The future of wealth management
Wealth management will change and evolve in the coming decades, influencing how you receive financial advice. Future change will happen in part because the profile of investment clients will change. A 2014 Credit Suisse survey estimated half of the world’s population was under 30 years old. This group will shape the future. They will earn […]
Tips on decision-making when investing
The trouble with investing is there are so many decisions that have to be made. Are you better to manage your investments yourself or should you select an investment advisor to assist? How do you choose the right advisor? What is your allocation between investing in stocks or bonds? Should you diversify outside of Canada? […]
High cost of education
Some parents lie and cheat to help their children get admitted to top-ranked universities. In what is now known as the 2019 College Admissions Scandal, the rich and famous paid bribes and had exams altered, among other tactics, to ensure their children were admitted to some of the most prestigious schools in the United States. […]
Female investors are a major force in the financial industry
Female investors have become a major force in the personal investing business. Financial planners need to take note. According to a report released in March by CIBC World Markets Inc., female investors control $2.2 trillion of personal financial assets. That number is expected to grow to $4 trillion within the next decade. The report is […]
Canada’s Income Tax Act Needs Reform
Canada’s Income Tax Act is an inefficient mess that needs to be radically reformed. It’s too complicated. There are 40,000 employees at the Canada Revenue Agency. Based on Canada’s population versus the United States, we employ five times more people collecting tax than our American neighbour, on a per capita basis. A simplified method of […]
Avoid Investment Fads
Sound investment strategies are based on long-term realities, not short-term fads. Unfortunately, human nature can make speculating and guessing too resistible to refuse. In reality, investing is not guesswork. Over the years I have had the opportunity to listen toNobel laureate Eugene Fama speak at investment conferences. Many regard Professor Fama as the person who […]
Windfall Funds Change Financial Priorities
Canadians who receive an unexpected financial windfall adjust their financial priorities. Last December BMO Financial Group released a report titled A Sudden Windfall: A Blessing Not a Burden.The report revealed that before receiving a windfall a little over half of surveyed Canadians aged 35 and over stated that achieving a desired lifestyle during retirement was […]
A lesson from Oshawa: Plan for the unexpected
Sometimes business practices hurt. Just ask the people who work for General Motors in Oshawa. Due to GM’s global restructuring, by the end of this year the Oshawa plant will close, leaving 2,500 employees out of work. And, in a ripple effect, an additional 15,000 jobs will be affected in the auto supply industry. Some […]
March 8 is International Women’s Day
Friday, March 8 is International Women’s Day. This annual event provides an opportunity to celebrate woman’s achievements, their empowerment, and to promote gender equality. International Women’s Day grew out of labour movement activities across North America and Europe at the turn of the 20thcentury and was recognized by the United Nations in 1975. Women contribute […]
Market volatility and investment expectations
There is both good news and bad news when it comes to investments. Sometimes stock values increase and sometimes they decrease. To start, let’s consider the reality of investing. The expected returns on stocks are far higher than bonds. If you are a long-term investor and your sole objective is a high return, then stocks […]