In 2009 the federal government introduced the Tax Free Savings Account concept to Canadians. For anyone 18 years or older the TFSA has been whole-heartedly embraced as a tax-efficient vehicle to save money for short and long-term needs.
However, many people do not fully understand the importance of proper beneficiary designations and subsequently, they miss additional tax planning opportunities.
On February 24th, 2022, Russia invaded the Ukraine, setting off an inflation spiral not seen since the early 1980s. As Russia is the 3rd largest producer of oil and natural gas (behind Saudi Arabia and the USA) the impact of declining reserves was immediate in the prices we paid at the pump this last Spring.
The rise in oil and gas prices in turn escalated the cost of all consumer goods, services, and food items so that the rate of inflation for June 2022 was 9.3%.
What exactly is inflation in economic terms?
With over 350 clients Adam and I are consistently asked a number of key financial questions that we thought all of you would appreciate reading.
Here is the Top 10 list of the most frequently asked questions:
In December 2021 the federal government announced that the 2022 annual TFSA limit will remain at $6,000. This means the cumulative tax-sheltered lifetime limit is now at $81,500.
As I have explained to many clients, there is no “downside” to owning a TFSA, any TFSA is better than no TFSA. However, many people make mistakes with the accounts which can cost them in the long term.
Since my 1980 start in the financial industry, I have had many clients retire only to realize a big disconnect between how they envisioned their retirement versus the assets that they have accumulated.
For most people, it is not just one mistake made over the years, but rather a multitude of poor financial decisions, many of which were implemented mid-life (from age 35 to 55).
The 15 most common reasons that financial health was negatively impacted:
Draft a Will
Dying “Intestate” creates legal and financial obstacles for your family, something which could easily be avoided with a Will.
By not having a Will the government will use a default selection, stating how assets are to be split between your spouse and children
With February being the busiest month of RRSP season, I am often asked during annual reviews “what is the best way to get the money out of my RRSP?”
Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) allows RRSP holders to defer withdrawals until the end of the year they turn 71. At this point in time, the RRSP must be turned into a pension (either an Annuity or RRIF) or it will be redeemed in full on December 31st of that year.
Annually the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) adjusts the contribution schedules for three of our most popular retirement and investment vehicles.
Increase in RRSP Contribution Room
The maximum allowable room has now been increased from $27,300 (in 2020) to $27,830 as of January 1st, 2021.
Many investors over the age of 60 find themselves in a quandary regarding investments that they intend to leave to their heirs. The primary concern involves the desire to conserve the investments they are bequeathing while at the same time earning a reasonable rate of return. As we all know, the volatility of the equity markets can be cruel and this can be most detrimental when investments do not have time to recover after a downturn.
One of the most common investment questions Canadians ask themselves today is, “Which is better, TFSA or RRSP”?
Here’s the good news – it doesn’t have to be an either or choice. Why not do both? Below are the features of both plans to help you understand the differences.