The article “How To Choose The Right Insurance” was originally published on MoneySense on October 31, 2017. Tara isn’t sure if mortgage, life or disability insurance is the right way to go for her and her husband. Q: My husband is 57 and I am 45. I am currently a stay…

The article “REIT Investing: The Risks of Chasing Returns” was originally published on MoneySense on October 24, 2017. This reader is happy with his real estate returns but not with his other equities. Should he transfer to REITs? Not so fast. Q: My wife and I are both retired. She is…

The article “Planning Through Salary Swings” was originally published on MoneySense on October 18, 2017. How to best plan given uncertain income Q: My income fluctuates quite widely from year to year. How do I plan for this and how do I handle the tax implications of such income swings? —David A: Yours…

The article “The Best Way To Use Your RRSP To Invest In Real Estate” was originally published on MoneySense on October 10, 2017. Avoid the risk of real estate investing by considering these options Q: What investments are eligible inside an RRSP? How do I use the funds in my RRSP…

The article “RRSP Withdrawals In Your 40’s” was originally published on MoneySense on October 3, 2017. Converting to a RRIF might be more trouble than it’s worth Q: I’m a federal government employee and was thinking about take some time and using my RRSPs to live on during that time (1…

The artcile “Why Adding Your Kids To The House Title Will Cost You” was originally published on MoneySense on September 26, 2017. It seems to be common practice for seniors to add the kids to ownership of a house. I’m not sure why. Q: My parents have both of their names…

The article “What Taxes Do My LIRA Beneficiaries Have To Pay?” was originally published on MoneySense on September 19, 2017. Be aware of tax bills Q: Is the tax rate on a LIRA the same as the RRIF if I die and the beneficiaries are my children? —Brian A: First, Brian, I…

The article “Risky Robos” was originally published on MoneySense on Septembe 12, 2017. Robo-advisors aren’t dangerous but they aren’t “safe” either Q: My husband needs to set up a RRIF within the next three months. We currently have his RRSP in mutual funds with a bank with poor returns and fees…

The article “How To Invest Your Money In Canada As A U.S. Citizen” was originaly published on MoneySense on September 5th, 2017. Generally, Americans should avoid TFSAs and RESPs Q: I am both a Canadian and American. At this juncture, I will not give up my American citizenship since my family…

The article “Inheriting Cottage Capital Gains” was originally published on MoneySense on August 29, 2017. Jill’s late husband left her a cottage. What happens if she transfers ownership to her stepchildren? Q: My husband passed away last year and left our family cottage to myself and my three adult stepchildren. Right…

The article “Are Investment Fees Tax Deductible?” was originally published on MoneySense on August 22, 2017. Jerry pays a few thousand dollars in monthly fees but they may not be tax deductible Q: I pay a few thousand dollars in monthly fees to the various RRSP funds that I have—all with…

The article “Capital Loss Tax Deductions From Beyond The Grave” was originally published on MoneySense on August 15, 2017. Yvonne’s recently-passed husband had capital losses. Did she maximize the claim on his final tax return? Q: My husband passed away last year and at that time he had unused net capital…