Publications
Economic and Market Updates
Portfolio Strategy
Strategic commentary and an overview of financial markets.
Current News / Affairs
Bull & Bear: Tortoise or Hare
In more turbulent markets, like we are experiencing today, are you inclined to be a tortoise or a hare? As suggested in my/our summer newsletter, “Bull and Bear: Tortoise or Hare? ” finding success in investing may be reminiscent of the old Aesop’s fable in which the slow-but-steady tortoise perseveres to beat the speedy-but-inconsistent hare. Building wealth takes time and inevitably involves enduring both ups and downs in the markets.
During Volatile Times: Goals-Based Investing
Goals-based investing differs from traditional investing programs that generally allocate assets and measure progress based on market benchmarks. Instead, it focuses on the investor by mapping savings and investments to unique goals. To learn more, please see the attached article During Volatile Times: Goals-Based Investing.
Spring Clean Your Beneficiary Designations
The idea of spring cleaning often connotes a daunting task. However, it doesn't have to be an all-consuming effort - even when it comes to your finances. Consider starting small by undertaking a review of your registered plan beneficiaries.
Maintaining Our Balance
Volatility has returned to the equity markets as central banks look to normalize their policies and, more recently, in response to the escalating Russia/Ukraine crisis. As suggested in our spring newsletter, "Maintaining Our Balance," while there has been no shortage of news to test our resolve, for investors, taking a longer-term view reminds us that the markets have had remarkable resilience over time. This, despite volatile periods of uncertainty including credit and debt crises, recessions, changing policies by the central banks - and even war.
Do You Have a Plan for Your Longevity?
As you consider your longevity, have you given thought to the need for long-term care (LTC)? When we create financial plans for clients, an important component is factoring in the potential cost.
"Letters" to a Young Investor
Perhaps a result of a confluence of factors - buoyant markets, social media influence, today's ease of investing and rapid returns - we have been receiving more questions about how to support young investors.
The Indomitable Human Spirit
In our winter newsletter, "The Indomitable Human Spirit," we may be reminded about the human capacity to advance through hardship with perseverance - a message that may be fitting when considering our investing perspectives as we look to the year ahead. In this issue, we also discuss various strategies, tactics and perspectives on wealth management.
Estate Planning: Giving While Living
Many of us think of estate planning as preparing for what happens after death, but giving while living can play a complementary role. While the obvious personal benefit is the satisfaction of seeing your gift at work, consider that there may be other benefits, including financial ones, from giving while alive.
Are You Checking Too Frequently?
According to recent reports, investors using a U.S. discount brokerage platform are checking their portfolio at an alarming rate of seven times per day. However, frequent portfolio checking may be hazardous to your investing health. Our autumn newsletter - "Are You Checking Too Frequently?" - offers some perspectives on behavioural finance and its influence on decision making.
Balancing Risk and Return
ESG remains a focus for the future. The beneficiaries will include not only the planet and its inhabitants, but also those who invest wisely along the way. Please see page 4: Doing Good: Why ESG May Be the Future.
Is Bitcoin the Next Gold?
As bitcoin continues to hit record highs, it has garnered much attention and fuelled an ongoing debate: Is bitcoin the next gold? For perspectives, see Is Bitcoin the Next Gold?
Beyond the Bull Market: The Value of Advice
If there's one thing that the pandemic has taught us, it's to expect the unexpected. The financial markets have continued to hit all-time highs, despite what has been happening on the ground. As such, I wanted to provide some thoughts on the value of professional advice in investing. Please see, Beyond the Bull Market: The Value of Advice.
The Pendulum Swings
Investor sentiment can swing from one extreme to another - as the markets continue to climb, consider how today's concerns differ sharply from just one year ago. My spring newsletter offers some thoughts on why "The Pendulum Swings."
Maintaining Balance in Your Portfolio
If the turbulence of the markets prompts you to want to take action, here are some constructive opportunities to make adjustments to your portfolio. Please view the link for Maintaining Balance in Your Portfolio.
Common Investing Errors
Uncertain times often highlight the mistakes that investors can make with their portfolios. Please view the link for Common Investing Errors.
Investment Insight For 2021: Brighter Days Ahead
Amidst the many hardships created by the pandemic, there may be prudent lessons that can assist us in finding greater financial success. As we look to better times to come, here are some reminders. See page 4, Lessons from the Pandemic.
Autumn 2020 Investment Insight Newsletter
Those of us who follow the markets on a regular basis have watched as the major indices have made a steady climb from the lows experienced in March of this year.
Creating a Will during COVID-19
A will is the cornerstone of any estate plan and creating one on your own is not difficult these days using the support of a will kit or online tool. However, there may be good reasons to exercise caution.
Summer 2020 Investment Insights Newsletter
Summer is usually the time for leisurely pursuits, but this year we face new challenges.
Perspectives on Investing & the COVID-19 Impact
The impact of the Covid-19 virus continues to change each week. Here are some current perspectives for investors during these uncertain times.
Spring 2020 Investment Insight Newsletter - Weathering the Coronavirus
Over recent months, the world has been caught off guard by the spread of the coronavirus. While there will undoubtedly be short-term economic impacts, we should remember that the situation is expected to eventually be resolved. This, too, shall pass…
Managing Your Wealth
BMO Wealth Institute Report
Make better investment choices by understanding and reducing bias. BMO Wealth Management provides insights and strategies around wealth planning and financial decisions to better prepare you for a confident financial future.
Tax Planning Strategies
Completing Your 2021 Income Tax Return Checklist
As the tax filing deadline approaches, here are some reminders to help ensure you’re prepared to file your personal income tax return, and that you maximize your tax savings.
The CRA’s Foreign Reporting Requirements
Since Canada represents only a small portion of the world’s capitalization, it may make sense to include some foreign investments in your portfolio. However, it is important to understand Canadian and other foreign tax implications of owning investments outside of Canada.
Tax Tips For Investors
Knowing how tax rules affect your investments is essential to maximizing your after-tax return. In addition, keeping up to date on changes to the tax rules ensures that you take advantage of all the tax savings available to Canadian-resident individuals. This article provides an overview of select strategies to assist you in reducing your tax bill.
