Posts by Jason Heath
You Spring-Clean Your House — Why Not Your Finances?
The article “You Spring-Clean Your House – Why Not Your Finances? Here’s How to Buff Up Your Budget” was originally published on The Financial Post on April 10, 2015. Here’s How to Buff Up Your Budget Many Canadians engage in regular spring cleaning rituals like checking fire alarms, rotating mattresses and planting gardens. They’re tedious and time-consuming…
Read MoreHow to Maximize Government Pensions
The article “How to Maximize Government Pensions” was originally published on MoneySense on April 7, 2015. The timing of when to begin CPP can be more art than science Q: I am 65 in November and have applied for my CPP. I am considering applying for OAS, but know a huge clawback will occur. My wife is…
Read MoreWhen Your Adviser Stops Caring
The article “When Your Adviser Stops Caring” was originally published on MoneySense on March 31, 2015. John had his adviser’s attention at first. Now it’s started to wane. What should he do now that he seems to have lost his adviser’s attention? Q: I have had the same investment adviser since 2009 after I received an…
Read MorePension Withdrawals: Lump-Sum vs. Deferred Payment
The article “Pension Withdrawals: Lump-Sum vs. Deferred Payment” was originally published on MoneySense on March 24, 2015. Bill is trying to make a choice between taking a lump-sum commuted value from his defined benefit pension or simply taking a monthly payment Q: I am about to make a decision on whether to take a lump-sum on…
Read MoreNow and Then: Do Canadian Homes Really Cost That Much More Than 30 Years Ago?
The article “Now and Then: Do Canadian Homes Really Cost That Much More Than 30 Years Ago?” was originally published on The Financial Post on March 24, 2015. It’s hard to scan a Canadian newspaper these days without coming across an article about the country’s lofty real estate prices. And it’s also hard for parents to tell…
Read MoreHow to Get Money Out of Locked-In Retirement Accounts
The article “How to Get Money Out of Locked-In Retirement Accounts” was originally published on MoneySense on March 17, 2015. Pete has a LIRA and wants to understand the rules on making withdrawals Q: I have a LIRA and have been told that each province has strict laws on when I would be able to withdraw…
Read MoreWhat To Do With An Inheritance
The article “What To Do With An Inheritance” was originally published on MoneySense on March 10, 2015. Should Rich use his $200,000 inheritance to reduce his debt and increase his cash flow? Q: I recently inherited some farm land and it is worth $200,000. I have a relatively large mortgage of $205,000 and credit card debt…
Read MoreParents, Don’t Miss Out On These Four Tax Deductions and Credits
The article “Parents, Don’t Miss Out On These Four Tax Deductions and Credits” was originally published on The Financial Post on March 6, 2015. The Family Tax Cut has been hogging the limelight among Canada’s recent tax changes. But chances are you’ll benefit more from four other new tax measures. There’s nothing proactive about the Family Tax…
Read MoreAre You Ready to Retire?
The article “Are You Ready to Retire?” was originally published on MoneySense on March 3, 2015. 9 questions to help you determine if you can afford to quit working Q: I am a 57-year-old widowed medical secretary earning $43,000 annually plus survivor pension of $560 monthly. I do not have a mortgage or car payments or any…
Read MoreHow Pension Income Splitting Really Works
The article “How Pension Income Splitting Really Works” was originally published on MoneySense on February 26, 2015. Ken is trying to get some answers so he can plan a tax efficient retirement income for he and his wife Q: As I understand it, RRSPs have tax withheld at 30% and then you are taxed based on…
Read MoreWhich Pays Off More: Getting a University Degree or Investing the Tuition Money?
The article “Which Pays Off More: Getting a University Degree or Investing the Tuition Money?” was originally published on The Financial Post on February 20, 2015. As university tuition fees continue to rise and graduates have trouble getting good-paying jobs, parents and students alike might be wondering if university is even worth it any more. Maybe kids…
Read MoreOptimize Your Retirement Income
The article “Optimize Your Retirement Income” was originally published on MoneySense on February 17, 2015. Jackie is approaching retirement and her husband is retired. She’s looking to optimize her retirement income and minimize her income taxes. Q: My husband is 63 and I am 58 years-old. We have defined benefit pension plans totalling $90,000 for both…
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