Posts by Jason Heath

The article “When To Load Up On Defensive Stocks” was originally published on MoneySense on December 28, 2017. Timing the market is difficult; instead, focus on your own asset allocation and risk tolerance Q: Is it reasonable or practical to shift to defensive stocks and mutual funds to prepare for a market recession? Financial people all…

The article “Do I Need To Retire My Debt, Before I Retire Myself?” was originally published in MoneySense on December 21, 2017. It might make more sense to pay off debt later Q: So, I’m retiring (single male 65) with $850,000 total in RRSPs and a DCP where I currently work. I have no debt. I…

The article “How Can I Use My Extra RRSP Room When I Retire?” was originally published in MoneySense on December 13, 2017. You can’t use up next year’s room this year, but there are ways to put that room to work Q: In 2019, I will retire. I will contribute $26,000 to my RRSP in 2018,…

The article “Is An RRSP Worth It If You’re Retiring Abroad?” was originally published on MoneySense on December 5, 2017. It makes sense from a tax perspective but might make investing a hassle Q: I am a permanent resident living in Canada. Is it worth me investing in an RRSP, when chances are I will be…

The article “When Using RRSP Money For Debt Is A Bad Idea” was originally published on MoneySense on December 2, 2017. You may have to withdraw twice the amount you owe Q: My wife and I currently have a mortgage of $297,000. On top of that we’ve had to dip into our line of credit (unsecured)…

The original article “How To Evaluate Your Group Savings Plan At Work” was originally published on MoneySense on November 28, 2017. Is Renee paying too much for her investments? Q. I have been registered with an insurance company through my employer since 2001. At the present time, I have about $50,000 in my plan. I pay…

The article “Owning Canadian Stocks As A U.S. Resident” was originally published on Moneysense on November 14, 2017. What are the capital gains consequences? Q: I live in the USA but still have some stocks in a Canada brokerage. If I should sell them what is the capital gains I pay since I have had no income…

The article “LIRA Regrets” was originally published on MoneySense on November 14, 2017. This woman’s husband transferred his workplace pension to a high-fee LIRA and is looking for a smarter solution Q: My husband worked for a municipality and when he left we transferred the money into a LIRA. I’ve realized that the MER (2.9%) and…

The article “How To Choose The Right Insurance” was originally published on MoneySense on October 31, 2017. Tara isn’t sure if mortgage, life or disability insurance is the right way to go for her and her husband. Q: My husband is 57 and I am 45. I am currently a stay at home mom to a…

The article “REIT Investing: The Risks of Chasing Returns” was originally published on MoneySense on October 24, 2017. This reader is happy with his real estate returns but not with his other equities. Should he transfer to REITs? Not so fast. Q: My wife and I are both retired. She is 70 and I am 76.…

The article “Planning Through Salary Swings” was originally published on MoneySense on October 18, 2017. How to best plan given uncertain income Q: My income fluctuates quite widely from year to year. How do I plan for this and how do I handle the tax implications of such income swings? —David A: Yours is the challenge of many…