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2017 Q2 Commentary

Posted by on Aug 31, 2017 in Articles |

Canadian and U.S. stock markets parted ways in 2017’s second quarter. Canada’s S&P/TSX Composite Index drifted lower, led by resources and financials, even as south of the border the major stock indexes pushed to new all-time highs through May and June. The S&P 500 Composite advanced 0.45% $CAD (total return) while the Index Dow Jones Industrial Average fared slightly better at 0.68% $CAD. The U.S. advance continued to be fueled by...

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Automate Your Savings!

Posted by on Jul 6, 2017 in Articles |

Why pre-authorized contributions take the emotional baggage out of saving. Canadians have many admirable qualities, but the ability to save isn’t one of them. According to Trading Economics, our household saving rate is 5.8 percent, which is below our historical average of 7.48 percent. A 2016 survey by the Canadian Payroll Association found that three-quarters of Canadians have saved 25 percent or less of their retirement goal. While the high...

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Drop Your Debt Or Put Money in the Market?

Posted by on May 16, 2017 in Articles |

With today’s low rates, the pay down debt or invest debate isn’t as clear cut as it used to be. Ever since people started borrowing money centuries ago, people also started worrying about being in debt. Nearly 250 years ago philosopher and economist Adam Smith made a comment that still rings true today: “What can be added to the happiness of a man who is in health, out of debt, and has a clear conscience?” As Smith suggested all those years...

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How Risky Are You?

Posted by on Mar 27, 2017 in Articles |

To be a successful saver, you’ll need to get your risk profile right. Whether you’re new to investing or have had a lifetime of stock market experience, there’s one thing that can derail a financial plan: the fear of losing money. History is littered with stories of people who have created plans, only to tear them up after a recession or some unexpected drop in the market. Investing isn’t just about picking securities that will make money. It’s...

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How Much Will You Spend?

Posted by on Feb 13, 2017 in Articles |

You’re faithfully saving for retirement. Now it’s time to sit down and understand what your retirement paycheque will look like and how you’ll spend it. Accurately estimate the basics The first step in determining how much you can spend is to understand these basics: Your fixed expenses This includes costs of housing, food, medication, and other life essentials. Getting these numbers right – and being able to estimate changes in them over time...

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