Past Tax Strategy is a Possible Solution to Provide More Residential Rental Units
There is a potential solution for Canada’s current lack of residential rental units, writes Peter Watson. It is an idea that was used in the 1970s when there was also a shortage of rental supply. Offer individual investors tax incentives. Decades ago, the top tax bracket was slightly over 50%, the same as it is […]
The environment is our greatest financial challenge
The greatest financial challenge we have left our children is the environment, writes Peter Watson. The challenge will be met, they typically are, but at what cost? Things will get worse before we are motivated to find solutions. There are two stories that have flooded the news in recent months. One is watching our neighbour […]
Financial Pain Caused by Higher Interest Rates
Bank of Canada interest rate increase will be painful, writes Peter Watson. It was a surprise the BOC increased interest rates again. The BOC has a delicate balancing act. One consideration is controlling excesses inflation and that is done by increasing interest rates. The second consideration is to try not to put the brakes on […]
Bridging Finance Failure Highlights the Importance of Diversification
The lesson to be learned about the risk of losing money is the importance of diversification, writes Peter Watson. Bridging Finance Inc was a well-known business that raised money from private investors and lent that money to companies. It has been in receivership since 2021. During the good times, Bridging managed $2 billion for 26,000 […]
Housing Has Become a Financial Stress
Increased interest rates and higher house prices are causing financial stress, writes Peter Watson. The attraction to homeownership remains strong; however, the financial risks are growing. The Bank of Canada predicted that homeowners renewing their mortgage in the next few years will see an increase of 20 to 40 per cent in monthly payments. This […]
When Will Canada Increase Retirement Age?
Canada will have to make tough decisions that will affect when individuals retire, writes Peter Watson. This could affect everything from Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security, Registered Retirement Income Fund, and the current age some younger workers are able to retire with pension benefits. We had a recent example of how a population reacts […]
Defence is Important in Hockey and Investing
If you want to win, you have to be good on defence, writes Peter Watson. As the Toronto Maple Leafs head into the Stanley Cup playoffs, we understand they have the firepower to score goals. Keeping the puck out of their net will be the key to victory. Like hockey and the glamour of scoring […]
2023 is the year of side hustles
Your side hustle, an extra part-time job, could be your solution to cope with the rising cost of living, writes Peter Watson. Many are facing serious financial challenges this year. Let’s look at possible solutions. A starting point is what we know. One, things are more expensive including mortgage payments, housing rental rates and groceries. […]
What’s your New Year’s resolution
Today we suggest is the time to think about your New Year’s Resolution. The question to resolve during the next 12 months is what will you start when work stops? Picture yourself in retirement. You could be there now or hope to be there at some point in the future. The easy focus on retirement […]
The New Financial Challenge for Seniors – Mortgage Payments
Statistics Canada reported 1.5 million people older than 65 had a mortgage in 2021. This was an increase from 1.2 million during the previous five years. Rising interest rates will make paying off a mortgage more difficult so it is understandable that the trend for more seniors to have a mortgage will continue. That will […]