Your Money and How to Keep It

Tamela Topolie was a student of journalism at Ryerson Polytechnical School, Toronto.

While most financial books are long-winded and boring, Your Money and How to Keep It is a rare exception, written in a comfortable style peppered with familiar phrases. Brian Costello has amassed information about every facet of Canadian financial planning.

The book gives the Canadian taxpayer helpful hints on how to practice a year-round program to make the most of available resources. As Costello says, “Most Canadians pay more tax than they should, either because they don’t take advantage of legitimate tax deductions that are available to them or because they pay tax dollars now that they could defer to another year.” Chapters are devoted to RRSPs, Canada Savings Bonds, Life Insurance, Mortgages, and other forms of investments. Everything is indexed at the back so pertinent information can be found easily.

Along with the usual financial information, Costello offers some ideas on less conventional tax savings, such as living common-law, bantering, and renting a pig. Of special interest is the chapter, “What Happens If You Win the Lottery?”

Costello is also the author of Step-by-Step Tax Guide. His syndicated radio show, “Taking Care of Your Money,” is heard on stations across the country.

This book, with its droll asides and man-on-the-street approach to finances, is a valuable addition to the collection of anyone concerned with tax planning. Not only those with comfortable incomes but also those with hopes of attaining prosperity will appreciate its wisdom.