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Fuzzy Retirement Goals

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Retirement funding is a complex machine, with several moving parts. For many Canadians employer pensions and government benefits will make up the core of their retirement income. A recent RBC survey found 54% of Canadians expect their pension will be the largest source of income, but when asked what kind of pension they have, 19% do not know. Personal savings, whether in the form of an RRSP or…

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How you can benefit from this flexible life insurance

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Glenn had thought of his life insurance purely as a protection plan. The anti-avoidance rules, risks and general restriction of tax benefits applicable to most shelters prompted him to take a new look at his life insurance for tax deferral as well. A type of policy, called Universal Life, separates the cost of insurance and the 'savings' element of your premium. You know how much of it is being…

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Is a reverse mortgage the way to go?

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Ralph and Louise have seen the TV commercials featuring Gordon Pape, the financial author, as the spokesman for Canadian Home Income Plan Corp. (CHIP) reverse mortgages. They were wondering if it would be a good way to go to help ease their current financial situation. A reverse mortgage is simply an advance on the value of your home that accumulates interest. The accumulated debt does not need…

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More Overlooked RRSP Tricks

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More than 65% of Canadians have made deposits to Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs). Many do so just for the tax savings, but here are some often overlooked tricks you should be aware of: RRSP loans - Those who use investment funds for their RRSPs should be well aware of the strategy of 'buying low and selling high.' As unnerving as it may feel, one of the best times to make a lump sum…

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Cooler heads will prevail

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The newspaper headlines read: 'Roller coaster stock markets have investors feeling queasy' (The Globe and Mail; 'The stock market crash: History repeating itself?' (The Calgary Herald); 'Uncertainty continues to pummel stock markets' (Sudbury Star); 'The next market boom may be a lifetime away' (Financial Times). Interestingly enough, these headlines are from November 2002. One year later, the S…

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