Posts by Jason Heath

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…

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…

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…

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…

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.…

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…

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…

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…

The article “Investing As Power of Attorney” was originally published on MoneySense on October 18, 2016. Selling his mother’s house will leave Frank with $140,000 in proceeds. Here’s what he should do with the money. Q: This year, my 80+ year old mother had to move to a 24-hour care facility and I invoked the power…

The article “Where Should I Transfer My Pension?” was originally published on MoneySense on October 11, 2016. Rachel has two options: a bank or an investment firm Q: I am recently out of the military and not sure where to transfer my pension. I’m considering a bank like BMO or an investment firm such as Manulife.…

The article “RRSPs, DCPPs, CPP, Oh My!” was originally published on MoneySense on October 4, 2016. Daniel has plenty of retirement options. Which should he prioritize? Q: I’m 56 and would like to retire at 60. I have a defined contribution pension plan. Would it be wise to draw RSP only until 65 and leave CPP…