Many Canadians are electing not to travel to the U.S. this year as an act of solidarity; choosing not to give their hard earned money to a country actively hostile towards us, our Prime Minister and current trade negotiations. Besides,…
Financial Tips for Same-Sex Couples
We are wrapping up World Pride month and Toronto is getting ready to host thousands of same-sex couples celebrating their march towards equality. The number of same-sex couples has doubled in Canada in the last ten years, making up almost…
Dad Gets Another Raise
As dads across the country celebrate Father’s Day this Sunday, they can relish in the fact their household value has once again increased. According to the annual Father’s Day Index released by Insure.com the value of fathers bumped up to…
You’ve been asked to be an Executor; now what?
It’s not the kind of question that comes up every day; so before you accept automatically you should know what will be expected of you. Although you may be flattered by the request, your willingness to be someone’s executor should…
Stress Testing your Mortgage
As of January 1st this year The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) implemented new rules increasing the minimum qualifying rate for uninsured mortgages. For those Canadians trying to qualify for a mortgage, the rules are more commonly…
Getting Married?
Last weekend Harry and Meghan officially kicked off the 2018 wedding season; if you’re planning on doing the same this summer here are a few things to consider: Upon marriage your Will becomes null and void, so make sure…
Putting Market Volatility in Perspective
Naturally investors would only like to see their portfolios continue to go up, but that is not reality, stock markets will always rise and fall; two steps forward, one step back. Why? The stock market is comprised of publicly…
Avoiding Canadian’s Top Financial Regrets
The Financial Planners Standards Council commissioned a survey last month asking Canadians about their financial stresses; here’s what they said: More than eight-in-ten (83%) of Canadians said they have at least one financial regret; topping the list 25% said they…
10 Things to Do with Your Tax Refund
Well, with April 30th in the rear-view mirror, it’s time to turn our attention from receipts and filing compliance to what to do with our refunds. Understanding the urge to spend it on travel, shopping or dining, here are a…
Economic Update Q1 – 2018
In contrast to the relative market calm of 2017, volatility returned to equity markets in the first quarter of this year. Most global markets dropped sharply in early February, with some falling into correction territory (a decline of 10% or…