Posts by Jason Heath

The article “Picking Survivor and Guarantee Options” was originally published on September 27, 2016 on MoneySense. Pension elections can be daunting. Here’s what to consider. Q: I am considering retiring early from a job that entitles me to a pension. There are many options available depending on single or joint life and what percentage as well…

The article “Rent Or Sell My Parent’s House?” was originally published on September 20, 2016 on MoneySense. If it would sell for less than $200K, it might be a decent investment property Q: My 91-year old father just moved into assisted living. His townhouse is in my name. It has no money owing on it. Unfortunately,…

The article “Juggling Multiple RRSPs” was originally published on September 13, 2016 on MoneySense. Jay has plenty of retirement savings options. Here’s how he can use them wisely. Q: I am turning 30 this year. I am married and I have one kid with plans for another in the near future. I just changed jobs…

The article “The Best Way To Fund Your Retirement” was originally published on September 9, 2016 on MoneySense. Should Julie cash in shares or draw down on her RRSP? Q: I am 66 and retired with no defined benefit pension – just CPP and OAS. I do have RRSPs, both in savings and in mutual funds.…

The article “Retirement Planning In A Second Marriage” was originally published on MoneySense on August 30, 2016. Tina wants to know how to invest the proceeds from going from two homes to one with her fiance Q: My fiancé and I are both in our mid-50s and own a new home in Vancouver with no mortgage.…

The article “Contribute To RRSP Or Pay Off Mortgage?” was originally published on MoneySense on August 23, 2016. Linda isn’t sure if her $25,000 should go towards debt or investments Q: We have a small mortgage, only $80,000. Coming up for renewal at 2.35% for a five-year fixed rate. We have some money (approximately $25,000) that we…

The article “Should You Buy or Rent in Retirement?” was originally published on MoneySense on August 16, 2016. Cathy is torn between owning a home or continuing to rent Q: I’m 57 and hoping to retire this fall. I will receive an OMERS defined benefit pension of $44,000 plus a $10,000 bridge until I turn 65.…

The article “Can Dividend Stocks Replace Bonds?” was originally published on MoneySense on August 9, 2016. It sounds good in theory, but it may not be the best strategy in practice Q: I’m wondering if in this low-rate environment, a dividend equity ETF (an ETF in consumer staples that pays dividends) or other similar products can…

The article “Phoenix Pay System Shows Need for Emergency Fund” was originally published on MoneySense on August 2, 2016. Less than half of Canadians have more than $10K saved for a rainy day In an effort to replace people with machines, the federal government recently unveiled the Phoenix pay system to pay civil servants. It…

The article “So, Your Child Is Going To Inherit Millions” was originally published on MoneySense on July 26, 2016. What can Brian do to make sure the right people are there to guide his daughter? Q: We have an only child who just finished university and is starting a new career. We have no financial advisors…

The article “Should I Trust My Advisor Or Accountant?” was originally published on MoneySense on July 19, 2016. Here’s what to consider when faced with conflicting advice. Q: We seem to be in a financial dilemma. Different perspectives on RRSPs at a time when my husband is retired and I am going to retire. He has a…

The article “Can A Canadian Who Lives In The U.S. Buy ETFs In An RRSP?” was originally published on MoneySense on July 12, 2016. He wants to buy exchange traded funds in his RRSP, the problem is the bank said no. Q: Can Canadian citizens living in the U.S. transfer their RRSP mutual funds to ETFs?…