Doretta Thompson is the director of corporate citizenship at CPA Canada, where she leads award-winning financial literacy programs. She also serves on the board of AFOA Canada (formerly the Aboriginal Finance Officers Association of Canada) and contributes to Excellence Canada’s financial literacy standards advisory committee. A recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, … Read more

If you’re shopping for a home these days, you’ve probably seen listings that highlight income potential from a secondary suite or basement apartment. These two-unit properties can be practical—for instance, to house an elderly parent—and they often provide a steady rental income stream. But renting out part of your home brings legal and financial responsibilities. … Read more

Tenant insurance, also called renter’s insurance, can feel like one more adult expense with little return. In reality, it’s one of the most affordable protections you can buy. Typical monthly costs range from about $15 to $30, and for that price you get coverage for your belongings, protection from liability claims if someone is hurt … Read more

Is your portfolio working hard enough? Find out what the right mix should be. Watch: Portfolio Builder: Lesson 4 Is Your Portfolio Working Hard Enough? How to Find the Right Mix Building an investment portfolio that meets your goals requires more than picking a few stocks or funds at random. The right asset mix balances … Read more

Watch: Portfolio Builder — Lesson 1 Welcome to Lesson 1 of the Portfolio Builder series. This introductory session is designed to give you a clear foundation in the principles of building and managing an investment portfolio. Whether you are starting from scratch or refining an existing portfolio, this lesson focuses on practical steps and long-term … Read more

Watch: Portfolio Builder — Lesson 2 This lesson in the Portfolio Builder series focuses on practical steps for constructing and maintaining an investment portfolio. Whether you’re new to investing or refining an existing strategy, Lesson 2 walks through the essential principles of portfolio construction: setting clear goals, choosing an appropriate asset allocation, diversifying to manage … Read more

Watch: Portfolio Builder — Lesson 3 Overview This Lesson 3 installment in the Portfolio Builder series helps you deepen your understanding of practical portfolio construction and ongoing management. Whether you’re a beginner assembling your first diversified portfolio or an intermediate investor refining allocation and risk controls, this lesson focuses on actionable techniques you can apply … Read more

Watch: Portfolio Builder — Lesson 5 This video is Lesson 5 of the Portfolio Builder series. It continues the step-by-step approach to building a resilient, goal-driven portfolio. Whether you are beginning to assemble your first investment portfolio or refining an existing one, this lesson offers practical guidance, clear explanations, and actionable practices you can apply … Read more

Watch: Portfolio Builder — Lesson 6 Lesson 6 of the Portfolio Builder series focuses on integrating the elements you’ve learned so far into a cohesive, practical investment plan. This lesson is designed to help you move from theory to action: define realistic objectives, structure a diversified portfolio, set risk controls, and adopt a repeatable process … Read more

I’m hoping someone can give me advice about my mother’s accounts. She is 87, has dementia and lives in a care facility. I hold her power of attorney and am named as executor. She currently has about $250,000 in bank accounts and GICs. Should a small portion be gifted to each child now as a … Read more