Posts by Jason Heath
Buying 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…
Read MoreWhy Ontario’s Financial Advice Industry is Fraught With More Issues Than Insiders Are Willing to Admit
The article “Why Ontario’s Financial Advice Industry is Fraught With More Issues Than Insiders Are Willing to Admit” was originally published on The Financial Post on July 10, 2015. It has been almost two years since Ontario first raised the prospect of regulating the financial planning industry. Now all the anticipation is coming to a head as…
Read MoreSo You’ve Inherited Real Estate
The article “So You’ve Inherited Real Estate” was originally published on MoneySense on July 7, 2015. Capital gains and other implications to consider Q: I have just inherited a home with my brother and sister valued at about $450,000. I was thinking of buying them out and selling the home in 7 years when hopefully it will…
Read MoreRRIF Risks Remain Even After Government Updates Rules
The article “RRIF Risks Remain Even After Government Updates Rules” was originally published on The Financial Post on July 2, 2015. Outdated RRIF rules were changed in the recent federal budget, but there are still a number of real RRIF risks for retirees. A new pension policy paper from the C.D. Howe Institute suggests that the government…
Read MoreIs a Couch Potato Portfolio Appropriate For Retirees?
The article “Is a Couch Potato Portfolio Appropriate For Retirees?” was originally published on MoneySense on June 30, 2015. It can be, as long as it meets your cash flow needs Q: My question concerns the Couch Potato Portfolio as outlined in MoneySense. I am 57 years old and wondering if this investment strategy is wise or…
Read MoreAdvice For Small Investors
The article “Advice For Small Investors” was originally published on MoneySense on June 23, 2015. Got less than $100,000 saved? Here’s what you need to know Q: I’m looking for a financial advisor in Edmonton. I only have about $60,000 to invest—the person I originally wanted would only accept over $100,000. I find it hard to tell…
Read MoreWhen a Do-It-Yourself Will Is Better Than No Will At All
The article “When a Do-It-Yourself Will Is Better Than No Will At All” was originally published on The Financial Post on June 23, 2015. Estate planning and death can be touchy subjects. As a result, wills don’t get nearly the attention that they should. And since they often end up being no more than an add-on…
Read MoreHandling Big Changes at Retirement
The article “Handling Big Changes at Retirement” was originally published on MoneySense on June 16, 2015. Q. My mom is about to retire and I am looking for someone to advise her on the following: – She will be receiving a severance at the end of her term of employment which will coincide with her retirement date.…
Read MoreHow Do I Make My Retirement Savings Last?
The article “How Do I Make My Retirement Savings Last?” was originally published on MoneySense on June 9, 2015. Ingrid wants to save enough for the next 30 years Q: I have $700,000 in retirement savings and a small pension of $1,000 a month and CPP and OAS. How should I invest this to last 30 years? — …
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