Disappointing Federal Budget
The federal budget was disappointing, writes Peter Watson. This federal budget was a missed opportunity. But first we will start with a positive. The budget contained many strategies designed to build more housing units. These ideas were publicized in previous weeks. Affordable housing is an issue for Canadians and a political requirement if the Liberal […]
2024 Stock Market Could be Volatile
US political uncertainty plus two wars could result in a volatile stock market this year, writes Peter Watson. There are many reasons why 2024 could have a very volatile stock market. Stock market volatility can be caused because investors are nervous. And there are several things this year that can make us nervous. The wildcard […]
Three Types of Investment Risk
The more you think about investment risk the more you realize the different ways your investment returns might be lower than expected, writes Peter Watson. The problem with risk is it comes in several different forms. The first risk is having poor investment returns. This is the one that gets all the attention. One option […]
Beware of the Financial Blame Game
Blaming others is not a financial solution for personal financial problems, writes Peter Watson. There have been two the public examples by the federal government of blaming others for financial hardship. It is no secret that many Canadians are finding it very difficult to make ends meet. Everything seems so expensive, and many cannot keep […]
Avoid Investing in Stocks Based on Short Term Success
Beware of the “shiny object” syndrome, writes Peter Watson. One of the most difficult challenges of investors is to ignore the “noise” that often surrounds investing. Much of that noise is based on short-term results. Investing is done for long periods of time. Short term approaches to investing in my opinion are just speculation. Guessing […]
Mortgage Payments Are Becoming Challenging
The most significant challenge for some over the next few years is making their mortgage payments, writes Peter Watson. Many have already experienced the effect of higher interest rates. The lucky ones have locked in a specific mortgage rate that has not come due, but that day is coming. There are several realities to homeownership. […]
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 […]
Time is running out to improve Canada’s debt issues
Focusing entirely on the dangers of mounting household debt is a disservice to our country, writes Peter Watson. Over a few short years, housing mortgage rates have doubled, or more. This has caused a significant hardship for many homeowners. Many people might not be able to keep up with mortgage payments and are at risk […]
Is the Cost of Post-Secondary Education Worth it?
Postsecondary education is expensive, and families must make the decision whether it’s worth it, writes Peter Watson. The financial decision to spend money on a child’s postsecondary education can have major implications for a family’s finances. For many families, the dream their children will go to university is strong. And there are many advantages. Your […]
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 […]