The Greenard Index

Kevin Greenard: Extra deposit into your TFSA

All of our clients have chosen to maintain their assets in a managed account where investment management fees are charged to the account. There is no annual administrative fee, and no commissions . . .

Kevin GreenardJanuary 22, 2021

Kevin Greenard: Why you should contribute to your TFSA early

Last week, we mentioned the TFSA contribution limit for 2021 has been maintained at $6,000. We also highlighted that you should first know your limit before you contribute, if you have not . . .

Kevin GreenardJanuary 15, 2021

Kevin Greenard: TFSA contribution limit for 2021 is again $6,000

The Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA) was introduced in 2009. After 11 years of steady contributions, these accounts have become very meaningful. Many Canadians have fully embraced the benefits that . . .

Kevin GreenardJanuary 8, 2021

Kevin Greenard: Financial and tax due date calendar for 2021

Throughout every calendar year, there are set financial tasks and tax due dates that are important to remember. Below, we have compiled a calendar of the key dates that you need to know as the New . . .

Kevin GreenardDecember 18, 2020

Kevin Greenard: Ensure you have the maximum deposit insurance

Some content in this column has been edited for accuracy. Within Canada there are banks and credit unions. Canadian banks are regulated in three categories, Schedule I, Schedule II and Schedule . . .

Kevin GreenardDecember 11, 2020

Kevin Greenard: Utilizing the capital gains reserve can save tax dollars

When capital property is sold, a capital gain or loss is realized. This capital gain or loss is calculated as the difference between the proceeds on disposition and the adjusted cost base of the . . .

Kevin GreenardDecember 4, 2020

Kevin Greenard: Spousal loans help split retirement income

When we first meet with younger couples, we begin educating them about the benefits of equalizing incomes once they reach retirement. The higher income spouse should pay all the household bills, . . .

Kevin GreenardNovember 27, 2020

Kevin Greenard: Age and pension income amounts can decrease tax bill

Prior to our clients turning 65, we have a discussion with them about both the age amount and the pension income amount which are both federal non-refundable tax credits. For new clients that are . . .

Kevin GreenardNovember 21, 2020

Kevin Greenard: Using your stock portfolio to make donations

With every new client we work with, we will have a discussion regarding making charitable donations. This is especially the case for clients who have a non-registered investment portfolio. For . . .

Kevin GreenardNovember 14, 2020

Kevin Greenard: Managed and fee-based accounts are the fastest-growing advisory platform

Managed and fee-based accounts continue to grow in popularity. In fact, they are the fastest-growing wealth management option amongst most Canadians. During our many conversations with most people,. . .

Kevin GreenardNovember 6, 2020

Kevin Greenard: Why we avoid speculative stocks

The regulators require us to document the investment objectives for each client on an account by account basis. If a client has a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP), Tax Free Savings . . .

Kevin GreenardOctober 30, 2020

Kevin Greenard: The difference between strategic and tactical asset allocation

Nearly every financial textbook says that the No. 1 decision investors have to make that impacts investment returns is asset allocation. Asset allocation, or asset mix, as it is often referred to, . . .

Kevin GreenardOctober 23, 2020

Kevin Greenard: Changing financial institutions is as easy as 1 2 3

The top 10 reasons for people to change their financial institution are: 1) lack of service 2) existing advisor is retiring 3) wanting to deal with an advisor with the correct licencing (i.e.. . .

Kevin GreenardOctober 17, 2020

Kevin Greenard: When to defer your Old Age Security benefits

Nearly every Canadian relies on both Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Old Age Security (OAS) benefits in retirement. There are some distinct differences between both the CPP and OAS. With every client. . .

Kevin GreenardOctober 9, 2020

Kevin Greenard: Collect information before making Canada Pension Plan decision

Often one of the most frequently asked financial planning questions relates to when to collect Canada Pension Plan (CPP). The earliest you can collect retirement CPP is age 60, and the latest age . . .

Kevin GreenardOctober 2, 2020

Kevin Greenard: Changes to the Canada Pension Plan

For 64 years, Canadians have been contributing to the Canada Pension Plan. The CPP is a federal program that provides pensions to qualified contributors in retirement. Any benefits paid by the . . .

Kevin GreenardSeptember 25, 2020

Kevin Greenard: What happens if your child doesn't attend post-secondary education?

Registered Education Savings Plans (RESP) are still relatively new. Originally started in 1998, they were slow to gain traction because of some of the unreasonable rules on the account application.. . .

Kevin GreenardSeptember 18, 2020

Kevin Greenard: Utilizing RESP funds for post-secondary education

Parents and grandparents who set up a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) are referred to as the “subscriber”. The children or grandchildren are referred to as the “beneficiary” of the . . .

Kevin GreenardSeptember 12, 2020

Kevin Greenard: Disciplined approach with RESP pays off over time

While back to school is looking different this year, the benefits of contributing to a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) have not changed. Parents and grandparents, who have set up a RESP . . .

Kevin GreenardSeptember 8, 2020

Kevin Greenard: Tips when opening up a Registered Education Savings Plan

One of the greatest gifts we can give children is education. When it comes to post-secondary education, this gift can come at a significant cost. There are several ways that parents can choose . . .

Kevin GreenardAugust 28, 2020

Kevin Greenard: Active management trumps passive approach

Active management trumps passive approach Last week, we discussed the major equity indices used around the world. We also addressed the terminology used and highlighted some of the pitfalls of . . .

Kevin GreenardAugust 21, 2020

Kevin Greenard: Obtaining clarity on market indices and benchmarks

Anyone following the business news or reading financial literature is aware of market indices. An index is a select number of stocks listed on an exchange. These selected stocks are typically . . .

Kevin GreenardAugust 14, 2020

Kevin Greenard: 10 steps to help achieve financial success

Part of the initial discussions we have with new clients is obtaining an understanding of their goals. Some individuals are very goal oriented and others are not. For those who are not, we spend . . .

Kevin GreenardAugust 7, 2020

Kevin Greenard: Unplanned withdrawals require verbal discussion

When cash flow needs are discussed and communicated in portfolio reviews with your Portfolio Manager, the investment portfolio can be structured accordingly and no further verbal discussion is . . .

Kevin GreenardJuly 31, 2020

Kevin Greenard: Planned financial withdrawals reduce risk

In several of our past articles we have written about the importance of communicating your cash flow needs to your portfolio manager. It is so important that it is often at times the first . . .

Kevin GreenardJuly 24, 2020

Kevin Greenard: Savings strategy modified as complexity increases

Many people are used to paying their household bills on a monthly basis. It is a routine that keeps the lights and power on. When it comes to saving and investing, most individuals have a different. . .

Kevin GreenardJuly 17, 2020

Kevin Greenard: Depositing funds to your investment account

Every day our team fields phone calls and emails from clients asking how they can put money into their investment account. The inquiry is from the mindset of what is the most efficient way to make . . .

Kevin GreenardJuly 10, 2020

Kevin Greenard: Accessing and sharing your tax information

Much of the historical information we need regarding our clients’ tax situation and federal programs is available in electronic form. We encourage our clients to create two online accounts: a “My . . .

Kevin GreenardJuly 3, 2020

Kevin Greenard: Take advantage of the property tax deferment program

The Property Tax Deferment Program in British Columbia was established in 1974, intending to assist seniors and the disabled. The program ensured that the property tax burden each year would not . . .

Kevin GreenardJune 26, 2020

The Greenard Index: Cash is comfort in an uncertain time

The first time I wrote an article specifically about cash was on October 1, 2008, and it was called Cash Can Be a Safe Harbour. It was a timely article as the equity markets took one of the largest. . .

Kevin GreenardJune 19, 2020

Kevin Greenard: Strategically adjusting your asset mix in periods of uncertainty

Many financial articles and commentary pieces in the media are highlighting the disparity between Wall Street and Main Street. This week the U.S. officially entered into a recession at the same . . .

Kevin GreenardJune 12, 2020

Kevin Greenard: Opening accounts remotely is the future

We offer all new clients the option to either open new accounts the traditional way or electronically. Traditionally we would print the documents out and meet with the client to obtain signatures. . .

Kevin GreenardJune 5, 2020

Kevin Greenard: Remote meetings with your portfolio manager

Prior to March 2020, approximately 30 per cent of the meetings we held were done remotely. The remaining 70 per cent were done in person. As a portfolio manager we have always had the ability to do. . .

Kevin GreenardMay 30, 2020

Kevin Greenard: Increase in B.C. taxes results in harsh tax on death

Throughout our working lives we can reduce our annual tax bill by making RRSP contributions. Withdrawals from registered accounts are generally considered taxable income in the year the withdrawals. . .

Kevin GreenardMay 16, 2020

Kevin Greenard: Use caution when reducing RRIF payments

In March 2020 the government announced that the minimum amount that must be withdrawn from RRIFs will be reduced by 25 per cent for 2020 as part of the Covid-19 Economic Response Plan. The . . .

Kevin GreenardMay 8, 2020

Kevin Greenard: Avoid these equity investing mistakes

Asset allocation is the percentage an investor has in cash, fixed income, and equities. Many finance books talk about the percentage that you choose to have in each of these categories as being the. . .

Kevin GreenardApril 24, 2020

Kevin Greenard: Fixed income options becoming more complex as yields drop

As a portfolio manager, we are always monitoring the direction of interest rates. For nearly two decades, the Bank of Canada (BOC) has adopted a system whereby they make eight scheduled interest . . .

Kevin GreenardApril 17, 2020

Kevin Greenard: Cash within a diversified portfolio

Asset allocation refers to the percentage an investor has in cash, fixed income, and equities. This article will focus solely on the cash component. Investors interested in reducing risk, and . . .

Kevin GreenardApril 10, 2020

Kevin Greenard: Don't catch a falling knife

The investment world has some commonly used sayings, including: “Don’t catch a falling knife.” Essentially this is referring to the danger in trying to purchase stocks as they are declining sharply. . .

Kevin GreenardMarch 21, 2020

Kevin Greenard: Managing market volatility

There has never been a market correction that has not recovered. Of course, this time could be different — but something tells me it isn’t. Market corrections are part of the natural cycle of the . . .

Kevin GreenardMarch 6, 2020

Kevin Greenard: Financially, second marriages can be especially tricky

The statistics for second marriages succeeding are even worse than for first marriages. As a portfolio manager, my personal advice is based on many years of helping clients, and nothing I read in a textbook

Kevin GreenardFebruary 28, 2020

Kevin Greenard: Financial considerations when ending a marriage: After the separation agreement

This article assumes that couples whose relationship has already either come to a written agreement on financial matters or, if they could not come to an agreement, have obtained an order from either the Supreme Court or Provincial Court of B.C. Both the Provincial Court and the Supreme Court can make orders about child and spousal support. Only the Supreme Court can make orders about property division and divorce.

Kevin GreenardFebruary 21, 2020

Kevin Greenard: Financial considerations when ending a marriage: Creating a departure plan

Last week, we talked about the importance of hiring a good lawyer when planning to end a marriage. In conjunction with meeting with a lawyer, I recommend mapping out your tentative plans immediately following separation. You should plan for about three to six months living expenses post separation. These funds should be in an individual bank account that you know you will be able to access and pay the necessary bills.

Kevin GreenardFebruary 14, 2020

Kevin Greenard: Financial considerations when ending a marriage: Picking the right lawyer

The reality is that nearly half of marriages end in divorce.

Kevin GreenardFebruary 7, 2020

Kevin Greenard: Decline in the value of your cash savings

The average life expectancy for females and males in Canada is 84 and 80, respectively. Many people are living well into their 90’s, resulting in many retirees having to update financial plans . . .

Kevin GreenardJanuary 31, 2020

Kevin Greenard: Take care when switching financial institutions

There are various reasons why people change financial institutions, including a financial adviser who retires, investments that have to be consolidated and inadequate service, among others. . . .

Kevin GreenardJanuary 24, 2020

Kevin Greenard: The past 100 years of presidential elections provide interesting data

In terms of its importance to world markets, the U.S. election is far more important to follow than our own Canadian elections. The United States represents 57 per cent of the world's market . . .

Kevin GreenardJanuary 17, 2020

Kevin Greenard: My investment approach is to avoid mutual funds

Periodically we get phone calls inquiring about our services. One of the first things we talk about is the importance of matching both the approach to investing and the style of investing. If you . . .

Kevin GreenardJanuary 10, 2020

Kevin Greenard: Plan your charitable donations

Many of us are fortunate enough to be in a position to give back to society. Many individuals choose to demonstrate their philanthropic support through monetary contributions while others choose to. . .

Kevin GreenardDecember 13, 2019

Kevin Greenard: An end-of-year financial checklist

As we near the end of 2019 it is always a good idea to reflect on the past. We have rounded up some of our past articles to help make sure you have completed all the financial transactions that you. . .

Kevin GreenardDecember 6, 2019

Kevin Greenard: Ten reasons to be cautious with Canadian equity ETFs

An ETF is a commonly used abbreviation for Exchange Traded Fund. Canada was the first country to launch an ETF in 1990 with one provider. Known as the S&P/TSX 60 Index, it essentially held the . . .

Kevin GreenardNovember 29, 2019

Kevin Greenard: What to consider when looking at registered accounts withdrawals

At the end of each year, we ask our clients to provide an estimate of their income. The income sources we want to approximate are those that we may not be aware of, such as part-time work, . . .

Kevin GreenardNovember 22, 2019

Kevin Greenard: Opening up your wallet to help your kids purchase their first home

We have had many discussions with our clients about whether or not to financially assist their adult children with purchasing a home. Some feel that if they help their children, by giving them . . .

Kevin GreenardNovember 15, 2019

Kevin Greenard: Holding your child's hand when they purchase their first home

Financial success often involves making good decisions and avoiding big mistakes. Parents who spend the time to teach their children the basics of finances will help start them off on a more . . .

Kevin GreenardNovember 8, 2019

Kevin Greenard: Coming up with the down payment for your home

Last week, we encouraged those individuals interested in purchasing either a condo or a single-family dwelling to understand the financial numbers and to set goals. I have heard many people say . . .

Kevin GreenardNovember 1, 2019

Kevin Greenard: Buying your first home — know the numbers

One of the most rewarding investments is the purchase of a principal residence. Getting away from paying rent and building equity can be a significant financial step in the right direction. Many . . .

Kevin GreenardOctober 25, 2019

Kevin Greenard: Tax-loss selling might reduce your tax bill

As we enter the last quarter of 2019 it is time to look at whether tax-loss selling makes sense for your portfolio. During a positive year, several rebalancing trades may have occurred resulting in. . .

Kevin GreenardOctober 18, 2019

Kevin Greenard: Who cares for your pet after you pass?

About 15 years ago, I had a client with a terminal illness. Her biggest concern wasn’t about her own health, but rather who was going to take care of her dog after she died. I hadn’t really . . .

October 11, 2019

Kevin Greenard: Taking care of aging parents and their finances

Over the years, we have helped clients overcome many different challenges. This article focuses on the challenges of looking after our parents as they age. This is a complex responsibility as it . . .

Kevin GreenardOctober 4, 2019

Kevin Greenard: Memorandum to distribute personal and household effects

Your will is essentially a document that outlines what you want done with your assets after you pass away. The term asset is very broad and can include everything from personal and household . . .

Kevin GreenardSeptember 27, 2019

Kevin Greenard: Helping your executor with your digital footprint

One of the first roles of an executor of a will is to gather and secure their client’s assets. This process includes ensuring the principle residence is locked and all known assets are secured. . . .

Kevin GreenardSeptember 20, 2019

Kevin Greenard: Understanding what flows through your estate

At every stage of our client’s lives, we feel they should have an up to date will. Unforeseen events can happen and planning is essential to ensure your assets and estate are distributed . . .

Kevin GreenardSeptember 13, 2019

Kevin Greenard: The stock market through 90 years of concern and fear

Ever since the stock market was first introduced, investors have been concerned about declining markets. It’s only natural. In fact, there hasn’t been a single year since the Great Depression . . .

Kevin GreenardSeptember 6, 2019

Kevin Greenard: Updating your list of key contacts

We begin every meeting with our clients by reviewing a summary sheet of key macro items we believe are important for the client to either understand or communicate to us. We provide new clients . . .

Kevin GreenardAugust 30, 2019

Kevin Greenard: Equities often have higher yields than fixed income

Fixed income is often used to describe a category of investments that provide investors with income that one purchases to receive income. Some examples of fixed-income investments include Canada . . .

Kevin GreenardAugust 23, 2019

Kevin Greenard: Receiving financial information on your investments

As an investor, you may be receiving information in the mail about companies in which you have invested. You may be quite happy with that arrangement, but if you are not, rest assured there is . . .

Kevin GreenardAugust 16, 2019

Kevin Greenard: Time management helps with work-life balance

Getting the most out of your day involves a significant amount of organization and goal setting. Working on your big-picture goals may take some time. Sometimes you have to stop everything you’. . .

Kevin GreenardAugust 9, 2019

Kevin Greenard: The snowball effect on net worth

Over the years I’ve had many people ask me for advice for someone wanting to improve their financial position. Below are a few of the concepts of how people generate wealth over time. These may . . .

Kevin GreenardAugust 2, 2019

Kevin Greenard: Placement of investments in registered, non-registered accounts

All income and growth within Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs) and Registered Retirement Income Funds (RRIFs) are tax deferred. Tax will only apply when amounts are withdrawn from these . . .

Kevin GreenardJuly 26, 2019

Kevin Greenard: The Greenard Group’s 10 principles for picking stocks

Over the years I have been asked several times how we pick our stocks. The process for picking stocks really begins with our overall investment philosophy. All decisions are made in the context of . . .

Kevin GreenardJuly 12, 2019

Kevin Greenard: Inheritance enhances retirement and estate plan

Over the years we have helped new clients and existing clients deal with inheritances. In the majority of cases the inheritances are coming from parents. These can be done upon the parent’s . . .

Kevin GreenardJuly 5, 2019

Kevin Greenard: Rebalancing helps manage risk

Wouldn’t you love a strategy of selling high and buying low? Naturally we have the tendency to want to let our winners run without taking profits. On the flip side, a good stock might be going . . .

Kevin GreenardJune 28, 2019

Kevin Greenard: Managed accounts provide piece of mind

A managed account is a broad term that has been used in the financial-services industry to describe a certain type of investment account where a portfolio manager has the discretion to make changes. . .

Kevin GreenardJune 21, 2019

Kevin Greenard: Portfolio manager can react quickly to market changes

Many people do not feel they have the knowledge to best manage their own money. Some have the knowledge but they do not have the time. Both portfolio managers and Wealth advisers can assist . . .

Kevin GreenardJune 14, 2019

Kevin Greenard: Fee-based accounts benefit to investors in the long run

A fee-based account is where a fee is charged based on the market value of the assets being managed. This is distinctly different than a transactional account, where commissions are charged for . . .

Kevin GreenardJune 7, 2019

Kevin Greenard: Act today to minimize a massive final tax bill

Taxpayers, naturally, are fixated on trying to minimize tax in the current year. This is a classic scenario of someone not being able to see the forest for the trees. The forest is your ultimate . . .

Kevin GreenardMay 31, 2019

Kevin Greenard: Enhancing financial growth through re-investment

Not everyone who purchases investments wants or needs the income today. Many clients are trying to grow a nestegg to fund a future goal, such as retirement. Investors who are not requiring income . . .

Kevin GreenardMay 24, 2019

Kevin Greenard: Measuring your tolerance for volatility and risk

People are often told not to invest in equity markets unless they have a long-term time horizon. While for some people one to two years might seem like a long time, most investment professionals . . .

Kevin GreenardMay 17, 2019

Kevin Greenard: Online access and paperless options becoming more mainstream

Computers, phones and tablets have all become mainstream in today’s modern households. The thirst for current knowledge in a busy mobile world has never been greater. More than ten years ago, . . .

Kevin GreenardMay 10, 2019

Kevin Greenard: Protecting client information is critical in a digital world

Today there are many different ways for us to communicate financial information with clients: in-person, over the phone, email and so on. With all of these ways to communicate, it is important for . . .

Kevin GreenardMay 3, 2019

Kevin Greenard: Looking at total rate of return rather than yield alone

Yield is essentially the income an investment will pay, such as interest or dividend payments, and is normally expressed as a percentage. Yield will fluctuate on equity investments based on the . . .

Kevin GreenardApril 26, 2019

Kevin Greenard: It’s tough to get it right on both sides of the equation

During the last quarter of 2018, the TSX/S&P Composite declined 10.11 per cent on a total return basis while the first quarter of 2019 the TSX/S&P Composite posted gains of 13.27 per cent . . .

Kevin GreenardApril 19, 2019

Kevin Greenard: Asset mix should be tied to cash-flow needs and market conditions

The term asset mix refers to the portion of your investments that are held in cash, fixed income, and equities. Asset mix has historically been touted as the most important decision with respect to. . .

Kevin GreenardApril 12, 2019

Kevin Greenard: The benefits of consolidating investment accounts

In the last 10 years, there have been a number of changes to investments and regulations. Many of these changes have an impact on your financial plan and tax situation. All firms have been spending. . .

Kevin GreenardApril 5, 2019

Kevin Greenard: The rewards of investing outside of Canada

Seeking out the best risk adjusted returns for clients involves allocating investment dollars outside of Canada. For over a decade we have been educating clients on the benefits of investing . . .

Kevin GreenardMarch 29, 2019

Kevin Greenard: A spring break refresher on RESPs

Parents and grandparents, who typically set up Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs), are referred to as the “subscriber.” The children or grandchildren are referred to as the “beneficiary” of. . .

Kevin GreenardMarch 22, 2019

Kevin Greenard: It’s tax time — will you do it yourself, or hire a professional?

In 1988, I got my first job working at an accounting firm. It was a great year to start in the accounting world as most clients were still doing everything manually. Individual tax packages could . . .

Kevin GreenardMarch 15, 2019

Kevin Greenard: Do you need to make income tax instalment payments?

Twice a year, Canada Revenue Agency sends out instalment reminder letters to those taxpayers who are required to make payments. The February letter outlines the required payments on, or before, . . .

Kevin GreenardMarch 8, 2019

Kevin Greenard: When to stop contributing to an RRSP

Most articles are written about “contributing” to an RRSP. This one highlights that many people should either avoid RRSPs or stop contributing to them. Going a step further, calculations should . . .

Kevin GreenardMarch 1, 2019

Kevin Greenard: Many couples should consider spousal RRSPs

For couples that make approximately the same annual income, a spousal RRSP may not be necessary. The greater the disparity between incomes with couples, the more important it is to consider spousal. . .

Kevin GreenardFebruary 22, 2019

Kevin Greenard: Investment options within your RRSP

The key word in Registered Retirement Savings Plan is savings. The government allows Canadians to defer up to 18 per cent of the previous years earned income, up to a maximum of $26,230 for the . . .

Kevin GreenardFebruary 15, 2019

Kevin Greenard: 50 questions to consider before making an RRSP contribution

An RRSP could be an important vehicle in reducing the amount of tax you pay in your lifetime. However, an RRSP may not be for everyone. Last week, we reviewed marginal tax brackets and took a . . .

Kevin GreenardFebruary 8, 2019

Kevin Greenard: The mathematical approach to RRSP contributions

The Income Tax Act allows you to contribute up to 60 days after the end of the year to your RRSP. For the 2018 tax year, the last day to contribute is Friday, March 1. This 60-day buffer gives . . .

Kevin GreenardFebruary 1, 2019

Kevin Greenard: Linking family accounts has many benefits

Within financial services, the term family is referred to as a household. A household used to be defined as those people who resided at the same address, but now extends beyond a single physical . . .

Kevin GreenardJanuary 25, 2019

Kevin Greenard: Understanding TFSA beneficiary terminology

The Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA) is a registered account. One of its features is the ability to name a beneficiary. When we are opening a TFSA for a client, they must advise us who they would . . .

Kevin GreenardJanuary 18, 2019

Kevin Greenard: Strategies help contribute to your TFSA early

Last week we mentioned the Tax Free Savings Account contribution limit was increased to $6,000 for 2019. Contributing early on, say this month, isn’t always easy. Holiday bill payments, . . .

Kevin GreenardJanuary 11, 2019

Kevin Greenard: TFSA limit increased to $6,000 for 2019

The Tax Free Savings Account turns 10 this month and many Canadians have fully embraced the benefits that come from tax-efficient investment income and growth within these accounts. The federal . . .

Kevin GreenardJanuary 4, 2019

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