WHOLE books are written about RRSPs. But here are the dhree key things you need to know: ®@ Unless you have a sound investment strategy that will produce bettee after-tax results, stick with RRSPs. @ Ifyou can’t decide between non-RRSP and RRSP approaches, put money into each. ® Get the most from your SUPER C 500 Natural is Better Natural Factors is Best RRSP with a specific plan — see tips below. Sponsared by [rate BUSINESS ——- Plan RESP strategies before Feb. deadli On your own or with the help ofan unbiased retire- ment planning expert (make an appointment svon, before the rush builds over the next month), draw up a plan to balance (1) spending and enjoving now with (2) sav- ing /investing so you will have enough to spend and enjoy in the future. instead of an RRSP, a cou- ple could build up an incor- porated small business, then ‘North Shore sell the shaves tor a tax-free profit of up to ST million total. Double that with a fim- ily of four. You could invest in the stock market or real estate and allow capital gains to compound tax-free. You could pay off your mortgage, then make catchup RRSP contributions. Or you could do any of the above and also contribute to an RRSP. For example, put moncy into an RRSP and use the tax savings to pay down the mortgage or make non- RRSP investments. Key tips: @ Contribute to a spousal plan if the spouse will be in a lower tax bracket than the contributor when the money ON Feb. 5, TD Evergreen investment advisor Tom Pownall presents RRSPs 2000: Winning Strategies for Extraordinary Times. The investment workshop kicks off at 10 a.m. at the Park Ballroom of the Four Seasons Hotel in downtown Vancouver. Bestselling financial author, broadcaster and = columnist Garth Turner -——- whose books include 2020: Nar Rules for a New Age, and Garth Turner’s cones Out. B [fvou will be in a higher tax bracket this year than in 1999, contribute by the Feb, 29 deadline but don’t claim the deduction until vou file your 2000 tay return next year. @ When you have made your 1999 contribution, ser ep an automatic monthly contribu tion program starting March 1 for this year's contribution. & Borrow to make your 1999 contribution only if you can handle the debt. Aim to pay it off as soon as possible, then redirect the payments into this vear’s RRSP contribution. @ You may use RRSP funds to help buy a home or pay for education, but first project 2000 RRSP Guide — will talk about the most important financial trends for 2000. Tickets to the event can be had by calling 482-255 1. aoa Sixteen Lower Mainland branches of the Bank of Montreal extended — their opening hours Jan. 17 — including branches at Park Royal and at Lonsdale and 15th Ave. Full-service banking will be offered at these branches on Thursday and Friday evenings and on Saturdays. Og9 Tax tip for students: Part-time students enrolled how much this will reduce your final RRSP total, and see if you can tind the money trom other sources. Consider a self-directed RRSP to make it easier, cheaper and quicker to move investments around. Bargain tor no or low fees when you first set up the plan; pay any fees with non-RRSP funids. Mike Grenby is a columnist and independent _ personal financial adviser; bell auswer questions in this column as space allows but cansot reply person- ally. Contact hint at P.O. Box 50029, South Slope R.P.O., Burnaby, B.C. VS] 5G3; e-mail < mikeBare rnby. com> and see previous columns at Mike's Web Site, . in a qualifying program can receive an education credit of 17% of $60 per month. Students are entitled to a 17% credit for interest paid after 1997 on a loan under federal or provincial student loan pro- grams. Unused credits may be carried forward up to ‘five years. (Source: CGA) 990 Connectivity 2000 will brigf the community en the status and future plans for high speed residential Internet aveess on the North Shore. This technical briefing will take place at the Capilano College Birch Theatre on Wednesday, Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. : ScotiaMcLeod’s Chris Carter lives and works in North Vancouver. He specializes in providing investment consulting and retivement planning for individual investors ; who have retired or are planning for their secure.’ retirement. Because of f the fluid nature of the Canadian job market, he has assisted numercus clients through the pracess of early retirement and continues to oversee their accounts. Chris is also the business commentator on the BCTV Moming News, contributing live reports weekdays from 5:30am to 8:00am. He is a regular contributor to the business section of the North Shore News, publisher of the Prudent Investor newsletter and has recently published a special report for Canadian facing an early retirement package from their employer. His newsletter, special reports . Michael Campbel is British Columbia's most and market commentary are available free at respected business analyst. He is best known as the host of Canada’s top rated business shaw - Money Talks - heard across the country on the WIC radio network. He is the Chief Business Analyst for BCTV and the national Canada Tonight broadcast. He is the business analyst for the Vancouver Sun and writes the lead business colimn three times a week. He has written the National bestseller titted Cooking e with Mike: Michael bell 50 Recipes for instant Financial Success. ~ Saturday David Briggs mg My approach is based onthe . # “value” philosophy pioneered by Dr. Benjamin Graham, the father of value investing and the author of The latelligent Invesior. The basic concept is to buy securities trading below their estimated intrinsic value. Put into practice, this would . typically mean buying secusities: * trading at a substantial discount to Cundill’s estimate of net value, B and within acceptable debt to equity teveis The approach is asset oriented and requires a longer-term perspective... and patience. The major benefit is relatively lower volatility. : ‘Tickets are $5.60 available at the North Share News, 1139 Lonsdale Ave, North Vancouver a ae ee ee eee ak pe eee tee a ee - February 12th 1:00 - 3:30 © Carson Graham High School © North Vancouver Doors Oper 12:30 pm RN a at ae ee are ak oe St