Are you prepared for a longer, more active retirement?
Recent trends suggest that some of the costs associated with retirement are changing. Depending on your circumstances and expectations, these developments may mean you’ll need to adjust your savings...
Tailor a retirement savings plan for each stage of life
In a study last year1, over half of Canadians (53%) aren’t sure they are saving enough for retirement. Among those on the cusp of retirement (aged 55+) only 14% had a formal retirement plan and were...
This year’s higher limit just one great reason to revisit TFSAs
Canadians love Tax-Free Savings Accounts (TFSAs). And no wonder — with tax-free earnings and tax-free withdrawals, what’s not to like? And this year, there’s even more to like: the annual...
Compare equity and real estate markets for the past 25 years
The Canadian residential real estate market has been one of the best performing in the world, but as indicated in this table, it still underperformed equities in the period 1993 to 2017. The lesson?...
Your home is not your retirement plan
After a decade of soaring prices, many Canadian homes have appreciated considerably in value. If yours is one of them, you may be tempted to be less vigilant in your retirement savings — on the...
Got TFSA room? This chart could show you how much
Do you remember how much you have contributed to your TFSA in past years? Or, how much contribution room you still have? It may be more than you think. This chart will help, as it shows the...
This year’s higher limit just one great reason to revisit TFSAs
Canadians love Tax-Free Savings Accounts (TFSAs). And no wonder — with tax-free earnings and tax-free withdrawals, what’s not to like? And this year, there’s even more to like: the annual...
A checklist to optimize your finances
Here are seven reminders to help you stay up to date: Check your estate plan. Ensure that you have an up-to-date will, power of attorney, and living will. Review unused contributions...
A complete picture helps you make better choices
Your investment plan is an important part of your plan for financial success and wellbeing. It’s not the only element, however, and by making sure that all the parts of your personal financial...
5 signs it may be time for a financial review
To keep your financial affairs in order, you need to review them anytime there’s a significant change in your life. Any of these developments should trigger a review. 1. Job changes A new job...
5 reasons to invest regularly — whatever the markets are doing
An understandable but mistaken idea becomes common when markets are volatile: put off or pause investing until markets look good again. It’s understandable because even the most committed investor...
Have a will? Smart. Keeping it updated? Even better.
When the queen of soul, Aretha Franklin, passed away last year, the news carried an all-too-familiar story: another wealthy celebrity dying without a will. Unfortunately, now advisors and family...
Managing debt is the ‘other side’ of financial success
When investment markets are doing well, we can be lulled into thinking that’s where all our financial success will come from. But there is another side to our personal balance sheets: our debts. We...
Here comes the bride! And a personal finance checklist…
Spring is here and so is the traditional wedding season. In addition to the emotional benefits, marriage can also bring certain financial perks. Getting married, or know someone who is? Here are...
A well-built portfolio is designed to handle tough times
Working with investment professionals has plenty of benefits but none more appropriate to today’s environment than the quality of your portfolio construction. Everyone looks smart during smooth and...
Retirement income that lasts? Balancing growth and risk is key
During your portfolio-building years, your investment portfolio is likely to have a bias favouring equities. With a long time horizon and regular additions of capital, you have an opportunity to...
Market jitters? Time for a risk reality check
Volatility seems to have become the new norm for equity markets, and ongoing political events around the globe have added even more uncertainty to the mix. If market ups and downs are making you...