Retirement Planning Wisdom
National Post Article: Soon-to-retire couple needs $185,000 a year to meet their desired lifestyle
The National Post asked me to review the finances of a couple who are both in their 60s and want to retire at the end of 2024. They would like to enjoy a lifestyle where they can enjoy trips to Europe and Asia each year, and not feel financially constrained, so they will only retire…
Read MoreHow to Avoid or Minimize Extra Tax From New Higher Capital Gains Tax
You may have heard that we just had a new budget here in Canada, and increased the taxes on capital gains. Canadians with a rental property, cottage or investments and their tax advisors are scrambling to figure out what to do before the deadline of June 25, 2024. Here are the questions we’ll cover: What…
Read MoreFinancial Post Article: Middle-aged woman who just lost her high-income job wonders when it’s ‘safe’ to retire
The Financial Post asked me to review the finances of a 47-year-old woman who lost her high-income job, and wants to know when it’s “safe” to retire. A successful professional, she was well on her way to an early retirement at age 52 or 53, but now she’s wondering if that will still be possible,…
Read More6 Key Lessons Learned as a Fee-For-Service Financial Planner – Talk With Ellen Roseman’s Investment Club
I was honoured to be invited by Ellen Roseman to speak with her Investment Club about the 6 key lessons I have learned as a fee-for-service financial planner. They have had investment guest speakers, but never someone just talking about financial planning. Ellen Roseman is a journalist who sticks up for ordinary Canadians. Her personal…
Read MoreShould I start my CPP early? – Real-Life Examples
The most common CPP question I am asked is: “Is it smart to take my CPP early?” Prefer an overview? Like videos? Check out our whiteboard video, podcast episode or read the full post below! A quick review of the facts: The simple breakeven calculation misses many important factors. For example, if John starts receiving…
Read MoreThe 6 Steps to Become Financially Independent
What will it take for you to become financially free? To have enough money that you never have to work again? This video and podcast episode is my insight into the few key ideas you really need to know. It’s an overview to give you the big picture of what really works. Some of these…
Read MoreFinancial Post Article: Married couple need roadmap to ensure their comfortable lifestyle continues in retirement
The Financial Post asked me to review the finances of a married couple in their 60s who are winding down their successful Ottawa-based consulting business and operating company. They want to shift to a two or three-day workweek and take summers off, and they are trying to determine where to invest their money, so they…
Read MoreSmith Manoeuvre or Smith Maneuver?
Why the two spellings and which is correct? This strategy (which I’m most known for), helps Canadian homeowners make their mortgages tax deductible in a simple way. What’s the proper spelling? Who pioneered this legal strategy? Does it work in Quebec? Can you use it if you live in the United States? All these questions…
Read MoreFinancial Post Article: This 70-year-old with some risky investments wants to know where to put his money
The Financial Post asked me to review the finances of a 70-year-old retired man who is expected to inherit $200,000. He has been focusing on growing a modest, self-directed investment portfolio using a mix of somewhat risky stocks and funds. What should he do now for the next chapter in his life? How much does…
Read MoreRempel Maximum – 5 Steps to Becoming a Multi-Millionaire
Remember the show “Who wants to be a millionaire?” Are you the kind of person that wants to build some serious wealth? Live an exceptional life? Be financially free? I don’t mean just a comfortable amount. I mean a lot – like being a multi-millionaire. The truth is, average people can become very wealthy just…
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