How to go about securing the best Retirement Plan in Canada.
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Can Canadian investors save tax when a stock’s company goes bankrupt? Dec 27th
Ask MoneySense
The company of a stock I own went bankrupt. Am I able to claim losses? If so, how?
—Jake
Can you save on tax when a company you invest in goes bankrupt?
The short answer is: it depends, Jake. But, I will outline the factors to consider to determine if and how you ca.... More »
How to make sure you have enough money to fund your RRIF withdrawals + MORE Apr 18th
After decades of using registered retirement savings plans (RRSPs) to reduce taxable income, it can come as a shock to discover the shoe will one day be on the other foot. At the end of the year you turn 71, you have to either cash out your RRSP (not recommended), annuitize it or convert it into a R.... More »
Can you receive a government pension if you live outside of Canada? Jul 20th
Q. My father, who was born in 1945, left Canada to live in Thailand when was 26 years old. That was 50 years ago and he has never returned. If he comes back to Canada for one year to apply for his OAS, would he be eligible to receive a full pension? And would they be able to calculate his pension an.... More »
How retirees can continue living their best life when investments have taken a hit Apr 27th
Modest cuts without great sacrifice can go a long way toward ensuring your retirement lifestyle continues to keep you socially engaged, physically fit, well-nourished and mentally stimulated..... More »
What’s my RRSP contribution limit for 2022? + MORE Dec 21st
This RRSP contribution room calculator will get you the numbers you need, but keep reading for a better understanding of RRSPs.
If you’re like many Canadians, you’re hoping you’ve paid enough tax in 2022 and may even be looking forward to a hefty tax refund. (The deadline for filing th.... More »
Using RRSP money for a renovation
– moneysense.ca
Q: My daughter and my husband bought a $400,000 property three years ago near Midland, Ont. My husband earns $59,000 annually and my daughter $16,000 (self-employed). They want to renovate the kitchen and eventually sell the home to make a profit on it. The mortgage is $319,000. My daughter wants to get a $30,000 loan from the bank but I don’t think they’ll give it to her. Right now, she has an RRSP with $39,000 in it. Should they use the RRSP money to renovate? When they sell the house they’ll likely realize a $70,000 profit, so is it worth it?
—Janet P.
A: Based on the home value and the mortgage balance, a loan or line of credit might not be approved at this point because the equity in the property is not yet high enough. (You are at 80% equity now). The lenders will also take both your daughter and husbands’ incomes into consideration—and not just the amount of income, but the source of the income as well.
Since your daughter is self-employed she will need to show the lender her past two years of tax returns to establish if she can afford the repayment of a loan…
Can we retire with $6,500 a month?
– moneysense.ca
Randy and Sandra LukeUp until last year, Sandra and Randy Luke were focused on paying off their mortgage. With that goal behind them, they’re ready for their next challenge: to retire in 10 years. But can they save enough to build a portfolio capable of delivering a monthly net income of $6,500 in retirement?
The current situation
Randy Luke, 51, and his wife Sandra, 49, live in Winnipeg. Randy is in the printing business and Sandra is a healthcare instructor, but come 2027 they both hope to have a different job title: retired.
“We felt we had to have a goal and 10 years from now for full retirement is a good time,” says Randy. “Sandra has a defined benefit pension plan at work and that’s when she reaches her factor 80 date for a full pension.”
The couple’s finances are in good shape after paying off their $475,000 home a year earlier than planned. Currently, they have a combined $720,000 in their TFSAs, RRSPs, and other savings. The couple doesn’t have children, which means all of their savings can be put towards their retirement…
