Investing

When Is It A Good Idea To Have An RRSP?

Most Canadians are aware of the existence of Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs) but they really do not know much about how they actually work or how they can use them to benefit them fully.  Until just a few years ago, I thought that once you turned age 65, you were allowed to take the money out of them.  How little did I know!  Unfortunately most Canadians are still in the dark about RRSPs and when it is wise to use them.

RRSPs can be especially useful for regular employees who pay a lot of tax on their employment income.  By contributing to an RRSP, they are allowed to defer their income tax.  They benefit from lower taxes payable now, and then will expect to pay it later when they withdraw it (presumably when they retire and are at a lower tax bracket).

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Shopping

Do Your Research Before Buying A Used Car

If your vehicle is on its last legs and you are in the market for buying another car, I would recommend that you check out a website called Samarins.com.    It is an illustrated guide for both car buyers and car owners, and it is jam packed full of practical tips for how to select your next car and then how to take care of it once you buy it.

For those looking to buy a used vehicle, check out the used car buying guide and study how to check the history on the used car you are interested in.  Learn the simple tricks so you know what to look for when you look under the hood.  These tips can save you from buying a lemon.

Check out the used car reviews section as well.  It gives you a description of both the strengths and weaknesses of each vehicle, as well as overall information.  Specific maintenance tips are provided as well as what to look for when you buy that particular car.  Each review includes pertinent links to other resources as well that will make it much easier to do your research.  You will want to visit those recommended sites as well to determine the crash test ratings, etc.

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Family

Inexpensive Ways To Connect With Your Kids During The Holidays

If you are looking for ideas on how to spend more quality time with your family this holiday season, there is a great article titled “50 Free & Frugal Ideas For Holiday Family Bonding” that I would recommend you read.

The article has an extensive list of ideas of ways to do crafts with your kids and provides links to several websites for further details.  There are also links to a variety of websites that can help you get your kids interested in various home improvement projects.  Why not be productive while bonding!

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Money Saving Tips

Buy And Sell Gift Cards At CardSwap

If you want to sell a gift card you don’t plan to use, you can do so by listing it on a website called CardSwap.  You enter both the merchant name and the value of the gift card into the website.  CardSwap gets 6% of the sale price and the minimum they will receive is $4.50.

Once your gift card is sold you will receive an email with the shipping details.  Your job is to mail the card within 3 days of it being sold.  Then you will receive a cheque in the mail for the sale price less the 6% fee.

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Taxes

Withdrew Money From Your RRSP in 2010? You Might Have An Unexpected Tax Bill

With the economy still uncertain, some Canadians have turned to their Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) as a source of funds. But there could be tax consequences on your 2010 tax return.

  • Lose your tax shelter: RRSPs are designed to help Canadians save for retirement and provide a tax shelter for the funds. You lose the sheltering benefits when you make a withdrawal.

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