Scrutiny of the financial industry has been on the rise in recent months, fuelled in part by CBC News reports alleging unscrupulous practices at Canada’s big banks. The CBC’s findings may not have been surprising to insiders, who have been witness to the industry’s indiscretions for years. What is surprisingContinue Reading
U.S. citizens living in Canada not only have to file Canadian tax returns reporting their worldwide income, but they also have to file U.S. tax returns reporting the same income. That’s because the U.S. imposes taxes and filing requirements based on citizenship, not residency. To make matters worse, if theContinue Reading
A recent union-sponsored survey suggests an overwhelming majority of federal government auditors believe Canada’s tax system unfairly favours the wealthy over average Canadians. The poll, conducted by the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada, found nine out of 10 auditors and other tax professionals surveyed agreed that corporationsContinue Reading
The cost to shop online just got a whole lot more expensive. Continue Reading
RRSP is a long considered a cherished stable to a happy retirement, but is it really the only option? This article explores other options for those feeling concerned that they might be too late or too old because they haven’t started a registered retirement account yet.Continue Reading
TFSA’s contribution limit has just moved up to $6,000 and if you haven’t taken advantage of its tax-free nature then you are leaving money on the table.Continue Reading
When the dust settles after the ceremony, reception and second helpings of tiered wedding cakes, newly married couples in Canada must decide whether to join their banking. Technically speaking, so long as the couple works together to achieve their goals as a team, they can do joint or separate banking.Continue Reading
While the recent performance of the stock market may have been disappointing, the reality is that it has enjoyed a period of stunning growth. For example, the S&P 500 has risen by 3.5 times since its low during the financial crisis. And while this rate of growth may not beContinue Reading
The protracted slump in crude and the ongoing weakness of commodities over the last two years triggered a dividend crisis for Canadian investors. A raft of dividend darlings in the energy patch slashed or even terminated their dividends as they battled to shore up over-levered balance sheets and protect diminishingContinue Reading
A couple we’ll call Harry, 35, and Tina, 37, are thriving in their careers. Harry, a geologist with a large company, brings home $5,730 a month. Tina, a management consultant in the chemical industry, adds $3,880, for total monthly disposable income of $9,610 a month. They have a two-year-old child.Continue Reading