Posts by Boomer
Why A Savings Plan Is Like Starting A Diet
Jeff M says, “I know that I’m supposed to be saving at least 10% of my income, maximizing my RRSP and TFSA contributions, and enrolling in my employer’s matching pension plan. But, my expenses are pared down to the bone. I have no savings and I just can’t afford to start. What do I do?”…
Read More7 Careless Ways To Lose Money
One thing people get concerned about is losing their hard-earned money in a stock market crash or by making poor investment choices. But sometimes, even people with disciplined, well-thought out investment strategies lose money in their everyday lives just by being careless. What are some ways you could lose money? You could literally lose it…
Read MoreRRIF Or Annuity? Which One Is Right For You?
We all know that in the year you turn 71 you will have until December 31 to convert your RRSP into a RRIF or an annuity. Which do you choose? First, let’s recap the basics. RRIF option The year after you set up your RRIF you will have to start withdrawing a mandatory minimum amount.…
Read MoreDon’t Forget To Manage Medium-Term Goals
“My daughter is getting married – the stock market is down and I need to sell some stocks to pay for the wedding.” Hold on a minute here! You had to have some idea that this was an expense looming in the not-too-distant future. Similarly, when the stock market is on an upward tear, you…
Read MoreFrom The Boomer & Echo Mailbag: Organizing Your Financial Documents
Q. How long should you keep your financial documents? A. Many of us become paperwork hoarders simply because we’re too afraid to toss anything out – what if we need that 2003 bank statement some day? The period after tax season is a perfect time to cull your files, toss out what’s not needed, and get…
Read MoreFinancial Planning For Couples – First Things First: Establish A Budget
When you become a couple you become a team, and both of your actions and expectations will define your future life together. Your choices today will shape your tomorrows. Keeping in mind your financial priorities, it’s time to create a plan for your spending and saving. The first and most important step to achieving financial…
Read MoreThe Sharing Economy
My condo comes with two large storage spaces. I only need one, so I am able to rent out the other. This type of personal rental method is decades old – from renting a spare bedroom to a university student, providing an unused garage to protect someone’s car, being an enterprising neighbour with a rototiller…
Read MoreUsing Your House For Income
The majority of Canadian seniors consistently report that they prefer to remain in their family home, in their current neighbourhood, and close to family and friends, for as long as possible. Yet, many also say that financial challenges are the biggest hurdle in doing so. A mortgage-free home is usually one’s biggest single asset. Here are…
Read MorePros and Cons of Getting a Personal Loan
Back in my banking days, with the exception of mortgages, personal loans were the go-to mainstay of lending. Our promotional material stated, “we can give you a loan for any worthwhile purpose – vacation, wedding, appliances, new car.” (Please, don’t shoot this messenger – that’s the way it was.) One of the most common reasons…
Read MoreShopping Beyond Your Means
I enjoy reading the Shopaholic series of books by Sophie Kinsella. As a confirmed “under-buyer,” I am the exact opposite of compulsive shopper Becky Bloomwood Brandon, so I can chuckle at her antics as she shops her way through designer boutiques with her overextended credit cards and overdrafts. Eventually, the books end with our heroine…
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