Education Savings: Start Early
A new baby in the family brings many hopes, dreams and expectations. This can often include thoughts about how their lives can be better than that of their parents. And that often includes hopes about careers and the education that goes with them. It is also the time to start planning how to finance the […]
Financial Strategies & Divorce
History tells us about half of marriages in Canada end in divorce. Andrew and Sara are about to end theirs and are concerned about the changes that will have to be made to their financial and estate plans. Some financial and estate issues they need to consider are: Life Insurance – The first thing that […]
Needs vs. Wants
There are things you need to live a healthy life, like a place to live and food to eat. There are also things that you’d like, such as a warm vacation or new ski boots. It’s possible to have it all, but not all at once. If you can’t afford to pay your bills for […]
Strategic or Target-Based Planning
Financial success methodologies have evolved over the past 30 years with the advent of increasing computational power. Originally, planning was a simple spreadsheet projection of your current situation, plus some assumptions, such as savings rates, tax rates, investment returns and inflation rates. This would give you an idea of what your final destination would look […]
Financial Success Simplified: Introduction
The purpose of this series is to educate consumers on some simple principles that will take the mystery out of the often complex world of managing one’s financial affairs. The first distinction is to realize there are only seven key variables that can be managed in creating your financial future and wealth. These variables are: […]
I Want it All and I Want it Now
The neighbors have a shiny new sport utility vehicle to tow their travel trailer. They take a two-week tropical vacation every winter. Their family room is equipped with the latest large screen TV and surround sound stereo system. Many people believe this is a sign of wealth. In fact, this is usually a sign of […]
Now is the Time to be Especially Wary
Uncertain economic times and rising rates of unemployment often create a new breed of desperate people. Some turn to frauds and scams as a way out of their troubles. Others become more susceptible to schemes hoping for help but instead getting bilked out of their dwindling cash reserves. Challenging times tend to bring more frauds […]
These Financial Mistakes Can Cost You
Some financial decisions are made without enough thought given to the long term consequences. TIME – a critical element for any successful long-term financial strategy – can affect different situations quite dramatically. Here are some financial mistakes you should try to avoid: Mortgage amortized too long: With lenders offering 30 year amortization periods, it may […]
Personal Finance & Job Transfers
These days, having a career presents many more new rewards and challenges than it ever used to. What we used to take for granted – including our work location – can sometimes change dramatically as companies continue to change and adapt to new economic situations. This can be great for a business and its […]
Make 2024 Your Best Financial Year Yet
Many of us reflect on our yearly financial goals as the calendar turns to a New Year. But bringing goals to fruition can’t happen without a clear plan of action and determined effort. This is especially true as we continue to live with lingering effects of above-average inflation and the highest interest rates in […]