A Canadian Wealth Test

For years, I was an avid subscriber to the old print version of MoneySense magazine. Like many other print periodicals, however, it went exclusively online several years ago. One of the most fascinating articles I read during the print era was The All-Canadian Wealth Test,...

Read More

Preparing for the Retirement Journey

Meet Emma and Roy, a couple from Winnipeg eagerly counting down the days to their retirement, just five years away. Aware of the importance of careful financial planning, they decide to engage an advice-only financial planner to support their transition into their “golden years.”   Step 1:...

Read More

Japan Travelog: Part 3. Personal Finance

Banking You may be aware that some political parties and union advocates have argued that, to develop Canada Post’s viability, financial services should be offered at post office branches. I am not sure how common that is in other countries, but Japan’s post offices have long...

Read More

Financial Planning for the Single Person

“This whole notion of marriage is out of date.” Maybe. Or maybe this whole notion of marrying for love is out of date. Let’s bring back arranged marriages. Do you think that is farfetched? Although in decline, the practice of arranging meetings between prospective spouses,...

Read More

An Executor’s Checklist

An Honour? Many people may regard being named an executor as an honour. There is a sense that your appointment in the will means that you are trustworthy and competent to complete the task.   However, while someone named to the role of executor should indeed be trustworthy...

Read More

Ten Ideas for Your Tax Refund

After the cloudy days of preparing and filing your tax return, many Canadians look forward to the silver lining of a tax refund. Last year I wrote about The Problem with Tax Refunds, arguing that rather than a benefit, refunds represent an interest-free loan to...

Read More

A Primer on Estate Planning for Canadians

Introduction Estate planning involves preparing for the tasks that must be undertaken in the event of your death or incapacity. While death is inevitable regardless of your preparation or lack thereof, preparation in the form of a well-considered will can make life for your survivors much...

Read More