The investment factor you can control

You can’t control the direction of the markets or the return on your investments, but you have complete control over the amount you save and invest. And the amount you regularly invest may be the difference in meeting your financial objectives or not. Here’s a look at some life situations that typically call for investing […]
Are RRSPs still the best choice?

In retirement, there’s a tax-saving strategy called “topping up to bracket.” It’s used when funds in a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) or a Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF) will eventually be withdrawn when you’re in a higher tax bracket. The idea is to withdraw funds from your RRSP or RRIF in an amount that […]
RRSPs for owners of a business

If you want to make tax-deferred investments in an RRSP, you would draw a salary from your corporation to gain earned income that creates RRSP contribution room. Or you can save for retirement, also on a tax-deferred basis, by leaving excess funds in an investment portfolio within the corporation – eventually to be withdrawn as […]
When life changes, so do financial plans

Life is what happens to you while you’re making other plans, the saying goes. We just never know when the unexpected may happen. Here are four scenarios that look at various life changes and how financial plans adapt to evolving needs. Tara launches a business After 20 years in management, Tara lost her job in […]
“I’d like to talk to you about a loan.”

If you haven’t experienced it already, you may one day. A friend or relative is in dire straits and asks you for a loan. In some cases your instincts might tell you right away how you feel about the request. If the person is a loved one with a genuine need you may be only […]
Should you name an adult child as executor?

When deciding on an executor, or liquidator in Quebec, it’s quite common to name an adult child to administer the estate. But if you have more than one child, it’s a decision to make with caution. Here’s a look at the pros and cons of going this route when siblings are involved. You can name […]