The article “Is a Rental Property a Good Investment?” was originally published on MoneySense on December 29, 2015. Harmony isn’t sure if renting out her condo is worth the cost in the long term Q:  I own a condo in my hometown of Duncan, BC, but my partner and I have just…

The article “Set Up Your Portfolio for Success in 2016” was originally published on MoneySense on December 22, 2015. How to prepare for the year ahead after one of the worst market showings in recent memory Q: With the minus performance of the stock market, what is your recommendation as we…

The article “Planning A Canadian Retirement On A U.S. Income” was originally published on MoneySense on December 15, 2015. What is the best way for Amy to convert her U.S. salary into Canadian dollars as she approaches retirement? Q: I have been working in the U.S. for almost two years now. Over the…

The article “Calculating Capital Gains on U.S. Stocks” was originally published on MoneySense on December 8, 2015. Selling U.S. equities? Keep the exchange rate in mind. Q: I hold stocks in two non-registered accounts. One is holding Canadian equities and the other is holding U.S. stocks.  When I sell a U.S. stock, the…

The article “How to Invest Conservatively Without Bank GICs” was originally published on MoneySense on December 1, 2015. Jack has more than $100K to invest but his bank GICs aren’t cutting it Q: We are maxed out on our RRSPs and TFSAs and our remaining funds are in joint GICs…

The article “Money In Too Many Places” was originally published on MoneySense on November 24, 2015. In most cases, an overly complicated portfolio will work against you and your future heirs. Here’s why and how to fix it. Q: My finances are a mess! I have: -RRSPs with 2 different investment…

The article “How To Gift Money To Your Children” was originally published on MoneySense on November 17, 2015. Carmen is considering an RRIF withdrawal to transfer money to her children. But is there a better way? Q: I would like to give some money to my children while I’m still alive. If I take it out…

The article “Paying Capital Gains Tax On An Ex’s Property” was originally published on MoneySense on November 10, 2015. Do the taxes kick in when Mary moved out in 1994 or when her spouse died in 2013? Q: I am in a unique situation. I separated from my husband in late…

The article “Managing Investment Income in Your RRSP” was originally published on MoneySense on November 3, 2015. You won’t have to pay capital gains taxes within your RRSP— at least not yet Q: My wife and I have moved all of our RRSP mutual funds to self-directed accounts, maintaining the protection of…

The article “The Right Time to Sell a Rental Property” was originally published on MoneySense on October 27, 2015. Consider the tax liability currently versus in the first year of retirement Q: We have a rental property that provides a decent return, but we are tired of the responsibility and wish to sell…

The article “Transferring RRSP Stocks to a Dividend Reinvestment Plan” was originally published on MoneySense on October 20, 2015. Watch out—a DRIP could affect your asset allocation Q: I have a locked-in RRSP that has some stocks. The companies for those stocks offer dividend reinvestment plans. However, because my RRSP is with a…

The article “Power of Attorney and Taxes: What You Need to Know” was originally published on MoneySense on October 13, 3015. Ownership and other technicalities are factors Q: If we have a client in Nova Scotia that has power of attorney for their mother who is in a nursing home and…