Posts by Jason Heath
There’s More To The RRSP Than Mutual Funds and ETFs, But You Have To Tread Cautiously
The article “There’s More To The RRSP Than Mutual Funds and ETFs, But You Have To Tread Cautiously” was originally published on Financial Post on February 17, 2017. At this time of year, we are bombarded by marketing to buy the same RRSP investments we have always purchased in the past. For most Canadians, the…
Read MoreHow Much Should You Pay in Investment Fees?
The article “How Much Should You Pay in Investment Fees?” was originally published on MoneySense on February 14, 2017. Fee info is hard to find online. Here’s advice Q: What do you think the fees for investment management at, let’s say, RBC, TD, BMO, or any of the big banks should be for a portfolio of $1.2…
Read MoreYield Matters So Here’s A Primer On High-Dividend-Paying Stock, Bond and ETF Options to Fund Your RRSP
The article “Yield Matters So Here’s A Primer On High-Dividend-Paying Stock, Bond and ETF Options to Fund Your RRSP” was originally published on Financial Post on February 7, 2017. Interest rates have stayed lower so much longer than most would have expected after the 2008 financial crisis. The U.S. Federal Reserve has begun raising interest…
Read MoreFiling Taxes While Holding U.S. Investments in Canada
The article “Filing Taxes While Holding U.S. Investments in Canada” was originally published on MoneySense on January 7, 2017. Does moving U.S. dollar investments from the U.S. to Canada make a difference? Q: I have investment money that originated with a U.S. management company, but I moved it to a Canadian management company, keeping it in…
Read MoreHow To Earn Tax-Efficient Dividend Income
The article “How To Earn Tax-Efficient Dividend Income” was originally published on MoneySense on January 31, 2017. Just know that your dividends will turn up on your tax return whether you like it or not. Q: If I am holding stocks that pay a dividend in a taxable account, would it be better to enrol…
Read MoreThe RRSP Is Turning 60 This Year, But It Isn’t Planning A Retirement Of Its Own Any Time Soon
The article “The RRSP Is Turning 60 This Year, But It Isn’t Planning A Retirement Of Its Own Any Time Soon” was originally published on Financial Post on January 31, 2017. The Registered Retirement Savings Plan is turning 60 this year. As the RRSP approaches the typical retirement age, participation has been declining and it…
Read MoreInvesting In Canada As A U.S. Resident
The article “Investing In Canada As A U.S. Resident” was originally published on MoneySense on January 24, 2017. Margaret has received an inheritance in Canada, but lives in the U.S. What should be her next steps? Q: I am a Canadian citizen. I live in the USA with a permanent residency card. I have come into an…
Read MoreWhen Not To Apply For OAS
The article “When Not To Apply For OAS” was original published on MoneySense on January 17, 2017. Depending on your income, an OAS application could be a huge mistake. Q: I retired early at 60 and I am now 65. I opted to collect my CPP at 60. Now at 65, I am collecting my Old…
Read MoreA Quick and Easy Primer On Capital Gains Tax
The article “A Quick and Easy Primer On Capital Gains Tax” was originally published on MoneySense on January 10, 2017. How capital gains tax works with a TFSA, plus other need-to-know info. Q: Can I save capital gains tax by putting money into a TFSA? Do I have to pay capital gains tax if I…
Read MoreWhy You Should Think ‘Smile’ When Planning Your Retirement Spending Path
The article “Why You Should Think ‘Smile’ When Planning Your Retirement Spending Path” was originally published on Financial Post on January 4, 2017. Rudimentary retirement rules of thumb are prevalent in a financial industry that prefers to spend more time focused on stock picking than retirement planning. On that basis, it is incumbent upon aspiring…
Read MoreWhen Not To Contribute To A TFSA
The article “When Not To Contribute To A TFSA” was originally published on MoneySense on January 3, 2017. Richard is looking for some advice on an $80K inheritance. A TFSA isn’t the holy grail of investing. Q: My wife and I would like to put our inheritance (approximately $80,000) into our TFSAs, which we have never…
Read MoreCan You Unlock A LIRA Early?
The article “Can You Unlock A LIRA Early?” was originally published on MoneySense on December 20, 2016. In Alberta there are 5 instances when you may be able to. Q: I have a LIRA from my employment some years ago in the amount of $250,000. I live in Alberta. Due to downsizing last year, I was…
Read More