Winnipeg Free Press: Personal Finance

The trouble with experts is they're not always right
Published Date: Sat, 19 May 2012 10:45:07 CDT

I once read a book by a high-profile media financial-planning pundit, who gave an example of a man age 65 who wondered whether he should retire or keep working. Given his life expectancy was 80, wrote the author, he could afford to retire. It was probably the worst advice anyone has ever got... . . .

Balancing life and legacy
Published Date: Sat, 19 May 2012 14:14:40 CDT

Norm and Helen may not have work pensions, but that shouldn't stop them from enjoying retirement. That's because the couple have substantial assets to draw on to fund their future. In their late 60s, they have more than $3.3 million in assets spread out in their RRSPs, non-registered assets and . . .

Know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em, says apostle of seasonal investing
Published Date: Sat, 19 May 2012 13:54:09 CDT

Like many things in life, successful investing involves recognizing patterns and acting accordingly to turn a profit. Value investors look for overlooked and underpriced companies that have sound financial numbers. Dividend investors look for firms with a track record of paying an increasing . . .

Being debt-free key to retirement, homeowners say in poll
Published Date: Sat, 19 May 2012 14:18:29 CDT

WATERLOO, Ont. -- Nearly nine in 10 Canadian homeowners surveyed recently said being debt-free was key to their idea of a successful retirement -- even more than most lifestyle factors. Only having good health was listed by more people, according to the survey of about 2,000 Canadian homeowners . . .

Snowbirds, Americans living in Canada read on...
Published Date: Fri, 18 May 2012 03:17:51 CDT

This column is of special interest to snowbirds, but also to Americans who have moved to Canada. There is a positive change to Canada Revenue policy on transfers of 401K or IRA plans to Canada. First, let's remind snowbirds about their obligation to the U.S. government and the IRS. All . . .

European crisis forces Canadian investors to endure another roller coaster ride
Published Date: Thu, 17 May 2012 11:45:43 CDT

MONTREAL - Here we go again. Canadian investors are enduring another white-knuckled roller coaster ride as markets feel the pinch from Europe's economic turmoil. The situation may not be as devastating to Canada as the 2008-2009 financial crisis, but the value of individual investments are . . .

Death triggers major tax issues
Published Date: Wed, 16 May 2012 12:17:35 CDT

Jack normally paid approximately $40,000 a year in personal income taxes. He paid that amount, plus or minus, in 2008 and 2009. It was a little less in 2010 after he retired. In 2011, his personal income taxes jumped to $260,000, more than six times higher than in previous years. He did not get . . .

Canadians, Americans share retirement angst
Published Date: Mon, 14 May 2012 15:54:11 CDT

(Special) Misery, it seems, still loves to have a little bit of company. The angst that many Canadians are feeling about their retirement also exists with our neighbours to the South, although to a slightly lesser degree, thanks in part to the better performance of our economy since the global . . .

Survey finds debt freedom is bigger factor in retirement dreams than lifestyle
Published Date: Mon, 14 May 2012 17:29:04 CDT

WATERLOO, Ont. - Nearly nine in 10 Canadian homeowners surveyed recently said that being debt-free was key to their idea of a successful retirement — even more than most lifestyle factors. Only having good health was listed by more people, according to the survey of about 2,000 Canadian . . .

Couple's retirement plans are well in hand
Published Date: Sat, 12 May 2012 13:14:02 CDT

Marvin and Gloria can't wait until retirement. The problem is it's almost two decades away. Still, that doesn't stop them from dreaming of the day they reach age 60 and kiss the work world goodbye. "We don't want to work until 65," says Gloria, who is about two years older than Marvin. "I will . . .