It's the holiday season and we know you have a lot on your to-do list. But don't wait till RRSP and tax season to start thinking about how to reduce your tax bill for 2009. Some strategies require that you act by Dec. 31. Consider these: Use up capital losses. If you're selling investments this year and have capital losses, you can apply them to capital gains realized in 2009 to save tax. Any...

We're coming up to Year 2 for this gem of a tax-efficient investment vehicle. And if you haven't used up your $5,000 allowance from 2009, you will soon have the opportunity to invest up to $10,000 in a Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA). You and every adult in your family! Here, in a nutshell, are the prime benefits of a TFSA: You don't pay tax on any kind of earnings - ever. Any unused co...

This article refers to joint tenancy with right of survivorship, whereby on the death of one joint owner, the asset passes automatically to the surviving owner, bypassing the will and probate. A lot of people think about making their homes or investment accounts joint with a family member to avoid probate fees, or for convenience to help manage the asset. Though generally a good idea with a s...