Investment Wisdom
Canadian Affairs Article: Can James, 71, and Valerie, 63, afford to move to a nicer neighbourhood?
Canadian Affairs asked me to review the financial situation of James and Valerie, a retired couple in Montreal. They dream of traveling twice a year, upgrading to a nicer neighbourhood, and replacing their car in a few years—all while maintaining a comfortable retirement with $64,000 a year in spending for the next decade. Currently, their…
Read MoreHow to Easily Outperform Financial Advisors, Robo-Advisors & Index Investors (Canadian Financial Summit 2024)
Why do so many Canadians struggle to achieve financial freedom, even with a solid financial plan? Why do they retire with less than they hoped for, despite diligently saving and investing? The answer often boils down to two things: suboptimal investments and a misguided focus on risk. In my latest YouTube video, podcast episode, and…
Read More7 Best Ideas to Optimize the Smith Manoeuvre (Canadian Financial Summit 2024)
With its quirky name, the Smith Manoeuvre might sound unconventional, but it’s a strategy that truly works—when done by the right people, in the right way, over the long term. From crafting over 1,000 professional Financial Plans, I’ve seen firsthand how the Smith Manoeuvre can transform your finances, helping Canadians use their home equity to…
Read MoreNational Post Article: Couple shy of retirement goals with $2.1 million portfolio
The National Post asked me to review the finances of Tom and Amanda, a semi-retired couple in their early 60s, who are debt-free, own a $1.9 million home in Southwestern Ontario, and plan to spend $115,000–$120,000 annually in retirement. Tom and Amanda enjoy part-time consulting work, which brings in $24,000 annually before tax, but the…
Read MoreNew Study Supports 100% Equity Investing for Life
For years, conventional wisdom has preached the benefits of diversifying between stocks & bonds and gradually shifting to safer investments as we age. But what if these widely accepted strategies are fundamentally flawed? A newly published, high-quality study is flipping the script on traditional investment advice, making a compelling case for a 100% equity strategy…
Read MoreMonthly Fixed Pay ETFs & Funds Are a Brain Fart!
I talk with people all the time who have an ETF or mutual fund that pays a fixed monthly amount. In most cases, they misunderstand it. Most think they are receiving regular income—but chances are, it’s usually a brain fart. Many investors misunderstand how these monthly pay investments work. From covered call ETFs and dividend…
Read MoreNational Post Article: With law-school loans and divorce paid off, couple unsure how to use freed-up funds
The National Post asked me to review the finances of a remarried Edmonton couple in their 40s with four children, navigating how to use $14,000 in freed-up monthly cash flow after paying off significant debts. Daniella, a 45-year-old lawyer, earns $200,000 after tax annually and wants to build savings, invest, and eventually buy two properties…
Read MoreNational Post Article: B.C. couple, both 49, wonder if retiring at 60 is possible
The National Post asked me to review the finances of a B.C. couple who are both 49-years old, wondering if they can retire at 60. George has a full-time position in the public sector, a private business and takes on consulting projects. His wife Elyse is a stay-at-home mom to their two teenage children. One…
Read MoreWho Are the Wealthy and How Did They Get Rich?
As a financial planner, I’ve had a unique view into the full financial picture of thousands of Canadians and have read countless studies. My experience spans clients of varying financial backgrounds, as well as countless conversations with readers of my blog, friends, and acquaintances. Although our clients may not represent the entire population—they tend to…
Read MoreMoney123 Article: Mortgage vs. Retirement – What Should They Do?
A married couple are homeowners who currently save $1,000 a month after paying their bills. They are wondering if they should pay down their mortgage faster or invest their savings. As a financial planner for Global News’ Money123 online email newsletter, I answer reader questions about investing, managing your finances, and planning for your future.…
Read More