Posts by Jason Heath
Am 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 Outdated RRIF rules were changed in the recent federal budget, but there are still a number of real RRIF risks for retirees.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? — …
Read MoreFinancial Contracts With Family
The article “Financial Contracts With Family” was originally published on MoneySense on June 2, 2015. Angela and her husband are buying out their in-laws’ home Q: My husband and I live with his parents to assist them with care and maintenance of their home. My father-in-law is an amputee and the understanding was that we would…
Read MoreHouse of Commons Standing Committee Brief
House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance Brief on Part 2 of Bill C-59, An Act to Implement Certain Provisions of the Budget Tabled in Parliament on April 21, 2015 and Other Measures. Click here for the official publication
Read MoreReady To Retire Without A Plan?
The article “Ready To Retire Without A Plan?” was originally published on MoneySense on May 26, 2015. You’re not alone. Here’s what you need to consider in terms of tax and investments Q: We are ready to retire within a few months. We are not sure how to handle our investments. We have about $400,000 in RRSPs…
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