Investment Planning

Canadians making the transition to the US typically leave some investment accounts or RRSPs/RRIFs in Canada thinking they will just continue managing their accounts as they always have.  The reason most often quoted for leaving these investments in Canada is they will lose money if they convert loonies to US dollars now.  What folks don't realize is that it is not "business as usual" and there are complications with the accounts in Canada while you are resident in the US .  If the decision to move the investment assets to the US is made, there are other complications and unforeseen obstacles to overcome.  Following are some of the things you should consider in the area of investment planning: 

Interesting Links

	TD Ameritrade - discount brokerage firm in the US
	TD Waterhouse Canada - discount brokerage firm in Canada
	Index Funds - good information on these low cost vehicles
	Dimensional Fund Advisors - mutual funds available exclusively to clients of fee-only advisors like us
	Vanguard - mutual funds not available in Canada
	iShares - the pre-eminent provider of exchange-traded funds in both Canada and the US
	SPIVA Report - S&P Index Versus Active Funds Scorecard
	Morningstar Canada - information on Canadian stocks, mutual funds
	Morningstar US - information on US stocks, mutual funds
	Nasdaq
	New York Stock Exchange
	American Stock Exchange
	Chicago Board of Trade
	Chicago Board Options Exchange
	Toronto Stock Exchange
	Montreal Exchange
	Nasdaq Canada