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p 20-Champion Country, Tuesday, February 22, 2005 lI' Prosperity d ONE IaLs et Prime Pre-approvals are one of the easiest ways for homebuyers to start off on the right foot. A pre- approval takes very little time and helps buyers establish a maximum spending limit. With that information, they can shop with confidence, knowing what they can offer on a property. ' It isn't necessary to use the whole pre-approved amount and right now TD Canada Trust guarantees the interest rate for 120 days. Know your options There are many mortgages, each with unique features. Investigate alternatives ahead of time so you don't have to make a rush decision later. The pre-approval meeting is a good time to gather information and start exploring options. To learn more about the home buying process and apply for a pre-approval, contact Marc Gruehl, Manager, Residential Mortgages, TD Canada Trust, 905-878-7290, email: marc.c.gruehl@td.com. 'Some conditions apply. Benefits of spousal RRSPs (NC)-They certainly sound complicated, but spousal RRSPs are a simple way for couples to help each other financially. "A spousal RRSP provides many benefits to a couple, particularly if one partner is expected to eam substantially more in retirement than the other," says Heather Clarke, Director of Advanced Financial Planning Support at Investors Group. A spousal RRSP allows the partners to even out their combined retirement income, which can lead to significant tax savings. "Spousal RRSPs let you split your income so you pay less tax, while still enjoying all the bene- fits of a regular RRSP. It's a win-win on both fronts," Clarke says. Here's how a Spousal RRSP works: • Each partner has a maximum contribution limit. The federal government will have notified you of your 2004 RRSP limit when they sent your Notice of Assessment for 2003. • The spouse with the anticipated higher retire- ment income can put any portion of their RRSP contribution into a spousal RRSP for-he benefit of their partner. • see HOW A SPOUSAL RRSP on page 21 Meeting your long-term financial goals still boils down to a few essentials: • Diversify to manage risk • Maintain core holdings • Reduce the impact of taxes • Invest long term,think long term With a diversified family of mutual funds,AIM Trimark can help you stay focused on these essentials to reach your long-term investment goals. For information on AIM Trimark's family of mutual funds and investment solutions call: Thomas F. Helena Tamblyn, Donaldson, B.Sc. CFP CFP CLU, CH.F.C. Tel: 905-875-3366 Fax: 905-875-3574 info@donaldsonfinancial.com www.donaldsonfinancial.com Knowing Pays: a AIM TRIMARK" DONADSON FINA N CIA L G R OUP ADVISING CLIENTS SINCE 1978 101-310 Main St. East, Milton, Ontario L9T 1P4 Fùdraie Commissions,trailing commissions,management fees and expenses may all be associated with mutual fund investments.Mutual funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently,and past performance may not be repeated.Please read the prospectus before investing.tAIM,the chevron logo and all associated trademarks are trademarks of A I M Management Group Inc.,used under licence.*Knowing Pays,TRIMARK and all associated trademarks are trademarks of AIM Funds Management lnc.© AIMFunds Management Inc.,2004.Designed and paid for in part by AIM Trimark Investments. F 1 CI N THE SIMPLICIT'i' 1-F '-Ul--:[--.E'-::'::.FUL Ii-WEST I NG Prospective Home Buyers Can Simplify The Process With A Mortgage Pre-Approval