Canadian Capitalist

Today’s question is from Christine:
How can I move a self-directed RRSP account from my broker to a self-directed RRSP account with TD Waterhouse?
It’s quite simple to transfer a RRSP account between different institutions — look for a transfer authorization form from the institution you want the account transferred to (the TD Waterhouse form for transferring [...]

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Peter Bernstein writes in the New York Times that our assumptions about the future may be wrong and risk management should be a process of dealing with the consequences of being wrong.
Jon Chevreau reports that a million dollars ain’t what it used to be. There are now 1.1 million Canadian families with a net worth [...]

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It seems that few people have any clue on what Stéphane Dion’s “green shift” will end up costing the average Canadian family. The National Post’s Political Editor sums up this opinion, writing:

It remains at heart largely a leap of faith. Mr. Dion says he can make it work, and you have to be willing to [...]

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The following question is from Ed, who wants to switch from index mutual funds to ETFs:
Many years ago I set up my RRSP using TD’s low MER e-Series index mutual funds. I learned quite awhile ago that most actively managed funds cannot beat the indexes over the long haul. I’m now thinking of [...]

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The following query is from JU (slightly edited):
I presently have all my investments in mutual funds (locked-in and regular RRSP) and would like to switch to ETFs. I don’t believe there are any DSCs or fees payable if I sell these funds. My question is this: What is your strategy for ETFs as far as [...]

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The following question is from AJ:
I am wondering about an online article titled ETF Sector: Slop du jour published in the summer 2007 issue of Canadian Business magazine. The relevant section says: ‘The other building block advisers typically recommend is an emerging markets ETF. John De Goey, a senior adviser at Toronto-based Burgeonvest Securities, cautions [...]

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The following question is from Tony, the blogger behind Pharma Daddy:
I’ve been looking into the Manulife ONE concept over the last little while and it really intrigues me as we are very responsible spenders and savers and think that we could certainly accelerate paying off our loans with this sort of account. What do you [...]

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The following question is from Jamie:
My portfolio is quite similar to your Sleepy Mini Portfolio with a few variations in asset allocation. However, I’ve come across the currency neutral versions of the US and International funds. I’m not sure what the advantages and disadvantages of the three options ($CAD, $USD, Neutral) are and [...]

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Michael wants to know if foreign exchange fees wipe out some of the advantages of holding ETFs inside a RRSP:
I am looking at putting part of our RRSPs into indexing (similar to your Sleepy Portfolio) but I am wondering about the effects of the ability to DRIP back the dividends versus buying a low MER [...]

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Reader Kevin sent the following question on restricted stock units:
I work for a Canadian branch of a U.S. company. As incentives, we receive both stock option grants and restricted stock units. Since tax season is drawing near, I’m trying to gain a full understanding of the tax implications of both of these awards.
I [...]

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