Back to Top

Recent Articles

Volatility Continues

2019 begins as 2018 ended --- with volatile markets. Triggers for market volatility can come in many different shapes and sizes such as: policy uncertainty in Washington, earnings reports, geopolitical unrest, etc. The list is endless.

Market swings are never fun and can rattle the most seasoned investors. But volatility is normal and is part and parcel of investing. It can never be eliminated. All we can do is manage it as best we can using various strategies that have worked in the past such as:

How to Get the Most from Your RRSP

Introduced in 1957, the Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) is an incentive program to entice the Canadian population to save for retirement. In order to get the most from this type of savings vehicle, it is essential to plan future investments and avoid panicking to meet deadlines or taking action without fully understanding the long-term effects.

Let’s take a look at some of the most practical investment strategies to get the most from a savings scheme like the RRSP:

Dealing with the Challenges of Eldercare

Scott Havens has been a great friend to everyone he's met. Friends love Scott the mechanic from Vancouver because he helps them with car troubles and just about anything with an engine that gives them problems. He's been known to help complete strangers stuck on the side of the road.

Johnny Depp and Year-End Tax Planning

With the year-end fast approaching, the story about Johnny Depp (and other celebrities with Estate planning woes), act as a cautionary tale for the average Canadian.

Actor Johnny Depp, best-known for his roles in the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, made a reported $650 million USD and finds himself broke according to news reports last July. Since then, a couple of celebrities have died, including Aretha Franklin, with subsequent reports of no Wills in place with clear instructions on how to distribute their often large financial Estates.

Credit Balance Insurance: Worth the Money?

Graham*, like millions of other Canadians, has and uses credit cards. He often carries a balance from month to month and is concerned about making the monthly payments if he becomes disabled or gets seriously ill. Graham doesn't want to stick his family with the balance if he dies before paying it off.

How Important is it to Have a Will ?

Most Canadians want to pass their life savings on to their heirs. The assets remaining once retirement needs are met will be distributed more effectively if there is a properly prepared will detailing the deceased's wishes. Many people mistakenly believe that this issue is far in the future. Preparation of a valid will and its related estate planning considerations should be the cornerstone of a proper estate plan. Whenever there is a change in circumstances, the will should be reviewed and updated as needed.

Pages