Investment Wisdom
Who 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 MoreDividend Investing Perfected with Self-Made Dividends (Canadian Financial Summit 2023)
In the vast landscape of personal finance, dividend investing has carved out a significant niche. Whether you’re browsing through countless blogs or hearing investment advisors champion its benefits, it’s clear that dividend investing is a popular choice, especially with the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) community. However, a closer look reveals that almost all the…
Read MoreNational Post Article: Couple has a compelling reason for wanting to break with the retirement mould
The National Post asked me to review the finances of a couple who want to retire in their 50s. They’d like to spend three to four months a year in a warmer climate. They have a $1.6 million investment portfolio that generates about $52,000 a year in dividends, they have a combined annual income of…
Read MoreMid-Year Insights 2024: Timeless Truths, Market Observations, and Practice Updates
Here are three key insights that I believe are essential for navigating the rest of the year and beyond. These insights are grounded in the principles that have guided our successful financial planning and investment strategies. The three key areas: Some timeless truths that guide our financial planning, a few observations on the markets so…
Read MoreWhat Happens if the Liberals Attack the Smith Manoeuvre?
The Smith Manoeuvre has long been a popular strategy for Canadian homeowners seeking to convert their mortgage debt into tax-deductible investment debt. However, recent tax and regulatory changes have impacted the efficacy of the Smith Manoeuvre, and further changes from the Liberal government could pose additional challenges. In my latest blog post, YouTube video and…
Read MoreHow Long Will You Live?
Have you ever wondered how long you might live? Understanding life expectancy is crucial for planning a secure and fulfilling future. In my latest blog post, YouTube video and podcast episode I explore the dramatic changes in life expectancy over the past century, why it’s expected to continue increasing, and how this impacts your retirement…
Read MoreHow To Have a Long Lifespan, Healthspan & Wealthspan With 3.0 Level Thinking
How long should you expect to be retired? You want your money to last the rest of your life. How long will you live? What quality of life will you have? What will your lifestyle cost you when you are older? What if you could: 1. Live longer (long lifespan). 2. Be healthy longer (long…
Read MoreHow To Create a Financial Plan That Is Your Life Plan – Interview with Kornel Szrejber
I recently worked with Kornel Szrejber, host of Canada’s #1 financial podcast “Build Wealth Canada,” on his family’s financial plan, so he could feel confident about his retirement. Kornel retired in his 30s, but he was starting to feel anxious because he wanted to make sure he wasn’t overspending. This YouTube interview and podcast episode…
Read MoreNational Post Article: A single dad nearing retirement hopes to fund daughter’s education and his golden years
The National Post asked me to review the finances of a single dad nearing retirement who hopes to fund his daughter’s education in his golden years. The 55-year-old is a health-care professional and earns about $210,000 annually before tax. Since January, in addition to his current employment income, John has been receiving a pension of…
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