Q: Hi there - I've been researching into using a laddered GIC for my fixed income portion of my asset allocation. I stumbled upon target date bond etfs which look to share some similarities to a GIC in terms of fixed maturity date. My potential plan would be to have a ladder target date bond ETF instead of a ladder GIC. What would be your thoughts on this and what would the risks be? Additionally, there seem to be many etf providers who are creating these types of products. Which would be your recommended etfs to create such a ladder, maturing in 2026, 27, 28 etc.

Thank you!

Q: Hello 5i,

I have been retired for 4 years and i am now am about to turn 65. i have a DB pension from my previous employer with a bridge benefit that carries until my 65th birthday in a few months.

I have done some projections on maximizing both income over the course of my retirement. I have determined that in my case it appears that these results are optimized if i defer OAS and CPP until age 70...and i am fortunate that i can afford to do this.

At this point i am in the process of converting a enough of my investments to fixed income products to cover income requirements until age 70 (to avoid short term market volatility and help me sleep better at night). One of the products i am looking at is using laddered USD GICs as they have better returns than CAD GICs at this point. I understand you don't give personal advice but i am wondering if there are other options i should consider? Bonds for example? Other?

Thanks!!

Peter

Q: I am hoping you can help with some suggestions for review for a RRIF portfolio. The plan is for one third to be invested in a 5 year laddered bond portfolio. Is it best to buy bonds or an ETF ? Please suggest a couple of bond ETF's for review.

The remainder would be invested in equity ETF's. Half would go to 3 or 4 ETF's which would pay dividends and would have some growth potential. The remaining third would be invested in 3 or 4 ETF's focused on growth.

Obviously the dividend tax credit is of no benefit in the RRIF but currency fluctuations would be a consideration.

Any assistance you can provide would be appreciated.

Mike