Posts Tagged ‘investment wisdom’
National Post article: Divorce wiped out her savings. At 65, should Kate start drawing CPP?
The National Post asked me to review the retirement and financial situation of Kate*, a 65-year-old who recently relocated to Alberta after a costly divorce wiped out her savings. She’s determined to rebuild her life and finances, but she has questions: “Can I realistically buy a house, or is renting my best option? How do…
Read MoreHow to Make Your Home a Good Investment
Wait. Don’t people say, “Your home is your best investment? For many people, their home may be their only major investment. For them, that old conventional wisdom might be true. But that is unfortunate. It is easy to find better investments with dramatically higher long-term returns. Despite the lower returns, homeowners on average are wealthier…
Read MoreShould I Delay CPP & OAS Until Age 70? – Complete Answer with Real-Life Examples (Updated)
Most seniors start their CPP and OAS when they retire or at age 65, without evaluating the options. The truth is that many seniors would benefit from delaying CPP until age 70. Here is how you can figure out what is best for you. The government pensions, CPP and OAS, are full of cool opportunities…
Read MoreHow to Donate Effectively and Avoid Telemarketers – Interview with John Bromley, Founder & CEO of Charitable Impact
Last year, I did a video on How to Donate Effectively, where we explored the idea that one of the ultimate status symbols is creating your own charitable foundation—and how to make a real impact with your giving. In my latest video I interview John Bromley, the Founder and CEO of Charitable Impact, the platform…
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 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 MoreNational Post Article: Snowbirds paying $15,000 a year in investment fees worry about growing their nest egg
The National Post asked me to review the finances of a newly retired couple who are snowbirds. They are currently paying $15,000 a year in investment fees, but feel they don’t get much tax or financial planning advice. They are also business partners who have worked in the U.S. One has a Canadian-United States citizenship,…
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