Investment Q&A

Q: I have transferred my RRIF account from a broker and I plan to self-mange that account. The cash balance as of today is $290,000. I'm 88 years old so I need strong cash flow and/or capital gains to meet the required annual distribution. Please provide a list of stocks and ETFs that 5i would recommend for that purpose. Thanks for your valued assistance.

Q: Can you comment on the structure of VRIF? Is it suitable for someone retiring in 5 years that is planning to live off of distributions?

Thanks

Joe

Q: Hey there,
All of these etfs pay good dividends for a retiree. Can you compare/contrast the risks associated with each and in particular, and is there any compelling reason to switch to VRIF?

Thanks

Q: Hello 5i,

I am looking to create a sector diversified portfolio, that will provide dividend income
each month throughout the year? Preferably yields over 4%, reits, and etfs are acceptable. Even better would be payouts at the beginning of each month?

Thanks for your help
Stephen

Q: I am resending this question. Hope this reaches you this time around.
Prior to asking this question I re-read your answers to my own question on VRIF(!!) in September and your answers to others as well. I read Barkha's excellent article on VRIF in this month's ETF&Mutual fund update. I read your answer to my question about asset allocation and read the articles you suggested but not the book. Difficult to get hold of it  in the library.
I also was intrigued by Gregory's question on ETFs based asset allocation in October and looked up ETF and Mutual fund newsletter and reviewed ETF based portfolios including Richard Morrison's excellent update.
Question: IF, I know this is a big IF VRIF is has a steady return of 4 % (it may have to dip into capital ROC some years, I understand and accept it), then can I invest most, say 60 to 70% of my portfolio in it and the rest in some other ETF (just one may be two) to enhance the return? Richard Morrison in ETF&MF update says most of the performance in Growth ETF portfolio comes from XQQ. Our smallish pensions plus minimum RRIF withdrawal in the future may well help us to retire with peace of mind. We are looking at our monthly needs and construct a portfolio accordingly and VRIF+? 1-2 ETFs+pensions may do the trick we feel. Instead of 10 to 13 ETFs what ETFs would you suggest to enhance a VRIF centered portfolio? 
Kudos to CMS November/December edition. It is as if you thought of pre retirees/retirees like us and published it! I read it quickly but it needs a more in depth study. 

Q: I was looking at the credit Quality of the bonds. 41% are rated BBB. To me this seems quite high risk, considering all the debt that has been issued as of late. This makes up 24% of the Vanguard Retirement Income Fund ETF Portfolio.
Im thinking of selling my BNS430 and purchasing the Vanguard retirement Portfolio ETF VRIF.
Would the risk Factor be equal, and with the high MER would you prefer the VRIF over the BNS430
Thanks

Q: Rob Carrick reported in the Globe yesterday that Vanguard is starting a new retirement income ETF (VRIF) today targeting 4% yield and expects it to be big. Do you think this is suitable for a later stage RESP investment, and if not could you suggest some specific investments that you feel would be appropriate for RESP's where withdrawals may take place in 2- 3 years. Thanks

Q: Hi,
I agree with The Globe and Mail columnist about this ETF from Vanguard in today's Globe. This is going to be popular. What's your take on this? Wait till BMO and Blackrock introduce their own version? I like BMO all in one ETFs. 0.31 VS 0.25 MER for the other all in one ETFs.