How a Flock of Birds Can be Similar to a Group of Investors
The instant changing pattern of a flock of birds can resemble the behaviour of investors, writes Peter Watson. This column is going to call on mother nature to help us understand how investors can react when making investment decisions. Have you ever noticed a flock of birds suddenly change course and amazingly all the birds […]
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 […]
A Financial Strategy for Change
A strategy to make financial changes easier to implement, writes Peter Watson. One of the strengths of humans is our ability to change. Yes, we have the ability, but it is often very difficult. The strategy for change we are suggesting is to look ahead at the benefits of making changes that most likely will […]
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 […]
Household Debt Continues to be a Risk
Many Canadians will not be able to make higher interest rate mortgage payments, writes Peter Watson. Canadians’ personal finances are at risk because of high debt levels. A recent report by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation sounded an alarm. Since 2010 Canada has had the most personal debt levels of all G-7 countries. The UK […]
Artificial Intelligence Will Eliminate Jobs
Artificial intelligence could cost us our jobs, writes Peter Watson. The question for many is when will artificial intelligence take our job. The world is changing at a pace that none of us could have imagined even months ago. There is risk to us all. This change will affect our ability to earn an income. […]
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 […]
Our Health Care System is Broken
Our health care system puts Canadians at risk, writes Peter Watson. Free enterprise exclusion has failed miserably when it comes to the distribution of healthcare services. One of Canada’s self-proclaimed achievements is providing free medicine to all. Our ability to deliver medical services has failed and the sooner we face that sad reality the sooner […]
Government Grants Offered to Parents
The government is offering free money to help educate your children, writes Peter Watson. Today a question. If you could make an investment that provided a 20 per cent return guarantee in the first year, would that be of interest? There are no hidden glitches. You can invest with the financial institution of your choice […]