All posts by Financial Independence Hub

Lessons learned in diversification: reducing my Canadian home country bias

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By Mark Seed, myownadvisor

Special to the Financial Independence Hub
Many financial advisors, analysts and investing gurus alike argue in favour diversification.

That said, there are some experts who claim owning about 30-40 individual stocks, in various industry sectors, will provide modest diversification to mitigate portfolio risk.

You can find some of those expert opinions on how many stocks are enough in this post.

Dedicated readers of this site will know I’m a fan of portfolio diversification myself, since I adhere to some personal rules of thumb when it comes to my DIY portfolio. Here are some of those rules of thumb:

  • I strive to keep no more than 5% value in any one individual stock.
  • I’m working on increasing my weighting in low-cost ETFs over time, more specifically, owning more of the U.S. market since I’ve had a long-standing bias to Canadian dividend payers in my portfolio.

You can always review some of my current holdings on this standing page here.

Why diversification?

Portfolio diversification aims to lower the volatility of my portfolio because not all asset categories, industries, nor individual stocks will move together perfectly in sync. By owning a large number of equity investments in different industries and companies, and countries, those assets may rise and fall differently; smoothing out the returns of my portfolio as a whole.

“There is a close logical connection between the concept of a safety margin and the principle of diversification.” – Benjamin Graham

As I contemplate semi-retirement in the coming years, this is what I’m considering for cash on hand to support any bearish equity markets or to ride out unfavourable market returns.

Diversification: applying some knowledge and lessons learned

With 2020 in the rear-view mirror, and a trying investing year for many to say the least (!), I decided to make a few portfolio changes so I could embrace diversification more while simplifying my portfolio as those needs for capital preservation draw nearer.

Today’s post outlines some of those changes, by account, and why.

1.)TFSA

I’ve admittedly been wrestling a bit for what to invest in, inside this account for the current 2021 contribution year.

I know I need some more U.S. and international exposure even with the recent comeback in many of my Canadian stocks since the market calamity began in March 2020.

In looking at my sector allocation to the oil and gas industry, I decided to cut complete ties in late-2020 with Inter Pipeline (IPL) after their dividend cut of 72% earlier in the year. You can see some of that dividend news I reported in this previous dividend income update.

I will use that money, along with new TFSA contribution room in 2021 to invest in some all-world ETF XAW amongst other investments.

XAW will provide far less yield inside my TFSA going-forward, which will impact the income generation machine that is my TFSA, but more importantly I think this fund will provide some much needed total return growth from ex-Canada.

XAW iShares December 2020

2.) RRSP

In a taxable account, Canadian dividend paying stocks earn favourable tax treatment thanks to the dividend tax credit. So, I keep those stocks there and see no reason to change that approach. Continue Reading…

Fear the GIC Refugee renaissance

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By John DeGoey, CFP, CIM

Special to the Financial Independence Hub

When I started in the business in September of 1993, it was a great time for new client acquisition.  The reason is simple: there were so many new clients to be had – in the form of first-time investors.  As interest rates plummeted from their all-time highs in the early 1980s, the fulcrum began to shift.  Specifically, as the risk-free rate (anything that could be attained on a guaranteed basis) dropped, people became increasingly willing to absorb risk.

Starting around 1982, the long-term macro trend that continues to this day began.  That year marked the cyclical high in long-term interest rates (in the mid to high teens!) along with a multi-generation low in price/earnings ratios (well into the single digit range!).  For nearly 40 years, interest rates have been seeing a secular decline, while market valuations the world over have been creeping up.  The correlation is predictable.  As rates drop, people are prepared to take on increasingly large amounts of risk in their quest for financial reward.  Totally understandable.

Rates are essentially at Zero

Now that rates are essentially at zero throughout the developed world, the trend has become acute.  The question that people might now be asking themselves is: will people stay out of traditional income investments for the foreseeable future?  Continue Reading…

Ways to re-plan your Finances during Covid-19

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By Donna Johnson

Special to the Financial Independence Hub

COVID-19 certainly has made 2020 a year to forget for some, and as it wraps up with the holidays and new year, many people are assessing their financial situations and determining the next steps. The good news is it does appear a vaccine and more medicines are on the way. But still, getting these treatments out to everyone and getting the virus under control will still take time, so reopening the economy completely may not happen for several months yet. In the meantime, Americans are trying to manage holiday expenses and future budgets until the tide turns.

Covid-19 savings reallocation opportunity

While it may be no fun to miss out on going to your favorite movie theater on Friday nights, or visiting your favorite theme park during vacation, consider the upside of this. The money you may have spent on all those activities is money you can tuck away for better use. Money you don’t spend as disposable income is money you can turn into either savings or investments. There are ways to use it that can be a return on investment if you do your planning right.

Building a emergency savings fund

The worst thing that could happen to you during a pandemic is getting laid off; in which case you will need savings to get by. Unemployment during the pandemic hit a high of about 14.4% back in April. But even if you’re still employed, sudden expenses like HVAC repairs, car repairs, and doctors’ visits still happen. When they do, you’re better off not putting all of those expenses on your credit card, or borrowing money from high-interest loans to pay for them. Instead, consider setting aside about $20-50 per week or per paycheck, let that money sit in a savings account untouched, and over time you’ll see it grow to potentially hundreds if not thousands of dollars in savings. And these savings should not be used for regular expenses like gas or rent, unless you’ve lost your job. But instead, prioritize sudden emergencies like car accident expenses or pipe burst repairs for these savings.

Use the time to refinance and tackle debt

Another thing you can do with extra savings is apply them to any outstanding debt accounts you have. Now one thing to note is that some debts such as federal student loans had payments suspended and interest rates set to zero. Continue Reading…

How to use your TFSA account

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By Dale Roberts, Cutthecrapinvesting

Special to the Financial Independence Hub

It’s the new year and you may have a couple of questions on how to use your TFSA account. The Tax Free Savings Account is one of the greatest additions to your investor tool kit. It is true to its name in that the monies grow completely tax free. When you take the monies out for spending there are no tax implications. We need only keep track of our contribution limits.

Out of the gate it’s important to know the contribution allowances. The program was launched in 2009 (the brainchild of then federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty). The initial contribution limit was $5,000. There is also an inflation adjustment mechanism and that is why you will see the TFSA limits increase over time.

TFFA Limits History

  • The annual TFSA dollar limit for the years 2009 to 2012 was $5,000.
  • The annual TFSA dollar limit for the years 2013 and 2014 was $5,500.
  • The annual TFSA dollar limit for the year 2015 was $10,000.
  • The annual TFSA dollar limit for the year 2016 and 2018 was $5,500.
  • The annual TFSA dollar limit for the year 2019 was $6,000.
  • The annual TFSA dollar limit for the year 2020 was $6,000.
  • The annual TFSA dollar limit for the year 2021 is $6,000.

The total contribution allowance to date is $75,500 for 2021. You can carry forward any unused contribution space. Keep in mind that the eligibility for TFSA is based on age of majority. You would have had to have been 18 years of age or older in 2009 to qualify for that full amount. You would also have to be in possession of a Social Insurance card/number.

If you reached age of majority in 2018, that would be your first year of eligibility. To date your contribution limit would be …

Starting the TFSA in 2018

2018 – $5,500, 2019 – $6000, 2020 – $6,000, 2021 – $6,000 for a total of $23,500.

Of course we have to wait for January 1 or later to use that $6,000 for 2021.

Remember if you go over, you will be penalized by 1% per month, for the amount that you have overcontributed. Check with CRA for your contribution eligibility.

Reader question on over contribution

“Ooops, I over contributed in December of 2020.” If you recently jumped the gun and overcontributed by $6000 you would be charged 1% per month, meaning a $60 penalty. Thing is you earned another $6,000 in contribution space on January 1, 2021. You would only face one month of over contribution. You might as well sit tight. You would not be able to have that contribution reversed, even if you quickly move that money out of the TFSA account. If you move the monies in and out there will be no benefit, but you could created fees if it is stocks or ETFs.

If you ever make a more costly (but honest) mistake on over contribution, you can take that up with CRA and your financial institution. It’s possible that you might get some help from your institution or from the CRA. Good luck.

Calculating your TFSA after removing amounts

The formula or rule is quite simple. If you remove $12,000 in one year, you would add that full amount to next year’s contribution allowance. And of course that contribution allowance would also include that calendar year’s new room. For example if you took out $12,000 in calendar year 2020, you would add that $12,000 to the $6,000 allowance for 2021. Your 2021 contribution allowance would be $18,000.

Yes, you get to keep any contribution room gains you made in your TFSA if you sell. You lock in that space. Those investment gains can boost your total TFSA contribution room above the calendar year totals.

This event may be considered if you were looking to use or gift some monies next year. You might sell now and lock in that TFSA space. Obviously, if you’ve been investing those monies, your account is likely or should be at an all-time high.

Please note that if it is a stock or bond or ETF or mutual fund, the trade has to settle within the calendar year. Check with your discount brokerage or advisor on timing and settlement details.

Saving or Investing for your TFSA?

I am a big fan of using your TFSA for investing. There’s the potential or likelihood of much greater gains and hence much greater tax savings when you invest your TFSA dollars.

Also consider that interest rates are sooooo low you might have very modest ‘gains’ with any savings account. The benefit of the TFSA for savings is more muted in a low interest rate environment.

But of course, 2020 proved to many the importance of that emergency fund. You might hold an emergency fund that is 6 months of total spending needs as a starting point. Here’s my personal finance book, OK it’s a blog post …

Oh look, I just found $888,000 in your coffee.

And it can make sense to hold some cash as a portfolio asset. After all it’s an obvious hedge for any deflationary environment. The spending power of cash will increase in any deflationary period.

On that cash front you might consider EQ Bank where you can earn 1.5% in a savings account and 2.3% in registered account such as that TFSA. You may choose to hold some TFSA amounts in savings and some in higher growth investments.

On the investment front you might consider a one-ticket (all in one) ETF portfolio such as those from Horizons, iShares, BMO Smartfolio, Vanguard or the TD One Click Portfolios.

You may decide to build your own ETF Portfolio.

On the mutual fund front you might have a read of this post from Jonathan Chevreau on the top mutual funds in Canada. I am a big fan of those funds from Mawer.

Beneficiary form – successor holder

Ensure that you fill out a beneficiary form for all of your registered accounts. For taxable accounts you might consider joint accounts. Continue Reading…

Lessons we learned in 2020

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By Akaisha Kaderli, RetireEarlyLifestyle.com

Special to the Financial Independence Hub

“Improvise, Adapt, and Overcome” – Marine slogan

What a year!

We have heard from friends and family how happy they are to see the year 2020 in their rearview mirror. Can’t argue with that. Yet, in my opinion, 2020 brought us great lessons, from which we can benefit.

Solid plans often break

Often our Readers will say they have just a few more things to settle, a few more “I’s” to dot and “T’s” to cross before retiring. They’re waiting for the health care issue to be settled, waiting for the bonus check next year, waiting to hit “this” particular financial number, waiting for next year to sell their properties … they’re waiting …

Personal Financial Independence was put off until this imaginary perfect time, and then finally, for 2020 they planned a year of travel. But BAM! COVID broke out or, in some cases, one of the spouses became gravely ill with a disease and that not only shook them up but forced them to shelve all excursion plans.

Ask yourself, “What are you waiting for and why?” Then ask yourself if you have a Plan B for these unexpected situations.

Lots of people wait until they graduate from law school or get the degree or wait until they get married, or until they buy that perfect house, or until they hit that magic number to retire: in order to be happy.

They live for tomorrow and forget all about the pleasures and happiness of today.

Stop settling, start living. NOW.

You’re not going to get anything in Life by playing it safe. There are no guarantees.

Lesson learned: Faith over Fear, Don’t Worry be Happy

We only have control of ourselves.

I  get push back on this one, sometimes. Usually it falls under the “You don’t understand” category.

But if you think about it, stuff happens.

We can’t control a loved one getting ill, can’t control that our children or spouse don’t do what we prefer. We don’t have a lot of say in international peace relations. Whether our children get divorced, COVID breaks out, there’s a huge business loss or politics don’t go our way – all we have control over – is our response to the situation.

If you are feeling out of control on your moods, get help. There are lots of tools to clarify your mind and calm yourself down and lots of services available to you. Don’t let the stress build up until you have an even worse situation happen.

Lesson Learned; Life is not in our total control: only our response to it is.

Relationships change

Relationships were cemented or lost this year. Yeah, this was a big one.

Once again if you think about it, when you got married, had a child, moved cross-country, got that promotion, contracted a serious illness, got divorced, retired early or hit any other life milestone, did some friendships recede?

Most likely.

Life is change and sometimes your better future lies ahead of you, without those loved people in them.

Yes, it IS difficult to let go of habits and people. We’ve all been there at different points in our lives. It’s better to process the loss and continue to move forward, creating the life of our dreams, than to become bitter and angry over the loss.

In my opinion, 2020 was a year of clarification.

What I mean is, yup. Things fall away. Sometimes beloved things and people. I think this helps us to focus on what really matters to us. This is a blessing in disguise and you will be stronger for it.

Lesson Learned; As you grow, some relationships won’t make it into your future.

Fear seemed ever-present

When we are afraid of something, chances are, we don’t know much about it. Our perceptions are skewed because of this.

Remember the old saying: FEAR is False Evidence Appearing Real?

Take control and choose to find out more. The knowledge you discover will give you options and open up doors for you. Question the thoughts you are thinking and the beliefs you are holding. Fear does not serve you in any way and will only force you to contract, limiting your options even further.

This is a choice. Continue Reading…