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…

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,…

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…

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…

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 Outdated RRIF rules were changed in the recent federal budget, but there are still a number of real RRIF risks for retirees.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…

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…

The article “Why Don’t Canadians Have Emergency Funds Anymore?” was originally published on The Financial Post on May 26, 2015. It is frequently suggested that you should have a rainy day fund to cover three to six months of expenses. Based on the median Canadian family income of about $76,000 after-tax, a…

The article “Why Living Off Your Dividends In Retirement May Be A Mistake” was originally published on The Financial Post on May 14, 2015. Many Canadians dream of amassing a retirement fortune that can carry them effortlessly through their golden years. It’s one thing to dream about it, but how do you…

The article “How to Build a Simple Do-It-Yourself Investment Portfolio” was originally published on The Financial Post on May 4, 2015. More and more investors are managing their own investments or considering doing so. A J.D. Power survey found an increase of more than 50-per-cent in do-it-yourself investors from 2012 to 2013…

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…

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…

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…