Random Bond and TFSA Thoughts

This week a new pair of interesting topics arose in the world Financial Blogs, the changes that the government has passed to fix some loopholes in the TFSA program and a few bloggers pointing out that Bond Mutual Funds may seem “safe” right now, but if interest rates rise these funds are not as “safe” as you might think they are.

The proposed TFSA changes specific can be found on the Department of Finance web page and it outlines what and why will be changed in the system itself.

• Michael James points out why some of these changes are put in place with TFSA Changes Likely to Help Investors but he also comments on Bond Mutual funds in The Future of Bonds that you should read as well.
• Rob Carrick comments specifically on the Mutual Fund Bond issue in Latest Horror Flick: Attack of the Bond Market worth reading as well if you think your bond money is safe.
• The Canadian Capitalist also comments on the TFSA changes and also wants to know Why Ban Swap Transactions in TFSA Accounts ?
• Million Dollar Journey commented on the Proposed TFSA Changes as well, pointing out it most likely won’t affect (effect?) John Q. Public.
• Larry MacDonald replies to MacKenzie Financial’s “commentary” on ETF’s with I Thought I wanted a Mutual Fund , interesting how the Mutual Fund industry is not getting quite worried by ETF’s cutting into their profit margins.
• Gail Vaz-Oxlade did a Retirement Rant that is both entertaining and informative. I dare you to tell her why you aren’t saving, I dare you!
• Preet, who is looking for Folks to Be on the W Network With Him puts to rest some misconceptions about ETFs in ETF Does Not Mean Index well worth a read.

Read over these posts, very useful stuff for investors!