Posts by Jason Heath
Should You Invest or Pay Down Debt?
The article “Should You Invest or Pay Down Debt?” was originally published on MoneySense on January 26, 2016. Here’s what investors nearing retirement should consider Q: I have the following debt: Mortgage – $60,000 @ 2.5% variable rate Line of credit – $20,000 @ 5.7% variable rate Car loan – $24,000 @ 3.75% My question is this:…
Read MoreAdvice For Financial Advisers: Four Things to Remember When You Meet With Clients This RRSP Season
The article “Advice For Financial Advisers: Four Things to Remember When You Meet With Clients This RRSP Season” was originally published on The Financial Post on January 20, 2016. As RRSP season approaches, advisers tend to have lots of advice for would-be RRSP investors. What about a little RRSP advice for your adviser? 1. Don’t overestimate investment…
Read MoreSelling A Cottage To A Family Member
The article “Selling A Cottage To A Family Member” was originally published on MoneySense on January 19, 2016. If the property was bought before 1994, there may already have a $100,000 capital gains deduction Q: I shared a cottage property with my brother. I sold my half to my niece. Do I have to pay capital gains tax? If…
Read MoreDon’t Set It and Forget It: How Your RRSP Strategy Should Change As You Age
The article “Don’t Set It and Forget It: How Your RRSP Strategy Should Change As You Age” was originally published on The Financial Post on January 13, 2016. A registered retirement savings plan is an ever-evolving tool. It serves different purposes depending on your age and stage. To help you navigate your options and how they…
Read MoreHow To Gift An RESP To A Child
The article “How To Gift An RESP To A Child” was originally published on MoneySense on January 12, 2016. Opening an education savings account for a grandkid, niece or nephew is possible – just make sure you do it right Q: Can an aunt, uncle or grandparent open an RESP or RRSP for a grandchild, niece, nephew or…
Read MoreAre RRSPs Ever a Waste of Time?
The article “Are RRSPs Ever a Waste of Time?” was originally published on MoneySense on January 5, 2016. Not everyone needs to max out their RRSPs at all costs Q: I am a 38 year old school teacher and currently contributing to a bank RRSP. I will have a pension and am being told I am wasting…
Read MoreIs a Rental Property a Good Investment?
The article “Is a Rental Property a Good Investment?” was originally published on MoneySense on December 29, 2015. Harmony isn’t sure if renting out her condo is worth the cost in the long term Q: I own a condo in my hometown of Duncan, BC, but my partner and I have just bought a house across town…
Read MoreSet Up Your Portfolio for Success in 2016
The article “Set Up Your Portfolio for Success in 2016” was originally published on MoneySense on December 22, 2015. How to prepare for the year ahead after one of the worst market showings in recent memory Q: With the minus performance of the stock market, what is your recommendation as we go into 2016 regarding the…
Read MorePlanning A Canadian Retirement On A U.S. Income
The article “Planning A Canadian Retirement On A U.S. Income” was originally published on MoneySense on December 15, 2015. What is the best way for Amy to convert her U.S. salary into Canadian dollars as she approaches retirement? Q: I have been working in the U.S. for almost two years now. Over the course of the last two…
Read MoreCalculating Capital Gains on U.S. Stocks
The article “Calculating Capital Gains on U.S. Stocks” was originally published on MoneySense on December 8, 2015. Selling U.S. equities? Keep the exchange rate in mind. Q: I hold stocks in two non-registered accounts. One is holding Canadian equities and the other is holding U.S. stocks. When I sell a U.S. stock, the cash remains in the U.S.…
Read MoreSoon You Will Be Able to Invest Like the Very Rich, With All The Rewards — and Risks
The article “Soon You Will Be Able to Invest Like the Very Rich, With All The Rewards — and Risks” was originally published on The Financial Post on December 7, 2015. If you have wanted to put money into the private investment markets and been denied, your options might be about to open up. Starting early next…
Read MoreHow to Invest Conservatively Without Bank GICs
The article “How to Invest Conservatively Without Bank GICs” was originally published on MoneySense on December 1, 2015. Jack has more than $100K to invest but his bank GICs aren’t cutting it Q: We are maxed out on our RRSPs and TFSAs and our remaining funds are in joint GICs (Guaranteed Investment Certificates). Due to…
Read More