Earlier this week, I answered a reader question about investing in the U.S. outside registered accounts and I also took a shot at Old Age Security reform through a controversial post here. I should clarify, the idea is not to kill off OAS entirely but rather, let’s use the funds more wisely and stop subsidizing wealthy seniors making $70k, $90k or even $110k. Let’s deploy those funds into other existing or new “income security” programs for seniors who actually need the money. Based on some comments, I guess I’m nuts.
Writing about money…Stephen Weyman from HowToSaveMoney.ca has a HUGE cash giveaway underway. Stephen has decided to GIVEAWAY $1,000 of his own money to expand readership and promote his site. I have a cash prize on his site as well – check it out and enter now!
Last week, as part of my Weekend Reading roundup, I told you I would write about my take on credit. Well, I did, but the folks at BadCredit.org decided to pick up my post instead. You can read about how Credit Ignorance Costs You and my take on credit here.
Michael James had a nice review of Ellen Roseman’s latest book, Fight Back.
Rob Carrick started his series about the best ETFs for your portfolio. Click here to check out his top picks for Canadian equities.
Sandi Martin on Boomer & Echo helped you transfer your RRSP.
Dan Mac helps you get started with dividend growth investing.
Here are 19 dividend increases over the last few weeks. I’m fortunate to own a couple companies in this list. If you want to know more about other dividend-paying stocks, in partnership with TSI a reminder readers of this site can get access to The Successful Investor including all back issues for $50 off the standard price (affiliate).
Kyle from Y&T is thinking about completing the Canadian Securities Course (CSC) course.
Big Cajun Man reported some more jobs in Canada.
Here’s a list of the top travel rewards credit cards in Canada, voted by over 17,000 consumers.
Simply Investing told us what a castle has to do with investing.
The Globe and Mail listed six stocks expected to hike their dividend soon. I hope that happens because I own 4 of those stocks.
Blonde on a Budget had a few wishes for personal finance lessons to be taught in school.
Here are four retirement questions that are tough to answer.
Lastly, if you haven’t already done so, consider donating any amount you can to those in dire need of aid in the Philippines. Every dollar can make a difference.
Hi Mark,
Thanks for the mention, I really appreciate it!
Kanwal
You’re welcome!
Thanks for spreading the news about my giveaway Mark and thanks for the prize donation. The total value of all prizes has crept up to $1654. I wonder if I’ll be able to break the $2000 mark, that would be cool!
A lot of people are counting on OAS to maintain their lifestyle when they retire. I think I’d get a little bent out of shape if it were completely revamped as well but there probably is a better way for it to be structured. I haven’t spent a lot of time thinking about these things yet though. Eventually I will have to.
That’s one thing that kind of sucks about retirement planning as it is always a moving target as the government and other organizations change the rules.
No sweat Stephen, anytime you want to have another giveaway, drop me a line.
I hope you do break the $2000 mark!
Regarding OAS, yes, I can appreciate folks expect it from tax revenues but then again, I think there are other ways to manage and deploy this money. I haven’t thought about tons of solutions yet, maybe a future post. 🙂
Have a great weekend!
Mark
I meant to ask a while ago: are the figures in you cable channel poll per-month amounts?
Yes, cost per channel per month.
The reaction to your OAS post was more thoughtful and civilized than I expected. You have a good class of readers (or maybe you deleted a few :-). Thanks for the mention.
Ha, yes, no too bad actually. I’m sure I alienated a few readers…ah well. What’s your take Michael?
I think the age for starting to receive OAS should be 70. Life expectancy has become longer. I don’t see why someone who fails to save is owed a retirement before age 70. If physical problems force people to retire earlier, there should be different programs to help these people.
After that, I could see lowering the clawback levels to, say, 50k to 90k, but not much more.
I agree Michael: “why someone who fails to save is owed a retirement before age 70.”
Physical disabilities are totally different.
Thanks for your comment.