Search found 859 matches

by flywaysuzy
23 Jan 2018 19:38
Forum: Under the Mattress: Protecting Your Money
Topic: High interest rates for savings, GICs and MMFs (2018)
Replies: 465
Views: 47482

Re: High interest rates for savings, GICs and MMFs (2018)

I see Scotiabank has a 'special' 5- yr gic for 2.6%. Local CU said they are meeting to discuss higher term deposit and mtg. rates, so call back next week.
by flywaysuzy
14 Jan 2018 17:51
Forum: Retirement, Pensions and Peace of Mind
Topic: Retirement withdrawal strategy considering my unusual situation? (Long post)
Replies: 24
Views: 1872

Re: Retirement withdrawal strategy considering my unusual situation? (Long post)

I haven't seen anyone's calculations include the fact that once you are taking a db pension, there is the annual cost of living increase which is added to your pension. For 2018, 1.5 or 1.6% of last year's pension amount is added to both my pensions. Over a five year period, that adds up. That's money you are leaving on the table if you don't take your pension- plus the $2000 pension tax credit mentioned already. Not sure how or if you have provincial medical premiums to pay in Quebec, but when you retire here, you can get your medical premiums deducted from monthly pension payments- so pretty painless that way. :wink:
by flywaysuzy
05 Dec 2017 13:53
Forum: Property: Owning, Renting, Managing, Investing and Mortgaging
Topic: Looking for advice
Replies: 4
Views: 1907

Re: Looking for advice

Seems like a very expensive purchase for someone who will be living off of less than $1500 a month in income. I think you also have to be wary of strata fees that can change several years after completion of construction. If you are diabled then you must get a reduction on your property taxes, any thoughts to buying a less expensive property now and not waiting until you retire?
by flywaysuzy
02 Nov 2017 23:02
Forum: Community Centre
Topic: Miscellaneous 2017
Replies: 61
Views: 1803

Re: Miscellaneous 2017

That stuff probably would give you heart palpitations from just one handful. I bought a bag of the less toxic kokindjes (sp.?) when I was at the Dutch store on Whidbey Island last month. Yum!
by flywaysuzy
01 Nov 2017 16:04
Forum: Community Centre
Topic: Miscellaneous 2017
Replies: 61
Views: 1803

Re: Miscellaneous 2017

That must be why all the good dutch licorice is in such tiny pieces... :D
by flywaysuzy
30 Oct 2017 17:16
Forum: Financial Planning and Building Portfolios
Topic: No pension, small inheritance, age 53... to RE or not to RE?
Replies: 51
Views: 2565

Re: No pension, small inheritance, age 53... to RE or not to RE?

If your end goal is to retire somewhere warmer than Toronto, I don't see the sense in committing yourself to a huge down payment and expensive mortgage payments on a dumpy, tiny, noisy apartment. Any idea where your someplace warmer might be? It might be worth your while to consider purchasing something there and then renting it out until you retire... Other responses have touched on having a contigency fund in case of emergency. You can't go wrong keeping some money back. You're a musician- if anything happened and you couldn't play anymore- yikes! Most musicians supplement retirement with gigs or lessons, so if you couldn't play what is the plan? If you purchase or rent a place big enough to rent out part of it or (god forbid) take a room...
by flywaysuzy
13 Sep 2017 12:19
Forum: Community Centre
Topic: BC and Alberta fires
Replies: 6
Views: 202

Re: BC and Alberta fires

Since I was grounded this summer from nearby fires- I spent my holiday money on air purifiers. I had to go outside in the smoke to do chores/ move livestock around several times a day but it was pretty deluxe to come back in to fresh, clean air. Our skies are clear now but have a dog and also heat with wood, so can use them during winter too. I expect more fires in future so I think it was a great investment in my indoor air quality.
by flywaysuzy
02 Sep 2017 19:34
Forum: Financial Planning and Building Portfolios
Topic: How to invest a lump sum
Replies: 30
Views: 3570

Re: How to invest a lump sum

WS, if it was me, I would set a goal: have all this money out of the cash account by Dec. 15. Figure out how much of the total you want in fixed income, gics or? Do you want the rest in stocks or ETFs? If stocks, I would find 10 stocks to make up $100k ( if that was my equity amount) if Etfs, find 5 or 6. If you are looking to buy good quality dividend producing stocks, they are probably not going to fluctuate large amounts between now and December, so make your list of stocks you want to own- take a look at what dividend mutual funds have in their portfolios if you need inspiration- and then take a look which ones are most attractive. Buy those two this month, buy the next three the month after, and so on. If the BOC sets a rate increase, ...
by flywaysuzy
22 Aug 2017 10:38
Forum: Community Centre
Topic: Science is amazing
Replies: 818
Views: 55673

Re: Science is amazing

Saw the first bit through the smoke, then it was obliterated by the smoke. Oh well, my son had phoned to remind me where his old welding mask was, but when I looked it up online the mask should have had a rating of 14 and when I told him he said it might have been only a 10 or 12. He sent pictures from sun peaks area of the eclipse through his other welding mask. Beautiful day there!
by flywaysuzy
26 Apr 2017 11:58
Forum: Stocks, Bonds, ETFs, Funds, REITS and More
Topic: Home Capital Group (Symbol-HCG) [Delisted 31-Aug-2023]
Replies: 279
Views: 25104

Re: Home Capital Group (Symbol-HCG) [Delisted 31-Aug-2023]

If people aren't comfortable plunking down their savings to buy a gic from this company, then they have no money to loan out at a profit. Thus no business going forward. I am sure it is a comfort knowing you might have cdic coverage for deposits under 100k but does anybody know the timeline for such a payout in case of a loss?
I would hope 'somebody' will put out this grass fire before it gets to the edge of the forest...
by flywaysuzy
20 Mar 2017 16:38
Forum: Retirement, Pensions and Peace of Mind
Topic: To retire/stay home or not
Replies: 45
Views: 8695

Re: To retire/stay home or not

A toxic workplace is not very good for anyone's health. Your adrenal glands will thank you for the wise decision to head for the door... That's why it is good to have money put aside so you always have options open to you.
Well done e-girl and family!
by flywaysuzy
08 Mar 2017 18:44
Forum: Community Centre
Topic: Financial? Gift for a US 3 yr old
Replies: 6
Views: 188

Re: Financial? Gift for a US 3 yr old

An outing to a park or an aquarium, Library puppet hour, picnic or whatever is happening when you go to visit is great. Send a card with a ticket for a surprise event for the birthday. Put a dinosaur stamp or other appreciated one on the card! Or get some actual stamps made up with grandchild's photo on it. :) Always good to check in with the mom first regarding choice of activity and timing of same!
by flywaysuzy
05 Mar 2017 10:53
Forum: Under the Mattress: Protecting Your Money
Topic: how do you guys negotiate with car salesman to buy new car?
Replies: 65
Views: 9948

Re: how do you guys negotiate with car salesman to buy new car?

I shopped around for my Rav4, and eventually found one with 4000km at a dealership. Saved me several thousand dollars from buying one here- although I did have to put in block heater. ( they actually start quite well without plugging in due to remarkable viscosity of synthetic oils used today...!)
by flywaysuzy
02 Mar 2017 12:57
Forum: Community Centre
Topic: wireless all-in-one printer
Replies: 68
Views: 1476

Re: wireless all-in-one printer

I had to print a replacement pension receipt for revenue Canada-which meant installing new cartridges and then new paper. Epson all in one was not liking the paper- put in again and again- finally I picked it up and shook the whole printer up and down several times. Viola! Works fine.

For the first time I used generic ink bought off amazon and have fuzzy printing, will not try that again... :(
by flywaysuzy
20 Feb 2017 12:53
Forum: Property: Owning, Renting, Managing, Investing and Mortgaging
Topic: Trying to get mortgage for 1970 mobile home
Replies: 3
Views: 1295

Re: Trying to get mortgage for 1970 mobile home

When I was a single mom (30 years ago!) I went to my local credit union and spoke to an idiot who said the trailer on the land I was purchasing was too old to qualify for a mortgage, I then went the the royal bank, where the nice intelligent employee said I could get half the amount as a low rate cmhc mortgage and the rest as a higher rate chattel mortgage with RBC. If they are still available, I would check out chattel mortgages, basically a loan secured by the property. I would also go to private mortgage lenders, which we have here in BC., these guys get investors to put up money for higher risk deals.Their rates are higher than traditional bank mortgages but may be comparable to chattel mortgage. Good luck! :thumbsup:
by flywaysuzy
04 Feb 2017 18:06
Forum: Property: Owning, Renting, Managing, Investing and Mortgaging
Topic: non-resident property insurance
Replies: 11
Views: 3987

Re: non-resident property insurance

You would want the insuance company's definition of resident first- who would want to pay for premiums for insurance that might not pay out when you did have a claim?
by flywaysuzy
04 Feb 2017 18:02
Forum: Retirement, Pensions and Peace of Mind
Topic: Who keeps a paper trail?
Replies: 23
Views: 3127

Re: Who keeps a paper trail?

I have been weeding through old income tax files and drawers. It feels very productive!

No door to door anybody here-I have the Princess of the Pyrenees on guard in my yard. Better than a moat! She will be moving to the barnyard when lambing begins. I should make a recording of her barking and have it connected to a motion sensor aimed at the road for those months when she isn't on the porch! :D
by flywaysuzy
18 Jan 2017 11:12
Forum: Financial News, Policy and Economics
Topic: Has your Investment Policy Changed After the US Election
Replies: 99
Views: 9761

Re: Has your Investment Policy Changed After the US Election

Volitility :thumbsup: I have more cash on hand but not for any stock market reasons- have been looking for some extra pastureland/woodlot.
by flywaysuzy
09 Jan 2017 13:17
Forum: Financial Planning and Building Portfolios
Topic: Putting your eggs in two baskets
Replies: 21
Views: 2528

Re: Putting your eggs in two baskets

I have dealings with 4 or 5 institutions, some are just vestigal. I opened an account at the credit union to get a yearly discount on my property insurance but now am moving my PT tfsa there because of the 2% term deposit rate. They will phone in December and offer you that rate and if it goes up in the meantime, will up the rate. Good tactics. Have the minimum at another bank for more perks. Have a brokerage and separate rrsp in addition to my main ones, due to accounts of late spouse and inertia regarding paperwork to consolidate accounts. Plus their trade costs are lower than other bank...
I live in a small town, good to help keep all these people working! :)
by flywaysuzy
08 Jan 2017 11:53
Forum: Retirement, Pensions and Peace of Mind
Topic: Valuing Home Equity in the Event of Marriage Breakdown
Replies: 14
Views: 1144

Re: Valuing Home Equity in the Event of Marriage Breakdown

You are assuming each of them contributed an equal amount for the down payment?
by flywaysuzy
25 Dec 2016 18:45
Forum: Community Centre
Topic: Merry Christmas
Replies: 56
Views: 1295

Re: Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to everyone from the Cariboo! :)
by flywaysuzy
11 Dec 2016 11:13
Forum: Community Centre
Topic: Canon DSLR lens questions/options
Replies: 13
Views: 355

Re: Canon DSLR lens questions/options

I found the 70-300 lens that came with my t3i to be a bit blurry without a tripod, so bought the IS version and notice a slight lessening of the blur. Considering some photos are taken through a double pane window in addition to the zoom, I am adequately pleased.
Mainly I shoot birds here on the farm, scenery, etc. I did get a tripod and notice difference in night moon shots, especially when not using auto mode.
Will see how grandbaby pics with 50 mm lens turn out this Christmas. :)
by flywaysuzy
26 Nov 2016 12:16
Forum: Financial Planning and Building Portfolios
Topic: Canadians have no emergency fund
Replies: 80
Views: 6951

Re: Canadians have no emergency fund

As parents, I suspect we are all emergency funds. :)
by flywaysuzy
16 Nov 2016 11:18
Forum: Retirement, Pensions and Peace of Mind
Topic: What is formula for calculating pensionable service?
Replies: 12
Views: 1713

Re: What is formula for calculating pensionable service?

Your basic medical is variable depending on the province you live in. In BC, the annual premium varies from $460-$900/year, depending on your annual income, probably based on your income from the previous year. Additional coverage- dental, extended health, etc. could be obtained from an insurance company. You would have to check in your home province.