Office work in the future has changed forever
Covid-19 has changed the lives of millions of Canadians who work in an office, writes Peter Watson. After suddenly being sent home to work remotely, people are now realizing they are far more efficient at their job. They are spending far less money commuting and they are more available for home duties, particularly with young […]
Employment Insurance logic needs to be fixed
Employment Insurance logic has to align its goals with the recipient, writes Peter Watson. Today a story. But first a common business principal. Anytime you have a business relationship it is to your advantage that all parties are hoping for the same outcome. For example, if you work for a company a bonus could be […]
Scams and fraud are a real threat
Canadians need to re-think how we combat scams and other attempts of theft, writes Peter Watson Scams and frauds are part of everyday life. Policing is difficult because most cases are not reported. The Canadian Anti-Fraud website is a useful source of information. Protect yourself by anticipating fraud attempts will occur against you. As an […]
Home Ownership Dangerously More Accessible
Allowing more homeowners to qualify to purchase a home has many inherent risks. Buyer Beware, writes Peter Watson. A change allowing more home buyers to qualify for a larger mortgage started April 6, 2020. This move could backfire. The change has to do with the “stress test” implemented a few years ago to help cool […]
Stock market volatile annual returns
The formula for success is holding stocks for the long-term, writes Peter Watson. Since 1926, as reported by S&P, the average annual return for the US stock market is very close to 10 per cent. That includes the Great Depression of 1929, one of many times the stock market crashed. Returns vary between positive and […]
Protect Yourself Against Fraud
Canadians are being targeted and they should protect themselves, writes Peter Watson Have you been scammed yet? If not, it’s just a matter of time. Fraud attempts include CRA scams, request from a romantic partner, identity theft, and bogus investment schemes. Just under half of all Canadians have either been scammed or know someone that […]
Understanding the Stock Market will Lead to Success
Investor patience and courage is needed, writes Peter Watson. Stock market investing success comes from investing long-term, ignoring the temptation of selling during volatile times and not missing significant stock value gain best days. This leads to higher investment returns and lower anxiety during times of volatility. Investment risk is measured by volatility. The value […]
Buy and Hold Stock Advice Could Backfire
The best financial planning advice might just prove to be your worst nightmare, writes Peter Watson Investors without adequate diversification are at risk under the current stock market volatility. Concentrated positions in companies that do not recover will cause financial harm. Evidence-based investing proves diversification is essential protection for your investment portfolio. The traditional advice? […]
It is human nature to want to speculate
A question that comes up from time to time is whether it’s a good idea to purchase a specific investment versus a balanced and diversified portfolio consisting of many different investments. For a few months Bitcoin was getting a lot of press. Some wondered if they should invest in it because its value was skyrocketing. […]
Food for thought… Amazon and Whole Foods an investment lesson
On June 16, Amazon.com Inc. announced its intended purchase of Whole Foods Market Inc. for $13.7 billion (US), and the reaction was swift. Many in the grocery channel predicted doom and gloom and a total disruption within the North American retail food market. I see an investment lesson. One that could be helpful in managing […]