Financially Speaking

At any time of the year, it can be tough to set aside money to invest – either in your investments held in an RRSP or to purchase shares to add to your non-registered portfolio – and that is especially true in the wake of your holiday season spending.

The federal government introduced the Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) in 2009 and it was hailed as the single most important personal savings vehicle since RRSPs were launched in the late 1950’s.

The holidays are long over but your mailbox continues to fill up – with holiday bills.

This is the resolution time of year – and we make all kinds of them, from resolving to lose weight to taking up a new hobby.

A sound financial plan usually includes developing and maintaining a portfolio of investments that you will, at some point, tap into on a regular basis to cover living expenses or for some other ongoing need.

Buying your first home is a thrill, a lifestyle commitment and probably creating the largest debt you will ever take on. But when is large too large? How much house can you really afford?

Thinking of buying your first home? One of your most important decisions will be choosing the right type of mortgage to make the purchase.

From community service to new careers and business start-ups after retirement, boomers are leading in a lot of economic and lifestyle categories – including encore relationships, either through a second marriage or a common-law relationship.

It’s happening more and more, these days: Couples choosing to live together before, or instead of, getting married.

When it comes to charitable giving, Canadians are among the best in the world.