Posts by Boomer
5 Misconceptions About Retirement Planning
Are you planning to retire soon? Everyone is concerned about ensuring a good income in retirement, but, according to many surveys, very few are really doing much about it. Here are some popular misconceptions about retirement planning that will give you something to think about. You can get by on government pensions Yes, you probably…
Read MoreDo We Need To Beef Up Our CPP?
“Because it has become increasingly difficult for individuals to build their own security single-handed, government must now step in and help them lay the foundation stones.” – Franklin Roosevelt You may be worried about your retirement finances – or feeling pretty good about them. Regardless of your personal situation, you know from ongoing media coverage that…
Read More25 Tips For Filing Your Own Tax Return
With the plethora of tax preparation software available, many people file their own tax return each year. But even with the software questions and guidance, many deductions are commonly overlooked, so much so that H&R Block offers a free “Second Look” for any new clients’ past year’s tax return to check for anything missed. Related:…
Read More20 Tips To Save Money On Gas
Drivers are monitoring gas stations and consulting websites to find the lowest available gas prices in their area. Canadians will drive a few extra blocks, or even several kilometers, out of their way to save money on gas, even if it’s just a few tenths of a cent per litre. Related: 35 Ways To Save Money…
Read MoreLearn From The Boomers’ Mistakes
“Inside every older person is a younger person wondering what happened.”- Jennifer Yane. In a recent BMO survey 42% of Canadian baby boomers said that if they could go back in time, they would have started saving up for retirement much earlier in life. Baby Boomer Mistakes As they say, hindsight is 20/20 and many…
Read MoreWhat Is Your Financial Future?
Why can’t you expect financial prosperity after 40 years of working? If you’re concerned about your financial future, you’re not alone. Nearly half of baby boomers fear that their retirement will result in poverty. As company pensions disappear, many boomers must rely on their RRSPs to generate retirement income but they’re uncertain how long their…
Read MoreSwitching Careers Midlife: Is It Worth It?
“Why don’t you go back to school so you can get a good job.” This from my doting 90-year-old father who is delusionally thinking his “little girl” is still in her twenties instead of a fifty-something grandmother – plus he still likes to tell me how to run my life. Although I’m a proponent of…
Read MoreUsing Your Nest Egg Early May Cost You
A Statistics Canada study indicates that more Canadians are cashing in their RRSP savings long before they reach retirement. The money tucked away in your Retirement Savings Plan can be a tempting source of cash. But think twice before withdrawing money from your retirement nest egg. The amount you withdraw is considered income for that…
Read MoreTalking To Your Elderly Parents About Money
In most jurisdictions in Canada (Alberta and British Columbia are exceptions), adult children are legally liable for caring for their parents. Generally, adult children are liable to pay parental support if their parent supported them financially when they were minors. The support provided by the parent (or step-parent) during childhood does not have to have…
Read MoreA Monthly Financial Planning Checklist
Getting organized is a key step in applying discipline to your financial and investment planning. Here is a checklist that shows suggested financial planning activities for the next year. January A good time to meet with your financial advisor to review and rebalance your investment portfolio. Calculate your net worth for a financial snapshot of…
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