The New Kid on the Block…the Variable Annuity! The variable annuity of commonly referred to as a GMWB is on the horizon. In June 2006, I attended the Morningstar Investment Conference, which focused on “Retirement Income Planning”. One well-known speaker, Moshe Milevsky, introduced the concept in retirement planning of not just how to generate retirement […]
I had a great question from a client who recently asked “When I convert my RRSP to a RRIF, how much money must I withdraw each year?”. That’s a great question, so I thought I would explain RRSP and RRIF withdrawals and the basic rules. You can make a withdrawal for any amount, up to […]
Service Canada – Canadian Retirement Income Calculator With RRSP season having just ended and tax season ramping up, the last thing on most people’s minds right now is planning for their retirement. Whether you do your own investing on-line, use your local bank, broker, or a financial planner do you know your “Number”? Experience shows […]
Indices and Benchmarks – Q4 2013 Reviewing the returns of indices and benchmarks is useful for comparing how your portfolio performed when viewing your latest statement. A portfolio is made up of several components based upon your risk profile. For example, a balanced portfolio might have 5% cash, 45% bonds and 50% equities. The Canada Pension Plan portfolio […]
The Value of Financial Planning Study I am a member of the Financial Planning Standards Council (FPSC®). It develops, promotes and enforces professional standards in financial planning through the Certified Financial Planner®/CFP® certification, and raises Canadians’ awareness of the importance of financial planning. FPSC’s vision is to see Canadians improve their lives by engaging in financial planning. A study […]
Non Medical Life Insurance Non Medical Life Insurance is life insurance that doesn’t require a medical exam, doctor’s visit or medical report i.e. no underwriting. If you are between the ages of 20 to 80, you can apply for coverage even if: You’ve been turned down in the past, believe you are hard to insure, […]
What’s That New Car Cost? My father was an automotive mechanic and I often heard him say “you’re either paying one off or paying to fix one”. Since cars are a big ticket item, understanding car pricing is very important. No matter what car you want to buy, here are several websites to aid you […]
When Your Group Benefits End Apply within 60 days of your group benefits ending, and enjoy uninterrupted health care coverage – without a medical questionnaire! Worried about losing your group health and dental benefits? Anxious about the many medical expenses you’ll have to start paying for out-of-pocket because of the increasing gaps in your provincial health insurance plan? Concerned that you may […]