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...
Your Ultimate Labour Day Checklist
The September long weekend may be the last few days for summer R&R, but consider taking some time out to get ready for the months ahead. Here’s what you should tackle first. It’s tempting to use the Labour Day weekend to draw out those lazy days of summer as long as you can. But whether you’ve been off travelling, enjoying a staycation or have simply found yourself in a more relaxed mood over the last couple of months, the long weekend is...
The Challenges of Owning Two Homes
Sometimes, when you buy a second home, you can’t sell the first. Here’s how to cope. Until recently, Paul and Kelly were quite happy at their home in Sanford, Manitoba. They took care of their three foster children and ran their natural beauty business. Then the house next to Paul’s old family cottage in Kenora, Ont., went up for sale. It was everything they needed: a cottage-style house fit to raise the children and 160 acres to continue...
Automate Your Savings!
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...
Should You Buy A Boat?
It’s a luxury item that many people love, but few know how to purchase. Here’s what to look for when you’re ready to buy a boat. Every Friday night, from May until Thanksgiving, Linda Waddell and her husband drive from their Orangeville home to the shores of Georgian Bay. They then climb onto their 32-foot cabin cruiser – a large boat with sleeping quarters onboard – and spend the rest of the weekend puttering around the area. “It’s the...
When Cheaper Is More Expensive
Depending on the item, paying more for a product can be a good thing. Last fall, Jenny Hall bought her dream car: a new Mercedes sedan. While the London, Ontario-based real estate agent is at a stage in her life where she can afford a pricey vehicle, she didn’t just buy it because it was a Mercedes. She purchased it because it received the highest ratings for quality and longevity. “I didn’t just rush out and buy it,” she says. While...