Mike ...

I agree with Coswill with regards to the capital gains stuff.

RRSP's in Canada sound great but they only delay the inevitable - taxes at the full rate. The government wants everyone to live well in their retirement years, but they want the investor to pay the freight.

You've got a lot of time to live. Get a bunch of advice from some smart money people (ie., other than a banker) before moving your money.

Should NOT's share price go to (let's say) $20 in the next 3 months, your $5000 would equate to $34000 (1700 shares) after selling your shares.

What would you do with that money? If it was in an RRSP, and you wanted to use it, you would have to deregister it, and pay 20%-50% immediately (I know from first hand experience that deregistering $10,000 is 20%). If it was still in your investment account, you have a capital gain which would be revealed to the government at tax season. However, depending on tax advice, you could shelter it, or use it for personal purposes knowing you would pay tax on it.

My point is that if you have your capital gain in your investment account, you have more control over it! Remember, the bank doesn't care.

Jimmied also had a point. I haven't looked into the $5000 capital gain account (or whatever it's called), but don't forget about it. Once again, get some smart tax advice.

Snug