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Mutual Funds: Get the whole story

The most important thing to do before you buy into any mutual fund is to read the prospectus. So, what is a prospectus anyway? A prospectus is simply a legal document that describes securities being offered for sale. It must be prepared in conformity with requirements of the securities commissions in the jurisdictions where the [...] read »

How to avoid travel scams

It’s sad but true: travel is one of the many industries targeted by con artists, those despicable “white collar” criminals who get the “con” name from the word “confidence”. Travel and tourism is particularly vulnerable to the confidence game, with most people always on the lookout for a bargain fare or unbelievable deal on a [...] read »

Taking the global route for your portfolio

Today, the global environment is wide open, brimming with exciting investment opportunities previously inaccessible to North Americans. The abundance of emerging global markets is a great incentive for expanding your investment horizons. An important point to keep in mind when considering whether to invest globally is that as much as you diversify your portfolio within [...] read »

Wills: Ensuring your wishes are met

For far too many canadians, preparing a will is just too stark a reminder of their inevitable mortality. As a result, a staggering 50 per cent of the population make the fatal mistake of not drawing up even a simple will. Fatal in that if you die without one, you’re deemed to have died “intestate” [...] read »

Q&A: What to do about Bissett?

Question: I am a regular reader of your question and answer page and each year a purchase a copy of your Buyer’s Guide to RRSPs. I have a question for you. I am in my early thirties and have recently invested in the Bissett Retirement Fund. Would you suggest I stick with Bissett for the [...] read »

Foreign content limit no longer makes sense

I have long been arguing the case that the 20 per cent limit on foreign content in RRSPs and RRIFs is outmoded and unfair. In previous comments, I have called on Finance Minister Paul Martin to move the limit upwards gradually and eventually eliminate it entirely. This has also been CARP’s position in recent years, [...] read »

Monthly Income Portfolios

Monthly Income Portfolios (MIPs) are a personally designed bond portfolio for those individuals who require a monthly income. They are custom-tailored investment strategies comprised of a selection of bonds designed to generate a monthly income flow. The client dictates the final design of the portfolio taking into account: Desired term to maturity Government or corporate [...] read »

Reverse mortgages

Bill Dobson, the familiar TV co-host of CBC Vancouver’s The Best Years during the 1980s, worked 25 years to pay off a $170,900 home in North Vancouver before retiring in 1989. Six years later, however, he was wishing for more money to enjoy his leisure years. The solution? One that is on the rise today [...] read »