Author Archives: Rick

The Value of Financial Planning

Posted on June 4, 2013 by Rick

The Financial Planning Standards Council (FPSC) recently released a report on a three-year study that took place between August 2009 and August 2012. It involved almost 15,000 Canadian participants. The objective was to evaluate and gain a better understanding of … Continue reading →

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Understanding Tax Credits and Tax Deductions

Posted on May 1, 2013 by Rick

Most of us have now completed our 2012 tax returns. Have you ever wondered why certain line items on your tax return are tax credits and others are tax deductions? There is a big difference between credits and deductions and … 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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Changing Needs During Retirement

Posted on March 14, 2013 by Rick

For those of you who are older than age 50, we ask that you think about how your life and lifestyle changed in the thirty years between your 20s and 50s. If you’re in your 20s, you will have to … 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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Risk Free Returns or Return Free Risk

Posted on September 18, 2012 by Rick

Over the past few years there has been a flight out of equities and into government bonds. People fear the volatility that has plagued equities since 2008. This strategy appears to have worked. However, there is risk associated with this … Continue reading →

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