Special Report

RRSP 2003

For investors snared by treacherous markets, our experts offer some golden rules for this RRSP season.

• 2003 Edition
• Read the 2004 Edition

January 29

In search of sage advice

Financial seminars are drawing crowds of worried investors hoping for tips to bolster their portfolios

by Randy Ray

With RRSP season in full swing, Ms. Elver and thousands of other Canadians are flocking to financial seminars in the hopes of gaining nuggets of investment wisdom on everything from how to get involved in markets to how to deal with portfolios pinched by the three-year bear market.

Say 'I do' to spousal retirement plans

These RRSPs offer short-, long-term benefits, especially income-splitting

Jeff Buckstein

One of the most important financial weapons in the retirement arsenal of Albert and Sandra Hurd of Ottawa is a spousal RRSP.

Bear bites into seniors' savings

Few easy answers for those without long time horizons to make up shortfalls

by Kevin Marron

It is time to get back to basics, says Mr. Reid, who advises older clients to review all of their resources - both inside and outside their RRSPs - figure out what income they will need in coming years and try to organize their investments to best meet their needs.

Borrowers unswayed by markets

Concerns about sinking investments outweighed by tax benefits seen as part of long-term plan

by Laura Ramsay

Sandra Hrvacanin, investment adviser for RBC Dominion Securities in Richmond, B.C., says she hasn't seen any of her clients shy away from taking out RRSP loans because of investment setbacks.

A plan for all seasons

Making RRSPs a year-round priority instead of a last-minute chore brings many benefits

by Suzanne Wintrob

A financial analyst with Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, Ms. Levine believes it makes much more sense to contribute to her RRSP monthly because she knows that the sooner it's invested, the faster, it starts working for her.

The best defence against market swoons

Diversification, rebalancing, top-quality investments, frequent meetings with advisers all part of defensive game plan

by Randy Ray

Dan Nolan, a financial adviser with DNL Money Management in Ottawa, says investors can protect themselves from the valleys and prepare for the peaks by keeping in close touch with a financial adviser.

Plan well ahead for changeover deadline day

RRIFs and annuities offer range of options for investors ready to fold RRSPs

Gail el Baroudi

RRSPs have their own lifespan and those in their 60s must start planning for the day when their registered plans must be folded.

January 21

Won't get fooled again

For investors snared by treacherous markets, Rob Carrick offers a few golden rules

by Rob Carrick

Heard about the official investing theme song for 2003? For 2003, we're adopting a cooler, more skeptical approach best captured by the song Won't Get Fooled Again.

Where in the world are gains to be made?

Despite rocky markets, foreign holdings still key. Here are pros' geographic picks

by Michael Ryval

Experts say the places to be are Europe, emerging markets, and Asia, excluding Japan. Japan does get tentative approval by some mainly because its market is uncorrelated with most others.

Fame and Fortune: Life after limelight takes planning, too

Even though at the top of their games, celebrities like Don Ferguson, Michael Redhill, Sonja Smits and Dave Barr still take their financial futures seriously:

• Sonja Smits, actor: 'I'm still very awars of money. I'm trying to loosen up a bit. I'm quite comfortable now financially, but you sitll carry over that 'what if' because you've been there before when you've made lots of money and then you haven't.'
• Don Ferguson, comedian: Playing with numbers 'isn't my idea of fun in life. It's just something you have to take care of because nobody else has the same stake in your future as you do.'
• Michael Redhill, writer: 'Artists occupy an unusual category. I don't think they can really count on being able to build a sensible retirement fund for themselves.'
• Dave Barr, professional golfer: 'People would see you earned $200,000 in a season, but they didn't know it cost you $100,000 to play on tour for a year. And then you have to pay your taxes. All of a sudden, that $200,000 is really $40,000 or $50,000.'

Sellers woo back wary investors

Banks, fund firms use ads, increase staff to convince Canadians to plow more into RRSPs

by Randy Ray

A recent poll commissioned by Toronto-Dominion Bank Financial Group shows disgruntled Canadian investors plan to contribute an average of 20 per cent less to their RRSPs in 2003 than they did last year.

New products stress comfort

by Catherine Mulroney

An investment climate clouded by months of market turbulence has not only influenced the nature of new products this RRSP season, it has also tempered the flow of new introductions.

RRSP Basics

RRSPs at a glance

Learn the basics of RRSPs.

Cash-poor? There are other ways

Loans, contributions are among the means to coming up with RRSP money

by Laura Ramsay

Don't let a minor detail like the fact you don't have cash prevent you from contributing to an RRSP.

Investing early pays off later on

Growing number of young learning power of compounding

by Randy Ray

Convincing people in their late teens and early 20s to save for a time still years away can be a tough sell, says Jason Brazeau, an investment executive with Scotia Capital Inc. in Ottawa, because "most feel their golden years are an eternity away."

14-day Free Trial
 GlobeinvestorGOLD