Category Archives: investing

Time to Take the Tax Free Savings Account Seriously

Posted on April 14, 2014 by Rick

The Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA) was introduced in 2009. In 2009 and subsequent years through 2012, the TFSA dollar limit was $5,000 per year. For the years 2013 and 2014, the TFSA dollar limit is $5,500. For anyone who … Continue reading →

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Four Elements of Financial Planning

Posted on March 31, 2014 by Rick

When most people hear the term “financial planning”, they automatically assume it has something to do with saving and investing. While saving and investing are integral components of financial planning, they represent only one part of the equation. As we … Continue reading →

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Panic Doesn’t Pay

Posted on November 9, 2013 by Rick

The US market dropped about 5% during the month of August. This caused memories of 2008-2009 to surface. Some investors began to feel anxious and wanted to make decisions about how to protect themselves against losses. People often feel tempted … Continue reading →

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Investing for the Future

Posted on July 18, 2013 by Rick

With this short essay we will summarize market developments since the start of the year and share our thoughts for the period ahead. First though, a quick recap of the first half of 2013. In late May, the US market … Continue reading →

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Do Bonds Still have a Place in Your Investment Portfolio?

Posted on March 28, 2013 by Rick

Over the past few years, billions of investment dollars have poured into government and corporate bonds and bond-based mutual funds. The mutual fund industry has recorded that the bond market has absorbed more money than equities did at the height … Continue reading →

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Are You Ready for Retirement?

Posted on February 12, 2013 by Rick

So you’re thinking about retirement. It may sound good; however, it can also be an emotional and stressful time of life. You begin to dream of playing golf every day, travelling the world, or just sitting back and relaxing. But … Continue reading →

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Tax Planning – A Year Round Event

Posted on February 11, 2013 by Rick

You are no doubt being inundated with all the virtues of the Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and the tax saving benefits that come along with this program. The problem is that many Canadians only do their tax planning at … Continue reading →

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The Speed Limit of Equity Investing

Posted on February 11, 2013 by Rick

Many families rely heavily on a car in their daily lives. Visiting family, getting to and from school or work, and then on to sports events or lessons – the car and the roads we take it on are a … Continue reading →

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No Medical Life Insurance

Posted on February 11, 2013 by Rick

Life insurance is an ideal solution to provide a tax-free benefit to your loved ones upon your death. The money can be used to pay debts, funeral expenses, and estate costs or provide a lump sum of cash to your … Continue reading →

Posted in financial planning, Insurance, investing, saving | 1 Comment

Help Your Financial Planner Help You

Posted on October 6, 2012 by Rick

How strong is your relationship with your financial planner? There is no doubt that the past few years have been difficult for both clients and planners alike. It’s been a tough environment to make money. It’s situations like this that … Continue reading →

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