TFSA or RRSP?
National Post article: How to leave RRIF, TFSA, property and other wealth to your children while avoiding probate and minimizing taxes?
The National Post asked me to review the retirement and estate planning situation of Frank, 84, a widower in British Columbia. Frank owns his home outright, worth $1.4 million. He has about $743K in a RRIF, $265K in a TFSA, and $473K in a non-registered investment portfolio, bringing his invested wealth to $1.48 million, rounded.…
Read MoreNational Post article: Should Douglas, 66, start tapping his RRSPs and boost his TFSA to minimize tax?
The National Post asked me to review the retirement plan of Douglas*, a 66-year-old from Ontario enjoying a modest, comfortable lifestyle with his wife in their debt-free $900K home. He’s getting conflicting advice: “Should I start withdrawing from my RRSP to grow my TFSA and non-registered investments — or just let everything keep growing?” With…
Read MoreNational Post Article: How to take a tax-smart approach to long-term savings
The National Post asked me to share my insights on the smartest, most tax-efficient strategies for young Canadians looking to build wealth. This article is part of a special series aimed at Millennial and Gen Z investors who are focused on long-term financial growth. Some key points that are covered in the article: CLICK THE…
Read MoreCanadian Affairs Article: Can James, 71, and Valerie, 63, afford to move to a nicer neighbourhood?
Canadian Affairs asked me to review the financial situation of James and Valerie, a retired couple in Montreal. They dream of traveling twice a year, upgrading to a nicer neighbourhood, and replacing their car in a few years—all while maintaining a comfortable retirement with $64,000 a year in spending for the next decade. Currently, their…
Read MoreNational Post Article: With law-school loans and divorce paid off, couple unsure how to use freed-up funds
The National Post asked me to review the finances of a remarried Edmonton couple in their 40s with four children, navigating how to use $14,000 in freed-up monthly cash flow after paying off significant debts. Daniella, a 45-year-old lawyer, earns $200,000 after tax annually and wants to build savings, invest, and eventually buy two properties…
Read MoreRRSP/RRIF Meltdown Strategies
Ever wondered how you can get the money out of your RRSP with a minimum of tax? RRSP/RRIF Meltdown Strategies can allow you to withdraw from your RRSP or RRIF and have very little income show on your tax return. However, there are some tricky complications, and these strategies are not for everyone. In my…
Read MoreNational Post Article: B.C. couple, both 49, wonder if retiring at 60 is possible
The National Post asked me to review the finances of a B.C. couple who are both 49-years old, wondering if they can retire at 60. George has a full-time position in the public sector, a private business and takes on consulting projects. His wife Elyse is a stay-at-home mom to their two teenage children. One…
Read MoreTax Brackets for Parents & Seniors Are Way Different Than You Think!
Tax brackets for parents and seniors are way different than you think. This might be a real eye opener for some people because I think a lot of people that do some basic tax planning are doing it all wrong. In my latest video and podcast episode I’m going to give you a tax planning…
Read MoreNational Post Article: Couple has a compelling reason for wanting to break with the retirement mould
The National Post asked me to review the finances of a couple who want to retire in their 50s. They’d like to spend three to four months a year in a warmer climate. They have a $1.6 million investment portfolio that generates about $52,000 a year in dividends, they have a combined annual income of…
Read MoreNational Post Article: Snowbirds paying $15,000 a year in investment fees worry about growing their nest egg
The National Post asked me to review the finances of a newly retired couple who are snowbirds. They are currently paying $15,000 a year in investment fees, but feel they don’t get much tax or financial planning advice. They are also business partners who have worked in the U.S. One has a Canadian-United States citizenship,…
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