Posts by Jason Heath
Segregated Funds: Are the Investment Guarantees Worth It?
The article “Segregated Funds: Are the Investment Guarantees Worth It?” was originally published on MoneySense on September 29, 2015. When someone offers you a guarantee, it’s usually in their best interest, not yours Q: We have recently retired and our financial advisor is very positive on us putting some part of our savings into a segregated…
Read MoreCan I Sell My Cottage Tax-Free?
The article “Can I Sell My Cottage Tax-Free?” was originally published on MoneySense on September 22, 2015. How to allocate your principal residence exemption and what it’ll cost you Q: How will the $200,000 tax-free capital gains affect our non-principal residence? Is each tenant entitled to $200,000? My wife and I are original owners / joint tenants…
Read MoreCan I Avoid Probate?
The article “Can I Avoid Probate?” was originally published on MoneySense on September 15, 2015. Spike is settling an estate and trying to determine which assets are subject to probate Q: Do I have to probate cash if that is all there is in an estate? The estimate is $90,000 in a bank. Do I have…
Read MoreCautiously Investing for Retirement
The article “Cautiously Investing for Retirement” was originally published on MoneySense on September 8, 2015. How to generate retirement income without a company pension plan Q: I have funds sitting in a high interest bank account. I am totally risk adverse because of a partner’s unfortunate business investments and resulting bankruptcy. I have favoured real estate always. What should…
Read MoreTake 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…
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