Investing Fundamentals Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary reason that mutual funds are considered not tax efficient?

  • They invest only in government bonds.
  • They charge low fees for transactions.
  • They are exclusively held in tax-free accounts.
  • They pass on the tax burden to unit holders every year. (correct)

Which of the following statements is true about ETFs compared to mutual funds?

  • ETFs require higher management fees.
  • ETFs have more frequent capital gains.
  • ETFs are less liquid than mutual funds.
  • ETFs trade on stock exchanges. (correct)

Why do mutual funds tend to generate capital gains?

  • They are only vested in high-growth companies.
  • They always invest in foreign markets.
  • They provide fixed returns to unit holders.
  • They undergo high turnover as they buy and sell investments. (correct)

Which characteristic generally makes ETFs more tax efficient than mutual funds?

<p>Low turnover rates in their investments. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do ETFs typically handle buying and selling of shares?

<p>Shares are bought and sold primarily between investors. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of mutual funds leads to additional fees for investors?

<p>They charge loads and management fees. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key distinction between an ETF and a mutual fund?

<p>ETFs allow for intra-day trading while mutual funds do not. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What describes both ETFs and mutual funds in terms of investment?

<p>They pool investors' money for diversified portfolios. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended maximum withdrawal rate if you want to leave your principal intact for heirs?

<p>4% (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If you plan to retire at 65 and are currently 19, how many years do you have left to save?

<p>46 years (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

To be conservative in retirement planning, it may be advisable to assume which of the following?

<p>Inflation rate is higher than 2.5% (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following strategies does NOT contribute to successfully preparing for retirement?

<p>Ignoring tax changes (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the trade-off mentioned when deciding on withdrawal rates in retirement?

<p>Short-term spending vs. long-term wealth (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is considered the likely maximum safe withdrawal rate to avoid running out of money before death?

<p>5% - 6% (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common misconception about retirement plans?

<p>Everyone can afford to retire comfortably right away (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What amount should you use for your average annual compound rate of return when being conservative?

<p>6% (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should an individual prioritize in retirement income planning when in the lowest federal tax bracket?

<p>Use TFSA first (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

At which income level does an individual transition to having the option to choose between TFSA and RRSP?

<p>$55,868 - $111,732 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding U.S. investments held in an RRSP?

<p>They avoid any withholding taxes on dividends. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key disadvantage of U.S. ETFs when held in a TFSA?

<p>They incur a 15% dividend withholding tax. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a benefit of making contributions to an RRSP?

<p>Receipt of a tax refund based on the deduction (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant advantage of buying ETFs in the USA?

<p>Wider variety of available ETFs (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do the reported returns of ETFs differ when compared to U.S. stocks directly?

<p>One is reported in USD and the other is in CDN$. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What financial strategy should one undertake with the tax refund received from an RRSP contribution?

<p>Invest it wisely for future growth (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the most effective way to avoid 15% dividend withholding tax on U.S. stocks?

<p>Hold U.S. ETFs on U.S. exchanges in an RRSP. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of fund is explicitly mentioned as an option for hedged investments?

<p>Targeted Date Fund (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of investing in US ETFs?

<p>Potential for 15% withholding tax on U.S. dividends (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When should individuals consider using RRSP before TFSA?

<p>When their income enters the third tax bracket (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable characteristic of cryptocurrency compared to fiat currency?

<p>Cryptocurrency is generated by computers. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What benefit do U.S. ETFs have over those listed on Canadian exchanges?

<p>Lower MERs. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What emotional challenge might investors face when dealing with US ETFs?

<p>Worrying about USD/CDN exchange rate fluctuations (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between fiat currency and cryptocurrency regarding control?

<p>Fiat currency is monitored by a central authority. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main subscription fee for maintaining a USD dominated account mentioned?

<p>$10/month (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a reason that people may feel secure having a financial advisor?

<p>Managing investments with minimal fees (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one approach that DIY investors can take to improve their investment outcomes?

<p>Dollar cost averaging (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of investments do REITs allow you to access?

<p>Various types of real estate (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary drawback of investing in an individual REIT?

<p>It's similar to investing in a single stock and is risky (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a superior investment option compared to mutual funds?

<p>ETFs (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which asset allocation is recommended for long-term growth?

<p>100% equities (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key aspect of a withdrawal strategy mentioned in the content?

<p>Deciding on a fixed withdrawal rate each year (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of active investing?

<p>To beat the stock market’s average returns (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes passive investing?

<p>A buy-and-hold mentality with limited transactions (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about mutual funds is true in the context of active investing?

<p>Active managers of mutual funds have discretion over investments. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of an index fund?

<p>It tracks a specific market index automatically. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why do actively managed funds often charge higher fees?

<p>They require hiring experts and conducting in-depth research. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What approach do passive investors typically resist?

<p>Short-term market reactions (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a part of passive investing?

<p>Reacting to market fluctuations actively (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What kind of companies does the S&P 500 index represent?

<p>The 500 largest publicly traded companies in the U.S. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

RRSP (Registered Retirement Savings Plan)

A type of savings plan offering tax advantages. Deductible contributions reduce your current tax bill. Investments grow tax-deferred and you only pay tax when you withdraw in retirement.

TFSA (Tax-Free Savings Account)

A type of savings plan allowing tax-free growth and withdrawals. Contributions are not tax deductible.

Tax Brackets

The difference in the amount of tax you owe based on your income level (higher earners pay more).

Wise Use of RRSP Tax Refund

The use of your RRSP contribution tax refund to further grow your wealth.

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RRSP Matching

A government program that matches your RRSP contributions, increasing your retirement savings.

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ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds)

A type of investment that represents a basket of securities.

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Norbert's Gambit

This strategy involves converting Canadian dollars into US dollars for investment purposes.

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Withholding Tax

A tax deducted by the US government on dividends earned from US-based investments.

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Mutual Fund Tax Efficiency

Mutual funds are not tax-efficient because they pass on the tax burden for interest, dividends, and capital gains to unit holders every year.

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Mutual Fund Turnover

Mutual funds often buy and sell investments (turn over) frequently to chase the "next great stock." This generates capital gains.

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What are ETFs?

ETFs are a modern investment vehicle that allows investors to pool their money in a fund for diversification.

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ETF Trading

ETFs trade on stock exchanges, making buying and selling shares similar to trading stocks.

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ETF Charges

Unlike mutual funds, ETFs have minimal upfront charges and do not charge loads, but they may have MERs.

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ETF Turnover

ETFs usually have low turnover rates, holding stocks/bonds for longer periods, minimizing capital gains.

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ETF Tax Efficiency

ETFs are generally more tax-efficient than mutual funds because of their low turnover and direct investor-to-investor trading.

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ETFs vs. Mutual Funds: Vehicles of Investment

Both ETFs and Mutual Funds offer ways to invest in diversified portfolios of stocks or bonds - they are different vehicles for the same concept.

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Active Investing

An investing approach that requires active management and decision-making by an investor or portfolio manager, aiming to outperform market returns and take advantage of short-term price fluctuations.

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Active Money Management

A strategy that seeks to consistently outperform market returns by actively selecting and trading securities based on analysis, research, and market timing.

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Actively Managed Mutual Fund

A type of investment fund that is actively managed by a team of professionals who make buy and sell decisions for the fund's portfolio.

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Passive Investing

An investing approach that focuses on long-term growth by holding a diversified portfolio of assets, minimizing trading, and keeping costs low.

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Index Fund

A type of investment fund that tracks a specific market index, such as the S&P 500, buying and holding the same securities in the same proportions as the index.

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Market Index

A list of stocks that represent a specific segment of the market, often based on market capitalization, industry, or geographic location.

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Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF)

A type of investment fund that offers similar characteristics to a mutual fund, but is traded on an exchange like a stock, allowing for greater flexibility and transparency.

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Mutual Fund

A type of investment fund that allows investors to own a diversified portfolio of securities in a single basket, providing instant exposure to a particular market segment or asset class.

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What do Financial Advisors Do?

Investment advisors can help with:

  1. Asset Allocation: Choosing the right mix of stocks, bonds, and other assets.
  2. Withdrawal Strategy: Planning how and when to take money out of your investments.
  3. Tax Efficiency: Minimizing your tax burden on your investments.
  4. Product Allocation: Choosing the best investment vehicles like ETFs, mutual funds, etc.
  5. Goal Setting and Planning: Helping you define your financial goals and create a plan to reach them.
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Asset Allocation

The process of deciding how to distribute your investment money among different asset classes like stocks, bonds, real estate, etc. It's about balancing risk and reward.

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Withdrawal Strategy

A strategy for taking money out of your investments, including when and how much to withdraw. It's key for retirement planning.

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Tax-efficiency

Investing in a way that minimizes your tax bill, using strategies like tax-advantaged accounts or efficient investment choices.

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Product Allocation

Choosing the right type of investment products, like ETFs (exchange-traded funds) or mutual funds. They each have different features and costs.

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Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)

A company that invests in and owns real estate, offering investors a way to participate in the real estate market without directly buying property.

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Dollar-Cost Averaging

Investing a fixed amount of money regularly over time, regardless of the market's ups and downs. This helps average out the cost of your investments and reduces risk.

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RRSP Investment Dividends

A type of investment that pays dividends, but does not withhold income tax on dividends paid to investments held inside an RRSP.

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TFSA Investment Dividends: US

A US investment that pays dividends and withholds 15% income tax on dividends paid to investments held inside a TFSA.

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Canadian Domiciled ETF

A type of ETF domiciled in Canada that invests in US stocks. It is subject to a 15% withholding tax on dividends even if held in an RRSP.

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CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate)

The rate of return on an investment over a period of time, often expressed as an annualized percentage.

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Hedged ETF

A type of ETF that hedges against foreign exchange fluctuations, typically with a higher MER.

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Fiat Currency

Physical currency issued by governments and monitored by central authorities, with an unlimited supply and restricted by borders.

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Cryptocurrency

Digital currency generated by computers, decentralized, with a limited supply and unseizable.

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Tax Evasion

The act of intentionally concealing income or assets to avoid paying taxes.

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Withdrawal Rate

The percentage of your retirement portfolio you withdraw each year to cover your expenses.

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4% Withdrawal Rate

A withdrawal rate that aims to maintain your retirement savings for a long time, potentially allowing you to leave a legacy for your heirs.

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Higher Withdrawal Rate (e.g., 5-6%)

A withdrawal rate that increases the risk of running out of money before you die, but allows for higher spending in retirement.

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Conservative Retirement Planning

A strategy that considers various factors like inflation, taxes, and investment returns, to create a realistic retirement plan.

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Reviewing Your Retirement Plan

Adjusting your retirement plan regularly to reflect changes in your life, financial situation, and economic conditions.

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What-If Scenarios

The ability to adapt your retirement plan based on different scenarios, like market fluctuations or unexpected expenses.

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Freedom Years vs. Legacy

The balance between enjoying your retirement years and ensuring you have enough savings for future generations.

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Study Notes

Investing Fundamentals #1

  • Top 1% earners globally earn $60,000 USD annually after tax.
  • Building a solid financial foundation involves several key strategies:
    • Wise investments
    • Obtaining wealth
    • Helping others
  • Achieving financial freedom by investing now for greater future wealth.

Investing Fundamentals #2

  • Stock is a claim on a company's assets and earnings.
  • Stockholders are entitled to earnings and voting rights.
  • Public companies sell stock on exchanges (Toronto or New York).
  • Stock prices fluctuate daily based on supply and demand.

Investing Fundamentals #3

  • Mutual funds pool investor money for a common goal.
  • Mutual fund managers invest in various assets (stocks, bonds).
  • Each fund has a stated purpose, e.g., U.S. Large Cap funds, only investing in large U.S. companies.
  • Fund performance is measured by net asset value (NAV).

Investing Fundamentals #4

  • Buy and sell ETFs/Stocks throughout the day, just like individual stocks.
  • ETFs are generally less expensive than mutual funds and have lower "turnovers".
  • Use a brokerage account (RRSP, TFSA or taxable) to buy and sell investments.

Investing Fundamentals #5

  • Fiat currency is issued by governments, centralized, and has unlimited supply.
  • Cryptocurrencies are digital, decentralized, have a limited supply, and aren't restricted by borders.
  • Crypto is often associated with tax evasion.
  • How much to invest monthly for retirement:
    • Set a monthly (post-tax) retirement goal.
    • Convert the goal to pre-tax.
    • Adjust for inflation, which reduces purchasing power.
    • Determine a withdrawal rate.
    • Estimate years until retirement.
    • Calculate monthly investment needed for goal.

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