Oaken Blog

News, information, useful resources and guest writers on a wide variety of topics

By Scott Boyd May 24, 2016

Following our earlier examination of the Canada Pension Plan and the factors that affect how your benefits are calculated, you may be left wondering if there’s a good argument for starting your CPP benefits before you turn 65. read more

Understanding CPP Benefits Calculation

By Scott Boyd May 10, 2016

All Canadian workers pay into the Canada Pension Plan, or the Quebec Pension Plan if residents of the province of Quebec. read more

Will Canada Join The Negative Interest Rate Club?

By Scott Boyd April 11, 2016

In discussing its recent decision to hold the benchmark lending rate steady at 0.5 percent, Bank of Canada Governor Stephen Poloz did not rule out the possibility of implementing a negative interest rate if the economy doesn’t show increased strength in the coming months. read more

Extended Absence: Impacts On Canadian Pensions & Benefits

By Scott Boyd March 07, 2016

A couple of months back, we published a piece in the Oaken Blog outlining how the sharing of border information now makes it easier for U.S. and Canadian authorities to track how long travellers spend outside their home country. read more

7 tips to stretch your travel budget

By Scott Boyd February 19, 2016

With the holiday season now long behind us, and several months yet until the busy summer travel season begins, we’ll soon be into what the travel industry refers to as the “shoulder season”. read more

RSPs, TFSAs and your retirement strategy

By Scott Boyd February 01, 2016

The Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) was frequently in the news during last year’s federal election campaign. read more

Creating retirement income with an annuity

By Scott Boyd January 21, 2016

When it comes time to convert your RSPs or other accumulated savings into steady retirement income, the choices primarily come down to transferring funds into a RIF, or purchasing an annuity. read more