Market Update for December 2017
December was a good month for stock markets around the world, and capped off a good year for our portfolios.
Bank-Owned Mortgage Life Insurance – Here’s What You NEED To Know
Question. My husband and I have recently purchased our first home together. Actually, we’re just in the final stages of the process, and wondering about insurance. The mortgage representative at our bank said we should buy our insurance at the bank because it’s made specifically for this purpose. Actually, she told us that mortgage insurance is mandatory for us. Is […]
Market Update for November 2017 – What is bitcoin?
November was a good month for stock markets around the world, less so for bond markets. But the currency or “investment” that did the best was bitcoin.
Last Minute Tax Saving Tips
Question: My husband and I file our own taxes each year. I’m not a tax expert, but I try to educate myself so I can lower my taxes wherever possible. Can you give me any basic advice or tips so I can make sure I’m being smart about taxes and taking advantage of any tax saving strategies available to me? […]
Tax Loss Harvesting: Make The Most of Investment Losses
What can you do about those investments in your portfolio that aren’t exactly performing as you had expected? If you’re like many others, you’re probably thinking, “I’ll just hold it until it goes back up to where I bought, and then I’ll sell it.” Indeed, this seems to be a common strategy. Why? Mostly because, if we sell an investment […]
Market Update for October 2017
October was a good month for both stock and bond markets around the world. With the end of the year just around the corner, now is a good time for some final tax planning before its too late.
RESP – What Happens If Your Child Doesn’t Go To School?
Question: My wife and I have a child, and have an RESP – Registered Education Savings Plan – individual plan for her education savings. We’ve been doing a good job of contributing to the RESP since our daughter was born so there’s a fairly significant balance in there now. My concern is that our daughter, who is currently 15, is […]
Ask Me Anything: RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan Edition
Q: Hi, my husband and I got married a few years ago, and we’re now planning on purchasing our first home together! He has about $40,000 in his RRSP and I have about $55,000 in mine. I’m wondering what your thoughts are on the Home Buyers’ Plan. Can you explain how it works? And do you think it’s a good […]
