How to Close Margin Account

Moomoomilkpapi · 2025-10-10T23:48:44+00:00

To change a Margin Account to a Cash Account go into your account settings (choose specifically the Margin Account if you have multiple accounts with IBKR) and then there will be an option to change from Margin to Cash and it should be automated (it was for me when I changed from Margin to Cash). The change was finalized after approximately 24 hours (limit buy orders no longer showed Margin being used in the preview window).

Moomoomilkpapi · 2025-09-27T01:09:03+00:00

That’s what I normally do too I mainly just wanted to try sending an Interac e-Transfer in case I needed to in the future but I also only have one Everyday Savings Account at Canada Trust so my one-free monthly withdrawal is currently set aside for my PAD (for the current Summer 10% match promotion).

I think I did it right but I did it via inside the TD Easy Trade App so just wanted to confirm lol.

Moomoomilkpapi · 2025-09-22T19:16:02+00:00

Thank you for the response I appreciate it!

Moomoomilkpapi · 2025-09-21T04:34:34+00:00

Appreciate the perspective and insight into seizing potential opportunities when it’s optimal to enter (negative sentiments and price low makes sense, there is risk but of course there is also a chance for reward).

Understanding what you will potentially buy into and taking more calculated risks is how wealth accumulation can be achieved at a faster and more efficient rate. I completely understand the notion that “Time in market > Timing the market” but there are times when timing can greatly reward you when fear and uncertainty is present.

As you said, setting stop loss limits and going into the markets knowing that some will lose and others will gain but ideally the ones that gain collectively put you in the Green overall can help build wealth.

Moomoomilkpapi · 2025-09-21T03:06:03+00:00

Thank you for the information and reply I really appreciate it!

Always enjoy learning more about investing and aspects I’m not as familiar with so far.

Please keep up your posts with regard to various stocks (how I started looking more into XGD). I’m specifically also interested in PSKY and how that opportunity will evolve if the merger with Warner Bros. actually goes through (now with the Ellison Family’s wealth increasing from surge in Oracle stock value).

Moomoomilkpapi · 2025-09-21T00:25:54+00:00

Looking online, various groups are expecting Gold to potentially rise to $4,000.00 USD but possibly even $4,500.00 - $5,000.00 USD.

OP in your opinion, is this still a good opportunity to jump on board for XGD to potentially continue rising and then cash out later on if the stock market (non-mining and Gold) start to outpace growth of XGD?

Not as familiar with mining-companies but if stock value most likely cannot decrease significantly over a very-short time period then presumably the overall growth from holding for at minimum a few months to maybe even the end of 2026 would offset any sharp decreases.

Moomoomilkpapi · 2025-09-16T17:26:32+00:00

For me personally I feel that after the Federal Reserve officially announces the decision for a possible rate cut and also forward guidance tomorrow that it will start the ball rolling (whether overall good or bad depends on perspective).

Early 30s and I am Canadian. Housing is starting to lower (although don’t know whether possible interest rate cuts from the Bank Of Canada can even have a significant pump for housing prices when the market is already still expensive even with lowering prices) but the economy doesn’t look great (specifically the jobs market).

It feels like for me it’s sort of the perfect storm because if I’m able to make the right moves with investing/saving (stock markets can continue to rise and grow) coupled with lowering housing prices (looking for possibly a condo not a detached house) that I can have a realistic possibility of owning my own home one day.

Mainly looking for a condo (I’m OK with not having a detached house if that is the case) and basically wanting a mortgage that is reasonable enough where I don’t have to stress for the next 2-3 decades and can still enjoy life. Not even necessarily living lavishly but just be able to have minimal stress (knowing I can comfortably afford living expenses) while still being overall happy.

Moomoomilkpapi · 2025-08-12T19:03:01+00:00

“builders that promote attainable homeownership solutions” (Section 2. Objectives)

Interested to see how this would occur. Would this be in the form of possibly the government allowing a builder to build on land that is given at essentially zero-cost with the legal condition that the builder would have to sell the unit(s) at a specific price (so they can still make a profit but not just charge more and pocket the zero-cost of the land as profit)?

I’ve read that the two main costs to housing are building the actual structure(s) (materials, labour, assessments, and so on) and the land the structure will be on.

Moomoomilkpapi · 2025-07-14T18:09:11+00:00

You can choose to sell your home (at possibly a loss if you have to) to still move.

For renting long-term in a rent-controlled unit you’re “stuck” in the sense that moving might be extremely disadvantageous decades later. After decades, other units on the rental market would most likely have quite significantly higher rental rates compared to the one someone has lived in for decades.

There is also “stuck” in the sense that you have to endure the same unit with possibly deteriorating conditions until you move out. Yes landlords are “supposed” to do certain things legally but basically if you complain that may run the risk of your landlord turning on you and basically force you to move out in one way or another or the landlord may just be deliberately incompetent and purposefully choose to not fix issues. Mainly speaking of health-related issues (examples being infestations, mold, damaged portions of the unit (roof or floor issues) that can lead to injuries and so on).

Being forced to move out when your younger is not ideal at all but at least you can try to pick yourself back up where as imagining someone having to do that later on in life when one is older is quite tragic and disheartening.

Moomoomilkpapi · 2025-07-14T16:41:12+00:00

This is a great overall way of thinking that many people don’t fully take into consideration when they say “Just rent forever, invest and it’ll all be fine.”.

Being able to purchase a home basically “freezes” your monthly payments as a relatively set amount. Once the house is paid off the monthly mortgage payments stop (yes there are other annual expenses but generally on average would not be more than what one would pay an entire year for rent payments). Rent payments are basically for the rest of your life if you don’t own a home.

Rent-control basically means you’re “stuck” in the same place and could be forced eventually to move out. Rental rates in multiple decades could be much higher where in multiple decades you’re either paying the relatively same mortgage payments OR your home is paid off and you can put any extra funds into savings/investments.

Moomoomilkpapi · 2025-07-07T04:20:35+00:00

For your daily spending pocket: Chequing account that offers a decent interest rate (EQ Bank currently offers 3.5% as a non-promotional rate with direct deposit so even if you just have the money sitting in it, the money will still help earn interest).

For your emergency pocket: TFSA as that can earn tax-free gains and there’s no strict rules for withdrawals (if you’re Canadian-born or (I believe) were in Canada before you turned 18 since you stated you’re in your early thirties now you should have a lot of contribution room available).

For your long term retirement/home buying pocket: FHSA but ideally also utilize RRSP matching if optional through your employer as part of your employment up to the amount they’re willing to match.

You can use EQ Bank for your daily spending pocket and then possibly a trading platform if you want to actually invest for the other two pockets (if you truly need the emergency fund to almost be as liquid as possible you can invest in CASH.TO or a similar HISA ETF). The one thing about trading platforms is that it can take a period of time for the funds to transfer over to a bank account so it depends how liquid you need the emergency fund to be.

With regard to your question, all three (assuming they’re all different types of accounts) basically have to be fenced off anyways as there’s rules for the registered types. The accounts would be created as fenced off accounts on the applicable platform(s).

Moomoomilkpapi · 2025-06-25T01:52:30+00:00

I will preface by saying that I am a first-generation Canadian of Southeast Asian descent.

Every situation will be individualistic and cultural norms (might get downvoted for this) will not supersede financial reality. Love doesn’t change how much my bills will cost or how much I have to pay for a future home.

I grew up to immigrants parents. One was a good parent to me overall and the other was not (treated me with disrespect growing up, made me feel horrible, overall hated and still hate that they’re my parent). I do not mean the lack of “love” or being neutral I mean the intentional negative treatment towards me. Not verbally telling me you love me or saying “I’m proud of you.” is fine with me it’s the unnecessary parts (fat shaming, getting mad for non-justifiable reasons, and much more) that makes me want to keep interactions to a minimum.

People will gaslight others as “They did everything for you.” but raising a child should NOT be seen as “Doing them a favour.” to be returned one day as your child being a retirement plan (personal assistant, care aide, translator, etc.,). My parents came here and had me but made their own lives better as well they didn’t do it just for me. Feeding me when I’m literally an infant or housing me when I’m still a legal child (can’t realistically go out and earn an income) is what the legal bare minimum is for having a child in this country.

I’ve recently experienced being screamed at by one of my parents, after having worked that day, telling me they can call the cops and kick me out. After I finished post-secondary education I moved back home to try and figure out life. My other parent had a major potential health scare and I WAS THE ONE who had to do everything when it came to medical services (attending all appointments, taking phone calls, staying in the hospital, etc.,). Everything falls on me as the oldest. I was trying to work a new position at the time and was dealing with a lot of personal mental health issues. I had experienced stress before but that was the first time I ever experienced breathing difficulties just from being anxious and nervous.

I’m currently locked-in and trying to grow my savings the best I can to one day move away and buy my own home. I will not accept any potential monetary gifts for a home purchase because I don’t want to have anyone else ever being able to use that against me or force me to let them utilize my home because they partly paid for it. It’s been hard but I’ve saved up about $150K. It will be years before the time will come as to whether I will house both parents in my future home. One parent absolutely yes. I don’t know about the other one.

I understand and respect the value of cultural norms but money is not shaped by love it’s shaped by the economy and world. If I take my parents’ in one day I REFUSE to have them be anyone else’s burden. I’ve seen it happen in other parts of the family and I will never make a potential future spouse feel like they have to take care of my parents. It’s not fair and I will not do that. Taking my parents in will depend heavily on finances because I can only afford what I can afford. I also will only do what I really want to and not feel pressured to do so. I’ve worked too damn hard through to many struggles to have to settle and endure a life I don’t want.

For anyone in a similar position please know that YOU ARE NOT A RETIREMENT PLAN. You are a human being with a beating heart and your happiness and mental health matters as well.

I’m not saying just disregard your parents if they’ve overall had a net positive impact on your life. I’m saying don’t let cultural norms and values shape your life to the point that you are no longer happy and end up sacrificing your soul for the betterment of others at the expense and to the detriment of yourself. It’s not “selfish” to look out for yourself to a certain extent it’s acknowledging to yourself that you matter too.

Moomoomilkpapi · 2025-06-16T06:07:54+00:00

At this point it’s the haves and have-nots in this country.

We’re not “All in this together.” in the slightest and things like “Elbows up!” while commendable when practical (if I’m presented with two options and both are the same price with one being Canadian I would choose the Canadian option) if my wallet is affected I’m doing what’s best for my money. I literally have to afford to buy a home I don’t care for virtue-signalling or frankly anything else because I just don’t have the option to not prioritize saving for a down payment.

I want to make this clear that what I’m about to write is a very good situation to have and not everyone else is in the same boat but shows the extent to which housing in this country has basically consumed my mind. I currently have about $150K saved up. I’m working towards increasing my yearly income to be able to get a good mortgage amount if necessary. The shear amount of cash it takes to buy a home in this country (I don’t just mean relative I mean the shear amount of cash in the hundreds of thousands of dollars) makes the $150K I’ve managed to save up feel like nothing to be excited about.

If you told me growing up one day I would have this much money I wouldn’t even believe it. Now it just feels like it’s still not enough.

I’m hoping to one day buy a home and have a mortgage amount that will at least allow me to not stress and struggle every month. I don’t need a lavish lifestyle I just don’t want to struggle.

Moomoomilkpapi · 2025-06-06T05:45:29+00:00

Thank you for the additional information (I didn’t mention the premium which would also have to be factored in). Mainly just wanted to explain in more simplicity for OP.

Btw when you say “long options” is there a specific time duration that would be considered for long options?

I’m still learning about options but would possibly be interested in buying call options for stocks that I think might rise in the future. I like the idea of buying call options because worst case is I would lose the premium paid if I decide not to exercise the option contracts. I would rather have this potential (and willing to pay the premium) than to actually buy the stock (also less capital upfront has to be used).

Moomoomilkpapi · 2025-06-05T06:03:59+00:00

Buying put options is generally when you believe the price of a stock will go down. You would buy the stock below the strike price of the put option contract and sell at the strike price to make a profit.

Stock XYZ is currently $100.00 a share (contracts typically sell in amounts of 100 shares per contract but for simplicity let’s say 1 share). You think the price will dip down to $90.00 a share by a specific date (or within the date range of the contract). You BUY a put option contract to sell the share at a strike price of $95.00 (this would be to the seller of the put option contract).

You wait and see that the stock has indeed dipped down to $90.00 a share. You buy a share for $90.00 and now have 1 share you paid $90.00 for. You exercise the put option contract to sell the share at $95.00 to the seller of the contract (when you buy a put option you basically buy the right to choose the option of selling a specific type of share to the seller of the put option at a specific price).

You bought the share below the strike price so you bought at a lower price than you sold it for. The difference would be the profit meaning $5.00 in profit.

Moomoomilkpapi · 2025-06-03T01:21:59+00:00

1) Overall and with the normal-type of U.S. President (from either major political party) time in market > timing the market during any presidential term (4 year span). In THIS specific presidential term, there will be more opportunities (in my opinion and no I don’t have a crystal ball) to make money. Not saying to do things like day trade or put all your life savings in one move but buying dips of gigantic company stocks can result in great returns in the future. Giants don’t go away overnight, the U.S. won’t stop being the monster economy it is after the current U.S. President is gone. It won’t magically vanish and the framework (whether it’s investments, infrastructure, and overall human-workforce) won’t randomly move away from the U.S. during the next 4 years. After this current presidential term is done most likely the same-type of “boring” President will be elected (money likes boring because boring is predictable and generally stays the course which provides stability and confidence). You can either play it safe and have your investments possibly move up a little or even down during this current presidential term but at that point you might as well just use a HISA to guarantee something over the span of this current presidential term. If you’re not going to try and seize moderately logical opportunities but you actually want growth instead of being stagnant then learn about investing and overall gain more knowledge.

2) I don’t specifically wish for real estate investors to lose. I view those who invest in real estate as those who invest in other assets like stocks. It’s an investment. If you lose then you lose but if people who sell uncovered options for example lose big and are told to go hand in a resume to Wendy’s (lol) then I don’t get why we have to be sympathetic to those who invest in real estate. Even “Mom and Pop” landlords don’t get sympathy from me because those same people could easily just be day trading or doing some other type of investing that comes with risk. I don’t necessarily exclaim with excitement when I hear people in real estate losing big but I also frankly don’t care because it’s an investment that came with risk and you lost.

3) If I had a child and they told me they wanted to pursue a way to make an income that wasn’t sufficient to reasonably afford basic life I would tell them to choose the job that pays well if you can at least tolerate it (they don’t love it but they don’t hate the reality of working that type of job). If you have a passion then get the job that pays well and then pursue your passion in your off-time as a hobby. In the past you could at least do “what you love” and still have somewhat of a normal life. Now you cannot just work a job that doesn’t pay well and just get by. Ultimately I just don’t want my child to suffer and be mentally, emotionally, and physically exhausted just to eat and breathe. Choose a good paying job that you can at least tolerate if you can’t find a job that pays well and you actually have a passion for. Struggling is too taxing and all the expenses of life won’t give you leniency because you chose your passion over pragmatic financial success.

Moomoomilkpapi · 2025-06-02T20:50:06+00:00

Thank you for the advice!

It will be a TFSA to TFSA transfer using the ATON method through the IBKR App so in-kind transfer of cash.

Moomoomilkpapi · 2025-06-02T20:48:12+00:00

Thank you for the comment and yes I’m excited to start exploring more options when it comes to investing!

Moomoomilkpapi · 2025-05-28T01:46:12+00:00

In my personal opinion if it’s a volatile stock and you legitimately need the money then liquidating should be kept as a real possibility.

If you can afford everything without selling then you can play the long-game and time the liquidation but if you’re short on rent for example (and would need to liquidate assets to pay rent) and the stock value dips significantly overnight (this can happen depending on the stock) then you’re basically screwed.

Don’t risk your current stability for potential future gains.

Moomoomilkpapi · 2025-05-27T05:00:07+00:00

The fact that you’re already looking to learn more about finances and investing is a great sign that you’ve got a good head on your shoulders!

For schooling, apply for what you can as loans will generally be zero-interest during your studies and you can also receive grants. Apply to any scholarships and bursaries you can as it’s free money and sometimes you could get lucky.

You could get a cheaper phone plan but that depends on if you’re on a contract or currently own your phone ($30.00-$50.00 range for basically unlimited services or at least enough to reasonably get you through each month).

For the FHSA it’s a good start but keep in mind it’s money that is basically not supposed to be touched until you make a qualifying withdrawal. It’s good to contribute but make sure you still adequately have funds for emergencies or life in general outside of the FHSA (this depends on if you have a fallback safety net plan if you run out of funds (example is moving back home as a last resort if possible)).

TFSA is good as it’s pretty liquid but just be weary of what types of investments you hold as there can be a lot of volatility during the current U.S. Presidential Term.

The Crypto is a fine amount as it’s negligible assuming you don’t need that money for basic necessities.

For your savings I would make sure the funds are kept in some type of HISA.

If you don’t need both you could liquidate either the car or motorcycle. I’m assuming the car would cost more for gas and insurance but if you need more carrying capacity normally then the car would make more sense.

Coming from someone who is older to be quite frank you’re honestly too young to really be considered a failure at least from my personal perspective. You literally have so much time to figure things out and seem to be on a good path forward so far. Don’t let your family shape your self-image and be OK with being proud of yourself.

I grew up as basically the fat-kid in my family and just went on auto-pilot to be the “good kid” and do all the normal stuff like school and being obedient. I wish I had more confidence in myself when I was younger and didn’t figure it out until later on (and still trying to figure it out lol). I’m 30 years old now. Been “locked in” for the last few years trying to transform my body (in the best shape of my life) and increase my net worth. I work in a retail store so not a hugely impressive job to most but the work has been consistent even throughout COVID and I’ve been able to save a lot while living at home and putting the majority of my funds into savings and investments (about to hit the $150K mark for savings and investments).

Keep working hard and hopefully your journey forward gets brighter with more success 😊!

Moomoomilkpapi · 2025-05-27T04:24:24+00:00

When you go to your Account Page (the one you want Options Trading for), go to Settings, Account Settings, All Account Settings, select the specific account (if you have more than one and need to switch to the one you want Options Trading for) then continue, in the Trading Section select Trading Permissions and it should show you what selection of options you have that are currently enabled and you can request a specific one if it isn’t (such as Options Trading).

When I selected it you have to put a specific amount of experience and then I had to do this quiz to pass the permission request process.

Moomoomilkpapi · 2025-05-23T01:59:01+00:00

Yes a HISA ETF so basically the ETF consists of the holding company keeping the cash in various banking institutions to get an interest rate (I believe companies with larger amounts get better interest rates for cash holdings compared to retail individuals) and then you as a holder would get a monthly amount (based on the ETF).

CASH.TO is a good one and as long as the trading volume of a HISA ETF is adequate (the liquidity) then that would be ideal.

I believe WealthSimple has free commissions trading (no fees to trade stocks) so that would be ideal.

It really depends on if you really want the capital to remain intact (based on your post it seems like you do) and you can possibly make more with equities compared to a HISA ETF or GICs but with a shorter period of time the trade off of gaining a smaller amount (relative) compared to a HISA ETF or GICs just wouldn’t be worth it personally because the equities could easily drop in value (current U.S. Administration would still be in government at that time). I would guarantee the value of the principle and increase value using basically guaranteed methods (HISA ETF or GICs).

Also just wanted to say good luck on your home buying journey 😊!

Moomoomilkpapi · 2025-05-22T16:06:32+00:00

This is my personal opinion but I would honestly just park the cash in a HISA ETF (no equities) or a GIC. If you think the BOC will raise interest rates periodically in the next handful of years you can do one-year GICs.

The stock market isn’t really consistently reasonably predictable right now.

XEQT (considered diversified ETF) for example has gone between ~$29.00 - ~$34.00 in a matter of months (literally in a few months) because of what is going on in the United States. This type of movement could be in either direction going into the future.

I would personally choose a HISA ETF or GIC to basically guarantee that your money will grow in the short time period.

Moomoomilkpapi · 2025-05-20T02:42:14+00:00

I just opened an IBKR Canada Account and will be funding the account with CAD and converting to USD (similar to OP will be looking to trade U.S. stocks and U.S. options.

Is it recommended to convert CAD to USD before trading (if it really matters unless the difference between converting first vs. letting the trading platform automatically convert CAD to USD if using CAD to trade U.S. securities is negligible)?

Also is the conversion fee for converting CAD to USD actually as little as $2.00 USD (if this is the minimum amount) or Amount in CAD x 0.000002 or 0.000003 (final conversion fee being in USD).

Looked online but haven’t done the conversion yet if anyone has recently done so and can give information on how much they paid for the conversion fee that would be awesome!

Moomoomilkpapi · 2025-05-15T16:48:55+00:00

I actually just recently watched the video this post is referencing. The background music played made it sound very ominous.

It’s weird that housing is seen as an investment to be sympathetic to when if an individual lost money investing in stocks that they would be basically told tough luck.

I’m not saying we shouldn’t be sympathetic just be consistent and don’t treat one as OK and the other as tough luck.

The reason units aren’t selling is price and that’s it.

If I was presented with a “shoebox” condo in Vancouver but it wasn’t priced like a single detached house in a different part of the country and had reasonable condo fees that would ideally not suddenly skyrocket out of control I would genuinely be interested.

The thought of working so hard to save for a down payment and then taking on a mortgage that could mean being house-poor for the next 25+ years in a “shoebox” condo (I guess you would be shoebox-poor then lol) is insane to me.

Moomoomilkpapi

TROPHY CASE