What to do with $500, $1,000 or $10,000 right now
by Jonathan Chevreau | July 19, 2020
original source: https://www.moneysense.ca/save/financial-planning/what-to-do-with-500-1000-or-10000-right-now/
If you’ve been fortunate to keep a steady income during COVID-19, chances are all of the time you’ve spent in lockdown has resulted in a few extra dollars in your bank account. Experts offer advice on what to do with those “surprise” savings.
If you’re among the fortunate Canadians whose income has remained constant during the extended COVID-19 lockdown, all this staying at home should mean more money in your pocket. It’s been so long since I had to drive anywhere, my car’s side mirrors are literally gathering cobwebs; we eat out much less; and we can’t yet go to movies, sports events or the theatre.
What to do with this bonanza of found savings? We asked four experts what they recommend clients do with an extra $500, $1,000 and $10,000.
Adrian Mastracci, portfolio manager with Vancouver-based Lycos Asset Management Inc., suggests any extra savings should be “parked out of sight” for a month or two while you analyze your needs and options: “Don’t rush into anything, no matter how appealing.”
Parking extra cash in a savings account is a starting point, and couples need to figure out whose money it is for tax purposes. Of course, savings accounts pay almost nothing, so the tax burden will be relatively light for the partner who elects to claim it.
On the other hand, if you owe money, interest charges will be more substantial. (Funny how that works!) So, repaying debt—particularly high-interest credit-card debt—is a top-notch, risk-free way of deploying cash, Mastracci says. Trimming lines of credit, student loans or mortgages is always prudent. Donating to charity may confer some tax benefits.
Those with their own businesses may consider adding to business capital. If you pay taxes by installment or expect to have to pay tax time next April, setting funds aside for that purpose is prudent. Or you could lend it out at the CRA’s prescribed rate to whichever spouse is in a lower tax bracket.
Certified Financial Planner Aaron Hector, vice-president of Calgary-based Doherty Bryant Financial Strategists, says those nervous about their employment status should leave the money parked while they wait and see what transpires. “Flexibility is very important, and cash provides flexibility.” You should determine if there really are true savings or you are simply experiencing a delayed expense, as may be the case if a planned vacation was cancelled because of COVID. If so, that money will eventually be spent, Hector says, “so I think it is reasonable to park that money in a high-interest account and wait.”
Only if there really are excess funds would Hector suggest staying true to an existing investment plan. “Unless there is a fundamental change in risk tolerance or goals, they should keep doing what they were doing previously.”
These articles are for general informational purposes only. Please obtain professional advice before taking any action based on this information. No endorsement or approval of any third parties or their advice, information, products or services should be implied by any references to third parties contained in any article. Trademarks cited in these articles are the respective properties of their owners.
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