The ATB Wealth Investing Fundamentals Guide
Grow your knowledge of investing and increase your confidence around managing your money.
Good Advice
Helping your money make money.
Retirement
Understanding Registered Retirement Income Funds
Uncover the subtle differences between RRIFs and RRSPs and identify which may be a better fit for you and your retirement goals.
How to test drive your retirement plans
When you plan your retirement, think about how you will spend your days, what your succession plan will be and what the ideal future looks like for you and your partner.
Understanding the basics of the OAS program
Answers to commonly asked questions about Old Age Security (OAS), the government of Canada’s largest pension program.
Canada Pension Plan, understanding the basics
Understanding the benefits of the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), how contributions work, what you need to know about the CPP retirement pension, and recent enhancements to the CPP.
When should I start collecting OAS?
Advice on when you should start collecting your Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security.
Government benefits for low income seniors: OAS Allowance and GIS
Information on additional programs that provide financial assistance for low income seniors: OAS Allowance and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) program.
Education
A financial back to school checklist
As school starts this fall, here is a list of financial considerations, including your budget and education savings plan.
Understanding RESP options in Alberta
Learn about RESPs: how much you can contribute, what government grants provide, and what happens if your child doesn'tt attend a post secondary institution.
What do I need to set up an RESP?
There are 3 basic documents needed to set up an RESP. Learn what they are so you can be prepared and make the process quick and easy.
What do you need to withdraw money from an RESP
In order to withdraw funds from your RESP you'll need to complete some steps for validation. Read through as we uncover what these steps entail.
Maximize Your RESP Contributions
Take advantage of the government grant that matches up to 20% on your contributions to an RESP and learn about carry-forward room for missed contributions.
Estates
The importance of will and estate planning
Creating a will and estate plan protects you, your estate and your loved ones, while you are living as well as upon your death.
When should you have an estate plan in place?
Being prepared with a proper estate plan that includes distribution of assets and your care wishes is important for all ages and stages of life.
How to develop an estate plan
Steps to take to develop your estate plan, including assessing your current financial situation, setting goals and engaging with the right experts.
The importance of a Power of Attorney and Personal Directive
What is an enduring power of attorney and personal directive as well as its function and why you should have one as a component of your overall estate plan?
What is a testamentary trust?
Learn about the different types of testamentary trusts, both individual and spousal, and how they could be used to best execute your last will and testament.
Charitable giving and estate planning
Learn how to structure your giving to best benefit you and the cause you want to support to create a lasting legacy.
Tax and Protection
Tax and investment planning tips for 2020 year end
With 2020 soon coming to a close, it’s time to start thinking about year-end tax and investment planning.
Understanding Alberta’s 2021 eligible dividend tax rate change
Alberta residents should expect a tax increase for eligible dividends in 2021. Here are the details.
Understanding your personal taxes in Alberta
An overview of how to calculate your personal tax rate, including basic tax concepts and how the amount of tax you pay is determined.
Prescribed rate loans: an income splitting opportunity
How you can use a prescribed rate loan for transferring income from a higher income-earning family member to a lower income-earning family member, such as a spouse.
2020 Alberta budget tax and benefit highlights
Tax and benefit highlights of the 2020-2021 Alberta provincial budget that was presented by President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Finance, Travis Toews.
What is Common Reporting Standard (CRS)?
Common reporting standard, or CRS, is an international organization aimed at preventing tax evasion.
Investing and Saving
What you need to know about online trading platforms
Here are the top three things to keep in mind when you’re considering managing your investment account on your own through an online investment platform.
How to understand your quarterly return statements
Understanding your quarterly returns, how to be objective in reviewing statements and understanding what short-term statements mean for your long-term financial plan.
How returns are calculated: Time-weighted vs. money-weighted
There are two industry standards for calculating portfolio performance that investors need to be aware of: time-weighted returns (TWR) and money-weighted returns (MWR).
The value of having a financial plan
Creating a personalized financial plan will help you stay on the right path to reach your financial and lifestyle goals.
Four things to remember during market volatility
Here are four things to remember to help you beat the uncomfortable feelings and manage your investments (as objectively as possible) during periods of market volatility.
What is investing versus speculating?
What is speculation in the investment world? What is the difference between speculating and investing?
Markets
The US election and your investments
Should investors react to major market events such as the recent US election when making investment decisions?
The pandemic, six months onward
Successful investing is driven by planning, discipline and patience. Four key tactics have helped us to weather the storm throughout 2020.
A tale of two quarters
In the first two quarters of 2020, investors witnessed both a sharp decline and a significant recovery. Here are a few important takeaways.
The stock market and the economy
A review of what's happening in the energy sector and why the stock markets seem to be shrugging off those unsettling headlines and continuing to drive gains.
Common questions from investors during market turmoil
With market volatility high right now, here are a few questions investors may be asking.
Lifestyle
Financial considerations when going through a divorce
When getting a divorce, here are steps you can take to stay on track with managing your money and assets and ensure you are reaching with your financial goals.
Tips for wealth planning for your lifestyle and goals
Make your money work for you now and in the future by finding a focus, planning for all stages in life and continuing to reassess your wealth plan.
Building a positive relationship with money
It doesn't matter how much money you make, with a little knowledge and practical tools, anyone can have a healthy relationship with money.
Behavioural Investing 101
Emotions and irrational investment decisions can negatively impact financial success.
Advice for snowbirds
This checklist highlights some important things to keep in mind so you can keep your winter worry-free!
ATB Wealth experts are ready to listen.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced investor, we can help.
Email: atbwealth@atb.com