Covid-19 Could Change Your Life for the Better
Bad news sometimes turns out to be good news, writes Peter Watson. For many, the Covid-19 pandemic will change your life in ways you could not have imagined. Sometimes change can have a negative impact, but it can also lead to positive results. This article will focus on the positive. Some will be able to […]
Financial Planning will be taught in elementary schools
Ontario’s overhaul of math teaching will include financial literacy, writes Peter Watson. Young children will start learning financial planning at school. This is an excellent life skill and, in my opinion, an educational upgrade. One of the foundations an individual carries through life is a strong education. Reports over the years show a correlation to […]
Stock Market COVID-19 Volatility
Stock market volatility as measured by the S&P 500 demonstrates the fears and uncertainty of these troubled times, writes Peter Watson. Welcome to the roller coaster world of investing. The stock market volatility has been extreme and set new records. The emotional stress on some investors can be significant. Many will have bailed on their […]
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 […]
Protecting your investments before a stock market crash
Address this before a stock market crash, not after, writes Peter Watson Protecting your assets is the key to investment success. Perhaps consider diversifying your portfolio with more than one asset class and security type to mitigate downside risk exposure during times of market volatility. A popular question after severe stock market crashes is how […]
Seven Steps to Building an Evidence Based Investment Strategy
Use what is known about investing to your benefit, writes Peter Watson Evidence-based investing uses research and what is known about investing to the benefit of individual investors. The evidence applies to solid investment principals and human behaviour that greatly impacts individuals decision-making ability. This column will provide seven solid principles of how to best […]
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 […]
2020 Tax-free savings account limits established
The federal government has offered Canadians an extremely attractive tax-free investment option. A Tax-Free-Savings Account (TFSA) is a way to grow your savings without paying tax on any contributions, interest earned, dividends, or capital gains. Many don’t take advantage of this opportunity. I suggest you take some time to see if this investment strategy would […]
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 […]