A few of the changes made in the 2016 Federal Budget

Budget measure: Corporate Class Mutual Funds This topic is covered extensively in a separate post. Budget measure: Increasing Tax Rates The Federal and Ontario governments have both been raising tax rates at certain levels by adding new, higher tax brackets while sometimes slightly lowering other brackets. This adds to the complexity of tax planning and generally […]

RRIF rule changes from 2015 Federal Budget

When a RRSP holder reaches age 71, the plan must either be collapsed entirely or converted to income.  The plan of choice for most is a Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF) – an account type that has almost all the same characteristics and rules as a RRSP, except that it requires the planholder to withdraw […]

You might have a really long investment time horizon

Many clients will know of my interest in life expectancy and its implications for retirement income planning.  For many years I have taught an adult education class titled “What If I Live To Be 100” and this helps keep me up to date on changes in this area. The November 2013 edition of The Atlantic […]

Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes in interest rates from 1991-2011

Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes (Turn and face the strain) Ch-ch-Changes Don’t want to be a richer man Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes (Turn and face the strain) Ch-ch-Changes Just gonna have to be a different man “Changes” is a song by David Bowie, originally released on the album Hunky Dory in December 1971 and as a single in January 1972. Despite missing […]

Changes to the Old Age Security Program (OAS)

OAS is financed from general government revenues and makes payments to most Canadians of age 65 and older.  The maximum OAS payment is currently $6,481 per year. Starting on April 1, 2023, the age of eligibility for OAS recipients will be gradually increased from 65 to 67, with full implementation by 2029.  This will not […]