Posts by Jason Heath
A 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 MorePaying Off Debt With Investment Income
The article “Paying Off Debt With Investment Income” was originally published on MoneySense on December 13, 2016. Shawn can pay off his mortgage with his stock investments. The question is: Should he? Q: I have a mortgage and pay 3.5 percent and make monthly payments. Mortgage owing is $118,000. I currently have $125,000 in stocks that…
Read MoreHelp Your Parents Avoid Probate
The article “Help Your Parents Avoid Probate” was originally published on MoneySense on December 6, 2016. Should you buy your parent’s home to dodge probate? Q: My dad wants my brother and I to buy his home in order to avoid probate. I would like to see him keep his name on his home until he…
Read MoreInvesting U.S. Stocks In A TFSA
The original article “Investing U.S. Stocks In A TFSA” was published on MoneySense on November 29th, 2016. Avoiding U.S. stocks in your TFSA may lead you to pay more tax Q: In a TFSA, I hold a mutual fund that holds U.S. blue chip stocks. Am I penalized? —Stephen A: Tax-Free Savings Accounts can be great. Most…
Read MoreWhat Is In A Financial Plan?
The article “What Is In A Financial Plan?” was originally published in MoneySense on November 22, 2016. Here’s exactly what a financial plan from a fee-only planner entails Q: With a fee-only financial planner, what would I receive in a financial plan? —James A: The short answer, James, is it depends. Now, for the long answer. The…
Read MoreWhat Happens To An RESP When You Die
The article “What Happens To An RESP When You Die” was originally published in MoneySense on November 15, 2015. Wayne has an RESP for a child he’s not related to. Who will the money go to? Q: I am the account subscriber for an RESP for a child to whom I am not related by blood.…
Read MoreCan I Reset My TFSA?
The article “Can I Reset My TFSA?” was originally published on MoneySense on November 8, 2016. John has lost money in his TFSA and he wants to figure out the best way to make lemonade out of his lemons Q: I have a question on TFSAs. I have lost money on mine and I know you…
Read MoreWhat Happens To A TFSA After You Die?
The article “What Happens To A TFSA After You Die?” was originally published on MoneySense on November 1, 2016. There are three things you can do to make sure your TFSA goes to who you want Q: I have topped up my TFSA to date and my wife has done the same. Returns have been good…
Read MoreCan I Retire In 6 Months?
The article “Can I Retire In 6 Months?” was originally published on MoneySense on October 25, 2016. Walter, 63, may be forced into retirement next spring. But is he ready? Q: My wife and I have been married for 14 years (my first wife passed away). Janie is not working outside the house. Here is our…
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