Author Archives: Rick

Time to Take the Tax Free Savings Account Seriously

Posted on April 14, 2014 by Rick

The Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA) was introduced in 2009. In 2009 and subsequent years through 2012, the TFSA dollar limit was $5,000 per year. For the years 2013 and 2014, the TFSA dollar limit is $5,500. For anyone who … Continue reading →

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Four Elements of Financial Planning

Posted on March 31, 2014 by Rick

When most people hear the term “financial planning”, they automatically assume it has something to do with saving and investing. While saving and investing are integral components of financial planning, they represent only one part of the equation. As we … Continue reading →

Posted in budget, credit, debt, financial goals, financial planning, Insurance, investing, retirement, saving, security | Comments Off

Do You Need a Power of Attorney?

Posted on February 21, 2014 by Rick

In our line of work we are occasionally required to act on the instructions provided by a third party. In order to accept instructions from a third party we must have a duly executed Power of Attorney, or POA. A … Continue reading →

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The Purpose of Your RRSP

Posted on February 18, 2014 by Rick

You are probably hearing a lot these days about the options for your Registered Retirement Savings Plan, or RRSP. The reason is that the deadline for 2013 eligible contributions is fast approaching. Thanks to various government programs, the RRSP has … Continue reading →

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Your Investment Policy Statement

Posted on January 9, 2014 by Rick

Welcome to 2014! We thought we would begin the year with a suggestion for a New Year’s Resolution. Establish your personal Investment Policy Statement, or IPS. An IPS is a document that puts in writing a number of parameters that … Continue reading →

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Panic Doesn’t Pay

Posted on November 9, 2013 by Rick

The US market dropped about 5% during the month of August. This caused memories of 2008-2009 to surface. Some investors began to feel anxious and wanted to make decisions about how to protect themselves against losses. People often feel tempted … Continue reading →

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Year End Tax Tips

Posted on November 6, 2013 by Rick

Tax planning is probably the farthest thing from your mind at this time of the year. However, the year 2013 is drawing to a close. That means you are running out of time to take advantage of any last minute … Continue reading →

Posted in saving, Taxes | Comments Off

Death and Taxes

Posted on October 14, 2013 by Rick

You’ve heard it before. There are only two certainties in life: death and taxes. Both are unavoidable. But did you know that the biggest tax bill you may ever have to pay is actually on your tax return filed after … Continue reading →

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What If You Develop a Critical Illness?

Posted on August 1, 2013 by Rick

Critical illness is not something we like to talk about. It is, however, an element of risk that must at least be considered. The reality is that more than half of all people living with cancer will survive at least … Continue reading →

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Investing for the Future

Posted on July 18, 2013 by Rick

With this short essay we will summarize market developments since the start of the year and share our thoughts for the period ahead. First though, a quick recap of the first half of 2013. In late May, the US market … Continue reading →

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