Pay yourself first- a sound principle
Sometimes in the wonderful world of finance, a simple concept seems to resonate. Pay yourself first is a sound financial principle particularly in our age of never-ending expenses. Consider the saving patterns of a young family. Financial challenges include mortgage payments or rent, household living expenses, the cost of an automobile, and commuting to work. […]
Tips on your personal credit rating
Your credit rating is extremely important. Every time you attempt to borrow money the lender will check your credit rating to determine if they should approve the loan. This includes applying for a mortgage, credit card, car financing, or any other debt. Because so many consumers use credit cards for their financial transactions, a large […]
Curb overspending with good financial habits
There is a tug of war going on with your money and the temptation to overspend. Unfortunately, consumers are losing. Overspending is epidemic. In 2017, research by the credit report bureau Equifax revealed the average Canadian had over $22,000 of debt from credit cards and credit lines. I’m not just talking about money, I’m talking […]
Warren Buffet wins $1-million bet
Warren Buffet did not believe hedge fund managers’ exorbitant fees for actively managed money were justified based on performance. So, in 2008, he challenged active managers in the hedge fund industry to a one million dollar bet. It was to be a classic showdown: actively managed money attempting to profit by anticipating future market trends, […]
Consider trusted contact person for the elderly
Growing old presents financial risks. The Canadian Security Administrators published a paper in June 2019 titled “Suggested Practices for Engaging with Older or Vulnerable Clients.” The paper states “As the human body ages, it is normal for changes in the brain to take place. These changes may not have a noticeable effect on one’s ability […]
Financial planning helps achieve lifetime goals
Financial planning should be celebrated as a useful process to help you achieve your lifetime goals. Behavioral economics shows us that if a person isn’t working toward something specific, they are more likely to over-spend on more immediate rewards, putting their future goals at risk. With a financial plan, you can formally review these goals, […]
Financial Stress of the Sandwich Generation
Providing financial support to children as well as aging parents is expensive, leaving many sandwich generation Canadians feeling the pressure. In the spring of 2019 Leger conducted The Sandwich Generation Survey that helps us understand this financial challenge. One in four Canadians in the sandwich generation expect to put their own financial goals on hold […]
Tennis win shows the benefits of planning
We can all learn a lesson from the teenage tennis superstar who captured the women’s singles title at the U.S. Open in early September. No other Canadian had ever won a singles championship in one of the four major tennis tournaments. Not a man nor a woman. Bianca Andreescu is a first for Canada. This […]
The importance of money conversations
Do you find it difficult to talk about money? If so, you are not alone. Research by Wells Fargo found that 44 per cent of Americans consider personal finance the most challenging topic to discuss. That seems strange when there are so many other difficult subjects such as politics and religion. Financial issues are essential […]
Financial planning helps achieve lifetime goals
Financial planning should be celebrated as a useful process to help you achieve your lifetime goals. Behavioral economics shows us that if a person isn’t working toward something specific, they are more likely to over-spend on more immediate rewards, putting their future goals at risk. With a financial plan, you can formally review these goals, […]