Bathtub Economics Explained
The fastest market correction in history, that started in the last week of February and bottomed in late March, led to the fastest bounce back over a five-week period, since about 1987 1. However, at the time of this writing, most of the major market indexes are still below their February 2020 peaks levels. Many […]
Your Financial Future
Much of what we do today is to improve our future financial position. As with anything, we can get better results by following a plan. This is why both an Estate Plan and a Financial Strategy are important for those who want to ensure better tomorrows for ourselves and our families. A Financial Strategy focuses […]
Feel Good Tax Relief
Carl and Cathy are well aware of the substantial tax advantages of making charitable contributions as well as the good feeling they get by helping their favorite charity. In addition to their annual contributions, they would like to bequeath more substantial amounts to their chosen charity in their wills. Some of their more affluent friends […]
Canada: True North Strong and Free – Together
Over the past several weeks, provinces across Canada have relaxed social distancing rules and begun the process of “re-opening” for business. Looking back over the past three months, while there have been many moments of stress and anxiety, there have also been moments to be thankful. What is there to be thankful about? First, we […]
Economic Crisis Teaches Important Lessons
If any good can come from an economic downturn it is that people are forced to think more seriously about their financial success strategy. Many people affected by the economic damage wrought by the recent COVID-19 pandemic will change their financial habits by cutting back on spending, reducing debt and increasing their savings. But, for […]
When Should I Start Receiving CPP?
If you apply on your 60th birthday, you’ll get about 36% less of the age 65 monthly pension. But, if you wait until you’re 70, you’ll get about 42% more. Should you hold out for the higher income, or start early? Start early and you’re sure to get it. If you wait, and die before […]
What Comes Next?
With Canada and many other countries practicing physical distancing or participating in complete lockdowns because of the COVID-19 virus, thoughts are turning to what the world may look like after the restrictions have been lifted. Many people are expressing a desire for life to return to how it was before the arrival of this public […]
Investing Smart During Uncertain Times
Warren Buffett has a classic rule when it comes to market volatility: “Be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful”. Investor anxiety normally tends to rise in step with market volatility because most people are concerned about trying to pick the best time to buy or sell. For instance, making investment […]
Yes, Trudy, there are death taxes in Canada
Ottawa dropped Estate Taxes over forty years ago. All the provinces did away with Succession Duties by 1985. We thought that was the end of taxes arising at death. We were wrong. Ask yourself these questions: Do you have an interest in a pension plan, or an RSP? Do you own property on which you’ve […]
The Difference Between Price and Profits
The recent market turmoil triggered by the COVID-19 virus (and its possible impact on economic activity) brings to mind some observations by legendary investor Warren Buffett. During his years of investing, he has famously stated that in the short-run (days, weeks, and months) the investment markets are a voting machine. People buy and sell investments […]