Month: April 2015

Bump-Up for TFSA in 2015 Doesn’t Have to Wait for the Budget to be Passed

Bump-Up for TFSA in 2015 Doesn't Have to Wait for the Budget to be PassedCanadians are free to top up their 2015 tax-free savings account contribution without fearing any sort of penalty, bank officials said Thursday. The government’s budget released Tuesday increased the annual contribution limit to TFSAs from $5,500 to $10,000 and made it effective to Jan. 1, 2015. Following the announcement there was confusion about whether Canadians could put another $4,500 into their TFSA account right away. The early birds, who were rushing…

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How REITs Satisfy the Need for Yield

How REITs Satisfy the Need for YieldThe global search for yield isn’t going anywhere. But since U.S. stocks are looking overvalued on several measures and the bond market is showing danger signs, real estate investment trusts are a pretty attractive option, particularly U.S. ones that should continue to perform well with a gradually improving economy. REIT dividend yields do not fully reflect the rally U.S. stocks have experienced in the past four years. Indeed, they’re remained…

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You Spring-Clean Your House Why Not Your Finances?

You Spring-Clean Your House Why Not Your Finances?Many Canadians engage in regular spring cleaning rituals like checking fire alarms, rotating mattresses and planting gardens. They’re tedious and time-consuming tasks, but they need to be tended to by responsible homeowners. Those responsibilities shouldn’t end at household chores. Spring is as good a time as any to dust off and polish up all things personal finance. You’re already sorting through slips and statements to file your taxes, so you…

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Canadians Find New Way to Binge on Debt as Borrowing to Buy Stocks hit Record Levels

Canadians Find New Way to Binge on Debt as Borrowing to Buy Stocks hit Record LevelsDennis Colpitts could pay down the mortgage on his house in western Canada early if he wanted. He’s investing in the stock market instead — and in some cases borrowing to do so. With a mortgage rate of 2.35%, Colpitts said it makes more sense to put his money into stocks or other investments that hold the potential for higher gains. He primarily invests in exchange-traded funds, including through a…

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