Many believe that if they need long term care, either in their home or in a facility, that the cost will be covered by provincial health care or other government agencies. While there are certain programs available, a significant portion of these costs are the responsibility of the patient.
“Everyone wants to live at the expense of the state. They forget that the state lives at the expense of everyone.” - Frederic Bastiat
By the time that you read this article, it is very likely that the Federal elections will soon be over. When all the back slapping, hand wringing and hyper-analysis is done, the new political regime will be faced with one inescapable challenge.
Ron and Susan are arranging a mortgage and the banker asks if they'd like to include life insurance to pay it off on death. Sounds like a good idea, so they decide to take it. After filling out and signing a few more forms, they have it.
Kellie, Darrell and I have watched the recent market volatility and wanted to share our thoughts with you. The S&P 500 Index entered correction territory on Monday, August 24 for the first time in nearly 1000 days, when it dropped more than 10% from market highs in May this year. Stocks slumped as investors seem to re-evaluate prices amid signs of a slowdown in China, questions about the path of the Fed policy, and a slump in oil prices. The beginning of a correction may be a harsh reminder for investors that markets don’t always go up.
If you are sitting neck deep in debt, living beyond your means, and still calm and collected about your own financial well-being, then chances are, you are one of the many millions of people expecting an inheritance at some point in the future. Like other inheritance recipients, perhaps you are expecting your personal balance sheet to align just as soon as your parents or a favorite grandmother or aunt passes away. The question is, though, is that really a sound strategy for dealing with your current finances?
Convert RRSPs to income - Roger and Sarah, retired for several years, have delayed taking income from their RRSPs so they could enjoy the tax deferred growth as long as possible. They must start an income from their RRSPs before the end of the year they turn age 71.
Review investment portfolio - Joanne had been using investment funds to save for retirement. She had benefited over the long term by investing in equities, but wants a more income-oriented portfolio with less volatility for her retirement income needs.
