Posts by Jason Heath

The article “Should you use home equity to buy a house for your kids?” was originally published in MoneySense on October 6, 2023. Photo by najkhetsamtip. Some parents want to help their kids move out by borrowing against their home. Here’s how interest rates and estate planning might impact that idea. “My husband and I…

The article “How to report U.S. employment income in Canada” was originally published in MoneySense on September 25, 2023. Photo by gerenme from Getty Images Signature. Canadian citizens who work in the U.S. have to meet Canadian and U.S. tax filing requirements. Here’s what to know about the rules, including getting a foreign tax credit.…

The article “Do you need mortgage life insurance?” was originally published in MoneySense on September 22, 2023. Photo by Mikhail Nilov from Pexels. Mortgage protection can be a good idea, if for instance you have a condition or illness that might make it difficult to get insurance otherwise. “I am a single, 70-year-old with a…

The article “Who should Canadians consult for debt advice?” was originally published in MoneySense on September 18, 2023. Photo by vaeenma from Getty Images. With debt servicing costs up significantly over the past year, many Canadians are struggling and need help. Who can they trust? Canadians who need help with debt management can seek out…

The article “What to know about withholding tax in retirement” was originally published in MoneySense on September 11, 2023. Photo by Andrii Dodonov from Getty Images. Most retirees have taxes owing at the end of the year. Should you adjust the withholding tax on your pension as to not owe too much nor have to…

The article “Are Vanguard Canada ETFs and other funds always a good investment?” was originally published in MoneySense on September 6, 2023. Photo by Markus Winkler from Pexels. Here’s how you can access Vanguard ETFs in Canada and some pros and cons of ETFs to consider. “I’ve heard good things about Vanguard investment accounts in the U.S.,…

The article “What to do when you have insufficient or unused RESP funds” was originally published in MoneySense on August 14, 2023, reposted September 1, 2023. Photo by by AnthonyRosenberg from Getty Images Signature. RESPs often fall short of funding a child’s full education, but sometimes an account holder ends up with unused education savings.…

The article “Why inflation-linked bonds aren’t always the answer to high inflation” was originally published in MoneySense on August 28, 2023. Photo by Andrii Yalanskyi from Getty Images. Inflation-linked bonds can decline in a high-inflation year. Here’s how increases and decreases in inflation impact these types of bonds. “I don’t quite understand how inflation indexed…

The article “Should you pay off student debt before investing?” was originally published in MoneySense on August 22, 2023, reposted September 1st, 2023. Photo by MonthiraYodtiwong from Getty Images. If you want to start investing but you’ve got a Canada Student Loan or other student debt to repay, here’s how to decide where to put…

The article “A company I hold stock in was acquired or merged—do capital gains apply?” was originally published in MoneySense on August 8, 2023. Photo by by Daniel Balakov from Getty Images Signature. Shareholders cannot always prevent a company sale or merger from going ahead. When that happens, do you still owe taxes on capital…