Government Spending Needs Better Management
Government spending should constantly evolve to reflect the needs of Canadians, writes Peter Watson. In conversations about government spending, it’s surprising how often I hear the same response. The government spends the way it does because that is the way it always has. You seldom hear that response when you’re talking about a business because […]
Tough Times Ahead for Homeowners
Homeowners face significant financial risks magnified by US tariffs, writes Peter Watson. The immediate financial risk facing many families is their home. For the last half century homeownership was the best investment many families made. Most often house prices appreciated and when they did not that unpleasant time was short-lived. It is no secret that […]
Will stock values plummet if we have a recession?
Understanding how stock markets work and how they have performed during recent sessions can educate investors about the potential stock value outcomes if we have a recession, writes Peter Watson. Will stock values plummet if we have a recession? That is a major question for many investors who worry that the current trade war with […]
Do You Need Financial Therapy?
Talking to someone about how you feel about the current stock market volatility can be beneficial, writes Peter Watson. When the stock markets are volatile investors can get depressed, worried and fearful. Then the dreaded question: What should you do? Should you get out of the market by selling your investments even though they might […]
The Good and Bad About the Federal Election
The federal election highlighted our democracy but there are areas that could be improved, writes Peter Watson. Most Canadians think this was a very important federal election. Let’s celebrate what was done well and acknowledge potential improvements. An election is similar to a contract. Politicians make an offer of specific policy and how they plan […]
Investor Behavior Risk Can Be Costly
Investor behavior can be more of a risk than investing in stocks, writes Peter Watson. There are two types of investment risk and the one that is based on investor behavior can often be the costliest. The timing of this article is Influenced by President Donald Trump introducing tariffs that caused significant stock market volatility. […]
Formula for a Winning Investment Strategy
Following a simple investment strategy can lead to financial success, writes Peter Watson. It is very easy for investors to make mistakes when managing their investment portfolio. Many investors attempt to build their portfolio by choosing individual stocks to purchase or hiring a manager that would do that for them. The hope is to outperform […]
Why did President Donald Trump start a trade war with Canada and other countries?
Peter Watson answers the million-dollar question about tariffs. Why has our neighbour started a trade war with Canada? The answer is simple: Money. The U.S. financial position is a mess. In round numbers, the U.S. spends $7 trillion per year, and revenues are only $5 trillion. The challenge for the U.S. is how to reduce […]
More Homeowners Could Face Mortgage Payment Defaults
Homeowners are encouraged to consider the risk of not being able to afford their future mortgage payments, writes Peter Watson. There are troubling signs that more people will be unable to make mortgage payments on their house. During the last quarter of 2024, there were 11,000 mortgage delinquencies in Ontario. That is almost 3 times […]
Federal Government Should Complete Your Tax Return
Our government should complete your tax return for most Canadians, writes Peter Watson. The annual ritual of completing your personal income tax return and submitting it before the end of April for many is a waste of time and effort and money. I would like our federal government to automate this process for most Canadians […]