Are we ready to go totally paperless in our day-to-day lives? Look at this short clip:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nzJFHvGQhk

We needed a shed. So we hired a contractor to build one, since I knew nothing about building sheds. The contractor we hired built us a  deck the previous year which was beautifully designed, well constructed and completed on time. So naturally, we choose him to do our shed.

This is as far as he got before he disappeared:

Actually, I had to put up this make-shift…

Your legacy represents a lifetime of earnings and savings - your lifetime. If it's worth a lifetime to accumulate, it's worth keeping. Preserving your wealth ensures your heirs receive the full value of your legacy.

Remember, the government will probably be an unintended beneficiary of your estate. You may be able to offset your tax liability through careful planning.

What gets taxed upon your death?

• RRSPs and RRIFs, unless rollover exemption…

Do you have a mortgage? Did you sign up for mortgage insurance? This is usually found at the end of the mortgage application. You answer a few simple health questions and you're done. Right? Wrong.

Here's why:

1. The lending institution owns and controls the policy. They decide who the beneficiary is and it's not you. Not your spouse. They are. They control the use of the death benefit.
2. Policies can be cancelled at any time without your approval.
3. Premiums…

Hi folks,

Here are my top 10 tips to get the most out of your Registered Retirement Savings Plan:

1. Maximize Your Contribution. A $10,000 contribution equals $4,500 in deferred tax savings (assuming your tax bracket is 45%). Got lots of contribution room? Consider a RRSP loan. The tax savings should exceed the interest paid on the loan.
2. Contribute Early. Making a lump sum contribution in early March rather than…