How to go about securing the best savings strategy in Canada.
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What does the average wedding cost in Canada? May 15th
“But you’re getting married! You have to!” That empty statement is on the other end of everything from wedding cakes to bachelorette parties, lace veils, engagement photo shoots and selfie stations. It seems that from the very minute you are betrothed, everyone and their mother (perhaps especi.... More »
Nine surefire ways to save on your grocery bill (and still eat well) + MORE Jun 19th
Surging food prices are taking a bite out of your wallet, so arm yourself with my pro tips for scoring the best savings, Lesley-Anne Scorgie writes..... More »
The tax implications of transferring a stock between spouses + MORE May 15th
My wife and I are joint owners WROS (with right of survivorship) of a stock we have owned for many years. If the ownership of the stock is changed to just her name, individually, no death involved, does her cost basis of the shares remain the same as it was when it was in our joint names?—Joe
T.... More »
What to do when you have insufficient or unused RESP funds Aug 14th
Registered education savings plans (RESPs) are the best way to save for a child’s post-secondary education. Contributions attract government grants, and the accounts grow tax-deferred. Withdrawals can be used for trade school, college or university funding in Canada and abroad.
According to Sta.... More »
Best high-interest savings accounts in Canada 2022 + MORE Feb 20th
Generally savings accounts offer very low interest rates. So, if you want to earn on your deposits (rather than simply using your account as a temporary “holding tank” or directing to longer-term saving and investing vehicles), a savings account with a high interest is a no-brainer.
However, whe.... More »
Can I have a multi-generational RESP?
– moneysense.ca
Q: I have an existing RESP for my children, but they may not use all the money. Can I add grandchildren (once born) to the same RESP and keep this going in terms of growth and returns?
— Frank
A: A Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) is a great way to save for a child or grandchild’s post-secondary education. Eligible studies include college and university, as well as trade schools and similar post-secondary programs.
There are potential federal and provincial government grants and bonds when contributing to a RESP, the most common of which is the Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG). A RESP beneficiary can receive a 20 per cent grant on up to $2,500 per year of contributions ($5,000 if catching up on a previous year of missed grants). These grants get deposited to a RESP account by the government after a contribution is made.
Ask a Planner: Leave your question for Jason Heath »
A total of $7,200 in lifetime CESG grants can be earned by a beneficiary, and a total of $50,000 in contributions can be made…
— Frank
A: A Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) is a great way to save for a child or grandchild’s post-secondary education. Eligible studies include college and university, as well as trade schools and similar post-secondary programs.
There are potential federal and provincial government grants and bonds when contributing to a RESP, the most common of which is the Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG). A RESP beneficiary can receive a 20 per cent grant on up to $2,500 per year of contributions ($5,000 if catching up on a previous year of missed grants). These grants get deposited to a RESP account by the government after a contribution is made.
Ask a Planner: Leave your question for Jason Heath »
A total of $7,200 in lifetime CESG grants can be earned by a beneficiary, and a total of $50,000 in contributions can be made…
Why the $35,000 RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan won’t be much help
– moneysense.ca
It’s been about a week since federal budget day and I still have questions about some of the things the government announced. For instance, why did they introduce a deferred annuity, which will allow Canadians to put 25% of their RRSP or RRIF into an annuity that must start paying out by 85 at the latest, instead of pushing back the RRIF withdrawal age limit? With more people working past 65, changing the withdrawal limit from 71 to, say, 75, would have allowed people to invest longer and then drawdown savings later in life when they really need it.
The biggest head-scratcher for me, though, was around the RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan. I still can’t figure out why the Liberals decided that letting first-time homebuyers withdraw $35,000 from their RRSP, which they still have to pay back over 15 years, instead of $25,000 is the answer to Canada’s housing problems. It seems to me that it only benefits professionals in Toronto and Vancouver who are already making good money and can afford a home whether they’re saving in their RRSP or not…
The biggest head-scratcher for me, though, was around the RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan. I still can’t figure out why the Liberals decided that letting first-time homebuyers withdraw $35,000 from their RRSP, which they still have to pay back over 15 years, instead of $25,000 is the answer to Canada’s housing problems. It seems to me that it only benefits professionals in Toronto and Vancouver who are already making good money and can afford a home whether they’re saving in their RRSP or not…
Sponsored: Can I Claim Insurance on My Taxes?
– ratesupermarket.ca
*Sponsored by TurboTax
With the 2019 tax deadline fast approaching many Canadians are focused on maximizing their tax return. The Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) requires all private income tax returns to be filed , while self-employed have until June 17, 2019 to file.
If you do think you’ll owe taxes, however, or you may incur penalties.
For a full list of deductions you may be eligible to claim it’s important to seek financial advice, or use a tool like TurboTax.
TurboTax is a tax software that makes filing your taxes online easy, and is supported by real-life tax specialists who can step in to advise if needed. After signing up online, TurboTax can guide you through your entire 2019 return, prompting you with questions and advice at every step, to ensure you get the maximum refund.
One often overlooked deduction on anyone’s tax return is insurance. The list of insurance deductions for salaried individuals is very short. Individuals can often deduct private health insurance premiums on your tax returns, as well as any medical expenses…