Investment

Thank you - I hadn't blushed in a while (and a thank you to Skip too).

93769557&sr=1-5 The link above should go to a text on the subject of "wealth management" from a provider's point of view - it clarifies some misconceptions one might draw from news media and advisors' assertions and recommendations. It also references Graham and Dodd. The attempt is made to give a comprehensive perspective, as opposed to specific market suggestions, and as such is very useful for those who are not "wealthy." There are a lot of similar books. This one includes some procedure for sizing up one's client's psychology and objectives, and a reader could use it to plan towards their objectives.

I didn't write it and have no interest in it's sales or anything, it just popped up in a search. I do own a copy, and find it very interesting to discover how much there is I wasn't aware of. Even more comprehesive would be a text on economics with sections on investment and the role of capital, from the entrepreneur to the mutual fund investor. It makes it easier to see where one fits in.

Happy New Year 2011 to all! May it bring happiness and prosperity to you!

It's bit more complicated than this, but the basic idea is that dividends are "qualified" if they were from income already taxed at the corporate level. That means that dividends from bonds are pretty much never qualified (because businesses deduct them as an expense). And it means that dividends which are pass-through income from untaxed entities (ie. REITS generally) are also not qualified.

(There are some holding period rules, too, but the above is the main idea)

So bonds and reits - keep them in your IRA.

have been to questions concerning financial planning for those in the U.S. I think most of the readers by far are in the U.S. Now and then I think a Canadian has asked a question and received some kind of answer.

It seems to me though that guides on diversification and asset allocation discussed here apply pretty much worldwide.

It's for anyone who wants to discuss financial planning issues.

Most of the regulars (some of whom are quite knowledgeable and experienced) are US-based. Sometimes we get some Canadians (always talking about their RRSP), and I can't remember the last time we saw folks from other places with questions specific to their locales. But nothing is stopping them from joining the discussion.

Short term treasuries.

For long term it would be stocks, which you are not interested in.