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 […]
Retirement in Canada is Becoming More Risky
Canadians financial risk during retirement is a reason to plan carefully, writes Peter Watson. Canadians underestimate the impact of longevity, inflation and healthcare costs have on retirement savings, and that’s making our country a less secure place to retire. This is according to the Natixis annual ranking as reported by Investment Executive. Greater focus needs […]
Bank of Canada Increases Interest Rates Again
Managing personal finances just got more difficult, writes Peter Watson. Another significant interest rate hike was just announced by the Bank of Canada. The most recent rate increase was three quarters of one per cent. The Bank of Canada is determined to reduce the annual inflation rate to the target of two per cent. This […]
Prices Increasing and Spending Decreasing
Prices are increasing so Canadians are reducing their spending, writes Peter Watson. The annual inflation rate as of the end of July decreased slightly to 7.6 per cent. That is good news for the Bank of Canada who are trying to control inflation. The reality is things are significantly more expensive than one year ago […]
Dollar Cost Averaging: A Strategy to Consider
When is the best time to invest? The problem is it is impossible to accurately predict how stock prices will fluctuate during the short term. Dollar cost averaging is a technique where you invest the same amount of money on a regular basis over time. For example, you could invest monthly and the most likely […]
When shopping for financial products, be your own advocate
The results of mystery shoppers provided Canada’s banks with mixed messages, according to Investment Executive. However, three out of every four shoppers had a positive experience. But shoppers had a negative experience with inappropriate product recommendations, confusing and misleading disclosures, sales pressure, and a lack of knowledge of the employee. Inappropriate product recommendations were experienced […]
Should You Sell Your Stocks?
Recent stock market returns have been very poor. One, should this be of concern and is it time to sell stocks? Two, is this just a normal part of investing and should you remain invested? Stock market returns have generally rewarded long-term investors that stayed invested during both good and bad times. One of the […]
Personal Finances are Challenged with Continued Increase in Inflation
The world of personal finance for many Canadians is spinning quickly these days, writes Peter Watson. Recently, the Bank of Canada made a significant increase in interest rates. The reason for the increase was its attempt to control inflation. After digesting higher interest rates, the attention shifted to the effect this will have on the […]
House Prices To Fall
Homeowners face the possibility of significant decrease in value of their house, writes Peter Watson. “Property values, already slipping, are likely to fall more than 10% in the coming year.” This quote is from a recent report from RBC Economics. Add this to other news on housing prices and the new reality is Canadians largest […]
Investors Lost Millions and Fraud Charges Laid
Investors lost millions and the lesson learned is a key to investing is diversification, writes Peter Watson. The RCMP opened an investigation in 2016 as a result of investor complaints about Fortress Real Developments. Two senior executives of that firm were charged with fraud. According to a news release by the RCMP, “Allegations were received […]
