Investing and Sports Both Include Competition
Let’s compare investing with sports. In both cases you want to win. It gets more complicated when you consider investing. For every stock trade there is a buyer and seller. The buyer wants a low price, the seller a high price. In stock trading terminology there is a bid and ask. Then the two parties […]
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 […]
Cybersecurity risks due to lack of trained specialists
There is a potential problem looming in the expanding world of cybersecurity. First, consider how technology has impacted the way businesses operate. Dramatic changes have happened in a short amount of time. We are all comfortable with smart devices and ‘instant everything’. Companies are using advanced technology as a means to become more efficient and […]
Investing in stocks should be done for the long-term
Time is your friend when you consider investing in the stock market. Many of us have heard that investing in stocks should be done for the long-term. Historically, those returns have been very attractive, unlike some short-term returns which have been extremely disappointing. One way to measure past stock market returns is to study the […]
Digital technology – The future of financial advice in Canada
Will your financial advisor become obsolete and be replaced with a robo-advisor? Last November, the Ivey Business School researched digital technology in the financial industry and released a report titled “Financial Advice in Canada: A Way Forward”. The conclusions were reached by engaging a broad range of financial service participants who gave their views on […]
2018 TFSA maximum contributions stays the same
The Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) contribution limit for 2018 remains at $5,500. Introduced by the federal government in 2009, the TFSA provides a flexible tax-free method of saving. However, a TFSA is more than a savings account. It is an investment account where you don’t pay tax on the capital gains. To be eligible you […]
Is it time to pay off your mortgage?
The largest single asset owned by most Canadians is their house. Many homeowners have debt against their house in the form of a mortgage. Initially, a home buyer combines a down payment and mortgage to purchase their house. Home equity builds as the mortgage is paid off and the market value appreciates. For many, low […]
It’s inevitable — We are headed toward a cashless society
Paying for goods and services the old fashion way, with cash, is quickly becoming a thing of the past. An increasing number of customers and businesses find cash to be an inefficient way to do business. When a business collects cash there is a fair amount of important work that goes on in order to […]
Dream of retirement seems elusive for many 55 and older
A recent study found Canadians 55 years and older do not feel they are on track with their retirement planning. The Royal Bank completed an online survey of 2033 adult Canadians. The study included comments about financial security and a happy personal life. First, I will cover the financial issues. Almost half of those who responded […]
Investors are turning against stock picking
There is a major shift occurring in the investment world that should lead to increased investment returns. Investors are beginning to appreciate that stock picking, or owning actively traded mutual funds that pick stocks, is a losing proposition. Those who earn their livelihood from picking stocks will protest loudly, however, the mountain of evidence against […]