"Real Estate Bits - 2"

January 2005

Money Matters ...

Presented By: Nino Pasquariello - Manager - Scotiabank

(416) 932-3034

E-Mail: nino.pasquariello@scotiabank.com

"Maximize Your RSP, Maximize Your Retirement."

The purpose of your RSP is to give you the opportunity to grow your retirement savings in a tax-free environment. First, that means you are saving the entire dollar you contribute, not the 67 cents or so it becomes after tax*.

Second, this dollar grows tax-free, while it remains in your RSP. Third, your earnings, since they remain in your account, are then also earning returns. Every dollar of savings and growth can generate returns, otherwise known as compound growth.

To take full advantage of this powerful savings tool, here are five tips to help you max out your RSP contributions:

1. Know how much you are entitled to contribute each year.

Every year, Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) sends you a Notice of Assessment indicating your RSP contribution limit for the current year. If you do not have this Notice, you can visit the Canada Revenue Agency website at www.cra-arc.gc.ca for an update.

Currently, you may contribute 18% of your 2004 earned income, up to $15,500.

2. Catch up on unused RSP contributions.

You can do this by borrowing money to invest in your RSP. The cost of borrowing money for your RSP is often lower than the long-term returns you may get in your RSP. Speak with your financial advisor to find out if this option is right for you.

3. Split your income with your spouse.

Income splitting involves one family member in a higher tax bracket shifting income to another family member in a lower tax bracket. In this way, you can build up RSP savings in your spouse's name. When you retire, the total tax paid by both of you may be reduced.

4. Make contributions regularly instead of once a year.

Many Canadians find it difficult to contribute to their RSP in February because they are still paying their December bills. Contributing small amounts every paycheque instead of in one lump-sum makes saving easier to do.

5. Make your contributions automatic using pre-authorized contributions.

When you pre-authorize your contributions, a fixed amount (chosen by you) is transferred automatically from your bank account to your RSP.

Find out how easy it is to take full advantage of RSPs this year by contacting Nino Pasquariello, Branch Manager from Scotiabank at Yonge and Eglinton.

* Based on income taxed at 33%.

Regards,

Nino.

"Tricks Of The Trade"

"Travel Stuff"

Considering the temperature outside (burrrrrrrrr) - it might be a great time to think about booking a trip to the sunny south, somewhere - anywhere. Assuming this getaway is on your agenda and you don't plan on taking a steamer trunk - more like a bikini or a Speedo - this packing checklist is a handy reminder for your jaunt to sunny climes.

Men: Bathing suit - underwear - pj's - tee shirts - shorts - at least one dress shirt and a pair of slacks - belt - one sports coat & tie - one casual sweater - shoes - socks - sandals - sports wear & any equipment like your favourite tennis gear - bathroom stuff.

Women: Bathing suit(s) - underwear - nightgown - tee shirts - shorts - dress (one casual and one jazzy evening number) - slacks - sweater - shoes & sandals - accessories galore for us gals - make up - sports wear - bathroom stuff.

Miscellaneous: Traveller's cheques - proof of travel/health insurance - personal identification - credit card(s) - plane tickets - passport - birth certificate - sun glasses - reading glasses and contact lense accessories - camera & film or battery - cell phone for those of you who just can't be out of touch - alarm clock - travel umbrella - any required medication - tiny travel sewing kit - hair dryer/robe (check with your hotel - many of them supply these items) - a big thick, juicy novel for the beach - sun screen - any "special needs" you or a family member may have - any phone numbers that you might need in an emergency along with a contact at home to handle anything important for you in your absence.

That just about does it. Now all you have to do is find a warm destination, speed dial to book a ticket and you're outta here. Enjoy & remember to send me a postcard!

Regards,

Rosemary ...

Okay, Okay - Here's "The Joke"

Dan and Jeannie had saved for two years for their dream vacation in Italy. They lived in a small town about an hour from Toronto and decided to spring for a limo ride to the airport. They settled into the back seat of the luxury car and enjoyed the ride to the big city, talking and laughing about all the places they planned to visit and the wonderful food and wine in Tuscany. When they pulled up at "Arrivals", Jeannie looked at Dan and said, "Gee, Honey I wish we had our television set with us". Dan laughed and replied, "Don't be silly, why on earth would we want the TV in Italy"? Jeannie shrugged and said, "Because the plane tickets are on top of it".

Guest Columnist - Cheryl Fraser

Cheryl Fraser

"Zilberschmuck - Art-Jewellery"

1852 Queen Street East, Toronto (416) 693-7109

WebSite: www.zilberschmuck.com E-Mail: zilberschmuck@rogers.com

What does Zilberschmuck mean? Silberschmuck is a German word meaning "silver jewellery". The "S" is pronounced as a "Z" sound so we spelled it that way for our English-speaking customers. Schmuck translations range from little treasure to ornament.

While travelling I have always sought out local jewellers' studios looking for artists who create unique, fabricated jewellery. I have studied jewellery design and have created silver pieces of my own over the past years.

It occurred to me that there were wonderful Canadian artists that would love to showcase their work in a gallery along with visual artists.

Zilberschmuck Art-Jewellery was created to bring together finely crafted artisan jewellery with visual arts. All work represented at the gallery is produced by artists living and working in Canada. Painters and photographers show their work at the gallery along side the work of the jewellers.

I commissioned Toronto metal artist Shao-Pin Chu to design and create the display cases. These steel and glass display boxes raise the jewellery inside up to be viewed like individual sculptures.

Shao-Pin Chu studied industrial sheet metal fabrication in Taiwan before immigrating to Canada where he studied goldsmithing. He is the recipient of an Award for Teaching Excellence for 2004 at George Brown College, as well as, the Winner of the Bank of Montreal, Best in Show, and, Best cast metal award, at the Toronto Outdoor Exhibition, 1999.

Presently, Zilberschmuck features 40 jewellers from across Canada exhibiting a wide range of styles, techniques and materials.
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Most of the work is sterling silver, but we also carry titanium, stainless steel and gold. As most of our jewellers are goldsmiths they can create custom work in platinum and gold.

Visual art exhibitions change every 6 weeks with shows of paintings, drawings, photography and mixed media.

Whether your interest is in the art or the jewellery we invite you to come in and visit us and enjoy some of Canada's talented artists.

Guest Columnist - Changes monthly

These are just some of the professionals who can help you with your home ownership concerns. If you subsequently choose to establish a business relationship with any person/company then you should be sure to define the specific details of the relationship or business contract before you proceed.

• Ask A Lawyer?
• Ask A Painter?
• Ask A Surveyor?
• Ask A Designer?
• Ask An Accountant?
• Ask A Tradesperson?
• Ask A Home Inspector?
• Ask A Financial Adviser?
• Ask A Colour Specialist?
• Ask An Insurance Broker?
• Ask An Interior Decorator?
• Ask A Web-Site Designer?
• Ask A Kitchenware Retailer?
• Ask A Landscape Designer?
• Ask An Employment Lawyer?
• Ask A Banker/Mortgage Broker?
• Ask A Firecode/Retrofit Specialist?
• Ask A Garden Sculpture Specialist?
• Ask A Basement Waterproofing Specialist?

The above article(s) provide information that is of a general nature only and is never intended to be a substitute for advice specific to your particular concern. No one should act upon such information without appropriate advice and/or consultation.

Business Referrals:

Client & Networking referrals are the foundation of a successful real estate agent’s career.  Over many years in this industry I have enjoyed the confidence & repeat business of my clients.  I appreciate your on-going support and want you to know that I will always look after friends & colleagues you refer to me with professionalism, care and respect.

Please Call Me With Any Real Estate Questions.
I'm Always Here To Help!

Rosemary Wright

Sales Representative - Sutton Group-Bayview Realty Inc.

Bus: (416) 483-8000 Fax: (416) 463-0159

Web-Site: www.rosemarywright.com

E-mail: mail@rosemarywright.com

Direct Page: (416) 582-1216

This newsletter is never sent unsolicited. If you wish to be removed, please reply to this e-mail with the words: "Remove from Newsletter" in the subject line or call me at (416) 483-8000 to request removal.

The intent of the newsletters - "Real Estate Bits " & "Real Estate Bits -2" is to provide information to you regarding real estate. Personal details such as your name, contact information and address are never revealed to anyone without your consent. In accordance with the new Privacy Act, your consent must be given (either implicitly or explicitly) to receive these newsletters. If you do not want to receive my newsletters - please notify me. My newsletters are not intended to solicit Buyers or Sellers who are currently under contract with any Broker.

The information and opinions contained, statistics and articles are courtesy of TREB, CMHC or other individuals or companies and are believed to be reliable, but their accuracy is not guaranteed. Sutton Group-Bayview Realty Inc. and Rosemary Wright accept no responsibility whatsoever for any loss arising from any use or reliance on the accuracy and timeliness of the information contained herein. Every endeavour is made to ensure accuracy. These newsletters do not render financial, legal, accounting, home inspection or professional advice. They are for general educational purposes only. They do not offer do-it-yourself advice. We encourage you to always contact the appropriate professionals or specialists to address your individual needs.