Weekend Reading: Outdated CFP Curriculum Edition
I’ve spent the past two weeks studying hard for part three of the four-course CFP certification program. Learning the program online through the Canadian Institute of Financial Planning is fine, I don’t mind learning online, but I’m frustrated by some of the outdated material. This course is about strategic investment planning and includes gems like technical analysis, financial…
Read More3 False Reasons to NOT Buy a Stock
This is a guest post by Mike, aka The Dividend Guy. He authors The Dividend Guy Blog since 2010 and manages portfolios at Dividend Stocks Rock. He is a passionate investor. For the past five years, I’ve exchanged a lot of email with many of my readers. One of the main topics of discussion is…
Read MoreMaking The Most Of Your Costco Membership
Many of us have a Costco membership to take advantage of discounts on bulk food and household goods. Be aware, though, that the warehouse giant does not always offer the lowest price on an item. Sales, loss leaders, and generic goods at competing stores may give you a better deal. Related: Is the Costco Executive…
Read MoreNew or Used: What’s Your Car Buying Approach?
Most consumers generally fall into two camps when it comes to buying a car: those who buy new for the latest technology and safety features, and those who buy used because they believe buying new is a waste of money. We all know that a car is a depreciating asset and it loses the most value…
Read MoreWeekend Reading: Alberta Schadenfreude Edition
Plunging oil prices of the past few months has weakened the Alberta economy – so much so that it briefly considered adding a provincial sales tax before deciding on an across-the-board 5 percent spending cut. Is the rest of Canada taking pleasure in Alberta’s misfortune? This CBC article suggests just that while exploring the West vs. East,…
Read MoreManaging RRIF Withdrawals: Part I
As we know, the amount invested in an RRSP directly reduces your taxable income so you get a tax deduction today. The money invested then grows on a tax-deferred basis until it is withdrawn. When you withdraw money from the plan, it is treated as regular income and taxed for that year. The common theory…
Read MoreUnlocking Funds From a LIRA Due to Financial Hardship
I’ve long been an advocate of joining your company pension plan, if one is available. But the days are long gone when an employee started at one company and remained there for up to forty years (or more) before being pensioned off. Today it’s not unusual to have many different places of employment. Some studies…
Read MoreNew Tax Credits Announced – Are You Eligible?
If your New Year’s resolution was to get your finances organized, you should make sure efiling your tax return by the deadline is on your to-do list. Your tax return is an important financial document and tax planning should really happen year round. The good news for your 2014 tax return is there are some…
Read MoreWeekend Reading: RSP Ready Edition
RRSP season is in full swing and this Tuesday February 10th from 12pm – 1pm EST I’ll be participating in Tangerine’s RSP Twitter chat to talk about all things retirement. What’s the best retirement advice you’ve ever received? What’s at the top of your wish list once you retire? Is your retirement reality different than…
Read MoreRetiring After Self-Employment: A Boomer & Echo Financial Makeover
After running a successful business, the O’Sullivan’s want to gradually scale down their involvement before selling, and spend their winters in Arizona. Is this couple on track to meet their retirement goals? Family Profile Jerry (55) and Monica (53) O’Sullivan are self-employed. They live in Sarnia, Ontario. They own a home worth $700,000 with a…
Read More