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How much credit card debt does the average Canadian have? Jun 21st
As the country re-opens after COVID-related restrictions, Canadians are faced with a worrying financial picture. Many have moved, others are looking to travel, and the cost of living is ballooning with unusual rates of inflation. Meanwhile, the Bank of Canada (BoC) rate hikes designed to curb these .... More »
How to use equity to buy a second home + MORE Dec 6th
Whether it’s for a cottage, a vacation home or a rental property, using your home’s equity can be an excellent way to buy that second home you’ve been dreaming of.
“Potential buyers may not have the cash they require to pay for an asset like a second home in part or in full,” says.... More »
What Went Down at CB and TL Insider’s Thought Leadership Panel at Artscape Daniels Launchpad + MORE Jun 16th
Urban centres have faced unique challenges over the course of the pandemic. As Toronto, among other cities, moves forward and focuses on creating a thriving, post-pandemic way of life; the country’s appeal on the global stage is a hot topic of interest. To get a lead on this timely discussion, TL .... More »
Taking stock of how Maple Leafs’ depth forwards have performed so far - Sportsnet.ca Feb 23rd
Taking stock of how Maple Leafs’ depth forwards have performed so far Sportsnet.caGalchenyuk skates with shorthanded Leafs TSNFlames @ Maple Leafs 2/22/21 | NHL Highlights NHLTop 10 Toronto Maple Leafs Moments of the 2021 Season (So Far) Editor in LeafMa.... More »
The iPhone 13 Mini still gets slower MagSafe charging speeds - The Verge Sep 24th
The iPhone 13 Mini still gets slower MagSafe charging speeds The VergeHere are five things to check out on Apple's new iPhone 13 | Venture Daily HiveApple iPhone 13 lineup, new iPads and Watch Series 7 now on sale - GSMArena.com news GSMArena.com31 Stunning iPhone 13.... More »
Q. I am torn about making a key financial decision in my life. First, a little about myself. I worked for about seven years (actually, six years and 360 days) as a teacher in the Arctic. I resigned this year and have returned to the “south.”
Now, I have about a year to decide whether I cash out my federal public service pension plan or transfer the holdings into an annuity (about $93,000) and RRSP (about $71,500).
I have consulted with a financial planner at one of the large banks, who has made a seemingly convincing argument in favour of transferring the entire pension amount out. But I am well aware that I don’t know enough to be able to ask the right questions and make an informed decision. I am also aware the bank will benefit from my investment, as will my financial planner.
Can you give me some good advice on what I should do at this important juncture in my financial life?
–Kathy
A. I recently wrote an article on making the decision to keep your pension or take the cash, and you can read it here…
Now, I have about a year to decide whether I cash out my federal public service pension plan or transfer the holdings into an annuity (about $93,000) and RRSP (about $71,500).
I have consulted with a financial planner at one of the large banks, who has made a seemingly convincing argument in favour of transferring the entire pension amount out. But I am well aware that I don’t know enough to be able to ask the right questions and make an informed decision. I am also aware the bank will benefit from my investment, as will my financial planner.
Can you give me some good advice on what I should do at this important juncture in my financial life?
–Kathy
A. I recently wrote an article on making the decision to keep your pension or take the cash, and you can read it here…
While U.S. and Canadian portfolios have mostly recovered from their more than 30% drop in March, there is one key market participant who continues to struggle: the dividend-earning investors.
Since the COVID-19 crisis began, companies have been suspending their dividends in record volumes. In the U.S., 41 companies had suspended their payouts as of June 4 compared to 22 suspensions for all of 2008 and 10 for 2009, according to S&P Dow Jones Indices. In Canada, 84 companies have suspended or cut their dividends compared to 48 between 2008 and 2011, according to Mat Litalien at Stocktrades.ca.
Dividend increases are also down in the U.S., with just 157 companies increasing their payouts this year, the lowest number since 2009. (Some have increased, such as Target, because they’ve seen revenues rise during COVID-19.) Fortunately, decreases haven’t been as severe as during the recession yet, with 19 U.S. companies dropping their payment, compared to 40 in ’08 and 68 in ’09…
Since the COVID-19 crisis began, companies have been suspending their dividends in record volumes. In the U.S., 41 companies had suspended their payouts as of June 4 compared to 22 suspensions for all of 2008 and 10 for 2009, according to S&P Dow Jones Indices. In Canada, 84 companies have suspended or cut their dividends compared to 48 between 2008 and 2011, according to Mat Litalien at Stocktrades.ca.
Dividend increases are also down in the U.S., with just 157 companies increasing their payouts this year, the lowest number since 2009. (Some have increased, such as Target, because they’ve seen revenues rise during COVID-19.) Fortunately, decreases haven’t been as severe as during the recession yet, with 19 U.S. companies dropping their payment, compared to 40 in ’08 and 68 in ’09…
