Yes, the topic of the week was the final extraction of funds my kids’ TD Mutual Funds RESP account, and while I did finally succeed it is the process that I was very unhappy enduring. It has been suggested I write a book about this, but I think this is more like material for a bad stand up comedy routine, and the scary part is that I must endure this again soon, for the winter term? I cringe to think what that process may do to my sanity.
This week I wrote about: how the Bank of Canada decided to Keep Interest Rates the Same, and then the RESP world kicked in with RESP This Round Finally Ends (Prologue), RESP The Actual Cashing in, RESP: Lessons Learned. and finally Random Thoughts: Look up, Waaay UpI hope that I don’t write about this subject for a while, but as I mentioned, the winter term is coming soon, and I expect bills for that right away.
Luckily, other folks haven’t written as much about RESPs this week, so there is some excellent posts from other folks in the Personal Finance Blog world:
- Michael James took a macabre twist on my RESP rants with his post RESP as a Weapon, which caused me to be taken aback by his raw cunning.
- Mike Holman has published an excellent book on RESPs and MillionDollarJourney is one of many financial bloggers Reviewing and Giving a Copy Away of this fine book. I have a copy, but due to family obligations, I haven’t been able to read it yet.
- You’d like to buy a copy of this book instead, well follow this link then The RESP Book: The Complete Guide to Registered Education Savings Plans for Canadians, I am sure Mike would appreciate that too!
- Mike at MoneySmartsBlog takes on a prickly subject and speaks In Defense of Mutual Fund DSC Fees for Small Investors, I don’t buy it, but it’s an interesting argument (given how I have had so much fun with Mutual Funds lately).
- Financial Highway wants to know are Your Personal Finance Stresses Killing You? In my case, very slowly, but yes, I think the stress of money may well be shortening my life (but I’d be smoking otherwise, so I’ll stick with worrying about money for now).
- Echo talks about one of my favorite topics Use a Credit Card: Get Free Groceries, which I do a lot myself.
- BalanceJunkie asks another ticklish question Stocks All in or All Out which has caused quite a ruckus on the web, go over and voice your opinions.
- Financial Cents gives a Thanksgiving that TransAlta Prices Remain Low, which is interesting, but doesn’t have much to do with turkey (I hope).
OK, I guess I did keep sticking with the whole RESP thingy for now, my apologies, I am starting to sound like a broken record (for those of you who don’t know that that is, ask your Dad).
Remember
“If you can count your money, you don’t have a billion dollars.”
Author: J. Paul Getty
Well, the one good thing about this whole trial for you is that perhaps next term you won’t be caught by surprise?
Just read about your RESP issues. I am glad that it’s finally over. I don’t have kids yet so haven’t ventured into the RESP zone. I am sure your experience will help me in future.
Much to read this weekend!
Thanks for the mention BCM! The only thing turkey, Thanksgiving and TransAlta have in common, they all begin with the letter t.
Enjoy your weekend and rest up from your TD RESP experience 🙂
Thanks for the mention! Much appreciated.
I can’t wait to repeat your RESP ordeal with TD in 16 years. Thanks for the mention!
Thanks for the link.
Glad your RESP ordeal is over (for now). Hopefully someone from TD will read about your experience and maybe fix up their process a bit??
Mike
No unfortunately the last TD person I spoke to seemed mostly interested in who(m) they should fire for telling me about how screwed up their system is.
The next time your neighbour’s dog barks too much, be sure to take out RESPs on his kids. Thanks for the mention.
I’m glad your ordeal is in remission for now. I hope it goes better for the winter term. Thanks for the mention and have a great weekend! 🙂