Posts by Jason Heath
How To Protect Your Personal Finances Amid The Coronavirus Chaos
The article “How To Protect Your Personal Finances Amid The Coronavirus Chaos” was originally published on Financial Post on March 18, 2020. With more repercussions to come, there are still steps you can take to protect your financial wellbeing. The initial financial implications of the novel coronavirus have been severe for investors. Stocks are down…
Read MoreWhat You Need To Know About Filing Your 2019 Tax Return
The article “What You Need To Know About Filing Your 2019 Tax Return” was originally published on MoneySense on March 4, 2020. Here is a quick primer on claims to take advantage of, the filing deadlines for employees and self-employed taxpayers, what to watch out for, and more. NOTE: Canada Revenue Agency has deferred…
Read MoreHow To Ensure Your Inheritance Goes To Your Children And Not The Taxman
The article “How To Ensure Your Inheritance Goes To Your Children And Not The Taxman” was originally published on Financial Post on March 2, 2020. With a little planning, retirees can reduce their lifetime tax payable and minimize the potential tax payable by their estate. Benjamin Franklin once said that “in this world nothing can…
Read MoreHere’s How Much You Should Contribute To Your RRSP For Each Stage Of Your Career
The article “Here’s How Much You Should Contribute To Your RRSP For Each Stage Of Your Career” was originally published on Financial Post on February 25, 2020. How much you need to save for retirement depends on a lot of personal factors EARLY CAREER Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA) contributions should be considered instead…
Read MorePlanning For The (potential) Costs Of Long-Term Care
The article “Planning For The (potential) Costs Of Long-Term Care” was originally published on MoneySense on February 10, 2020. Insuring against a potential expense that could range from nothing to hundreds of thousands of dollars, and could happen at any time during a 30-plus year retirement, is challenging. According to the Ontario Long Term Care Association‘s…
Read MoreDo You Have Too Many Shares In One Company?
The article “Do You Have Too Many Shares In One Company?” was originally published on MoneySense on February 7, 2020. Anyone who has a single stock that makes up more than 5% to 10% of their investment portfolio should be considering if they are overexposed and how to best diversify. Here are some options. Economist…
Read MoreShould You Buy Health Insurance In Retirement?
The article “Should You Buy Health Insurance In Retirement?” was originally published on MoneySense on January 29, 2020. Most people have health insurance coverage during their working years, but their employer picks up at least some of the cost. For retirees, the economics of buying similar coverage may not add up. Here’s why. Workplace health…
Read MoreIs An RRSP Loan A Good Idea?
The article “Is An RRSP Loan A Good Idea?” was originally published on MoneySense on January 22, 2020. Depending on which tax bracket you’re in and whether you have other debt, you might be better off simply directing what you would put towards loan repayments into regular RRSP contributions. Q. My bank is currently offering an…
Read MoreHow To Make Sense Of Contradictory Investment Advice
The article “How To Make Sense Of Contradictory Investment Advice” was originally published on MoneySense on January 10, 2020. Nat’s looking for help deciding which strategy truly is best: buy and hold for the long term, or sell off “losers” before they hurt your portfolio? Q. Several investment sources are giving advice that seems contradictory. On…
Read MoreHow Does Income From A Rental Property Create RRSP Contribution Room?
The article “How Does Income From A Rental Property Create RRSP Contribution Room?” was originally published on MoneySense on January 6, 2020. And, perhaps more importantly, should Jerry, who’s retired, claim RRSP deductions or the capital cost allowance, to reduce his lifetime tax payable? Q. I understand that net rental income creates RRSP contribution room—so, even…
Read MoreBaby Boomers Have Made A Fortune On Real Estate — Here Are Three Reasons To Consider Cashing Out Now
The article “Baby Boomers Have Made A Fortune On Real Estate — Here Are Three Reasons To Consider Cashing Out Now” was originally published on Financial Post on December 17, 2019. Beware the belief that real estate prices will continue to climb at anywhere near the rate we have seen over the past 20 years…
Read MorePlanning For An Inheritance
The article “Planning For An Inheritance” was originally published on MoneySense on December 10, 2019. Nearly half of Canadians expect to receive an inheritance. But while it’s important to consider those potential funds in your own retirement planning, counting on them is downright dangerous. Here’s what you need to know. My mother passed away three…
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