Taxes

Common Tax Questions Series 6 – Capital Gains And Losses

                                         If you are an investor it is important for you to know about capital gains and capital losses, and how they affect your taxes.  Check out these commonly asked questions to find out more about how capital gains will affect you.

Can you explain capital gains tax?

A capital gain is the appreciation in value of a capital property, when sold from the date of purchase. Basically, if you bought a stock for $10 and you sell it for $15, you would have a $5 capital gain. A capital loss would be the opposite; a capital property that loses value when sold from the date of purchase.

Continue Reading

Book Reviews

The New Frugality – Book Review

The New Frugality: How To Consume Less, Save More, and Live Better by Chris Farrell

The New Frugality is an easy to follow personal finance book that is written specifically for Americans.   The author provides some real insight on what is happening today and he suggests that Americans are definitely changing their behaviors toward money. Rather than spending recklessly and borrowing more than they can afford to pay back, he believes Americans are getting back on the right track and becoming more financially responsible.  He calls this change “the New Frugality”.

Continue Reading

Money Saving Tips

How Are You Using Your Emergency Fund?

We’ve all heard about the importance of having an emergency fund and many Canadians have them nowadays, however, it appears that many Canadians aren’t using them for their intended purpose.  Rather than setting aside the funds for true emergencies, many folks are using these funds for day-to-day expenses and completely defeating the purpose altogether.

Continue Reading

Money Saving Tips

How The iPad Can Keep You On Track Financially

Just as there are many types of money management apps for other technological gadgets, the iPad also offers a wide variety of apps that can help you stay on top of your finances.

I recently received an email from one of my readers who shared with me a link to a great article that lists ten iPad apps to help you manage your money.  Apps listed include Mint.com, Pageonce, Ace Budget, and many others.  Some of these apps will aid you in creating and sticking to a budget.  Others help you to locate the closest ATM machine if you need some cash.  Another handy one helps you keep track of your bills so that you never pay late fees again.

Continue Reading