Canadians spent a lot to make their homes more comfortable early in the COVID-19 pandemic. Between March and September 2020, nearly 45% of Canadians bought furniture, electronics or appliances, and about 37% completed meaningful renovations, according to an Ipsos survey. For renters, however, decorating often comes with limits: you can’t always paint walls or make … Read more

Can 50% of my LIRA be transferred to my RRSP if I do not have contribution room in Ontario Canada? Is it better to transfer to an RRSP or RRIF if funds are not needed and are used for investment purposes?—Katherine How much can you transfer from a LIRA to an RRSP? In Ontario, you … Read more

I sold half my principal residence to a family member, and now we all live in the house together. The property continues to be my principal residence. Do I have to pay any capital gains taxes on the sale?—Ellen Selling part of your home to a family member: tax implications If the property remains your … Read more

This week, Cut the Crap Investing founder Dale Roberts reviews the latest financial headlines and explains what they mean for Canadian investors. Does this earnings season matter much? The market has been behaving erratically, and this earnings season may be especially noisy and of limited long-term value. For investors, the single most important factor remains … Read more

Are you a first-time home buyer planning to purchase in Alberta? This guide outlines what you need to know about buying property in the province, including how mortgage rules and rates apply, provincial programs for first-time buyers, and current trends in Alberta’s real estate market. Mortgage rules and rates: What to know about buying real … Read more

If you bought a premium car, left your job, launched a business, or separated from your partner in the last two years, there’s a good chance the pandemic played a role. COVID-19 also nudged many of us toward new hobbies—TikTok, sourdough baking, and endless streaming binges. While those pastimes mainly cost time and pantry staples, … Read more

Good reads from around the web. I suspect many investors enjoyed excellent returns in 2016. Well-diversified passive portfolios in the UK often topped the 20% mark. Our own model portfolio rose roughly 25% last year. It’s tempting to feel particularly clever after such a year, but avoid the hubris. Don’t rush to change your lifestyle … Read more

What caught my eye this week. I’ve been part of a small circle of friends who have debated COVID-19 almost since the beginning of the year. Before that, many of us argued about the future of cash. My view is straightforward: cash use in the West looks set to shrink dramatically, and probably quickly. Most … Read more

A year ago I published the article below, highlighting two obscure, illiquid securities that could perform well if and when interest rates rise. One is a Nationwide PIB1, and the other is a preference share issued by Investec’s UK arm. In the 12 months since that post, the Nationwide issue has risen about 10% and … Read more

Ready for a bun fight? Commercial property remains one of the most debated asset classes among investors, especially those who prefer passive strategies. We’re not comparing it to the fierce camps formed around gold or cryptocurrencies, but even an out-of-town office park with convenient motorway access seems to stir heated opinions. Proponents argue commercial property … Read more