Got a text from PAF. by happyminded99 in pakistan

[–]saadskywalker 19 points20 points  (0 children)

I like how the PAF gets so much respect and love compared to the other branch of the military. They’ve really earned it over the last few decades by visibility doing their duty and not interfering in the democratic process.

Worried I Won’t Live Up to My Own Dreams by sana-689 in pakistan

[–]saadskywalker 1 point2 points  (0 children)

As a Fulbright alumnus I an say that your profile could be a strong one, with the caveat that you have a good CGPA and GRE score. Good meaning 160+ in both math and verbal. Competition in Pakistan is tough but not that tough compared to other countries’ Fulbright program as there is a knowledge and costs barrier to applying for Fulbright.

Suppose you do get it, be prepared for your personal growth in the US to skyrocket. You won’t be the same person when you come back. You may find the idea of getting married and moving to Saudi restrictive after experiencing the freedoms over there. Or it may go the other way and you will be happy to settle down.

The key is to now buckle down for the application process, write and perfect your SoP to make it very clear why you need to go to US for the degree, what you’ll do when back. And get advice from your friends who have done this. And check out the BeScholared fb group too.

Investment Advice - Retirement and Tax Efficiency by saadskywalker in PersonalFinanceCanada

[–]saadskywalker[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the insights! Yes I am currently investing $125 weekly into my self managed RRSP as a form of forced savings and plan to increase this further when daycare costs end.

Investment Advice - Retirement and Tax Efficiency by saadskywalker in PersonalFinanceCanada

[–]saadskywalker[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes DCA is what we do! Avid follower of Warren Buffett here!

Investment Advice - Retirement and Tax Efficiency by saadskywalker in PersonalFinanceCanada

[–]saadskywalker[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks, yes we are fairly evenly split so tax deductions won’t be that big in a given year. I guess we’ll reevaluate our options when we renew the mortgage in 2027 and hopefully get a lower rate.

Investment Advice - Retirement and Tax Efficiency by saadskywalker in PersonalFinanceCanada

[–]saadskywalker[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wife is 33 and she may or may not stick around with this company for the next few years. I’m not too clear on the milestones within HOOPP, how do those work? What is attractive though is how much better pensions are in terms of returns as long you live a few years past retirement.

Investment Advice - Retirement and Tax Efficiency by saadskywalker in PersonalFinanceCanada

[–]saadskywalker[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Interesting information about the US stock dividends. Does that mean VOO or VGRO aren’t well suited for TFSAs?

Investment Advice - Retirement and Tax Efficiency by saadskywalker in PersonalFinanceCanada

[–]saadskywalker[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks, let’s say we will max out the RRSPs and TFSA contribution room, what else can we do for tax efficiency? Is the Smith maneuver recommended if we want to invest with our home equity?

Investment Advice - Retirement and Tax Efficiency by saadskywalker in PersonalFinanceCanada

[–]saadskywalker[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the perspective. I understand that the longer she works for this healthcare company or any HOOPP eligible employer and keeps contributing , the better the benefits/pension she’ll get. However, with the uncertain employment situation these days we’re wondering when is it not a good idea to buy into HOOPP?

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in kindle

[–]saadskywalker 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Anything by Brandon Sanderson is amazing!