Posts by Jason Heath
Take Our Fall Refresher: Four Ways to Get to the Top of Your Class in Personal Finance
The article “Take Our Fall Refresher: Four Ways to Get to the Top of Your Class in Personal Finance” was originally published on The Financial Post on September 4, 2015. As the summer draws to an end, many of us are thinking about back-to-school time. Whether you have kids, teach kids or once were a kid, September…
Read MoreHow to Make The Most of a Pension Transfer
The article “How to Make The Most of a Pension Transfer” was originally published on MoneySense on September 1, 2015. Shelter as much of your savings from tax as possible Q: I recently changed jobs and got a letter from the pension plan of my previous employer. The letter gave me several options regarding the pension amounts…
Read MoreDust Off That Old Policy: Why Reviewing Your Life Insurance Could Save You Money
The article “Dust Off That Old Policy: Why Reviewing Your Life Insurance Could Save You Money” was originally published on The Financial Post on August 28, 2015. When it comes to your finances, ignorance is not bliss. In this monthly “Inside Scoop” column, certified financial planner Jason Heath gets to the bottom of personal finance issues to…
Read MoreAdvice For a Conservative Investor
The article “Advice For a Conservative Investor” was originally published on MoneySense on August 25, 2015. Taking on too little risk can be a risky strategy in and of itself Q: I have $300,000 in U.S. funds sitting in a bank account getting next to nothing in interest. Being a conservative investor, what could I consider…
Read MoreYour Expected Rate of Return
The article “Your Expected Rate of Return” was originally published on MoneySense on August 18, 015. Canadian equity portfolios are expected to yield 6.3% before fees in 2015, according to the FPSC Q: After receiving an average rate of return of about 6.32% over the past several years, I recently changed financial planners. After meeting several…
Read MoreWorking While Collecting CPP, OAS
The article “Working While Collecting CPP, OAS” was originally published on MoneySense on August 11, 2015. Over 65? You can choose whether to continue contributing to CPP in order to collect more later on. Q: Can you work and still collect OAS and CPP? I make around $49,000 with my salary and pension from a previous…
Read MoreAre Millennials Better Off Renting? Why Young Canadians May Want to Put Off Home Ownership.
The article “Are Millennials Better Off Renting? Why Young Canadians May Want to Put Off Home Ownership.” was originally published on The Financial Post on August 7, 2015. The U.S. Federal Reserve recently suggested that young Americans may be wise to delay the purchase of a home. Given Canada’s surging home prices, young Canadians should be even…
Read MorePaying Off the Line of Credit
The article “Paying Off the Line of Credit” was originally published on MoneySense on August 4, 2015. Nancy received an inheritance, took out a line of credit and has spent almost all of it. Now she’s not sure what to do. Q: I inherited a house three years ago. I thought I got good advice when…
Read MoreBuying U.S. Stocks With a Weak Canadian Dollar
The article “Buying U.S. Stocks With a Weak Canadian Dollar” was originally published on MoneySense on July 28, 2015. A well diversified portfolio demands U.S. stocks, even with a lowly loonie Q: I wonder what you think of buying U.S. stocks? “Top Picks” usually names several stocks traded on the NYSE or NASDAQ as good investment…
Read MoreMoving Overseas for Work? Prepare to Complicate Your Finances.
The article “Moving Overseas for Work? Prepare to Complicate Your Finances.” was originally published on The Financial Post on July 24, 2015. Financial planning can be challenging for average Canadians, but is that much more complex for Canadian expatriates, who are often tasked with managing Canadian investments, pensions, real estate and taxes while balancing these same considerations…
Read MoreWhat To Do With a Windfall
The article “What To Do With a Windfall” was originally published on MoneySense on July 21, 2015. One of the best things you can do with a sudden influx of cash is nothing, at first Q: I am getting a small windfall soon. The money would pay off the rest of my mortgage which is just…
Read MoreAm I Saving Enough for Retirement?
The article “Am I Saving Enough for Retirement?” was originally published on MoneySense on July 14, 2015. How to find the answer using a reasonable set of assumptions Q: I have $160,000 in my RRSP. I am 58 years old and would like to retire at age 70. I am currently making $50,000 per year. I invest my…
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