FINANCIAL FACELIFT: How should Hank, 69, and Caroline, 64, turn their savings into income?
Below you will find a real life case study of a couple who is looking for financial advice on how best to arrange their financial affairs. Their names and details have been changed to protect their identity. The Globe and Mail often seeks the advice of our Portfolio Manager & Senior Financial Planner, Matthew Ardrey,…
2024 Canada Capital Gains Change: What Does It Mean To Me?
In April 2024, the federal government announced their proposed 2024 budget. One of its most significant proposals for investors is a change to the capital gains inclusion rate. Under the new rules, the percentage of capital gains subject to taxation will grow from one-half to two-thirds for any gains above $250,000 for individuals. This change…
FINANCIAL FACELIFT: How should David, 56, and Greta, 55, manage their investments in retirement?
Below you will find a real life case study of a couple who is looking for financial advice on how best to arrange their financial affairs. Their names and details have been changed to protect their identity. The Globe and Mail often seeks the advice of our Portfolio Manager & Senior Financial Planner, Matthew Ardrey,…
FINANCIAL FACELIFT: When can Norman, 62, afford to join Margaret, 65, in retirement?
Below you will find a real life case study of a couple who is looking for financial advice on how best to arrange their financial affairs. Their names and details have been changed to protect their identity. The Globe and Mail often seeks the advice of our VP, Wealth Advisor & Portfolio Manager, Matthew Ardrey,…
FINANCIAL FACELIFT: What age should Kate, 56, start taking her CPP and OAS benefits?
Below you will find a real life case study of a couple who is looking for financial advice on how best to arrange their financial affairs. Their names and details have been changed to protect their identity. The Globe and Mail often seeks the advice of our VP, Wealth Advisor & Portfolio Manager, Matthew Ardrey,…
Financial Post / Rechtshaffen: Big interest rate cuts ahead from the Bank of Canada if 2001 is any indication
They say that actions speak louder than words, and this definitely applies when it comes to the Bank of Canada. The central bank now forecasts the consumer price inflation (CPI) index will return to two per cent in mid-2025. If this two-year prediction causes you concern that policymakers won’t be lowering rates for two years,…
Financial Post / Rechtshaffen: The case for ending the Bank of Canada’s interest rate hikes now
The May consumer price index (CPI) rose 3.4 per cent year over year, which was a big drop from the 4.4 per cent year-over-year number in April, but that doesn’t tell the real story. Not surprisingly, there is a component of the CPI that is still showing significant inflation. The mortgage interest cost index was…
FINANCIAL FACELIFT: Can Evelyn, 62, and Ezra, 70, afford to both travel and financially assist their son?
Below you will find a real life case study of a couple who is looking for financial advice on how best to arrange their financial affairs. Their names and details have been changed to protect their identity. The Globe and Mail often seeks the advice of our VP, Wealth Advisor & Portfolio Manager, Matthew Ardrey,…
Financial Post / Rechtshaffen: Planning to live a long, healthy life? Here’s how to make your money last
There is an all-encompassing statistic for baseball players called WAR, or wins above replacement. The higher the WAR over a career, the better the player. The very best Hall of Fame players might have a WAR of more than 100. A career for one of these greats might last 20 years, but their WAR is…
Financial Post / Rechtshaffen: 6 ways to make more income from your investments
There are some unique opportunities in every investment market, and we’re not talking about artificial intelligence and lithium mining here, but the joys of some sources of high income. Some of these vehicles are better known than others, but each brings a different yield and has a different risk profile. High-interest savings funds and ETFs…
Financial Post / Rechtshaffen: Gluskin Sheff goes from unique and independent to being part of behemoth RBC
As someone who has viewed Gluskin Sheff as a competitor, my impression of the firm has always been the following: some very smart and capable people, investment focused, at one time very good marketers, very high fees for high-net-worth clients, a little smug, a culture shifting further and further from its earlier success, not focused…
FINANCIAL FACELIFT: Ed and Patti, both 58, have defined benefit pensions. But without a handle on what they spend, can they afford to retire early?
Below you will find a real life case study of a couple who is looking for financial advice on how best to arrange their financial affairs. Their names and details have been changed to protect their identity. The Globe and Mail often seeks the advice of our VP, Wealth Advisor & Portfolio Manager, Matthew Ardrey,…
Financial Post / Rechtshaffen: Borrowing against life insurance can be a unique source of cash — if you can do it
There is nothing like finding cash where you don’t expect it and for some Canadians, their life insurance policy may just be that source of cash. Many Canadians own life insurance, the most common of which is term life insurance. This is insurance you own for certain periods of your life, and then the coverage…
Financial Post / Rechtshaffen: 4 steps to getting investment income without paying the CRA more taxes
Most investors like a high-income yield, but are you one of them? Do you need monthly income to pay your bills? Is this income earned in a taxable account? If you don’t need the monthly income from investments and you have taxable investment accounts, there is likely a way to lower your taxes. Let’s start…
Financial Post / Rechtshaffen: 4 ways the wealthy can make a dent in a large tax bill
The top 20 per cent of Canadian income earners pay more than 61 per cent of the income tax, according to a Fraser Institute study from 2022. Today, the marginal tax rate in Ontario for those earning over $235,675 is 53.53 per cent. Nevertheless, our prime minister said in 2017, “Everyone knows, the middle class…
FINANCIAL FACELIFT: Can Duncan and Lorna afford to retire early and leave their children a big nest egg?
Below you will find a real life case study of a couple who is looking for financial advice on how best to arrange their financial affairs. Their names and details have been changed to protect their identity. The Globe and Mail often seeks the advice of our VP, Wealth Advisor & Portfolio Manager, Matthew Ardrey,…
23 investing and personal finance thoughts for what’s to come in ’23
As we headed into 2022, I shared 22 financial thoughts for 2022. As it turned out, they were largely accurate, with one meaningful exception. I predicted an increase in interest rates and inflation, but, like many others, the hikes exceeded my more modest view. Looking towards 2023, interest rates and inflation will once again be…
New signals point to more than just a ‘Santa’ rally
The past year has delivered lingering concerns over Covid, continued supply chain constraints, the Russian Ukraine war, unprecedented inflation, and subsequent aggressive government interest rate hikes to reduce this inflation. This crushed stocks and bonds. A review of three broad US market sectors tells this year’s sad tale. The iShares Core S&P Total U.S. Stock…
Financial Post / Rechtshaffen: Avoid these five mistakes when estate planning to preserve family peace
Fortunately, there are now many options to invest with companies that have very strong risk and operational procedures to lend to businesses. These investments have generally had returns for investors in the 6.5 per cent to 8.5 per cent range on a steady basis.
FINANCIAL FACELIFT: Can Russ, 55, and Vicky, 47, retire early and live comfortably without exhausting their life savings
Below you will find a real life case study of a couple who is looking for financial advice on how best to arrange their financial affairs. Their names and details have been changed to protect their identity. The Globe and Mail often seeks the advice of our VP, Wealth Advisor & Portfolio Manager, Matthew Ardrey,…
Financial Post / Rechtshaffen: Mo’ money, mo’ problems: Even the wealthy are worrying about their financial future
Fortunately, there are now many options to invest with companies that have very strong risk and operational procedures to lend to businesses. These investments have generally had returns for investors in the 6.5 per cent to 8.5 per cent range on a steady basis.
FINANCIAL FACELIFT: Bob, 62, was laid off last year. Can he and Roberta afford to retire with the income they want?
Below you will find a real life case study of a couple who is looking for financial advice on how best to arrange their financial affairs. Their names and details have been changed to protect their identity. The Globe and Mail often seeks the advice of our VP, Wealth Advisor & Portfolio Manager, Matthew Ardrey,…
FINANCIAL FACELIFT: Should Leo and Linda reboot their retirement spending plan to buy a bigger townhouse?
Below you will find a real life case study of a couple who is looking for financial advice on how best to arrange their financial affairs. Their names and details have been changed to protect their identity. The Globe and Mail often seeks the advice of our VP, Wealth Advisor & Portfolio Manager, Matthew Ardrey,…
Financial Post / Rechtshaffen: Interest rates are still rising, but investors should start preparing for when they come back down
Fortunately, there are now many options to invest with companies that have very strong risk and operational procedures to lend to businesses. These investments have generally had returns for investors in the 6.5 per cent to 8.5 per cent range on a steady basis.
Financial Post / Rechtshaffen: Hang on a minute: Inflation is actually good for some people
Fortunately, there are now many options to invest with companies that have very strong risk and operational procedures to lend to businesses. These investments have generally had returns for investors in the 6.5 per cent to 8.5 per cent range on a steady basis.
FINANCIAL FACELIFT: Can Brandon and Michelle achieve financial independence in six years’ time?
Below you will find a real life case study of a couple who is looking for financial advice on how best to arrange their financial affairs. Their names and details have been changed to protect their identity. The Globe and Mail often seeks the advice of our VP, Wealth Advisor & Portfolio Manager, Matthew Ardrey,…
FINANCIAL FACELIFT: Plans for early retirement need a rethink
Below you will find a real life case study of a couple who is looking for financial advice on how best to arrange their financial affairs. Their names and details have been changed to protect their identity. The Globe and Mail often seeks the advice of our VP, Wealth Advisor & Portfolio Manager, Matthew Ardrey,…
FINANCIAL FACELIFT: Have Margaret and Simon saved enough to meet their retirement spending goal?
Below you will find a real life case study of a couple who is looking for financial advice on how best to arrange their financial affairs. Their names and details have been changed to protect their identity. The Globe and Mail often seeks the advice of our VP, Wealth Advisor & Portfolio Manager, Matthew Ardrey,…
22 financial thoughts on what’s to come in ’22
Predicting the future has always been a challenge, and it has become almost impossible with Omicron. That said, I’m optimistic things will considerably improve on the COVID-19 front in 2022, at least from the second quarter onward. This belief is based on a mix of hope and science that there will be a high enough…
What is our Investment Thinking Today?
Are Stocks Expensive? If you are talking the Nasdaq U.S. market, the answer is yes. If you are talking the S&P500 U.S. market, the answer is probably yes. If you are talking other markets, then the answer may be no. One measure of valuation is the Forward Price/Earnings multiple, or P/E multiple. The higher the…
FINANCIAL FACELIFT: Can Owen and Emily afford to retire next year and spend winters overseas?
Below you will find a real life case study of a couple who is looking for financial advice on how best to arrange their financial affairs. Their names and details have been changed to protect their identity. The Globe and Mail often seeks the advice of our VP, Wealth Advisor & Portfolio Manager, Matthew Ardrey,…
FINANCIAL FACELIFT: Can Sébastien and Sofia afford a new cottage on top of their other financial goals?
Below you will find a real life case study of a couple who is looking for financial advice on how best to arrange their financial affairs. Their names and details have been changed to protect their identity. The Globe and Mail often seeks the advice of our VP, Wealth Advisor & Portfolio Manager, Matthew Ardrey,…
FINANCIAL FACELIFT: Can Ben and Lucy retire in their 40s on just one income?
Below you will find a real life case study of a couple who is looking for financial advice on how best to arrange their financial affairs. Their names and details have been changed to protect their identity. The Globe and Mail often seeks the advice of our VP, Wealth Advisor & Portfolio Manager, Matthew Ardrey,…
FINANCIAL FACELIFT: Can Richard and Jane afford an expensive renovation without infringing on Jane’s retirement plans?
Below you will find a real life case study of a couple who is looking for financial advice on how best to arrange their financial affairs. Their names and details have been changed to protect their identity. The Globe and Mail often seeks the advice of our VP, Wealth Advisor & Portfolio Manager, Matthew Ardrey,…
FINANCIAL FACELIFT: Couple whose income has taken a big hit want to sell home and retire early by ‘leaning hard into dividends’
Below you will find a real life case study of a couple who is looking for financial advice on how best to arrange their financial affairs. Their names and details have been changed to protect their identity. The Globe and Mail often seeks the advice of our VP, Wealth Advisor & Portfolio Manager, Matthew Ardrey,…
FINANCIAL FACELIFT: B.C. couple want to achieve a ‘working optional’ lifestyle
Below you will find a real life case study of a couple who is looking for financial advice on how best to arrange their financial affairs. Their names and details have been changed to protect their identity. The Globe and Mail often seeks the advice of our VP, Wealth Advisor & Portfolio Manager, Matthew Ardrey,…
FINANCIAL FACELIFT: Can Ted retire at year end and spend $150,000 a year?
Below you will find a real life case study of an individual who is looking for financial advice on how best to arrange their financial affairs. Their names and details have been changed to protect their identity. The Globe and Mail often seeks the advice of our VP, Wealth Advisor, Matthew Ardrey, to review and…
FINANCIAL FACELIFT: How can this couple save for their son’s higher education and their own retirement?
Below you will find a real life case study of a couple who is looking for financial advice on how best to arrange their financial affairs. Their names and details have been changed to protect their identity. The Globe and Mail often seeks the advice of our VP, Wealth Advisor, Matthew Ardrey, to review and…
Taking a pension’s commuted value can leave some Canadians wealthier
For Canadians who are planning to retire or have perhaps lost their jobs and who have a defined-benefit (DB) pension plan, there has never been a better time to review the age-old question of whether they should keep the pension or take the commuted value (CV). That’s because of the way the CV – or…
FINANCIAL FACELIFT: Lucinda wonders how to organize investments after the coronavirus accelerated her decision to sell her house
Below you will find a real life case study of an individual who is looking for financial advice on how best to arrange their financial affairs. Their names and details have been changed to protect their identity. The Globe and Mail often seeks the advice of our VP, Wealth Advisor, Matthew Ardrey, to review and…
FINANCIAL FACELIFT: Should Wilfred and Wendy diversify their Canada-heavy stock portfolio as they inch closer to retirement?
Below you will find a real life case study of a couple who are looking for financial advice on how best to arrange their financial affairs. Their names and details have been changed to protect their identity. The Globe and Mail often seeks the advice of our VP, Wealth Advisor, Matthew Ardrey, to review and…
FINANCIAL FACELIFT: Should millennial savers Sid and Kamala hit pause on their plans to buy a house?
Below you will find a real life case study of a couple who are looking for financial advice on how best to arrange their financial affairs. Their names and details have been changed to protect their identity. The Globe and Mail often seeks the advice of our VP, Wealth Advisor, Matthew Ardrey, to review and…
FINANCIAL FACELIFT: Can this couple still retire in three years after their investments took a major hit?
Below you will find a real life case study of a couple who are looking for financial advice on how best to arrange their financial affairs. Their names and details have been changed to protect their identity. The Globe and Mail often seeks the advice of our VP, Wealth Advisor, Matthew Ardrey, to review and…
Canadian investors have toughened up, and more lessons my clients have taught me during this crisis
Unique opportunities sometimes come in extreme times.
The one detailed below on commuting the value of your pension won’t be an option for many, but for those with the ability to take advantage, it could meaningfully improve their retirement finances for years to come.
Investing for the Long-Term
One of the things that often frustrate investment clients is the language used by investment professionals when markets go down. While the terminology is meant to soften the blow or put the current situation into context, the client is often left annoyed and confused.
Markets are fearful and history tells us that means the time to buy is right now
Unique opportunities sometimes come in extreme times.
The one detailed below on commuting the value of your pension won’t be an option for many, but for those with the ability to take advantage, it could meaningfully improve their retirement finances for years to come.
Are RRSPs really worth it? The answer may surprise you
More and more people say to me that they don’t contribute to RRSPs. They don’t think it makes sense. If they ask my opinion, my response always depends on the specifics of the person who is asking. For the purposes of this article, I will address a few different scenarios. For all of these examples,…
Strategies to Make Your Money Last Longer in Retirement and to Reduce Taxes
Lorne Zeiler, Portfolio Manager and Wealth Advisor, was one of the experts interviewed on current strategies that can be used by investors to reduce overall taxes paid in retirement and to the estate. Lorne Zeiler focused on the benefits of gifting. Written by: Terry Cain Special to The Globe and Mail Published November 11, 2020…
Tips on How to Get the Most from your RRSP
Lorne Zeiler, Portfolio Manager and Wealth Advisor at TriDelta Financial, was one of the experts asked about strategies to maximize the benefit of RRSP accounts and how to reduce overall taxes based on the timing of withdrawals and use of Spousal accounts. Written by: Dale Jackson Special to The Globe and Mail Published February 7,…
These unfair tax policies are putting a burden on women and seniors and need to be changed now
Here’s a scenario I’ve seen several times in my career as a wealth manager. A retired couple that receives two full CPP payments and two full Old Age Security (OAS) payments is able to fully split their income for tax purposes. Then one spouse dies. The survivor only receives one CPP payment, no OAS, and…
FINANCIAL FACELIFT: Can Olivia and Larry retire early with an ideal income of $10,000 a month?
Below you will find a real life case study of a couple who are looking for financial advice on how best to arrange their financial affairs. Their names and details have been changed to protect their identity. The Globe and Mail often seeks the advice of our VP, Wealth Advisor, Matthew Ardrey, to review and…
Why investors should pay for all investment fees out of non-registered accounts
The Department of Finance Canada’s recent letter to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) stating that paying investment fees for registered accounts out of non-registered accounts does not constitute a tax advantage is a big win for investors, who are now free to pay their investment costs from any source they choose. There are various advantages…
Pensions 101: The importance of understanding your pension
I have been involved with the Financial Facelift articles since 2013 and in the financial planning industry since 2000. In my time working on the Financial Facelifts, I have been asked many questions about my calculations and recommendations; but bar none, questions about pension calculations have been the most frequent. With that in mind, there…
FINANCIAL FACELIFT: What can I do to be more financially successful as I enter my 40s?
Below you will find a real life case study of an individual who is looking for financial advice on how best to arrange their financial affairs. Their name and details have been changed to protect their identity. The Globe and Mail often seeks the advice of our VP, Wealth Advisor, Matthew Ardrey, to review and…
This alternative to stocks and bonds is gaining a following among wealthy investors
I hear a lot of the following these days: “The stock market is too volatile and there is a recession coming. I am nervous about stocks.” “With interest rates so low, I will lose money owning bonds after tax and inflation.” “Preferred shares have not performed very well over the past few years so I…
Ted Rechtshaffen: Why I made my daughter pay for her first year of university
Teaching financial responsibility and financial lessons should be an important part of a university education A few years back I wrote an article that was not very popular with high school students. I suggested that a great financial lesson to teach a child or grandchild is to have them pay for at least one year…
FINANCIAL FACELIFT: Can Chelsea and Chad ‘make it all work’ with a second baby on the way and a possible career change?
Below you will find a real life case study of a couple who are looking for financial advice on how best to arrange their financial affairs. Their names and details have been changed to protect their identity. The Globe and Mail often seeks the advice of our VP, Wealth Advisor, Matthew Ardrey, to review and…
Making the most of an RESP
With kids heading back to school, education planning and registered education savings plans (RESPs) are at the forefront of discussions that financial advisers are having with many investors – whether these clients have children in a postsecondary institution or saving for them to go into one in the future. The RESP is an enticing vehicle…
Why Canada should eliminate minimum RRIF withdrawals entirely
An industry colleague and I were talking the other day about registered retirement income funds (I know, we aren’t the most exciting people) and he suggested the government should just remove RRIF minimum withdrawals entirely. The comment was like a lightning bolt to me. It is such a straightforward thought and, in my mind, makes…
FINANCIAL FACELIFT: Rosy projection for long European vacation, then retirement in B.C. hides ‘substantial risk’
Below you will find a real life case study of a couple who are looking for financial advice on how best to arrange their financial affairs. Their names and details have been changed to protect their identity. The Globe and Mail often seeks the advice of our VP, Wealth Advisor, Matthew Ardrey, to review and…
This borrow-to-invest strategy can build you wealth with someone else’s money
“Borrowing to invest” can be a scary phrase. There have been many inappropriate cases where it doesn’t end well. Yet for all of the naysayers, I am pretty sure that you are currently doing it or have done it before. If you have ever had a mortgage or debt on a home equity line of…
What Happened to the Preferred Shares Market?
The stock market suffered a big market drop in the Fall / early Winter, but has since had a substantial recovery. Bonds posted solid returns this past year. Preferred shares have had a very different experience. They declined last year, had a modest recovery and have sold off again in the past few months, leaving…
The Spousal RRSP – Does it still have a place in Retirement Planning?
One of the more frequent questions I get from clients regarding their retirement planning is, with the pension income splitting legislation, are spousal RRSPs worthwhile anymore? The answer is yes, in several situations. Before I outline the planning situations that are useful for spousal RRSPs, first a little primer on what they are and how…
Financial Post columnist (Rechtshaffen) shows how many Canadians can afford Retirement Homes
A financial expert and Financial Post columnist compares the costs of senior housing options including home care, long-term care and a retirement home. A newspaper columnist recently contacted Amica to research an article on the cost of private retirement living. This wasn’t any reporter: it was Ted Rechtshaffen, a personal finance columnist for the Financial…
Financial Post/Rechtshaffen: How wealth advisors provide a significantly higher value service for core clients than roboadvisors
Advisors know which clients to put on which path to achieve the best big-picture result Several people have asked me lately about the Questrade TV ads that feature someone in their 30s going to what appears to be their parents’ financial advisor to tell them why they are leaving. My first thought was, “Why did…
FINANCIAL FACELIFT: Can this couple retire at 60 and afford to keep the cottage in the family?
Below you will find a real life case study of a couple who are looking for financial advice on how best to arrange their financial affairs. Their names and details have been changed to protect their identity. The Globe and Mail often seeks the advice of our VP, Wealth Advisor, Matthew Ardrey, to review and…
The maximum OAS a couple can get is $19,600. Here’s how to collect all of it
Old Age Security (OAS) is a funny part of Canadian retirement planning. Many Canadians assume they won’t receive it, or even if they do, they believe it won’t last many more years. The truth of the matter is that for a couple, it can generate as little as $0 or as much as $19,600 a…
FINANCIAL FACELIFT: This 72-year-old’s portfolio is 97% in stocks. Is she taking on too much risk as retirement nears?
Below you will find a real life case study of an individual who is looking for financial advice on how best to arrange their financial affairs. Their name and details have been changed to protect their identity. The Globe and Mail often seeks the advice of our VP, Wealth Advisor, Matthew Ardrey, to review and…
FINANCIAL FACELIFT: Should this couple sell their house for a better retirement?
Below you will find a real life case study of a couple who are looking for financial advice on how best to arrange their financial affairs. Their names and details have been changed to protect their identities. The Globe and Mail often seeks the advice of our VP, Wealth Advisor, Matthew Ardrey, to review and…
Here’s what it costs to live in a retirement home — and the bottom line is less than you might think
As my clients age, one of the key financial planning questions they ask is, “Can I afford to live in a retirement residence?” and the follow-up, “How much extra in expenses do I need to plan for?” Usually the answer to the first question is yes, and the answer to the second one is…
FINANCIAL FACELIFT: To buy or rent a condo? Montreal couple search best route for saving towards retirement
Below you will find a real life case study of a couple who are looking for financial advice on how best to arrange their financial affairs. Their names and details have been changed to protect their identities. The Globe and Mail often seeks the advice of our VP, Wealth Advisor, Matthew Ardrey, to review and…
Retirement Shouldn’t be a Taxing Transition
When people think of retirement, they make think of relaxing at the cottage, traveling the world, or maybe with the recent blasts of winter we have been receiving, spending some time in warmer climates. What most people don’t think about is how my taxes are going to change. Yes, with April just around the corner,…
Trudeau is right: 40% of Canadians don’t pay income taxes, which means someone else is picking up the bill
Many people were upset with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau this week for saying “low-income families don’t benefit from tax breaks because they don’t pay taxes.” Of course, some were upset because they felt it was untrue. But Trudeau was speaking the complete truth when it comes to income taxes (HST, realty taxes and other consumption…
These are the eight sources of retirement income you need to know about
In RRSP season there is a lot of focus on your RRSP — surprise, surprise. As most of you know, the RRSP will ultimately turn into a RRIF and be a key source of your income in retirement. What many people don’t always think about is other potential sources of retirement income. In our work…
FINANCIAL FACELIFT: With ambitious retirement goals, will this couple have enough to meet their lifestyle needs?
Below you will find a real life case study of a couple who are looking for financial advice on how best to arrange their financial affairs. Their names and details have been changed to protect their identities. The Globe and Mail often seeks the advice of our VP, Wealth Advisor, Matthew Ardrey, to review and…
What investors should buy now if they like high yields and low prices
Timing the market is a tricky business. To do it really well you have to get three things right. You need to buy in at the right time, sell at the right time, and then reinvest your funds at a good time. Our view has always been that given that markets go up pretty…
A proven path to higher and stable returns
The global equity markets have been very volatile and have understandably rattled investors confidence. The ‘winds of change’ to one of the longest bull markets have arrived and our portfolio safety metrics are being tested. At TriDelta we set out to construct conservative portfolios designed to deliver in all market cycles for financial peace of…
Real Estate – Is now the right time to downsize?
By: Vivien Sharon It was my pleasure to host an exclusive event at Sotheby’s International Realty Canada in Toronto recently. The subject was: THE BIG QUESTION: IS NOW THE RIGHT TIME TO DOWNSIZE? Special guests included Ted Rechtshaffen, who discussed income & tax planning for Boomers and Ismail Barmania, a lawyer specializing in estate planning…
FINANCIAL FACELIFT: This couple started saving too late for retirement and now face some tough choices
Below you will find a real life case study of a couple who are looking for financial advice on how best to arrange their financial affairs. Their names and details have been changed to protect their identities. The Globe and Mail often seeks the advice of our VP, Wealth Advisor, Matthew Ardrey, to review and…
FINANCIAL FACELIFT: Can an uncertain investment help this 60-year-old retire early?
Below you will find a real life case study of a woman who is looking for financial advice on how best to arrange her financial affairs. Her name and details have been changed to protect her identity. The Globe and Mail often seeks the advice of our VP, Wealth Advisor, Matthew Ardrey, to review and…
What a couple of kids at the CNE can teach the government about budgeting
In September everything is back in swing. Kids are back in school. Governments are back in session. Money will be spent on juice boxes and money will be spent on pipelines. Before the juice boxes get packed for school though, I had the pleasure of being at the CNE in Toronto with my son and…
FINANCIAL FACELIFT: Great savers, not so great at investing
Below you will find a real life case study of a couple who are looking for financial advice on how best to arrange their financial affairs. Their names and details have been changed to protect their identity. The Globe and Mail often seeks the advice of our VP, Wealth Advisor, Matthew Ardrey, to review and…
FINANCIAL FACELIFT: Home upgrade could saddle couple with too much debt to easily meet retirement dreams
Below you will find a real life case study of a couple who are looking for financial advice on how best to arrange their financial affairs. Their names and details have been changed to protect their identity. The Globe and Mail often seeks the advice of our VP, Wealth Advisor, Matthew Ardrey, to review and…
FINANCIAL FACELIFT: Returning Canadians aim to manage competing goals of travel, saving, retirement
Below you will find a real life case study of a couple who are looking for financial advice on how best to arrange their financial affairs. Their names and details have been changed to protect their identity. The Globe and Mail often seeks the advice of our VP, Wealth Advisor, Matthew Ardrey, to review and…
FINANCIAL FACELIFT: This couple making $258,000 a year are worried they are paying too much in investment fees as their retirement nears
Below you will find a real life case study of a couple who are looking for financial advice on how best to arrange their financial affairs. Their names and details have been changed to protect their identity. The Globe and Mail often seeks the advice of our VP, Wealth Advisor, Matthew Ardrey, to review and…
Financial Health Opens the Door to Healthy Aging
Boomers are a generation of rule breakers, but there’s one front where Canadian Boomers toe the line: financial health. Yes, Boomers have a well-earned reputation for consumer spending, but Canadians are by nature a little cautious: We’re not thought of as big risk takers and high fliers. This prudent approach to life, combined with an…
FINANCIAL FACELIFT: Big move from Alberta to Ontario puts sharp focus on middle-aged couple’s portfolio mix
Below you will find a real life case study of a couple who are looking for financial advice on how best to arrange their financial affairs. Their names and details have been changed to protect their identity. The Globe and Mail often seeks the advice of our VP, Wealth Advisor, Matthew Ardrey, to review and…
The Financial Media Can Be Harmful to Your Wealth
“Success in investing doesn’t correlate with I.Q…. Once you have ordinary intelligence, what you need is the temperament to control the urges that get other people into trouble in investing.” – Warren Buffet As Warren Buffet and countless other investment gurus have observed, one of the most important factors for being a successful investor is…
IPP – Why so many dentists have set this up to save taxes in 2018 and beyond
As a dentist you know that from time to time you may be presented with a challenging case of a difficult extraction. As a Wealth Advisor and Financial Planner, I can tell you we are also often presented with a case of a potentially difficult extraction but instead of it being a molar, our challenge…
The importance of a Will
A Will is something that most of us should have unless our net worth is limited and we’re happy with the way the government mandates distribution between spouses, children and grandchildren (detailed below). Any special inheritance wish will however need to be properly spelled out in a legal document, which takes effect when you die. …
Renting as a senior might make more financial sense than downsizing and buying
Many seniors are presented with the option of downsizing their home once they reach retirement. Ted Rechtshaffen, President and Wealth Advisor of TriDelta Financial says this may make sense for some seniors, but so might renting. Click here to watch the interview. Posted By: Ted Rechtshaffen, MBA, CFP President and CEO tedr@tridelta.ca (416) 733-3292 x…
FINANCIAL FACELIFT: How one woman is trying to make the most of her investments to meet her travel goals
Below you will find a real life case study of an individual who is looking for financial advice on how best to arrange her financial affairs. Her name and details of her personal life have been changed to protect her identity. The Globe and Mail often seeks the advice of our VP, Wealth Advisor, Matthew…
Tips for helping your kids buy a house
TriDelta President Ted Rechtshaffen joins House Money on BNN with advice for parents possibly looking to help their kids buy a home. Click here to watch the interview. Posted By: Ted Rechtshaffen, MBA, CFP President and CEO tedr@tridelta.ca (416) 733-3292 x 221
FINANCIAL FACELIFT: Newly divorced dad is setting his retirement goals high
Below you will find a real life case study of an individual who is looking for financial advice on when he can retire and how best to arrange his financial affairs. His name and details of his personal life have been changed to protect his identity. The Globe and Mail often seeks the advice of…
Countdown to Year-end – Have you put your tax planning in place?
With less than a month to go before the end of the year, it is time to give some thought to how you are going to put your affairs in order to minimize your taxes next April. Below I have provided several points which you should contemplate for your own tax situation. Some of these…
FINANCIAL FACELIFT: Are these soon-to-be retirees ready to set sail?
Below you will find a real life case study of a couple who are looking for financial advice on when they can retire and how best to arrange their financial affairs. The names and details of their personal lives have been changed to protect their identities. The Globe and Mail often seeks the advice of…
Protecting Your Retirement Portfolio – in a Down Market
When I review the portfolio of a new client as part of their financial plan, they almost always have at least one of the following concerns on their mind. They ask how long can stocks continue to climb given it has been an eight year bull market or how can their portfolio earn any income…
Seven ETFs to counter a Canadian portfolio bias (from the Globe and Mail)
Lorne Zeiler, VP, Portfolio Manager and Wealth Advisor at TriDelta Financial was interviewed by Joel Schlesinger of the Globe and Mail on how Canadian investors can use ETFs to reduce specific Canadian market risks in their portfolios. (Article printed on September 26, 2017). In the investing world, you can have too much of a good…
FINANCIAL FACELIFT: Christopher, 70, wants to ‘ease into retirement’ – and avoid double taxation
Below you will find a real life case study of an individual who is looking for financial advice on when he can retire and how best to arrange his financial affairs. His name and details of his personal life have been changed to protect his identity. The Globe and Mail often seeks the advice of…
Alternative Investments – A proven path to higher and stable returns
Equity markets have recovered significantly in recent years and are now considered fully valued or overvalued. Bond markets have experienced 30 years of declining interest rates and are also expected to have low returns for a while. This suggests it’s time to consider other asset class solutions such as global corporate real estate, infrastructure, private…
The question on every Toronto retiree’s mind: Do I sell my house now?
There are early indications that residential home prices in the Greater Toronto Area are starting to level off. Between changing mortgage rules, a new foreign buyers’ tax, and banks placing tougher standards on property valuation, there is definitely some downward pressure from many sides. This possible peak often gets my older clients to think harder…
Major changes to the Ontario Disability Support program
The Ontario disability support program (ODSP), the income benefit for adult Ontarians with a disability, aged 18 years to 65, was introduced in 1998. The ODSP benefit replaced the old Family Benefits Allowance (FBA) which had been in place for a number of years, however on September 1 2017 the ODSP will undergo a number…
FINANCIAL FACELIFT: New worlds to explore for couple eyeing retirement
Below you will find a real life case study of a couple who are looking for financial advice on when they can retire and how best to arrange their financial affairs. The names and details of their personal lives have been changed to protect their identities. The Globe and Mail often seeks the advice of…
FINANCIAL FACELIFT: How can this couple make sure they’re prepared for retirement?
Below you will find a real life case study of a couple who are looking for financial advice on when they can retire and how best to arrange their financial affairs. The names and details of their personal lives have been changed to protect their identities. The Globe and Mail often seeks the advice of…
FINANCIAL FACELIFT: The mortgage is paid, income is good but budgeting is hit-and-miss
Below you will find a real life case study of a couple who are looking for financial advice on when they can retire and how best to arrange their financial affairs. The names and details of their personal lives have been changed to protect their identities. The Globe and Mail often seeks the advice of…
Tips for lowering taxes on investments (from the Globe and Mail)
How can investors reduce taxes on investments? TriDelta Financial’s Lorne Zeiler, Portfolio Manager and Wealth Advisor was one of two wealth management professionals interviewed by Globe and Mail reporter Terry Cain to answer this very question (article printed on March 1, 2017). It’s an old saying but it still holds true – nothing is certain…
Buying Low: Investing Strategy in Frothy Times (from the Globe and Mail)
When stock markets have risen significantly, often some of the best investing opportunities is in the sectors that have been unloved and overlooked. Lorne Zeiler, Portfolio Manager and Wealth Advisor at TriDelta Investment Counsel was one of three portfolio managers asked where to look for value investments today by Globe and Mail reporter Joel Schlesinger…
The golden opportunity of a pension windfall might be slipping away as interest rates rise
You have been told time and again that you are one of the lucky ones. You have a defined benefit pension — meaning that when you retire you will get a fixed monthly payment for as long as you live. I agree you are one of the lucky ones, but not exactly for the reason…
Where to Invest Your RRSP Contributions
Lorne Zeiler, VP and Portfolio Manager at TriDelta Financial and Investment Counsel was the guest on BNN’s The Street on February 13th to discuss RRSP Investing, TFSAs and where to invest your RRSP contribution. Click here to watch the interview. Written By: Lorne Zeiler, MBA, CFA VP, Wealth Advisor lorne@tridelta.ca 416-733-3292 x225
FINANCIAL FACELIFT: At start of big earning years, couple face lack of retirement savings
Below you will find a real life case study of a couple who are looking for financial advice on when they can retire and how best to arrange their financial affairs. The names and details of their personal lives have been changed to protect their identities. The Globe and Mail often seeks the advice of…
What is a Locked-in Retirement Account (LIRA)?
LIRAs are registered accounts that are funded with assets from a pension plan. These types of accounts are very similar to the RRSP but with some significant restrictions. Recently I was quoted in an article written by Jon Chevreau for the National Post. about LIRAs. As I am finding that more and more of my…
What you need to know about the new mortgage rules
On October 3rd , the federal government announced new mortgage requirements, which are designed to dampen the housing price euphoria. Getting a mortgage approved at a great rate or maximizing the value of your real estate could both be impacted by these changes. At TriDelta, we are able to help you or your children with getting…
New Liberal tax implications for each of us
As we sit here in the last quarter of 2016, the new tax brackets ushered in by the Federal Liberals are about to become reality as people begin preparing their tax returns early next year. The Liberal web site states: When middle class Canadians have more money in their pockets to save, invest, and grow the…
FINANCIAL FACELIFT: Can travel plan blossom if she works part-time?
Below you will find a real life case study of a couple who are looking for financial advice on when they can retire and how best to arrange their financial affairs. The names and details of their personal lives have been changed to protect their identities. The Globe and Mail often seeks the advice of…
CPP – When is the Right Time for You to Take It?
CPP is the one defined benefit pension plan that every Canadian employee receives, so it is not surprising that I am often asked about when is the right time to take it. I was asked about my thoughts on this very question by MoneySense Magazine. This article expands on those thoughts and reviews when it…
Record debt levels only bad if you’re using the money wrong
TriDelta President Ted Rechtshaffen appeared on BNN TV as a guest speaker to discuss the implications of Canadian household debt levels at new highs. Click here to watch the interview. Posted By: Ted Rechtshaffen, MBA, CFP President and CEO tedr@tridelta.ca (416) 733-3292 x 221
Financial Facelift: Couple with high incomes needs tighter budgeting to meet their goals
Below you will find a real life case study of a couple who are looking for financial advice on when they can retire and how best to arrange their financial affairs. The names and details of their personal lives have been changed to protect their identities. The Globe and Mail often seeks the advice of…
Financial Facelift: Couple in good shape to retire early, but spending plans need review
Below you will find a real life case study of a couple who are looking for financial advice on when they can retire and how best to arrange their financial affairs. The names and details of their personal lives have been changed to protect their identities. The Globe and Mail often seeks the advice of…
TFSA comes of age in retirement strategy
Lorne Zeiler, VP, Portfolio Manager and Wealth Advisor at TriDelta Financial, recently appeared on BNN’S Market Call to discuss when it is more tax-efficient to contribute to your TFSA vs. RRSP. Click here to watch the interview. Posted By: Lorne Zeiler, MBA, CFA VP, Wealth Advisor lorne@tridelta.ca 416-733-3292 x225
Buying vs. renting when downsizing after retirement
TriDelta President TedRechtshaffen was on BNN TV to discuss whether Retirees should buy or rent when they downsize their home. Click here to watch the interview. Posted By: Ted Rechtshaffen, MBA, CFP President and CEO tedr@tridelta.ca (416) 733-3292 x 221
Two types of retirees: dreamers and savers
Lorne Zeiler, VP, Portfolio Manager at TriDelta Investment Counsel was a recent guest on BNN’s Your Money Month to discuss sources of income for retirees featured in TriDelta’s ‘Canadian Retirement Income Guide’ Click here to watch the interview. Posted By: Lorne Zeiler, MBA, CFA VP, Wealth Advisor lorne@tridelta.ca 416-733-3292 x225
The five things to do after you win the lottery
By: Olivia Glauberzon, Special to the Star, Published on Tue Jan 26 2016 When it comes to buying lottery tickets like ones this month’s $1.5 billion Powerball, players put plenty of thought into picking their numbers. But how much goes into the plan if they actually win? In 2001, Vicki Damant was close to the…
How a couple with a net worth of $10 million and annual income of $215,000 can pay $0 in income tax
We are all hearing the calls to tax the rich. The assumption being, if you are rich, you will pay a lot of tax, but is that always true? Are you rich? Here’s how to tell — and why you should care Here is an example of a couple with a net-worth of $10 million…
Helping to Care for Aging Parents
by Raynia Sauvageau MSW, RSW When it comes to helping aging parents, many feel they are ill-prepared for this part of life. As children, we looked up to our parents to care for us, protect us, and eventually help launch us. Many of us go on to marry, have our own families and set up…
How will your Retirement be affected by a Divorce?
There is a rising trend in Divorce after 50. Ending a marriage is one of the largest life events that can happen in a person’s life. You may have tried to make things work, but now it’s clear, the marriage is over. What do you do next? How do you ensure you will be OK…
Should I take CPP before age 65?
Two thirds of Canadians take their CPP benefits before age 65, but determining what’s best for you demands that you better understand your options. First let’s consider the rules around taking CPP – which changed January 1, 2012. The chart below from www.moneysense.ca provides a nice summary. You can start collecting CPP (Canada Pension Plan)…
Why you probably shouldn’t ever want to own a cottage
As you are reading this on what is hopefully a beautifully sunny and warm day, sitting on your dock on the water, what could be better than being at your cottage. There is no question of how nice it can be, but do you really have to own it to enjoy it? Occasionally clients ask…
How the Bank of Canada’s rate cut may have added $100,000 to your pension in one day
When the Bank of Canada lowered the overnight interest rate by 0.25% this week, the obvious benefit is for those with variable rate mortgages. They will see an immediate benefit in lower interest payments on their mortgage. Another group who just received a big win may not even realize it: If you have a pension…
How to get richer, faster: Dump the cash for equities in your TFSAs
If a 30-year-old couple opened their first Tax Free Savings Accounts today, they could contribute up to $82,000, which is a big reason why such accounts are starting to be serious money for many Canadians. As far as investing the funds, they could choose cash, GICs, stocks, bonds and preferred shares, as well as use…
A world with TFSAs vs without, Part II: Which helps a family with a modest income save an extra $1.5M?
Recently we did an analysis of a world before TFSAs vs. the world today that took some flak online. Using a 40-year-old couple with $80,000 of income each, and $100,000 of annual expenses, we concluded that they could save $1.1 million of taxes in their lifetime as compared to the world without TFSAs. There was…
A world with TFSAs vs without: Guess which can help a middle-class couple save $1.1M?
Will the tax-free savings account’s expansion only help the rich? That seems to be the popular belief, but the middle class may in fact be the biggest beneficiaries of all. It might not be that noticeable for a few years, but crunch the numbers and there is strong evidence it will make retirement immensely better,…
Collateral Mortgages – The Good and the Bad
Most people think of mortgages as pretty straight forward products. Our message is don’t be fooled, they are not. Finding the right solution is best done by partnering with an expert such as a mortgage broker. The last couple of days have delivered the lowest rates ever, which is great news for those of us…
Less than half of Canadians will contribute to an RRSP this year
According to a recent poll done by a leading Canadian bank, more than half of us won’t be contributing to an RRSP this year. BNN invited Ted Rechtshaffen to discuss the findings and share his insights on saving for our retirement. Click here to watch this video To better assist you in making effective savings…
Renting during retirement? 10 cases where it might be right for you
Home ownership is the deeply ingrained Great Canadian Dream. Adding to the dream is retiring as a homeowner without debt. Although that dream is alive and well, and something that most retirees hope for, there can be some very good reasons not to be a homeowner in retirement. While renting in retirement may not be…
Turn a spouse’s loss into your gain
Before rebalancing a portfolio for a new client, I make it a habit to confirm the Adjusted Cost Base (ACB) of any holdings in non-registered investment accounts. In knowing the ACB, I’m able to know the capital gain (or loss) that would be triggered and the associated tax liability (if any) of selling the portfolio….
Should you contribute to your RRSP, TFSA or pay down debt
Lorne Zeiler, VP, Portfolio Manager and Wealth Advisor at TriDelta Investment Counsel spoke with Catherine Murray on BNN’s Market Sense. Lorne discussed the tax benefits of RRSP contributions, at which income levels RRSP contributions are most advantageous and he also reviewed strategies for consolidating and reducing debt. Click here to watch the full interview. Written…
3 ways to benefit now from historically low interest rates
There are those who think that interest rates are going lower. They may be right. But this column is for those other folks. The ones who feel that the only place for interest rates to go from here is up. While many of us follow the prime rate that is tied to a variable rate…
How long will I live?
We thought you would enjoy this very quick and easy life span calculator, which if nothing else will shift your focus and make you aware of the approximate number of years you have to live: Click here. Any which way you look at it, life is too short and we must learn to love life,…
RRSP vs. TFSA
Like many Canadians most of us won’t be able to contribute the maximum to both a TFSA and an RRSP so what is the best strategy? Let’s say you have $5,000 to invest and assume for illustration that this is invested for 20 years, grows at 5.5% each year after fees and that your tax…
Why giving your grown children an allowance may make financial sense
There is a saying “once your child, always your child.” For many seniors, the new saying is “once a dependent, always a dependent”. So does it ever end? With reports suggesting that today’s seniors are the richest in history, maybe it shouldn’t end. As the pile of cash for some wealthy seniors keeps growing, the…
Four things you might not know about investment fees
Many mutual fund investors simply don’t know what they are paying or even that they are paying anything at all. A research study was done in 2013 by Environics of 1,004 Canadians over 25 years old and with more than $25,000 in investable assets. Of them, 25% said that they did not pay their advisor…
Here’s why you should show your group pension plan some love
If your boss offered you a $5,000 raise for the same amount of work, would you say no? That fact is that many Canadians are turning this down by not taking advantage of their companies matching of RRSP contributions. The obvious reason is that money is tight for many people and the idea of having…
Three Ways High Earners Can Earn Higher After-Tax Returns and Help their Kids
For those of us born before the 1980s, we enjoyed the benefits of affordable higher education and a fairly low entry point to the real estate market. For kids about to enter University, the tuition cost of a three year law program could easily run over $100,000, a two year MBA between $60,000 -100,000 and…
1% in your pocket is better than 1% in the taxman’s pocket
We often tell clients that while you can’t always control investment returns, you can be tax smart in terms of how you invest. If you can add 1% after tax a year to whatever your investments happen to return, you will be much better off over time. Very roughly, if you are in Ontario and…
RRSP – When an RRSP is not enough
RRSPs are simply one big tax game. The aim is to get at least the same (if not better) tax refund when you put money in, than you will be forced to pay when you ultimately withdraw from your RRSP or RRIF. For those who make a high income – let’s say $300,000 in taxable…
In retirement, the rich get richer
If you were born in the United States in 1930, your life expectancy was 59.7 years. If you were born in the United States in 2010, your life expectancy was 78.7 years. In 80 years, average life expectancy grew by 19 years. Society is still trying to sort out this massive shift when it comes…