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Financial planning in your 70s + MORE Feb 13th
When most people think about financial planning, they think about saving and investing for retirement. That is a part of it, but financial planning is much more holistic.
Here are a few financial planning strategies for those approaching or into their 70s. If you’re not there yet, bookmark this fo.... More »
Can you transfer a RRIF to a TFSA—and what are the tax implications? + MORE May 28th
Ask MoneySense
What is the implication of transferring money from my RRIF to TFSA on my income and taxes? Do I need to allow for a 30% deduction when I withdraw and it becomes income to be taxed at the end of the year? Or it doesn’t affect my income?
—Soheir
Transfers between registered a.... More »
New to Canada? A new way to transfer your credit score + MORE Oct 29th
Equifax Inc. is launching a program to allow newcomers to transfer their foreign credit history to Canada.
The credit reporting company said Thursday that the Global Consumer Credit File will make it easier for immigrants to access services like loans and cellphone plans in Canada by providing th.... More »
When does it make sense to sell real estate in a larger city and buy in a smaller one? + MORE Jun 6th
Q. I am currently living in Saint John, NB, and renting ($1,450 a month + Internet—very expensive for this little town). I also own a condo in Burlington, Ont., worth about $500,000, which I have been renting out for the past two years. With income taxes factored in, the rent just covers carrying .... More »
How to Make RRSP Withdrawals Before and After Retirement + MORE Feb 29th
Whether you are nearing retirement or are just starting to make financial decisions for your future, Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs) may be a hot topic of conversation. In both circumstances, your savings grow tax-sheltered, and your contributions are tax-deductible. Where it differs â€.... More »
Q. I’m 24 years old and have a dilemma. I have made the maximum contributions to my Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) every year, and now I’m wondering what money moves I should make next. By that, I mean what is the best investment route for me at this stage of my life so that I pay the least amount of taxes on my future investments?
As I see it, my two options are either to start an RRSP or, to start a non-registered investment account. I mostly like to invest in exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that offer both dividends and capital gains. Let me say that I study and work in the financial industry, and I am aware of the tax benefits of the RRSP but I do have a couple of concerns with it as a savings vehicle. First, your money is generally stuck in the RRSP until retirement—unless you are willing to pay high withdrawal fees. (I like to know that my money is accessible in some manner.) And, second, the RRSP is simply a tax deferment vehicle until age 71. Once the money is withdrawn, depending on your tax bracket, tax will be due…
As I see it, my two options are either to start an RRSP or, to start a non-registered investment account. I mostly like to invest in exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that offer both dividends and capital gains. Let me say that I study and work in the financial industry, and I am aware of the tax benefits of the RRSP but I do have a couple of concerns with it as a savings vehicle. First, your money is generally stuck in the RRSP until retirement—unless you are willing to pay high withdrawal fees. (I like to know that my money is accessible in some manner.) And, second, the RRSP is simply a tax deferment vehicle until age 71. Once the money is withdrawn, depending on your tax bracket, tax will be due…
Can you have too much invested inside an RRSP?
– moneysense.ca
While not quite up there with outliving your money, for many seniors the idea of dying with too large an RRSP (Registered Retirement Savings Plan) or RRIF (Registered Retirement Income Fund) rankles. Handing over nearly half your nest egg to Ottawa after a lifetime of tax-deferred saving seems to many a case of adding insult to injury.
This problem is particularly severe after the death of the second member of a couple. The death of the first spouse may not be a huge tax problem, since the proceeds of RRSPs and RRIFs pass tax-free to the survivor, assuming proper beneficiary designations were established when both were hale and hearty. But if both members of a couple die with a huge combined RRIF, their heirs may share half the estate with the Canada Revenue Agency.
Mind you, there will be some tax effects once two modest RRIFs merge into one giant RRIF. Odds are the survivor is in a higher tax bracket on their own than when the couple were in lower mid-level tax brackets. Non-registered investments will now be in just one name…
This problem is particularly severe after the death of the second member of a couple. The death of the first spouse may not be a huge tax problem, since the proceeds of RRSPs and RRIFs pass tax-free to the survivor, assuming proper beneficiary designations were established when both were hale and hearty. But if both members of a couple die with a huge combined RRIF, their heirs may share half the estate with the Canada Revenue Agency.
Mind you, there will be some tax effects once two modest RRIFs merge into one giant RRIF. Odds are the survivor is in a higher tax bracket on their own than when the couple were in lower mid-level tax brackets. Non-registered investments will now be in just one name…
